cloudy skies.

nothing hurt more than wanting to believe the man he considered family and not being able to without the doubt hakan had forged within him. for years, ozan believed that he'd made his own in life, that he broken the mold the elder eldem had built him in, but the way life had turned out for him was proof that he hadn't. maybe he'd taken hiatus from that way of living, but he'd ended up the man he was supposed to be, only realizing too late that it wasn't what he wanted.

his eyes went a little wider at the other's confession. it was what ozan already knew, but hearing manuel confirm aloud was comforting in a way that only the two of them could understand. of course there was a plan. this was what he'd been expecting and for all he knew, said plan was sitting somewhere untouched in his email. then again, hakan knew him well enough to know that he was checking it.

"i gave him everything," he growled, anger flooding his tone as he stared down the other end of the convesation. it was manuel's fault, but he was messenger, and everyone knew they always paid the price. "my entire life." he'd made peace with the fact that he'd never run the company, that he'd no longer have access to it's funds, but not once had ever considered being shut out from it all. "get out." the order was given quietly, a stark constrast from the way he'd raised his voice a few seconds earlier.

It wasn't fair. Not Hakan's ultimatum or his expectations, even Manuel knew that much. He had always been determined to keep the younger man beneath his thumb, hopeful to keep his business within the Eldem family, despite it coming at the expense of his relationship with his son.

As Ozan spoke, Manuel could only stare, a silent apology scrawled across his features. If he had wielded enough power to change Hakan's mind, then he would have. But unfortunately the news had come as a loss to them both.

"I'm sorry, Ozan. I really am," the words came as a quiet surrender, the man bowing his head as he took a step back toward the doorway. While he could choose to argue or insist on staying, it was of no use. The damage had been done and the power was in his nephew's hands now.

END.

there was nothing easy about staring down the man he'd often wished had raised him in place of the one that had. it was complicated, because manuel wasn't without flaws, but at least he'd always seemed capable of understanding points outside of his own and had never faulted ozan for not being enough. he was the calm in hakan's storm and the safe place outside of his mother that he'd always been to able to land.

so why did he have such a time believing in that now? he parted his lips to scold the other man for calling him a boy, but he fell silent. the praise knocked something loose beneath his ribs. had hakan eldem ever confessed his own pride? no, because ozan wasn't sure he had any to offer.

the failed heir cleared his throat and forced his gaze elsewhere. "i think a part of him loathes me for it." for being a father at all, because anyone that knew him, knew that he hadn't always been a good one. "none of this would have happened had he just stayed in new york. he didn't have to come to california." ozan knew why. he'd built up a firm there and hakan had wanted the control for himself.

"under different circumstances, i'd be happy to see you, amca." there was a lingering pause, an indicator that there was more weight to the statement than just that. "but we both know that it isn't about what you want, or what you think of me. at the end of the day, you'll always do his bidding."

Something about Ozan's words struck him. Not because they weren't true, but because they were. In a lot of ways, Hakan was like a brother and he owed majority of his success to the other man. But despite their close ties, Manuel didn't always appreciate the fact that they were often seen as a single entity. That people like Ozan thought of him as a pawn, rather than his own individual person.

After the divorce, Manuel had become a shell of who he once was, pouring his time into work at the company, in hopes to fill the void of what he'd lost. He'd leaned on the Eldem family a lot throughout the years, spending holidays by their side and getting to know Ozan's father in a different light. But while Hakan had shown him moments of sincerity, even Manuel knew that they weren't enough.

"Two things can be true, sobrino. But you're right," Manuel surrendered, unwilling to lie to his nephew any longer. "You deserve the truth. Your father has devised a plan and while I don't agree with it, you may want to listen. If you return to company, he's willing to offer you a huge promotion... but on the other hand, if you choose not to... he's threatening to cut you off and remove you from his will, Ozan."

