BUY THE TICKET, TAKE THE RIDE.

"The scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls.

[dtorres]

"i am what i am."

Age: 31

Resides: Downtown

Resident: Native, recently returned

Known as: Daniel, D, Danny

Profession: Survival Influencer, Marine Vet

Characteristics: Resilient, disciplined, self-reliant, introspective, adaptable, resourceful, determined, stoic, empathetic, tenacious, independent, reflective, pragmatic, loyal, cautious, ambitious, vigilant, grounded, compassionate, earnest.

Hobbies: Hiking, journaling, photography, survival training, reading (especially about environmental issues), tinkering with mechanical objects, cooking (particularly Venezuelan dishes), practicing mindfulness and meditation, volunteering in community projects, DIY home projects, nature exploration, physical fitness routines, strategic gaming, attending survival skill workshops, bird watching.

Likes: Nature, solitude, structure, discipline, meaningful conversations, problem-solving, outdoor adventures, sustainability, loyalty, trustworthiness, personal growth, traditional Venezuelan cuisine, learning new survival skills, technological innovations in environmental conservation, historical documentaries, efficiency, practical solutions, stability, early mornings, sunsets.

Dislikes: Chaos, emotional manipulation, injustice, wastefulness, superficiality, loud environments, over-commercialization, neglect, arrogance, unnecessary risks, complacency, dishonesty, heavy alcohol use, excessive bureaucracy, pollution, disrespect for nature, apathy towards global issues, procrastination, large crowds, unstructured environments.

[ingridlczano]

It seemed like he had no idea, and the worst part for her was feeling like it wouldn't make a difference even if he knew. He would still be late tonight; he still wouldn't have been able to do anything for her. So what was the point? For Ingrid, actions had always spoken louder than words. She was fed up with all the promises and words people had given her throughout the years.

"I know." Despite her anger, when it came to work commitments, she understood. Hell, she was even envious that he got to see places she wouldn't be able to. What annoyed her was how someone who was so important to her stood before her like a complete stranger. Like everything else came first, and life back in Providence, the people he left behind were not as important. "But that's not an excuse."

For a moment, she could swear this was one of those fights they used to have. Normal -- they'd get over it, right? Wrong. He had to open his mouth and say some bullshit that cut deeper than she thought, because God knew, if anything happened to him, nothing would stop her from dropping everything to make sure he was okay. It was her fault for being delusional enough to think Daniel would feel the same way. Why would he? They only had a history of over ten yeas, but hey -- that obviously meant nothing. "You know what?" Ingrid said, this time her voice calmer than ever as she shut the door of the car closed, deciding then and there that there she was done.

"All I really wanted was my Danny. The person I knew before he ran away, but honestly? You're not him and I want nothing to do with you. So go home, and don't bother me. I mean it." And boy, she did. She'd rather walk and freeze in the cold than spend another minute like this.

@dtorres

[dtorres]

Daniel watched as Ingrid disappeared into the night, her words still ringing in his ears. Despite the weight of her disappointment, he couldn't bring himself to let her go so easily. With a heavy heart, he made the decision to follow her home, keeping a safe distance as he trailed behind her.

The streets were quiet as they wound their way through the familiar neighborhood, each step bringing him closer to the reality of their fractured relationship. As he walked, Daniel couldn't shake the feeling of regret that gnawed at him from within. He wished things could be different, that he could turn back time and make things right, but he knew that some wounds ran too deep to heal.

Keeping his distance, Daniel watched from afar as Ingrid reached her doorstep and disappeared inside. A pang of longing washed over him as he stood there in the darkness, feeling the weight of their shared history pressing down on him. He wanted so desperately to reach out to her, to apologize for his shortcomings, but he knew that it was too late for words.

With a heavy sigh, Daniel turned away from Ingrid's home and made his way back to his car. The drive home was a blur of thoughts and emotions, each passing mile serving as a painful reminder of what he had lost. As he pulled into his driveway, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness settle over him, knowing that Ingrid was no longer a part of his life.

finis.

