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curiousherbal · 4 years

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In Hands We Trust(fund)

Mystic Messenger

In Hands We Trust(fund)

Han Jumin x Reader ; Han Jumin x MC

Fluff & Humor

3.7 k

Rated: T

Summary: Jumin had large hands. He was a tall man, of course. And you know what they say about having large hands, right?

*read on ao3 for animated emojis :3*

Jumin had large hands. He was a tall man, of course.

And you know what they say about having large hands, right?

ZEN: come on jagiya, don’t make me ask again..

You quirked a small, side smile to yourself. The chat had been active all morning and afternoon. Everyone must be in a good mood. Your most recent RFA party had only been two nights ago, and it was arguably one of the most successful ones to date. It was exhausting, yet rewarding, and you hypothesized that everyone’s lighthearted temper was a direct effect of being relieved that all of the extensive preparations and tedious social engagements had come to fruition, and quite smoothly at that.

707: ooohhh eager are we? did someone get a new role>> B)

ZEN:

ZEN: how’d u know??

Always happy to seize the opportunity to play off Seven’s bouts of humor, your fingers scrambled to reply, rapidly flying over your phone’s keyboard:

You: Telekinesis!

707: Ah! My lady doth speak after all!

ZEN: Your lady?

707: But Zen

ZEN: Yes??? What??

707: You’re playing the part really well

707: I’m impressed!

707:

Yoosung✰: Huh? I thought Zen was just acting like himself?

ZEN: yeah Seven, are you on drugs or something?

707: Mis-ta Steal Yo Girl! You’re playing the role real well!

707: I’d be wary of the fearsome iceman though…

Yoosung✰:

Yoosung✰: I’m so confused…

Oh no. Panicking, you hurriedly went to turn down the speaker volume on your phone –

Yoosung✰:

Satisfied that you managed to avoid Yoosung’s … disturbingly bawdy bawling, you tucked your feet beneath your legs as you adjusted your position on Jumin’s bed.

Our bed.

It was still something that you had to get used to. Your relationship with Jumin was something that was intense; it accelerated at a rate which had everyone surprised. But you were happy. And Jumin was finally freed from the tendrils of loneliness that had haunted him all of his life.

You finally had someone that not only treated you like the princess that you were, but someone that was mature, responsible, and respected you as not just as a woman or lover – but as a human being.

He was your best friend. Your best friend that shared a mutual love for cats.

And if you were being completely honest, his handsome visage and comfortable living arrangements were nothing to complain about either.

Jumin Han has entered the chatroom

Your face flushed red. Your fiancé was currently at work. He must have just gotten on his lunch break to log into the chatroom. You’d be lying to yourself if you said you weren’t at least somewhat apprehensive of how Jumin would proceed. He has always been just a bit too protective…

707: AHHH! Yoosung run!!

Yoosung✰: WHAT WHY

Yoosung✰:

707: THE

707: I

707: C

707: E

707: O /|\ / \

Yoosung✰ has left the chatroom

Your head fell back with bellowing laughter that reached the high ceiling of the penthouse. Poor Yoosung.

Unphased, your fiancé made his presence known in chat:

Jumin: Ah, ma chérie. How lovely it is to see you here. I take it you’ve had lunch?

Jumin: …

Jumin: Zen, it is truly regrettable that I cannot say the same to you.

ZEN:

ZEN: DUDE

ZEN: What’s wrong with you??

707: Yeah!

707: No greeting for me?? What am I, chopped liver??

Jumin: My sincerest apologies, Luciel. How are you?

707: Doing just dandy, thx thx (♥ω♥ ) ~♪

ZEN: blegh, gross. Don’t flirt with that man, Seven.

707: whattttt

Like a well-oiled machine, you and Seven both responded at the same time:

You: but he flirts with everyone!

707: hey I flirt with everyone!

Your eyes widened and you couldn’t help but shake with laughter. You and Seven were like two sides of the same coin, finishing each other’s sentences whilst copying each other’s mannerisms and phrases.

707: JINX!!!

You: OMG

Jumin: Love, I’m happy to see you enjoying yourself.

Feeling slightly guilty at having delayed answering Jumin’s question, you blushed and gave your lover a reply:

You: Darling! Yes – I am well. <3 I hope work has been going well. <<33

You: And no – I haven’t yet. Zen was just trying to convince me to go get lunch with him lol

707: lolol

707: gonna go get popcorn 4 this lololol

Jumin:

Jumin: Zen, is that true?

ZEN: So what if it is! You don’t own her! She can make her own decisions

Jumin: Of course she can. And of course I don’t. Are you, by chance, projecting?

ZEN: Are you being smart with me?

Jumin: Just curious. I find it interesting how you are defaulting to assuming the worst in me. Perhaps you are subconsciously ashamed of your own beastly tendencies, no?

ZEN:

ZEN: Jagiya, can you believe this guy??

Sensing the growing tension, you decided that it would be best to windmill the conversation. Usually Zen’s and Jumin’s bickering was fairly harmless, but you didn’t want to take any chances in ruining the positive atmosphere that graced the RFA recently.

You: Zen, I appreciate your concern for me.

You: But we are kind of engaged, lol

Jumin: Correct.

707: Affirmative.

You: Glad that’s settled then, boys!

ZEN: Hey I wasn’t done –

You: I’ll meet you at the Parisian café halfway between yours and mine Zen 😊 15 minutes?

707: Oh la la, French cuisine ? How romantic~

707:

You grimaced slightly. You hadn’t meant for it to be romantic. You were just really craving an egg and cheese croissant, that’s all!

ZEN: Sounds picture perfect, princess.

ZEN: And I should know, since I take the best selfies haha

ZEN:

ZEN: I’ll see you there.

ZEN has left the chatroom

You rolled your eyes at the 180° change in Zen’s mood. He’s too easily pleased when he gets what he wants. Despite his mercurial tendencies, you did genuinely like Zen. You just couldn’t imagine being in a relationship with him; your nose crinkled slightly at the thought. The actor was too much like an older brother to you. Which is why I have Jumin. Your heart fluttered at the mere thought of the dark businessman. Many and most regarded him as cold, aloof. But you knew better, and he knew you knew. And that was all you both needed to be happy.

Jumin: Please be safe on your way, sweets. I will call Driver Kim to assist you there.

You: Thank you my love! I will be waiting for you when you get home this evening~~

707: Awhh how cute

You: You’re welcome to come too, Sevs

707: unfortunately I got a lotta work to do

707:

707: I am but a hacking slave

You: haha okay. Well you’re welcome anytime. I’ll get going then

You: Love you, Ju xx

Jumin: Enjoy your afternoon. I expect to see you later.

You have left the chatroom

Not wanting to be the last one out, you left before Seven or Jumin did. You briefly wondered if they’d talk any to each other, but you supposed you could always log back in later and see for yourself.

As you started getting ready to leave the penthouse, you couldn’t help but worry your bottom lip between your teeth as you thought about your fiancé’s parting wishes. No emoji. No kisses. No pet names.

You sighed.

Jumin had made leaps and bounds regarding his borderline obsessive nature over you, but he still could be quite moody. It was obvious that he wasn’t pleased with you having a lunch date with Zen, no matter how strictly platonic it was in your eyes. The tight-lipped business heir was making an effort to put on a cool, calm façade in the chatroom so as not to upset you. You appreciated his efforts, you truly did. It was all you could ask for – that he make an effort, that is.

You slipped on your sneakers and slung your crossbody bag over your shoulder. Giving the flat a onceover to ensure Elizabeth was comfortable and the windows locked, you exited the penthouse.

Surprisingly, Driver Kim was already waiting obediently in the hallway outside of the door.

He gave a polite bow. “Are you ready, Miss?”

With a smile and warm thanks, you exited the building and slid onto the cool, leather backseat of the car.

I’m on my way! 😊 You pocketed your phone after texting Zen, your stomach growling in anticipation.

❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧

Jumin Han arrived home precisely at 5:15 PM. Less than ten seconds upon entering his penthouse, he could already tell from the dark hallways that you had yet to return from your afternoon rendezvous with a certain musical theatre actor.

Jumin’s lip curled in distaste.

Peeling off his suit jacket, Jumin made his way to his bedroom.

Our bedroom.