"You didn't bother me." Nathan watched him turn to leave. The man wasn't much for small talk, but he was observant enough to notice that the man was looking for more information. Perhaps more than Nathan could even offer if he had wanted to. He wasn't the type of person that often struck up conversations with strangers. "You said family is important to him." Nathan observed aloud, "It sounds like you might know him better than I do. He wasn't being accusatory, "Are you worried about him?"

After all these years, Manuel sure liked to think that he knew Ozan. Though he wasn't entirely sure he'd seen both sides of the man he'd once known as a small child. There was the version he showed to his family, and the one he'd shown to Nadia and friends. But he wasn't too confident that those personalities had ever crossed paths beyond the walls of his nephew's mind. Taking a moment to pause and think, Manuel nodded, more honest in his answer than he cared to admit. He knew Hakan's plans and had seen just how unfair the man's father could be. "I am, yes. But hopefully by the end of my visit, I won't have to be."

desertblvsh

Nadia's gaze lingered on the arm he'd offered before flicking back to his face. The last thing she wanted to do was play nice with one of Hakan's pawns, and after everything he put her through, she didn't trust anyone. Manuel had never really done anything personally to her, but she knew better to trust someone close to Hakan. She was still working on trusting Ozan, for one. With a quiet sigh, she stepped forward just enough to lean in and brush a brief, one armed hug against him before pulling away almost as quickly as she'd moved. "I've been well," she replied simply. "Tomás has been good too." Her fingers adjusted the strap of her bag as she studied him, trying to piece it together in her mind. "I'll admit.." she began with a laugh, "I wasn't expecting to run into you here of all places." There was no accusation in her voice yet.. only genuine curiousity laced with caution. She had to assume this was about Ozan, and not Tomás.. because if Hakan dared to fuck with her son, all hell would break loose. "What brings you to Sedona?"

#‧₊˚ ⋅ 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐥 / threads.#ft. nadia torres garcia

The woman was short with Manuel, keeping any further details close to her chest and her response to a bare minimum. Nadia had never been trusting, though they had at least been on good terms at one point or another. He was close to Hakan, yes, and probably more of a pawn than he preferred, but Ozan was his family too.

At Nadia's question, a careful smile grazed the man's lips, the look in her eyes telling him everything she had yet to. "I'm here to see Ozan, of course. And admittedly... I was hoping to visit with Tomás, if it's okay with you of course. And no, not without your supervision." Although Manuel had withheld certain details, nothing he told her was a lie. The truth was, Manuel had not only missed Ozan, but the opportunity to know his family in some small way.

"It's a surprise and I've yet to see him, so if you could keep my presence under wraps until tomorrow.. I'd appreciate it. I don't know if Ozan will be entirely happy to see me, but I at least had to try. You know?"

ozan preferred his father's bullheaded methods. it was easier to be angry with, to push out and ignore. the careful and patient demeanor of manuel was something that the heir didn't know how to reason with. "why?" the question slipped out before he'd even had a chance to consider it. maybe, just maybe, the older man was there because he cared beyond the company. then again, did anyone at eldem & reyes have the ability to see past the fine print and dotted lines? "i'll speak with his mother." he wouldn't dare bring it up, but he doubted that manuel would stick around long enough for it be of concern.

"he won't approve of that." he didn't have to clarify, because they both knew the only person that would have a problem would be his father. the man was controlling and ozan knew that his defiance wouldn't come without some form of punishment. "don't lie to me," he finally breathed, voice steady despite his wavering gaze that seemed to land everywhere but on his uncle. "what happens if i don't come back? what is he going to do?"

Manuel knew his nephew well enough to see through his words, to know there wasn't any likely chance that he would truly talk to Nadia. Though little did Ozan know, he already had. Any hint of a smile faded from the man's lips as he studied his nephew's features, seeing more of Hakan in the sharp angles of Ozan's face than the boy would ever accept or admit.