[motocrunch]

Everybody talks about cutting people off, but nobody talks about the grief that comes with having a stand firm on that decision, knowing it is not what I wanted, but what was necessary for my well being. Ride, to forget.

[dtorres]

location: the jagged yard. player: @joshlincoln

As Daniel sat at the local bar on Coyote Night, the air thick with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses, he couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. Coyote Night always brought back memories of wild escapades and reckless adventures from his younger years. Lost in his thoughts.

As Daniel turned to scan the crowed, eyes widened in surprise as he came face to face with his old childhood friend, Linc. The familiarity in his boy's eyes mirrored Daniel's own memories, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they shared, one forged through years of mischief.

"Fancy running into you here," Daniel said with a grin, his tone carrying a hint of amusement as he stood to greet his friend."Where ya been man?" He asked, as if he hadn't been missing from action these past months on end himself.

[deanchaiyachet]

With all due respect, but staying out of their business wasn't something Dean could easily do. Not when Ingrid already had too much in her plate to tend to a broken heart. And while he couldn't possibly understand what kept her going back to Daniel besides her feelings for the other man, it wasn't like he could sit back and simply watch these two dancing around each other and never getting to a point in which they weren't completely destroying one another.

He knew Ingrid was at fault in this too. She wasn't innocent. She was no saint. But what she was, was Dean's best friend, whereas Daniel's absence in the streamer's life had made their childhood friendship grow cold.

"I do know that." He nodded at the mention of Daniel being just as her friend as Dean was, although, Dean would beg to differ as he had always felt like his bond with Ingrid was much stronger than hers with Daniel, especially since he had never blurred the lines and made things complicated by adding the whole romance to the mix. He refused to say it out loud though. This wasn't about him feeling territorial over a friend. "I'm not pissing over her to mark my territory here, Daniel. But unlike you, I don't go around hurting my friends. And when it comes to Ingrid, I hope you have half a mind to know when enough is enough." / @dtorres

[dtorres]

Daniel's response to Dean's intrusion was layered with a mix of shock and irritation. His mind raced with disbelief at Dean's nerve in approaching him about his relationship with Ingrid. Yes, their interactions had been passionate at times, but there was always a mutual respect between him and Ingrid. They might have had their disagreements, but never had they disrespected each other or their relationship.

As he spoke, Daniel couldn't shake the feeling of hurt that Dean's actions stirred within him. Their parting had been mutual, a decision reached after careful consideration and discussion. It was a chapter of their lives they had closed together, understanding that it was the best course of action for both of them. Even a child could understand the concept of perspective, yet Dean seemed to be somehow oblivious to this. It really stung to think that Ingrid might have portrayed their relationship in a light that led Dean to overstep his boundaries.

"Look, Dean," Daniel began, his frustration evident in his tone. "I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve here, but I'll say it one last time, it's none of your business. Ingrid and I have our own dynamic, and you don't need to insert yourself into it." His words carried a firmness born out of a desire to protect the integrity of his relationship with Ingrid. He refused to let Dean's misguided interference tarnish the memories they had shared together.

He took a deep breath, trying to rein in his rising anger. "You say you're concerned about Ingrid, but it feels like you're overstepping your bounds," Daniel continued, his voice tinged with accusation. "What's your real agenda here, Dean? Are you trying to protect her, or are you just jealous that you won't ever have what I've shared with Ingrid? If that's the case you should take it up with her."

[remiwilder]

Things felt vastly different from who and where she had been in life from then to now, yet sitting in the back of a car headed somewhere brought about fond nostalgia to a time Remi hadn't appreciated enough while she had it. One day she was partying and chasing thrills then she was in university load that never seemed to end, and then adulthood came hard and fast when a positive on a test changed life as she had known it.

"You think so?" Before university Remi wasn't sure she was all that well spoken, and even during she only read what was required. Only recently, the last couple of years, had she begun a literature journey. "I think you're confusing us," she laughed a little. "Right? Life as the open road and the never ending Y's it seems to present us. Wild how a single choice can alter so much." The tease of some poetry only made Remi laugh a little more. While his stories were clearly very important Shakespeare was only interesting to read in someone else's retelling. "I think you can do a lot better than iambic pentameter."

