DAKOTA AREN

DAKOTA AREN( Archived RP Account. ) #ATL4LIFE

[dakotaaren]

;; BELLA :

“Yeah, it is pretty rad.” Bella slightly teased him, giggling and listened to what he said. It was true, that she was more lucky now than unlucky, but still, amongst all of the chaos, the debris from her apartment, it did break her heart to see it all broken. “Yeah, I know. I haven’t seen Micah though — I’m just trying to keep my distance. I don’t know if he’d want to see me and I know my uncle doesn’t and my parents definitely don’t. I just — I don’t know. I’m used to being the cast out Lacroix. Ever since Wes left, it’s just — I mean, I don’t know. I just don’t think my family wants to see much of me, but what else is new? When I’m there, I’m…just a ghost, or if I am noticed, just a complete disappointment. Part of sobriety is cutting out the toxic people. It’s sad that my parents rank the highest on that list.” She shared, drawing a few things in her sketch pad. “Yeah, I’ll be fine on my own. I always am. I’m happy your place wasn’t bad. Isn’t my cousin staying with you? Is she — Well, is she all right? We’re not that close, but — Is she good?” 

“I’m glad to hear it. You deserve it. It’s nice to see fate level out it’s cards eventually for someone. I was beginning to think it had no other mode but unkind.” Ever since losing Addie, Dakota had grown a bitter taste in his mouth when he thought about his future. He didn’t see himself achieving anything like Bella had in the past few months. Sobriety was a distant dream, and anything after that wouldn’t be able to be accomplished without it’s predecessor.  He would have to be okay with where he was for now, and that would have to be okay. At least in the subtle sense of that word. “Hey, I don’t think you’re the cast out. I rather enjoy you...” He tilted his head in her direction, a genuine smile reflecting back at her. “In fact, you’re probably one of my favorite Lacroix’s—aside from Gemma of course, but you know, that’s just cause she lives with me, roomie points.” He chuckled, knowing very well there were many more reasons that that. “She’s...doing alright. I think it still hasn’t really hit her that everything’s gone up shits creak as of late but...she’ll be fine. Everything always comes back to a point eventually. She knows that as well as I do...” Nodding to her he smiled. “But are you good? I know everything around you is good, but I know that sometimes the exterior is just a really good cover up for the interior...”

[dakotaaren]

;; AANYA :

Aanya noticed how Dakota got a bit nervous when the subject of his father came up and how quickly he was to change it. “I am very proud,” she said with a nod and sending a smile right back to him to make him feel somewhat comfortable. “Oh really? I think that’s great. Yes, I do know Scarlett, she’s very kind.”

“That’s good...some people have lost their sense of pride with everything going on in the world. I think it’s good...yano, that people are starting a conversation about some very troubling things in the force...but that doesn’t mean people still can’t be proud if they’ve served or their family members have served. Yano?” Shaking his head his mind raced with thoughts of how troubled the world had become in recent dates. And now with Midtown destroyed, the entire thing was beginning to feel like a sign...or a metaphor. “Yeah.. it’s alright. Pays the bills. And my boss isn’t terrible, so that’s always a plus...” Looking at her with a smile, he nodded. “Where are you from?”

[dakotaaren]

;; HADES :

      Once Hades found out about the damage in Midtown, he immediately called up a few connections and ended up with a hammer and nails in his hands. From doing a lot of community service growing up, he helped build houses around the city and was now helping out Midtown’s residents. Taking a break from work, he decided to look over the next house he was going to help rebuild. When hitting the heart of the neighborhood, he saw someone and decided to approach them. Opening his mouth, he heard what the man said and nodded slowly. “It was a disaster. It only lasted two days, but it will never leave our memories.” He stated with a hanging head before looking up at the man. “Do you… did you live here?”

“No I actually live just over the line, in Downtown...I used to live here though, with my roommate from college. It’s crazy how little changes can prevent so much from being lost...” He thought aloud, finding it crazy that if he hadn’t of moved months ago, he would have possibly stood without a home today. Turning to look at the man beside him, he realize he was unfamiliar, which should have been obvious by his previous lack of knowledge to where Dakota lived. Removing his hands from out of his pockets he lifted his hand to greet the man. With so much of Midtown fallen around them, the least they could do was be kind to one another. “I’m Dakota. Dakota Aren. And who might you be?”