His heart gave a sudden pang in his chest, and Jumin sat gingerly on the bed. He undid the buttons to his waistcoat and exhaled. He laid back on the bed, his legs still bent at a right angle over the edge. He settled his large, slender hands atop his flat stomach.

He sensed the soft pitter-pat of Elizabeth stealthily slipping into the room. His senses were proved right when he felt her rub herself against his calves, her lithe body weaving in and out of the man’s lanky legs.

He sighed once more. One lethargic hand reached down, just barely nosing at the soft tips of Elizabeth’s dainty ears.

Jumin was annoyed. In truth, he was jealous, but he had been working hard to remedy that feeling specifically, especially when it concerned you.

Oh, how he hated to disappoint his love.

He turned his head, his left cheek now resting against the cool top of the comforter. His stomach growled hungrily.

He hated to disappoint you, but… I cannot control myself any longer… he suddenly thought hazily with a loose and smug smile: I am going to punish you when you get home.

The lonely man wove his fingers together, stretched them, and rested them against the back of his head.

Yes, he knew just the appropriate punishment for you.

❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧

It was half past 5 when you finally unlocked the door to your shared penthouse. Zen had insisted that you watch part of his rehearsal right after lunch. Not having anything else to do, and not looking forward to returning to an empty nest, you agreed easily.

You hadn’t meant to extend your lunch date several hours; it just so happened that way.

And you hadn’t meant to spend essentially the entire day with your handsome, celebrity actor friend whom your fiancé didn’t entirely fancy – it just so happened that way. Or so, you told yourself.

To be honest, you were feeling apprehensive. Jumin had most likely already returned home, and you were unsure what state of mind or being he would be in when he discovered you not there.

The man was desperately concerned for your safety and whereabouts. More so than he needed to be.

The door swung open on its smooth hinges, you toed off your sneakers, and draped your jacket on the minimalistic coat rack that stood plainly by your front door. You took note of Jumin’s briefcase and loafers sitting idly by. I was right. Another sigh. He beat me home.

“Jumin?” You called for your lover softly into the open space. “I’m home. I’m sorry that I took so long – I just didn’t have anything else to do.”

You walked through the penthouse and into your bedroom; you surveyed the California King sized bed, only to find –

Nothing.

Well, nothing – excluding the spoiled white ball of fur that currently lay curled up in the center of the bed.

“Jumin?”

How could your 6 ft something Mr. CEO rich business heir fiancé disappear?

Did he go out again after dropping off his work stuff?

No – he always wears his loafers, and they’re still here…

Perplexed, you spun on your heel and began to walk back towards the hallway.

Maybe he was lounging on the couch –

CLICK

Bright light suddenly filled the bedroom.

A tall, dark figure dashed out from the space behind the open door and ensnared you with its long arms. Large hands spread their spindly fingers over your stomach, interlocking with one another. A pointed chin dug into your shoulder. An angular nose pressed against the right side of your face. Black, glossy hair tickled your neck.

“My love.”

The silky baritone rumbled from the large chest currently pressed up against your back. “You’re home.”

“Ju-Jumin…” You reached a hand up to cup your lover’s cheek, trying to pivot in his embrace so that you could properly greet him.

“I think not.”

Your eyes widened in bewilderment. “What?” You breathed out airily, not sure what was happening.

“You’re late.” Jumin pressed a single, deliberate kiss to the pulse point on your bare neck.

You shivered, not expecting this development, but not exactly displeased either. “In my defense,” you felt him press another delicate kiss to your skin, “I never said what time I’d be home.”

The large hands abruptly spun you around.

Suddenly, your back was to the wall. Jumin towered above you, his palms resting on either side of your head.

“You see, my love,” he leaned in closer, inhaling your gardenia perfume that you applied earlier; his stomach curdled at the thought of you putting it on for anyone other than himself, “That is where you are wrong.”

You were being kissed. Passionately. With lots of pressure.

“You said you’d be waiting for me at home, did you not?”

Fuck.

The hairs stood up on the back of your neck as you stumbled out a lame “Ah, yeah – you’re right.” You licked your bruised lips and made eye contact with his dark irises, only an inch or two away from your face. You gulped. “I’m sorry.”

Jumin let out a dark chuckle.

“You know, my dear… I’ve been working so hard to please you these past several months. I’ve been attempting to tame the beast as Zen so likes to call it. Exterminate my unhealthy feelings of obsession. Possession.” He slipped a knee between your legs. “Even… aggression.” He nipped at your neck. You closed your eyes. He leaned back. “But when you don’t make similar efforts to help me out,” He brought up a large hand to cup your face, you opened your eyes again at the touch, were his hands always so huge??, “it is rather difficult for me to not stray course.”

You blinked before voicing meekly, “is it?”

Jumin gave a curt nod, placing his other hand at the curve of your waist. He breathed your name softly, followed by an inquest: “…do you know what they say about having large hands?”

Your face went beet red. Is he really asking that? So much for maturity…

“Uh… um...”

“Hmmm?” He patiently waited for your answer.

You couldn’t bring yourself to say it.

“Would you prefer I show you in a more… direct manner, then?” Jumin arched a perfect eyebrow, studying your flustered expression, challenging it with his unbothered one.

Still not able to form words or sounds, you gave a single, timid nod.

And then: “Ahahahahah!” Your raucous laughter burst from your chest suddenly, your body reacting before your mind had even processed what had just happened.

That’s when you felt it – those large hands… on your body…

Tickling you. Hard. Frenzied. Up and down your sides.

“AHH hahaha, Jumin!” You shrank down trying to bat away his persistent palms. “Jum- hahaha! Oh my god hahahha,” you craftily pulled yourself from his embrace and ran from the room, still giggling, clutching your tickled sides.

“Oh, you think you can escape that easily ma chérie? This is your punishment!” Jumin shouted heartily at you, laughing himself as he gave chase to your retreating figure.

You rounded the couch, clutching at its backside, panting playfully, not entirely sure what your next plan of action should be to escape your fiancé-turned-tickle-monster.

“Oh? Have you gone into hiding my love?” Jumin loftily proposed to his living room, taking slow steps in a circle as he surveyed the room. “You know that for every second you delay your punishment, the reprimand gets extended twice as long.”

Oh fuck. There was nothing for it. You had to give in now. You weren’t sure how much longer you could endure his tickling once he inevitably trapped you.

“Gotcha!” Jumin appeared at your side suddenly, circling your wrist with his deft fingers. He crouched beside you behind the couch.

“Ah!”

“Oh, did I scare you?” He pouted petulantly, his eyes giving away the merit that he actually felt.

“Yes, how did you even sneak up on me like that?”

Jumin jerked his head to his left, pointing out a certain feline that was staring directly at you, her tail flicking to and fro. Leave it to the cat to give away your position.

“Elizabeth!” You brought a palm to your chest. “I am betrayed!”

The next thing you knew, strong arms had scooped you up bridal style, and you were cradled against an equally solid chest, clothed only in a thin, dress shirt that was unbuttoned at the top.

“Just because you’re cute doesn’t mean that you can escape your fate so easily,” Jumin chastised with a gentle breath of your name.

You looked up at his dark eyes. They peered down at you. Despite his pedantic words, nothing could erase the genuine tenderness that his irises beheld when regarding you.

They narrowed. A smirk overtook his features. His eyes glinted with mischief.

Well, it was a nice thought while it lasted…

Jumin suddenly dropped you.

“Ah!” You landed gracefully onto your bed, bouncing a bit as the mattress dipped to accommodate your form.

Jumin straddled you, pinning your elbows by your sides with his knees.

“Oh, it looks like I’ve trapped my little songbird,” Jumin sighed in contrived melancholy, “There’s nothing for it – she looks so sad. I must give her what is due.”

Your eyes widened in alarm – “wait Jum—!”

He was upon you like a ravenous wolf. His large hands flew over your body once again, surrendering you to his ticklish torment. You let loose uncontrolled giggles, your own small hands desperately trying to prevent his large ones from continuing their delighted assault. Your body responded in involuntary spasms, your breath hitching and releasing peals of laughter. You pounded your fists weakly against his chest as he heightened his tickling by nuzzling his nose into your neck.

