checkmate

[chckmates-arc]

#   chckmates :   a  dependent and private writing blog affiliated  with  maplebrookhq  

cody adani — introduction. / threads. / musings.

[mapleluke]

where: Station 5

when: 18th October (Jack o'Lantern Lane)

open

Luke took a step back to admire this years Jack o'Lantern's and nodded his head some, giving those rookies their much wanted approval. "This one looks a little sad, but otherwise, great job. Let them in." He moved to turn to the doors opening to allow the locals to come into the station, there was enough room for this and room to make sure they got out quickly if the alarms went off.

"Good morning, welcome to Station 5, enjoy the pumpkins."

[chckmates-arc]

for a change, curiosity got the better of him while on the way to the local coffee shop. a lingering crowd hanging around just outside the fire station had his tracks shifting towards the entrance, following a part of the line inside the station. hearing a subsequent reveal of a pumpkin display made sense then. “— had to see what everyone was heading in here for.” a small grin formed upon cody’s expression. “do you already know which one’s winning?”

[allwegetnow]

mcallister green was one of eli's favourite places in all of maple brook. the lush greenery, fresh air, and constant bustle of the town around her made it the idea spot to sit and draw. today, she was enjoying the end of the lunch rush, having just finished her lunch. the wind rustled her hair, eliciting an annoyed whine from the sugar glider trying to sleep on her shoulder. she had her legs crossed in front of her on the bench, sketchbook in her lap, head bowed in intense focus. she didn't know how much time she had left and didn't want to risk running out. every few minutes, she would glance up, looking at one specific person sitting on a bench just down the path.

they weren't sure why this random person caught their eye, but they knew they had to be drawn. finally, they managed to get the last touches done on their art, pulling the now-completed sketch from the sketchbook. they quickly flipped the book closed and jumped up from their bench, dropping the book on the now-empty seat next to their bag. they closed the distance between them and their subject quickly, and held out the drawing by way of greeting. "i drew you." they said with a bright smile. "i hope that's okay. you just...looked like a work of art in this lighting." eli was a talented artist, especially in realism, but even after years of tattooing, they still wavered in their confidence.

[chckmates-arc]

mccalister green had quickly become cody’s reminiscent piece of central park right smack in the middle of maple brook. not that he still couldn’t regularly visit the latter, becoming familiarized with the quaint connecticut town since his move from the nearby city remained a priority to him. didn’t hurt any that walking to the green was easy from his current residence in springdale either. plus, he’d taken advantage of the days where his job allowed him a temporary reprieve from a bustling commute. the serene surroundings provided a pleasant change from being confined to an office, especially while like clockwork, an expected work call came through on his phone screen. the official alarm that the lunch hour had wrapped up.

with an accustomed focus intent, cody’s took the client’s call as other park-goers leisurely passed up the seat he’d chosen. engulfed in the conversation, he hadn’t even noticed another had also occupied the same bench seat. at least not until he finally finished the discussion, head turning towards the unexpected company, proudly proclaiming they’d drawn him. how flattering. if that hadn’t been any indication that he should spend more time around this area, cody didn’t know what was. “— oh, really? i must look better than i think during a work call then." a slight ghost of a grin pulled at his lips. “so, you just drew that? now?” he couldn’t fathom having such an impressive creative talent.

[whiskeyneats]

"glad to have been of service, then." angelo shrugs, scratching his jaw lightly. "honestly? i think everything here's too fancy for my taste. but i guess if i had to pick something...the one with the bottle of whiskey doesn't look too bad." he chuckles at that, shaking his head. "so we've established neither of us can afford anything....maybe we go find the free food instead?"

[chckmates-arc]

“good eye, there.. didn’t even see that one..” it seemed the other odd looking basket arrangements were concealing the appealing whiskey prize. “ok, that is one i'd play a hand at.” turned out, there were more available options scattered around the raffle tables than he initially thought. “— sure. i’ve been meaning to head back over to the food anyway. there’s got to be some take-out containers around too..”

[nvrever]

with: @chckmates (cody) where: his office @ maple brook law when: afternoon, weekday triggers: mentions alcohol

SILAS' EYES REVIEWED OVER SOME PAPERWORK for an upcoming case until his phone beeped that someone wanted to see him. As much as Silas wanted to tell his secretary to send them away, his finger pressed a button, and he managed to slip out to let them in.

As the figure walked towards his office, a grin formed between his lips as he stood up to greet the man. "Cody Adani." His hand extended for the other male to shake.

"Sit down, sit down." Silas waved for him to sit down. "Drink?" He was over where he kept his bourbon and poured himself a glass while waiting for Cody's response.