With a distinct sigh, Manuel rubbed his brow, knowing that the answer would not only make things more difficult for Ozan to stomach, but cause irreparable damage to the relationship he shared with his father. Had he a son, Manuel could never imagine serving him such cruel and unusual punishment. Ozan was the closest thing he had, and therefore he would always protect him. Whether the man chose to see it that way or not.

"I'm not lying to you, boy. You really don't think I wanted to see you? I've always been proud of you, Ozan. For your work ethic, for your drive, and now finally... For showing up as a father. We both know that's something he never truly achieved." Although he chose to ignore Ozan's question, there was no denying the genuine nature of Manuel's words. Being a father was something he had always wanted for himself, but he had given up on that dream long ago.

Nathan let the man believe that. He knew that it would be easier to think that the two had a falling out. Hell, Nathan wished that were the case. It would mean that Claire was still around. "I don't know him well enough to judge what kind of person he is." Maybe he was a good person, maybe he made some mistakes but Nathan knew that it wasn't his place to place judgement on someone else. "Everyone makes mistakes." He added, "Just have to hope that they're trying to be better than the person they were when they made the mistake." Nathan lifted his shoulders as he spoke. "Why do you ask?" This time he questioned the motives of the stranger.

Whatever information Manuel had been hoping to collect from this conversation, it was clear he wasn't going to be getting it. Nathan may have known of Ozan, but he didn't know enough to have formed any opinions or collected any insight on the nature of his relationship with Nadia.

With a polite nod, he agreed with the man's sentiment, though truthfully it was in hopes of dismissing the conversation. Immediately wishing he hadn't made the mistake of approaching the stranger in the cafe. "Just curious. You can never be too sure what others might think. But I'm glad he's here in Sedona, and that he gets to see his son. Family has always been important to him." Manuel knew it was a half-truth, having spent majority of the time either avoiding his father or avoiding the possibility of turning out anything like him. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bother you. Thanks for taking the time."

a bitter scoff rolled off his tongue and an angry hand lifted to press against his untamed stubble. "i don't want to deal with any of it." it was true, that out of everyone his father could have sent, manuel was the lesser of all evils. still, the man before him was guilty by association, name plastered on the company logo. "what if i don't want to change it? what if i've decided i want something different?" he spoke like a man with confidence, but beneath the surface, every pulse point felt like it was ready to explode.

his uncle's question made him pause. he scoffed again, his darkened gaze shifting to the only person who could ask him such a thing and not get thrown out in an instant. "do i need anything more than being here for my son? maybe i'm done with chasing a legacy that i no longer fit into." there was a flare of anger in the way he spoke, in the way his jaw tensed between words. "bıktım." he was certain he'd heard his father spit the same sentiment from the other end of a conference table, but he watched manuel any flicker of recognition or understanding. "i'm done. i told him that before i left. if he didn't hear me, it's only because he didn't want to."

#‧₊˚ ⋅ 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐥 / threads.#ft. ozan eldem #sobrino = nephew

It didn't take Manuel very long to conclude that he would have to go about things differently. When it came to Ozan, being direct wasn't always the best course of action, and clearly even the mere mention of his father had been enough to set the young man's mind ablaze. "Fair enough," he nodded with understanding, backing down slowly, but never allowing his head to fall.

"Believe it or not, I didn't just come because your father asked me to. I wanted to see you, mi sobrino. And to see Tomás, if you'll let me." The man's gaze softened, his words genuine. Even if Manuel had travelled to Sedona with an agenda, two things could be true. "If you truly insist on staying in Arizona, then you're going to have to accept the fact that I'll want to visit from time to time."

