Furling Forests

eli guzmen | currently residing in georgia | and i could see for miles, where my two feet stood.

[elightthenight]

Moodboard > The Three Muskateers

Friendship is the sweetest and most satisfactory connection in life. It has notable effect upon all states and conditions. It relieves our cares, raises our hopes, and abates our fears. 

[elightthenight]

rafemoore:

Rafe laughed lightly and shook his head, “Dunno, man, never got the taste for most sweets. I’ll eat them on occasion, but they’re not really for me.” He raised an eyebrow at the fork that was being reached towards his food. “Dude, food code, don’t break it.” He smirked lightly, wobbling his own fork in front of his food to defend it. He peeked around once more to see if Idalia was working before he started digging into his food. “Fairly frequently, more often now then before but no … not really for the sweets.” He chuckled softly.

“Well, if you’re not eating sweets..what do you eat? Don’t tell me you’re a health nut like my brother. Are you more into salty things then?” He hoped to god that he wasn’t another one to cram healthy habits down his throat. Poor Matt was trying to convert him and Kayt and honestly, was he going to get anywhere? Probably not. “I’m surprised, though. It’s not often you run into someone who doesn’t want to have a sweet. It happens, I know, but not often.” He shrugged. Who was the boy looking for? Had to be someone important seeing as he was fidgeting for them. 

[elightthenight]

theartistlena:

She felt her face flush again at his words and reached up to tug on her braid lightly before giving him a little embarrassed smile. As he scrunched his nose in disgust and politely declined she couldn’t help but laugh, her hand quickly coming up to cover her mouth, her eyes sparkling in amusement. “In their defense the cinnamon apples are fabulous but yeah, our milkshakes are the best around here.” She grinned lightly before tilting her head lightly, wondering who had told him about their milkshakes. “Would you mind me asking who told you about our milkshakes? I may have to give them a free one next time they come in.” She chuckled lightly. Her smile brightened at his words and she flicked her braid over her shoulder when he looked for her name tag. “Thank you, he complains about it but I’m pretty sure it’s all in jest. Do you have any kids?”

“Milkshakes are always the way to go! Obviously.” He loved dessert and milkshakes, while simple, were delicious. His server was sweet, too, which helped. Eli always loved hospitality. Sometimes you could just tell a server hated their job but this wasn’t the case. She was warm and inviting, if a little shy, but nothing too dramatic. Eli laughed a little and nodded eagerly. “Oh! Yeah sure thing. My brother Matt? He comes in quite a lot from my understanding. Though I doubt he’d take anything for free.” Matt wasn’t that kind of person, honestly. He continued to smile at Idalia, watching her fiddle with her braid as he finished off his fries. He shook his head and waved a hand. “No, no. I don’t...yet. Though I plan to have some one day. Do you have any siblings?” 

[elightthenight]

leilakerihudson:

“My friends and my brother get so aggravated with me for it, but I can’t help it!” She laughed lightly and brushed her hair out of her face. At his next words she felt her face flush a bit and nodded, making a small face. She knew he was right, it was just hard for her to remember things like eating or sleeping …. or washing her hair, when she was immersed in a project. “I do know that … My brain just gets so filled with codes and numbers and blueprint plans that I just …. forget. My ex and my best friend used to bring me food and stuff when I got too into something.” She couldn’t help but grin at his whistle and laughed lightly. “So, I’ve been told. I just really like technology and codes and stuff.” She chuckled lightly. Her face stayed flushed as she nibbled at some more of his fries. “Still, it’s very kind of you.”

“What can you do? It’s not a big deal.” Eli agreed with her with a shrug. There was no sense stopping how you operated. After all it was what made you, you. He watched the girl as she continued about herself. She was interesting. Eli could tell she was smart. She had more brains than him in that young small body than he ever did. Or so he thought. “I understand. Sometimes it’s just so easy to get caught up.” He shrugged lightly and waved a hand. “Do you have anyone bringing you food and stuff now? Or...?” She needed self care. Although he was a little older, Eli didn’t mind helping her out. “I never had the brain for that kind of stuff. I’m more outdoorsy. I can point you in the right direction from the middle of nowhere and help you survive off the land if you’re ever stranded, though?” Eli laughed at himself a shook his head, taking the spare plate now brought to him and nibbling at his side of the burger. “You’re welcome. I like to help.” 

