there's something dark hangin' over my head

Eli Hinkley/33/Chef Wonder

[elihinkley]

margoteden​:

“I can’t remember the last time that I had barbecue,” Margot admitted, chuckling into her martini as she thought it over. Maybe when she was married, four or five years ago. Her husband had always insisted on throwing get-togethers that included a grill; the brunette had never particularly enjoyed it, but she didn’t say that to Eli. “Perhaps I’ll have to try your restaurant some time. I don’t get out enough; I’m usually always here.” Glancing at Eli she smiled slightly. “Admittedly, I’m terrible at cooking, so props to you and your family for your business. Do you ever think of branching out?” 

“It’s like… the best type of nostalgia, condensed into a meal. My mom and dad met working in a barbecue restaurant in Kansas City. It’s fully in my blood to be making this stuff. It’s essentially all I’ve ever known.” Eli loved nothing more than serving those around him, and making food was his love language. Plus, being head chef at his family’s restaurant was one distinct way for Eli to remain spiritually connected to his mother… he wouldn’t give that up for the whole wide world. “You should swing by. I’ll make the sure the service is just as topnotch as you’ve got here.” He grinned, with a sip of his drink. “I just love cooking so much, but I do a lot of experimenting on my own. The bbq is kind of… to honor my mom, more than anything, but I’ve been trying all types of cuisine for friends and family, and just for myself. But I’m not sure I’ll ever really separate from Robin’s… not completely, anyways.”

[elihinkley]

della-slade​:

“The worst company? Aren’t you always the worst company? Since I can’t remember you ever being pleasant,” She joked. Maybe if she kept up with her teasing she could get a laugh out of him. With what had happened he needed a bit of cheering up. “Also I’m always kind. I’m like the kindness person in the world. You just haven’t see it before. So seriously is there anything I can do for you right now? Anything you need?”

Eli tried to crack a smile, he did. And he gave it a valiant effort. He wanted to smile, to laugh it all off, and wake it up because this was very clearly one of his greatest nightmares. But the sad fact was… this was all truth. This was real life, and he was here, looking at a great big pile of ash. A great big pile of ash that was his… and was now blowing away in the wind. “I think I need a drink. A good, strong stiff one that will make me forget about everything and anything.”

[elihinkley]

char-ainsley​:

“Honestly? I have no idea why anyone would want to burn down an island like this. I’m guessing they have a lot of mental problems and need some professional help.” How else would you explain someone starting fires to get the attention of their ex who was getting married? No sane person would do something like that. It was good to hear that he wasn’t about to quit after all this. “Good. I haven’t been here very long but this place is a staple to the community. We’re all here for you.”

There was a huge part of Eli that felt horrible for the anger he was feeling. Because while he understood that his anger was rooted in something very real and tangible, and he was more than allowed to feel this way, it still felt wrong. He was a kind and considerate man, with almost too much empathy. And in this one single moment, he wished harm upon the man who did this to him. Who did this to this whole island. “Maybe this was some sort of wake up call. Things have been to good lately. It wouldn’t be right if there weren’t a shakeup.”

[elihinkley]

petersen-jannik​:

@elihinkley​

Jannik smiled slightly at the sight of Tilde, ever the sweetheart, cozied up at Eli’s feet, clearly buttering the other man up for whatever foodstuffs he had been working with before the older man’s arrival. The fact that he had ended his call when he had was strategic, of course it was, though Jannik would never admit that to Giovanni and, certainly, not to Eli. Instead, he pressed a bit closer, turned his face inward, pressing a chaste kiss of thanks to the side of his face. And then another for good measure, just because he could. 

There was a certain level of comfort here that was…nice. Wonderfully so, almost like it was a dream. The entire previous evening seemed like it, in truth, though the mirage of a man that Nik had wrapped himself around was very, very real. And that was perfectly fine with him. 

A soft chuckle escaped from his mouth as he nodded, releasing the hold he had on the other man, and stepping back. His fingertips snagged one of the cups and took it with him, claiming it as his own with a small smile and raised brows. “Oh, I wouldn’t say you’d fail. There are quite a few other lovely qualities. But I will if you join me. You made the food, but that does not mean you can’t eat it. Leave the cleaning for after.” 

