aaroncward

[aaroncward]

Aaron had just come from the gym, his hair still damp from the shower he took there, the smell of eucalyptus clinging to his skin -- his way to open up his airways, which was a small relief. He'd gotten hungry after the training and figured he deserved a little something from the Cozy Cup. He'd not reached the entryway yet when he was met by Ariya. The captain greeted the doctor with a smile, letting out a chuckle at her question. "I am manifesting for fall with sweaters. I don't mind summer, but I'm glad when it's fall again." He told her, hands folded together in front of him as he stood with a straight back. "How've you been, Ariya?" @ariyacl

closed starter @aaroncward

location: somewhere at midtown

She stepped out of The Cozy Cup with an iced coffee in hand. Ari had just gotten groceries and figured she would get a caffeine fix before heading home. Tonight was Pearce’s turn to stay the night, and since she barely had any groceries, she needed to grab some for their night in. As she adjusted her grip on her grocery bags, a familiar face caught her eye. It was Aaron, she'd met him at the hospital. While she never treated the man, he was nice enough to her and they would chat whenever they crossed paths. "Enjoying the last days of summer too?" she asked as she approached, sipping on some iced coffee.

[aaroncward]

"Managing is good." The man nodded, giving the woman a comforting smile, hoping it would help with whatever was ailing her. He took a deep quiet breath, ignoring the slight tingling at his fingertips. "I hope you're allowing yourself the rest if you need it. No work is worth your health." At least, he took from what she said that her work was what made it rough. He was never one to pry into the lives of others and he didn't intend to have that change. Aaron shook his head at her question, studying the expressions that had seemed to change a couple of times from the moment he ran into her. "No, I was at the firehouse. We were on a call when the blackout was reported, so a different firehouse went to keep the situation from escalating. I hope you got out all right?" @hazalyildizs

continued from here.

Hazal relaxed a bit, once she realized it was only Aaron. With everything that happened, she hadn't been home since the mayoral ball. Staying with Linc was the safe bet and she hadn't bothered going home. The thought of returning to her empty house after the chaos of the past few days made her stomach churn. "I'm managing," she said, fidgeting with her purse strap. Her fingers traced the worn leather, a nervous habit she'd picked up years ago. "It's just been a bit rough lately. Work's been keeping me busy, and I've been staying with my boyfriend." Her eyes clouded over as memories of the ball flashed through her mind. The sudden darkness, his voice in her ear, the chills she got as the threat was being made… It was enough to send anyone scrambling. "Were you at the mayoral ball when the whole blackout happened?"

[aaroncward]

"As in they put avocado on your eyes now instead of cucumber?" Aaron had never done anything of the kind where he got pampered. Never set foot in a spa either. The only way he got close to one was when he treated his fiancee to a spa outing. He doubted he would find the peace in one, he never was one to sit still long enough. "I can understand honey, but avocado is just weird. It should be guacamole and nothing else." Aaron weighed in his opinion, even though it was all trivial. "See? Even you agree with me." He sauntered along with the other, being able to agree with a hunt for actual avocados. "How many do you need?" @deanmatiashernandez

a chuckle managed to slip past matias' lips. "come on, they say it's good for both your skin and to eat. so, i'm not surprised that they've gone as far as to include it in skincare products. i think they've included honey in those masks just as much as they've included avocados." he pointed out and shifted further into the store. "we were on the hunt for actual avocados. i told you i was making homemade guacamole tonight. that's the only way to eat it."

[aaroncward]

Aaron replied with a snort, a grin on his face as they continued browsing through the different items. He'd only known Maya for a few months, but the idea of her one day browsing the make-up isle rather than the children's section was an eerie one, and he couldn't even fathom how Samira felt. "Jack of all artistic trades, huh? I can work with that." Aaron uttered, already looking towards the painting section of the aisle. He looked over to Samira when she mentioned having been the one that inspired the creative side in her daughter, which was only admirable in Aaron's eyes. "I wouldn't even know how to paint and make it look good." The man snickered, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't mind getting her an easle. I'm sure Celene would approve if I got her both a whole set, honestly. But only if you don't mind." @samiraxiyer

