#lomktask2

The Aeron Family - Last of My Kind Development Task #2

Family, for Ryder, is a knot tied so tightly around his heart, that no matter how much you tug on it it just won’t unravel. When asked about a mother he’ll direct you to Rowan Thane, the only proper mother figure he knew. The only woman in his life that looked at him and cared for him regardless of his faults. If pressed about a father figure, Ryder - if you haven’t chased him far away from the word - will point to two men: Kameer Gbeho, the lawyer who helped him through the court proceedings following what the Aeron’s now call “The Incident”. (Because the continuous abuse of your second born son needs a cute title). He was the man who gave him a roof over his head while arrangements with Ryder’s aunt were made. And Andy Thane, who taught Ryder everything he needed to know about this life he was diving head first into. The world revolves around his two siblings - Collette Alves, who means so much to Ryder that his guest room will forever be called Lettie’s Room so she knows she’s got a place to stay. And now, Benny Thane, the baby that has already found his own little spot in Ryder’s heart. 

That’s who his family is. But there’s not denying that Ryder’s issues with family stem from the group of people who share a bloodline with him. All his therapists have tried different ways to get him to open up about his biological family. The only one to actually succeed, was Betsy. Who took a shot in the dark and asked Ryder about them one day, fully expecting no response. And she didn’t that day.

But the next week he surprised her; and told her as much as he could handle. What she learned was:

Clay Aeron ruled the Aeron home with an iron fist that was established in his high school years as he ran for student body president. When he won his junior year of high school he got a huge head; decided that this would become his life and already began his research for his presidential run. But when he lost his senior year, that’s when Clay’s cruelty came crashing down. His brother, who won over him, came to school the next day with a busted lip that when paired with Clay’s black eye, proved that Clay Aeron didn’t take losing very well, and the fuse to his anger was minuscule. Any tiny thing would set it off. But of course that wasn’t to be shown to the public, so Clay put on a happy face and eventually schmoozed his way into the heart of Raissa Darcelle when they met in college. 

Raissa was the older of two daughters born to a popular host of a Christian talk show and her executive producer. Determined to prove to her parents that she would do what she wanted now that she was out of the house and away from their - and God’s - constant scrutiny, she picked up every habit she could think of that would make her mother clutch her rosary. Raissa met Clay behind the campus library. She was smoking a cigarette, hating the burning of the ash, but loving the way it would make her mother’s eyes burn with disdain, and he asked for a light. They got married by their graduation, and when Clay got a high paying job in Georgia working for the State House, Raissa was able to start writing her series of self help books about becoming true to yourself when everything was stacked against you. 

Though her younger sister, Lexia Darcelle worshiped Raissa; she didn’t take to her sister’s righteous rebellion. Lexi stayed close to their hometown of Baton Rogue, Louisiana for most of her life. She got into the teaching school at Louisiana State, and ended up teaching high school all over Louisiana before settling down in Olympus and teaching at the private high school the next town over. Lexia means well, she truly does, and when the police called about the state of her nephew, she took him in. And she tried to give him the life he deserved; but it was hard to come to terms with the fact that her sister allowed everything that happened to her younger son to happen, so she eventually started to distance herself from the redheaded evidence of the cruel side of the woman she looked up to all her life. 

last of my kind development task two: family

HENRY FISHER, 61, Sheriff of the Olympus Police Department

ADDISON FISHER (nee Andrews), 61, trauma surgeon 

ASPEN FISHER, 43, owner of Little Dove Diner

ANDREW THANE, 38, mechanic & Sargent-at-Arms for Primordial Motorcycle Club

ROWAN THANE (nee Fisher), 37, emergency room doctor

With most of his immediate family gone, save Desmond and his family, with whom he’s only recently reconnected with, Maddox only has a chosen family that he’s really able to rely on fully these days. It’s small but mighty, including: Reina, Rowan, Benny, and Andy, with a strained familial tie with Jackson. 

Reina has really been a shining star in Maddox’s life. While it sounds cliche, she and Rowan saved Maddox time and time again. Reina has been like a mother to him, protecting him from his own mother, ensuring that he had the things that he needed and coddling him (as much as Reina can coddle). Maddox loves Reina and would do just about anything for her and it’s been that way for sixteen years, with the only break being following Maddox learning about Reina’s betrayal to him. Unfortunately, that incident made his trust in her waver quite a bit and sometimes he still feels like he needs to walk on eggshells with her sometimes. He still worries that she could interfere with Maddox and Sutton’s relationship, causing the similar turmoil from before if she doesn’t like Sutton. But in the end, Maddox knows while Reina mostly hurt Allana for herself, she also did it for him in her own way.

