|| International Arrival ||

[Leander Vincent Haynes]

Leander had secrets of his own that he'd kept from Jay, more because the secrets involved other people than the fear of her judging him. They weren't anything terrible; just things from the past that had molded him into the gentleman that he was today. Poverty, near-death, and writing had been his life long before he met her, and he didn't want her to get involved in the darker parts of it, even if they were hardly "dark" by many people's scale. She had enough drama in her life without needing to pity him; besides, he didn't want it. He wanted her to know the man he was now, not the boy he'd been before she'd come sprinting into his world. But, everyone had secrets that defined them, and he was no exception to it; he simply hadn't found the right time to reveal them yet.

He held her close in his arms, listening as she spoke. His lips pressed comfortingly to her hair and he gently brushed away her tears. Confusion flickered through his eyes as he began putting puzzle pieces together, and it took him a moment to realize what she was confessing. "You're adopted?" he questioned, voice soft as he studied her face. "I... I never would've thought. But, it doesn't matter, Jay. I still love you for you -- no matter what your aunt or anyone else says. I'm in with love every piece of you; your past, your present, your future... all of it. I don't care where you came from or how you got here, because all that matters is that you are here. That's enough for me." Leander's lips reached down and brushed over hers sweetly, his arms pulling her closer. "There's nothing to apologize for, doll," he whispered back, giving her a warm smile and a light squeeze.

He held onto her for awhile, letting her calm down a bit before saying, "How 'bout we head inside? I'm sure your folks are wondering why we're sitting out here in the car. Besides, I've got a surprise for you." His smile widened as he finished and he pecked her lips again, opening the car door so that she could climb out when she was ready. Now, it was his turn to confess things, though, hopefully, his would involve a lot less tears and a lot more smiling.

• • •

WORDS: 435!
TAG: Jay! <3 :)
LOCATION: Waiting, The Airport
OUTFIT: Coming Soon!
LYRICS: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Jack Makenzie Greyson]

Jack’s life was hardly filled with secrets; just the one. But that one was a pretty big one considering. She’d been adopted and although that probably didn’t seem like some major thing to anyone at all, how it all came about was. Three days after she was born finished off the last of the adoption papers and all the work that went into it. There was considerably less since she’d been adopted into the family, by the woman’s younger brother, but it had still taken nearly the entire time she’d found out she was pregnant. Jack didn’t even know the woman’s name, and it never occurred to her to feel anything towards the woman. She’d been a troublesome sort since she’d been much younger and the entire family knew the chances of her being found overdosed on something or other were high. As far as Jack was concerned, the woman had never existed. And no one else in the entire family had a problem with any of it, except Moira.

Jay cringed, biting her lip. She hadn't actually meant to let that slide. It wasn't a secret, but it wasn't anything she considered important either. It was just something that happened in her past and well before she could remember at that! Still the cat was out of the bag as the saying went and there was really no use in denying it now. "Technically yes. But I was always meant to be my parents' daughter. Always." And she believed that with her entire being. Emilie couldn't have children of her own and Jay came along and the most perfect time for them. It wasn't pleasing how everything came about before that or for the few days afterwards, but those were pieces of the story that never needed to be told. Jay could feel tears beginning to well in her eyes again, but this time around they were happy tears. She kissed Leander back running her hands up his arms, over his shoulders and into his hair, so relieved that he still loved her, still wanted to be with her; even after the rare show of waterworks she’d just displayed.

“I love you, Leander,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder to gather her wits about her. She was a mess, all blotchy and red; tear stained. She didn’t want her parents to see her like this, because they’d know immediately what happened while she’d been away. Moira had played nice while Jay’s grandparents were around but as soon as they turned away or gave the two women a second alone, Moira was hounding at her like a territorial dog with a bone. When she was calmed down and they were all happy and talking about what happened while Jay was away, she’d tell him the good bits about the family of crazy people Jack loved so much. She needed these few extra minutes in his arms to cool off. She’d been having a fit and she didn’t want her parents to see her like that. Finally she sighed, leaning away from Leander and his comforting shoulder to dry her eyes with the sleeve of the sweater she’d borrowed from him before she’d left. Since she hadn’t wanted to ask him to take time out of school and work to go with her and miss some important classes, she’d taken his sweater along to keep him close to her. It was a good thing she didn’t wear any makeup at all on the plane rides or her face and his sweater would be worse than they were.

