Mr. Valentine

“It likely was a calculated move, yeah, but best to let them deal with it and blow the steam off now rather than later.” Mary countered, standing nearby with a tea in hand and her phone in the other. There seemed to be a lot of this going on the last few days.

“I don’t really want to break up this fight. But I do want to capitalize on this moment. Before it gets out of hand takes us back to square one. I have an agenda for the marriage laws getting changed and the others to follow it, but it only works if we’re not at each other’s throats...or you know a part of a hate group designed to tear us all down.” 

“Was I interested in the possibility of it? Sure. But, I happen to be a girl who reads the terms and conditions first, before endorsing anything. Have to protect the actress image. And seeing that there weren’t any, I figure it was uh better to wait and see how it all turned out,” Hayden said with a shrug. The corner of her lips tilting up ever more at the man’s words. “You’re not the only one, Cutie.”

“To be fair, there weren’t any terms and conditions. It just seemed like a standard petition to most. It’s very telling to see who did sign up though. I plan to try to help them, but...Still very telling to see the lollipop guild of naivety.” 

“Help make you into? But, I- I didn’t do anything? I’ve just been me. Broody, sarcastic, fairly bitchy me? You’re my family too, Jake whatever you want to be called. Knight or Valentine. You’re my person, paper or not,” She told him without an ounce of hesitation. Sabrina didn’t trust people easily if at all. She didn’t let them in. She built up walls and was happy staying far behind them or running away before anyone could get too close or let her down. But, not with him. She let this man see all of her. Every little bit. He meant everything to her. It was more than just love. He was home and happiness and she loved existing with him in their little bubble, which was probably why she was so resistant to let the world into what they had. “And I mean I get the ceremonies and bonding and rituals. Hedge witch, remember? And, honestly, I think the idea of two people binding themselves together or swearing to protect each other and stand by each other and all of that is kinda nice? But, I guess it’s more the expectations or traditions of it that I just don’t really feel like are me? The whole girl being given away or walked down the aisle or that fact that there is even an aisle? The throwing the bouquet or this idea that the second you get married everything is ‘happily ever after’? I don’t know. It kinda feels like people use marriage to flaunt their relationship to those around them? Like they have something to prove?Or as an excuse to stop trying or flirting or charming the person they’ve chosen to be with? And I just… I don’t know and when I think of the word bride or wife, it just don’t really feel like I fit? I’m not elegant or girly or some confident romantic. I am a cynic at best and proud of it. But, the thought of me shoving myself into some white gown and walking myself down the aisle with this clunky ass metal leg seems more comical to me than anything?” She admitted, her gaze shifting towards there interlaced hands as she shrugged once more. 

“Exactly, baby,” he said softly, a tone he didn’t know he had until he met this woman before him. His hand reached out caressing her cheek. “Just you is all I need.” If Rick had ever imagined a perfect partner, it would have been her. Not just her insanely beautiful everything, but that personality. That snarky, broody, bitchy beauty. She was incredible and she let him be just him, without question. And instantly, his guard was down with her. He couldn’t say exactly what it was that had drawn him to her. But he loved her much more than he had ever loved anyone romantically. Rick frowned when she mentioned traditions and expectations. “There aren’t any traditions or expectations that I’m attached too. Songbird, I’ve imagined marriage before. Back when I was a wolf, and it wasn’t glamorous. It was in a clearing, surrounded by other wolves. And it was only going to ever be for the good of keeping the pack going. And when I wasn’t a wolf anymore, I didn’t think about marriage. Then I met you, and we don’t need tradition. We don’t need expectations. I just want you and a ceremony. That can look like anything. You don’t have to throw a bouquet, Or walk down the aisle. We can make it whatever we want. A happy medium between us. You don’t have to be anything you’re not, and the whole idea of a wife? My version of that is just you, baby. And I want you to wear whatever you’re comfortable in, and personally I find you sexy in anything.” 

“Technically I never said anything about giving the Alliance a chance? I said that the homeland seemed farfetched, but who knows what the organization had in the works. And they definitely had more in the works than meets the eye, didn’t they?” Hayden pointed out. The corner of her lips tilting up ever so slightly. “And anyways, I was just playing devil’s advocate. So, you liked how I called you cute though, huh?”

“That they did. I noticed that I didn’t see your name on that list, so I guess you weren’t too interested in actually seeing it as a possibility,” he pointed out. Rick chuckled, grinning at her as she spoke. “Yeah, I’m always a fan of being called cute or handsome or attractive.” 

“Do you never lose or just make bets you know you’re a shoe in to win?” Michaela laughed. “But, I’ll remember it. You’re welcome. And thanks. It’s still not fully setting in that I… you know, did all that? Created a little life and all.”