Did she feel proud of her accomplishments? Yes, of course she did. Graduating and going on to veterinarian school, getting her license, gaining a full roster of clients, and buying a house had all been something Remi had felt good about. None of it felt very adventurous. As she settled back into the seat a little more, her brief glance out the window turned back to Daniel. "Nah, I think I just followed the path that everyone tells us is the right way." She hadn't really had a choice with needing to provide for her son. "I haven't traversed all over the place and done anything like you have." Yes, she'd seen some of his videos.

"They have a way of humbling us," she joked, though there was 100% truth behind that. "He's a really good kid, I can't complain, I got really lucky. It's always been myself and my mom taking care of him so he's at the stage where he's really craving male company." It was something she wasn't entirely sure what to do with. Once in a while he hung out with one of her male friends but he clung to neighbors like Abel or whenever Linc would come by. "What about you? Any ex wives or kids out there with your DNA?"

As Daniel explained Remi listened and nodded here and there. So much about him intrigued her still and when she looked at him she wasn't sure if she loved that he was impossible to figure out or if she hated that. "That's life, isn't it? One big long difficult journey." The mention of his dad sparked her curiosity in a different manner. From what she remembered, like with Linc, it was an uneasy childhood. "What's going on with your dad? Is there anything I can do to help?" ( @dtorres )

[dtorres]

Daniel settled back into the plush seat of the Uber, the familiar sights of the city passing by outside the window. Remi's words triggered a cascade of memories, each one a thread connecting them to their shared past.

Her eloquence was as captivating as ever, and Daniel found himself drawn into her words, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You always did have a way with words," he remarked, genuine warmth infusing his tone. "And you're right… maybe we are just evolving. It's funny how life has a way of steering us down unexpected paths."

Daniel listened to Remi's reflections on their past and present with a quiet sense of understanding. Her words painted a picture of a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, a sentiment that resonated deeply with him. As she spoke, he couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the carefree days they had shared.

"Yeah, I do think so," Daniel replied, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Life has a funny way of leading us down paths we never could have imagined. It's like we're all just wandering through this maze, trying to find our way."

Her laughter was music to his ears, and Daniel found himself chuckling along with her. "Maybe you're right," he conceded, a playful glint in his eyes. "Who needs Shakespeare when you've got real-life adventures, right?"

Remi's recounting of her accomplishments filled Daniel with a sense of pride for her. He admired her resilience and determination, qualities that had undoubtedly shaped her journey. "You've done some incredible things, Remi," he remarked, genuine admiration coloring his voice. "Following the path that everyone tells us is the right way isn't easy. It takes courage to carve out your own path, and you've done just that."

The mention of her son brought a soft smile to Daniel's face. "He sounds like a great kid," he commented, genuine warmth in his tone. "You've done an amazing job raising him. It's not easy being a single parent, but it sounds like you've handled it with grace."

Remi's curiosity about his own life prompted a moment of introspection for Daniel. "No ex-wives or kids for me," he replied, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. "I guess I've always been a bit of a lone wolf, you know? But who knows what the future holds."

As she inquired about his father, Daniel felt a surge of emotion wash over him. Their relationship had always been complicated, fraught with tension and unresolved issues. "Thanks, Remi, but I don't think there's much anyone can do," he replied, his tone somber. "It's just something I need to figure out on my own."

Despite the challenges they faced, Daniel couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with Remi. In her presence, he found a sense of peace and understanding that he hadn't realized he was missing.

[1anonyymous1]

I have a terrible habit of leaving things unsaid for the sake of peace

[ingridlczano]

Ingrid felt a surge of frustration welling up inside her. His question seemed so utterly foolish to her, and she couldn't decide whether he genuinely didn't know or if he was just pretending ignorance. Taking a deep breath, she fought to rein in her emotions, knowing that losing her temper wouldn't help the situation. She pressed her lips together tightly, struggling to articulate her thoughts in a way that made sense and wouldn't come across as an angry outburst... like it usually did.