desertblvsh

Nadia came to a complete stop the second she saw him, her hand still resting against the strap of her bag as she blinked at the sight before her. For a second, she genuinely thought she had to be mistaken. Maybe it was the lighting, maybe she was losing her damn mind.. but was Manuel Reyes really sitting in a restaurant in Sedona? Her stomach turned, the pleasant ease of dinner disappearing so quickly it almost made her dizzy. "You've got to be fucking kidding me," she muttered under her breath before she could stop herself, eyes briefly flicking around the waiting area and the doorway, like Ozan might somehow appear behind him. But no, it was just Manuel from what she could see. Nadia forced herself forward, her expression hardening despite the heat climbing up her neck. "Manuel," she greeted him, not bothering with forcing any niceties in her tone. Her gaze dropped briefly to the phone in his hand, then back to his face, searching for any sign of what the hell he was doing here. Just the mere sight of him triggered her. "Wow, Sedona must be a hell of a lot more interesting than I realised."

#‧₊˚ ⋅ 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐥 / threads.#ft. nadia torres garcia #carinito = darling

The woman's eyes combed over his features, clearly trying to determine whether or not he had a doppelganger. And for a moment, all the man could do was smile. Clearly Nadia wasn't happy to see him and while Manuel had hoped to have made a better impression on her, he couldn't quite blame the brunette for seeing him as anything more than extension of Hakan.

Stuffing his phone into the pocket of his trousers, he gave her his full attention, opening an arm in invitation for a proper greeting, even if he knew she wouldn't be in the mood conform. "Nadia. Beautiful as ever. How have you been, Cariñito? How's Tomás?" He wanted her to know that he meant no harm. But mostly, he wanted to soften her enough that she wouldn't phone Ozan the second he was out of sight.

His gaze shifted to the offered hand for a beat before taking it. His grip was firm, one that was well practiced over his lifetime. "Nathan." The man's explanation gave him reason to soften. A little. There was still a hint of suspicion that weighed in him. "No need to apologize," he said, a small pause following.

Nathan knew enough to know who Ozan was, though the two weren't close. He took another sip of his coffee, not rushing. "We haven't." He started, "I grew up with her, sort of. She and my sister were best friends." The words fell easier from his lips than he expected. "I've only been in touch with her again recently." Nathan left out the parts about the accident, hating to revisit it with people he knew, let alone strangers.

Taking mental note of the man's name and their connection, Manuel logged things in the back of his mind. It wasn't like he wanted to hurt Nadia or cause any harm to her social circle, but he needed to do what he could to ensure Ozan's safe return to New York.

"Ah," the man nodded in understanding, "it's always nice to reconnect with an old friend. Shame they had a falling out." While it was probably bold of him to assume what had happened, Manuel had outgrown many of the friends he'd once had as a teenager, and could understand how the years took their toll.

"So I guess you wouldn't be too familiar with my nephew then? He's a good kid, but he's definitely made some mistakes."

"you and i both know that would never happen." his father had too much pride to show up unannounced. the mere idea of it pulled a bitter hum from low in his belly. ozan hovered near the doorway for a couple of beats after manuel had moved past him and deeper into the apartment. it was a long shot from the home that he and nadia had shared, but it was nice by his own standards.

there was no buffer between them, no cleaning staff or personal chef to offer the man a drink. he scoffed, his dark orbs rolling. of course his father was arrogant enough to think such a thing. "so, what? he asked you to come check in, try and change my mind?" the heir moved deeper into the apartment, but he kept a small distance between himself and his uncle. "it's good to see you, amca." he let the compliment settle before he spoke again, "but you're wasting your time by being here."

Ozan had a point. The behaviour was certainly unlike Hakan, and yet he'd seen it with his own two eyes. For as much as the man had been sure that his son would return, Manuel sensed a small unspoken part of him that was filled with doubt. The part of him that knew Ozan may be serious this time.

"He didn't ask. I countered. Because I figured you'd rather deal with me than anybody else." With a sigh of dread, the man lowered his head, accepting the compliment with grace, even if he knew that Ozan was about to think otherwise. "I know you're not like your father, Oz. You have a good head on your shoulders. And I know you're running from his legacy, but don't you understand that you may be the one who has the power to change it?" Hakan was respectable in a lot of ways and Manuel would always admire his work ethic. But when it came down to company ethics and the people behind the name, that was where his nephew could truly shine. "Answer me honestly. Aside from your son... What opportunities are there here for you in Sedona?"

