[img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180815/6bd5df81ef6fa48ea5aa1943e7418de1.png[/img][center][img]https://i.imgur.com/S1P9iOW.png?1[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/oSinEjr.gif[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/ooJOQLm.gif[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/LC5k58c.gif[/img] [sub][color=dimgray]Collab with [@Fabricant451], [@Universorum], & [@Lovely Complex][/color][/sub] [img]https://i.imgur.com/Z2TGz6k.png?1[/img] [/center][right][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180815/7a10a23c167f4dcd590e38f4565fa82d.png[/img][/right] [indent]As they pulled up toward the Wells house, Hailey looked over at Hana. By now, Hailey’s Korean was short of breath, due to what Hailey had been up to with her hand in Hana’s lap. Hailey had been on the phone for a while of the car ride, but her attention had been focused almost entirely on Hana. Once the phone call had ended, Hailey had taken her attention off of Hana, and wiped her hand clean on the seat so that she could send a text to Remy, letting him know that she and Hana would be stopping by to check in on Riley, after the somewhat ‘controversial’ video he’d posted on Instagram the evening before. Really, Hailey had [i]words[/i] for Riley. A lot of them. Some heavy, some light. Some teasing, some rude. She knew [i]one[/i] thing for certain, [color=922b2b][b]“Butler, stay here. Hana, come.”[/b][/color] Hailey ordered plainly as the car came to a complete stop. Butler looked over his shoulder, but chose not to question them and shrugged his shoulders. This was fine; he could watch something cheesy on Netflix in the meantime. Hailey opened the door, gesturing for Hana to follow after her. [color=922b2b][b]“Come on, darling. We have work to do.”[/b][/color] Hailey ordered to Hana as she strolled up to the door and knocked, patiently awaiting Remy’s inevitable answering. It wasn’t a negative thought but the lingering thought in Hana’s mind as the car pulled to a stop was if this was going to happen every time she rode with Hailey. With enough repetition and expectation, the back of a vehicle could damn well be a Pavlovian experience for the currently worked up and damn near breathless Korean. The point of this trip she didn’t even fully understand, but it was a perk of being in a relationship with Hailey Green. Hana was like the Personal Aide to the President, secretly the hardest job in politics, only the actual President probably didn’t leave their aide flushed and scrambling to make sure they didn’t look worked up. Before stepping out of the car, Hana saw a little opening and wrestled with the notion of speaking up. It was a little crude, but maybe Hailey would have a chuckle before attending to her duties and wouldn’t that brighten the mood, especially given the events of brunch earlier? [color=ff69b4][b]”I almost did, Hailey.”[/b][/color] Hana spoke when Hailey told her to come, offering her smile as she stepped out of the car. A bit crude, but she tried and couldn’t be faulted for that. Inside, in the kitchen, where he usually resided, Remy sat at the counter with both his laptop and planner open. Gently tossing his phone on the counter, with a strained expression on, he furrowed his eyebrows. He didn’t think Riley needed to revisit his childhood years, where he saw a therapist weekly. A therapist to help him socialize with his peers that weren’t his brother. And yet... this past month displayed obvious signs that his youngest son needed help. Ultimately, Remy blamed himself for missing the signs. The signs of concern that his boy was battling demons that no parent could handle to fix on their own. You’d think he would’ve caught a glimpse of something, seeing how Riley was so much like Jareth. So much like his beloved. At least in the way they dealt with their damage. Moments ago, he had gotten off the phone with Dr. Thomas, seeing if his friend had availability within the next week. Of course, Oliver Thomas made exceptions for friends, so fitting Riley in the next morning was no problem. Remy doubted his son would want to go to school for the rest of the week. So, he’d grant him that peace of mind. He wasn’t going to force him to do anything. This was a sensitive time for his son and rather than push him more in the corner than he already felt he was in, Remy would simply wait out the storm and pray this didn’t lead to… No father, or mother, would ever want to consider the prospect of their child being suicidal, but if Riley continued on this path of self destruction… what was a father to do? The video absolutely broke Remy’s heart. The Beverly Hills High he knew wasn’t as bad as the school his son went to. Truth be told, the school he knew wasn’t bad at all. Yes, there were the