ofwishfulthinking

[ofwishfulthinking]

MICHAEL MALARKEY The Vampire Diaries (7.04)

[ofwishfulthinking]

Socializing was the part of the job that Elias hated most. If it was left up to him, Elias would be the stereotypical recluse, clothed in shadows and working behind a nondescript name, but making nice was part of the job. So, even though Elias hated it, he'd painted on a fake smile and donned his most jovial personality for this evening out. "Do you think he cares," he asked, leaning in with a conspiratorial whisper. The only good thing about being out and about was the security of familiar faces. "Some folks are determined to make fools of themselves."

— SETTING: poker night @ pandora's box ; dec 13th — AVAILABILITY: open starter. capping at 5 @chqstarter  | ( 0/5 )

With her drink in hand, Pinar watched as people bet some high amounts of money and, as much as she loved a challenge, the brunette also knew when not to make some poor life choices. No, she had done far too many of those during her childhood and teenage years. As someone approached her, the former hacker smirked, motioning her glass towards one of the tables. "Do you think he knows how much he's bet already?" Red-tainted lips wrapped around the small straw and Pinar sipped on the bitter drink. "Or that he knows he probably won't have money to pay for all of it."

[ofwishfulthinking]

Had it been anyone else, Elias would've disregarded the invite and continued with his regular plans. Not that the way he spent the holidays could be considered regular plans. All he did was work. If, on the off chance, he decided to abstain from working, Elias typically found himself alone for the holidays. Even when he'd been younger, when there had been family around, before he'd ripped the family apart and fled like a coward, holidays had been a touchy subject, something to participate in for the simple fact that it was expected. His parents had been the performative sort, not the kind who actually enjoyed spending time with their children, making new traditions. Elias supposed that that was where he'd gotten his Scrooge like sentiments from.

"Was I supposed to," he asked, one eyebrow raised. He'd never really gotten the appeal of that particular song. It was an earworm, but something about it caused people to drop everything and want to sing. It was madness. He wrapped one hand around the offered glass, raising it in a toast and touching it lightly to the bartop, before bringing it to his lips. He'd just set it down again when the lights flickered. "Ugh," Elias groaned. "It's no big deal," he replied. "Could be worse. We could be out of drinks."

for: Elias ( @ofwishfulthinking ) where: 8 ball brewing co.

Christmas Eve: a holiday that most spent cozied up at in the comfort of their homes, surrounded by loved ones. Elliot normally spent his Christmas Eve in the warmth of his bar, 8 ball brewing co. , and this one was no different. Well, a small difference, he reached out to his friend Elias to spend Christmas Eve night with him both because he didn't feel like being alone for once and because he really enjoyed Elias's company. He was happy when he agreed, there was nothing like spending the holidays with a friend. And after the bar joined together for Sweet Caroline, Elliot was left with just himself and Elias. "Was it a blast or what?" Elliot asked, regarding the all-around karaoke, pouring each of them a drink from one of the premium bottles. For the record, for every 'on the house' drink Elliot served or had he always paid it back at some point or another. " What do you say w-" he didn't even get to finish the sentence before the flicker of lights happened which shifted his attention from Elias to the window, noting the heavy weather. "I was going to suggest we finish these and head back to my place but now I think we might be stuck here." He looks back to the other man, "I feel horrible, Elias. You only came out for me and now you're stuck here."

[ofwishfulthinking]

It had been weeks since Eli had had a night out. There had been date nights with Zane interspersed in and while Eli enjoyed those nights, it had been forever since he'd done something on his own. He knew that that was part and parcel with being a parent, but sometimes, Eli missed the ability to be spontaneous, to simply decide that he was going out for the evening. So, when he'd seen karaoke night at Hell & High Water advertised, Eli had decided that he'd definitely participate.

"Oh, Angie," he greeted with a wide smile. Zane's boss had always been welcoming to him. "I'm not much of a singer," he replied with a shrug. He'd participated in the church choir when he was younger but that hardly counted. "I did sign up, though," he continued, because karaoke didn't require being talented. "Are you participating?"

closed starter for @ofwishfulthinking [eli]

location: Karaoke Night @ Hell & High Water + Half Off Cocktails & Mocktails

smile spread across her face, angie picked up her drink as she watched the person in the spotlight sing and laugh. she had been needing a fun, light-hearted night and a drink and karaoke was just the perfect fix. turning to her right, she spotted a familiar face. “eli! honey, how are ya? what are you doing here?” 

he was still sporting a coat so she couldn’t be sure if he was coming or going; if he was here to stay or just popping in since it was in the neighbourhood. “you know you have a sweet voice. do you fancy yourself a singer?” she teased him, hoping he would take her up on the implied challenge.