Nathan watched as Nadia left, only halfway through his coffee. An unfamiliar voice pulled his attention away from the now closing door. His gaze shifted to the man, not recognizing him even upon looking at him. The question was unsettling to him, but he kept a neutral expression. He knew that most people didn't ask questions without a reason. "I'm a friend." He answered, simply so. The words were honest, but they didn't offer much else to the stranger. "Can I ask why?" This time it was Nathan's question to ask a question with intent. Nathan rested one of his forearms against the edge of the table, picking up his coffee cup to take a sip.

Clearly it was going to take a lot more than just a simple question to unlock the information he was seeking. At the end of the day, Manuel was a stranger and he wouldn't have trusted himself either. Putting on the warmest of smiles, he extended his hand out toward his counterpart, offering an introduction and a fresh start with the shake of his hand. "Manuel. Sorry, I should have started this conversation a little differently."

Hoping to smooth things over with his words, Manny took a small sip of his own coffee before continuing. "I'm a long-time friend of the Eldem family. I've known Nadia for quite some time, but I hate to approach her unannounced. I never want to make things awkward considering how things went down between her and Ozan. Have the two of you been friends for many years?"

his apartment was bare, the place feeling less like a home and more like a temporary place to lay his head. truth was, he missed sharing a wall with his ex-wife, missed the discomfort of the motel bed and the hot water he'd always ran through quicker than his body cared for.

the knock pulled his focus to the door. was it nadia? was it one of the neighbors? "one second," he called out, shuffling quickly to straighten the books he'd stacked on the wooden table that sat in the lifeless living room area he'd barely touched. the heir stole a look at himself in the mirror and pulled in a steadying breath. whoever was on the other side of the frame, he'd manage.

a barely there smile sat on his mouth as he pulled open the door, only to be met with a face he hadn't expected. his heart stuttered in his chest and his stomach turned over with panic. for a beat, he didn't say anything. ozan cleared his throat and stepped aside, nodding for the man to come in without actually offering the greeting. "you shouldn't be here," he muttered quietly, voice strained by all that he wasn't able to say.

Despite his nephew's far from warm welcome, Manuel stepped inside the door and allowed his eyes to take in their surroundings. Ozan had certainly begun to make a home for himself in Sedona and while it was nice to see what he'd done with the place, the was no questioning that the mere idea would have only further enraged Hakan.

"Better me than your father. Believe me. You wouldn't have preferred the alternate option." As the door closed behind him, Manual's eyes met Ozan's, reaffirming his words with a look of sincerity. At the end of the day, Hakan was his family and although he didn't always agree with the man's decisions, he was loyal.

"He's been wondering just how long you plan to play pretend before you decide to come home."

CLOSED STARTER for @nathanxmeyer LOCATION: Aroma Cafe

If Manuel didn't know any better, he'd assume that Nadia had been following him. Either that or they clearly had the same taste in cafes and restaurants. Seated at a booth on the far side of the room, the man sipped on an Americano and scrolled through work emails on his phone. Ever since he had first arrived in Sedona, Hakan had been pestering him for constant updates. For a man who enjoyed control, it was safe to say that he hadn't been comfortable with surrendering his power to Manuel. Especially in a situation that involved someone as important as his son.

Though she hadn't spotted him this time around, Manny watched as Nadia stood up to leave, bidding her counterpart goodbye before leaving the man alone at the table to finish his cup of coffee. Although he probably shouldn't have bothered, Manuel found it difficult not to pry, curious of the relationship between Ozan's ex and the stranger seated across the room.

Slowly, he rose from his seat to approach the table, paper coffee cup still held firmly in-hand. "Excuse me, I hope you don't mind me asking but how do you know Miss Nadia?"