everettellington

[everettellington]

"Aw, yeah, sometimes having older kids in and fully aware of the magic helps. At least I'd say so. I can say though, you're a good Mom. Not many people would have the patience to do something like that for an entire year; even if it is a tradition. Don't they have those kit things? The ones that basically give you all the ideas and little thought just the work of execution? If the older boys know about it, maybe you guys could do it together next year as a little way to spread Chistmas spirit to the younger kiddos? Or is that over stepping?" a shrug. "Anyways, I admire it. Wouldn't participate myself, but, admire it all the same. I'd be the one to break the elves leg day three or four and then leave him in one spot to heal for the majority of Christmas, only moving him once or twice myself. I bet you were glad to see the holiday season end just for that alone; or are you someone that dreads it when the holidays are over? Christmas was good; got to see Isla and spend some time with friends. Harassed your brother - nothing quite like picking on Theo until he turns red in the face as I'm sure you know - and sat at home. Really didn't do much until later in the week with work."

I don't really know how I did it for the whole month, it was especially last minute, and then having to do that with not one, not two, but four elves because I wanted the older boys to still feel like they were part of the magic, even if they understood what was happening. Think the appreciated it more than they're willing to verbalize, and that's okay with me. You could have easily fixed that with putting the elf in a cast and a little note stating he broke his leg and can't move for three weeks -- I honestly considered doing that at one point, but I'm pretty sure I would have been judged hard by Colton and Shawn. I won't pretend that I'm very relieved the elves have gone back 'home' for the season and won't return until next year. Only my littlest and youngest one wasn't impressed and didn't fully understand and that landed me buying two of the elves stuffed reindeer to surprise the girls with later on after Christmas because apparently I'm a sucker. Still, I'm pretty proud of how it all came out and had an amazing Christmas all the same. How was your Christmas, Everett?

[everettellington]

"Oh yeah, what is it?" Rhett questioned, brow lifted in slightly as he tried to examine whatever the other had in his hand with his eyes. New Years Eve parties had been something Rhett hadn't participated in in several years; at least not publicly. He'd been known to down a glass or two of bourbon in the comfort of his own home, but, social gatherings during the holidays were something Rhett didn't quite participate in. Not until this year anyways, and now that he was here, he kind of hated he'd missed out on so much of it. He guess that's what being a hermit for the better part of two weeks would do to you. He'd let his eyes scan the room, unable to keep his line of vision away from the food himself, and despite the fact he shouldn't have been so big on the tiny sandwiches he'd been eating, he was pretty certain he'd eaten about five already and would've likely eaten another ten, however whatever the other had had now caught his attention.

He took a step away from the wall he'd been planted against, a tiny cocktail plate in his hand as he made his way towards the area the food was, grabbing a few of whatever the other had - he still wasn't sure but at least he recognized them - before he returned, handing the plate to the other but taking one off of it himself. "Do you want me to ask you why you aren't allowed here or would you just prefer I hand you food and call it a day?"

Where: Evolution When: New Years Eve, 2024 Who: Open

"—damn these are other level. Should snag one, or five." He told the person next to him with a chefs kiss. For the first hour or so he'd hovered around the food knowing he was in for a long night of champagne and fruity drinks, until they moved the gold closer to the waitstaff line of sight, "Hey, and maybe uh, you snag another one for me...I'm kinda on a 'do not allow' list here, long story."

[everettellington]

Nodding - while also giving his friend a look that definitely said ‘I told you so’ - Rhett exhaled. “I mean, you know the kid as well as I do -” he started, never missing an opportunity to talk about his daughter; he was one proud father - “she’d have been fine if I wore them for a week and tore them up. She’d even likely have been the one to buy me another pair, but, at least I can say these were the best investment on her part. Three years is a pretty good length of time for a pair of boots, especially in my line of work these days.” One thing was for certain, Rhett had never expected to go through clothes so fast as an HVAC specialist; clearly he’d been wrong on the amount of things he’d be dealing with. It was Theo’s mention of just getting out of the hospital though that made Rhett laugh and he nodded, looking at his friend. “Okay, so my point still stands. Maybe don’t get our feet all twisted up like that and she won’t have to come see either of us. I need to keep that company of yours on my good side.” 