“Oh I never lose. Ever. I don’t make crap music. I don’t make bad career decisions. It comes from making decisions in my past that weren’t quite up to snuff. So I’ve learned that any decision I make, anything I do, do it well and like it’s going to be the last thing I ever do.” He grinned as she said it hadn’t fully set in. “Creating life doesn’t seem like a small feat. Seems like a really big deal. I’m not close to my mom but I’d say she did a pretty damn good job in delivering a very large and beautiful baby like me.” 

Noelani didn’t bother stirring when she heard the man come into her garden. It wasn’t until he finished speaking that she found herself annoyed by his smug attitude. “Well seeing as I have no idea who you are and I don’t like strange idiots around my daughter I telling you to get the fuck off my property.” 

“I mean yeah, seeing your life is one thing. You just made it sound like you were using instagram live as your daily personally detailed diary is all,” He chuckled. “You never wanted to try out acting then? Or just release albums and not preform or lip sing when you preform?” He asked curiously. “Even though, I mean I’m only technically in front of the camera cause I liked the script of Operation Unknown. That and I didn’t think I’d actually get the part when I auditioned.”

“No, in order to not go mad with power or let fame go to my head, I have to be where I am. I may put out an album or two down the line but right now I’m still figuring out how to be right now. So I’m sticking to the background. I’ve seen Operation Uknown. It’s a good show, you really act your ass off on it.” 

Sabrina’s nose scrunched up ever so slightly as he brought her hand up to his lips, knowing that it was nearly impossible to stay annoyed with him when he decided to be cute like that. “I know,” She mumbled, wrapping her arms around Rick’s waist as she peaked up at him. “I remember the whole I want to marry you someday, here’s an engagement ring my fake fiancé convo. I’m just not really kind of girl who needs all of that, I guess? Or really see myself as the wife type? I’m just happy to have you. Like this. Right here, right now and for the foreseeable future? And you’re already a Knight to me. Closest thing I have to a family.”

“I know you don’t need it. But I am guy that at my very core needs those bonds and ties and since that carnival, you’ve been my pack my everything. I want to be Mr. Knight because I need to be that guy you helped make me into. I need those ties to be broken from Jake Montgomery, because I don’t want to go back. You are my family, my fresh start. I love you and I just I don’t know. Marriage means something to me. It’s a ceremony and a piece of paper, but I’m was born a wolf, ceremonies, and bonding and rituals they’re all symbolic of deeper connection and that’s just always stuck with me.” 

“Rude. And here I thought we were friends. But, do you want that life again? Or do you prefer going by Rick and who you are now?” Chloe asked out of curiosity. “And? How can you be so sure? I mean the faerie realm exists right? How’s is this any different?” She pointed out. “Is he? I had a dad, you know? His name was Derek Samuels. He was doctor. He was stern, but kind and would wake up early every morning to read the paper and always save the crossword puzzles for me. That man- the man who taught me how to tie my shoes and my ABCs, is my father, whether we share DNA or not. And Grant’s great. He is, but he was like that far before we were anything to each other, but strangers. So if we um, if we barely know each other and all, I think it might be best if you don’t make assumptions about me or my family. Okay? And you don’t have to tell me that not everyone gets that. I know. Because I already had it once and I lost it.”

“We are but we just became friends two seconds ago. The only people I attach too that easily are babies and Sabrina. Everyone else it takes a while. But I prefer Rick. I created Rick Valentine as an escape. He’s glitz and glam, everything. The lifestyle of the rich and the famous. Music and adoration. That other guy was a shit brother, son, and person. If I had the choice no. There are certain things I won’t do now for fear that I’d end up going back to that. And I have a nephew now and my future wife, and I’ve got my brother back, so I think that I have to bury that guy. Most parts of him.” Rick shrugged. “This is different because the Faerie Realm has always existed. This is a response to something else, something that could have been resolved by compromise. And if enacted it will be much worse.” Rick’s brow rose. “You know you’re funny. You brought it up that Grant is your dad. That you have sway and all these other things. You don’t get to get defensive from a conversation you started. If you truly wanted to be friends you wouldn’t be so defensive. I’m following your lead. I don’t know you well so how am I to know you had another dad? Your name is Chloe Riley and you talk about the man like you have this great relationship and care about him. Maybe instead of talking about Grant being your dad talk about your real dad? Or you know treat Grant like you seem to feel right in this second? Like he’s nothing or not your dad like you seem to be insinuating? Because personally if I had a dad, and lost him, which I did, but I had another dad who wanted to step up and be there, I’d consider that man too my Dad. But I’m not you and I definitely wouldn’t want to be the runner up guy that thinks he’s your dad. I hate the guy but damn. That’s got to hurt, but then again I bet you hang the moon and the stars to him and he’s just some guy to you. Losing a parent sucks, but having someone willing to step up to the plate, that’s fortunate. You may have had it once and lost it, but do you not have that in the dude you were just boasting about being your dad and a teddy bear before this?  Listen, Chloe...I can only read emotions not minds, and if this is how all conversation will go where you are telling me not to make assumptions about your life when all I know is what you tell me. And all I meant was that you’re fortunate to have a dad in your life that is a teddy bear because mine was anything but. But I guess in your friendships you do all the talking and I just sit and nod? Cool. Good talk, friend.” 