While Reina may act as a mother to Maddox, Rowan acts more like a sister. When Reina seems to be too overbearing for an issue, that’s when Maddox calls Rowan. There’s not much that Maddox would hide from her and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. When and where she needs it, Maddox has been her shoulder to lean on while she’s protected and rooted for Maddox along the way. They cheer each other on and aren’t afraid to tell each other when they’re wrong or fucked up— which is something that Maddox is thankful for every single day. Sixteen years later between the porch beers, the camping trips, Olive Garden adventures and karaoke endeavours, Rowan has become Maddox’s best friend and family, whether she wants it or not.

With Rowan came Andy and Benny. It was like a one for three deal with them. Since Maddox doesn’t have siblings of his own, he’d never be able to have a nephew unless it were by marriage and Benny is the closest thing he has to it. Maddox loves Benny and sharing a birthday with him, knowing that one day they’ll celebrate Maddox’s 51st birthday and Benny’s 21st birthday together someday. Andy is probably the closest thing he has to an older brother or a brother-in-law that he could get. While he’ll always stick by Rowan’s side (sorry, Andy), Maddox views Andy as a close friend. And anyone that Rowan loves as deeply as she does Andy is someone that Maddox would protect with his life. He enjoys their guys time, considering Maddox seemingly is always surrounded by women outside of the Club and he appreciates Andy’s ear— in which he’s allowed Maddox to rant about shit to.   

The one person that he has certainly ranted about to Andy, at least mildly is Jackson. There’s no two-ways about it that Jackson and Maddox have never really seen eye to eye, especially growing up. Reina tried to keep Jackson kind to Maddox but their conflicting views on a lot of things made it a bit difficult. Even when Maddox tried to prospect, he’s pretty sure he was only allowed to do so because other’s vouched for him and his mother was sick. He was serious about this task and Jackson eventually agreed, although sometimes Maddox feels as though he’s still rooting against him— just wanting him to fail. 

The Carter family -- as told by Seth Carter

Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Carter (d. 2009, age 65) - “My mom? She was a real sweet lady. Sweet as they come. Like, if there’s a fucking God and heaven and shit, Ma’s definitely there. Ain’t no way she isn’t. She took care of us kids even when she was tired as Hell from work all day. She bailed me out a couple’a’times and even made Finn help my ass. Honestly, I wasn’t that good to her. At least, I don’t think I was. She’d tell me I was full of shit. But that was the type of mom she was. Ain’t never thought us kids did anything but walk on water. Then when I had Zane and Harls-- God, I don’t think she could’ve been any happier. She always told me I needed to settle down... Find someone. Try and be happy. Turns out, she was right, but maybe it wasn’t with a lady. Maybe it was just with my kids.”

Edward ‘Ed’ Carter (d. 2015, age 77) - “Dad and I didn’t see eye to eye for a lot of shit. I mean, I loved the fucker but Jesus Christ, he would not get off my ass for a single second. He hated the Club and he hated that I couldn’t keep my ass out of trouble. Dad loved Mom like no one else and I think he saw a lot more’a the shit I put her through. I was with him when he died and he was still trying to tell me what to do. But— I should’ve expected it.”

Damian Carter (age 53) - “Both of my brothers were basically the poster boys for being perfect. Damian played football, married his high school sweetheart, ya know, whole nine yards. When we were kids, we got along. He was my older brother, ya know? Looked up to him even. But I think at some point, Dam got sick of my shit. I mean— he still is. But at least now we’re adults. He won’t ever tell me that shit though. He’ll act like nothin’s wrong instead and be all passive aggressive about shit. Damian isn’t a bad brother… We just aren’t alike. Least my kids and him get along. They like him better than Finn so at least they have good taste.

Seth Carter (age 49) - “We ain’t going on about me. Y’all can see me just fine.”

Finn Carter (age 47) - “Finn thinks his shit don’t stink. He’s another golden boy turned asshole adult that’s got to rub it in his brother’s face that his ass isn’t like him. Like, we fucking get it. He’s gotten me outta some shit though. He’s some bigshot lawyer and stays away from Olympus at all costs and yet— still bails my ass out sometimes. He’s got three kids and a perfect wife. And he won’t let your ass forget it.”