Rhett let his expression harden at his friend’s words and he shrugged, looking at his best friend. “Hey now, we listen and we don’t judge.” he quoted - he wasn’t really a social media guy but he’d heard a few people walking around saying it so he assumed it was a trend kids were saying these days. “Yes, I still have my entire list to buy for.” Rhett spoke, shrugging his shoulders before he looked at his best friend. “Other than two little offspring that just so happen to be as important to me as their father, no, I haven’t bought for anyone.” he admitted. There had been a time in his life where he’d have all the presents purchased and wrapped by now; though that had admittedly been the works of his beautiful bride, and a habit Rhett hadn’t been able to keep up with. He just usually wasn’t this far behind; his friend’s concern was justified. “Unlike someone I know who got to play hookie from work for the last several weeks, I’ve been working my ass off.” he countered, eyes fixated on his friend’s expression hoping - but knowing deep down he’d not overstepped in his best friend’s eyes - that the joke would be well received. “Apparently winter in Merrock means I’m working double time; those heating units don’t fix themselves sadly and some of those co-workers of mine have been too busy with their own lives to work much more than the minimum required.” While work had kept him busy, there was the truthfully no excuse for Rhett’s lack of gift purchasing as of yet. His list of who to buy for hadn’t increased by much - sure there were a few more co-workers added, but those gifts had been purchased awhile ago - all that remained were his usuals and while they were all a year older, they’re interests hadn’t changed much. Maybe next year he’d find himself out shopping earlier, but he wouldn’t hold his breath. “Just for the tool comment, you’re getting coal.” Rhett chuckled, shaking his head as he looked at his best friend; shrugging innocently. “You’ll find out Christmas morning after Santa pays you a visit. But maybe leave out Miller Lite this year; warm milk is kind of disgusting.” 

Rhett hadn’t known much about flower subscriptions himself, but, just like most good things in his life he’d learned about it through Naomi who had strategically planted the seed for Rhett to do it for her their last holiday season together - little did he know she’d never get to see it for herself, but at least Isla had appreciated them in her honor - but it had turned out in the end to be one of the best gifts he ever purchased. “I mean, you know if she’d prefer the wine or the flowers, but just know it’s a real thing.” he shrugged. “I can send you all the information if you want it.” he admitted, the Christmas list in his pocket long forgot about as he looked at the succulent in his hand. It was the surprise of his friends voice that made him give Theo a once over. “You mean you don’t want another?” Rhett questioned, unsure if his friend was content with his two or if he did want a baby with Tam. Rhett would be delighted either way; he loved Theo’s kids as much as he loved his own. “I thought I was about to have to smack some sense into you.” Rhett chuckled, shaking his head. “That’s a big step though, man. But if that’s what you two want - even though I was somewhat kidding - you know I’ll support you however you need.” And that was the truth. Theo had always supported Rhett; through the times when he and Naomi had actively tried for children, only to ever be blessed with Isla, through the hardships of marriage, and even more so since Naomi’s passing. Theo was truly Rhett’s best friend. “I say why the hell not?” he laughed. “Just not that one in your hand; it’s too similar to the one that I’ve got and she already likes you more, let me win this one.”

Bending down to see as Rhett lifted his foot, Theo nodded, "oh yeah you definitely need some," replying as he stood back up straighter. "Three years seems like at least you gave Isla her money's worth," gesturing towards the boot, as though some of them can be way too overpriced and expensive. But three years seemed like a good deal for how much one would wear a pair before wearing them down too much. Seeing his friend's expression, Theo put up his hands to surrender, "I just got out less than two months ago, I ain't going back in," before playfully saluting Rhett as they walked along.