[elightthenight]

kaytlinnuostein:

Kayt watched him scan her, and she wondered how much of her he knew. Did he know she could be set off easier than a match book in gasoline? She’d worked on it some here and there, but something about being back and her nerves on edge from being back just made every more– easy to snap at. “I was definitely bitch, but alright,” she shook her head. “But uh, thanks?” great, he knows. Kayt went over in her head any reason he’d have to not hate her at this point, but she pretty much hit all the marks- bitch, broke his brother’s heart, untame dog. She pinched the bridge of her nose- which she’d seemed to be doing so often lately that she was surprised she didn’t have a bruise, “but yeah, gotta say, a little bit… uh, disconcerting?”

Eli shrugged at her accusation towards herself and waved a hand. “It’s no big deal. I understand. I’m not always the best with people, unlike my little brother. So I get why I could’ve easily set you off.” He leaned back and waved a hand at the spot in front of him. “Feel free to sit down. I have more fries coming if you’d like to get some food?” Didn’t Matt say she liked food like no other? They could find common ground in that, right? “I’m sure it was disconcerting. But it’s no big deal, as I’ve said. How have you been? Matt’s been awfully worried.” She probably wouldn’t talk to him and he understood why. She didn’t really know him so there wasn’t any reason to give him answers. That was okay. Eli wasn’t vindictive. 

[elightthenight]

noellelff:

Noelle wondered what he’d planned on doing with his hand, but was quickly distracted by his kind chiding. “I know, I know. Papa tells me that all the time. He tells me all the time I’m far too clumsy for my own good, and I’ll end up breaking things.” She laughed, “I’ve broken toys he’s made a few times. It’s awful.” She murmured, chewing on her lip. She lit up like Christmas lights at how hospitable he was, smiling brightly. “Okay! Awesome. I’m glad you think so.” She scooted into the booth, setting her fliers down in a pile and resting her arms on them. “I do! Papa owns it, and I basically grew up in it from the day I arrived. I help him with whatever he needs, and he passes down knowledge on toymaking and such.”

Eli smiled down at the girl and nodded with a light laugh. “Well I’d say he’s right! You ought to be careful. You could hurt yourself. But so long as you try to watch how you’re going about you should be okay!” Eli thought she was sweet already. She seemed nice and it always made it easier to be nice as well. Not that he necessarily had a problem with that.. “Of course!” He watched her sit across from him and listened to her speak. She felt so childlike. Almost like Christmas bottled up in a person? Hm. “Aw well that’s lovely! My brother is fairly good with his hands, too. Though I don’t think he’s ever tried to make toys. He’s better with vehicles, you know? What do you like to do that the shop most?” he asked, obviously interested. 

[elightthenight]

kaytlinnuostein:

Kayt rose a brow, realizing maybe he was being a bit more humorous than he was being insulting. It was a reminder he was, indeed, Matt’s brother, and must not have been able to harm a fly- much like Matt, himself. Kayt sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “No, it’s alright. Sorry.” She sighed, moving to rub her hand over her face, “I thought you were trying to insult me. I’ve been on edge lately- I didn’t mean to, eh, well, I didn’t mean to be such a bitch.”

Eli raised an eyebrow as he watched her try to disengage. He’d heard she had a temper but he hadn’t expected to set her off so easily. He waved a hand and smiled lightly at her. “No no, don’t worry about it. I should’ve been better about it all.” He wasn’t sure what he could’ve done differently but at least she seemed to be calming down now. “You weren’t a bitch. I would’ve found it strange if someone random knew me too. I could’ve started the whole thing off a different way. But uh hey, welcome home!” He grinned at her lightly. 