“Gross," Samira pulled a face at the thought of doing just that before shaking her head. As they continued to look through the different items, she wondered if her daughter was going to turn into someone who did utilize these things later on in life even if she wasn't there just yet. She looked back at him as he spoke about what kind of crafty Maya was and she chuckled softly at his words before shrugging. “She's really into painting, but also scrapbooking, just doing random things honestly and I love it. So much better than other kids who just sit there with video games or whatever,” she shook her head before continuing, “basically I think she's gotten the art bug from me…I love painting randomly and I think she picked it up in summer camp so an easel might actually be a great idea if you’re serious. But--seeing as that's a bit extensive, maybe a set of paints instead?"

[aaroncward]

"I should, but I decided to make an important stop before I did." He replied, somewhat honoured by the fact that Gwendolyn kept an eye on his schedule, even though he knew that for her position in the force it was important to know when she had to call who for emergencies. Even in the fire department. "Clearly. I would say I'd want to swap with you, but that would be a little white lie." Aaron mused, recognising the sarcasm in the woman's voice. He let out a short chuckle when she once more deflected his concern and instead tried to get him to go home. Unless she actually told him she would rather be by herself, he wouldn't take no for an answer. "Exhaustion only hits once I am comfortably seated on my couch. Until then, I'm good. Here if you need an ear otherwise." @gwendolynwcde

Hearing the familiar voice of her first responder colleague was enough for the Chief of Police to lower her guard and huff out a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted to deal with were the concerned civilians of this city and the press. It has been not only overwhelming, but counterproductive when it came to her job that it made it overall difficult for her to answer the daily inquiries and criticism they had. “Shouldn’t you be heading home?” she curiously replied as she finally faced Aaron. Last she checked, he was on duty during this time. However, after hearing his response, Gwen’s expression faltered slightly as she struggled to find the right words since she didn’t want to place the burden of worry onto him. “Oh you know, living the dream.” she sarcastically replied with a light hearted smile. “I appreciate your concerns, but you really didn't have to come all this way...Especially since you've had a long day, right?"

[aaroncward]

Aaron reminded himself to breathe, finding that old emotions were resurfacing and part of him wanted to get angry at her for acting like this was some kind of game. Yet he knew better, he knew that this was deflective behaviour so she wouldn't be faced with her actions. Or at least, what else could it be? "Right." He uttered, forcing a smile at her before he turned to the stall vendor, asking him to get him four of what he had been intending to pick up before their hands had crossed paths. "I'll just take an example out of your book and not care, then." He spoke, turning his head to look at her again. "Don't let me keep you." @safiadecastilla

"I don't have an opinion about it." she responded casually, her attention turning back to the fruit on display so that she appeared entirely aloof and disinterested to the man stood beside her. To the man who once could have asked anything of her, and she would have done it. But now, there was a solid wall forced between the two of them, from Safia herself, and she over the years she had tried with all her might to keep it there. "Why are you so defensive?" she pushed, a gentle frown upon her forehead as she tried to maintain her appearance of detachment.

[aaroncward]

Aaron's brows furrowed for a split second, taking the cue from her words and set tone how the conversation was going to go. So much for going the civil road, though he wasn't quite sure why he deserved the unpleasantness. He didn't reply to her total disregard of his question, instead crossing his arms at her chosen words. "I just might be. Question is, why do you have an opinion about it?" He countered, perhaps more harshly than he had originally intended, but if she was going to spew venom, he couldn't see why he had to hold back. Last time he held her emotions in consideration, he got ghosted for it. He wasn't going to expect anything different. @safiadecastilla

The farmer's market was where Safia could aimlessly stroll around, oftentimes dragging Donnie along with her so they could buy things for the apartment or dinner that evening. It was where she could see herself as someone's wife who did yoga and pilates every other day, and drank green juice each morning - a very different version of who she was now. Safia had wandered off on her own after giving Donnie a list of items to keep him busy so she would live in her fantasy just a little while longer. Until - the way he spoke her name caused sharp shivers to spike her skin. She paused, her hand hovering for a moment as she swallowed heavily, willing herself to glance upwards. "I don't really think we need to do the how are you's, do we?" she offered, her lips pressing into a thin line as she mentally pleaded for Donnie to come and save her. Although she huffed a sigh to herself, knowing this was Aaron's way of navigating an awkward situation and Safia was just being stubborn. "What are you doing here? Inviting the future in-laws over for dinner?" she challenged.

