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violetmuses · 2 years

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Black Rose || Chapter 17

Author’s Note: This chapter includes violence, strong language, angst, dark themes, and other possibly triggering content. Please read at your own risk.

Black Rose - Masterlist 🖤

J Krew: @nerdysuperchick @a-reader-and-a-writer @babblydrabbly @lacontroller1991 @shadowkittybucky @loverhymeswith @justin-hammers @weallhaveadestiny @xoxabs88xox @katjnordstrom96 @skvatnavle @mayhem24-7forever @lilisangel @peakyrogers @sociiallydiisoriiented @heresathreebee

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2013

Eric Moretti

Not long after the wedding, I returned home, already trying to bring back some semblance of one normal life. Over that weekend, I hid near outskirts of the beach while Cyrus married an angel. My brother smiled with her more than ever before.

“What do you want?” My therapist, this bookworm counselor who sat across from me while sitting in the room, scribbling notes in some journal that backlogged with old information. If it wasn’t for my military background, I would’ve never gone.

“Peace.” I clipped the word, still struggling to respond without giving too much away. Explaining trauma to a stranger made no sense, especially when this so-called professional knew next to nothing about my own life. Talking to mirages.

“How are things going with Cyrus?” The therapist asked, nodding through silence before scribbling in that journal again.

“As well as you can get. I wasn’t invited to the wedding, but we’re a lot better off now. He moved in with his wife, too.” I attempted, sitting up in the chair and clearing my throat.

“And your mother?” The therapy went, not scribbling much this time. Another round of silence reached the room.

“Okay, I guess. No major fights.” I kept the answer vague, but knew that Toby and Cyrus would always be Mom’s golden boys.

“What about you and Troy?” Another question, this time probing my childhood best friend.

“To be honest, I’m probably the most solid with Troy than anyone else that you just mentioned.” I almost scoffed. “He’s more like family to me than Russ at this point.”

“That’s good.” The therapist understood, but wrote down more details. I could only imagine what had been summed up.

“Look, I’ve booked an hour with you ever since the court mandated this shit after my service. If you can’t crack the code, I might as well leave. Feels like we’re wasting time.” I simmered within, hoping to speed up the process quickly instead.

“I move at your pace, Eric. The more you’re willing to tell me, the more likely you can heal. Help me move along the process with you.” The therapist finally offered insight, giving clarity.

“Where do I start, Doc? If we even look at my old notes, you’ve probably seen hundreds of foster kid tales and armed service backstories anyway. What’s the point of me speaking up again?” I shook my head, but didn’t overreact.

“You still have a voice, Eric. Know that speaking up matters, even when other people describe similar things.” The therapist went on, advising me once more. “Are you jealous of your brothers?”

“Yeah. I’ve always wondered why Mom favored them over me. Hell, Cyrus is only the middle child between all three of us and she acts as if he’s the First Born.” I lowered my voice, trying not to lose composure. “Now, it’s like Mom treats me as a stranger. We act kind to each other, but she doesn’t feel like my parent.”

“Have you ever asked your mother why the dynamics could be so different?” My therapist questioned.

“Everyone loves people in different ways, but I feel left alone, always have been. It’s difficult to talk with her because we don’t even see each other very often.” I offered the truth.

“Maybe you could try reaching out more often.” Doc continued, but handed over this brief smile. “Take small steps.”

“Even a phone call from me might spook her. My mother’s more likely to pick up when Bianca sends out text messages, y’know?” I cringed, knowing that her daughter-in-law bonded more than me, her own biological son.

“Do you believe that your mother is still afraid to connect with you on a deeper level because of your father’s passing?” Doc finally reached for the jugular and hit one benchmark.

“Yes.” I affirmed.

________

“Russ?” I dialed a few days later, taking small steps with my brother before even attempting to reach Mom right away.

“Hey. I’m at the grocery store with B. What’s going on?” Cyrus beamed on the other line and I could only imagine how his smile looked in person since the wedding.

“Don’t wanna take up too much of your time, but I was wondering if you two wanted to join me and a few friends for dinner this weekend.” I offered that genuine question and tried to smile on my own despite sitting in the living room by myself.

“Thanks for the offer, but Drew’s birthday is coming up and we’re all going out for dinner then. Maybe next time, E.” Russ declined, but at least sounded grateful.

“Oh, no problem.” I stayed cordial. “Sending birthday wishes for Drew. Bye.” I hung up this phone call, feeling slightly defeated.