[dakotaaren]

;; JULIANNA :

      Holding a bouquet of flowers, Julianna clung onto them as she made her way into the destroyed neighborhood. She knew people who lived here that had their houses demolished due to the storm and it broke her heart to pieces. She wanted to give them a little light by putting a flower on each still standing porch. “Welcome home, Dakota.” She tried her best to give her friend a little grin, but it didn’t make it to her lips fully. “H-How was your trip?”

“WELCOME HOME...right...” He said absentmindedly, eyes unmoving from the scene around him even with julianna’s touch on his arm. He couldn’t grasp it. How something once standing tall, had been broken down in one swift of a storm. How fragile things seemed. Blinking suddenly, he laughed, tunring to her. “My trip was...great, actually. Better i’m sure than whatever happened here which i’m much greatful for. But it’s hard to focus on that when there’s so much destruction surrounding you...yano?” Turning to face her, he tucked her into his arm, doing his best to pull her closer. “How about you? How are you holding up little Fairmont?”

[dakotaaren]

;; AVIANA :

She wanted to fall, she wanted to drop to the floor and just lay there in a puddle of her own hurt and despair. However, Dakota wasn’t going to let that happen. His arms became her barriers from the storm rolling in around her. The girl was broken, in so many ways that she wasn’t sure many people would understand. Aviana was known for being her tough, outspoken self however deep down every day was a battle on if she was going to crack or not. There had been many times she had just about lost it, just about lost herself int he waves of emotions and thoughts that flooded her brainwaves. How could someone go about losing both of her parents and being left on her own to try and figure out life, figure out how to make sure she was okay and protect herself form the evils of the surrounding world? With a father shot down on the job and a mother who took her own life because she couldn’t live any longer without the love of her life—was the girl not destined for a youthful death? Her mind had played games with her long enough, and now with a near death experience she had finally been pushed over her own edge. His words attempted to soothe her, to bring her back from the darkness she had entered. Dakota had become a small beacon of hope, of light for her but right now…her view was blocked. Hands digging a bit deeper now, she felt her knees buckle once more as the new few words rolled off of her tongue. “Maybe it’s my time…” 

Something in him panicked then. A feeling he’d kept long locked away, awakened in his chest, and made his heart collide against his chest, as if it wanted to escape his body and embrace her for him. As if he wanted to give her his heart to keep herself alive. Because he could feel her own breaking in his arms, and he wasn’t sure how he was going to hold her up, when she was so desperate to keep falling. He knew she expected him to let her go, to let the waters take her. Like it had taken her parents. But just like Noah and others that cared for her, he would never do that. He couldn’t even fathom it. So he just held on tighter, leaning onto the counter behind him to stable them both, and resting his head atop her own. “It’s not your time Av...and it won’t be for a long time. Not unless you let it. Which I know you won’t. You’re stronger than that. I know you don’t believe that—but you’ve made it this far haven’t you? Haven’t you?” He brushed her hair out of her face, holding her upright by her shoulders and forcing her to look into his eyes. He needed her to understand that he wasn’t going anywhere. At least he hadn’t intended to. Not for a long time. Not until she was ready for him to let go. If that was never, that would be fine. Just as long as she kept on fighting. It was a curse Dakota had been marked with since his brother died, caring for people so much he was willing to do whatever it took to keep them standing. Even if it meant he would soon fall. A loss of care for his own life in replacement for the care of someone else’s. “Things have been shitty...but if we keep going I know they have to get better. Alright they have to. Life isn’t that fucked up..” He hoped his words weren’t lost in the wind. He hoped she heard them, and it stuck. “Why don’t we sit down alright..”

[dakotaaren]

;; AMELIA :

Amelia knew that having to attend parties and events like the one she was currently in is a part of her career. As much as she liked meeting people in these events, there were some that she honestly preferred not to have met- those who were selfish and who do not deserve what they have. Still, she had to professional and besides, she had faith in the ability of people to change for the better. It was that faith that made situations with those people bearable. Taking a break from all the social interactions and the rounds by the breakfast buffet table, she discreetly made her way to the one place in the house that she assumed nobody would be staying at. It took a while with a few people stopping her along the way to have a word but as she opened the terrace door, she was surprised to see that she was not the only one who needed a break. “I am so sorry, she quickly apologized. “No, no. This terrace is big even for the two of us.” Upon saying that, she closed her door. “So, why are you here and not in there?”