[aaroncward]

"At least if you're hungry you can just smear some off your cheek." As long as they didn't think about what else they had put in the mask, then they'd be good. He was glad for the chance to get to go out and do this with Samira. Maya had started to mean a lot to Aaron, even if he only knew of the girl for six months at the most. The girl had taken a fondness to Celene and through that to him as well that she was always happy to see him. It had definitely made things better for him, seeing as he had no other children in his life to grow fond of. "Are we talking acrylics or scrapbook crafty?" He asked, leaving the face masks for what it was. "I don't mind pitching in with an easel if that's what tickles her fancy." @samiraxiyer

She really did need to prioritize more time to spend with adults her age--most of her time was spent at work, or at home with Maya. Somehow life in Wilmington was definitely a lot more...slower than she'd expected but while she was irritated with herself for not making more of an effort, she just couldn't be bothered. However when Aaron had called asking for help to get Maya a birthday present, she knew she had to lug herself out of having a lazy day. And so she'd met up with him at the mall and was currently shopping around for things her daughter would like.

"Which is just weird, like sure avocado may have some good properties but I don't want to feel like I have guac on my face," she muttered before looking at him once more with a laugh. "We're looking for a birthday present for your first girl under 10...she's at that age where toys aren't the best, but at the same time I don't want to let her get makeup or something...how about something crafty?"

[aaroncward]

Aaron began to regret his enthusiasm towards his fiancee that he would be able to remember what he had to get from the farmers market and he didn't need to write things down. After the leek, tomatoes and pumpkin, he was at a complete loss. He had to lick his wounds and text her that he had forgotten after all. With his eyes glued to his phone screen, he hadn't noticed he was in the close vicinity of the woman who had both set his heart alight as well as broken it in half in a short amount of time. It was upon seeing he stood near a stand with pears that he recalled it was an item on the list and reached for it, crossing hands with someone. Eyes widened slightly and he was taken aback when he saw who it was, a ghost from the past. "Safia." He uttered, clearing his throat. "How, uh.. How are you?" @safiadecastilla

[aaroncward]

location: waterworks mall; midtown open starter (2/4 cap)

"I swear, whenever a food becomes popular, they start using it in everything. First it is the rise of avocado on toast and now it is a nurturing substance for face masks." Aaron spoke, waving a package of a facemask, green with avocados all over it. "I don't understand the new generation." With a shake of the head, he put the package down on the shelves again, turning to his companion. "Right, so what were we looking for again?" Aaron inquired glad that with whatever was going on lately, he still found things to do that felt mundane.

[aaroncward]

Aaron had a feeling that tensions were running high. He found that a lot of people were walking on eggshells, or perhaps that was just from his perspective. Aaron found him still living life 'normally'. Tasty treats was a place he often frequented, having his set order that the baristas by now memorised. He was on his way to exit the place when he was met full on by none other than Hazal. He halted in place, letting out a breathy laugh as he shook his head. "No harm no foul." He told her, meeting her smile with one of his own as she spoke. "It's been fine. I'm off work so I'm just making a proper start of it." He told her, his head slightly tilting. "Are you all right, Hazal?" @hazalyildizs

OPEN STARTER

capping at: (2/4)

location: tasty treats

The incident during the mayoral ball still bothered her. These days, wherever she went out, she was never without protection. Mainly pepper spray and taser. Paranoid couldn’t even begin to describe how she felt. Lost in thought, she didn't notice the person in front of her until it was too late. She bumped into them, nearly spilling their drink. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" she said, her heart racing—though this time it had nothing to do with the stalker. As she looked up to apologize further, recognition dawned on her face. Her eyes widened, relief washing over her. Finally, she managed a weak smile, her voice barely above a whisper as she said, " it’s been a while. I didn't expect to see you here. How’s your day going?" Better than hers, she hoped.