Jay wrinkled her nose, laughing and feeling like she could finally start being herself once again. A weight had been lifted off her shoulders she hadn’t been aware of carrying. “They’ve been out there since the car pulled up, love, but I could really use a surprise right about now,” she said, teasingly. And a quick look over her shoulder prove that at least right now they were standing on the front porch, looking out at the car with Avie running circles around them waiting for her to get out of the car and go see him. Clearly, she was going to have to tell them what she’d just confessed, though like her, they didn’t consider it important; she was theirs and always had been. Quickly Jay ran her fingers through her hair before crawling out of the car to straighten herself up a bit. It probably looked compromising but if anything; her parents would get a good chuckle out of it and tease them relentlessly for a short time. She gave Leander space to get out of the car while she raced up the drive to hug her parents tight. She’d missed them as much as she missed Leander and Avie. She would have to go back and grab her things so she could take advantage of the washer and dryer. “I’ve missed you,” she mumbled into her father’s arm to both of them before detaching herself and crouching down to greet the white fur ball jumping at her shins. “And I’ve missed you, too, boy! Oh, yes, I have!” she said, scratching Av’s ears and laughing happily at the yapping little pup. She gathered him up in her arms before standing again, her face buried in his fur still. “It’s so good to be home,” she said, grinning and hoping that her parents wouldn't ask why she was so puffy until later, much later and they could enjoy their time together. There would be plenty of time later to get interrogated by her mother about the darker side of the trip.

Tag||Leander <3
Words|| 941
Location|| JFK
Clothes|| Surprise!
Music|| Now I can be the Real Me by Adam DiMarco
Notes|| <3 <3 <3

[Leander Vincent Haynes]

There was another reason Leander hadn't gone with Jay on her trip. Usually, he would've jumped at the chance, but his classes had been mandatory in order for him to get his credits, and his boss at work was threatening to fire him if he used more "sick days." Besides that, he'd wanted the chance to talk to her parents without the possibility of Jay walking in at any moment. It wasn't like he called her mother and father for chats on a daily basis, but he did have some important topics to discuss with them before Jay's return, all of which involved the surprise waiting for her inside tonight.

He'd had the idea in his head for awhile now. It'd taken him this long to weigh the pros and cons of it out, but he believed with all his heart that Jay was the girl for him. He couldn't imagine life without her there to stir it up, and even Avie had found a place in the writer's heart. All that was left was talking it over with her parents and picking out a ring, something he'd sercretly asked her mother for help with. After that... well, the real answer would be left up to Jay. He'd gotten reassurance from her parents, but that didn't entirely calm his nerves. Leander knew what answer he wanted, what he hoped for, but he didn't know if his girlfriend would be as willing for this next step as he was. They both were awfully young, he knew that, but he wasn't pushing for the wedding right away, not unless Jay wanted it. He'd prefer to wait until after college, when he could make a comfortable home for her. It'd be her choice, though; all of it. Of course, that was only if she said "yes."

Leander gave her one last kiss as she got out, already feeling his heart pick up speed as he stepped out of the car behind her. Her parents knew what was happening tonight; heck, they'd helped set it up. Jay was the only one without a clue, and the nerves were already killing him. There was a reason he wrote speeches instead of gave them.

He gave her parents a wave and grin as he unlocked the trunk to pull out her bags, going around to the back and hauling the cases out. Leander locked his car back up and rolled Jay's luggage to the steps giving the usual hug and peck on the cheek to her mother and a handshake to her father. He smiled at Avie in her arms, scratching the little guy's ears. "Where would you like your bricks, ma'am? I believe your daughter brought home a garden's worth for you," he joked, exchanging a glance with Mrs Greyson before looking away again and turning his attention back to his now-smiling girlfriend. His eyes softened as he looked at her, and he prayed she couldn't hear his heart beating; she had to say yes. She had to. He was too in love with her for her not to.