Theo's eyes peered from the paper and then up to the man he called his best friend. Though Theo had done most of his shopping, getting an early jump this year including getting Rhett's gifts, he was still always open to getting more. His eyes then got wide, "pretty much everyone? You're telling me you haven't gotten any of your shopping done yet?" Theo asked, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans as his tone was more surprised and a bit louder than anticipated. For maybe the first time in his life, Theo felt relaxed regarding the shopping for the holidays since he had had enough time off to actually find things online rather than scramble last minute. Though he did find it more and more difficult each year when buying for certain people, and he had added a few extras to his list this upcoming year. Jason had been added last year as it was his first year back, and now he had added Shawn and Cienna to his list of people to shop for. "Sounds like a good plan to me," he nodded and gave him a thumbs up before adding, "so should I expect some new tools this year or....?" He trailed off, obviously teasing his friend as they made their way through the market. "A flower subscription? They make those? I was thinking maybe a wine one but a flower one?" He nodded, thinking for a moment, then looking at the plants around them. "I do still have to get Isla a gift too, maybe she'd like two succulents?" He asked picking up another one before his cheeks got red.

"A baby!?" He asked with a chuckle and a gulp, "imagine? Though we honestly have talked about having kids together one day."

[everettellington]

To My Brother @theobrowningfd,

Well, it's that time of year again. The time where I spend entirely too long trying to find the perfect gift for you just to remember you already got the best gift when you agreed to be my friend. Pretty cool present if you ask me! Since you're taking on new adventures this year - Tam's one lucky girl - I thought I'd be a little more practical with my gift giving this year; a guitar holder for the wall so you can make space for the ladies things, a cup to store all the coffee or cold beverages your heart desires - there's even one in there for Tam too - and of course it wouldn't be Christmas without some form of alcoholic present now would it? You're welcome by the way, it took everything in me not to keep that firetruck decanter for myself.

This gift is late I know, you already know the holidays are tough for me, but, I wouldn't be able to survive them without you; seriously.

-- x Rhett

[everettellington]

Cassidy's Candies has been a staple in Rhett Ellington's life for as the last several years; it's not a place he visits frequently, but, the holiday time and those after holiday sales he could be seen wondering the floor of the candy shop as if his wallet was burning a hole in his pocket eager to be spent. He'd never been much of a chocolate kind of guy - sure he loved a good Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, or Hershey's Milk chocolate; sometimes he'd even get a wild hair to purchase some Almond Joys or Mounds - the chewy and sour candies had always been his preference. There had been years where sour Skittles, Sour Patch Kids and Warheads had been his candy of choice, but, after many days spent with a raw tongue from eating so much he'd cut back. His current hyper fixation were the old school candies -- bottle caps and wax bottles.

He'd been slightly stubborn when it came to shopping on this day in particular and had refused to get a basket or a shopping cart and instead had used his left arm to cradle the precious cargo against his chest, three bags of both bottle caps and wax bottles already secured as he tried to see if anything struck his fancy. He'd considered malted milk balls - even had a few packs in his hand before he'd shook his head, placing them back on the shelf where they were. He'd barely been paying attention to his surroundings - something that was a fault of his truly - but when he heard the words of someone speaking, asking for assistance, he moved his attention to the blonde with a smile, offering her a nod. "Of course, sweetheart." he replied, his charm shining through like it did in most cases. One thing people quickly learned about Rhett was that he greeted everyone - friend or stranger - like a Southern gentleman, which was rather entertaining since the man had grown up in Merrock all his life. "I'd love to help you, what is it you needed me to get for you?"

Open starter

Where : Cassidy's Candies

When : late December afternoon

Harm wheels into the store and smiles as she looks around at the array of colorful candy. She notices something on a high shelf that she wants, some of her favorite British chocolate. She turns to a person nearby . " Can you help me reach that?"

[everettellington]

merry christmas, friends!