[aaroncward]

Aaron understood the weight that came with the title of Captain. There had always been a stigma between firefighters and police officers, but he was more than willing to cross that divide and offer his services and help wherever and whenever he could. After recent events, he figured that that Gwendolyn was probably feeling like she had the whole town against her, eagerly awaiting for answers. After his twenty-four hour shift had ended, he'd made his way to the police station. He could bite through the exhaustion for a while longer. "Questions and complaints, no -- Concerns, yes." Aaron answered her, catching up to her. "Not here for what you expect, captain. More to check on a colleague, and maybe a friend, if she lets me." @gwendolynwcde

❛ ☾ ◟━ LOCATION: outside the police precinct

❛ ☾ ◟━ TIME: afternoon

❛ ☾ ◟━ STATUS: open to everyone

Sometimes Gwendolyn wondered if it were best to just pack up and disappear without a care in the world. However, the idea of being on the run seemed too good to be true as she was certain that the Wades wouldn't dare to let that happen. It was evident that the current events around Wilmington were draining the life out of her as she struggled to comprehend how one place can be filled with so much complexities in its people and history. It was a mystery she was still struggling to solve.

Taking a long drag of her cigarette, the Chief of Police stood at a corner outside the precinct in hopes of having a quiet break from all the chatter and requests. However, she heard someone approaching and immediately blew out the smoke, before crushing the stick underneath her foot and making her way back inside. "Any questions, concerns or complaints, please file it at the front desk. If you're the media, I'm not taking any interviews at this time."

[aaroncward]

STATISTICS

BIRTH NAME :  Aaron C. Ward ALIAS : Ron AGE : 40 DATE  OF  BIRTH : July 15th, 1984 RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Engaged HOMETOWN : Wilmington, North Carolina TIME IN WILMINGTON: Since Birth RESIDENCE : Wrightsville Beach OCCUPATION: Fire Captain FACECLAIM : Brett Dalton

trigger warning: death, illness

EDUCATION : Business degree at Duke, Fire Academy. OCCUPATION : Fire Captain GENDER : Cis-Male PRONOUNS : He/Him SEXUALITY : Straight

HAIR COLOR : Brown EYE  COLOR : Brown HEIGHT : 6'2'' BUILD : Athletic ACCENT : American LANGUAGES : English, Sign Language TATTOOS : None

ZODIAC : Cancer LOVE LANGUAGE : Words of affirmation, Physical touch CURRENT HAIR STYLE + BEARD: ( x ) CONDITIONS : Sickle Cell Anemia ALLERGIES : None EATING HABITS : Lives on protein and fibers EXERCISE HABITS : Weights and the occasional treadmill when he's alone. SLEEPING HABITS : Light sleeper, prefers sleeping on his side.

ADDICTIONS : None DRUG  USE : None ALCOHOL USE : Socially

POSITIVE  TRAITS :  loyal, hard-working, strong, ambitious, persevering NEGATIVE TRAITS: private, secretive, reckless PHOBIAS : None FEARS : Losing his career, wasting his chances. HOBBIES : playing the guitar, reading, cooking foreign cuisine. HABITS : Whistles along to tunes, folds his arms when tense or uncomfortable, moves frequently when cold. USUAL TEMPERAMENT : Inviting, calm.

FATHER : Christopher H. Ward MOTHER : Marian M. Ward-Paisley SIBLINGS : Wesley Ward †, UTP Ward. PARTNER: Celene UTP (2021-present) CHILDREN :  None PETS : A Bernese Mountain dog called Sammy.

BIOGRAPHY

tw: death, illness.

Aaron was born as the oldest son into the Ward empire, well respected within the Wilmington borders and out. With his father having inherited the ownership of the grand Four Season Hotel, their family was soon to rise in wealth and reputation. The Ward family has been well off for generations on end, but even more so with his father's new position. It made sure that the Ward brothers had everything they would have wanted. Aaron however, had the wits and restraint of his father, rather than that of his mother. Marian Ward was known for her lavish expenses, something she passed through to her younger sons.