• • •

WORDS: 542!
TAG: Jay! <3 :)
LOCATION: Lugging Bricks, Her House
LYRICS: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Jack Makenzie Greyson]

It felt like century since she’d stepped off the plane from Dublin. But the drive wasn’t actually that long and they were back to sitting outside her parents’ home like they’d done many times. Jay hadn’t been gone as long as the last time she’d jetted off, but it felt different this time around. She didn’t have Leander before and she had missed him terribly. She was feeling better now that she’d told him everything. It felt good to get it off her chest and to know that she wasn’t keeping anything from him now. Jay rolled her eyes, setting Avie on the ground again. “I told you, they’re cobblestones,” she said laughing. It was good to be home. “Gran said something about taking a trip. I think she and Granda want to come for a visit,” she added, remembering the last conversation she’d had with her grandparents. The three of them had gone to dinner just the night before she left for home again. There had been casual talk about taking a trip somewhere, but neither had said exactly where they wanted to go.

”And I’m sure you just happened to mention New York during that little chat,” her father said, getting a huge grin from his petite daughter. Jay laughed, shaking her head. Her parents knew her too well, and naturally she mentioned a trip to New York would be wonderful; how her mum and da would love to see them. “Well, I couldn’t let the opportunity pass by,” she remarked, looking up at Leander, laughing. She leaned into his side, happily, slipping her arm around his waist. ”Come on then, Dove, in the house with you both. Dinner should be ready about now. Go on,” Emilie said, waving everyone into the house. Laughing, Jay slipped her arm from Leander to grab hold of the one bag she’d filled with equipment and bubble wrap. There weren’t many people out there that she would trust with her countless cameras, but Leander was certainly one of them. But that didn’t stop her from wanting to see what, if any damage was done to her beloved equipment on the flight.

She slipped past her father, holding the door open, to follow Avie into the house. After slipped her flats off, she made a beeline to the living room, knowing that dinner wouldn’t be ready quite yet despite her mother claiming as much. She loved her dearly, but she also wanted everyone at the table ten minutes early for no other reason than to be there. She checked the clock on the wall as everyone else gathered in the room; plenty of time to do a cursory glance and stop herself from hyperventilating. She sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the suitcase, unzipped it and pushed aside the top layer of protective wrapping. Nothing was obviously damaged, so Jay breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back, slowly falling to lay out on the floor. Too many hours spent stuck in a metal tubed, hurdled fifty thousand miles above ground, though mostly water made her anxious. “How ‘bout you wake me when the food really is ready,” she said, teasingly, as if she could sleep. She was wired for sound at the moment, finally being back home.

Tag||Leander <3
Words|| 547
Location|| JFK
Clothes|| Surprise!
Music|| Now I can be the Real Me by Adam DiMarco
Notes|| <3 <3 <3

[Leander Vincent Haynes]

Leander was lucky in the fact that he got along well with Jay's parents. He had yet to meet this Aunt and attempt to win her over too, but he'd take the parents for now. They were important to Jay, which automatically made them important to him, no matter if they were related by blood or not. It was part of the reason he'd went and asked them for her hand rather than straight-out asking her. He would've wanted a guy to do the same for his sister; give the family a bit of warning, see how they reacted to the idea, make sure it was okay with them. Even if this was the 21st century and women were allowed to decided for themselves, he would've felt guilty springing the news on her parents without the slightest hint. His parents both knew what was going on, and his sister had already begun looking at wedding venues before he'd even bought the ring! They all loved Jay to pieces though, Chloe especially, and they'd all been ecstatic about the idea of "officially" bringing her into the family. Hopefully, she'd say yes.

He followed Jay into the house he'd been to so many times before that is was starting to feel like a second home, rolling the heavy suitcase behind himself. Leander set the case next to the couch in the living room, sliding gracefully down onto the floor and stretching his long legs out as he leaned back against the foot of the couch. He shook his head lovingly at her, moving a bit closer so her head could rest against his leg instead of the floor. "You really wanna miss out on the time with your parents?" he teased, running his fingers tenderly against her cheek and forehead to brush the loose hair away.