@tashamadams, @nathanxames, @sawyer-bennett, @aridhingra, @gabbyellison, @xcorikhang, @vincexmatthews, @brooksienewman, @lucie-newman, @savstone-rp, @kennedyxwarren, @yoon-nyeon, @everettellington, @aminarocks

Thank you for another warm holiday season of looking at Christmas lights, stopping by the park with hot coffee, or just being in my life in general. These gifts were all picked up at the holiday market, made by local Merrockites: a warm blanket for those cold, winter nights ahead, a pine-scented candle to keep the holiday spirit with you longer, and a scarf for those days you have to go outside. May your holiday be as wonderful as you.

-- Jace

[everettellington]

"I could use some, yeah." Rhett nodded, lifting his foot to reveal the underside of his boot where there was an obvious hole wearing in the bottom of it. "Though I think these are the shoes that Isla bought me at least three years ago now and with as much as I wear these I might as well invest in another pair myself." he shrugged, letting himself look at his feet and back at his friend, raising an eyebrow of seriousness that said 'watch it'. "Also, watch yourself, man. You know as well as I do that one wrong move and we're both going to be eating pavement and I don't think Isla wants Christmas with her father to be spent in the hospital." he chuckled.

While the question was meant to be innocent, Rhett let his eyes move from the list back to his friend, exhaling at the thought of the response to the answer. "Pretty much everyone I have to but presents for." he admitted, referring to not only his daughter and Theo himself, but also all of his in-laws, and even a few other people he remembered last minute to add. His list seemed to grow more and more every year - he guessed it made sense considering the fact that families seemed to grow more and more with the years that passed - yet the older he got the harder it was buying for people. "I'm honestly just kind of going off straight vibes this year." he admitted, looking at the other. "Whatever I find that I think people would enjoy, that's what I plan to get." he laughed. Though he hadn't meant to ignore his friends statement about topping asking Tam to move in with him and he laughed. "Honestly, man, a flower subscription." he shrugged. "I don't know if Tam is a flower kind of gal, but, if she's anything like Naomi she'll love it." he admitted, picking up one of the succulent plants and exploring it completely from every angle, nodding as he decided this was indeed the perfect present for his daughter. "Isla will love this." he smiled, tucking it into his arm before returning his attention back to his best friend. "Or, a thought if she's anything like Naomi, you could always get her a baby for Christmas." he joked, tossing his friend a playful wink.

"I don't think so," Theo replied, is brow furrowing at the randomness of the question as they walked along, making a sublt face when seeing how his best friend seemed to be walking. "Why, need new ones?" He replied with a light chuckle and a soft kick towwrds his friends feet, avoiding actually getting them tangle together. Looking down at how own two feet, sporting some old boots himself, he figured one didn't necessarily need an excuse for new boots to begin with. But Theo also knew that Rhett probably would wear those babies down as much as he could before getting new ones, as he was too busy to care care of others instead of himself.

"So, who you got on that list?" Theo playfully tried to peer at the list in Rhett's hands before looking at the crowd around them. "I've got a few people left on my list myself," he chimed, "including Tam. It's our first Christmas together and honestly I don't know what to get her. I already asked her to move into the new house after the new year. So I have to top that somehow," replying as he turned back to his friend, his eyes bright in the Maine sun. Then nodding, he laughed, "good thing. And of course, don't I always!?" As they headed over to the booth, Theo took a look around, wondering if anything would be good for either of his sister's, though he did know his daughter would not be getting a plant as she was only twelve. "Obviously I know Isla is getting one of these," he replied as Theo knew Rhett's daughter by now, having been by his best friend's side since the little girl was born.

[everettellington]

Merry Christmas @everettellington. My oldest and closest friend, I hope you have a great holiday. I got you a fishing kit complete with spices and recipes, a whiskey decanter (complete with a glass fish because why the heck not!?), and lastly a fire extinguisher mini bar because, would you expect anything less from me!? Cheers to over thirty years of friendship, looking forward to thirty more!