_______

With no other choice but to brush off that call with Cyrus, I found out that Drew earned quite the birthday celebration based on social media posts. Russ offered access due to our small steps, which allowed me to “follow” his friends in return.

In videos or photos, glasses clinked while everyone grinned, proving just how much Cyrus and Drew were linked. The Butler family and friends join in, beaming as if Cyrus was actually born with Drew in the same ward. Even Bianca laughed along.

All I ever wanted was to feel openly included with him like that, accepted near him instead of dodged. Friends would come and go, but family meant something to me, especially when Russ and Tobias were still alive. Happy, too.

While cooking dinner alone, I noticed that subtle turns of my front door had echoed from behind.

I didn’t know what to think, but cut off the stove and picked up my nearest firearm, secretly permitted to carry as long as no one called out my criminal past.

I’d only given one spare apartment key to Troy, so someone else must've tried to pick the lock this time around.

“You should really get that door fixed, Eric. Put the gun down.” Ray Hugo showed the audacity to stand in the middle of my living room and lift up one bobby pin.

“What are you doing here?” I lowered my voice, but unloaded the gun as he requested. There was no need to fight back and risk getting killed for good.

“Wanted to talk, especially since you didn’t help me out last weekend.”

“Told you before Ray, I wasn’t going to ruin the best day of their lives. Russ deserves to be happy. Why don’t you understand that?” I defended my brother, trying to reason with the monster who stood in front of me. This same monster hurt Mom and killed my father.

“Look, your mother only coddled him because of where we lived. To be honest with you kid, I never really liked our city anyway.” Ray dared to scoff, pacing back and forth.

“Coddled?” I furrowed my brow. “Russ is one of the toughest men I’ve ever met, with or without family ties.”

“He only turned into this wannabe thug because it’s the only way folks didn’t kill you on sight.” Ray uttered bullshit, completely skipping over how much people bullied him growing up.

“Are you saying that he appropriated culture?” I questioned.

“Of course. Without the tattoos, a Black wife, and so-called mafia power in the city, he’s just another White Boy, no different than you.” Ray lowered his voice, still giving out nonsense.

“Sounds like you're insecure, Ray. My therapist says that folks start projecting onto other people when they don’t like reality.” I folded both arms, admitting the truth.

“Don’t give me that psychological bullshit. No amount of time with some bookworm shrink could excuse your sins. Deal with God like everyone else, kid.” Ray shook his head.

“You have no idea what I’ve been through. Now, I know exactly why Mom left your ass.” I backpedaled from him, still feeling pissed off. “Only think about yourself.”

“No. If it wasn’t for you being born, I’d have my family back.” Ray was almost delusional now and blamed me for Mom’s happiness after their divorce.

“You’ve lost your mind.” I said.

“Not yet.” Out of nowhere, Ray took out his cell phone and slid it towards me across the coffee table.

At that moment, I lifted the phone and realized that there was a picture of Cyrus cuddling a puppy with the biggest smile on his face. Even his wedding band gleamed while his knuckle showed.

“What did you do to my brother?” I nearly growled. Enough was enough. “What the hell do you even want from us?”

Just when I believed that Ray would finally give me an answer, one piercing gunshot ran out.

His dying body almost immediately fell backward and thudded right onto my carpeted floor.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Bianca holding the firearm.

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violetmuses · 2 years

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Black Rose || Chapter 16

Author’s Note: It’s time for the wedding! Happy reading and thanks so much for supporting my work as always.

Black Rose - Masterlist 🖤

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2013

Bianca Martin-Hugo

“Mommy, Aunt Bee looks like a princess.” One of my nieces had gaped and squealed after finally seeing my gown. Natalie held her daughter on one hip in an effort to make room in the bridal suite.

“I know, Sweetheart. Don’t touch her dress, okay?” Natalie gently handed over that warning.

“Okay, Mommy.” In return, my niece nodded, shaking her twisted curls in response.

“See you later. Wait for me and please don’t tell anyone about my magic.” Wearing this gown, I carefully walked over to my niece and lifted one finger. She giggled soon after, mimicking the need to hush.

______

“Ready?” Mom hugged me as we stood in this full-length mirror together. Just beyond glass windows, ocean waves crashed and birds circled through sunlight found directly above.

“Yeah, Ma.” I affirmed. Enough games. No second-guessing. I’d love someone with all my heart and allow myself to be happy.

Mom, my sisters, and best friends all had worn beautifully light shades of purple as violet flowers decorated this bridal suite. We were all on location at this shoreline, ready to begin the rest of my life soon.