cliques, as all high schools had, but there was always this underlying sense of family, even between the opposing ‘factions’, the evil queen and her ice queen, Alyssa Green and Evelyn Harding, against Connor and his Elite. Honestly, Remy always took it as sibling banter (though not by blood) and a fun game of wits and wagers. Remy was simply a small town boy from Colorado, but when he visited with his family of friends, after they all met David Powers, during the great Fable break up (fun fact, Rose’s mother did push her soulmate away for many years to deal with her baggage), he met the lot of them. They were simply young teens making the best of their lives. If anything, it gave them hilarious stories and great laughs. Now, for the most part, everyone was amicable with one another. This school, though? The new Beverly Hills High? This school sounded like hell. Remy was too caught up in his thoughts to realize Hailey had sent him a text fifteen minutes ago, so when there was a knock on his door, his eyes peered toward the front entrance in mild confusion. Who could be visiting? The only logical answer was a package or a weekly special ingredients delivery. In time, he made his way to the front door and looked through the peephole. Oh, it was Eve’s look-alike and a cute Asian girl. What a pleasant surprise. She must be concerned for Riley, since he hasn’t missed school since freshman year when he had the flu. Opening the door, Remy beamed at the two gorgeous, young ladies, [b][color=ffff99]“Hailey! Good morning, sweetheart. I don’t think Riley is up—”[/color][/b] [color=426f6f][b]“Dad, did you make food?”[/b][/color] Speak of the devil. At the top of the stairs, Riley was bundled in his gray comforter. When he saw who was at the front door, he turned on his heel, [color=426f6f][b]“Actually, I’m not hungry. I’m going back to bed. Niiiight.”[/b][/color] Remy tsked, looking back at his son, stopping him in his tracks. [b][color=ffff99]“Don’t be rude, come down and say hi to Hailey and…”[/color][/b] Remy glanced back seeking a proper introduction to his new guest. More and more Hana felt like the lead character in a trashy novel read by bored housewives in-between their fourth glass of wine of the morning and their daily mental gymnastics on why not to have a torrid affair. In those novels the girl was always just some nobody blessed with either superstar looks or a humble personality that was just what the hunky love interest needed. And in every one of those novels, at least when class warfare or politics were involved, there was the scene where the regular girl was meeting some movers and shakers but the love interest was secretly embarrassed and didn’t let the girl speak. This wasn’t one of those times. Hana knew Hailey wasn’t embarrassed by Hana, it was just that Hana had a newfound tendency to need a few moments to gather herself and her thoughts when she was out and about with Hailey. When she was slow on introducing herself, she was glad that someone between the two of them could easily transition from pleasure to business. [color=922b2b][b]“Her name is Hana. She’s my girlfriend, and she’s very shy. If i had to guess, she won’t be speaking much at this meeting — I’m not sure she and Riley have ever met.”[/b][/color] Hailey spoke to Remy in order to introduce her girlfriend, but then turned her attention to Riley, giving him the tiniest of smiles. It was against the rules to seem [i]too[/i] happy, after all. [b][color=ffff99]“They came to see if you were okay! The least you could do is say hi and come down for breakfast. You could use more compassionate friends like them and I’d rather you eat with friends than alone in your bedroom.”[/color][/b] Remy lectured, before smiling back at Hailey and Hana, [b][color=ffff99]“It’s very nice to meet you Hana. Please, please, make yourself at home.”[/color][/b] [color=ff69b4][b]”Likewise, sir. Hailey has said so much about you and your family. All good things, honest.”[/b][/color] Hana spoke up just in time to make them realize she wasn’t a mute, and in so doing was lying straight out of her ass. But with a smile. She was learning. At those words, Riley wanted to choke in laughter. Compassionate? Hailey? [i]Hilarious[/i]. His stomach growled, though. He might have to admit defeat in this battle. His dad would never shut up about it if he chose to storm off in a tantrum. There was a plus side to this, right? Food. Food was always a plus side. [color=922b2b][b]“Apologies, Remy. Normally, I wouldn’t bring Hana to stuff like this, but she stayed over last night so truth be told? I didn’t have much of a choice.”