[ofwishfulthinking]

"You must be crawling out of your skin then," he gently teased, feigning absolute shock at the fact that she'd forgotten a book. "I would've brought one had I know." He tapped his fingers against his thigh. Elias had never had to spend any sort of time in hospitals, but he could imagine how uncomfortable that experience was. Just being in a hospital room for a limited amount of time made him antsy. He could only imagine, with how quickly Carly's mind worked, how caged in she felt being here with nothing to do. Rest was one thing, but boredom was another entirely. "I could run down to the gift shop if you'd like. I'm sure there's something down there."

At her assurances, Elias nodded. He'd known her long enough, cared for her as one would a younger sibling for long enough, that the idea of spending money on her comfort ceased to bother him. He had the resources, why not ensure that she was comfortable? "Well enough," he answered with a wave. "Expansions are never really interesting. Once you've done one, you've done them all." That wasn't entirely true, but it was true enough. Each branch had its unique culture, but for the most part there were very few things that he found interesting about expanding his business. "As for a special someone, why?" Elias squinted at her. "Do you have someone you'd like to tell me about?"

Carleigha adored Elias. There were few that knew how they truly met but they'd been friends for nearly two decades. She'd been thankful he'd take the time to mentor her, not just because it allowed her to help people but because he'd inspired her. There was a certain strength she felt as Atabey that she seldom had growing up. She smirks up to him and waves off his comment. "Fair enough, it was mostly just for the distraction and You'll be shocked, I forgot my book at home."

As he looked around her eyes scanned the room as well and shook her head. "I'm all good, it's not for long. Hopefully just overnight. Thank you for the offer though, I do appreciate it. I'm honestly more worried about Grayson, I told him it was no big deal but he insists on staying the entire time I'm here. I keep trying to convince him to go home" Her head tilted back to him as she settled back against the cushions. "So catch me up, how's the new branch going? how are things going for you? Anyone special I can bother you about?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

he's got a sadness about him you only see in catholic stained glass windows

[ofwishfulthinking]

If it had been up to him, Kevin would have spent the evening at home. Growing up, New Years Eve (or Old Years Night as it was referred to in his family) was a hectic ordeal. His mother had been a firm believer in the superstition that where you started the year indicated the trajectory for your year. So, the family had always, without fail, begun their year in church. Now that he was older and living on his own, Kevin preferred to start the year in the peace and quiet of his own home, in hopes that that peace and tranquility would carry throughout the year. This year, though, he'd been dragged out with friends. "Yeah, unbelievable," he agreed, turning his gaze to the person who'd spoken. He'd managed to slip away from his friends for a bit and was counting down the seconds until someone realized that he was doing the recluse thing of hanging by himself by the bar. "Trying to be more social, I guess," he answered with a shrug, "which is why I'm here. You?"

closed starter: kevin ( @ofwishfulthinking ) location: new year's eve celebrations at club 303

Beth desperately needed to get out of the apartment. At least, that's what everyone around her had been saying all holiday season, dragging her here and there despite her best efforts to lock herself away in the warmth of her bedroom. She'd thought when she first arrived here that perhaps they were on to something, the buzz of the festivities rushing through her, but now she's lost her friends in the crowd and she's just nursing a non-alcoholic cocktail alone at the bar. Kind of a sorry way to spend your New Year's Eve, even if they're still pretty far from midnight. Turning to the patron beside her, she offers them a smile. If she can't find her friends, she can make new ones, surely. "Hard to believe we're already at the new year, right? Any resolutions, or are you not the type?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

Kevin loved the holiday season, had ever since he was a kid. There was something special about Christmas time that brought out the best in people. Plus all of the traditions. Things had changed a bit after his brother's death and the season had lost some of its glamour, but there was still a spark there. Even if being an adult sometimes made it difficult to cultivate. "You know, my parents never saw snow 'til they moved to this country. So, technically Caribbean Christmas is in my blood. So, I guess I'd be traitorous to say no."

who: Kevin @ofwishfulthinking

where: Lighting at town hall

As much as she liked watching the lights she felt like she was buried in clothes. Thermal layers, sweater, jacket, gloves, all topped with a hat. It was better safe then sorry, especially lately. Gloved hands wrapped around the cups of cocoa she'd bought at a vendor she made her way back to her friend, offering him one. "Ok the snowy holidays are great but what do you say to being my partner in crime, we could escape for some fun in the sun. Could even stay with my family in DR"

[ofwishfulthinking]

"So? You can still do creative things with short hair," Tony replied. It'd been years since he'd had short hair but he'd seen some other people pull off some cool looks. "I can put together a pinterest board for you. Maybe send you some inspo photos. I think you could pull off colors, but if you're not into it, maybe shapes. How do you feel about stars? I feel like that look's coming back."