"Why can't you just answer your fucking phone, Daniel?" she snapped, frustration boiling over. It was a simple question, yet one that seemed to elude him time and time again. Even when he was away, their communication was sporadic at best, leaving her feeling neglected and alone. "The fact you're back doesn't mean you're here," she continued, her voice tinged with anger. "I got jumped, got my ass kicked to the point I couldn't breathe, and all I could think about was how I needed to call you. But then I realized, you know what, even if I do, you wouldn't fucking answer." She paused, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. "You think I'd stick around and wait for that to happen again?"

Ingrid's words were laced with a mixture of pain and resignation. She knew she wasn't being fair, but the fear and anger coursing through her veins wouldn't allow her to hold back. She missed him desperately, yearning for the closeness they once shared, where she felt like she was the center of his world. But now, in this moment of raw vulnerability, she felt anything but important to him. "Fuck it," she muttered, her voice heavy with emotion. "Take me home. And then do whatever you want. Leave, stay, ignore me for the rest of your life... it won't make a difference anymore."

@dtorres

[dtorres]

Daniel's heart sank as Ingrid's words resonated, the gravity of her situation hitting him like a ton of bricks. "Ingrid, I… I had no idea you were attacked," he stammered, his voice heavy with regret. "I'm so sorry. I wish you had told me sooner. I hate that I wasn't there for you when you needed me most."

He stopped, the gravity of his own shortcomings weighing heavily on him. As he spoke, there was a pleading edge to his tone, a desperate attempt to convey the complexity of his situation. "But you have to understand," he began, his voice betraying a mix of frustration and genuine remorse. "My job… it's not your typical 9-to-5. It's taken me to some remote corners of the world, places like the Himalayas and beyond...you know this..." His mind raced, recalling the countless times he'd been unreachable, the missed calls, the messages left unanswered. Yet, even if he had managed to pick up, what could he have done? The distance between them, both physical and emotional, seemed insurmountable at times.

Despite his remorse, he couldn't shake the feeling of frustration creeping in. He had always been raised to be independent, to rely on himself first and foremost. The idea of someone expecting him to drop everything and rush to their side didn't sit well with him, especially when she made it clear they weren't together more times than he could remember.

"I know you're used to me being there for you, but I can't be at your beck and call every moment of every day," he continued, his tone firm but tinged with frustration. "Effort and understanding go both ways, Ingrid. I've tried to be there for you whenever I can, but it feels like you expect me to act like we're....I mean goddamn. Can I ask what it is that you really want from me? When will enough be ENOUGH for you? I’m really at a loss here, Ingrid.” The question was asked but in typical fashion he didn't expect her to have a viable, direct response.

At her proclamation, he gave up and nodded. "Fine," he said, moving towards his truck again. He quietly opened the door for her before climbing in and cranking the engine. Waiting for her to get settled, he signed heavily , feeling the weight of their strained dynamic pressing down on him.

[deanchaiyachet]

You know... sometimes Dean wished he hadn't been raised to keep quiet whenever something or someone bothered him. He really wished he had the guts to be just plain rude and call others stupid whenever they said dumb things or asked stupid questions or deflected from the conversation.

Alas... he wasn't like that.

Taking in a deep breath, the streamer scratched the back of his neck as he shot Daniel a look that could easily be translated into 'really? you're really asking this question?', before actually answering him. "In a way that you'll stay long enough to mess up with Ingrid's life." Because, even though he knew his best friend was tough enough to fend for herself, he couldn't help but feeling protective of her. It had been that way since he could remember, and, unless something really big happened, Dean doubted it would change. "Because I don't know what's brought you back, but if it's going to mess up with Ingrid, then it's better if you back off. She has enough on her plate as it is, you know..." / @dtorres

[dtorres]

Daniel's smile faltered slightly at Dean's response, a hint of tension creeping into his features. He straightened up, meeting Dean's gaze with a mixture of surprise and apprehension. "Look, Dean, I get where you're coming from," he began, his tone measured yet sincere. "But I assure you, I have no intention of messing up anyone's life, especially not Ingrid's."