The overstimulation, the excess of sensation, it was all too much. Pain mixed with pleasure, your mind and body interpreting the experience in two completely different ways. It was pleasurable. It was torture. It was pure nonsense. It was stinging. It was true gaiety.

“Jumin—!” You wheezed, fighting to string together a coherent sentence despite the hellish delight he continued to inflict upon your vulnerable form, “ahah Jum—aha –in! St—op!”

Out of ideas, and incredibly overstimulated, you decided you had no choice but to play dirty:

“You’re hurting me!”

Immediately, he stopped.

Gone were the conniving eyebrows, replaced with ones knit in concern instead. His open-mouthed smile was instantly exchanged for a downturned frown. He eased his pressure on you, his hands stilling as they now hovered over your body in hesitation, as if afraid you would break at his slightest touch.

Oh no. No no no.

“Jumin, I didn’t actually mean – “

“Darling, why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Oh Lord, he sounded miserable.

Your heart leapt in your throat at the anxious tone in his voice.

“It was just a lot, love. I enjoyed it; I really did. You didn’t do anything wrong, please don’t be sad.” You suddenly felt very guilty as you looked at the fretful expression on your lover’s face.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me…” Jumin averted his eyes.

Oh no he doesn’t.

“Jumin,” you placed your hands on either side of his face, forcing him to look at you, “I like this side of you. The playful side. The lighthearted side. The affectionate and silly side. I love every side of you. Never apologize for coming out of your shell. Especially to me. I’m your best friend before your lover.” You smiled invitingly. “I shouldn’t have said you were hurting me… I’m sorry. But, we should maybe establish a safe word next time, yeah?”

Jumin’s face morphed into one of gentle bliss, his mouth turning slightly to kiss your palm.

“Deal.” He acquiesced easily. “You know, you’d naturally make quite the good business negotiator with rhetoric like that.”

“Oh?” You liked the sudden vitality in his eyes.

“Would you like me to prove it in a more…” He swallowed thickly, his gaze now hooded by lust and love, “ahh… direct manner, then?”

“God yes.”

❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧ ❧

ZEN has entered the chatroom

ZEN: Hey Ms. Party Planner, did you get home safely??

You were lying on Jumin’s bare chest, both of you long exhausted from the sheer physicality of the day’s events.

You: Yup yup! Thx for asking 😊

Jumin was also on his phone, his arms long enough to wrap around your shoulders and text with both hands at the same time. He gave you a quick peck on the crown of your head. You looked up at him briefly and grinned lovingly.

Jumin: Thank you for entertaining my fiancé today, Zen. I would have hated for her to be lonely.

ZEN: Humph! Yeah yeah. I don’t hang out with her for your gratification.

ZEN: She’s my friend too.

You rolled your eyes good-naturedly at the young man’s characteristic defensiveness. Even Jumin chuckled slightly above you. Ever the mediator, you sought to cool things down again for the evening.

You: you know, I can never tell when you two are actually arguing vs. just bantering

ZEN: I’d hate to distress you princess...

ZEN: We can’t have you developing worry lines in your precious skin!

ZEN: perhaps we should come up with a sign that let’s you know what’s up lol

Yoosung has entered the chatroom

Jumin: Oh, you mean like a safe word?

Jumin: Sounds easy enough. Her and I established our own just an hour or two ago.

Jumin:

ZEN: Safe word…….

ZEN:

Yoosung has left the chatroom

Notes:

Wooo! My second MysMe fic! I really loved how adorably fluffy and humorous this one turned out. I have a major soft spot for Jumin -- and I think he is most adorable when he allows himself to act silly. I also was growing tired of the ultimate-daddy-dom-jumin fics (which are great! but I thought, well what if he led MC on like that and then... ATTACKED HER WITH TICKLES AND CUDDLES) As always, you can find me on tumblr @curiousherbal And you may request prompt ideas either here or there :)) I hope you enjoyed this self-indulgent nonsense xxx

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royal-amberl · 6 years

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Red Anniversary

What: James and Izzy’s wedding anniversary Who: Everyone and then some When: October 31, 2018

Izzy clinked her glass, getting the attention of everyone in the room. "Thank you everyone for coming to mine and James' anniversary. Only two people so unorthodox as we are would think to get married on Halloween. We didn't want to worry as much with the preparation as enjoying ourselves and the only rule I had for how those in attendance could show up was: nobody could come as a bride. I, myself, was dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein. Of course, this wasn't the wedding that the public saw. Only those who we felt comfortable with. To the world, we didn't get married for another couple of weeks. After we enjoyed our honeymoon. Anyway, James and I met years ago. It actually shocked both of our families that we were in love as being from another world, James was supposed to marry someone from his own world, not little ol' me who grew up in a small house with four sisters and we had to fight over the bathroom. But he did. We fell in love and not long after we even met, we had our first wedding. Between the two weddings, we began our family. When I found out I was going to be a mom--the first time--I was beyond ecstatic, as you can imagine. I was also terrified. I knew James wanted a family, but I was still terrified of telling him. Of course, as soon as the words escaped my lips, he had the biggest grin on his face. He put his hand on my belly, which didn't even have a bump yet, and just held us both. And when Alaska was born, she was the most precious thing in his life. Watching those two was just... amazing. It made me fall even more in love with him. Then we found out not long after that we were expecting, AGAIN. And Ian came along. By this time Alaska had definitely grown into her personality and was the one in charge of the house. Ian, on the other hand, was quite the opposite. He was very subdued and laid-back. Then Miles came along and he wanted to take care of everyone. Then the twins popped out, and they were each other's saving grace. They loved their older brothers and sister, but they were it for each other. They didn't do anything without the other. And finally, Sarah, my baby girl surprised us. We thought we were done with the twins, but then she graced us with her presence. My greatest gift in this world is being James' wife and my beautiful, amazing children's mother, including my adopted babies. Eli and Emily, since you two have come into our family; we've been so beyond blessed. I could not have asked for a better life." She looked around the room, smiling at her beautiful family (even Tristan who was dressed so gruesome) and all their friends.

James smiled at the woman by his side-- whom he had loved for the last 33 years. Everyone had wondered why he'd picked a commoner, someone who didn't have the money or title fit for a prince, but none of those things had ever really mattered to him, and they mattered even less when he met Isobel Serrano. James had been completely taken by the woman, and it hadn't taken long for him to ask for her hand in marriage. It was the best decision he'd ever made, still to this day. Raising his glass to his wife, he squeezed her hand affectionately, looking at her the same way he'd always had-- like a lovestruck puppy. In over thirty years, that hadn't changed-- his once black hair was now mostly gray, his face wrinkled from thirty years of smiles-- but the love was constant. "I won't even attempt to top that beautiful speech from my wife. All I will say is: Izzy, my queen, mother of my children, love of my life-- thank you for sharing a life with me. Thank you for giving me six beautiful children, for being a wonderful mother. They're all grown up now, so our work is mostly done, but everything they are, is thanks to you. I couldn't have asked for a better life-- and I can't wait to spend the next thirty years by your side." He brought Izzy's hand to his lips, giving her knuckles a gentle kiss, before turning to the room filled with their kids, family, and friends dressed up for Halloween. "And I want to thank you all for joining us. Enjoy the party, and Happy Halloween."

Phoebe Listening to the King and Queen's declaration of love caused Phoebe's throat to grow thick with emotion. It was so beautiful to see two people still enamored with one another as they were the day they first met. As the speeches continued, the conversations she'd had with Davina and Tristan were bouncing around in her head, echoing off the surface and refusing to shut up. Both of them were right; annoyingly so. The brunette let out a sigh, hoping that it would come off as dreamy rather than frustrated as she took a sip of her champagne. Once she started planning the wedding, then perhaps the niggling feeling would go away.

Will, dressed as Han Solo, watched his parents, envious of how in love they were. Not because he wasn't in love with someone-- he was just in love with someone he couldn't necessarily have. James and Izzy made it look so easy to just pick a person to be happy with, and maybe it could be, but he was conflicted. He was sure that he could have a content life with his fiance, Phoebe, if he wanted. But would they ever love each other? He didn't think so. He glanced around the large ballroom, searching for the blonde who was constantly on his mind, needing to talk to his best friend, but instead, found himself catching sight of Phoebe. He tore his gaze away, still wanting to find Amber, but she hadn't come to the party, apparently. So with a heavy sigh, he forced a smile and walked over to Phoebe. "Hello, Miss Calloway."