[/b][/color] Hailey and Hana had already eaten, but… Hailey would still eat again if Remy was cooking; it was for the best, based on what she’d had that was made by him before. [color=922b2b][b]“We can’t stay long, Remy. I just saw the video that Riley posted, and I simply [i]had[/i] to check on him. He said some rather, ahem, [i]aggressive[/i] words about the student body, and I wanted to make sure that he wasn’t still under the influence.”[/b][/color] Hailey was well-spoken, and good at covering up true intentions, but even she was having trouble hiding the venom underlying her words. [color=922b2b][b]“If possible, I’d like to speak to him without — and I mean no offense, I’m sure you’ve a lovely father — a helicopter parent. We could speak more privately in the living room, and then meet you back in the kitchen when we’re ready?”[/b][/color] Hailey was still speaking more to Remy than to Riley, though after she finished, she turned her attention to Riley full force, [color=922b2b][b]“if you wouldn’t mind, after all. It’s your decision — you’re the one who’s having an off day, I wouldn’t want to intrude on that.”[/b][/color] By now, Riley left his blanket behind, his hands were shoved in his sweatpants’ pockets, as he stood beside his father, [color=426f6f][b]“Whatever.”[/b][/color] [color=426f6f][i]Like that’s true. We both know you won’t take no for an answer.[/i][/color] His father slapped his shoulder and lowly reprimanded, [b][color=ffff99]“I raised you better than that.”[/color][/b] Riley shrugged in response, which caused Remy’s face to heat in annoyance. [i]Go cook.[/i] Bringing his attention back to the girls, he nodded, [b][color=ffff99]“Alright, you know where to find me.”[/color][/b] Walking away, Remy gritted his teeth. [color=ffff99][i]Keep that attitude up and I’ll get your dad involved.[/i][/color] Now, in the living room, Riley crossed his arms, on one side of the coffee table, apathetically staring at the two girls that felt inclined to show how much they really care. [color=426f6f][b]“Cut the crap, Hailey. Say your piece, then—”[/b][/color] He paused and cooly gestured toward the door, [color=426f6f][b]“—Get out.”[/b][/color] Riley didn’t care how he talked to the ‘queen’ or, at this rate, the fallen, which honestly was [i]different[/i] than the majority of the student body. Everyone treaded lightly around her, aside from Owen Lyon. Even her closest confidants, Trixie and Ophelia, watched what they said around her. Owen defended those that were defenseless and never changed who he was, a true trait to admire. Riley simply was turning over a new leaf. Being as real as he could be. No more pretending. The youngest Wells boy was tired of putting on a front for others, especially people like her that only associated with kids like him when she got offended. Trevor was better at blending in with the creme de la creme. Riley, though? He showed his roots. He had nothing until his fathers adopted him. When you’ve experienced losing everything, that puts a new perspective on how you go about things. His morning show was supposed to be a platform for everyone, not just the high and mighty. But at this point, everyone could go fuck themselves. He was tired of the petty bullshit. He was tired of people that thought they could get away with murder because they were fortunate since the day of birth. If she was here seeking an apology, she wouldn’t get any. He was already a dead man walking at school. Her threats would only come out empty. [color=922b2b][b]“Oh, shush. Being dead inside doesn’t suit you much at all. You’re much better when you aren’t high and you’re in less of, a… mood, so to speak. I didn’t come here to threaten you, which I’m sure you don’t believe.”[/b][/color] Now, Hailey spoke in a neutral tone, perhaps not as aggressive as expected. She shook her head, half-wondering what Riley had taken that had done this to him. [color=922b2b][b]“Honestly, what do you think the school is going to do if you show up back like this? Me, personally? I don’t much care about you — but, my father is quite fond of you. That being said, I won’t tolerate you blatantly calling James out like that. Do [i]not[/i] do that. He is my best, and often only, friend. You had no right and certainly no reason to mention him in your little bitchfest. Aside from that, he [i]certainly[/i] doesn’t ‘fight my battles for me.’”[/b][/color] Hailey scoffed, her voice dripping with the more standard venom she was known for. Truth be told, the only offense Riley had made against her personally was calling out her Butler. James didn’t need to be caught in the crossfire of her behavior; after all, he spent most of his time trying to minimize it. [color=922b2b][b]“I don’t [i]need[/i] him. He supports me and offers insight and advice where applicable. He is one of the most important people in my life and I would [i]appreciate[/i] it if you openly and publicly rescinded your comments relating to him. I don’t care about the rest, say what you will about me, but leave Butler alone.”