[elightthenight]

halliexwinterberry:

Hallie’s brows raised in surprised, “oh, oh wow, I didn’t know that!” She hummed, looking relatively surprised at the chances of that. “It’s really sweet of you, but I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re always super sweet to everyone.” She smiled, patting his cheek gently. Hallie grinned, “Oh, have you?” She chuckled, “I honestly miss being home. I couldn’t wait to make a beeline back to Montana as quickly as possible, but now that you’re here it’s going to make that difficult.” Because why would she want to go back to Montana, when Eli was here? She’d always had such a racing heart for him, but she was sure he never noticed. “Okay, well good. I’m glad. SOmeone needs to keep you in line.” She grinned, teasing him gently. He could tell her as many times as he wanted not to worry, but she would always worry anyways. I can’t be without you either. But immediately he seemed to be on to the next subject, and all she wanted to do was reach out. “I promise I won’t get in trouble. But, you will if you don’t hang out with me, do you hear me?”

Eli flushed at Hallie’s compliment. “Aw well, I try. You were always real good at being sweet too, you know. It’s why we make such a great team,” he sincerely said with a small nudge to her arm. He laughed lightly at her and nodded. “Oh I definitely miss the outdoors of Montana. It’s a lovely place. Nothing compares. But I do have family here now. And apparently you! So I think I have just as much of a dilemma as you now!” He shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. Hallie always had been such a soft spot for him. She’d always been a reason to be somewhere. Even in Montana. He’d missed her when she’d ran off to do her thing with her father. “Oh you know cause I’m such a trouble maker,” Eli teased back at her. He raised up his hands in a gentle defense and nodded solemnly. “Of course, I’m not one to get in trouble with Ms. Winterberry. I’ll take you up on a day together. That is what we’re going for here, right? I don’t think I could bear just a few hours.” Flirting with Hallie had always come too easily. It was way too easy, just like breathing. 

[elightthenight]

kaytlinnuostein:

Kayt stared at the man in front of her, wondering how she could make her escape. her fight or flight was kicking in to the extreme, and she wasn’t sure which to follow at the moment- or if she needed it. What had Matt said about her? Surely everything from her leaving to her being a bordering alcoholic. Kayt thrust her fingers through her hair, sighing heavily. “Yeah, well, you’re such the charmer yourself. I think I’ll take my leave, or whatever, now, thanks.” she grumbled, tapping her thigh lightly, causing Fluke to heel at her side.

Eli cocked his head and held out a hand to try and make her stop but resisted trying to touch her. He heard she liked her independence and he wasn’t about to upset her. “Hey, no no. You don’t need to leave,” he said calmly, “I’m sorry if I upset you. I just wasn’t sure if I should pretend I didn’t know you or tell you I did...” Eli blushed and looked down at his feet, a similar gesture his brother was famous for. “He talks so highly of you..” Eli attempted to soothe, “I’m sorry I’ve upset you.” 

[elightthenight]

kaytlinnuostein:

“Alright, rad.” Kayt grinned, pushing her hair back as she looped her thumbs into her belt loops, allowing the man to pet Fluke. Fluke seemed comfortable enough with him, so she didn’t think he’d hurt her or anything. “True, but Fluke really never does this. She’s pretty well mannered… never did much of a formal training, but she gets it. Sometimes I forget I trained her in Irish instead of Engli-” she stopped when it registered to her that she hadn’t said her name. “Excuse me?” Suddenly she was on the defensive, scanning over him and the words they’d exchanged. Eli. Realization hit her almost as quick as confusion had. “Matthew.” She sighed out, “You’re Matt’s brother?”

Eli nodded at Kayt’s words, understanding fully where she was coming from with Fluke. He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t heard anything about this dog. Matt was about in love with her just as much as Kayt. Then again, what didn’t Matt love? He waited her panic for a near moment when he used her name. Maybe he should have pretended he didn’t know her? Hm. the time had come and gone by now that there was no way to change his course. “Ah, yeah,” he smiled, holding out a hand, “Indeed, I am Matthew’s brother. It’s uh..nice to finally meet you. I can see the charm.” He shrugged lightly and gave her a smile. 

