roman-werewolfy

[roman-werewolfy]

Life had not turned out as he thought, but he supposed many people said the same thing to themselves.  Just another thing to ponder as he hunched over the bar and placed his fingers around the glass to lift it up for another drink.  At least booze took a bit of the sting away, although it was only temporary.

Beside him, Roman heard a brunette woman speak.  Some part of him wondered if she was just speaking to anyone in general or if her comments were aimed towards him.  A beautiful woman, a weakness for the wolf so he of course had to chime in and say something.  “Is there something wrong with it?”

Roman turned towards her with a pleasant smile.  “Everyone is trying to escape from something.”  He simply commented before lifting his finger up to indicate for the bartender to pour him another one.

“So what brought you in today, beautiful?”

Who: Anitta and @roman-werewolfy

Where: The Lone Wolf

When: The night before the snow flies

Things were getting...boring. This was the cycle. She ended up somewhere, she went about her business, then things slowed down and she didn't know what to do with herself. She didn't know how to spend time with herself even though the life of an original was to be alone. Even with her siblings and their truce with the Morgraves, tenuous as it was, originals were still alone. Always.

It helped to be around other wolves at least. She tended to frequent those spaces since they felt more like home. Or at least more comforting. Home was a strange concept these days. Other wolves did the same without really meaning to she noticed. Packs were always forming everywhere including Raven's Peak. She had left that life behind a long time ago.

"It never ceases to amaze me how many new ways humans come up with to drink liquor," she mentioned to another wolf that was often at the bar next to her she'd noticed. Handsome but with an air of neglect. "You notice how they mix pretty much anything together to get drunk?"

[roman-werewolfy]

Boredom was kicking in and Roman needed to get up and stretch from his position on the floor.  The man made his way up to the counter, just to maybe have some conversation, but also to see if there was a possibility of getting something to drink.  “Sorry, didn’t mean to disturb you hon.  I was wonderin’ if there was anyway I could possibly get a cup of water.  Do y’all have anything in the back for cups and food?  You know for everyone here, in case we get stuck here for awhile?”  He wondered if there was anything in the back where the employees would bring their lunch and all.

status: open location: rhythm realm (before the storm causes the tree to fall)

Arden had been watching outside the store window's for a while now, a normal shift had taken a turn until the weather had other ideas. The snowfall was almost peaceful until it wasn't just snow, the shine of the layer of ice glaring back at her before she finally backed away. "Well this shift got longer than I thought it'd be when I got dressed this morning." She said though the blonde could list a few worse places to be stuck during a storm, at least if she got hungry she could dig into some of the snacks she kept handy. Arden walked over to the counter, hopping up on it before taking a look around the store. "Hey — sorry, I didn't think anyone would be approaching the counter. Are you holding up okay?"

[roman-werewolfy]

Just had to have that one last…okay several last drinks before leaving the bar and finding his truck completely iced over and the roads sheeted in ice.  Somehow Roman managed to make his way through part of the town in hopes of getting home, but ended up at Rhythm Realm with a lot of people including his daughter. 

The man sat on the floor, his back against the wall as he curled up in his wet jacket. A good portion of his jacket and pants were soaked through from the snow, but thankfully he got that werewolf temperature giving him some warmth.  He was just more uncomfortable than anything as the fabrics stuck to his skin.

“What do you think the headline would be?”  Roman questioned with a smirk.  He knew Emily since she was a youngling, good friends with her dad for the most part.  “Don’t think we have to resort to cannibalism just yet.”

where: Rhythm Realm who: open to everyone for event purposes!

Emily stood near the front window of Rhythm Realm, arms wrapped tightly around herself despite the warmth inside. The sound of the storm howling outside was relentless, a constant reminder of just how bad things had gotten. She pressed her fingertips against the foggy glass, staring at the swirling snow and the barely visible outlines of cars buried beneath it. For a brief moment, the chaos outside mirrored the tension she could feel brewing in the room.