Phoebe Upon hearing her name, Phoebe's ears perked up. Before she even turned her head she made a silent wish for it to be Ian trying to get her attention, but quickly found him elsewhere in the crowd. The brunette bit down on her lip. She couldn't continue thinking like this; Phoebe willed herself to put a smile on her face and get it together. Her body did a 180, coming to face Will and although he hadn't been who she was hoping for, she was glad. They had to get to know each other better at some point. "Will," she replied with the same smile. "Call me Phoebe, please. Miss Calloway is so formal. --You parents are so charming. Those were lovely speeches."

Tris gave her baby sister a break before trying to scare her again, and decided to find her other favorite sibling to pester: Ian. She began walking very slowly behind him, allowing herself to go undetected. “Ian, why aren’t you off trying to woo, Phoebe? Especially after such a gooey speech like Mum and Dad made.” She rested her arm on his shoulder and looked over where her twin and the lady in question were conversing. “Never going to win her heart from the sidelines.”

Amber was hesitant on going to the party, she was never good at those kind of things, but Izzy and James were more like her own parents than her actual parents. She owed it to them. She decided to show up, dressed in a long black dress with a masquerade mask on. Her dress was form fitting, but not in a tacky way. She didn’t have time to get a real costume together and remembered her mask from the year before. When she entered the room, she didn’t realize she had been so late and missed the speech. She began looking around for someone to talk to, making sure to note where Zoey was. Even though she was considered off duty at such events, she always wanted to keep an eye on the little girl.

Miles wandered over to Amanda, nodding when he saw Davina grin and tap her friend. “Ladies, are you enjoying the party?” Davina chuckled and nodded in agreement before making some reason to leave them alone. Miles was appreciative of it, and smiled at Amanda. “Are you enjoying yourself? You look very beautiful tonight.” Miles was dressed as a pirate; he was never great at picking out costumes, but he was quite proud of how it had come together.

Davina left Amanda with her prince and as she had expected, she saw Phoebe with Will. She didn’t like being alone at these kinds of things, but she knew going into it that she was more than likely going to have to entertain herself. With a quick turn on her feet, she headed straight for the food table, not even allowing herself to feel self conscious. When she glanced up from the table, she noticed the only other person she really cared to see that night. She quickly put down the utensils in her hand, and made her way across the floor. She cleared her throat and waved at Eli. “Are you having fun?”

Will kept forgetting to call her by her first name-- yes it was formal, but he was so used to speaking to people he didn't know very well more formally and respectfully than he would speak to someone-- and he just didn't know Phoebe, despite being engaged for a few months now. Something just got in the way everytime they attempted to get to know each other better. But he was determined to try to make it work. "I apologize, I still have trouble not calling you that. --They're pretty much always like that. It's a little nauseating at times." He chuckled.

Ian had excused himself from the date he'd been set up with to grab himself a drink, and almost as soon as he took a sip, Tristan came up and began teasing him. As he glanced at her, he flinched, before letting out a groan. "What are you supposed to be? Are you why Sarah keeps shrieking like she's about to die?" He sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know what you're talking about, Tristan. I don't want to woo anyone, especially not when I have a date. And the person in question is the girl my brother is going to marry," he reminded her, glancing over to see the pair of them together. Despite what was coming out of his mouth, Ian could not help the pang of jealousy he suddenly felt, and he quickly did his best to hide any sign of it from his sister. "They look very happy together."

"It's really not a problem. I sometimes have to bit my tongue so I don't call you 'Your Highness'." Phoebe offered her fiancee an encouraging smile. She felt jittery around him, although Phoebe wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. They weren't the butterflies of burgeoning feelings that she found herself feeling each time she glanced towards Will's older brother. If anything, it was an aimless anxiety of not knowing what to do or how to act around her betrothed. She didn't know him as well as she wanted to. "I think it's sweet. You don't see two people in love like that nowadays."

Tris smiled. "I'm bloody Mary. Daughter of Henry the Eighth, I am, I am. --Yes, that would be why. It's kind of my job to torture her." She shrugged. As he began talking about all of the reasons she was wrong, she yawned, patting her hand against her mouth. "Blah, blah, blah. You are a terrible liar. Phoebe didn't fight me as much as you are." Tris looked over at the couple and shook her head. "They're trying to be, but failing. Besides, you're especially dense if you don't know that your own brother is already in love with someone else. They're just doing their 'duty'"

Leila didn't know a single person at the party-- her boss had convinced her to come along, to get to know the family they worked for, and Leila, wanting to seem like a trooper, had agreed. She'd put together a quick costume, complete with some cat ears and a mask, and had come along, and was now doing her best to mingle, though she felt like a bit of a wallflower. Needing some liquid courage, she went over to grab a drink, but not before running into a blonde in a mask. "--Oh, I'm so sorry. I haven't even had a drink yet," she murmured with a nervous laugh.

Amber felt someone run into her and turned around to face them. She didn't recognize the person, but that wasn't unusual since she didn't get to mingle very much, except at occasions like this. "No worries," she quickly replied. "I'm quite bad on my own feet as well. I really shouldn't be wearing a long skirt like this and heels, but it didn't seem right to wear any other kind of shoes. --I don't believe we've met before? If we have, I'm terribly sorry. I'm Amber Lucas. I work for the Conroy's." She extended her hand to the girl before her.

Amanda was talking to Davina when Miles came up, and of course she immediately started blushing when Davina pointed him out-- and promptly left Amanda alone with the prince. "I am having a good time, thank you-- are you having a good time?" she asked, turning an even brighter red when he complimented her. "Thank you, Miles. You look very handsome, if you don't mind my saying so. I like your costume, you look awesome." Amanda had decided on the angel costume after all-- her wings were majestic, with white and gold feathers, and her white gown hugged her in all the right places, but kept it appropriate so she felt comfortable. To complete her look was a gold leaf headband-- she thought it looked cooler than a cheap halo.

Elijah was working, but had dressed up for the occasion-- the Conroy's had insisted he be part of the celebration even if he didn't want to take the night off. He was standing off to the side, surveying the room, but he wasn't expecting any danger-- it was an anniversary party, not some big political thing he usually attended. He took a sip of water as his foot tapped along to the music, when he saw Davina come up to him. He immediately straightened up, giving the young woman a smile. "Hi. Well, I'm working, but yes. What about you?"

Miles was so used to being the one who always blushed at the drop of a hat, but when he saw Amanda's cheeks brighten, he noted how cute it was on her. He smiled warmly at her. "I'm glad to hear that." He nodded. "I am. I'm glad to see you here." He looked down and tugged gently on his vest. "Thank you, I tried me best. Arrgh." He did his best attempt at being a pirate, which was laughable. "I love your wings, they're very pretty."

Will nodded in agreement, awkwardly shifting his feet as he glanced around. "Definitely not. Their relationship is kind of one of a kind. No wonder all of us are kind of fucked up and strive for a love like theirs, you know?" He turned over to her, grimacing. "Not that we can't-- I just don't know you-- y'know?"

Phoebe reached out to give Will's hand a reassuring pat. "I get it." She was struggling with the reality of their arrangement, but it was probably much harder to fathom with parents who'd fallen in love against all odds. "It's not fucked up to want that kind of love. I do too. It's a hard thing to wrap your head around, but I'm going through it with you, y'know? I'm just as confused and unsure."

Davina didn't know what the hell she was doing. She was never good when it came to liking someone; in fact, other than one other guy when she was sixteen, she never really liked any guys. She was way out of her comfort zone. She realized he had stopped talking and cleared her throat. "I guess your job is really never over, right? Do you get any days off?" Oh, my gosh, Davina. "It seems like you would be exhausted otherwise. Since I know you also run when you have a chance. Not that I'm keeping tabs on you or anything, I just remember that day... --Anyway, yes, I'm having a good time. A very good time." She smiled and looked away, feeling her cheeks brighten.