His feet skidded to a stop beneath him as he looked at the woman, eyebrows furrowing in surprise that she had requested that he’d stayed. Not that it should be a surprise. There were still good people out there, and if Dakota was going to preach that he should atleast try to believe it. “Uh,” He walked further back onto the terrace hesitantly, folding his hands behind his back in the hopes to remain somewhat professional in the very unprofessional setting. “I don’t know...I guess i’m not like the people in there, for the most part it’s just a lot of pretending and I can only handle that for so long. I need breaks if I intend on making it through the night.” He laughed, knowing that she probably wouldn’t understand. For she was like the people in there, evident by her expensive looking dress and even heavier jewelry. It was intimidating, but not enough so that he felt the need to cower away back inside. There was something about her eyes that remained open. Something that he couldn’t deny made him feel as though he were invited to speak. “How about you? You didn’t look in much hurry to return to the festivities.” 

[dakotaaren]

;; ISOBEL :

Isobel smirked at the male when he voiced how good she looked. Of course, as stated, Isobel didn’t need anyone to tell her whether she looked good or rough. The brunette knew exactly what she looked like, but there were a select few people whom she enjoyed receiving compliments from. Dakota was one. Perhaps it was because she felt she got an edge on him in their game of cat and mouse, or because of the way his intense gaze coursed down her form before he spoke his compliment. Either way, she enjoyed it. “Not at all,” the brunette stepped closer, her finger dancing along the front of his chest. “But I like the way you say it.”

“Is that so?” He stepped forward, wrapping his hands around her waist loosely, and tucking his forehead down to meet hers. Piercing grey eyes flashed across her own, and he felt her finger slip down her chest just as the words danced across her rosy lips. To an onlooker this would look like two people, flirting innocently. But to them they knew what it was; what it had always been. which was a game. an attraction. a toying of who could get who down to their most vulnerable parts quicker. Isobel usually tended to win this part, but Dakota had grown stronger in the weeks without her, more in control of his emotions and how he chose to let them affect his actions. He had yet to brake, and as he skirted his lips across her jaw, he smirked, pulling away quickly to laugh. “Dolce and Gabbana...that ought to be cheating...”

[dakotaaren]

;; ARIA :

Aria rolled her eyes, a half smile gracing her lips. “Most people? I’m not most people, if you haven’t noticed. Most twenty-three year olds don’t have a billion dollar company in their name.” She sighed, looking down still at the debris, the mess that the horrific storm made of her beautiful company. Aria looked over at him, pointedly. “They left it to me, yes, but their — death was untimely, and I don’t think they had any plans of giving it to me so soon. At least my father didn’t. And my other relatives are fighting over the shares and the money like spoiled little child. If I had half a mind, I’d give them nothing and that’s what I’m going to do. They have no sympathy for the way they died — they just want their precious money.” Aria couldn’t help but smile at the admittedly charming man and shook her head. “Most days have been unlucky, but I have to say, with you by my side, as my protection, there have been fewer incidents. So perhaps I’m not so unlucky, hmm?” She got out her purse and got her checkbook out, scrawling out five hundred dollars and handing it to him. “Here. A bonus. Get yourself a leather jacket to complete the whole bad boy look.” 

“I’m starting to..” He nodded his head, giving her a once over. From her louboutins to her calvin klein watch, he could tell the woman was of much higher class than anyone he was in close quarters with. Scarlett had surely opened his horizons a bit more, but that had only clung to celebrities and models. Not the childress of billionaires—north the owner of the company. They were different. Lower. Even enough on the playing field that he could tolerate to be around them without feeling like lower class scum. But this girl, with long firey tresses for hair, and dominating irises for eyes, threatened that. With the slip of a couple hundred dollars, five to be exact, he’d almost felt as though he’d sold his soul, hand lingering in the air as he chuckled. “Did you seriously just hand a complete stranger $500? What—are you nuts? Are you from New York? This is something people from New York would do.” Tucking the bills into the palm of his hands he let them fall to his sides, “I’m sorry to hear about their death...that’s horrible...I lost a brother.” Not that it mattered, but he felt it leveled it out a bit more. The space between them. The pasts that differed them. “A bonus...for what?”

