| Details for Daddy Dearest |
| Summary: | Lucian's first visit to the Sykes Estate goes awry when Arlo comes home unexpectedly. |
| Date: | August 1, 1938 |
| Location: | Sykes Estate |
| Related: | — |
| Characters |
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Sykes Estate
To the unmagical eye, this estate is one like any other only changes with the passing of the seasons. But to a member of Wizarding society, the plant life seems almost untouched by nature as if a spell keeps things lush and green even in inclement weather.
Wrought iron in delicate curls melds with the aged stone walls around the estate, and give the impression that the property has existed for generations and that not just anyone is allowed to enter. The stately barriers obscure most of the views one might have of within. A lush lawn and gravel drive lead up to the main house, where ivy winds its way up the red brick walls. White etches out the windows and eaves, mirrored in the doors — though they boast black iron work as well — proper. Sweeping steps approach the front while a more sedate exit is at the rear of the house. There are gardens where mundane and magical flora flourish: a greenhouse providing a more specialized area to be surrounded by the more delicate of greenery. A stone patio contains outdoor seating, tables, and a fire pit for entertaining guests and all sit under a tasteful pastel green tent.
The house itself is much like many of its nature, with elegantly appointed decor and artwork that shows off accomplished family members of both past and present. The parlor is a warm room of plush seating and heavy tapestries, making it a family favorite in the cooler months. The dining room and other living areas reflect this warm and inviting nature as well. Each bedroom, while still richly furnished, reflects the nature of the owner, and the number of guest rooms are as equally comfortable and accommodating. The kitchens and cellar, perhaps, are the least of the areas, though they still have everything necessary for the household.
In the somewhat early afternoon, Ria has made her way to the very front of the grounds, braving the gravel drive in her clean summer shoes and now pacing anxiously at the black iron gate. Every now and then she pauses to straighten the skirt on her blue summer dress and peer out through the curled bars expectantly. A kind face old house elf stands not to far away from her, and he too anxiously twiddles his fingers. "Now when he gets here and we go inside, I don't want you to leave this spot, okay?" she instructs the creature, sternly and he nods vigorously, wide eyes nervously upon understanding his mistress's order.
Most visitors to the Sykes Estate might arrive via coach, limousine, or even one of the classier taxi services. It is rare, indeed, to see the Knight Bus pull up in front of the lavish home. The tall vehicle comes wailing out of nowhere, screeching to a halt at the curb, and depositing Lucian Proudmore, clad in a button-down shirt and slacks — undoubtedly some of those he wears for school. Not exactly the high society image normally scene in these parts, but an effort at class, nevertheless. As soon as his feet touch the curb, the bus is zooming off, tousling his hair in the wind wake. He brushes it down, blinking the longer strands out of his eyes. When he can see properly again and Ria comes into view, his face melts into a dopey smile. He has to deliberately remind himself to look cool, hooking his thumbs into his pockets and sauntering toward her.
Most visitors to the Sykes Estate might arrive via coach, limousine, or even one of the classier taxi services. It is rare, indeed, to see the Knight Bus pull up in front of the lavish home. The tall vehicle comes wailing out of nowhere, screeching to a halt at the curb, and depositing Lucian Proudmore, clad in a button-down shirt and slacks — undoubtedly some of those he wears for school. Not exactly the high society image normally scene in these parts, but an effort at class, nevertheless. As soon as his feet touch the curb, the bus is zooming off, tousling his hair in the wind wake. He brushes it down, blinking the longer strands out of his eyes. When he can see properly again and Ria comes into view, his face melts into a dopey smile. He has to deliberately remind himself to look cool, hooking his thumbs into his pockets and sauntering toward her. <re>
The sound of the bus startles her, but with a hopeful look on her face, Ria steps closer to the gate, hand gripping at the bars. With her brows raised, she too brightens into a grin upon seeing the blonde boy. And after admiring his arrival she turns over her shoulder at the house elf who looks back at Ria in disbelief that the Sykes Estate would ever be graced with the presence of an individual who rode the Knight Bus. The girl frowns sternly and takes a step back expectantly so the elf can open the gate for Lucian. "Come now, Tappy," she instructs gesturing to the iron bars. And old Tappy gets to it, opening a smaller door within the larger gate (though it's no less heavy) to allow the guest in. "You're a sight for sore eyes," Ria grins, opening her arms widely for a hug.