Ian let out a laugh. "Ah, now I get it. Pretty cool costume. What about me, do you like my costume? I'm Westley from The Princess Bride." He gestured to his costume, pleased with himself and the costume he'd decided on. Rolling his eyes, Ian started to interrupt and deny, deny, deny again, but when he heard about Phoebe not fighting Tristan-- he stopped, looking at his sister, than over at Phoebe, and back at Tristan again. "What do you mean, she didn't fight you as much as I'm fighting you?" He looked over at the betrothed again, his heart pounding so hard he was starting to hear it in his ears. "Who's Will in love with? How do you even find this crap out?"

Leila chuckled, looking the blonde's costume over. "You look beautiful though, I wish I had come with something a little nicer. I just threw on a pair of ears and a mask, pretty much." Shaking her head, she took Amber's hand. "Nope, we haven't met. I'm Leila Buchanan, it's lovely to meet you, Amber. I'm actually going to be working for the Conroy's as well. Dr. Burke just hired me to join his practice.

Tris took in his costume. "Inconceivable! I like it. I can't give you crap about your costume, since I love that movie." Tristan placed her arms across her chest, pleased with how her little "slip-up" worked. What would these idiots do without her putting little bugs in their ears? "What do you care about what us gals chatted about? There's nothing going on. --Oh my good gravy. How am I the only one that knows anything that's going on? He's in love with Amber, you bonehead. They've been in love for like ever. And I thought I was bad at relationships."

Amanda let out a laugh as he impersonated a pirate. "And what is your name, Pirate? What's a scallywag like you doing at a party like this?" she asked him, playing along. "Thank you-- they're a bit heavy, but I do love how they look." She glanced around, before turning back to him, looking up at the prince. "Would you like to go outside, get some fresh air?"

Amber smiled. "Thank you. I just threw this on as well. I hadn't planned on coming, so I was in my pajamas. It's actually a little tight around my stomach; I probably should've gone with something else, but it's so pretty and the last time I wore it, it was fine. --It's lovely to meet you, too. Welcome to the family, I suppose. Dr. Burke is a lovely individual. I hope you enjoy it here, but I'm sure you will. The Conroy's are a great family."

Eli watched Davina as she rambled on, his lips turning up into a gentle smile. "I'm glad to hear that you're having a good time. And to answer your question: yes, I do get days off. I just like working. I actually wasn't supposed to work tonight, but I'm a bit of a workaholic." He took a sip of water, glancing around the party quickly, before turning back to her. "It sounds a little like you are keeping tabs on me, though. Which is alright. Because I've been keeping tabs on you, too," he murmured casually, taking another sip of water.

Miles grinned. "Shiver me timbers, you be a pirate ye self. I didn't actually give him a name, what do you think his name should be? --Yes, I would love that." He held out his arm for her, and smiled as he escorted her across the room. He was happy to have any time he could manage with her. Though he didn't know her very well, the more that he learned about her, the more he wanted to know.

Will shook his head. "It's a little fucked up, because now we're all expecting some big love story, and in reality, it might not happen." He gave her a sad smile. "I know you are. And I'm sorry I've been a bit.... absent, I guess. It's just hard to be around you, even though I should be doing the opposite and spending time with you to get to know you better."

Phoebe gave Will a sympathetic smile. "It is fucked up. Arranged marriages are archaic and the last thing I thought I'd find myself in." Selfishly, the brunette looked across the way, spotting Tristan talking to Ian. Her stomach dropped, thinking of the last conversation she'd had with her impending sister in law. "You don't have to apologize." If anything, Phoebe was understanding --sometimes too understanding for her own good. "It's kind of like when you're a kid and your parents tell you to do something; it suddenly becomes the last thing you want to do instead."

Davina felt her eyes widened to the size of saucers and she stared at him. "Oh, so you're that bush that keeps following me around. It all makes sense now. I always felt like someone was watching me. --I feel sorry for you, as that must be incredibly boring. I am definitely not the most interesting between me and Phoebe."

Ian "Finally, someone who get it. Someone asked me if I was a ninja. I almost commit murder tonight, Tris. We might have a body to bury by the end of the night." He stared at Tristan, realizing she'd tricked him into admitting he had a thing for his brother's fiance. The last thing he wanted was for anyone to find out, and now someone knew his secret, and he was sure Will would find out. "Tristan......." he stopped, shaking his head. "You're right, there's nothing going on." He watched Will and Phoebe, as she touched her brother's hand as they appeared to have a heart to heart, wishing that was him she was touching. "Amber? Lucas? Obviously I live under a rock because I don't know anything about this. I really don't pay attention to any of this, obviously."

Leila "Oh, really? Well, you look fantastic! You can't even tell it's tight or anything-- but is there anyway to loosen it up? So you don't end up passing out or anything." She smiled, silently thanking Amber for the welcome. "I appreciate that-- and they seem to be pretty great. I'm quite excited to start work on Monday. --What is it you do here at the castle?"

Tris laughed. "Yeah, I can't see you killing someone. You're right next to Miles on that list. The two most innocent Conroy's. I could see Sarah doing it before you." Tristan grinned so big that it only made her costume even more creepy. "I guess you wouldn't care that she told me how she has a crush on someone. I think it's me and she just didn't want to admit it because we were the ones talking. I mean, c'mon," she held out her arms and looked down her own body. "C'mon. I'm clearly the best of this family. I'll have to let her down easy, of course. Our love is forbidden. Taboo." She knocked her shoulder into Ian's. "But in all seriousness, if I would tell the person I like before it's too late. The ring in our world is a lot harder to get off once it's on." She watched him look at their brother and felt bad for him. Honestly, she felt bad for everyone. "Obviously. I guess I should tell you that Alaska is married now," she teased.

Amanda "That I be, but not as good a pirate as... ye?" she laughed, uncertain how to continue but amused with the conversation nonetheless. "Hmm, do how about Blue Eye Miles? Dreamy Blue Eye Miles. It might not be very threatening, but I personally think it's fitting." She was blushing again-- she found it hard not to around him. She took his arm, letting him whisk her away from the party, grateful to get some fresh air. "It looks like it might rain, but I don't mind-- do you?"

Will nodded in agreement with his betrothed. "They are. I didn't want to get engaged, but when you're told you have to marry an heiress, you do that." Will felt bad for the both of them, for the situation they were in-- they were both being forced to do something neither of them wanted-- at least, not with each other. He looked around, finding catching sight of Amber-- even in a mask, he'd know her anywhere. "Yeah, exactly. It makes you want to do the opposite. Like, being told to marry you makes me want to.... not do that," he admitted. "But I don't think we have a choice."

Eli "Yup, that would be me. I was hoping you wouldn't notice. I'm very bad at being a bush, apparently." He grinned cheekily, shaking his head. "On the contrary, I find you extremely interesting. I don't really notice Phoebe. No offense to her. But I've become quite taken with you. I hope that's alright. I know we don't know each other extremely well, but it's the truth."

Phoebe let out a small laugh at Will's bluntness. Luckily, they were both on the same page. Wedding planning would be a distraction, although she wasn't so inclined to think about it being her wedding. "I like to think there's always a choice. --I don't think it would hurt us to at least try, but it's not fair to force anything for the sake of fulfilling a duty. If your parents could fall in love all on their own regardless of social standing, they should extend the same courtesy to you."

Ian "Aren't most serial killers the most unassuming? I could be a killer. Doesn't mean I am, but I could. I am far from innocent. I am bad.... to the bone. Super bad." He snorted. "Sarah would definitely commit murder before either of us, for sure." Ian slapped his hand over his heart, letting out a loud breath. "Tristan. You're killing me here. She has a crush on someone? Who's not Will? --Okay, you're hilarious. Hilarious." He rolled his eyes, shaking his head at his sister. "I hate you. I love you, but I hate you. I'm not telling anyone anything. I can't. Even if she does have a thing for-- for me..... I could never do that. She's engaged to Will. Even if she doesn't love him.... I couldn't do that to him." He let out a soft laugh. "Ah, so that's why some weird guy has been hanging around her."

Will "They want that for us, of course, but it's a little more complicated. When my dad ascended the throne, it was a different time, less danger. No need for alliances and all the politics that came with the royal title. It's a bit different now. And it's not entirely up to my parents, either, they have advisors, and even if they want us to be happy, we all have to think of the crown, and the country." He shrugged. "So maybe we do have a choice, but what's the right choice?"