[dakotaaren]

;; CASEY :

Casey was a little startled by that statement, but quickly shook his head, “No, no. It wasn’t, really. I mean, it looked bad at first, I was a little stuck. But it’s only some cuts and bruises.” he said, not wanting to risk upsetting Abby again. And it was the truth anyway, things could have been so much worse. He nodded at the next statement before replying, “Yeah, those we haven’t had much time for sleep yet, honestly. But I’ll definitely be glad to get back there later today.” he said with a small smile, “She will be. Alix is strong, and she got pretty lucky too, she should be out of the hospital soon.” he explained. “Oh, I know. I hope so too, surely the rebuilding can go fairly quickly if we put a lot of effort into it. At least the basics.”

“Oh, well shit. You’re stronger than I thought—not that I thought you were weak, but a tree falling on a person isn’t a situation for just anyone to feat.” He understood that the conversation was drifting to a much unneeded place, which was the exact opposite of what he’d wanted to do. So he gave a nod of his head, and took a sip of his coffee, and settled back deeper into the diner booth, plastic squeaking as he did so. “No, really? Well I won’t keep you guys for long, you need some rest. Especially after all the stress your bodies have been through. It could use the recharge. I mean I’m no doctor, but,” He shrugged, clearing his throat. “She is strong. One of the strongest people I know. And she can outdrink me. That’s saying a lot—even though it’s inappropriate, sorry Abby.” He snorted, before growing serious once more. He was horrible with children at times. He talked to them like they were adults. Much in thanks to Addie. Who spoke like one. “If we all help out it will do a lot more good...quicker. It’s just a matter of time for they start asking for recruits. And i’m sure i’ll oblige.”

[dakotaaren]

;; ALIX :

Alexandria couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at the man. It was fairly clear to her that he was quite drunk at this point. “”Yes, I guess you are right about that. Atlanta does seem to have a lot of places to get drunk and just relax.” She replied, knowing that she had visited a few bars about the city. Having lived in Atlanta her entire life, she was pretty familiar with all of the bet places to go. She couldn’t help but feel incredibly calm in Dakota’s presence. He was one of the happiest drunks that she had ever met, and it was surely something that she was thankful for. “Yes, I do suppose that another round wouldn’t hurt. Although, I think you might be far past the hangover point.” Alix replied, finishing her current drink. He seemed more drunk than she was, but surely Alix was on her way to a hangover as well.

Dakota had pretty much avoided being obliterated since Addie had been placed in his custody. Long nights spent at bars had become more of a rarity than anything else, and even on those rare occasions, he never let himself go too far over the edge. But tonight was different. Tonight was different; because he was different. For the first time in months, he was free from most ( if not all ) responsibility…and while one half of him realized the benefits of that, the other half was completely crushed by what his new freedom meant. So naturally, when the second half began to outweigh the first, he decided to partake in one of his older healing methods—DRINKING. lots and lots of drinking. And why not invite Alix to join him? He hadn’t seen her since before the storm, and even then it had been a short-lived conversation in passing. Now he was determined to have her alongside him as he spiraled into oblivion. Though he would only do so with a smile on his face—never failing to be able to fool one into thinking he was much better off than he felt. “Well they’ve done a pretty good job with this place because I am very drunk and very relaxed,” He snorted a laugh, hands fumbling with the empty glass in between his fingers. His breath smelled of whiskey and hidden secrets. Preparing to pool out over his lips with each stumble of his foot. “Hangovers are for the weak.” Dakota informed, running a hand through his hair. “But seriously though if my head’s in the toilet tomorrow morning, expect a call from me—blaming you for the jinx."