Your friend,

Theo

[everettellington]

With a small nod of his head, Rhett placed his hand in the pocket of his jacket, letting himself give her the space she needed to think. "No rush, sweetheart." He greeted, offering a small smile as he shifted his weight from one foot to another. He was eager to see what she found, however, he also appreciated people's time, especially when it came to the holidays. There was nothing more irritating than listening to someone degrade and belittle people working around the holidays. "I've got as much time as you do." he admitted with a smile.

He'd had a small hunch when he'd taken a step farther into the booth that it seemed to be more boat relate, but, one of the many things he did know about boats was that it was typically the first step in building a fishing hobby. Sadly - though maybe not so sad as he was sure his wallet would appreciate him - his father in law already had a boat; so accessories and some abonormal fishing gear would have to suffice. His eyes averted to the book that was in her hand, allowing a small smile to form on his lips. "Oh, that looks nice." he began, his eyes fixated on the anchor on the front of it. Her explanation of what it could be used for made him nod again; it was actually a really good idea. "You know, that actually sounds kind of useful." Rhett agreed. His father-in-law wasn't one that took trips very much anymore in his older age, but, maybe that would be a good present idea to add with it, either way it had the gears in Rhett's head turning. "He's actually a really old school kind of guy. Where most people would just use their phone or camera, but, he's much more of a paper kind of guy." he admitted, hand outstretching to take the journal, letting his hand move over the leather of it. "I think he'll enjoy it for sure; now I just have to decide if it's good enough for him." Rhett added with a chuckle, his eyes meeting her again.

He hadn't been expecting her to question the choice she'd made, yet when she did he shook his head, shrugging. "I think this is great, but can I get a look at those engraved keychains too?" he questioned. "Either way I think I'm going to grab this. I'll regret it if I don't." he sighed. Though his attention returned to he donation box a moment later and he offered her another smile. "It's honestly what drew me in here." he admitted. "I mean, the boat gear was the biggest thing, but, I'll never turn down a reason to donate to a good cause." he spoke. "This something you guys have been doing for awhile?"

Sawyer turned her attention to the man standing in front of the booth, her polite smile softening as she processed his words. “For the fishermen, huh?” she asked, a hint of humor curling the edges of her voice. She brushed a stray hair from her face and glanced at the neatly arranged items on the table, scanning for something that fit the bill. “Let me think.”

Her fingers tapped the edge of the display thoughtfully. “We don’t have a ton of fishing-specific gear here—it’s more boat-centric—but…” she trailed off, picking up a small leather-bound logbook embossed with an anchor on the cover. She held it up, a faint note of pride in her voice as she continued, “This could work. It’s a captain’s log, technically, but I’ve seen people use it to track fishing trips—locations, catches, weather conditions. A little old-school, maybe, but personal.”

Sawyer hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting his. There was something about the way he’d mentioned his father-in-law that struck a chord with her—an unspoken connection between their respective losses. “If he’s sentimental, it could be a nice way to keep track of the memories you two make out on the water,” she added, her tone softening.

She gestured to the other items. “If that’s not quite what you’re looking for, we’ve got these engraved keychains. Not groundbreaking, but you could get one customized with his initials or a favorite quote. And if you’re really stuck, I can take your number and ask Scott—he’d know better about fishing gear. He’s supposed to be back any minute.” The last part slipped out with a slightly exasperated edge before she could catch herself.

Sawyer cleared her throat, offering a quick smile to cover it. “Either way, thanks for stopping by—and for donating,” she added, nodding toward the box. “The foundation’s a good one. It means a lot to our family.”