"Turquoise is nice." Angelo agrees, nodding once. "Me? Nah...I don't think I can pull that off. Plus I tend to keep my hair pretty short." He adds, rubbing a hand over his head as if to make a point. "I'm not sure I'm really a hair dye kinda guy."

[ofwishfulthinking]

Eli almost hoped that she'd missed the confession, sandwiched in between talk of his kid. "Just kind of feels like everyone else thought it was inevitable, you know," he replied, with a slight shrug. "Not that that's bad or anything." He and Zane had been best friends for so long and somewhere along the line, the line between romantic and platonic had blurred. Everyone else had just been better at recognizing it than either of them had been. So, he couldn't really fault anyone for having expectations of their relationship, but sometimes those expectations felt like a lot of pressure. Almost as if they should've skipped all of the usual relationship building stuff and gone straight to marriage. "I think you're too young to be worrying about all that." Eli brushed her concerns off easily even though he that Carly's health hadn't ever been something easy to ignore; he just hated the idea of her potentially not living a full life. "Guess it's your turn now."

Carleigha chuckles as she leans against the counter, "Ah second favorite Noah look, second only too his look of glee when he manages to steal something or the wonder when he reads. But you are probably right, real food would probably be the healthy choice. Don't need ma worrying any more than usual." Her eyes narrowed with a smirk at his nonchalance that she barely caught his confession. As her mind caught up her eyes widened. She shook her head faintly nudging his side. "You know I understand. I know I don't have the best history with relationships but I can understand why you lied and I'd never fault you for it. Zane is special, you both are and its good to have time that's just yours without anyone adding their expectations to it." She holds her hands up in promise. "No messages of marriage, I mean I will say that I'd love to see you walk down the aisle before my ole ticker does me in but the pacemaker gives you plenty of time. Seeing you happy is everything to be honest though"

[ofwishfulthinking]

Wale Ayinla, Portrait of a Boy with Grief

[ofwishfulthinking]

Both Malachi and Athena thrived on routine. So, even though he'd had an exhausting day at work, running back and forth to ensure that everything was in its proper place, he'd been determined to maintain their schedule. Malachi had only had enough time to change into sweats and slip Athena's leash on before they'd headed out the door, both determined to get as much of a run in as they could before the sun truly set. Not that either of them truly minded a night time run. There had been plenty midnight runs in their past.

"Oh, it's fine," he replied, taking a few seconds to breathe deeply. They'd just finished a brisk run and were transitioning into a cool down walk when they'd spotted the pair of pyrenees. "Athena here loves making new friends."

closed starter for @ofwishfulthinking [malachi]

location: hiking trail, the green or any walking trail 

angie had always loved animals when she was younger so ever since she’s lived on her own, she’s always had a pet. or two. or three. presently, the additions to her little family were luna and apollo, her two great pyrenees. they didn’t need too much exercise for how big they were which made the route angie did with them on the trail in town the perfect distance. 

and the perfect route to run into other locals who were walking their dogs as well, like the man who had just crossed their path. “come on sweethearts, we’ve only just started walking, we can’t be stopping like this.” she was only kidding when speaking to the dogs, having no authority in her tone. tilting her head towards to malachi, she spoke again. “ah, what can i do, they like to say hi. is that alright?”

[ofwishfulthinking]

As Malachi listened to Nathan describe his perfect self care day, he couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. It sounded so perfect, just a relaxing day of prioritizing rest. The smile grew when Nathan mentioned spending time with his girls. It was a nice little image. "So, what's keep you from doing it," Mal questioned. It was rich coming from him, seeing as how they'd both confessed more or less to being married to their jobs. "Aside from work, of course." As if that wasn't a big enough hindrance. But at the end of the day, work came and went. Malachi knew that, intellectually. Still, it was easier said than done. "I mean, we could both promise to take a day and do all the self care things we've talked about. I'm sure neither of our jobs would go up in smoke." Even as he said it, Mal knew that he couldn't be one hundred percent sure. There was always the possibility that things would fall apart when he was away and he'd return to find that the gym had experience irreparable ruin, but that was a risk he had to be willing to risk. "I think we've both earned a day off."

Mal could feel the heat rush to his cheeks. He was sure, in fact, that the tips of his ears were on fire. He'd never quite been good at giving compliments, and had been even worse at receiving them. Still, attractiveness was an objective fact, he supposed. "That sounds nice," he commented, brushing off his previous embarrassment. "Just a lot of time with Athena and Vince and his family. I don't really have much going on outside of that. Oh," he added, almost as an afterthought, "I did discover recently that I have a sibling. So, that's fun."