[elightthenight]

theartistlena:

Idalia laughed lightly and shook her head. “I think you’ll be okay even if you have more than the milkshake.” She tilted her head as she thought it over. “Um, I know we have some cinnamon apples. But I think we also might have like a fruit salad?” She tucked her stray hairs behind her ear and focused on keeping her words together and not stuttered as the flush began to fade from her cheeks. “He thinks I w-worry too much, but he’s a-all I’ve g-got and he’s a c-cop … who thinks he can survive off of Pringles and Dr. Pepper alone like a frat boy …. Someone has to w-worry a-about h-him and look after his dumb butt.” She rolled her eyes in fond exasperation. 

Eli grinned up at the brunette from his both. “Oh will I, huh? Well...I’ll have to take your word for it then...” he teased lightly. He waved a hand at her healthier options and scrunched his nose in disgust. “Thank you for those, I’m sure, lovely options but I think I’m going to pass and stick with the milkshake! Nothing beats a good one! And I hear you guys have one of the best around here.” Eli laughed, before nodding his head a bit as she spoke about her father. She seemed like a sweet girl. One he was sure a father would be proud of. “Well, I think it’s understandable to hold some worry then! It’s valid. It makes you a better daughter, too. Most men don’t have daughters like you trying to look out for their old man! You’re doing something right,” he peered at her name tag, “Idalia.” 

[elightthenight]

leilakerihudson:

She tilted her head and shrugged lightly, “Yeah I know how that goes. I have a tendency to forget to eat … or sleep … when I get too into a project so I overcompensate when I’m bored.” She chuckled lightly. “Oh it’s not an English paper, that’d probably be easier. It’s for my  Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Computer Science I class. I’m taking courses online from M.I.T.” She brushed some wisps of hair out of her face before shoving her things out of the way as he joined her. She tentatively took a couple of fries and felt her face flush when her stomach grumbled, realizing how hungry she actually was. “Thank you.”

“Ah, yeah...you get busy and you forget about basics needs. I’ve been there before I can’t really judge,” Eli said with a shrug, “that said...always practice self care. You can’t offer your best work if you’re not taking care of yourself in the process.” Eli shook his head, unsure of if he should have given advice when she didn’t seem to be asking for it necessarily. He raised his eyebrows and let out a slow exhaled whistle. “M.I.T. huh? You got quite the brain up there. That’s great! I’m sure it keeps a lot of doors open for you, as well as a forecasted bright future. Are you excited?” He couldn’t imagine the kind of pressure she was under, though. He could have never done that sort of that. “You’re welcome. Like I said, I’m not al that hungry right now anyway!”  

[elightthenight]

nicoletteusmey:

Kat hummed softly around her straw as she sucked down the milkshake, either not getting a brain freeze or ignoring it completely, and Nikki knew they’d have to order another one before the food got here. “If it doesn’t kill me first.” Nikki joked, sliding her soda across the table for Kat to suck down, she’d order herself a tea when she ordered Kat’s second milkshake. Even though it’d been two years since Kat had been adopted by them, it still surprised Nikki how much the tiny blonde could eat. “Having a full house can be a blast some times, though alone time is good too. I hope you guys are enjoying yourselves.”

Eli sighed at her comment and shrugged. “Well, what’s that song? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” He laughed at his own joke, wiping a tear away from the act and grinned at the brunette in front of him. He raised an eyebrow at the young one, amazed at what she’d already managed to do at the restaurant in such a short amount of time. He wasn’t even sure he still had the capacity for that type of appetite. “Thanks! We are, actually. It’s been nice. Plus, I like the change in scenery. It really is pretty here, you know?” 

[elightthenight]

rafemoore:

Rafe snorted lightly and shook his head. “Not today apparently and I don’t even like sweets.” He mumbled as the waitress set down his slice of cake and milkshake. He didn’t normally go out of his way to talk to most people but every once in a while he liked to shake things up and be social. “Go for the shake, this place has the best shakes.” He nodded lightly as he too a sip of his chocolate shake.