Phoebe "That's fair. Although, just to play Devil's Advocate, I'm curious as to what alliance they're seeking by marrying you off to an heiress. My father knows people, but he doesn't hold any power." Phoebe reached up to tuck a stray curl back into her meticulous hairstyle. "If we chose to do right by the country, we make the best of our situation and continue with a smile. If we chose to do right by ourselves, we follow our hearts.

Amber “I don’t think I’m going to pass out or anything, it just doesn’t fit as nicely as it did the last time I wore it.” Although she was not facing him, she had that sensation that someone was watching her. She ignored the feeling, not wanting to know who it was, even though she was sure she knew already. Instead, she turned her attention to Leila even more. “Oh - I am the nanny for Miss Zoey. She is the...” she paused, almost catching herself say ‘grandchild’. “She’s a the niece to the Queen. Her mother died and the Queen couldn’t let anything happen to her, so she has taken her on as though she was like her own.”

Miles was very happy to escape from the party. It wasn’t his kind of scene except when he had to. As Amanda began giving his costume names, he felt his cheeks heat up. Curse the Conroy gene! “Well, thank you. I am definitely not threatening, so it fits.” He looked up at the sky when she mentioned rain and crinkled his nose. “No, I don’t mind. I won’t melt if I get a little wet.” He fell silent for a moment before clearing his throat. “I was wondering, and please feel free to say no if you don’t want to, but I was hoping maybe I could take you on a date one day soon.”

Davina smiled at him, though she was extremely nervous still. “Maybe I’m just very observant or hopeful.” She shrugged, glad she was already wearing some blush on her cheeks so it wasn’t as noticeable when she blushed. She wasn’t sure what to think about his declaration, except giddy. “That’s quite alright with me, as I feel the same towards you.” She didn’t know where her sudden bravery came from, but she was happy it did. “And we should change the whole ‘not knowing each other well’ part.”

Tris laughed. “Oh, yes, you’re sooo bad.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head in annoyance. “Look, I’m done now. I told you more than I should have because I want all of you happy and if you don’t want to do anything, fine. I really do hope you guys have just crushes and nothing more, because once that ring is on her finger, you’ll have to see her with him all the time. Hugging, kissing, popping out some babies. And if you have deeper feelings, then that’s going to be hell for you. I don’t want you to feel regret and a longing for the rest of your life, any of you. So I pray it’s just a crush.” She let out a sigh and patted him on the shoulder. She began to say something else when she heard a glass shattering scream that came from behind the closed doors of the ballroom. “What the fuck was that?”

Leila smiled in quiet relief. "Good. I mean, good you're not going to pass out on me, not good that it doesn't fit. But really, you can't even tell." She lifted her mask over her forehead, her cheeks flushed a bit from having her face covered. "Hell, this thing is a lot more uncomfortable than I thought it'd be.... Oh, Zoey, I've heard about her from Dr. Burke. A very lively child, he mentioned. It's great they took her in-- they seem like really caring people. I feel lucky to be here." She reached out as a waiter passed, taking a water from a tray, and quickly downing it.

Amanda watched Miles, noting the way his cheeks flushed, and was grateful she wasn't the only one who's emotions showed on their face. "I think so too. You must be a very kind pirate." Amanda leaned against the balcony, turning to face him, suddenly speechless, caught off guard from his question. Not because she didn't want to go on a date with him, but because she very much did want to and had not been expecting him to ask. She'd been hoping he would, of course. But it was a surprise, nonetheless. "No, no-- I mean, yes. I would very much like to go on a date with you. I want to."

Will chuckled. "I'm pretty far down the line to the throne, so I don't think it really matters as much. You're wealthy enough to matter, despite not holding a title. Sometimes that's even better than power, to these people." He shrugged, offering a small smile. "What do you want to do, Phoebe?"

Eli's smile widened as he watched Davina, his heart beating rapidly despite appearing cool, calm, and collected. "You do? I'm very pleased to hear that. I was worried it might be one-sided. And I would very much like that. To change that, I mean. To get to know you better." He glanced around out of habit, before settling back at Davina in her devil costume. "After the party, would you like to go somewhere? We can leave the castle, or-- take a walk, or something."

Ian "That's the thing, Tris. It's already been hell for me, and I don't think I've seen them do any of those things, yet. I don't know if it's just a crush. What if it is, though? What if I break them up, and it just turns out to be a crush? Something we're just feeling because it's not okay, because we can't have each other, and then we act on it, and it turns out it was nothing? I would've broken them up for nothing. I don't know if I could risk that. And I don't know if I could do that to mom and dad, and definitely not to Will." Ian sighed heavily, confused and conflicted as he thought about the situation, and what they were supposed to do. He was noble, and wanted to do the right thing, and stealing away his brother's fiance, didn't seem like the right thing. His thoughts were interrupted by Tristan's outburst, and he realized he heard the screaming too, and turned to see Emily Donahue rush in, covered in blood, screaming before collapsing in the middle of the party.

Emily had to go to the bathroom and disappeared from the party, when she was washing her hands, she heard a lot of commotion from the other side of the door. She finished washing her hands and began walking to the door. As she approached, something fell against the door. She jumped back, barely missing being smacked in the face with the door and had a body fall on her. The older woman had been shot in the chest and was bleeding everywhere. Emily let out a scream and frantically moved out from under the woman. She ran as fast as she could down the hall, her feet sliding out from under her and causing her to fall on her hands. Quickly, she caught herself and launched herself at the door, yanking it open and appearing back in the ballroom. Her beautiful white dress was stained with the woman’s blood. “Th-There’s a lady. Sh-She d-died.” Although she hadn’t been harmed herself, Emily collapsed on the floor, passing out from what she had witnessed.

Phoebe felt conflicted. The majority of her wanted to follow her heart. However, she wasn't exactly all too sure if what she felt was remotely reciprocated by the other party. It was too much of a risk, and though she was okay with failing, the consequences and fall out would be incredibly great. "I--" Her decision was cut short by a blood curdling scream, followed by a small blonde covered in what Phoebe hoped was merely fake blood as part of a Halloween prank.

Amber started to reply to Leila when suddenly Emily collapsed near them. “What the heck?” Davina nodded, excitedly at his proposal and as she began to reply, she was cut off by the sound of a scream. Miles was grinning ear-to-ear and felt like he was on cloud nine, but before he could respond, he heard a loud commotion coming from inside. “Can you excuse me for a second? I want to finish this conversation, but it sounds like something happened. Stay right here.” He quickly ran back in, shocked by what he saw. Tris understood why her brother was having issues, but she knew it was more than just a crush even if they didn’t. Before she could reply, she saw the youngest Donahue fall down and quickly ran to her side.

Izzy heard all of the commotion and quickly made her way through the crowd. When she spotted Emily on the ground, she turned around to face the crowd. “Everyone, please remain calm. We will get to the bottom of this.” She made her way out of the room and quickly spotted the body of the woman Emily was speaking about. When she looked down the hall, she saw a person dressed in all black walking hastily towards her. She made her way back to the ballroom and shut the door, alerting the guards at the door to barricade the door. “Please remain calm, but try to stay away from any of the windows and doors until we have this all resolved!”

Will was going to ask Phoebe again, urge her to make a decision, when he heard the scream, and saw Emily run into the ballroom, covered in blood. His own blood drained from his face, as he looked around in shock, wondering if this was some elaborate joke, meant to be a prank. But as Emily collapsed, something told him it was not. And his mother rushing back into the ballroom confirmed it. He took Phoebe's hand and began tugging her away from the crowd-- but stopped when he caught sight of Amber not too far from where Emily had collapsed. "Phoebe, I need you to find somewhere to hide, okay? I'll be back." He didn't wait for a response, he pulled away and made his way to Amber, trying to push his way through everyone. Eli saw as his sister collapsed, and wanted to rush over to her, but he also wanted to protect Davina. He also had a duty to protect his king and queen. He pushed Davina into a corner. "Wait here, okay?" Ian watched as Tristan ran off to check on Emily, his love troubles far from his mind now-- he went to his mother's side, looking around. "Mom, where's Dad? You have to get out of here." He glanced around the room, watching as Will left Phoebe, and saw Miles come into the room from outside on the balcony. He didn't see Alaska, but she was probably off with Charles somewhere, and Sarah-- where had he seen Sarah last? When had he last seen his dad? "Mom????"