In his mind, he had wondered why Cody would want to see him, but he was about to find out shortly. "What can I do for you? Need help on a case?" An arrogant smirk curved up at the corner of his lips as he took a small sip from his shot glass tumbler. Silas' reputation preceded him, and he was always willing to help out a fellow lawyer in any way he could.

[chckmates-arc]

cody figured requesting a meeting with one of maple brook’s highly revered criminal defense attorneys may have likely been a shot in the dark. he hadn’t expected an answer. or not one anytime soon. but if this field happened to teach him anything over the years, it was that connections were key. this would certainly be a lucrative chance, he’d just have to pull it off. exactly why the rapid response that came from silas haynes’ office floored cody, although he instantly confirmed the time slot without hesitation.

now face to face with the attorney, he could only trust that the appointment would go off well. “thank you for the time, i can't appreciate it enough. and it's great to meet you. i've heard a lot about your career of course.” a brief nod followed., clearing his throat. “and sure.” the lawyer accepted the drink offer. “— well, sort of. i was wondering if your firm here might have any internal case assignments available…” making the town a permanent home now, cody had potentially been exploring other ulterior options outside of the city law firm he'd long been attached to. "just out of curiosity." regardless, any tips at all from silas himself would no doubt go a long way for his own knowledge.

[porphyros]

                              olive says nothing, at first. from the way he walks around, it doesn't look like he's familiar with anything — probably one more city folk that has just moved over, or stops by for a visit and, definitely, not one who comes around meadowridge. she squints at the sun as he makes his decision, until, at last, he seems to want to stay. the blanket is already clutched between her hand, so she just pulls it out of the bag and extends it to him. "the people 'round here are traditional folk." she tells him. "how long you been in town for?"

[chckmates-arc]

if he hadn’t given himself away enough. his towering frame now stood upon the farm’s sprawling green, practically intruding on an event he’d just found out was occurring. missed that mark entirely. cody may as well blame it on the scattered mind of a hustling commuter that frequently got the best of him. no better way than to continue familiarizing himself with the town than diving right in, though. “— ah, noted.” he nodded, expressing thanks for the blanket the brunette offered forward. “about a year…which probably makes this look even worse right now..”

[whiskeyneats]

"you and me both." angelo says in a low voice, as if he was worried that they might get caught. truthfully, he didn't feel that concerned. it wasn't like they were checking enrollment records at the door or anything. still, he felt a little out of place with all of these more well off folks, but he was already here and figured he should at least make use of the buffet while he was. "still fun to look, i guess?" shrugging at that, angelo glances back at the items, squinting slightly at them. "a little window shopping never hurt anyone."

[chckmates-arc]

“thankfully, you proved me wrong. thought i’d just be surrounded by all alumni in here.” cody's brows proceeded to furrow upon aimlessly picking up an arranged gift basket while browsing the table. “this one though..i’m not so sure about..don’t even know what’s all in it..” not that he intended straying from his initial plan of considering the gift vouchers first and foremost. “but you’re right, especially before the holiday season..i'm far from anything great choosing gifts most of the time. — what looks best to you of these options?"

[blcssomfully]

" i don't believe in signs. but i do believe it is what you make of it, " vivienne mused with decisiveness in her tone since she's never believed in fate or signs or anything else akin to those. but if that's what people need to sleep soundly at night, then who was she to break their little bubble. she has simply learned better. her gaze lingered briefly on the man, her silk-clad shoulder shifted slightly against the railing as she regarded him, " i suppose congratulations are in order. " they were one of the first groups she noticed upon boarding the yacht, recalling the lively welcome he received and a chorus of congratulations on his engagement. " engagements don't come without omens of their own either, " she added at last with the faint curve of her lips suggesting a smile, though there was something else tucked underneath it. with two broken marriages, vivienne couldn't help herself from feeling cynical about it and the weight of it bleed faintly into her words. / @chckmates

[chckmates-arc]

“suppose it’s no better time than to make the best of it then.” cody gave a marked nod, honestly relieved for the breath of fresh air from all of the incessant crowding and fussing. no better view than overlooking the water while doing so either. at this point, he even contemplated concealing himself within the boat’s interior before his towering frame ended up being pulled in yet another direction. “oh, thank you. the congratulations are appreciated. — i don’t think it’s sunk in entirely yet..” a small ghost of a grin formed upon his lips, still unable to comprehend the result actually occurred exactly how it should have turned out. luck like that usually wasn't on his side. “my fellow employees from the law firm i work at in the city decided to make it a surprise.” cody shook his head, shooting a fleeting glance over at the familiar faces nearby. truthfully, he should’ve expected they’d eventually pull something like this on him. “— i’ll keep that in mind. ii better listen to those omens. that is, if you'd like to share.”