Amelia Carter (age 41) - “Amelia is cool as shit but she married my brother so she’s probably still a pompous fucking asshole deep down. She’s hot as Hell which is also fucking annoying. She does something with fish or some shit so I talk to her about fishin’ sometimes. Harley loves her.”

Harley Carter (age 14) - “My baby girl. God, look at that picture— she sure is pretty, ain’t she? She’s smart as Hell too. Way smarter than I was at her age. She’s takin’ honor’s everything or some shit. AP Classes… You name it. She wants to go to college. Thinking of being an astronaut right now. But last week I think she wanted to be a vet so who the fuck knows. Her Ma and I scored big with her. Her Mom’s outta the Club shit for the most part, she got married to some dude last year… Had a kid and that but they still take care of Harls every other week. I’m just fuckin’ thankful we ain’t had any issues about all that. Harley’s nice to everyone so I knew she’d be fine… but had to make sure the step-dad knew who’s kid he had in his house. You know?”

LOMK DEVELOPMENT TASK TWO - FAMILY. THE STONE FAMILY. Mother, Father, and Son.

Despite being a part of a very large family, at the end of the day, it’s always been just Sharon, John, and Oliver. They’re a trio you’ll never really forget. They have the kind of love that’s almost disgusting. It’s basically picturesque and what most can only hope for. Oliver does everything in his power to keep his family out of club business. Though his parents grow increasinly curious sometimes. Oliver is a man of so many prominent weakness, but his family might be the biggest one. They’re the thing that could truly make or break him. There is nothing in this world more important to him than his family. It’s very hard to top how much his parents, especially, mean to him. They’ve truly seen him at every stage of his life and he’s always been completely open and honest with them even during his stages of rebellion. They’ve witnessed every low, every high, and whatever came in between. There are days where Oliver still feels as though he owes them a great deal for having had to deal with him while he was at a terrifying place in regards to his mental health. But they constantly tell him that even now, they wouldn’t change a damn thing and that he doesn’t owe them anything. They love him so much and that much will never, ever change.

Sharon and John are currently living in New Orleans. They moved away from Olympus only around six years ago. This brought a wave of relief over Oliver, as he prefers them to stay away from any threats of danger that linger within Olympus. They’re in Olympus often, though, especially now that Oliver seems to be settling down. This is what Sharon and John have been truly waiting for when it comes to their son. There was a time where they feared he might never really find anyone or settle down properly, as the idea of growing up is something they both know terrifies Oliver. But Eli, Oliver’s partner, has been a gift and has been his found family ever since they met. The moment Oliver brought Eli home, they knew he was the one for their son. John and Sharon basically view Eli as a second son now and are now just counting the days until they can finally call him their son in law. 

Sharon Bridgers grew up in an abusive household. Her mother was never kind and her father was a drunk. She was heavily rebellious as a child and even more rebellious as a teenager. She met John Stone when she was 22 and he was 24. They were insantly smitten and John’s family took her in like she was their very own. Even today, Sharon goes on about how she had never experienced a closeness like the Stone family. They protected her, took her in, and helped her with everything she ever needed from then on. 

It was also obvious that John and Sharon were the one for one another, as they got married after only being together for seven months. But to them, it felt like forever. They’re still extremely in love after all this time. It grosses Oliver out sometimes but it’s what he’s been striving for all of his life.

John Stone was your typical popular guy. He was a jock, cool, and annoyingly sweet. He got along with everyone and came from a big, happy family. It shocked everyone that he knew (aside from his family) when he ended up with a streetrat like Sharon Bridgers. But to John, she was dynamite. He loved her and his family did too, so he didn’t give a shit what anyone else thought. He still doesn’t. 

Around the time he met Sharon, he was actually dating another woman. A small, dark haired girl that he worked with. It didn’t take long for him to dump her for Sharon, which certainly got some rumors flying. But like stated, he did not give a shit. Still doesn’t. Point blank.

Sharon and John had a nice long six years of marriage before having Oliver in 1983. When anyone asks what’s their secret, they always swear it’s that they had so much time with each other before their son was in the picture, and they had all the time in the world to practice and get it right together.

It would be easy to imagine that Adrian came from a broken home. The most generous would assume that his mother was overworked and unintentionally neglectful. His father wasn’t ready to settle down so he wasn’t around. The most malicious might assume that his parents were some combination of abusive, addicted, or dead.