The shop was packed with more people than she’d expected—some familiar faces, some not. She’d already exchanged awkward pleasantries with Kai. Her gaze flickered to others, who seemed to be making the best of the situation chatting like they weren’t trapped in a music shop by a once-in-a-lifetime snowstorm.

Emily leaned back against the counter, picking at the edge of her sleeve. The muffled sound of a guitar strumming from somewhere in the shop barely cut through the tension hanging in the air. “Anyone else feel like we’re one tree branch away from becoming a headline?” she muttered to no one in particular, her voice light but tinged with nerves.

[roman-werewolfy]

A frown formed at the corner of Roman’s lips, he was unsure how to respond.  Clearly, there were feelings involved in some regard if Samuel was taking the secrets this much to heart.

“Perhaps you do not want to hear this, but you were told when it was time.”  Even Roman was surprised that many of the humans in the town still  have not learnt the secrets of the supernatural, but here is one that just recently found out.

“You know, when I first moved here with my wife I was human.  There was just something about this place that drew us in, maybe you also felt that tugging.  I don’t know what I am trying to say, but you have a home here and you certainly don’t want to burn any bridges down or stay away from whoever you are upset with for very long.”

Trust, it would take some time on both ends.  “Where you go from here is up to you, but take a moment and take a breath.  Sure, the rug was pulled right under you.  But, you have been privy to something few have, specially as a human.  In many ways that is a compliment.  As for grace, it isn’t earned.  Can’t be earned, that’s why it’s grace.  You should try to extend it to those you’re upset with.

“Kid, trust me you’re on solid ground.  You just have to look around and open your eyes to see all the new wonders that lie ahead and understand these people care for you.”

Sam's expression caught between guarded and contemplative. He was trying to process Roman’s words, but part of him bristled at the suggestion of extending grace, even if he knew Roman meant well.

“Grace, huh?” Sam said, his tone neutral but carrying an undercurrent of his frustration. “Yeah, I get it. People keep secrets to protect others, themselves, the town. I’ve heard that argument a few times now. But it’s hard to feel gracious when you’re the one left in the dark.”

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know they had their reasons. I’m not blind to that. And if I’m being honest, I probably would’ve freaked out if they’d dumped all this supernatural stuff on me sooner. But it’s not just about the secrets. It’s about trust. About feeling like the ground under my feet was solid, only to find out it was a damn illusion.”

Sam let the words hang for a moment. “I’m not saying I’m out here demanding everyone beg for forgiveness or that I’m ready to torch my relationships over this. But grace? That’s gonna take a minute.”

His gaze softened slightly as he glanced at Roman. “It’s not just about me feeling hurt, you know. It’s about figuring out where I go from here. What it all means. I want to understand this town, these people... this world I’ve been blind to. And if I’m gonna find my footing again, I need more than vague reassurances. I need honesty.”

Sam gestured slightly, his hand cutting through the air for emphasis. “So yeah, Raven’s Peak is unique. I’m figuring that out real quick. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that grace is earned. And if the people I care about want that from me, they’re gonna have to put in the work, just like I’m trying to do.”

He straightened up, his voice steady now. “I’m not looking to hold grudges, Roman. I’m just looking for solid ground again. That’s all.”

[roman-werewolfy]

“Of course,” he responded.  Why wouldn’t she be busy on her birthday?  The woman had a family that loved and adored her, friends who felt the same.  It was no surprise that most of her day has been filled up by something.

“Yes, hopefully you enjoy it.”  It had been awhile since he baked anything.  The werewolf always had a talent in the kitchen, but lately had no one to cook for.

The soft smile brought a smile upon his lips, perhaps he did well in this endeavor.  “It was nothing,” he commented as she called the gesture sweet.  Honestly, he wasn’t sure why he felt compelled to bake her a cake.  But lately, he felt drawn to the woman and wanted to spend more time with her…and preferably not in the backseat of the police car.  Before he knew it, her soft plump lips were pressed against his cheek and he felt a slight heat in his cheeks.

“Um you’re welcome,” he returned, then his head tilted to see a motorcycle.  “Didn’t realize you ride?  How long have you had the bike?”

He knew it was her birthday? Her brows rose just a tad at this news. "I was," she confirmed, "had a busy morning and afternoon, but I got back around two. Been tidying things up around here." The woman gestured behind her, towards the garage at a whole which now certainly did look as if things were in their own places finally.

Her eyes lowered to the dish in his hands. "Did you make this?" Neylani asked as she approached him. The tinfoil was a dead giveaway that this dish was likely homemade, and she wasn't sure why it surprised her that he would know how to bake.

Ney's lips pursed into a small smile. No, she wasn't the biggest fan of the taste of bananas at all-- she was more of a raspberry or tart kind of person, actually. But she did enjoy their smell and honestly, the woman was more touched by the act itself that it didn't matter he wasn't aware what she'd prefer. It would still be eaten. "This is very sweet of you," she said then, taking the offered dish and suddenly leaning up to press a kiss at his scratchy cheek. It'd been an almost auto-pilot reaction, to the point it was clear as she stood back again she was a bit flustered uncertain by it, and used the cake as a distraction by shifting its weight in her arms. "Ah-- thank you," Ney gave a short nod, smoothing the edge of the tinfoil in one area, "I'm sure it'll taste great."

[roman-werewolfy]

Word got back to Roman that it had been the sheriff’s birthday.  Neylani had shown him grace in many various ways and had always been an ally to him even when he could not see it.  Roman may even daresay the two were friends to some degree, she was in law enforcement after all and well he was the town drunk.  Still, they oddly complimented each other.

In the spirit of her birthday, he decided to make her a small banana foster cake for her.  It wasn’t much, but at least it was homemade and a small token of his appreciation to the woman.

Arriving in his beat up old Chevy, he pulled up to the curb and got out and began walking up the driveway when he heard his last name.  “Sheriff,” he greeted back towards the woman.  “Actually, I thought you would be out for your birthday.  I was just going to drop this off at your door,” he said motioning towards the cake in his hands.

“Happy Birthday,” he smiled. "Hopefully you like bananas."

It was her birthday, so she had taken the day off. Already the woman had breakfast with her brother Grayson, lunch with her parents, spoken on phone to her other brothers, and gotten well wishes and a few gifts from those in her social circle, too. Busy day, thus far.

@roman-werewolfy

Now, she was home. And with the last couple hours of sunlight, Neylani finally decided to reorganize the second garage that was being used as storage. Something she had been meaning to do for a couple of years now and kept putting off. Maybe the whole 'turning forty' thing had spooked her a bit. At least to understand that she wasn't getting any younger and she wouldn't have forever to do these things. It wasn't long before there was a better system and stuff was definitely tidier. Her gaze fell on the bike covered in the middle of the space and she sighed. Maybe she ought to sell it? Two years and she had yet to gather courage to learn to drive it.

Ney tugged the tarp off of it, the purple finish as shiny and new as the day it was purchased. As she rolled the tarp up in her arms, her head turned just a bit. He wasn't even in the garage yet and already, the woman knew that smell. Oddly enough, it still lingered in her house even though it'd been a couple months now since she let him sleep it off and bombarded him the next morning. Then again, it could be that she'd been around him more than usual lately and it was just sort of... there, now. "You're a ways from home, Mr. Baudelaire," she greeted, finally looking over her shoulder. "Were you trying to sneak up?" It was a joke, of course.

[roman-werewolfy]

Perhaps he got into more than he could bargain, but he saw a young gentleman in need and decided to push through and try to do the right thing.

Roman nodded, his whole world came crashing down years ago and everything around him felt like a lie.  Although, he was sure this was different somehow.  “Yes, I have had a similar feeling.”

At one point, Roman had been in a similar situation given he was human when his family and he moved to Raven’s Peak.  However, he always felt as if something beyond his understanding drew Carina and him there to raise a family.  Not often someone from the Bayou moves up to Maine. So it didn't bother him when he learned about the supernatural.

Slowly breathing in through his nose, Roman decided to take a few moments to allow Samuel to get things off his chest and give him a moment to think how to respond properly.

“Raven’s Peak is unique,” he commented.  “Not many places are like our little town,” he started not wanting to give too much away.  Clearly, Sam learned something but to what degree he wasn’t sure. 

“I know you may feel hurt at the moment, learning something new about people you have known for a long time can make you feel a certain way.  But, I am sure they had their reasons.  Whether it was to protect them, their loved ones or even our beloved town.  And maybe to even protect you for the time being.  Maybe some grace is in order?”

Sam exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair as he avoided Roman’s gaze for a second. He wasn’t used to talking about the mess in his head, but something about Roman’s presence made it feel like maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t be so bad. He shrugged, shifting the groceries in his hands.

"You ever felt like... like everything you knew was just a lie?" Sam asked, his voice rough around the edges, like he didn’t really know how to phrase it. He looked up at Roman, a bit surprised by his own honesty.

"I found out recently," he continued, hands gripping the cart tighter, "that this town isn’t just… normal. Like, magic’s real. People around me are hiding things from me, and I had no idea." He shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping him. "My family, my friends—hell, even the people I thought I could trust—kept it all from me. Like I’m some kind of idiot, and now I’m just—" Sam stopped himself before he said too much. His shoulders slumped a little. "I don’t even know who to trust anymore."

He glanced at Roman again, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I’m just trying to figure out where I fit into all this, you know?"

[roman-werewolfy]

“I know, you’re busy.  Just know I am teasing.”  Truly, he was just playing around and her a hard time.  He didn’t want her to think otherwise.

As she fixed him a bowl, he began to eat some of it as they continued to converse.  “Most likely, you know how they can be.”  He chuckled thinking about the four of them.  “Knowing Dom, I am sure he would pay for the groceries.  Even I will pitch in,” he smiled.

Roman gave his daughter a concerned look as his brows furrowed.  “You okay Boo Bear?  I can help you out if you need it,” he told her.  The man may not have much, but whatever he did have he would gladly give to his kids.  “Just let me know if you need anything, I can pick up a few extra shifts or something.”

“Working, Dad,” Kelly pointed out, blinking back both surprise and sorrow at the mention of her mother. Her dad almost never talked about her mom these days. “Didn’t really have time to do it the right way.” She dished up her dinner, as well as putting some of the mac-n-cheese in a bowl for him. At least this way he’d eat.

“Or they’ll try talking me into making it,” she chuckled. Then she shrugged as she brought the food to the table. “Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as they’re buying the groceries.” She’d seen how much they could all eat, so no way would her budget stretch to that much.

“Well, tourist season is over, and we’re heading into my lean season, so I’m definitely starting to eye those nickels and dimes a little more carefully, but overall, it’s going really well.”

[roman-werewolfy]

Quietly, Roman followed his eldest out of the bar and towards the man’s vehicle.  The silence between them was deafening, Roman knew Domnic was not happy with him and honestly he didn’t blame Dominic.  As the doors closed and the seatbelts were fastened, Roman’s hazel eyes turned towards his son and he brought up Annie.  NO, the word nearly shut down Roman as he turned away to look out the window.  The wolf had many many faults, but he did love his family.

“Even,” he paused for a moment, not wanting to fight with his son.  “You never let me see her,” he stated.  Since Annie’s mother passed away, Dominic never let him come over even when he was sober.  “I–I just want to know how she is doing.”  The older Baudelaire turned his head once again back to his son with a pleading expression.  “Please, just something.”

Sighing heavily, he wondered if Dominic would muster up the kindness to give him an update.  Damn, missed his son’s wife who always showed him grace and was a loving, caring woman.

This wasn‘t the first time that Dominic had to pick his father up from a bar. Days like that could be frequent or not so much, but he wasn‘t sure which periods of time he dreaded most. Even if the two men did not get along – at least, Dom could definitely say so – it was nice to check in on his father ever so often, and having to pick him up was good enough for that. He still worried about the older man, despite their history. 

That didn‘t stop him from immediately getting annoyed when Roman made his request. Who did he think he was, when Dom was supposed to be the one in charge? Clenching his jaw, Dom barely made eye contact with his father once he got up, and, after nodding a quick goodbye to the bartender, he turned on his heel, walking out of the bar, expecting his father to do the same. The least he could do was behave in public; he didn‘t want everyone gossiping about him more than they probably already did. Unfortunate deaths always brought pain, sorrow, and gossip in smaller towns. 

„No.“ He immediately warned his father once they were in Dom‘s car. „You do not get to ask about her, especially not like this.“ Starting the car, Dominic finally took off, gripping the wheel a little too tightly, keeping his eyes on the dark road, illuminated by his car‘s lights. As always, he had to drop Annie off at the neighbour‘s at the last minute, and he could only but pray that their patience was nowhere close to running out. „Not when you still need to be picked up from these fucking bars over and over again.“

[roman-werewolfy]

END

“Well,” he drew out the word for a moment.  “It was a long time ago, not sure I am all that soft anymore.”  A lie, but it was not something he wanted people to know about him.  “Wow, you were even a heartbreaker back then.  Poor kid, probably crushed his spirit thinking he could get with the cutest girl on the playground.”

Roman looked into her eyes as she spoke, he knew Neylani meant well but the damage between his children and him ran deep.  “Your father is a good man though.  I made a lot of bad choices and I hardly doubt they want me in their lives.  They just put up with me at this point.”  Perhaps Kelly, she had always been his little girl and she showed a softness to him that he didn’t deserve.  But, he wasn’t really sure she wanted him to be a regular in his life.  “I know they matter, I just.”  He let out a sigh.  “Not sure where I fit in,” he told her.

Stunned, Roman looked at her unsure what to say and not knowing why there was a hint of jealousy hearing she came with a date.  Before he could say anything, she added the next bit and that sour look turned into a soft smile.  “Trust me, I am sure there are a lot of men in this town that would be honored to be your date.  You just have to stop intimidating all of them.”

[roman-werewolfy]

“Kraft, I know your mother and I taught you better than that.  Although, I suppose it is good for when you’re in a pinch.”  Something he did understand, he often ate Ramen and other boxed and processed foods to make life easier.  It was hard cooking for one and it always made him feel rather lonely when he would do a meal and have no one to share it with.

As they spoke about family recipes, he softly smiled.  It was moments such as these, he cherished.  Seeing his beautiful daughter and the two just enjoying a small conversation.  “Well, I am sure once you get it down you’ll be fine, it isn’t too hard.  Plus, I think if you learn it then your brothers might follow suit.”  At least he hoped so, because it wasn’t just about him but their grandmother and so forth and so on.  Part of  their family heritage.

“How is everything else going?”

“Pfft.” Kelly waved that off. Honestly, she knew he needed to eat, and goodness only knew what he might be eating with none of them around. Granted, mac-n-cheese might not be the healthiest, but it was substantial. “Test my cooking?” she laughed. “Kraft’s not exactly chef material there, Dad. If I’d known there’d be a test, I’d have done it up right.” One thing that remained true, despite all of their family problems – her family never made her feel less for having been adopted, not born.

Regardless of her genetics, she was a Baudelaire. Period.

Her smile brightened as he agreed to the water, and she headed into the kitchen to put everything together. “At least I’ll sit still long enough to learn it,” she teased him. “Might have to wait until we can bribe anyone else to learn it though.”

[roman-werewolfy]

It had been a week since he found himself in a bar, although he did not plan on quitting his drinking.  The werewolf started to cut back and take a good look at his life.  Ordering his usual cheap whiskey, he sat there hunched over the bar staring down at the drink and not bringing it to his lips.

Several minutes passed as he cupped the glass and just stared down at it.  At least that was until he heard a woman’s voice and his eyes swayed over towards the gorgeous woman.  The two met several weeks ago and had a wild night together, but now he was trying to remember her name.  It rolled off the tongue, he remembered that much.

“Never, that would be rude of me.”  He commented as he stood up.  Roman reached for the drink and figured fuck it, this was a sign and downed it quickly before reaching his hand for hers.  “Let’s show them how it is done.”  With that he led her towards the dancefloor.  “Wasn’t sure I would see you again.”

Rosita hadn't planned on going out tonight, but when Maia asked her, she couldn’t say no. Maia was one of her closest friends—probably the only one who really knew her—and Rosita wasn’t about to let her spend the night sulking over some stupid boy. So she agreed, pulling out one of her favorite dresses: a striking red dress that fit her like it was made for her. She spent the early part of the evening sticking close to Maia, taking a few shots with her even if she was working and convincing her to think about literally anything else, even managing to get her on the dance floor on her break. Anything to distract her from the heartbreak.

When Maia went back to tend the bar, she wasn’t going to argue. Rosita was here to have fun. She wandered around the room, scanning the faces, searching for someone to amuse herself with. Then, she spotted him—Roman. They had only spent one night together, but she still found herself thinking about him from time to time.

Smiling to herself, she walked up to him with confidence, her heels clicking against the floor. ''Hi,'' she greeted, her voice smooth and playful as she flashed a smile. ''Would you like to dance? Surely you wouldn’t leave a lady like me all alone, would you?'' She teased, tilting her head slightly. @roman-werewolfy

[roman-werewolfy]

“Damn,” he muttered under his breath looking at the prices of meat.  Skimming over, he moved towards the reduced area and grabbed some sausage, chicken and ground beef figuring he could stretch it until payday.

As he headed over to get canned tomatoes and ramen, he nearly ran into someone.  Just as he was about to yell watch it, he paused and noticed something was off about the other.

Roman recognized the young man, hard not to when he was in the Olympics and all.  It gave him notoriety in a small town.  “Everything alright man?  You seem a bit off,” he said softly.

who: @roman-werewolfy where: pantry basket

Standing in the grocery aisle, Sam found himself lingering over the lines of one of his favorite poems, something by one of those Button Poetry poets—Sabrina something. He could almost hear her voice reciting it in his head:

I am at the grocery store because I feel sad. I feel sad because nobody is in love with me. Nobody is in love with me, but everybody loves me. Everybody loves me because I'm good at making people feel good.

Lost in the poem’s rhythm, he didn’t notice he’d drifted into someone’s way. He startled slightly at the sight of an older man waiting nearby. Sam offered a small smile, a bit sheepish. “Sorry, I was just…” He shrugged, nodding to himself before stepping aside. “Go ahead.”

[roman-werewolfy]

It had been awhile since he did drills as well, he preferred to have someone with him to do timing and try and remain vigilant.  “Great, thank you.  I appreciate it.”

A smile formed as he reached back to grab his wallet to show off his children and his beautiful granddaughter.  “Yeah, her name is Annie and she is four.  Don’t get to see her much,” he frowned.  “But, she is the cutest little kid and super funny.  Already knows she has gramps wrapped around her fingers.”

With that, he put the wallet away and took a breath.

“Alright, let’s get started.”  He said as he put on his eye and ear equipment, before getting in a shooting stance ready to test out his forty-five.

"sounds good," valentino was only too happy to along with whatever roman had set up, following him round back to where the targets were set up, noticing the different ones and how much effort roman had clearly put into their little shooting session.

"whatever you want, man. haven't done any drills in a long time, i'd be happy to go through them again," he commented, pulling the rifle from his shoulder to prep it.

"your granddaughter? didn't know you had one. tell me about her?"

[roman-werewolfy]

“You are correct sir, your wife looks absolutely stunning.”  Roman responded as his eyes swayed over towards Bianca admiring his friend in the red dress.  The man caught a glimpse of the two waving and blowing kisses at each other and it warmed his heart.  If his wife were still with them, he knew Carina would be over there with Bianca now and he too would be engaging in such behavior.

“Thanks, hoping I do not regret it.”  There was something he wanted to do at the dance, but the wolf was still teetering on the idea of asking the woman for a dance and telling her things he hasn’t told anyone in years.  “I actually am hoping the Sheriff might be up for a dance with me.  I’ve been on her radar,” he tried to make that sound cute.  But in reality, he really had been on her radar for things he wasn’t exactly proud of.

“Eh, pretty sure it is because Bianca keeps you young my friend.”  Roman nodded, he knew Ivan wanted to be with his wife and Roman could  not blame him.  When you find an incredible woman, you hold onto her.  “Alright man, I’ll swing by a bit later in the evening.  Go have a nice dance with your wife and enjoy the evening.”

“I’m good. Feeling good.” Ivan ran his hands down the front of his suit jacket and buttoned it, showing off the fit of his suit. “Looking good,” he said, then grinned when Roman asked about Bianca. “But not as good as my beautiful wife. She’s right over there.” Ivan pointed to where she was seated at their table, chatting animatedly with others. To him, she stood out above all the attendees, radiant and beautiful in her blood red dress. Even if Roman didn’t spot her right away, Bianca saw Ivan looking her way and waved. Ivan, being the ridiculous man that he was, blew her a kiss before turning his attention back to Roman. Already there was alcohol in his friend’s breath, but Ivan said nothing of it. He hadn’t, for a number of years now. It had never done any good and only pushed Roman away. Still, Ivan remained optimistic that his friend would want to seek help someday and he was determined to be there for him when that happened.

“Last minute or no, I’m glad you changed your mind!” Although with alcohol so readily available, the Mirage wasn’t the best place for them to be. Still, Roman would’ve been drinking anyway, and at least this way he wouldn’t be alone, and Ivan… Ivan would do his best. Temptation was everywhere tonight, but luckily his wife was the most tempting of all. He glanced over at her again just as she had a sip of her champagne.

He would do his very best.

“Thanks! I’ve already told you my secret, you just don’t want to believe what a daily multivitamin and proper hydration can do for a guy.” Ivan laughed. “Anyway, don’t let me keep you all night, cause I will. You know where Bianca and I will be.” He waved in the direction of their table. “So come join us later if you want, alright?”

[roman-werewolfy]

“Well,” he drew out the word for a moment.  “It was a long time ago, not sure I am all that soft anymore.”  A lie, but it was not something he wanted people to know about him.  “Wow, you were even a heartbreaker back then.  Poor kid, probably crushed his spirit thinking he could get with the cutest girl on the playground.”

Roman looked into her eyes as she spoke, he knew Neylani meant well but the damage between his children and him ran deep.  “Your father is a good man though.  I made a lot of bad choices and I hardly doubt they want me in their lives.  They just put up with me at this point.”  Perhaps Kelly, she had always been his little girl and she showed a softness to him that he didn’t deserve.  But, he wasn’t really sure she wanted him to be a regular in his life.  “I know they matter, I just.”  He let out a sigh.  “Not sure where I fit in,” he told her.

Stunned, Roman looked at her unsure what to say and not knowing why there was a hint of jealousy hearing she came with a date.  Before he could say anything, she added the next bit and that sour look turned into a soft smile.  “Trust me, I am sure there are a lot of men in this town that would be honored to be your date.  You just have to stop intimidating all of them.”

"I wouldn't say bizarre, just... surprising," she clarified, but smiled. "It's all very sweet. I had no idea you could be so soft." Ney chuckled to herself. "The farthest back I can remember is first grade, when this boy who liked me so much and followed me around everywhere, kissed me on the cheek... So I ran and told the teacher." A hand came up to cover the quiet snort at this recall and how ridiculous she's been, basically her entire life.

Her smile faded some as the man closed off all over again. Not to her, but in general. "I say this as a friend," she started, still in a gentle tone but firm, because she felt they could at least say they might as well be friends at this point, "but you're only going to hold yourself back if you keep up with these notions. Your children are grown... And? So what? I'm forty soon and I still need my father. Their being grown has nothing to do with the fact they still, and will always, need their father. You didn't suddenly stop being their dad just because they got old enough to buy a case of beer without you. And you've got a grandbaby to think about, too." Sometimes, she really could just grab him about the shoulders to shake some sense in. "I wish you'd take a look around and start paying attention. These days matter just as much." His family mattered. They all cared about him. She could say this because she'd witnessed it firsthand.

"I did come with a date," Ney told him, unable not to roll her eyes at his words before she stared at the other dancing couples around them. "He's off having a nice time with the man he's crushing on." There wasn't any bitterness there-- Mikael and she were friends, they didn't care about each other that way. "I would come with a real date, but I'd have to find one that wants to, first." Maybe she ought to do what Mikael said and just start sleeping with people to take the edge off. Or at least, help her stop taking everything so damn seriously.

[roman-werewolfy]

In the dark corner of the bar, Roman remained seated as the bartender insisted on calling his eldest son.  Honestly, he was fine to drive.  At least that is what he told himself.  If he couldn’t drive, then just let him go sleep it off in the bed of his truck or even find some alley where he could prop himself up and drift off.  But no, the cops of the town looked down on riffraff sleeping in the alleyways and weren’t particularly fond of him sleeping in the bed of his truck.

So here he was waiting on Dominic to come and pick him up, their relationship had been strained for years.  The only saving grace being his wife, but with her now passed away things were colder than ever between them.

“Gimme a moment,” he mumbled when he heard his son behind him.  Sighing, he pushed himself up using the table and looked at Dominic.  The man had his mother’s eyes and looking into them always stung.  As if Carina herself was judging him.

Roman didn’t say much, he silently headed out ready for the earful when he got into the vehicle.

“How’s Annie?”  He questioned, missing his granddaughter.

with: @roman-werewolfy where: one of the local bars

As always, these kinds of calls came late in the night, and when Dom needed them the least. He’s had a late shift, he was tired, and he simply wanted to cuddle up with his daughter, who was having a lot more fun playing with her dolls, rather than paying any attention to her father. She didn’t even care when Dom called a neighbor, asking to look after the little girl while he was out. Clearly, for a three-year-old, dolls were better than any living humans. 

The nights were getting darker and colder, and the trees, stripping bare over time, were looking creepier and creepier with each passing day. Halloween was quickly approaching, and with that, so was Annie’s birthday. How was he supposed to plan it without his wife around? Not that Dom wasn’t an involved father before, he really was, his wife was simply a million times better at planning parties. And this time, he had to plan the best possible party, because he knew Annie would remember it. Besides, he had to make sure that she had plenty of happy moments after experiencing something so terrible. 

Pulling up to the bar, Dominic got out of the car, pulling his coat tighter around himself. The chill really was starting to settle in, and he could see it as he breathed in and out. He probably could’ve stopped for a cigarette outside, prepared for the inevitable questions he was bound to receive, but he also just simply wanted to get home to his daughter. 

“Hey.” He nodded at the bartender, eyes immediately scanning for his father. He was easy to spot, and with a sigh, Dom approached the older man, not even bothering to tap the other on the shoulder. “Get up. It’s time to get you home.”