* grow / up

Everyone was down in the dumps, that much was certain. And with good reason. After all, they had been evicted from their dorms and told to “ get lost ” in a manner that was far from friendly. No wonder everyone looked gloomier than the weather in London, with faces longer than a mansion’s chimney. But Beth had been raised to always see the bright side of situations, particularly desperate ones such as these. And so, with that attitude in mind, she stood up, “Oh come on now, chums, why da glum looks, hmm? We’re still alive an’ kickin’ aren’t we? An’ is not like any o’ us can change what happened, so why not perk up an’ stop actin’ like da world’s come to an end?” She looked around, forcing a smile and hoping someone would support her. Her eyes fell on the face of an unfamiliar young man, and she took a step towards him, “Isn’t dat right, sir?” 

closed starter // @thetimelessmind

Everything had gone to hell in the middle of the ball. Claude’s only concern throughout the whole thing had been getting to his son and he felt like his whole chest was weighed down by a hundred pounds of led before he could see that Bellamy was okay. Now, Claude was offering his home to students and others who were suddenly evicted from their home and had no place to go. He could only take in so many and he had to rely heavily on donations since his teacher’s salary did little to cover the extra expenses. Worries were piling up in his head as he waded through the crowd, simply trying to get by on his way back from another grocery run when a young girl picked him out. He had been idly listening as he passed by but he tried not to look as hopeless as he felt. “These are serious times. Frowning or smiling, we all have to keep moving but everyone needs to do it at their own pace,” he reminded her. It was a nice thought to keep in good spirits but it would take more than a little charm to offer any real solutions.

With the events of the past few weeks, still fresh in their minds, the people of auradon were on edge. Chip was not in the best place now and he had lost his home too since the castle was taken over. He had tried the longest time to not ask for help from Claude. He had not spoken to the other in a while now. He was sure happy whenever he heard the males voice, but felt like he was imposing on the other to ask him if he was able to stay with him.

@thetimelessmind

These days seemed to bring Claude closer to his past than any hardship ever had before. The castle had been overrun and while he may not be the most well off member of his family, he would open his home to anyone, even his father if the man could abandon his pride to ask. However, it was a childhood friend that arrived at his doorstep first. “Chip, come in,” he offered without hesitation. His studio apartment was cluttered with stray mattresses and blankets, signs that quite a few people were occupying the space but they were all out at the moment, collecting supplies and living their lives as best they could in this situation. At the moment, Claude and Bellamy had the place to themselves for the first time since the takeover began.

Wyatt stood at the table and felt another moving towards him before hearing another speak. He turned to look to the male and shrugged a little. “Yes of course… I mean I might step back a little if you want me too, but your more than welcome to press past me?” He teased the male. 

Claude’s expression couldn’t be seen through the mask but he was amused by the flirting or whatever the male’s intentions were. “That’s more for you to decide,” he responded, reaching past the other anyways to grab his desired treat.

“Still a hell of a lot better than most of the people I know,” Eden pointed out. Though given she’d essentially grown up in prison, the lack of competition couldn’t be all that shocking. “You’re right, and I wish I’d had someone like you around to tell me just that when my father was feeding me the opposite.” Sadly she’d only joined Leland’s crew after the seeds of self hatred had been planted. Otherwise they likely would’ve been able to prevent her monster complex. “But I’m glad I have you now. Late or not.”

She nodded maybe she’ll take them but at the same time she didn’t want Eden thinking she was taking advantage of the situation. Normally she would but she was one to never do something like that with her crew. “Alright then. I care about her alot especially after we were both arrested together and all the shit those stupid guards said to her really got to her head.” It made Ellie feel a little jealous of his child, he clearly cared alot about him while her own father didn’t even made much of an attempt unless it was for personal gain. “Your kid is lucky you know.”

As much as she was enjoying the moment, simply being held in his arms, the conversation she’d begun was a serious one. Her gaze held his as she shifted into a seated position, hand finding his on instinct to maintain the physical connection. “Claude, you did something for me that no one else was able to do. And trust me, my crew has tried. When someone from the Isle tells you you’re not a monster, it’s almost always meant as an insult. But with you…” Eden trailed off, giving his hand a light squeeze. “You had no reason to lie. If someone as good as you could see my tail as something other than monstrous, maybe it was time I tried to do the same.”

“It was the first few nights.” She admitted. “Not alot of blankets and our clothes aren’t exactly the thickest things but few days later we were able to figure things out.” By figure out it meant stealing blankets and other stuff to keep them warm. She also knew a few were staying in the mainland in some places they could find, not that she blamed them with her some nights doing the same thing. “Thanks.” She said as she took the blankets and draped herself in one as she got comfortable. “Well i’ll do anything for my fans.” She joked. “Hate to get all serious on you but on what is going on between you two, you better be good to her. She deserves it.” Maybe it might not be the place for it but Ellie was very protective over her crew like she was with her brothers and maybe more with Eden as it was sometimes hard for to make friends.

She let silence fall between them, more than content to simply be near him. It was odd, letting her walls down so completely with someone. Making herself vulnerable in ways she never thought possible for someone like her. He’d even gotten her viewing her mermaid side in a more positive light. A thought that had her grinning upon remembering the news she’d yet to share. “I’ve started researching Whitecap Bay and the mermaids there.” Early steps in determining whether or not she’d take the leap to find or contact her mother. “Which I wouldn’t have done if not for you.”

“Oh it’s fine.” She said shrugging it off as it was nothing. It was though because his kid reminded her alot of her brothers. ‘i’m surprise I haven’t gotten sick too. But I guess I’ve been really good at keeping myself bundled up.” Despite still wearing her usual attire this weather has had her wearing more layers than usual. “I might take you up on that offer. I’ve gotten pretty comfy on this couch.” Speaking of Eden, she was very happy that her friend and Claude were very smitten with each other. “I’m sure this is going to earn some brownie points with her when she hears about it.”

“Ooooooo Cherry pie. That sounds amazing. Come with me?” He was excited. He loved any flavor of pie. It was his favorite and he jumped up. “Come onnnnnnnnnnnn.”

“I can show you the way but I can’t stay.” He had to pick his son up from the sitter soon but since he had planned to go out anyways, he could pick up dinner for them at the diner.

“ hey , uh , just a heads up but , i think you dropped something . ”

                           she couldn’t resist making a quip ,                            a soft giggle bursting forth as she                            made no move to help him ; rather                            content to watch just how far he                            could get without dropping everything .

with great care, he managed to pick the portfolio back up without dropping even more. “i got it, no worries.” of course, he could tell she was making fun of him but no one became a teen dad in high school and escaped without developing a thick skin.