[tapestr1es]

Samira was overjoyed when the stars finally aligned and her dearest Cody and her could finally make time for one another. He was the single silver lining in the entirety of an otherwise miserable childhood, and even when she had all but lost her mind (thrice over, it would seem), he never shunned her. So, the least she could do was make sure there was a platter of fruit awaiting him on the counter, and a quiche warming in the oven, just a few minutes left before its ready. Back in their juvenile days, he had been subject zero to all sorts of concoctions she made. How his stomach ever recovered, she'd never know.

"Oh, but you're fine, of course." She shook her head simultaneously in understanding and in no envy for the life he had chosen. She did not envy his busy lifestyle, and commuting must be a terrible thing indeed. "I know how fast paced your work is. I'm just happy you were able to find time for me in your schedule." Perhaps her happiest times in New York were when Cody was around. She was a wife in name only during those days, had no company but the work she drowned herself in, and, thankfully, Cody. "I believe I may have seen hints in some instagram posts on what yours might be. But I want to hear you say it." She teased, a smile spreading across her lips as her chest filled up with warmth. "My life update is napping, so you definitely have to go first."

[chckmates-arc]

“you make it seem like my work is more important than yours, which i would concur.” of course he was practically biased, having known his long time friend had a talented penchant for her baking. samira never had to ask him twice about conducting taste-tasting, a willing volunteer then and now. and no doubt, cody had already made himself comfortable, intently picking at the generous fruit platter laid out on the kitchen counter. wasting no time. he couldn’t appreciate the natural sense of serenity her company brought enough. despite what life had thrown at both of them over the years, their mutual support towards one another hadn’t faltered. upholding the same respect she gave him mattered.

“besides, i’ll always find time in my schedule for free food.” cody mused, a slight smirk crossing his lips. “and not just any free food, your free food.” he insisted, yet samira’s expertise was merely a small perk of their camaraderie. she had left the city before him, but that didn’t mean her days weren’t any less jam-packed. from boston, to new york, and now connecticut, cody was indebted to her remaining a steadfast constant. who knew where he’d be now. “— well, napping isn’t any less important either you know.” she wouldn’t let him off the hook for anything. “those posts you’ve seen are accurate..by some crazy shot of luck, i’m an engaged man.” words he himself still could hardly fathom were the truth.

[whiskeyneats]

"uh, i think anyone. not that i can afford any of these things." angelo admits, the last bit said in a hushed tone as if he might get kicked out for not having any money to donate. he was an imposter who had managed to get in with the intentions of a free meal. he hadn't planning on hanging around too long, though trying to blend in seemed to not be working so great either. "anything look good to you? everything's a little bit too pricey for my taste."

[chckmates-arc]

“yeah, wasn’t sure if you had to be alumni or not. consider me thrown out if so.” a slight grimace touched his expression. he didn’t mind one bit if the other man crashed the benefit breakfast. the primary incentive had been the food buffer. it wasn’t often cody had time to sit down leisurely for a meal in the morning hours, instead usually rushing off on a commute to the city. “— the travel donations look like the best to me..doubt i'd win anything though anyway.."

[kalcidoscope]

where: roux bistro

when: september, lunch time

who: sebastian warren ft. cody adani ( @chckmates )

"man, i still can't believe you're a maple brook person now and i can literally just get you for lunch without the hour-long commute" sebastian jested with a smile as he took a sip of water, eyes scanning the menu on his hand as he decided what to order for himself. in the years of knowing cody adani, the lawyer had been bound to new york. after years of friendship and multiple trips to the big city to spend some time together and hang out, it felt nice to have the other know a place that felt like home and have him experience the charm of the small town that meant so much to the author.

placing the menu back on the table with his decision made, the youngest male focused his attention on the other, sharing a gentle smile to the other. "how is maple treating you so far?" a beat. "since your life is pretty much divided now between the town and new york, do you miss living in new york full time, or do you see yourself settling here for good?" the blue-eyed male crossed his arms and rested them on the clothed table as a soft sigh escaped him. "i'm telling you, the love for this place sneaks up on you. i remember when i first moved here, i hated it. now? i can't imagine living anywhere else, and that's coming from someone who has been in love with new york since i was like, two years old" he could remember how alienating it had been, being the new kid in town and although the feeling didn't last long, it had become his goal to never let anyone feel like that again, a goal he carried up to his adult years.