“What? How can you not like sweets?? What kind of human being are you?” Eli joked at the younger man nearby and reached out a fork playfully. “What you don’t eat, I will.” Matt would’ve smacked his hand for saying such a thing but the good thing was, he wasn’t around. “I’ll go ahead and do so.” He ordered a cookies and cream milkshake, smiling at the waitress before looking over at the man again. “So I’m guessing you come here often? But...not for the sweets?”  

[elightthenight]

noellelff:

Noelle felt her cheeks flush as he smiled at her and showed concern. She often put off that nothing ever harmed her, so it was nice for someone to give an extra bit of concern. “Oh, no. I’m clumsy, so I’m used to it! I’m sure I’m not bleeding,” she lifted her dress up to above her knees with her free hand, checking over them and patting each one, “see! no blood.” she grinned. Her eyes widened slightly at his generosity, before she nodded, her eyes lighting up, “Okay, sure! I’d love to give you some company. It’s nice to see someone being so kind. Some of the folks here have gotten a bit stodgy. I’m hoping I can lighten that up with my sales at the toy shop. Nothing makes people happy like a classic toy shop, right?”

Eli reached out to fix part of her hair but let his hand fall back down. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable and he felt as though it wasn’t his place to do such a thing, anyway. “Well, still! You should be more careful so you don’t one day hurt yourself more.” Even accidents could reap havoc. He smiled gently when he was able to inspect she indeed, wasn’t bleeding, however he still was concerned. She’d probably have bruises, nonetheless. “Oh! I know what you mean! But who could ever turn down company?? It’s what we all thrive on.” Eli took a seat back in the booth once he was sure she’d be able to sit down herself, and began to organize the fliers he’d scooped up. “I can’t think of a better way to make someone happy,” Eli grinned before glancing up at her. “So you work at a toy shop?” 

[elightthenight]

kaytlinnuostein:

Kayt watched in mild embarrassment as Fluke intruded the strangers space, tail wagging and sniffing at him. “I’m sorry about her, really.” she huffed, catching her breath from the shock of Fluke running off. “Thanks, she’s never one to act out, either. But, apparently that’s what we’re doing today.” She rolled her eyes grumpily at her dog. “Fluke, her name’s Fluke.” Kayt ruffled her dogs fur gently. “She seems to like you, too.. cause she never does this kinda thing.’

Eli raised an eyebrow and gave a friendly smile. “Nah, don’t worry about it. She’s cute. I like dogs, too. Bonus?” He reached down to pet the dog some more. Kayt seemed cute already, though he knew from the stories there was more than that. He could see how Matt could’ve fallen that first time, though. “Dogs like to do their own thing. I wouldn’t be too concerned about it. I’m Eli,” he held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet Fluke and uh...Kayt?” He laughed lightly. Might as well not pretend he didn’t know her. 

[elightthenight]

noellelff:

Noelle’s knee’s and hands stung from the fall, and she could feel the bruises already forming. She sighed softly at the palms of her hands. Her face lit up when the man reached out to help her, a blush still firmly on her cheeks. “I’m okay.. I mean, it hurt, but- I’m glad I didn’t disturb you, though.. but yes, yes, I’m fine.” She smiled, bending over to rub her knees slightly, before starting to reach for the fliers. “Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it. Is there anything I can do to repay you?”

Eli couldn’t help but smile at the younger girl he brought to the feet of. She was so bright and she’d just taken a tumble. She was actually quite adorable. “Oh, don’t worry about me, little one. It’s perfectly alright. I’m more concerned about you and those knees. You didn’t bust any skin, did you?” He asked, concerned with furrowed eyebrows. “You’re welcome! Don’t try and repay me or anything! Have you had anything to eat? I don’t mind if you wanna get a milkshake or something. Actually, yeah, that’s how you can repay me. Would you mind giving someone like me some company?”