[everettellington]

Hasn’t been the same around here since you left. Never will be. Kelly Severide and Matt Casey in CHICAGO FIRE (2012—)

[everettellington]

The holidays had always been Naomi Ellington's favorite time of year. The smell of fresh apple cider or peppermint tea would often fill Rhett's nostrils, pancakes and bacon - extra crispy - often shared at the table every Sunday morning throughout the winter months. He'd barely paid much attention to it at the time - aside from the annual 'The Christmas Tree goes up after Thanksgiving, Everett' speech or the intentionally decorated kitchen table that he was always too scared to mess up every year - the ebb and flow of every day life consuming him too much to really notice. He took it for granted, only realizing how much he missed it whenever it was gone. It had been twelve years since the traditions had changed and what used to be celebrated as a family of three turned into a single father trying to make the holidays bearable for his daughter who deserved the entire world had become mediocre at best, but, Rhett Ellington would do anything to keep the holiday spirit alive even if it was just for himself. The holiday market had been one of the many things he'd kept going once his wife had passed, making it a point to do most of his holiday shopping from the booths or small businesses that set up there. He'd been doing just that, exploring the booths, letting his eyes do the searching as he mentally checked off each person one by one from his list as he went along. There were his nieces, his nephews, his daughter Isla, his in-laws - while the Tyler's had lived over a decade without their daughter, they'd never stopped loving on Rhett in that time frame, even once Isla had moved out - his best friend; truthfully the list felt endless. Yet he was doing his best to make sure that every single person had a hand picked gift that meant something to them. Personal to every single one. A true part of their story. So, the plastic bag he'd brought along to hold all of his gifts was hoisted over his shoulder as he weaved in and out of every booth, unable to keep his eyes off of things. He'd nearly walked past the boating booth with the reminder to come back once the couple had left, but, hearing the word charity sparked his interest and he paused. Thankfully a moment later he was alone, offering the blonde a smile.

"It's a good charity." he commented, digging into his shirt pocket and digging for some cash he'd tucked away for food or drink later on. He placed it into the donation box and gave the top a gentle tap before he returned his attention back to the blonde. He was half minded to pick out a present for himself and give it to his daughter for her to wrap for him for Christmas - he had always been an avid fisherman even if he didn't know the in's and out's of the different types of baits - and while a boat to go along with it sounded like a great idea, he couldn't bring himself to do it. Half the point of gifts was receiving something that someone thought of you when they saw after all. So instead he exhaled, taking a look around again. "Well, as tempted as I am to buy myself a present this year, what do you have for the fishermen of the family?" he questioned, half curious for himself, half curious for his father in law. "I'm a big fisher which is a passion I share with my father-in-law and I'd love to get him something fishing related here if that's something you can offer." If there wasn't any fishing gear or equipment he may look into beginner item for boats, but, that would be a task for later. He needed an answer to his question first.

WHO: OPEN (3/4)

WHERE: Hideaway market

WHEN: Winter Market, 15th December 2024

Sawyer adjusted the collar of her jacket, pulling it tighter against the chilly December air as she stood behind the booth, staring at the spread of nautical-themed trinkets and boat accessories. It wasn’t supposed to be her job today—Scott had insisted she take the day off, but, of course, he’d roped her into manning the booth for Bennett’s Boat Works & Repairs at the Merrock Christmas Market. "Just for an hour," he’d said. "I’ll be back soon." That had been over an hour ago, and she was still standing here, surrounded by wind-up sailboats, life vests, and keychains shaped like anchors. She sighed, casting a glance at the small charity box next to the booth, the one for the charity that had helped her father during his final months. The guilt crept in again, a dull weight in her chest. There was no way Scott would have asked her to do this if their father was still around, and while Sawyer appreciated the sentiment, she couldn’t shake the feeling that it all just felt like one more thing she had to manage. A few customers wandered by, eyeing the items with mild interest, but no one stopped to buy. Sawyer was grateful for the quiet, though it only gave her more time to think—mostly about how she’d gotten stuck here instead of enjoying the holiday market like she’d planned. She glanced over the booth again, adjusting a few items as if the display could somehow fix her mood. "At least the donations are going to a good cause," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. A couple passed by, eyeing the keychains, and Sawyer put on a forced smile. She straightened up, trying to shake the nagging feeling that she should be anywhere but here. “Looking for something for the boating enthusiast in your life?” she offered, the words coming out more clipped than she’d intended. "We’ve got a variety of items, and all proceeds from the charity box go directly to the Foundation that helped my father." She hesitated before adding, “It’s a way to keep his memory alive.” As they nodded and moved on, Sawyer let out another sigh, glancing over at the street. Where was Scott with the rest of the stock? The market was busy, the holiday spirit in full swing, and yet here she was—still manning the booth, still waiting for him to show up. Just her luck.