[/b][/color] She hooked some of the dark hair behind her ear and shook her head. Why bother? Riley seemed committed if nothing else. [color=922b2b][b]“Now, having said that, I would like to address the rest of this. I don’t know what your plan is, but if you hide here, you are only going to make things worse. You freaked out and had a moment, and what? You think staying home is going to make it [i]better[/i], honestly? If that’s the case, you’re more of a fool than I thought you were. This isn’t what you’re known for, why be a depressed baby? You have a platform at the school — ought to take advantage of it and face the backlash head-on. Hiding at home is just going to make people talk. If you want my advice, don’t give them a chance to talk. That’s how I handle things, and let’s be honest, I’m clearly better at this than you.”[/b][/color] She reached out and took Hana’s hand in her own. [color=922b2b][b]“I’ve had a bad day already, or I’d probably be more angry with you. Hana doesn’t [i]really[/i] need to see me destroy you. I have one question for you, Riley Wells. Do you [i]really[/i] believe in what you said?”[/b][/color] At mention of Hailey’s anger and her own name, Hana cracked the smallest of smiles. While she was merely along for the ride, she couldn’t help but to think of a certain cashier at a cafe where Hana first got a hint of Hailey’s controlled, smooth dominating aggression. It had done wonders for Hana’s thought processes and was what had her swept up in the whirlwind that was Hailey Green. Hana might not have needed to see Hailey destroy this boy, but if she [i]did[/i] then Hana’s nervous little fidgeting over the whole meeting people thing would turn towards something more resembling grinding. But they were not in Hailey’s room or the backseat of a car, so Hana had to simply keep it together and be with her thoughts. Riley was… taken aback. She was only here because of that one comment he said about her butler? He was expecting a downright verbal beating from her, because he knew Hailey did fight her own battles. She wouldn’t have made it to the top without having a distinct set of skills. Most people did have money, but now that he thought about it, she didn’t really flaunt her’s. All she did was scare people shitless by being… well, her. [color=426f6f][b]“Some things… yes.”[/b][/color] He scratched his head recalling the words he said while on E. [color=426f6f][b]“It feels like a stage. We’re both in the audience, and acting. I’ve tried to make the best of it, by creating something we could all look forward to, but what’s the point? High school is just a game to everyone, and you’re the biggest player.”[/b][/color] His dark brown eyes met with Hailey’s before he spoke again, [color=426f6f][b]“Here’s a question for you, Hailey.”[/b][/color] He stood his ground and was surprised how well this was going. He wasn’t shaking in fear and for once, he saw Hailey as a person and not a monster. [color=426f6f][b]“What do you gain from all this? You said it yourself, your butler is your best, and often, only friend, and now I’m assuming Hana can be added to that list too. What about everyone else? Does it make you feel good that everyone either fears or hates you? I just… don’t get it. Why would anyone want that?”[/b][/color] He didn’t mind the public apology, he did, however, mind going to school after he had just came out and after he showed people a glimpse of… his baggage. No one knew him on a personal level. No one that wasn’t Trevor, Damian, and JD. No one knew anything about him besides what he displayed on the Morning Show. He had… the biggest facade of them all. [color=922b2b][b]“Oh, yes, certainly. I love it! Fear controls the weak, and I’m a bit of a control freak. Not that it matters anymore, I got [i]bored[/i] with the game, and I’ve turned all my cards over to the next people. I have this —”[/b][/color] She held up Hana’s hand, [color=922b2b][b]“— instead, and I vastly prefer it. Love, as it happens, is a more powerful emotion than hatred. I would have never guessed. Anyway… if you wanna do this whole new ‘crusade’ thing, where you reveal your real feelings and power up from it… then sitting here and wallowing in your self-pity is the exact opposite way to do it. People aren’t going to get better if you drop a bombshell and then hide in your own shelter.”[/b][/color] She scoffed again, though rather than aggressive venom, she was speaking more with disappointment than anything. [color=922b2b][b]“If you wanna do this right, then you face it head on. You don’t sit here, with a demeanor like that of a pouty child. You go to the school, and you fight for what you believe in. We’ll be leaving now, I’ve not much else to say to you. If you’d like, you’re welcome to hitch a ride to school with us.”