He paused, choosing his words carefully as he continued, Daniel let out a tense breath, his expression growing stony at Dean's words. "Appreciate your concern for Ingrid, but you aren't saying anything that she can't tell me directly," he replied firmly, his tone tinged with irritation. "With all due respect, stay out of our business. You do realize that although Ingrid and I have our history, she is my friend as much as she is yours, right?"

[atlaswilliams]

Atlas lifted his chin, his boyish grin growing wider as his gaze caught the other's dark hues. "It's all good. In your defense, plenty of people have beef with me. I wasn't really a great guy for a long time." Some days he wondered if he'd really changed all that much, but one look down memory lane was proof that he had. A low hum of amused air was forced between his lips. "Don't feel bad. If I'm being honest, she was a big part of why I didn't drop out, but I mean it. Nothing ever happened."

Another laugh clawed it's way from deep within his belly, the rumbling sound muffled behind closed lips. "That's an understatement." He peered down at his covered wrist and recalled the moment she'd quite literally sank her teeth into him. Kinship formed in his gaze and a single brow popped upwards in response. "I didn't think she was all that fond of anyone, but maybe that's just me." As much as he wanted to ask what the other had done, it seemed like an overstep.

"We're on a truce right now. Not sure how long that'll last." It was usually him that said the wrong thing or acted like an ass, but for months, there had been nothing but calm waters between them. "For what it's worth, I hope you're able to figure it out. It's not very fun being on her bad side."

@dtorres

[dtorres]

Daniel nodded, his expression softening with understanding. "Yeah, I get that. People change, though. It sounds like you've come a long way," he replied, genuine admiration in his tone. He couldn't help but respect Atlas's honesty about his past, something Daniel himself struggled with at times.

The mention of Ingrid brought a knowing smile to Daniel's lips. "She's… complicated," he admitted, his gaze distant as he recalled their tumultuous history. "But deep down, I think she means well. She's just been through a lot."

As Atlas mentioned their current truce, Daniel couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. "Truces can be fragile, huh?" he remarked, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. "I hope things work out for you both. They say it's the people who challenge us the most that leave the biggest impact."

[khalilhassan]

Music pulsed through his bones, every step growing heavier as he scanned over the room full of half dressed party goers. He'd traded out his usual suit and tie affair for something far more casual — dark jeans and a plain shirt that hugged his upper half as if it'd been tailored to his every muscle.

Teeth raked over his bottom lip as he watched two strangers intertwine as if they were one. It triggered flashes of a certain fiery brunette and how much hunger had consumed them. Maybe that one text was all he'd need to find himself slipping out of the party in favor of the woman's apartment.

Head turned and brows lifted as he turned to capture the view of another. "That's one thing I'd call it." Even crazy seemed tame by some of the wandering hands he had witnessed on his way to finding solace in a corner. "Rolling with the punches. I was out grabbing some food, heard about this. Figured I'd check it out." And now that he had, he was ready to snake through the same doors he'd only just walked through. He wasn't happy, nor was he in love and the kind of red he saw was far from romantic.

"How about yourself? You looking for love, or already found it?" Even saying the word aloud caused his stomach to turn over. Did a man like him deserve a real shot at happiness? He doubted it. After so many bad things, there wasn't much he did deserve. Broken. Darkness. Fucked up. Maybe a wise woman hadn't been so wrong about him after all.

@dtorres

[dtorres]

Daniel met the stranger's gaze with a nod, acknowledging the chaotic energy of the night. "Yeah, crazy seems like an understatement," he replied, a weary smile touching his lips. He took a sip of his drink, the burn of alcohol doing little to numb the ache of loneliness that seemed to settle deeper with each passing moment.

It wasn't just the Valentine's Day atmosphere that weighed heavily on him; it was the constant reminder of his own choices. Choices that led him to this moment, sitting alone in a dimly lit bar on a night meant for romance and connection. He couldn't help but reflect on the countless times he had pushed love away, treating commitment like the plague.

Daniel understood, perhaps too well, that he was not boyfriend material, not even Valentine's date material, sadly. His fear of intimacy and his aversion to anything resembling a serious relationship had left him isolated, trapped in a cycle of self-imposed solitude. And yet, as much as he craved companionship, he couldn't seem to break free from the walls he had built around himself.