Others would’ve called me crazy for giving Russ this second chance. Yet, he learned from countless mistakes. He promised to be so much better, no matter any cost. If not, we’d spend eternity wishing for joy, losing the one connection that people dreamed of.

No one could take our bond away from me.

Someone from Mom’s church played the “Bridal March” with an organ when mahogany doors opened to reveal the beach. I walked arm and arm with my father Timothy, beaming as guests stood for me. Sunlight rounded overhead, flawless.

“I love you.” Dad walked along in his pristine tuxedo, showing off this proud smile and of course ready to lift my veil.

“I love you too, Dad.” Genuinely content, I almost teared up as soon as we had met our footsteps at the altar.

Cyrus stood right there, beaming with one rare smile that finally reached his face. His perfect hazels focused on me, innocent and no longer filled with exhaustion. His blondish hair slicked back once more, but strands fell due to this ongoing summer.

He, my soulmate, even braved current heat by sporting one dapper tuxedo that crossed with an adorable bowtie at its center. Even then, not one hint of tattoo ink had lined his clothed body out of respect. I’d felt so proud of him, smiling again.

“Hi,” Cy took my hands, but ended up turning red as his New York accent quietly whispered.

“Hi,” I nodded towards Cyrus and mouthed that greeting back, waiting for the Bridal March to stop playing. The officiant, one of our longtime pastors, kicked off the ceremony first.

“Dearly Beloved, we have gathered here this afternoon in the name of matrimony. May God bless this union, no matter the obstacle. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.” Members of the ceregration echoed their agreement, hoping for our marriage to succeed.

We agreed to write our own vows and Cyrus ended up speaking first. I smiled once more, quietly encouraging my best friends. Everyone else also cheered without acting too rowdy, especially with family around.

“Bianca, words cannot express how I feel. When we met for the first time, I had no idea that you would change my world. The future may not be perfect, but I cannot wait to spend my life with you. I love you so much, Angel. Forever yours, Cyrus.” Cyrus went on, subtly fighting an urge to tear up. Applause filled this space, showing support. Even Drew cheered, beaming this time around.

Gina, my childhood friend and Maid of Honor, handed over my own paper as expected. I then glanced between Cyrus and everyone else before clearing my throat.

Cyrus, there aren’t enough words or time in the world to explain how much I’ve loved you. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for teaching me so much. You are one of the best people that I’ve ever known. I’ll always care for you. From this day forward, it’s us against the world. Love, B.”

“Thank you for offering such beautiful words to one another.” Our officiant spoke up again, beaming their own smile before going forward in the ceremony. “Now, it’s time to exchange the wedding bands.” Voices cheered from guests again.

Showing off typical Butler theatrics, Drew walked over, but still delicately traded our rings with the biggest smile on his face. Even a few guests applauded once more. Both Cyrus and I ended up laughing for the moment before focusing.

“With this ring, I thee wed.” Back to back, it wasn’t long before Cyrus and I lifted our voices over those crashing waves, speaking with more need than any outdoor sounds that afternoon.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. Cyrus, you may now kiss the bride.” Our pastor declared this union, allowing our marriage to be cemented for all-time.

In that moment, Cyrus held my hands once more and leaned inward, kissing me as if I were extremely fragile. I could only smile against his lips and chuckle for a moment, especially since my nieces and nephews squealed from the audience.

Once Cyrus and I pulled away from this gentle kiss to interlock our fingers, everyone stood, applauding when our organist played The Wedding March. Countless people wiped away tears, including Drew and Russ’s other friends.

_____

“Come on!” I beamed. We could hardly wait in our limousine after pulling up the reception together.

This wide-spread and gorgeous venue perched near the shoreline. For the first time in quite a while, Cyrus dealt with my excitement by laughing out loud, almost echoing chuckles as we waited to make our entrance. There was no better feeling.

“Attention, everyone. It is my honor to introduce for the first time ever Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Hugo!” Our hired DJ picked their microphone and spoke with enthusiasm that rivaled times at so many other parties.

Everyone in here lost their minds and nearly shouted over the music. I glanced towards Cyrus and beamed another smile. Our reception had finally begun.

*****

Best Man to Maid of Honor speeches from Drew and Gina almost ruined my makeup that afternoon. Everything from hilarity to genuine childhood memories had been explained by each of our friends. Cyrus’s mother Tanya, my parents and sisters joined later, finishing their own words as this new chapter started for us here.

“In line with the tradition of these beautiful families, Cyrus and Bianca will share their very first dance as a married couple.” Our DJ offered another announcement, prompting Cyrus and I to carefully rise from our table and planned to dance.