[/b][/color] Hana had never been so happy to be referred to as ‘this’, as a thing, before and her blush was only testament to the mutual feeling of a certain l-word between them. Uh… what? Riley was actually starting to like Hailey. She seemed to be made out of nothing but steel. Her attitude and way she went about things, it was like water off a duck’s back. He didn’t think he had much time to think, because she looked ready to leave, so quickly he blurted, [color=426f6f][b]“Let me change! Go talk to my dad.”[/b][/color] Was he actually going to school? Before he knew it, he was in his bedroom looking through his clothes and thinking about the statement he wanted to make. Things he needed to address. He called the majority of the student body fake, stupid, and insignificant. He made hits at the Weekend Warrior and Hailey. He came out. And he showed them how miserable he was…. when in reality, he wasn't miserable at all. Sure, there were some battles he still needed to deal with, but nothing to make him presently miserable. His life was good. Really, his monologue last night came from his hatred towards the way things were. How everyone treated each other. Last night, the drugs took him on a terrible trip and made it seem like he hated his life. He didn’t. He just hated how kids made highschool stupid… Love was the medicine Hailey needed to take her out of the game? Was it really that powerful? Love. He thought for a second. Hell, even Damian and Trevor were preoccupied with this thing called love. Love. What a weird emotion. His eyes set on the blue jacket his father always hoped he’d wear. Branch out from all the black from time to time. Not like Remy hated all the black, since that’s Jareth’s go to color, but his father knew his son hid behind the color. When people wore black on the daily, others didn’t approach you as often as those that dressed brightly. Unless, you were Trixie and Marshall. Those two used black to enhance their sexuality. That’s a different story. Alright, he knew what he was going to wear. From downstairs, the girls and Remy were by the front door, since they were going to make their exit soon. Remy had given them food to go and his annoyance from earlier was completely gone. His son was going to school! He couldn’t believe it, but it was happening. Who knows what got over him? Footsteps could be heard from the stairs. Glancing over to the noise, Remy’s eyes widened. [b][color=ffff99]“Riley?”[/color][/b] His son’s [url=https://the-hollywood-gossip-res.cloudinary.com/iu/s--7iwCfJff--/t_full/cs_srgb,f_auto,fl_strip_profile.lossy,q_auto:420/v1500042445/thomas-dekker-looking-chill.png]outfit[/url] was surprisingly on point, matching excellently, and he was wearing… the blue jacket! He even did his hair, sleeking it up. W-what was all this? To say Remy was surprised was an understatement. His son was still sporting black with his pants and shoes, but it wasn’t just black. There was blue and red too. This was a whole new Riley Wells. Or maybe the same Riley, just more comfortable in his own skin? [color=426f6f][b]“Hi dad. I’m off, I’ll catch you tonight.”[/b][/color] [b][color=ffff99]“Don’t forget your lunch!”[/color][/b] Remy lifted the lunchbox up, still stunned from what he was seeing. He looked back at Hailey, seeking answers. What did she say?! And he was met with a shrug of Hailey’s delicate shoulders. [color=426f6f][b]“I never do.”[/b][/color] Graciously, Riley grabbed the lunch box from his father and gave a kind smile that warmed the chef’s heart, [color=426f6f][b]“Thanks, dad.”[/b][/color] For everything. With faint blush gracing his face, obviously embarrassed to do this in front of Hailey and Hana, Riley kissed his father’s cheek and then led the way out the door. [color=426f6f][b]“Okay, I’m ready.”[/b][/color] [color=922b2b][b]“Great. You can sit in the passenger’s seat, next to the man you offended. I’ll sit in the backseat, because I’m not finished with Hana yet, and I don’t think you, of all people, want to be there for that.”[/b][/color] Hailey said, leading them to her car. Unlike her remark when leaving the car, Hana didn’t speak up on the way back to the car even though she was deeply considering telling Riley to ‘make sure the dividing window was up’, this was no time for innuendo and admission of what ‘finished with Hana’ meant as if it wasn’t readily apparent. Instead, Hana merely held Hailey’s hand with a bit of a tighter squeeze than before, as much of a silent appreciation for Hailey’s words about Hana back there as there ever could be - and a gesture that it was certainly mutual. Strange though it was to be a fly on the wall in this conversation, Hana had to admit...she could get used to it. [/indent]