But Adrian will be the first to tell you that he fucked up his life all on his own. Both of his parents are still alive and well, still married and happily approaching their 37th wedding anniversary. 

Emmett Henderson (59) and Ruth Henderson (56) met at a concert in 1981. Emmett was the guitarist for the opening act, Ruth was experimenting with teenage rebellion for the first time in her very sheltered life. Coming together involved a complicated scheme to sneak back stage so Ruth’s friend could meat the headliner’s frontman. The two bonded over their love of music, their strict parents, and some spark of attraction that refused to die when the night was over.

LOMK DEVELOPMENT TASK TWO: THE THANE FAMILY. [1/2]

CRONUS & RHEA THANE. father & mother, adopted.

Cronus and Rhea truly mark the beginning of an era. As the man who spearheaded the creation of Primordial MC, and his wife who was quick to follow suit as his queen -- They were the first of their kind in Olympus. Both were regarded as Olympus royalty, with it practically being a town law that the two are a family who should not be fucked with. In 1982, Rhea and Cronus Thane travel to New Orleans just after the Forth of July in the hopes of adopting a child, wanting to add another addition to their family. They are introduced to nine month old Andy, a quiet baby who lights up the moment Rhea holds him. She begins the paper work for his adoption an hour after. By the end of the year, he’s taken to his new home in Olympus, just in time for the holidays -- And he’s officially joined the Thane family. 

Most would assume they seem to have figured out some big secret of life -- Three adopted sons, an unwavering amount of power, and the wealth from their dealings. Behind closed doors, however, was always a different story. Abuse was always a prominent part of their relationship -- Cronus Thane had always been a violent, ruthless man. It made the MC powerful, and caused plenty of tension in their home, as well. 

Andy never had much of a relationship with his father because of this; From a very young age, he’d always seen the man as someone to fear, someone to move carefully around, terrified to upset. As a child, he was shielded from the brunt of his father’s rage -- Until he grew old enough to feel bold enough to push back and meet the consequences of it. That grew it loathing as he got older, hating the man for the things he’d done and the terror he’d forced on their family up until his death in 2017. He’s endured years of abuse, along side his mother, brothers, sister in law, and wife -- The entire family having had to purely work with the hand they had been dealt. He’s always hated his father, the resentment of him truly having boiled over once Cronus had laid hands on Rowan. There’s nothing he looks back upon regarding his father that Andy finds himself admire or respect -- He hates every thing about the man, finding himself grateful once the news came of his untimely death. 

Andy celebrated his father’s death, not bothering to try and get his lawyer to grant him permission to attend the funeral. He mourned after, in his own way, but the death of Cronus Thane still feels like a victory in Andy’s books. His father may have helped shape him into the man he is now, having taught him everything he knows about the club, this life, and his role within the MC -- but the memory of him leaves him with clenched fists and a tight jaw. If there’s anything Andy regrets, it’s having not fought harder against his father, even though he knows realistically that the consequences would be far worse than anything he could have done.

His relationship with his mother, however, is a different story. Despite the years of abuse the Thane’s endured at the hand of his father, his Ma never failed to be a source of unconditional love and kindness for him. Rhea has always been a staple in Andy’s life -- She’s one of the few people he listens to without question, someone who’s opinion he values over nearly everyone else. His mother has seen every dark, destructive moment of her sons life, and never once hesitated to pull him in and begin to form a plan for what to do next. There’s never been any strings attached, no if, ands, or buts when it comes to her children. She’s always been someone who has reminded him of the softer side of the frightening world he was raised in, keeping her chin up despite it all, and helping him back on to his feet each time he needed it. He swears she’s a mind reader -- Able to know exactly what he’s thinking without him having to say a word.

There’s a guilt that follows Andy regarding his mother, though -- He wished he’d fought harder for her through out his life (even in the times he was a child and couldn’t do much), knowing she bore the brunt of his father’s abuse. He will always regret not fighting harder for her, for not pushing back as hard as he could. To this day, Andy still has a close relationship with his Ma, the two often texting or talking on the phone about their days, what they’re up to, whatever comes to mind. She’s been a staple in helping him return to ‘real life’ after prison, even letting him live in her guest room while working on selling his old home. With her memory beginning to slip within the last year, he’s become more concerned about Rhea’s health -- Though he tries to tell himself he’s just overreacting, and that she’s fine.