[everettellington]

"Honestly, you have a hell of a lot more patience than me. I would've given up after the first five days and then everyone would've been screaming because the elves were broken or whatever complaint they have when the elves don't get moved. Don't get me wrong, it's a cute concept, I'm just thankful that it wasn't popular when Isla was a child because there's no way I would've ever been able to keep up with it. And you bought one for every child? Does that mean you have to do that many ideas or are all the elves doing something different every night? I don't know if you're kids are crafty, but, maybe you can have them draw something that you can have the elves do? Maybe say some sort of little 'enchantment' or wish that whatever the object is will become real. I imagine if you went that route you'd only have to really cut out the paper and attach it to the elves? Actually on second thought I think I'm just putting more work on you, but maybe you can do something that they can help be involved in or something."

I don't know what I was thinking when I decided that I would join the crowds of people doing Elf on the Shelf, not to mention I bought one for each of the kids -- because it doesn't matter how old they are, everyone deserves to believe in a little bit of magic. Or at least play along but when I say these elves have been stressing me out, it's an understatment. Someone send wine and yummy food to soothe myself while I spend another night googling cute creative ideas for these damn elves. And yes, I may be complaining but I'm secretly loving every minute of it. Please someone tell me they have ideas or are doing this for their own kids? @merrock

[everettellington]

WHO: Rhett Ellington & @theobrowningfd WHAT: Present Shopping for Rhett's daughter, Isla. WHEN: Winter Holiday Market - December 2024 WHERE: Succs by Clara WHY: based on the 🌷 emoji; and those succulents are so cute!

"Have we passed any sort of shop with some good pairs of work boots at all?" The taller man asked, his brow raising in question as he limped, slightly favoring his left side. He'd apparently worn a hole in the sole of his work boots, and in true Rhett Ellington fashion he'd been blind to it prior to that morning when he'd gotten dressed for the day. It wasn't something that was shocking - Rhett wasn't one to ever prioritize himself over anything else that needed to be done - but as he walked along the pathway, eagerly searching for a gift for those still on his list the pain the hole was beginning to cause unnecessary wear and tear on the brand new socks sitting against his feet.

He shifted as the duo came to a stop, taking the paper from the pocket of his jeans and scanned the list once it was unfolded. There weren't a lot of names on it - Isla, Theo, Mr. and Mrs. Tyler, Ember (his black and white border collie) and his nieces and nephews - okay, truthfully considering the fact Christmas was seven days away the list felt as if it was still growing by the second. He'd barely marked off a single name and the only reason he had then was because he'd gotten a great deal on a poinsettia at the florist that he'd given to Mrs. Jones at the nursing home; she'd been one of the few people that had kept up with Rhett through the years since he'd left the church at seventeen. "Damn, I guess it's a good thing I got paid yesterday." he joked, showing the sheet of paper to his best friend before he nodded in the direction of Succs by Clara a booth he was certain he could grab a present for his daughter. Isla had always loved plants. "You just have to promise me if we find something for you here you'll act surprised when you open it on Christmas, alright?"

[everettellington]

ONE CHICAGO APPRECIATION WEEK

Day 4 - Favorite Friendship: MATT CASEY AND KELLY SEVERIDE (CHICAGO FIRE)

I think I’m gonna stay with Severide for a while. He’d never admit it, but he needs someone looking after him.

[everettellington]

rhett ellington | he/him | forty4. | taylor kinney

father to one beautiful daughter. brother to four siblings. son to two adoptive parents. self employed HVAC contractor. ex-firefighter turned fire safety instructor. countryside resident. merrock native. friend to many.

𝚋𝚒𝚘𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚑𝚢 | 𝚋𝚕𝚞𝚛𝚋 | 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚛