out of the woods

Baz Roxas - Oleander - Sentinel

[bazrojas]

OPEN  Location: The Pit 

He wasn’t usually the type to visit the Pit. He preferred more traditional training, training done within the confines of their headquarters. Training done under the tutelage of their mentors, and among his fellow Sentinels. The Pit, he felt, was just home for baseless fighting and showboating... But it was also where some of the best fighters from every house tended to congregate, and where there was congregation, there was always talk. 

... And Baz was also not above showboating. 

He grinned as he pushed himself off of another Sentinel, blood dripping from the corner of his lip as he helped the Valerian up after the bell rang, hands wrapped and chest bare. “You nearly scorched my eyebrows off.” He commented with a raised brow as other Valerians helped their housemate out of the ring. 

“Did anyone else see that? I could have lost my eyebrows!” 

[bazrojas]

helenaxkhan​:

“So now that you’ve had some time to presumably collect answers –– do you want to tell me how the chaos started at the festival and why you didn’t prevent it?” Helena glanced up from her desk, brow arched curiously as she looked at the Sentinel across from her. Though she wasn’t angry, she wanted answers and that was arguably worse. When Helena wanted answers, she pressed and squeezed until she got them. “Or did you need more time to come up with an excuse?”

@bazrojas​ 

If Baz were being completely honest, it truly was a surprise that the cause of chaos at magnitude managed to evade the Sentinels that had been on duty (and mind you, there were a lot of them). What was he doing at the time of the stampede? 

He thought back and had the decency to blush. 

Okay, so he was very much not doing his job, instead attempting to impress Emil with his (absolutely amazing) ring toss skills. But before that he had been on his best behavior! He cleared his throat in discomfort before looking back up at their head significant. “From the reports we’ve gathered, it was just a bunch of kids that tripped the fence.” He tried to smile, but his lips wouldn’t let him. “On a scale of one to dead, how much trouble are we in?” 

[bazrojas]

julietvelhankar​:

✰

“No pie. I’m trying to cut back on sugar,” she replied dryly, though she couldn’t help the small smile that settled on her lips at his shamelessness. It wasn’t much different from her own. If she hadn’t been completely loyal to his rival, she maybe would have even considered voting him for Prom King, back in their high school days. 

Juliet held up her hands at his next question, empty of any dry shirts, though it wasn’t what she would exactly call a travesty, and she doubted any of the Asphodel residents sneaking glances at him would, either. 

Still, what she enjoyed even more than the view was the opportunity to tease the man that made up said view, and she couldn’t help the mischief that twinkled in her eyes. “No shirts. But,” she smirked, “there seem to be plenty of alpacas around.” She wasn’t one to support animal fur for fashion, but Baz didn’t need to know that. Besides, Juliet always delighted in playing the role of the wicked witch. 

She gave him a moment to process the meaning behind her words, then grabbed his arm and started to pull him towards the direction of the animals. 

-

“Sugar is one of life’s great joys, though. Why cut back from that?” 

He knew the answer to that one. Diabetes. High blood pressure. Cavities. He wouldn’t give her the satisfaction though. He wasn’t an idiot, as much as he liked Juliet, he knew that she was more than fond of the man that sought to ruin him (an exaggeration). T’was a shame really. They could have been good friends. Better friends, if Baz knew himself (and he did). 

He snorted and arched his back a little to crack a few bones (and maybe show the definition in his abs just a tad bit more).

“Don’t let people hear you. Dev might call PETA. I think animal wellfare was her advocacy of choice a week ago when she tried going fully vegan.” The receptionist quit when she realized she had to give up a couple of her milk-based face creams. 

Before he could say anything more, her hand was on his arm and she was pulling him to where the animals were. 

“Wha-! Juliet, wait! I don’t want to wear Alpaca!” 

[bazrojas]

ulysses-goode​:

“Piglets do tend to take a mud bath because it cools them off,” Uly said matter of factly, couldn’t help it. “Only natural they would seek an alternate source of cooling,” they added. They caught themself before making a comparison between the shirtless individual and the pigs, which would’ve been very tasteless, and while Uly was quick to judge, speaking their mind was not their intent especially when it could be read wrongly. 

“Whether you choose to be with or without shirt is none of my business. Now, it would become mine if you get sick as a result of it,” they noted, which meant the offer of a scrub still stood. “If I acknowledge the compliment you made about yourself, is that enough to convince you to wear some dry clothing?” they asked, but it was said in jest. They did enjoy a good tease, even if their mind would always find a way to be concerned about someone else’s health. 

When Tessa’s name was dropped, they breathed out through clenched teeth. They weren’t sure where they stood with Tessa, if they were still friends or not. Currently, Uly didn’t wish to be, they felt betrayed. They wouldn’t be surprised if this stranger knew more about her than they did, even though they had ben friends for so many years. “Yeah, I guess. You know Tessa?” Their heart told them not to pry, but the brain was stronger, as if stocking up on knowledge to use against her. Petty. Very petty. 

-

“Well, I suppose me and the piglets have that in common. Besides the fact that we’re both unjustly cute.” Baz’ grinned cheekily before patting at his stomach idly. He was hungry... he realized that he was starting to get hungry. Wrangling up a bunch of farm animals in this Louisiana heat did things to his appetite... would it be tasteless to say he wanted some bacon? Oh those poor little piglets... Maybe he should hunt down some kale... 

His mind drifted for a moment before finally snapping back to Uly, brow raised and hand still on his stomach. 

“If you would acknowledge the compliment I made about myself, then I would most definitely consider wearing some dry clothes.” Did Baz mention that he did plenty for compliments. 

He then shrugged his shoulders and allowed the small smile to tug at his lips. “And yes I know Tessa. We’re good friends. She patronizes my unhealthy obsession with chain store donuts. Speaking of donuts, you feel like getting some? If you say yes, I’ll put on a shirt. It’ll be tight, but it’ll be a shirt none the less. Compliment free.” 

[bazrojas]

emilianopavone​:

✦

Emiliano rolled his eyes at Baz’s cocky declaration, more than happy to oblige if he took him up on the demand, but he had no intent to do so without giving him crap for it the entire way there. “What did I say about getting ahead of yourself?” he chided, watching as the Sentinel lined up his next shot, an all too familiar fire in his eyes. It was a complete shift from his earlier self, weary from the heat and boredom of the day, and Emil was more than happy to indulge in the faux competition to get him excited about something.

However, before Baz could inevitably prove him wrong, something stopped him. A brief warning before a piercing scream broke through the crowd, snapping his attention to the people behind him and preparing for the worst. What met him, however, were not the forces of a scorned Void or Institution henchmen or any of the many theories he and Monty had picked over for endless hours. No, what met him were piglets.

Before he could really process what felt like a bizarre combination of relief and disappointment, Baz was already tearing off towards the crowd, charging towards danger, no matter how absurd, as was his station. Emil, on the other hand, had absolutely no professional experience that equipped him for this situation. So he was left to follow the Sentinels orders, moving forward with cautious steps to apparently rescue pigs. 

He managed to bend down and scoop up a single one before realizing that no this was not at all in his job description. Despite being tiny, the thing squirmed like mad, smelled horrendous, and squealed in a pitch intended for dogs but somehow audible to humans. Finding Baz, he immediately pushed the creature at him instead. “Yea absolutely not,” he declared. “You’re much better with animals, I’m great with people, let’s switch.”

-

Baz didn’t know where to look. It seemed that there was chaos in every corner. In his peripheral, he could see Levi fighting off an alpaca, and Dev throwing paint cans at a goat, and was that... was that a group of chickens chasing after Dom? He wasn’t particularly sure. His mind was swimming with the dead in absolute outrage over the situation, hissing at the disrespect for the Solstice, but that was something he would deal with later. He’d offer up an orange or something to appease them. 

He was herding a group of students into one of the houses that had opened up to shelter some people while the chaos continued, only to have Emil show up out of the blue shoving a baby pig into his arms. 

He let out an incredulous gasp before holding the baby to his chest and shooting his friend a grin, too devil-may-care for this situation. While he didn’t revel in the fear of the towns people, it wasn’t lost to him how absolutely ridiculous this situation was. “Is this how it’s going to be, sweetheart? Leaving our child in my care while you go off to war?” He felt his Sentinel instincts kick in as he tucked the piglet safely into the crook of his arms, turning to fray with a set jaw. 

“Make sure the people get indoors. We’ve got this.” He turned to see his fellow Sentinels in action as well, one in particular running towards him with another piglet under his wing. “Duty calls, E. See you on the other side, yeah?” He shot his friend a farewell wink before sprinting to action, blood pumping in his veins as he scooped up a chicken pecking mercilessly at a fallen pie. 

[bazrojas]

julietvelhankar​:

“Oh, I know.”

She knew, because she had been the exact reason he’d had to go back and forth multiple times, sneakily stealing away the piglets and placing them back into the fountain when Baz wasn’t watching. While he’d never quite given her a reason to mess with him, the longstanding rivalry between him and Levi was enough for Juliet to justify having a bit of fun at his expense. Plus, she doubted anyone was about to complain at the sight of a shirtless, soaked Baz Rojas. 

She hummed slightly, stepping up to him, her gaze roaming over his physique without an ounce of shame, though her expression remained unimpressed out of loyalty to her best friend.

“Have you been skipping leg day?”

-

Baz let out a sigh as if completely defeated by the fact that perhaps the universe just wanted the little piggies to have a swim, only to turn at the sight of Juliet giving him a very... very thorough once over. He shifted in place slightly, puffing out his chest and sucking in his stomach as he attempted to look put together. 

... Only to have his shoulders sag and his mouth fall open in shock. 

“I never skip leg day. It’s my favorite day! Do you see these calves?” He lifted his leg just to prove a point. “Don’t be mean. Listen, if you wanted a slice of this pie, all you have to do is ask.” He then smiled at her, cheeky and wide before making his way towards her. 

He was about to say something more, but a cool breeze passed by them, and being shirtless and wet... He let out a small yelp before wrapping both his arms around him with a shudder. “You don’t happen to have an extra dry shirt with you do you?” 

[bazrojas]

ulysses-goode​:

It had been three times, Uly had been helping in the surrounding and had counted the amounts of times the person beside him had disappeared into the fountain to fish out some piglets. They had not seen him actually going in, but it did seem like the piglets loved to swim. “One would almost think you are throwing them in yourself,” Uly noted, one slight nod towards the shirtless state of the other. Not that they didn’t appreciate the male physic, but it being on display like this was something that always brought up questions of someone’s need to overcompensate for other things. “You need an extra shirt? We got some extra scrubs?”

-

“Seems like you caught me, then.” Baz said with a friendly grin, not at all fazed as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Maybe I needed to cool myself down too. Those piglets might be on to something.” He glanced around at the town that now needed much cleaning up, clicking his tongue at the prospect of all the work they had ahead of them. 

He then turned to Uly with a raised brow, lips down turned slightly. 

“I don’t mind being shirtless. Do you mind me being shirtless?” He tilted his head slightly. “Though I would look good in some scrubs.” His smile came back, tone teasing. “You’re Tessa’s friend.” Was all he said after, pointing out the only thing he remembered about the other.

[bazrojas]

emilianopavone​:

***

“Glad to hear it.” His reply was partly true, always happy for Baz to catch a break from the otherworldly interruptions, but the reason didn’t exactly soothe his concerns. It seemed more like the spirits were distracted than at rest, and if the dead weren’t going to serve as an alarm bell, it was all the more important that the living managed the task.

Emil let himself be dragged off to the first game booth to catch Baz’s eye, never remiss for the casual physical affection the other offered in a fashion which felt much more like home than the stiff American friendships he’d formed in college. It had him propping an arm lazily on his shoulder, leaning against the other as he seemed to mull over the proposition with a skeptical brow.

“What, my ice cream delivery service counts for nothing?” he asked, almost offended. It was amusing watching Baz imitate his usual antics, a fair trade as he called it, that met none of Emil’s actual rules of engagement. As always, though, he was happy to humor him. “Why don’t you worry about winning something first, and if you do, I’m sure I’ll sort out a worthwhile reward.”

Baz had to smile. “Four course meal here we come!” He said cheerily, holding out a ring and tossing it towards some of the bottles, letting out a whoop as he watched it wrap around the neck. The booth person held out a small duck plushie but Baz refused. “I’m getting my good friend here that big ass bear. How many bottles do I need to get?” The man hesitated for a second before holding up both his hands. “Ten?” He turned to Emil with a raised brow, another ring in hand. 

“Easy.” He enjoyed competition. It made the blood in his veins sing, grin wolfish as he lined up his shot. While Baz was an easy going guy by nature, there were moments where he fought for precision and excellence. It was what pulled him towards being a Sentinel. “I would also like unlimited appetizers when you take me out on the dinner date I’m going to ask fo-” He paused before he could continue, brows furrowing as whispers began to crowd him. 

Run, Baz... The cakes!... They’re in the fountain... PIGS! 

“What the...” He turned his head as the muffled sound of screams came from his left. He straightened to get a better look, only to have his eyes widen at the sight of people and farm animals alike moving towards them. His eyes, however, zeroed in on a gaggle of little piglets trying their best not to get trampled on. 

“Emil! The baby piggies! I’ll get the crowd!” He was already off running. 

[bazrojas]

who: OPEN

“Okay, I know, I know, we just need to get you to your mama and everything’ll be okay.” He tried to calm the two terribly fussy piglets in his arms as he stepped out of the town fountain, absolutely dripping wet from the debacle that he now fondly called Petting Zoo gate. He let out a sigh of relief as he handed over the remaining piglets to some of the people from animal rescue, peeling off his shirt and slinging it over his shoulder. 

“Who knew piglets liked to swim, huh?” He asked, resting his hands on his hips before turning to the person beside him with a tired smile. “And I’ll have you know, this is the third time I had to fish those little devils out of there.” 

[bazrojas]

emilianopavone​:

✧

“I’ll try to take it as a compliment then,” he replied, because really, there was no other way to take Baz’s words. The man was unendingly kind in his companionship, and while he could make a formidable Sentinel, he always seemed best suited for friendship. So he gladly slung his arm around the man’s shoulder in turn, enjoying the simple distraction of a sunny day with a familiar face.

“Well I’m just saying maybe some of these ladies already know where the bathroom is and just want an excuse to talk to the handsome Sentinel in the fine looking suit,” he replied, giving him a pointed look. “And of course I’m jealous. I want to be talking to the handsome Sentinel in the fine looking suit.” But now he was, so all was well in the world.

“I’ve just been doing the usual. Keeping tabs on things, making friends, breaking hearts.” He added the last bit on with a healthy dose of sarcasm, though it wasn’t necessarily all false. Surely Baz was doing his fair share of heartbreaking as well though, being unavailable to dote on what Emil was certain was a sizable fan club. “How about you? Other than all the directions of course. Nothing out of the ordinary I hope. Ghost friends leaving you in peace this time?” It was a playful lead, but not without some serious interest. At Mortensen’s party, Baz had been one of the few who seemed to recognize something wasn’t right, and he was keen to hear his insights now.

“By all means, try your hand at it. I’m useless at fair games,” he replied, a reversal of their roles from the party where he’d fallen confidently into stride at the poker table with Baz awaiting a prize behind him. “Call me traditional, but I’m always a sucker for a classic teddy bear.”

Baz couldn’t help but preen under the compliments. He loved compliments. Almost just as much as he loved spending time with Emil. Having the two together made him immensely happy despite the mundane task of being a glorified mall-cop. He didn’t fault the heads of houses for wanting to raise security, but as the Solstice continued on with very little to be worried about, people began to grow complacent, the tension easing like snow cones in the heat as the town began enjoying the fair, leaving the Sentinels to not only keep an eye out for any untoward threats, but also deal with crowd management. 

He took one last slurp from his milkshake before tossing the empty cup into a nearby bin, shrugging his shoulders as he regarded Emil with nonchalance at the question. “The ghosts seem to be enjoying themselves as well. I assume with all the new members arriving at the house they find themselves curious and tend to congregate there rather than choose to bother me.” He said with a smile, only to clasp his hands together in excitement. 

“Lucky for you, I am a pro at fair games. Don’t you worry, sweetheart, I see a teddy bear with your name on it.” He grabbed Emil’s hand and tugged him to a nearby hoop toss, flashing the man at the booth a smile and a wink when asking for a couple of rings. “What might I get in return though? You’re always one for a fair transaction.” He asked, turning to Emil with an arched brow. 

[bazrojas]

emilianopavone​:

***

“You do,” he agreed, smoothing out the other’s lapel with a proud, albeit sympathetic smile. Today was not the day for uniforms, and he’d long since changed to his more casual attire, a short sleeve button up far better suited for the Southern summer weather. 

“And you know I hate that phrase.” The complaint was lighthearted of course, an exchange they’d had countless times before. “I don’t break hearts, I fill them with passionate adventures made all the more memorable for their fleeting nature.” Despite the haughty tone, it was clear Emil was well-aware of his own caricature, one that he gave plenty of opportunities for the other to tease. “How about you? Moved onto the cougar game?” he asked, eyeing the woman only a few paces away with an intrigued raise of his brow, well aware that he’d been saddled with general staff duty.

-

“You break hearts, Emil. Though I can tell you that more often than not, people don’t seem to mind. Not when it’s you doing the breaking.” He said with a cheeky grin of his own. His friend was always one with words, always managing to have people dance to his tune in a way that wasn’t malicious or conniving. Baz had always admired that about him and perhaps wondered if he was one the many that just seemed to wander into his light and charisma. 

He turned around to see who Emil was looking at before letting out a laugh and shaking his head. “Now, now, no need to be jealous. She was just asking where the bathroom was.” Again. Because that’s all he seems to be good for now. Directions. He threw his arm over Emil’s shoulders before leading him away, taking a long sip from his milkshake. 

“What have you been up to? I’m working the rest of the day but we can do something for a short bit if you’d like. I can win you a rabbit?” 

[bazrojas]

emilianopavone​:

@bazrojas

Emil gave a short whistle to snag the Sentinel’s attention, breaking into a wide grin when Baz turned his way. “Oh perfect– you know I was just looking for a bathroom,” he teased, cutting off any groans by promptly offering a large lidded cup in his direction. “First off, milkshake. Aka ice cream that won’t ruin this very good suit. Which secondly, is very good. You’re right, hotter than the sun by a mile.” He took a moment to give him a full once over, fully appreciating the cut and style before finishing his rapid fire list. “And third, do you have any idea how many women are holding giant pink stuffed animals at this thing?” It was a gentle complaint of course, though it had taken admittedly longer to find Baz than he had expected. But as always, it was well worth the effort for the sight of a favorite friendly face.

Baz had been speaking to a middle-aged woman and her daughter, a long conversation on why they shouldn’t have the rides so close to the food stalls, when he heard a sharp whistle to his left. He turned and immediately felt the relief crash down on him, a smile tugging at his features. 

“Emil!” He all but breathed out before immediately excusing him from the pair in favor of walking over to his friend. His smile grew even wider at the milkshake, receiving it with a laugh as he shook his head like an excited puppy. “What did I tell you? I clean up great.” He said with a wink before giving his friend a once over. “You may give me a run for my money though. Out breaking any hearts yet?” 

[bazrojas]

Baz -> Emil

Emiliano: Try not to swear in front of the souls, I'm told they get offended easily.

Emiliano: Well if you tell me where you are I promise I won't ask for directions on how to get there.

Emiliano: And then I can be the judge of who's hotter.

Emiliano: You in your suit or the Louisiana Sun.

Baz: I was assigned to the south border of town

Baz: I'm near some street fair games!

Baz: if you see a lady with a giant pink panda plushie, I'm right next to her.

Bas: Also you have to choose me. It's the rule.

[bazrojas]

S U M M E R - S O L S T I C E  Baz Roxas Event 002

[bazrojas]

Baz -> Emil

Baz: Em, if someone asks me to point them to a bathroom one more time, I swear to all the fucking souls around me...

Baz: IT HAPPENED AGAIN

Baz: It's so hot...

Baz: And I'm not just saying that because I look RIDICULOUSLY good looking in this suit I'm wearing.

Baz: I want ice-cream :C

[bazrojas]

oleanderxsol​:

Charlie watched the exchange in veiled amusement. Something like pride in the notion that his sentinels were taking this serious, but also weren’t falling into grim moods. A testament to their dedication to their roles and Oleander themselves. 

Though, his smile fades somewhat when Baz talks about the spirits. It stirs his own notions, his own powers with clairvoyance taking a backseat to the strength of his summoning rituals. A closely guarded secret, like so many others, that he rarely let people in on. Just what his shape his powers in speaking to the dead took on. It was nothing his powers had allowed him to be aware of. Baz’s connection with the spirits stronger than others like him. 

“Hmm,” is all he says at first, that information more than he’d had yesterday. And it spoke of something far greater than a simple break in or kidnap attempt. Especially the notion that even now, days after the break in, the spirits were still quiet. It didn’t sit well with him. 

“Have you ever experienced anything like this before?” 

Baz pressed his lips together before clearing his throat. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned when it comes to spirits, it’s that they don’t tend to shut up. I find I can mostly just talk to those that want to be heard, and again, not a moment’s silence from them unless I turn it off...” He was quiet for a while before shaking his head. “But this time, for a while I couldn’t hear anything. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced not hearing anything.” It unnerved him if he were being completely honest. 

He took a deep breath before raising a brow. 

“I imagine the Solstice might fix that though. That’s when they’re at their loudest. Hopefully they come back soon.” Spirits were an integral part of his contribution to the house and not having that made him feel useless. He arched a brow before regarding Charlie once more in inquiry. 

“Speaking of the Solstice... is that even happening?” 

[bazrojas]

eymenmontalvo​:

He couldn’t help but fan his face as it got warmer by the second. Eymen was good at many different things, but he’d never been good at art. It had never even bothered him until this moment. He rarely felt this kind of insecurity and didn’t know how to process this. “You can’t tell anyone about this, okay, Baz?” He didn’t want word of this getting out or he would be teased every time he went to work. “We can stay here because I do still have my notes. As you’ve seen, I don’t have very high expectations.” He frowned at Baz’s last comment. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been called serious if he ever had been. “I am loose. Watch this.” He shook his arm quickly, trying to demonstrate how relaxed he was. 

Baz tried his very best not to coo. He crossed his heart and zipped his mouth shut before making a show of throwing away the key before nudging Eymen over to the reception area, ruffling Dev’s hair in the process before leading him to a relatively quiet alcove where they wouldn’t bother any clients. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry I implied otherwise.” Baz said with both his hands up before grabbing at the pencil he had tucked behind his ear and flipping to a clean page on his sketchpad. 

“What’s this for again?” He raised a brow before leaning closer, expression suddenly serious. “Is this about the break in?”