[noah-j-devin-blog]

Haven’t Forgotten My Way Home

[dakotaaren]

;; NOAH :

Noah nodded carefully at his friends words, relaxing a little as he took in the truth there, “Yeah, yeah you’re right. I think I’m gonna … not do that today.” he said softly. That was a comforting thought, honestly, and he was relieved that Dakota had been there to point it out. He was still so shaken up that he was barely thinking clearly himself. He could hardly process that it was all over, because it really wasn’t entirely yet. There was still so much to do, and Lorelei’s arrest could mean a trial, probably would mean a trial, because she was certainly not one to back down easily. It was all still incredibly overwhelming. He looked back up at the other man, biting his lip a little nervously, “You know it’s not you, right? It’s not. I just … I mean, I’m sure she’s great, but I just don’t know Gemma.” he said carefully. He just wasn’t ready to deal with a stranger right now. “And nobody else was staying at Damien’s. And he was, he was good. Let me just get a book and some coffee and … try to process it all, I guess.” he said with a small shrug. “Though, I’m, I’m not sure how well I did with that. This is just … so much.”

Dakota had always been good at being the person who could wait out the storm when other’s couldn’t face it.  He was willing to be that person—the one that people could depend on to keep them out of shits creek. Ironic, seeing as he always found himself there. But the point of the matter was, he had no intentions of ever letting Noah have to suffer through what he had all alone. Ever since he’d found out about Noah’s situation he’d known that he would be there no matter what came up. And he knew in his heart that someday, the time would come where they would be faced with the next step. One that left Noah fragile, and afraid. But even with the knowledge that all of these things would come sooner rather than later, he would have never of been prepared for the look on Noah’s face. So broken, and at a loss. Once bright eyes, now clouded with the pain of yesterday. In another situation, Dakota might have ( embraced ) him. But he had enough good sense to know that physical touch was the last thing Noah needed. And when the boy tried to explain his reasoning for being hesitant towards Gemma, he could only smile weakly in hopes to assure him that while he had many problems, Noah’s pause was not one of them. “I know…you don’t need to explain it to me,…” He trailed off, before thinking to himself briefly. “As long as you’re taking steps that are keeping you comfortable in one of the most uncomfortable of situations, it doesn’t matter to me where you take them. And if Damien’s place just so happens to be the place you’ve chosen, that’s fine by me.” And it was. Dakota had only ever wanted what was best for Noah, and now that his biggest set back was no longer an alarming issue, Noah had earned more time to reground himself. Whenever he was ready to reclaim that time and put it to use—Dakota would be there. “It’s going to be a lot…for awhile. But I promise…over time it’ll get easier. And until it does, you don’t gotta deal with the pain of the LIMBO on your own."

[dakotaaren]

;; LETTY :

“Is it bad I was never a fan of Lilo and Stitch? I mean, I could see why people fell in love but it was just annoying to me. I mean I’d much rather he get obsessed with Free Willy or Caspar. I remember being younger and being obsessed with whales because of that movie.” It took her a few seconds to remember the shows she was currently watching. “Shameless was pretty amazing, at least until they ruined Mickey and Ian. What’s the point of building a relationship five seasons just to fuck it up in the end? It was annoying. The Walking Dead, that’s probably my personal favorite apart from the countless documentaries I watch on Netflix.”

“No it’s not bad at all. We’ve all got our different opinions on what is and isn’t a classic. Besides, Stitch wasn’t for everybody. Even characters in the film had a problem with the guy,” Dakota shrugged, a laugh protruding from his lips as he folded his arms over one another in reminiscence.  “God I loved Caspar…and I’m not going to lie, I used to get so emotional watching Free Willy. When he feeds him the fish?? Total bonding moment.” Nodding along, he realized it had been a long time since he’d had a conversation that had been about something that felt normal. This is what adults did when they ran into each other. They talked about their weekly shows, and kids, and kids movies. It was all so—routinely. Dakota almost wondered when it became his life. He used to think being normal was overrated, but now he was slowly beginning to realize he might be just that. “I admit I did take a bit of a hiatus once they ruined that relationship…if Ian tried to break up with me on his porch I would have been too distraught to leave the front lawn. The Walking Dead is good too but am I a horrible person if I say I’m a fan of Negan?"