Somewhere, thanks to her mother, there was a cupcake that was making Leander more nervous than any of his due dates for school. The little treat held so much weight that it'd be amazing if the writer would make it through the entire meal and not just suggest they have dessert first. Well, that also depended on if Jay picked up on the tension radiating through his shoulders. They knew each other pretty well, and, just like he'd done with her when she was upset, he was guessing she could tell when he was out of sorts. Maybe the joy at being home would blind her... maybe...

• • •

WORDS: 428!
TAG: Jay! <3 :)
LOCATION: Surprising Jay, Her House
OUTFIT: Coming Soon!
LYRICS: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Jack Makenzie Greyson]

It felt too good to be home. There hadn’t been a minute while she’d been gone that she hadn’t thought of all the people waiting for her to return. She missed them all like crazy and wanted more than anything to be back with them all. And now that she was, she didn’t think she ever wanted to leave again. She thought that every time she left for a work trip and every time she thought she meant it, but she still went on another trip. This time, she kept thinking, if she did end up going out, she was taking Leander with her and she wasn’t going to take no for an answer; even if she had to do all his school work for him! Honestly, she felt lonely every night when she fell into that hotel bed. She wanted Leander next to her, and she kept thinking she should have just told him everything and dragged him along. But none of it mattered now. It was all done and over with, everything was out in the open, even her adoption and she was back now. Everything could get back to normal.

Jack laughed, lifting her head to rest it more comfortably on Leander’s leg. “Ah, but the floor is surprisingly comfortable,” she said closing her eyes, feeling Leander brush the hair from her face. It really was so good to be home. Jay sighed, her lips quirking into a smile as she opened her eyes and looked up at Leander. “I’ve really missed you,” she whispered, lifting her hand to his. Finally though, she sat back up again and was about to give into temptation and kiss Leander when her father not so casually cleared his throat. “Dinner is ready,” he said, shaking his head and clearly trying to hide a chuckle. She wasn’t sure when her parents had left the living room, or even if they’d both followed her in but neither was there now. Grinning, she rolled her eyes at Leander and stood, stretching her arms in the air. Jay waited until Leander was standing next to her before she grabbed his hand and led him to the kitchen and out to the patio. It was too nice of a day to be eating indoors. As they passed through, Jay took a quick peek at the counter and what they’d be having for dessert; her favourite coffee cake cupcakes! With an extra bounce in her step, Jay moved around the patio to her seat at the table.

Conversation during dinner made it seem like the meal just flew by. The stories they all told Leander of her grandparents were probably almost all exaggerated but that didn’t matter, they had a good laugh about it. And Jay couldn’t get through the meal without having tell a couple tales of her travels. She didn’t mind though, just wished she could have shared the memories with Leander. She promised to tell them the bad bits but at another time; another day so it wouldn’t overshadow the happy reunion. Soon enough though, her mother started clearing the table for dessert. Jack stood to help as she always did, systematically clearing plates and any extra food. It took the pair only five minutes before Jay was bringing out a tray with the tea pot, a cup of coffee for Leander knowing he would prefer that, more cups and the fixings for tea and coffee while her mother grabbed the real treats. Jay went about setting the coffee and tea down before sitting down herself. “I’m not your maid, get it yourself,” she said, teasing. Jay wasn’t even given the chance to get a cup before a cupcake was set down in front of her on a napkin. “Well, I was going to pour some tea but since Da’s taken control of the kettle,” she said picking up the treat and laughing. Carefully, she peeled the paper away from the bottom and took just a small bite from her favourite treat.

Her tooth hit something hard and her brows narrowed in confusion as she pulled the cupcake away. She grabbed the napkin to wipe her mouth of the crumbs. “Are you adding rocks to your recipes, mum?” she asked examining the cause of her faux chipped tooth. She didn’t notice everyone staring at her, as she brushed crumbs away from the culprit. Her eyes widened and her fingers made quick work of pulling the problem out of the cupcake. She sat there, just staring at the absolutely stunning ring in her hand for what felt like years. She felt her jaw go slack, and everything else go numb, like what was happening wasn’t exactly registering with her brain. Her head snapped to Leander so fast, later she’d swear she got whiplash from it or something. “Leander?” she managed to get out in barely a whisper, though thankfully he was right next to her. Did this mean…?