Once Russ and I stood in the middle, that iconic guitar loop of “They Don’t Know” by Jon B played out loud.

“I knew it!” Drew lost it, happily freaking from one corner of the wide ballroom. Laughter echoed from everyone else, but Cyrus and I just kept smiling, thankful that the surprise worked out.

“He’s a mess.” I told Cyrus, still humored as the song progressed. In all truth, we had loved this record since the beginning, especially when we first started dating and things got tough.

“I love you.” Cyrus answered instead and scrunched up his nose before kissing me. I’d looped my arms around his neck as his palm to my waist, still swaying here on the floor.

“I love you, too.” I whispered back to Cyrus as Drew and others yelled to sing along before the song faded out.

Just minutes afterward, I grooved with Dad and Cyrus danced with his mother, finally cementing this switch of chapters in our lives. Not that we would never see our own parents again, but I knew that times were surely different decades later.

“And now, here is the moment that you’ve all waited for: the bridal party and all other invited guests may report to the dance floor at this time!” Our DJ kicked off that upcoming joy and proclaimed that everyone could join in, dancing tonight.

“Got a surprise set up today. Hold on for one second.” The moment double doors closed behind his mother and my parents, Cyrus whispered into my ear, slyly revealing an intention.

“What did you two plan?” I gestured between Cyus and the DJ, waiting to find out their upcoming scheme.

At that very moment, songs from the early 2000’s started playing and nostalgia kicked in for Cyrus and I. Rhythms still thumped to give more joy.

It wasn’t long before Gina, Carmen, and Ramona lifted hems of their own dresses to meet with me, forming a circle to jam through each passing track. Drew and others were just as enthusiastic and lost their minds again before dancing with us now.

I’d never forget that we all just grew up to be big kids who lived in a cruel world.

_______

When dancing calmed down after we had all partied like manics on the floor, Taylor, my youngest sister and freshman in college, caught my lavender bouquet. Now, it was time for the garter toss.

Drew, other single guests, and even a few new bartenders from Club Shadow huddled nearby to watch in anticipation. Cyrus had known better than to act up with me here, but it didn’t hurt to be a little sexy during this part of the night.

At least our parents aren’t here. I thought to myself while sitting in one chair at the center of this dance floor.

Music thumped again while Cyrus knelt before me and lifted his head, ghosting touches along my legs just before using his fingers to move that same caress higher.

Through dimness of the space, I bit my lip, waiting for him to pull down that fabric in question. Behind me, everyone squealed, hyping him up like spectators who ended up watching a basketball game

“Got it.” Cyrus mouthed towards me, pulling the fabric lower and it lower until I needed to hike my left leg upward. wolf whistles followed, encouraging us all around this room once more.

“Who do you think's going to catch it?” I joked.

“Drew.” Cyrus winked after standing up from the floor and twirling the gathered for a moment before finally tossing it over his broad shoulder.

“Who was it?” I asked.

When Cyrus turned around, our guess was completely wrong.

One of the bartenders from Club Shadow, Sean, celebrated and showed off the garter as he’d scored a touchdown. He was a young kid, fresh out of college and enjoying summer like everyone else. Letting him join us off-the-clock was a no brainer.

“Make good choices, Sean!” Cyrus yelled over the music.

“Yes, Sir!” Sean affirmed to my husband, cheering in full uniform as he had all day long. I’d worn two garters anyway, one for myself and the other for this part of the reception.

________

Cyrus would not smash cake into my face, but icing did smudge onto his lower lip for a second. Once that last moment of hilarity ended, we bid farewell to everyone, walking hand in hand out of the venue as our limousine pulled to the nearest curb.

“Bye! Congratulations.” Voices yelled out loud and people waved goodbye as the driver opened both the rear doors.

Once that door finally closed behind us, Russ scooted closer and rested his head onto the front of my dress, cuddling like a child.

There was nothing short of love found in his hazel eyes.

“Hi,” I whispered, looking down towards him with my own smile and smooth back his blondish hair. The limousine finally moved along.

“Hi, Baby.” His voice rasped as this beautiful man looked at me, no longer tarnished by pain. We even interlocked our ringed fingers and he kissed my knuckles.

By the time we returned to that beachfront hotel, he was already drifting in and out of sleep, peaceful at last.

#black rose #kiki layne #my ocs do not steal #team b!#team cyrus #it's time #wedding!#fluff #sweet times #i love them your honor #my babies #interracial couple #interracial #love #finally writing this #chapter 16 #original fiction #not fanfiction

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