Lucian pays the house-elf little mind, but steps through the gate with a touch of hesitation. His first moments in Ria's world — it's exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. But once he's through, he breathes a little easier, and then it's all Ria again. He hurries into her arms, wrapping his around her. "I've been thinking about you all week. I can't stand being apart so much."
Ria sighs with comfort into his shoulder as she holds him close in the midst of the lush estate grounds. "I know, it's been tough. But when I do get to see you it makes everything all the more pleasant, does it not?" she pulls her head back to have a good look at him. But the sounds of an average passing vehicle outside the gates, makes her snap out of her loving daze and reminds her of where they were. Clearing her throat, Ria looks back over to Tappy with a nod, "You know what to do." And paying the house elf no further mind as he shuts the gate, she instead wraps her arm around Lucian's as she starts to escort him down the drive and up the grand stairs to the front entrance. "So I've had a spot of tea set up for us, but I figure I'd give you a tour around of the house if you like. But tell me, was your trip alright?" And the Sykes house is exactly how anyone would have imagined it. Grandiose, classic and elegant. And surprisingly very well lit, which gives it the illusion of a warm home but the security charms are easy to sense, and it gives one the impression that someone is always looking.
Lucian suddenly feels way under-dressed in the palatial home. "Oh, yes, it was fine. I was able to go by Floo to the Leaky Cauldron, and I cause the Knight Bus from there." The closer they get to the house, the tenser he becomes, and he's all too aware that Ria can likely feel it in his arm or see it in his face. "That tour sounds great. You have amazing grounds here. Do you keep any animals?"
"Good, i'm glad you didn't have too much trouble." Ria guides him along by the arm at an easy pace while they move around in the house, passing by pictures and sculptures of Sykes' long past. "Yes, the plants are really well kept and they stay green throughout the winter. You should really come by and see everything still wonderful and alive and covered in snow. Mother's particularly proud of that." But she shakes her head at his question, "Not really. We were never really animal people, though I'm sure father would never object to a cat or a dog. I hope that's not boring." She looks at him apologetically, but her brows raise upon realizing his nervousness. So she stops them just in front of the parlor door, raising a hand push a few stray hairs out of his forehead. "Now now, there's no reason to be anxious. No one else is home or will be home till much later. I made sure of it," she gives her best to give him a comforting smile before planting a peck on his nose.
Lucian chuckles, shaking his head. "It's not boring. I was just curious." He takes a few deep breaths, trying to apply some of those calming techniques Camilla keeps trying to teach him in his Animagus training. Of course, he doesn't especially agree that her methods are the best for him. But Ria's presence is always calming (well…when she isn't making him crazy), so he sheds a little of the tension once she assures him they're alone. Although… "Wait…you make sure of it? Are you afraid something would happen if they were here?"
Ria grins warmly at his chuckle, glad to see him a bit more easier, and says, "I will admit that I considered going out and buying some sort of pet when I knew you were coming around. Though it may make you more comfortable, only I stepped into the store and I just couldn't handle the smell." She scrunches her nose, turning slightly green just at the memory of the horrid scent. And so she turns around to open the door to the parlor, freezing when he asks his question. "Wha-no! Not at all! I….I just haven't seen you in so long I just wanted some time alone with you…" She half pouts at him cutely, twisting her toe around against the polished hardwood floors.
Damn it. Lucian was ready to be incredulous, and then she had to go and be adorable. He softens with a sigh, reaching for her hands to pull her in for a kiss. They're alone after all…right? Security charms be damned. "I can stay all day, you know. Or we can go out, or whatever. Camilla let me off the hook on farm work until tomorrow."
Score! It worked! Pleased to have her Lucian back to his calm state, Ria obliges him and gets on her tippy toes so she can lean in close and whisper, "Perfect" before giving him a sweet and deep kiss. One that was so filled with longing over how much she missed him that she wraps her arms around him to pull him even closer.