Tag||Leander <3
Words|| 824
Location|| The Parent's Backyard!
Clothes|| Surprise!
Music|| Now I can be the Real Me by Adam DiMarco
Notes|| <3 <3 <3

[Leander Vincent Haynes]

Leander had never been so nervous in his life. Not during exams for school, not when his sister was in the hospital, not even when he'd spent the first night all alone in his new apartment when he was younger; none of it even compared to this. He kept trying to keep a calm face so he wouldn't ruin the surprise, but, so far, Jay's parents were doing a much better job than he was. He was running over the little speech he'd drafted, trying to remember all the words without having to check the note on his phone that held it all. That wouldn't be romantic at all if he was pulling it out in the middle of proposing to check what he was supposed to be saying!

His fingers worked slowly through her hair, just enjoying touching her again. He'd been so lonely while she was gone; phonecalls and text messages could only do so much. There had been a lack of fun in his life since she'd left, especially at night when they usually snuggled up with popcorn and a movie before bed. He'd missed all of their now routine plans, and he was hoping he would get invited on the next trip. Next time, he definitely wouldn't be turning her down; it was too hard to live without his Blue-Jay. "How did you survive so long without your pillow?" he joked back, leaning down to press his lips tenderly against her forehead. "I missed you, too, Jay," he said, tangling their fingers together and squeezing her hand gently. Hopefully, that hand would be wearing a new ring later tonight with the promise of him never having to let go again. He began reaching down to meet her lips halfway, instantly pulling back the second he heard her father. The man may have given permission for him to propose, but Leander still really didn't want to get on his bad side.

His nerves intensified at the mention of dinner being ready, and it took him a moment to gather enough strength to stand. He followed Jay out of the living room, his stomach doing a flip as he saw the cupcakes on the counter. Hopefully, the ring wouldn't end up in her father's mouth; how awkward that would be. Leander's hand stayed laced through Jay's as they took their seats out on the patio. He gave it one last squeeze before releasing it and digging into the cooking he'd grown to love over the many times he'd visited her parents' place. He grinned and laughed at all the stories, again having to work to appear normal through the entire meal. His eyes kept darting to Mrs Greyson, knowing that the most important part of this plan depended on the dear woman.

Somehow, Leander made it through the meal without exploding, knowing better than to help with dishes. The girls always scolded him and made him sit down, so he'd given up on even offering to help now, instead just giving them a sweet thank you before turning and talking with Mr Greyson. The older man knew about the plan, had already seen the ring, so the conversation became whispers as the men discussed it quickly, both double-checking that everything was ready. They both wanted to make this special for Jay, no matter what her answer was. Leander was just glad that he'd driven here and wouldn't need to beg for an awkward ride home. As the cupcakes came out, he swore that everyone at the table could hear his heart beating. He gave Jay a grin as she set the coffee down for him, taking a sip of it as the tea was poured. He got his own cupcake, not touching it as he watched her bite into the baked treat that was more expensive than she realized.

Leander bit his lip as Jay bit into the ring on the first bite. Well, he was hoping it was the ring; he was really praying that it was. He exchanged glances with both her parents at her question, trying to hide a smile as she un-dug the sparkly ring from her cupcake. When she turned to him, he pecked her forehead and gently took the ring from her hand, getting up out of his seat and pushing the chair back as he got down on one knee. He grabbed her left hand and grinned lovingly up at her, letting their fingers rest in her lap as he began the speech he'd spent weeks preparing. "You know how much I love you, Jay. Well, I-I'm pretty sure you do," he began nervously, clearing his throat a bit to calm himself. He could do this; he had to do this. "I just... I can't imagine life without you. These past couple weeks just made it even more clear; I can't be happy without you there smiling, too. You are the girl I want to spend the rest of my life with. You, the crazy, insane, hyper photographer that you are; I love you with everything I have." Sitting up a little straighter he positioned the ring near her finger, his eyes studying her face to get the first glimpse of the answer he wanted. "So, what do you say, Miss Greyson? Will you marry me?"