JACKSON & JEREMIAH THANE. older brothers.

There’s a certain bond between the Thane brothers, one that can’t be denied. The three spent their childhood looking out for one another, and more specifically -- Jeremiah and Jackson looking out for Andy, given the age difference between them. He’ll always hold his brothers in high regard because of this, the three having scene plenty of horrors together, with his older brother’s often bearing the burden so Andy wouldn’t have to. When it come to Jeremiah, the middle of the three -- The two have always been on good terms, often found poking at the other with sarcastic jabs and cheeky comments in between each serious conversation. He’s always seemed to be the peacemaker and problem solver of the three -- Often being the first to go on the hunt for answers. Andy’s always admired his brother for that, and for the debt he feels he’ll never be able to repay: In his time locked away in prison, while his family still looked after Rowan (even despite their divorce), Jeremiah was the first she’d call -- And he’d always shown up. 

As for his oldest brother Jackson, things a bit more complicated. He’s always looked up to his brother, seen him as a guiding force -- Mostly because he’s the oldest of the three and there’s a sizable age gap between the two of them. But he’s always held the title of pseudo dad, and while it’s panned out well when Jackson would show up for Andy when he needed or kept him safe in ways their actual father failed to do -- It doesn’t come without a deep seeded complication, leaving Andy caught between wanting to impress Jackson and have the other man be proud of him, and wanting to tell him to fuck off and stop hovering. It’s a vicious cycle, one that’s bred from their own fucked up relationship with their father, one Andy still hasn’t figured out how to navigate in tense situations. He’d never admit to having Daddy Issues, but he’s practically the poster child for it. He loves both of his brothers, and wants nothing more than to have a close bond with them, but with Jackson having the relationship he does with him, (and the fact that he’s now president of the MC, much like their father had been too), Andy still finds himself feeling like a child trying to get approval from his father when they’re in tense situations.

REINA THANE. sister in law (married to jackson, separated).

Reina is the epitome of tough love, and Andy can’t help but respect her for it. Though they came from rocky beginnings -- Taking nearly two decades to reach the point they’re at now. He’s twelve when his brother introduces him to Reina, the literal devil herself. Andy’s not sure if he hates her because she’s mean to him, or that she’s taking his brother from him. The two don’t get along regardless, and Andy’s quick to make sure she knows – Reina’s happy to do just the same, her words stinging far more than his do. There’s no reasoning with a pre-teen, so he just pouts all the way through the ceremony. It’s not until he’s an ‘adult’ and is Prospecting for the MC that the two reach.... something neutral. They’re by no means good friends, but by the time he’s patched into the club the two get along decently enough. 

LOMK DEVELOPMENT TASK TWO  -  FAMILY.

When local slut Marie Dolan got pregnant at 19 years old, nobody was surprised. She was a young and angry girl who only cheated, stole, and sexed her way through life. Nobody was even surprised when she got pregnant four more times after that. All anyone could do was hope and pray those children turned out alright in the end. SPOILER ALERT: They didn’t.

Everyone in Ford’s family is a criminal in some way. From the moment they were born, they were thrown to the wolves, fending for themselves and mainly for their mother. Noah, Chris, Richard, Michael aka Ford, and Thomas never stood a chance at a regular life. Their fathers were all cast out the moment they were both. They were either deadbeats or Marie simply wanted them nowhere near her sons. For no reason other than she wanted to sink her claws into them before their fathers ever could. Her only exception ever was Ford’s father, George, who was incarcerated for most of Ford’s life and ended up dying in prison in 1995. Marie claims he was the only one she’s ever truly loved, hence why she goes by his last name even if they were never married. George was in the picture for a long time, even before Ford was born. Noah and Chris remember him fondly, surprisingly, despite George being a criminal and a thief. That was just normal in their household.

Ford and his half-brothers are a tricky subject and one he doesn’t like to dwell on. In hindsight, it wasn’t their fault that they were groomed the way that they were. They never really argued and if they did it was because their mother did everything to make them do so. So there are moments where Ford thinks he should get back in contact with them, but something always stops him. It’s mostly fear and hurt feelings, but Ford will be damned before he admits to that.

The only person he truly still talks to from time to time is Thomas, the youngest of the bunch. He’s just as troubled but still a little too naive to see through Marie’s bullshit. He’s the only one who went back to live with her and still contributes in most of her dirty work and addiction.