As he exchanged small talk with the stranger, Daniel couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he was destined to remain alone, forever on the outside looking in. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the fleeting connection he shared with the person sitting across from him.

"Rolling with the punches, huh? Sounds like a solid plan," Daniel commented, a hint of admiration in his tone. He could appreciate the stranger's nonchalant approach to the evening. "As for me, just here for the scene. Not really in the market for love tonight," he added with a chuckle, though there was a trace of bitterness underlying his words.

Deep down, Daniel wondered if he'd ever truly found love or if it was just a fleeting illusion. But tonight, he wasn't in the mood for introspection. He pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the present moment, eager for any distraction from the weight of his own thoughts. "Hey, next rounds on me...you game?"

[ingridlczano]

Ingrid was seething with anger. When she reached this level of frustration, she was never one to mince words. In fact, she didn't even bother to filter her spitefulness. "It means exactly what you think it does," she snapped, her tone edged with irritation and a low growl rumbling under her breath. All she wanted was for him to do her the damn favor and leave her alone. Instead, in a classic Daniel manner, he killed the engine and decided to step out of the car and into the cold.

Ingrid's frustration boiled over as she stopped in her tracks, her glare piercing as she turned to face him. "Oh, so you wanted me to stay around and wait for your ass while you know it's not safe for me?" Her anger was palpable, her tone sharp with irritation. "I don't need your apology. I just needed you to be there on time." She wasn't in the mood for excuses or apologies; all she wanted was for him to understand the gravity of the situation.

@dtorres

[dtorres]

"Ingrid," Daniel said, his voice steady but less pleading, "I'm not going to keep begging you. I messed up, and I apologized. If you don't want to accept it, that's your call." He unfolded his arms, letting them hang by his sides.

"As for you walking off, I can't stop you," he continued, a touch of exasperation in his tone. "But it's not safe, and I'm not just going to stand here and let you do something reckless." Daniel took a step back, giving her space.

"You think I'm acting like you don't exist? Tell me how that is," he continued, his voice tinged with exasperation. "I'm here, aren't I? We live in the same freaking neighborhood. I see you damned near every day, don't I?" Daniel took a step closer, his expression earnest as he reached out a hand then pulled it back. Yes he was late but he was trying to make it right. Why was this so hard for her to get past?

"If you change your mind about the ride, my car is right here. If not, take care of yourself," he added, a mixture of frustration and concern in his gaze as he turned back toward his car. He was over her antics and needed a second to calm down but he wasn't going anywhere. He'd sit there all night and wait for her, even follow behind her if she kept refusing to get in the damn car.

[atlaswilliams]

Daniel. Daniel Torres. Fingers snapped and brows lifted, the click of a memory setting into his thoughts like clockwork. At least, he'd thought so? A woman's name danced on his tongue, but he didn't dare utter it aloud. "Right, I think it's coming back to me now." And if he were right, it was no wonder the other had looked at him with such disdain.

He followed along, only swallowing down the lump in his throat when the brunette's name was uttered aloud. Of course, Ingrid. "Rings a lot of bells. You know... her and I were never," he trailed off, a lazy hand running over his unkempt hair. Luckily, it was short enough that fell mostly back into place. "Nothing ever happened." The one time he'd had enough courage to invite her out, she'd stomped away and hadn't talked to him for days after, or had it been weeks? "I don't think she ever liked me much. She tutored me for awhile, but after that... I've been under the impression she pretty much hated my guts."

@dtorres

[dtorres]

Daniel's expression softened as he listened to the other man's response, a sense of relief washing over him as he realized the misunderstanding. "Ah, got it. Yeah, sorry for assuming there was some beef between us," he admitted, a faint chuckle escaping him. The tension that had initially gripped him began to ease as he processed the situation. "Honestly I feel like a jack ass for even making you take this trip down memory lane.."

He nodded in understanding as the man mentioned Ingrid's name, recalling their shared history with a mixture of nostalgia and resignation. "Yeah, Ingrid has a way of leaving an impression," he remarked wryly, a hint of amusement coloring his tone. "Seems like we both had our fair share of encounters with her, and for the record, she's not too fond of me right now either," he added with a shrug.