Lucian curls his arms tightly, clinging to her. Kissing her makes the world stop spinning. He lingers on her lips as long as he is able, reluctant to end the moment. But when it does finally end, he can only manage a whisper at first. "I love you so much." He inhales deeply to catch his breath, and almost loses himself again in her eyes. But he has enough wherewithal to utter, "So, you prepared tea?"
"Do you now?" A slightly hoarse but deep voice bellows with a calm chill, and suddenly a heavy hand with an unreasonably powerful grip grasps Lucian's shoulder. Not enough to hurt but enough to cause discomfort. Clearly, there's some very well practiced restraint by the owner to keep it from doing any serious damage. Ria's eyes go wide, and cheeks pale meanwhile a sudden crack sounds of Tappy apparating into the hallway. He too lets out a sublet surprised gasp and his eyes go wide before he skitters off in panic. Apparently he did a bad job to getting to the young mistress on time to warn her of her father's arrival. And when Lucian turns around he will be face to face with the tall looming Arlo Sykes, who holds a natural scowl that resembles Ria's only his seems much more menacing at the moment.
When the heavy hand on his shoulder, Lucian whirls around, ready for a confrontation. But then it dawns upon him: Arlo Sykes. He knows the man only by reputation, largely due to his own father's words about him. For a moment, he just starts at the imposing figure, swallowing and wetting his lips. What the hell do I say?! No time to think, he blurts out boldly, "I do." Then, a few thoughts finally connecting in his brain, he adds, "Sir."
Cold blue eyes narrow at Lucian, this strangely moxy young boy and suddenly his grip tightens, this time slightly painful. He pulls the boy forward to him and in turn a much more kosher distance from his daughter (which was the real intent). "I would really like to know the name of the boy ever so loves my daughter," he says in a sinisterly friendly tone, although he is definitely not smiling. By now it's unmistakable where Ria gets it from. Arlo shoots a very sharp stare at the young girl, who for once has her shoulder hunched in slight shame and fear while she avoids his gaze and instead looks to the floor.
He…doesn't know? Lucian glances over at Ria, blinking in disbelief. He sighs, looking back to Arlo. He bites back the wince at the tightening grip, but leaves it…for now. "Lucian, sir. Lucian Proudmore."
Ria grimaces almost instantly when Lucian replies, covering her mouth with her hand as if anticipating something terrible. It takes him a moment, and Arlo's expression slightly softens when he hears the name 'Proudmore.' As if almost all were forgiven, but quickly running through the names of Actaeon's children in his head he comes to a realization. And suddenly a deep burning fire ignites in his eyes as they heavily weigh upon the boy. "Mr. Proudmore, I highly suggest you leave my house. Immediately." There is no room for argument in his voice and suddenly his scowl shoots over to Ria.
Lucian is intimidated by Arlo, it's clear. But Arlo also reminds him a good deal of his own father, for whom there is no limit to the depths of his loathing. Now that Arlo has drawn a line in the sand, Lucian has a moment to size up the battlefield, and he sets his jaw. "So much for the fabled hospitality of great pure-blood houses." He looks toward Ria, tilting his head slightly in question. He says nothing, simply awaiting some kind of response from her.
Arlo says nothing to Lucian's smart retort, though like his grip his reserve seems to come from practiced discipline. The Sykes patriarch threateningly looks at Ria, who too has her jaw stiffened while her shoulders remain pathetically hunched. With her chin lowered, her green eyes looks up at Lucian as she quietly says, "You should go." And the words don't shove him off but are rather offered as a strong suggestion. She presses her lips together in absolute fright.
Lucian winces at her words, which quickly turns to a scowl to mask the hurt. He roughly shoves Arlo's hand away, having had quite enough of the man's controlling grip. Oh yes, the stable boy is strong, old man. He steps around Arlo, but pauses to look back at Ria. "Sorry I didn't 'measure up'," he says sharply before turning to stride back toward the front door.
Just before Lucian closes the door behind him, Arlo's voice can be heard booming throughout the household "Aria Calliope Sykes. Go to the study immediately." Though having raised his voice, his tone alone is terrifying and heavy with authority, and footsteps climbing the marble steps indicate his instructions were followed immediately without hesitation.