Amanda waited for Miles to reply, her stomach aflutter as she nervously looked up at him, wanting to cross the short distance between them and touch him. And she almost did, but was interrupted by a ruckus from inside the ballroom. Brows furrowing, she glanced back to Miles, nodding as he excused himself. She waited a moment, before deciding to go after him, entering the ballroom-- her mouth immediately dropping, her eyes widening as she saw what was going on. Leila looked over her shoulder as Emily collapsed, gasping in shock before immediately falling to her knees beside her and checking her vitals. "--She's breathing, she's alive-- I don't think this is her blood, Amber." She looked up, at the chaos around her, her heart beating so hard, she was sure she was going to keel over next. "What's going on?!"

Phoebe felt panic begin to rise in the center of her chest. Whatever was going on, it wasn't some practical joke in time for Halloween. Her breathing grew staggered as Will tugged her away from the scene to get her towards safety. "I... Yeah. Okay." The brunette's eyes frantically searched the space, attempting to seek out Ian, Amanda... Davina. Where was Davina? Luckily, she spotted her younger sister huddled in a corner. Gathering the elaborate skirts of her costume she rushed over to her younger sister and wrapped her up in her arms. "Thank god you're safe."

James was dancing with his granddaughter Zoey, or his niece, as most people knew her. His wife was off being the life of the party-- his blue eyes found her over and over again, smiling as he watched the love of his wife entertain their guests and spend time with their children. It was a wonderful night-- and he couldn't wait for it to end so he'd be alone again with his wife, and they could go off and have another honeymoon the next morning. "I can barely keep up with you, sweetheart," he told Zoey, chuckling as his granddaughter squealed as he twirled her around. He twirled her around again, and again, pausing when the doors of the ballroom swung open and his adopted daughter, Emily came in screaming, covered in blood. He glanced around, confused, watching as she collapsed. Izzy went out the door, then promptly came back in, and he watched her signal the guards frantically. "My love, find Miss Amber, and don't leave her side, understand?" he murmured softly as he kneeled at Zoey's height, watching her nod with wide eyes. "Go on, it'll be fine."

Amber nodded in agreement. “I don’t think it is, either. I have to find Zoey!” Amber began looking around frantically, trying to find the little girl in the middle of the crowd. If the people had actually listened to the Queen, then she would be able to find her. She spotted Will and pushed through to him. “Have you seen Zoey?! I can’t find her!” Davina nodded, her head still reeling as Eli pushed her in a corner. She didn’t know what to do, but she was afraid to move. She was so relieved when Phoebe found her; she buried her face into her sister’s shoulder and began crying. “What’s going on? Are we going to die here tonight?” Izzy “He was dancing with Zoey the last time I saw him, Ian. You have to go. I don’t know what’s going on, but I saw somebody out there, they killed someone. You have to make sure everyone is safe. Get them out of here. I’m not leaving until I know everyone is okay.” Quickly, she hugged her son, cradling his face in her hands. “You have to go, now,” she demanded.

Tris glanced up when she heard someone talking about the blood not being Emily’s. “No, and she wouldn’t do some kind of prank. My only guess is we’re under attack right now. We need to get her moved. Help me carry her?” She asked the woman before her. Miles spotted his dad and ran to his side. “Dad, what’s going on? Is someone really dead? We need to get you out of here!”

Will reached Amber, grateful to see she was okay-- he wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her and never let anyone or anything get to her-- but he'd have to wait until later. "I saw her with my dad a minute ago-- there she is!" He waved his niece over, grasping her hand. "Hey, Zoe-bug, we're going to play hide and seek, okay? You have to find the best hiding place with Amber, close your eyes, and don't come out until I find you, okay?" Elijah, as soon as Davina was out of the way, lined up with the other guards at the door of the ballroom, gun pointed, ready to protect everyone from whoever was outside the door. Ian stared at his mom, not quite registering what she was saying. "W-What?" He wrapped his arms around her, eyes clenching shut as he tightened his arms around her. "Mom, I am not leaving you." James, as soon as he saw Zoey had made it to Amber, was trying to get to his wife in the midst of all the chaos-- he could see her and Ian together, but he somehow kept getting further away, as if he was floating in the ocean, further and further away from land. His eyes wild with confusion, he saw his son Miles. "Son, we need to help everyone get out-- I need to get to your mother-- it's madness right now--"

Leila nodded, not recognizing that she was speaking to one of the princesses. "Yes, otherwise she might get trampled, and get really hurt," she replied. "You grab her legs, I'll take her arms-- carefully, we don't know if it's something internal, we could do more damage," she ordered. Amanda didn't understand what was happening-- but she saw Davina and Phoebe, and immediately started going towards them, and by some miracle, got to them. "What the hell's going on?!" She was usually calm and quiet, but the panic had immediately set in and she was scared.

Phoebe clung to her sister, stroking the back of her head as she began to cry. "I have no idea what's happening. But we sure as hell aren't going to die here tonight." Though she was visibly shaken, the brunette easily slipped into her role of older sister. She had to be strong for Davina, for their family, and ensure that the both of them got out of the ballroom in one piece. "We're going to find a way out."

Amber was so relieved when she saw Zoey. She sighed in relief and grabbed her hand, holding as tight as she could without hurting her. “Let’s find the best hiding spot!” She was trying so hard to keep her fear hidden and how scared she was to leave Will, but right now Zoey was her top priority. Before leaving, she hugged Will tight. “Please be careful. I love you.” She whispered before pulling out of the hug and runnning off with Zoey. Izzy looked at her son. “Ian, that is not a request. I’m telling you to make sure your siblings are okay. Get them out of here.” She didn’t want anything to happen to any of her babies, but she also had to do what she could to make sure everyone else would get out of there alive. “Do not worry about me, Ian. Just do what I tell you and get everyone to safety. I’ll be okay. I promise.” Miles didn’t know what was going on but he nodded. “Okay. I’ll take some people around the back. Mom’s up at the front.” He grabbed his dad’s hand and pulled him through the crowd until he could see a clearing near his mom. “Ian, I’m going to get some people out around the back.” Tris nodded and carefully picked up Emily’s legs. “Get out of our way, assholes!” She shouted when people were scrambling around them, not caring about keeping up a good representation. “You lead.” Davina nodded at her sister’s words, praying that she was right. She hated how she was crying as though that was going to help anything. When she saw Amanda, she quickly held out her free arm and hugged both of them so tight, not saying a word, just grateful they were both okay. She felt herself jump and squeal when she heard what sounded like a gunshot. “We need to get out of here, NOW.”

Phoebe almost immediately grabbed onto Amanda, holding both her and Davina tight. They were her family --and she was going to do whatever it took to protect them. The sound of a gun shot made her whole body jolt, her head perking up ever so slightly to try and see what was going on. Chaos seemed to be unfolding around them, so much so that her vision was blurry. Rather than dwell and worry, she took the initiative to try and get them to a safer spot. "Follow me." She squeezed both of them tight once more, then linked their arms in an attempt to navigate them towards a somewhat hidden door to get outside of the palace.

Will held Amber close, taking in the smell of her, the feel of her-- not knowing if it would be the last time. He nearly broke down then, but quickly hid any sign of emotion from his face as he pulled away. "I love you too, Bambi. And I love you, Zoey. I'll start counting, okay?" He watched as the pair went, and turned back to the madness around him, unsure of what to do. He had to find his family, first. Ian shook his head. "I can't leave you on your own. What kind of son would I be if I did?" He turned to see his brother, Miles, and sighed in relief to see their father was close behind. "Okay-- I'll stay with here with Mom and Dad-- have you seen Sarah?" James immediately went to Izzy, grasping her hand in his own, smiling despite the tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry it took so long to get to you, love. Our granddaughter is quite the dancer," he murmured with a sad smile. "Ian, Miles-- protect your sisters and help our guests-- I'll stay with your mother, we'll be fine."