As the other man described his interactions with Ingrid, Daniel couldn't help but empathize. "Guess we can commiserate over that," he quipped, attempting to lighten the mood. He awkwardly gazed at the girl behind the counter, wondering why she was moving slow as hell.

@atlaswilliams

[alesolcno]

What she enjoyed most about Daniel was his ability to read a situation and be honest in response. Either he was down or he wasn't. There also wasn't some spin or question on what was needed and no threat of conversation of what should be in the aftermath.

Their friendship over time had always been centered on something carnal, and she certainly considered the man more than that outside of satiating each other's sexual appetites. Conversation between them had never been difficult and his company had always been pleasurable regardless of the sex.

However, tonight was about one thing only.

Daniel had received the memo and met her request accordingly.

"I'm glad you had that. Sounds like a great way to ring in the New Year," she admitted, almost a little jealous. All she'd gotten was a steamy kiss with a stranger.

The closer they'd gotten to her bedroom and the removal of clothing the quieter the photographer had become. When she did speak around her smirk, Ale's voice was thick with lust. "Maybe that's because I know your body and needs better. I know what you like."

Or maybe it was testament to their connection.

A heat pooled at the apex of her thighs and her flesh was on fire with want. A greedy hunger took over her body as his lips met hers. The brunette parted her lips and let her tongue slip along his as their mouths moved against each other with the familiarity of old friends. Daniel's hands on her ass brought a soft grunt out of her and it spilled into his mouth as their bodies pressed firmly together.

Swiftly she was put on her back and she was welcoming the weight of him atop her, legs hooked around his hips. Her wet and sensitive center was warm against the firm bulge of him rocked against her.

One hand moved down the firm planes of his shoulder and back while the other threaded her fingers into his curly locks. Ale's mouth moved from his along his jaw and down his neck, tongue and teeth teased against his flesh while her hips shifted and moved eight-thousand nerve endings against the cock hidden in his boxers that she wanted buried in her so damn bad. / @dtorres

[dtorres]

In response to Ale's admission about her New Year's celebration, Daniel's lips curled into a satisfied grin. "It was, indeed. Can't complain," he replied, keeping the tone casual. Then with a smirk added, "did you miss me or somethin'? I get it, I'd miss me too," he teased, running his finger across the plump line of that full upper lip. "Not gonna lie, the urge to pop up on you was strong."

. He listened to her words, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "I' guess I'm more predictable than I thought" he teased, a playful glint in his whiskey colored eyes. They both knew she was indeed more than capable and he loved that she could all while maintaining all the perks of the friendship they had established. No labels, no fights, just existing and it worked, mutually and beneficially. The unspoken connection between them seemed to add another layer of intensity to the moment.

Their kiss ignited a familiar flame, and as their bodies entwined, Daniel reveled in the warmth of her desire. The soft grunt that escaped Ale fueled his own arousal. He maneuvered skillfully, placing her on her back, their bodies melding seamlessly.

Ale's hands explored the contours of his body, her fingers entwined in his curly locks. His own hands found their place, cupping the curve of her ass. As their mouths danced in a heated exchange, Daniel savored the taste of familiarity. The movements of their bodies spoke a language only they understood.

Her subtle shifts against him revealed the urgency, the shared hunger for more. Daniel's breath hitched as Ale's mouth traced a path down his neck, and he couldn't help but reciprocate the teasing with a low growl. The weight of their connection hung in the air, amplifying the intensity of the moment. Fully aware of the building rhythm of the rise and fall of her chest, her nipples pressed taut against the fabric of her bra, his hand smooth over the peaks of her breasts before releasing the clasp as he resumed the kiss, this time deeper. "I want to taste you so bad," he said, dipping to kiss and suckle the sensitive skin of her nipples, sucking them hard, unintentionally leaving what would be hickey marks.