Rather than flaunting wealth to fit in with the popular kids, Aaron had always been the type of student to stand his own, eat lunch with the bullied kids and fighting back to those that would make fun of him or his friends. Not just for his name, but for his reputation that he was not to be messed with made others steer clear from him.

Aaron was diagnosed from a very young age with sickle cell anemia, an illness he had to learn to manage for the rest of his life. Yet it was agreed between his parents that they would keep his condition within the family, as to make sure that if Aaron was to ever take over the ownership of the hotel, his 'fragile state' would not be used as leverage for him to at one point step down. This was a lie that Aaron kept up for himself, not wanting others to judge him on his labels but rather on his actions and his deeds.

Upon having finished his bachelors degree in business, it had been every intend for him to start working for other businesses in the city to expand his horizons and experience before he would join the family business. Fate intervened when Aaron was at the right place at the right time, spotting a home fire while on a drive home. With the emergency services nowhere in sight, he had gone in when it was clear someone still had their infant inside. It had been his introduction to the world of firefighting, and though his action had been reckless, the fire captain on scene had told him that the fire academy could be a future for him if that was what he wanted. With his condition he knew it would be challenging, but Aaron never lived avoiding obstacles, and he went for it.

Miraculously, Aaron passed his firefighting training without his condition coming to light, which he knew was risky. His father disapproved, but after a conversation of how this was what Aaron really wanted, he gave in. It also gave way for his brother, Wesley, to step up and take the reigns, which caused a little friction between the brothers, as Wesley had been all too eager to rub it in Aaron's face that he wasn't the family disappointment.

Wesley truly did seem to have it all. Being the first pick for the family business, having a stunning girlfriend by his side, the wealth to flaunt -- which Ward Sr really despised, but learned to ignore -- yet Aaron kept being confronted with how his little brother didn't seem to truly appreciate what he had. He treated his possessions carelessly, would arrive at work late and neglect his relationship. Over the course of his relationship, Aaron found himself getting closer to Wesley's girlfriend, Safia. There were moments of offered support, encouragements of deserving better and even moments of kisses in heated moments and dark corners of the house that were soon forgotten, until one evening she came to him, obviously upset that she could no longer keep up with the relationship. With the sudden realisation that she had actual feelings for him, like he had developed for her, the two were going to take the plunge. She was going to call him and end things then and there so they could dating. A chance for Aaron to show her that she was deserving. And then, tragedy struck.

After his brother's funeral, things felt hard to piece back together. His mother was distraught, his youngest brother had gone to California to chase after a creative profession and his father seemed to bury himself in work, spending more time at the hotel. Aaron gave Safia space, knowing that they both felt overwhelming guilt, but it became clear that she had distanced herself from not just him, but his entire family. He tried reaching out to her after the pain had settled, just to see if they wanted to try. When his attempts had been answered by silence, Aaron eventually had to move on, whether he liked to or not.

He threw himself into his work, earning him one promotion after the other until eventually he got to call himself Captain of the firestation. It made hiding his condition easier, as he was no longer actively running into burning buildings on the daily but rather organising and directing from the outside. It was during one of his official functions where he met Celene, who had been working at the event. The two got to talking, which even got her into some trouble with her employer. The two parted with each others phone numbers, igniting something new, something exciting. It was a love that seemed to flourish, futures being discussed, being trusted with each other's secrets and conditions and keeping it safe. Their engagement was announced in the spring of 2024, to be held at the Four Seasons in the winter of 2025.

Aaron always deemed himself to be a man of honour, yet what he didn't expect was for his past feelings to resurface upon encountering Safia again, causing conflict and inner turmoil about what was right and what was wrong.

[aaroncward]

[aaroncward]

no funeral required |

[aaroncward]

Brett Dalton attends the Los Angeles Premiere Screening of National Geographics ‘Genius’ the Fox Theater on April 24, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

[aaroncward]

Happy Birthday Brett Dalton 7.1.1983 (35 years old)