[chckmates-arc]

cody couldn’t blame sebastian for essentially doing a double take of their immediate surroundings within the dining establishment. the two friends usually found themselves hanging out in manhattan between packed schedules. and despite the quaint, connecticut town being on a significantly smaller scale, he still considered himself learning the inner workings. yet, some trusted, supportive residents such as the author certainly helped with the massive adjustment he’d made. “you’re welcome, it was all to make the trip for food much shorter.” the lawyer quipped, a small grin forming itself while scanning over the extensive options lining the bistro’s menu. 

upon hearing sebastian’s inquiries, the realization struck. he hadn’t thought much into it. except for the fact that the move couldn’t have been for a better reason. “— you know, i think it was a long time coming..going back and forth doesn’t give me much time to actually miss new york either..” cody mused, a pensive nod following. “it’s quieter outside my place late at night, i’ll say that much. but..yeah. i think i will be settling here for good.” his current place the lawyer figured would be a temporary arrangement. “well thankfully, that review of yours doesn’t make me question anything.” he never didn’t appreciate sebastian’s forthright honesty. “you better be saying you’ve decided that you’re also going to be here permanently now.” not that they both still couldn’t meet up in new york still.

[whiskeyneats]

closed starter for @chckmates location: davenport academy's sunday brunch & silent auction

angelo wasn't entirely sure how he had gotten dragged to a school he didn't even go to's brunch and silent auction event — actually, that was a lie. his boss had persuaded him to attend with them, only to lose them in the crowd when they went off to socialize. with some sort of brunch themed cocktail in hand, angelo moves over to where the auction items are located, letting out a low whistle at some of the starting bids. "are people actually gonna pay this much? must be nice to have money." he mutters, not realizing he said the words not as under as breath as he intended.

[chckmates-arc]

when the suggestion came up to attend the academy’s homecoming brunch, it didn’t take much convincing when food and drink offerings were provided. plus, the auction could potentially make for some decent gift ideas. getting around to approaching the neatly set-up tables, cody found himself impressed by the amount of the offerings the event had available. catching the remark from another nearby guest, a brief nod agreed with the sentiment. “didn't expect this many already would've secured a bid…” most of the amounts did appear pretty hiked up already. "can anyone submit, or do you have to be an alumni?"

[chckmates-arc]

closed  ⸺ with samira ( @tapestr1es )

location ⸺ samira's residence

having received a recent message from a longtime friend, cody made it a point to clear time out from his own packed schedule as quickly as possible. catching up with samira when the opportunity presented itself never didn’t take precedence. even as those instances became increasingly scare over the years. yet, they’d attempt improving at that current track record, considering they both had been making connecticut home at this point in their lives. having a fellow, native bostonian there significantly aided his move. those days as young kids were left faded in the rearview now, and still, she kept up contact with him and checked in, regardless of what either of them were going through. he couldn’t appreciate her enough for it.

already setting himself within samira’s kitchen, his elbows propping themselves leisurely on the island. “hope you weren’t waiting long. i can never predict exactly with the commute sometimes.. a wry grin slightly tugged at the corner of his lips. “sounds like we both have some pretty big updates to share this time though..”

[chckmates-arc]

closed  ⸺ with violet ( @kalcidoscope )

location ⸺ lighthouse b + b

making it a point to leave his manhattan commute earlier that day, cody’s aim remained set on surprising before the end of her own shift at the connecticut b & b. nearly a month had already flown by since their mind-numbing engagement, and truthfully, the lawyer couldn’t comprehend how someone that incredible unexpectedly walked into his life three years ago and stayed. everything had done a near 180 on its head since initially meeting violet. being around her, with her always had been different in numerous ways that didn’t seem possible. yet, the striking, intelligent woman became his reality. and now, by some wild miracle within itself, his fiancee. he’d never questioned not going out of his way for her. exactly why showing violet that still wouldn’t change remained paramount to him.

by the time cody entered the main doors of the lighthouse, leather work bag slung causally over his shoulder, he practically made a straight shot for violet’s office. with a wry grin touching the corner of his lips, his knuckles gave a few prominent knocks against the opened doorframe. out of the tall man’s peripheral, he’d caught the glimmering glimpse from the recent ring he gave her proudly displayed upon a dainty finger. “knock, knock.” his tone lowly rasped, anticipating his irresistible fiancee’s reaction.