“Then I guess you’re out of luck then. It’s a shame really,” She teased. “And who says I’m not, Valentine?”

“The fact that everyone I encounter seems to have no clue what up to no good looks like for starters. And they all want to wear cute smiles and pretend that they’re the best people in the world. Save a few.” 

“I get it, Jake. I get it and I have been listening. I get that you were doing what you were told. You were doing what you thought was right. What was best for the pack. Your family. I get it. But… but what kind of life is this?” Noah asked his brother. “And maybe… you’re probably right. It is unfair. But… but you loved him in a second. In a freaking second and I’m glad, don’t get me wrong. I want the world for that little man. I want to give him everything I ever wanted, every opportunity I missed out, everything I could have and ten times more. I want give my son the world and I’m so happy that he gets to have an Uncle who adores him. I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t scare me. I don’t want him to lose you. I don’t want him to ever go through that, but I’m trusting you and I believe you when you say you’re always going to be there for him. But… and it’s so freaking selfish, I get that and I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud, but… what about me? I get why you were always with dad. I get why you were never around. I get why you kicked me out. But… but you don’t hesitate when it comes to loving them. Two people and, in instant, they’re your family. Life or death, you’ll do anything for them without question. And forgetting the past, right now, be honest. Do you think of me like that too?” He asked, knowing he was probably sniffling like the cry baby of a baby brother he always used to be in comparison to Jake. “Do you?” He asked again. His tone almost hopefully, despite the voice in the back of his head preparing himself to be let down again. “Yeah. I’m angry and, yeah, I resent you. But, that’s only cause I fucking love you. This much. God, you’re my brother, Jake. I spent years, chasing after you, drowning just trying to get you to notice me. And now I see myself doing it again and I just… I don’t want to hate myself anymore for feeling like I might not be enough for you. I just… I want to be enough for you, man,” Noah said, looking away as he used his sleeve to whip his nose and his fallen tears. “Am I enough for you? Rick?”

“Disappointed, probably, but- but she loves you too. More than you could ever know. You were the one she had always wanted. And I know that after I was born, she loved me, I do, but… back then, she didn’t want another kid. She was happy just with you. They were happy just with you. I was just… a strategic decision that one grew to tolerate and one grew to love. And you could have kicked me out without abjuring me, you know? Seeing that we lived together and all. I couldn’t bring myself to eat a person. It wasn’t like I was trying over your throne. But… putting that all aside, just… just answer me this, okay? Please? … If one of our old or your old pack members came back into your life now… Right now, would we be the same to you? Or would you care about me a little bit more? Honest answer?”

“Of course I loved him in a second. He’s your son. He’s a part of my little brother. If he was some random kid, he could be on the cover of babies I don’t care about.” Rick sighed. “You’ve got to stop holding me to the standards of who I used to be. I’m not dad. I’m not going to come into a kid’s life and fuck it up by being shit and leaving. Yeah he might have died but he still left and his death could have been avoided. So no I don’t plan on leaving. And you want to know why it’s easy to love them? Because JJ looks at me without any preconceived notions he’s a baby. He just likes people no matter what. He doesn’t know my past, he doesn’t look at me with resentment or judge me. He just lays there and laughs or babbles or ruins my expensive shirts with spit and spit-up. And Sabrina knows everything about my past and she accepts that I’m a different man now. And I love you as much as I love them, but no matter how many times I say it you will never truly believe it, will you?” Rick frowned. “I don’t even know what that means. Be enough for me. You don’t have to be anything but you. Maybe you have to promise to never cry again because I don’t know what to do with that situation. But other than that just be you. I’m not your Pack Master and you’re not my enforcer. I’m just your brother and that’s all you have to be.” 

“I wouldn’t describe either of them as “happy” with just me. Content maybe, but I don’t think those people knew happiness. I couldn’t but I also couldn’t. The decision I made for you would have been the decision I would have made for someone else...actually probably would have just killed them in front of the pack and made them watch. Had I just kicked you out anyone who did want to over throw me would have just exploited my weak spots. You and mom.” With Noah gone and his mom at a distance, no one saw either of them as weak spots to exploit. To be honest they feared and respected him more because it seemed as though he could never be distracted by other attachments. “Honest answer? No. You wouldn’t be on the same level. I only cared for them as much as I did because I was the leader of the pack. The dynamic was that pack was family. My family is my family, now. Old pack members are just old friends you run into and smalltalk with and tell each other you’ll make better effort to keep in touch.”