• • •

WORDS: 937!
TAG: Jay! <3 :)
LOCATION: Surprising Jay, Her House
OUTFIT: Coming Soon!
LYRICS: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Jack Makenzie Greyson]

Jack laughed rolling her eyes. “I didn’t get much sleep, what with the parties and clubs and all the lovely Irish men wanting to buy me drinks,” she said as drolly as possible. She’d missed Ireland, there wasn’t any denying it but it wasn’t home anymore. Home was a family dinner every weekend. Home was New York. Home was curled up on the sofa with Leander watching movies and eating popcorn. Dublin didn’t have any of that and though it would still hold a big piece of her heart, she could leave it again without the tears of the first time around. She didn’t notice the tension; she didn’t notice the quick glances and looks. She’d just been too happy to be home. She didn’t see a single thing out of place during dinner; she’d been too blissfully happy that she was home to look too much into her surroundings. They shared stories, they shared laughs; she was clueless.

She was still stunned; staring speechlessly as she watched Leander nudge his seat back, kneel down before her on one knee. She forgot she was sitting in her parents’ backyard. She forgot those same parents were sitting not five feet away from what was happening right before her. She was hardly ever speechless. Her mind kicked into overdrive, reliving every moment they shared together. The day they first met was another one of those rare occasions Jay had the wind knocked from her lungs. All the firsts went through her mind, first kiss, first date, and first sleepover. She made a mess of his life and he tidied hers up just a little bit more. Jay felt like they’d known each other for years, they knew practically everything about each other. Not once did any worries about being old enough, mature enough, or ready to do this go through her mind. Happy tears started blurring her vision when she realized he was holding the very ring she’d unearthed from the cupcake. She hadn’t even noticed he took it from her! She didn’t even have to think about the answer to that question. Her hand was shaking with nervous excitement but she was holding it as still as she could.

She laughed happily, nodding her head, not sure her voice would work if she spoke. But she was going to try anyway. “Yes!” she said, her voice watery, allowing Leander to slip the beautiful ring onto her finger, where it would stay forever. “Oh, yes, of course!” she said again, her voice getting firmer with every word. She sprung from her seat, wrapping her arms around Leander’s neck and making them fall to the patio surrounded in her father’s cheers and her mother’s laughter. She didn’t care that they were sitting or standing by now, there watching them, Jack kissed Leander with as much passion as her happy excitement would allow. Finally pulling away, Jack sat up, allowing Leander to do the same. She looked at the ring, sitting on her finger, blurred by tears. “Oh, it’s wonderful,” she turned to Leander, resting her hands to either side of his face. “You’re wonderful and I’ve got to be the luckiest girl in the entire world,” she said, unable to help herself, she kissed Leander again, lightly dropping her forehead to his, the biggest smile on her face. She knew his aversion to showing affection in front of her father, the older man often joked about it but she couldn’t worry about keeping innocent appearances up in front of them. It took a minute for the fog to clear but she eventually looked up at her parents’, standing there, holding each other close; tears in both their eyes and smiles on their faces. “You knew!” she accused, laughing as she stood and rounded the table. “Thank you,” she whispered, hugging them both. They knew what she meant. She loved the surprise and obviously they had helped out; at least her mother had, so a thank you was definitely in order. She leaned back looking at each of them in turn. "If those hadn't been my favourite cupcakes in the first place, they would be now. And I hope you all know I'll be expecting something in my favourites every time. Nothing quite so fanciful but still," she said teasing, looking down at the ring again; she just couldn't get enough of knowing Leander loved her so much to do something so amazing for her. He really was an amazing man.

Tag||Leander <3
Words|| 740-ish
Location|| The Parent's Backyard!
Clothes|| Surprise!
Music|| Now I can be the Real Me by Adam DiMarco
Notes|| <3 <3 <3