A snort of laughter very nearly escaped Nathan at the other's words. He supposed it was a strange subject to settle on really, the pros of massage 'and touching in general' as Malachi had said. For a moment, he pondered the question and placed a finger to his lips in thought, tapping it there, once, twice. "First off, I'd sleep until eleven, I'd allow myself the lie-in that I constantly deny myself. Breakfast next. ( Well, brunch I suppose considering the time. ) So, brunch, at a cafe in town. I'd sit outside if it's not too cold, enjoy a large black coffee and eggs benedict." Another moment's silence. "Maybe take a walk, enjoy being in the moment for a while. I'd take the girls for ice cream." Probably not what one would expect from a self-care day, but they never did get enough quality time together. "After that, I probably would stop in at a spa for a couple of hours, unwind a little. The evening would probably consist of my favourite movie and my favourite takeaway." He laughed then, shaking his head. "So, yeah, that... possibly," he said, shoulders lifting in a nonchalant shrug. His companion's reaction to his previous comments brought on another laugh and a brow lifted a little. Not everyone was good at taking compliments and he'd witnessed it all in his time. "Thank you," he responded, dipping his head in a slight nod, the beginnings of a playful smirk appearing. "Most of my time has been spent with my daughters really, whenever I've had a chance. How about you? Any time for anything else?"

[ofwishfulthinking]

"Fine. Fine," Elias groaned. Bonding. That's what he got for trying to step out of his comfort zone and make friends. "I'll take you up on that drink," he agreed, throwing a punch at the bag. "No, no. It's fine, I promise." Elias held up his gloved hands and smiled. "I'm just being an asshole. This is great. Thanks for wanting to bond with me. Let's continue."

"Because we're bonding!" Arlo beamed at Elias, holding the bag for him. "How about a drink after our boxing session? It'll be well-earned." He observed Elias lining up his shot, a slight frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. "If you're not enjoying it, we don't have to wait that long. We can call it quits whenever you want."

[ofwishfulthinking]

"Well that suggests that I'm memorable." He was. At least, in his own opinion, Elias believed himself to be a memorable sort of man, but there was no reason to lead with that. "So," he continued, rapping his fingers against the counter top, "what brings you here tonight? Nothing more interesting to do than drink alone?"

"Fair enough." Vince shrugs at that, taking a sip from his drink. "Maybe not often enough. I think I'd remember meeting you." He teases with a smirk, wondering for a moment if he should offer his name or keep the mystery a little bit longer. Deciding on the latter, Vince lets out a low hum, gaze turning back to Elias after a moment. The other man really was attractive, and he had had just enough to drink to entertain the idea of flirting a bit and seeing where the evening took them.

[ofwishfulthinking]

Malachi wished that he'd been surprised by the revelation. He wished that it had been different for Parker, that this kid had had a happy childhood with both parents present. Mal would've been jealous but it was infinitely better than being left behind by a parent. "Guess we've got that in common," he commented. There was no bitterness in his tone. Malachi had had years to get used to the idea of being unwanted by his father; it just sucked that it had happened years later to someone else. "Yeah, that's something. Though I can't really say I know how to be a big brother. Never really needed to do it before," he added with a shrug and half smile.

"Me either." Parker admits, though now that they've both said it, they guessed it wasn't such a distant possibility. "Yeah, definitely a surprise. My dad...our dad, he left when I was a few months old. I don't really remember him." And with their mama ill, Parker didn't want to ask about him now. Not that there was much to know about him, it seemed. "It's really cool though. I mean, I have a big brother now."

[ofwishfulthinking]

Elias wished he was anywhere but the night club. He supposed he really only had himself to blame for this, but when his assistant had equated him to Bruce Wayne -- grumpy, rich, and tech savvy -- and more or less insinuated that he was too old to have fun anymore, he'd taken offense. He could be fun and spontaneous, he'd insisted though he'd known better. Now here he was, berating himself for having taken the bait.

"Jealous, hmm," Elias hummed, fingers tapping against his glass. His gaze drifted over to the speaker. It wouldn't exactly be a hardship to pretend, though it would require him to be a bit more social than he was intending to be tonight. "What would this plan entail? Is it all evening sort of thing? I need some sort of parameters." He'd be lying if he said he wasn't at least a little bit intrigued by the notion. "And what sort of date would I be if I didn't buy you a drink?"

open starter !! ( @chqstarter )

location: club 303 or any nightclub.

Naomi didn’t know why she was there. She felt too old to be there — nightclubs weren’t really her scene. There never had been, but after immense peer pressure from her friends, she caved. A fun night out would do her some good, she couldn’t remember the last time she allowed herself to let her hair down.

“Excuse me?” The blonde asked reluctantly, turning to the person next to her at the bar. “I’ll buy you a drink if you pretend to be my date. I’m trying to make someone jealous.” Her light eyes darted over to her most recent ex, their relationship (if you could even call it that) was brief but passionate, it wasn’t until things just started to get a little serious that they ghosted her.

“Please?”