There was no way she couldn't feel the gravity and weight of his cock pressing against the seam of his boxers and her apex and he began to grind against her in her, a carnal breath escaping his breath and they began to find their rhythm. He could not wait to touch her where she needed to be touched the most in that moment. He knew her body and needs too, just hadn't said as much out loud.

[dtorres]

location : any dive bar near the saints & sinners event. prompt word: dance. partner: @khalilhassan

Daniel found himself nursing a drink at the dimly lit dive bar, his mind swirling with thoughts of missed connections and fractured relationships. As he glanced around the room, his gaze fell upon a stranger seated nearby, and he decided to break the silence with some small talk.

"Hey there," Daniel greeted with a half-hearted smile, his voice carrying a hint of weariness. "Crazy night, huh? I mean, it is Valentine's after all. You find yourself here by choice or just rolling with the punches?" He leaned back against the bar, his posture relaxed yet guarded, unsure of what kind of response he might receive.

As he spoke, Daniel couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that lingered in the air around him. It wasn't the first time he found himself without a date on Valentine's, but tonight it seemed to weigh heavier on his mind than usual. The thought of calling Ale for a hookup briefly crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Their arrangement was casual, but even he had his limits, especially on a night like this. Ingrid was another option, but as usual, they were on rocky terms, and he doubted she'd appreciate a call from him tonight.

Lost in his thoughts, Daniel turned his attention back to the stranger, hoping for some what of a distraction

[blindpearls-deactivated20240802]

location: below zero

tagged: @providencepeakstarters ( no cap )

Options upon options were listed on the board and the longer Defne looked at it, the more stuck she felt. Has she ever seen this many ice cream flavors before? Every time she thinks she's found something she's willing to buy, another option is read off the menu and leaves her doubting any of the choices she's made.

‟What's the best flavor they've got here?” Defne asks suddenly, body angled slightly to the person standing behind her — lips pulled into a sweet smile. ‟You look like you've got good taste.”

A pause.

‟Well.. unless you say mint chocolate chip then I know I can't trust you.”

[dtorres]

Daniel chuckled softly at the other's dilemma, his eyes scanning the array of flavors displayed before them.

"Ah, the age-old ice cream conundrum," he mused, his tone light and teasing. "As for the best flavor… that's a tough one. Personally, I'm a sucker for anything with caramel swirls or chunks of brownie."

He flashed her a playful grin, his gaze warm and inviting. "But hey, to each their own. Mint chocolate chip might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I won't hold it against you if it's your favorite."

[ingridlczano]

If anyone could describe the moment Ingrid turned to look at him, they could easily swear her eyes were spitting fire. She knew it was him as soon as she heard his voice, but neither the cold nor anything else was enough to tone down her anger. "Why the hell wouldn't I? Do you expect me to sit around and freeze to death waiting for your ass to remember I exist?" she shouted back at him, her frustration evident in every word.

She wasn't going to stick around long enough to get attacked again, not now, not ever. At least, this time the streets were lit enough for her to feel somewhat safer.

Ingrid's frustration boiled over as she unleashed her pent-up anger at him. "A man of my word, my ass. You're back for a few weeks and you can't even do one thing I asked you to. One fucking thing. Just go away already. I'm going home without you," she exclaimed, her voice edged with disappointment and resentment. She couldn't fathom how he could let her down like this, especially after she had relied on him.

@dtorres

[dtorres]

Daniel's heart sank as Ingrid continued to walk away, her anger palpable in the frigid air. He couldn't just sit there and watch her disappear into the night, not when she was clearly upset and vulnerable.

"Remember that you exist? What in the fuck is that supposed to mean?" He shouted after her, clearly landing on deaf ears as she kept up her pace as she stormed off. With a decisive sigh, Daniel switched off the engine, unbuckled his seatbelt, and stepped out of the car. Ignoring the chill that seeped through his coat, he hurried after Ingrid, his footsteps quickening to catch up with her.

"Ingrid, wait!" he called out, his voice filled with urgency as he closed the distance between them. "I'm sorry, okay? I messed up, but I'm here now. Let me make this right with you." He reached out a hand, gently touching her shoulder to stop her in her tracks. "Please, let me drive you home. It's not safe for you to be out here alone.