Leila lifted Emily's limp body, grimacing from the weight-- she was a tiny thing, but Leila wasn't the strongest, either. But somehow, she managed, with Tristan's help. She led Tristan over to one side of the room, somehow holding up Emily's body with all the strength she had with one arm around the blonde, while she cleared a table off, glasses and food crashing to the ground around her feet-- but she didn't have time to think about that right now. "Here-- I can examine her better here--" She set Emily's head down immediately checked her pulse again, then her pupils, and surveyed her body for a source for blood, but as she had said earlier, the blood wasn't hers. "She's fine, she must've passed out from the fright she had." Amanda buried her face against Davina's shoulder as she grasped both sisters in her arms, grateful that they were okay. When she heard the gunshot, she yelped, clenching her eyes shut, not wanting to see who had been hurt-- she didn't think she could bear it. "I don't want to die," she mumbled tearfully, barely registering as she got up and began to follow her friends to an escape-- but she stopped, refusing to move another inch. "I can't-- Miles-- what if he's hurt???" she shook her head, pulling away from them. "Go on, I'll be right there, okay??" She turned around and ran right back into the chaos.

Davina nodded as her sister took charge. She followed behind, trying her best to keep from getting disconnected due to the people moving frantically around them. She saw the door her sister was heading for and felt a bit of relief. Maybe things would be okay after all. When Amanda pulled away from them, she tried to grab her. "Amanda, you can't!" She reached to take her hand, but Amanda was already out of reach. "No!" Izzy "Ian, you have to listen to me. I will not let anything happen to you. I won't let you be hurt in any way and the only way for me to do that is to get you out of here. We will be fine." She smiled sadly at James, wrapping her arm around his waist once he was in her grasp. Her eyes flickered back to Miles and Ian. "I love you both, so much. Please, go before anything happens. Make sure you find everyone. We'll find you as soon as we can." Although she said the words, she, herself did not believe them. She felt as though this was going to be the last time she saw them, but she would happily die in the place of them. She put one hand on each of their cheeks. "I'm not telling you again. Go." She gave Miles a warning look and he nodded, pulling Ian along with him. Once she saw them disappear, she looked back at James and hugged him tight. Miles pulled Ian away from their parents, hating to do it but knowing they had to do what they were told. "I haven't seen Sarah or Alaska." As they walked through the crowd, he saw Will and pulled Ian to him. "We have to find Sarah and Alaska, and make sure they're safe and out of here. He looked around and saw Tristan. "Tristan is over there with Emily. One of you needs to go over there and see if they need help." Tris carefully set Emily down and watched as Leila examined her. She felt a little relief when she said nothing was wrong, that she was just passed out. At least nobody else had died... yet. "Okay, anything I can do for her?"

Amanda looked around, trying to see Miles-- and she caught sight of him with his brother Ian, and their parents, the King and Queen. She was relieved to see they were all okay, but she was especially relieved that the prince wasn't hurt. She started to go to him, to tell him that Davina and Phoebe had found a way out, but before she could call out his name, she felt someone grab her from behind, holding her around her waist with one arm as they covered her mouth. She began fighting against whoever was holding her, feeling them drag her away from the party, further away from Miles and his family. She clawed at her abductor's hands, punched and kicked, all the while yelling at the top of her lungs despite them covering any sound she was making. And then, everything went black. Ian listened to his mother, watching her with wide, scared eyes-- because somehow, he knew they wouldn't be fine. "Mom...." He managed to gasp out, holding onto her hand as she caressed his cheek. He looked from her, to his dad, who was smiling at his sons through tear-filled eyes. Ian steeled himself, taking a deep breath, and willed himself to be strong, for his parents, and for his siblings. "Okay. Okay. We're going." He started to follow Miles, who was pulling him away from their parents. "I love you, Mom. And I love you, Dad. Everything is going to be fine. Stay safe." He forced a smile as the tears fell, taking a deep breath as he turned away from them. "I don't think I've seen Alaska in hours-- she must be with Charles." Will sighed in relief when he saw his brothers, throwing his arms around them and hugging them tight. "Amber has Zoey, they're hiding-- I'll go help Tris," he mumbled, pulling away from his siblings. "You guys look for Alaska and Sarah. Last I saw Alaska, she and Charles were heading outside-- maybe they went upstairs?" He left Ian and Miles to go his twin's side, seeing that she and a woman he didn't know were looking after Emily. "We need to get her out of her-- her brother's will freak if anything happens to her." Leila shook her head at Tristan, wiping off some blood she'd gotten on her hands. "If you have some smelling salts on you, that would help, but there's not much else-- unless you can grab something to cover her with, in case she goes into shock." She glanced up as a male approached them. "You could probably carry her out without dropping her, if you know a way out."

Phoebe's feet felt as if they were flying as she attempted to move herself, Davina and Amanda closer towards safety. Her hazel eyes, wet with tears of fright, held a laser focus on the door that was just close enough, but each step felt like it was taking a year. "Amanda, we can't... You can't... Amanda!" Her fearful words hissed out as a tear dripped down her cheek. Her friend was too far gone both she and Davina were too close to safety. "Dav, you go. I'm going to go get her." She gave her sister a nudge to keep going. "I'll be right there."

Miles looked around, trying to spot one of his sisters, but instead spotted another brunette being attacked. "Amanda," he screamed as he tried to push his way to her. Even as they pulled her away, he fought to get to her. "Amanda!" He ran to where he had seen her but she was gone. He stopped and looked around, frantic as he tried to find her. Calling her name but not finding her. Davina stared at her sister, had it been a normal situation she would've laughed at the idea. "Phoebe, I'm not going anywhere without you and Amanda." She took hold of her sister and clung to her, but refused to stay behind. Tris looked at her brother. "You carry her. I'll clear the way." She began shoving her way through the room, making a path for them. Until the room went black. Someone had shut off the power and more gunshots began. The only light was from the bullets leaving the barrels for a quick second. Tristan let out a groan, feeling pain in her back, making her fall to the ground. Izzy held tight to James' arm when the lights went out. She wasn't fearful for what was going to happen to her, but her kids. She began silently crying. Then the moment she knew was coming happened. She felt a something against the back of her head and took a deep breath. There was a moment of pain followed by nothing. When the lights came back on, only a few minutes after they were cut, Izzy was laying on the ground in a puddle of her own blood.

Will gathered Emily up in his arms, charging after Tristan as she cleared a path for them-- but then the lights went out and they were clothed in darkness-- he stumbled, holding onto the unconscious young woman in his arms as he tried to find an exit. He heard his twin sister groan out in pain, and immediately began to yell for her. "TRISTAN!!!" he called out to her, but unable to see or hear her. The sound of gunshots filled the room, one hitting Will in the shoulder-- he gasped in pain, but forced himself to stay standing, to not drop Emily. "I'm gonna get you out of here, Em," he groaned out, promising her even though she couldn't hear him. James held onto his wife, struggling to see in the dark-- all he could see were the sparks from the gunshots, while the room was abuzz with screams. He could feel his wife began to shake as she silently cried, and he held on tighter to her, kissing her forehead. "I love you, Izzy," he murmured softly, feeling the force of someone hitting her from behind. He cried out, falling with his wife as she fell, holding onto her body as he felt her weaken. "Izzy," he cried softly, blindly reaching for her face in the dark, gently caressing her face. "What have they done?" he murmured, his heart breaking. But at least his attackers were kind enough to put him out of his misery; he felt the gun they held against his back, and the bullet that ripped through his heart, or what was left of it. He fell, holding his wife in his arms, struggling to breath. They were still covered in darkness, but he smiled as he looked up to see Izzy holding her hand out to him. "I couldn't let even death come between us, my love." he managed to murmur. He took her hand, his eyes closing as his body went limp beside his wife.

Phoebe Just as she took a step in the direction of Amanda, they room went black. She held onto Davina for dear life, pulling them both to the ground the moment she heard gun shots. The brunette did her best not to scream, although her throat grew tight and her eyes welled up with tears. "Love you, Dav," she murmured, hoping that in the darkness nobody could detect them. When the lights flickered back on, she felt frozen and unable to move, despite being close to their exit route. "We've got to... But Amanda..."

Tris was unable to move, even when the lights came back on. She tried, but her legs wouldn't cooperate. She began gnawing on her lip to keep from screaming out loud and despite her best attempt, tears rolled down her cheek. She finally couldn't help it any longer and yelped once more. Davina hugged her sister when she was finally able to see her, so thankful to still have her. "We'll find her." She sounded the most confident saying those few words than she had the entire night. "I promise, Phoebe. We'll find her."

#para:red anniversary

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