[dakotaaren]

;; MARGO :

“I don’t either.” Margo answered sharply, then a smile followed. She could get really angry sometimes and she could say really terrible things – especially if she didn’t like the other person in the first place. “My half sister. Oh well, I already said it, so it’s a little bit late for that.” The red head appreciated the dry joke though, she tended to do morbid jokes here and there. “She started a nasty Twitter war with another artist from our label. She tweeted pretty ugly stuff, then people took few screenshots and now they are all over the internet. And this is not the first headache she’s caused.”

“I guess that’s fair, perhaps my alibi could just be that I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Perhaps then they won’t see me so much as an accomplice, as they do a witness.” He continued playing along, because quite frankly the girl looked like she could use a bit of humor in her currently not so humorous situation. For a moment Dakota thought she perhaps was a lost hope; that his jokes weren’t enough to get her to see the light at the brim of her semi-dark day. But eventually he managed to get one ghost of a smile from her, and he figured that would have to count for something. Hearing the girl go on about her sister reminded him of the spats he and his own brother used to get into. One’s that he would kill to still be bickering about today. “...Well look, social media is toxic to everybody at times. It’s hard to look good when you’re putting yourself out there to dangle over the sharks. Maybe she causes the headache because at least then she knows she’s made you feel something. Most of the time when people cause trouble...it's a cry for help. yano?”

[dakotaaren]

;; BRETT :

“First off, I’d like to point out that we’re the same age.” Brett replies, laughing softly at Dakota’s teasing. “And second…you always think it’s gonna be the end. Half the fun is taking risks, right? I’m gonna go for it.” He says, affirming the decision with a nod. It was nice to see Dakota again, especially since it had been a bit since they had hung out. With their schedules and everything going on lately, there hadn’t been much time But with Ethan settled in at their place now and Dakota back in town, they had finally made plans. “How’ve you been, by the way? Everything good with you?” The brunette asks, glancing over at his friend. “It’s been a while.”

“I know we’re the same age but you can never go wrong with Jedi slang,” Dakota defended with laughter in his tone. There was something about being around Brett that reminded Dakota of what it was like to just be young and dumb again. Which, in their current situation, consisted of dungeons and dragons. Not many grown men would be caught partaking in such a trivial game—but Dakota had made it a point not to let the classic die. Which is why, even without their usual antics he was happy to have been able to meet up with Brett for a couple of rounds. Though halfway through they’d all but given up on officiality. At this point, they we completely off of the course they’re originated with, but neither of them minded. “Your fate is in your hands...” Dakota lifted a brow, smirking as he did so. “I’m...alright.” Dakota said suddenly, fighting hard to keep the smile on his features. “A couple of changes have bombarded me as of late but...nothing I can’t handle.” Lie. But why ruin the fun with the truth? “How about you...”

[dakotaaren]

;; THOMAS :

“I guess it was still nice of them to give up their space though.” Thomas replied, feeling as though people in general were kind about the storm. There had been places all over the city opening their doors for people who needed somewhere to go. That was something that he was incredibly thankful for, that even in a city this large people still seemed to care about the people around them. That was something that he hadn’t expected from the city but was obviously a pleasant surprise. “I am glad. I was kind of worried that people were going to end up with nowhere to go. There were so many people displaced due to the mess that used to be midtown.” He replied, shrugging slightly. It seemed as though it was going to take forever for things to get fixed, so he just hoped that things would at least start to look up son. Thomas nodded, having heard about the police ball from a couple of people from this point. He couldn’t help but feel incredibly sad for the people whose lives had been turned upside down twice now. “I just hope nothing else bad happens for a while. People deserve the break.”

“It was. Hell, it’s nice that everybody was taking care of each other in the magnitude that they were. To have jumped into action the way everyone has been is commendable. Really re-instills your faith in humanity—at least in our little bubble..” Dakota had to admit with everything going on in the world it was hard to look at much of anything with hope in his heart. But he knew in most circumstances it wouldn’t hurt to try. “I don’t think any of us had it in our hearts to let people be out on the streets. Can’t say too much about Atlanta—but one thing is for sure, the people never fail to be decent.” And that’s exactly what everyone was; decent human beings. That knew that their giving hands could do far more than the destruction of a storm. “Yeah...hopefully everything is all said and done. I mean I know the saying is that it comes in threes...but i’m really hoping fate gives up after dealing out the things it has recently.”

[lizzie-mcguire]

[country--roots-deactivated20180]

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