[porphyros]

where : harper's farm

when : 6th of september

with : open (4/5)

                              olive knows the route to harper's farm by heart now — thankfully, this time she ain't got no lesbian starcrossed cow in tow, too. instead, she's comfortable to be by herself and her basket of treats; ideally, simon's larger body would make him a better placeholder but olive got her chores done faster (not to mention both her husband and sister would be too permissive with their spot) and she doesn't want to let the place jd saved them be held up for too long. so she guards the spot like a dog, sprawled over the quilt but keeping an eye on her surroundings and measuring up every person that approaches. scowl remains up as she possessively glances around the spot, raising an eyebrow at the nearest person. "still room there." nod indicates her side. there's a beat before she speaks again, eyes still squinted but at the sun this time. "d'y'got a blanket?" they have one spare, but she ain't going to share that just yet (she is trying to fool herself she's not that permissive).

[chckmates-arc]

even after making a permanent residence within the connecticut town for about a year, cody still considered himself learning the ins and outs. one of those areas included the countryside establishments, which he wasn’t exactly well versed in. although, the lawyer set his sights specifically on harper’s farm out of the fact that they’d likely have some ideal, fresh flowers to choose from. they were a surprise for someone. despite how he likely looked entirely lost among the current surroundings. a curse muttered under his breath realizing he’d nearly kicked another sprawled outward on the ground, looking completely comfortable. at home. like the brunette belonged there. the exact opposite from where he currently stood. “— uh..no. i did not bring one..?” the question had his brows furrowing, taking a quick glance outwards over the farm's vast grounds. “is that a requirement for visitors?”

[blcssomfully]

where: all white party on corey's yacht.

when: september 1st. (capped at 0/3)

it's been awhile since vivienne was back in town, but that has not stopped her from receiving an invite to the labor day party of some old friends. the brunette just returned the week prior, but she couldn't really turn down the invitation since she still need to keep up appearances. champagne in hand, the breeze tugged gently at her long dark hair, but it remained perfectly in place. her eyes scanned the crowd, noting a few familiar faces and some she couldn't quite recognize. however, rather than diving straight into conversation with them, she found herself drifting towards the railing. she allowed the view of the shore stretch and shrink into the distance as the ocean swallowed the horizon--the sunset painting the sky in streaks of gold and rose.

feeling a presence beside her, vivienne turned slightly to them while her gaze was still on the horizon. " don't you just want to capture this moment before it disappears? i don't think my phone would give it justice, " she added softly before fully turning her gaze to them.

[chckmates-arc]

hearing from a fellow employee at the law firm that they wanted him to drop by a certain labor day party, cody figured he may as well. at least for a little while. besides, if anything of his career had taught him over the years, it’d been that meeting and conversing with any connections while attending an event usually paid off. yet, when he turned up from the instructions given for boarding the yacht, he hadn’t expected the surprise of the work gathering additionally being a surprise engagement celebration they’d thrown for him. not that cody didn’t appreciate the gesture. once the excitement finally subsided and the group split up around the crowd, he found himself taking a small break away.

seemed as if the lawyer wasn’t the only one with the idea, another brunette woman doing the same. “— i mean, if it’s any indication of how the future will go, i’ll take it.” with one hand, cody grabbed his smart phone, taking a quick shot of the radiant setting skyline, knowing he’d show violet later on. “you think it’s a good sign?”

[windbovnd]

open starter ! where: nine lives cat cafe, annual adoption drive.

"oh god," said softly to himself, brown eyes tantalisingly close to tearing up as he took in the ball of fluff before him. moving carefully, he bent slightly to cup the little face in his hands, smoothing a thumb down the cat's cheek and grinning from ear to ear at the resounding purr the action was met with. "i knew it was a bad idea comin' here," though how anything could be bad when surrounded by cats, he didn't know. danny had been speaking to no one in particular and upon realising that he wasn't alone, got a bit of a fright. heart returning to its normal rate, he offered the person next to him a tight smile. "sorry, um -- talkin' to myself. as per usual," huffing a soft laugh, he straightened back up and scratched between the placid cat's ears. "um. you here for the adoption drive? or just... the view?"

[chckmates-arc]

some days, the commute to and from the city could have cody exceptionally worn down. dragging his tall frame along the maple brook streets, bleary eyes glanced themselves upwards, noticing the beverage sign. an espresso shot would likely do him good at the moment. upon entering the shop, the sight of a crowd swarming around the small furry animals nearly blocked the path to the main barista counter. definitely not his usual place for grabbing coffee, but then again, exhaustion won out. another nearby patron who mentioned an adoption drive certainly explained the horde. “i was actually just dropping the barista counter…” he mused. “i’m guessing you’re here for the drive though?” seemed as if the other already had a pick for a pet.