Eli had never spent time dreaming of a future with someone. He always thought he’d be too tied to his family to even have the possibility of a life beyond them - but here he was. Wasn’t this just the picture of domesticity? With a dog at his heels, a breakfast he had made, arms wrapped around him, sweet kisses to his cheek. Isn’t this what people made vision boards for? He didn’t even have to dream of it… he stumbled into it, as though he were sleepwalking. And yet, for the first time in a very long time, it felt as though he was awake.

As Jannik stepped back, Eli almost reached out to pull him back in. But he could go for a little bit without the warmth and comfort of his arms. He smirked, as he set down the rest of the dishes. “If you insist.” He picked up one of the plates, and a mug of coffee, and made his way over to the dining room table. “You gotta be honest with me here. Your first time trying my food. I need your genuine reaction… I’m counting on it, in fact.”

[elihinkley]

emmaainsley​:

Elijah’s words totally struck a chord with her. It was something they were all wondering upon leaving the wedding and coming across the devastation. It made no sense and she was almost absolutely sure that it was premeditated. He’d definitely planned all of this out long before tonight, there was no way that he couldn’t have. “I think we’re all wondering the same thing right now…” she told him, keeping her voice soft, a small frown forming on her features. “How could anyone do this?”

“I’ve just lived here for so many years, you know? And obviously there’s crime.. there are always going to be bad people, no matter where you are. But what about this makes sense? Even if he was looking for attention, even if he wanted to say a big “fuck you” to the brides... how does burning down half of this island make any sense? Why? To ruin the rest of our lives?” He paused, trying to catch up with his breathing. “I don’t like being this angry.... I feel- god it doesn’t matter what I feel, right? I’m not the only one going through this shit.”

[elihinkley]

margoteden​:

“Scotch it is,” Margot nodded her understanding, signaling for her bartender to make her patron his glass as quickly as possible. Part of her job was meeting potential new patrons and clients; something that she actually enjoyed immensely. Meeting new people was always an interesting endeavor, and the man before her was no exception. “You said that you are a chef?” Margot posed the curiosity as her bartender handed over a glass of the finest scotch they had, which Margot held out to the man in front of her in return. “You must have an excellent palate, then. What is your specialty?”

He understood this whole world… the constant meeting people, being at their service. It was something Eli certainly liked enough, or else he wouldn’t still be in the business. Sure, he spent a lot of his time back in the kitchen, focusing and working the way he needed to. But he was extroverted; outgoing almost to a fault, so the aspect of meeting those and making sure they had the best meal in front of them? It was one of the best parts of the job. “I am indeed.” He took the scotch, noting the smell. He raised it, taking a sip. This was the good stuff… he felt lucky to even have a glass. “Well, I work at my family’s place. My parents were both from the midwest.. barbecue is our specialty. But that’s just work… I’ve been experimenting a lot with Thai and Vietnamese, at home.”

[elihinkley]

jackadler​:

The thing was, Jack wasn’t close to Eli. Not at all, for that matter. But the man had been close with Nik and that alone was enough for Jack to consider him to be like family. If Nik treasured him, then Jack would do the same. So, when he found out about his restaurant burning down, he made his way to the scene. There’s a lingering sense of shame and sorrow for Eli twisting inside his gut, wishing he could somehow fix what’s been done. Even though it wasn’t his fault, Jack just had an undying need to help people. The words that come from Eli only make this feeling increase, a pained expression decorating Jack’s tired face. “I’m really sorry..” The singer says, unsure that these were the right words. Perhaps there was no right thing to say in a situation like this, in hindsight, but Jack tries regardless. 

With that, Jack reaches his hand out and carefully cups Eli’s shoulder, “Really, I’m so sorry. You didn’t deserve this.” He says gently, hoping his words can ease the ache, even in the slightest. “How can I help?”

As Eli sat, watching his favorite place in the whole world burn, he felt his heart break in two. He knew the island had much bigger problems.. and that his business was certainly not the only one suffering. The entire place was in shambles, especially without the ferries, to and from Los Angeles. And yet, for a man who was so consistently selfless, he felt personally pissed off. And it felt like the weight was crushing down on his shoulders. He felt gutted, and though he appreciated the sincerity in the words spoken to him by others, none of it really felt real. This all felt like a horrible nightmare. 

But Eli looked up, and over at Jack. Jack, who was one of the most important people in the world to Nik. Jack, who had just gotten in a fight, to Eli’s knowledge. And here he was, offering his sincerity. It meant more than Eli knew how to express. “I... Jack.” He paused, looking down. “Thanks, man. I’m kind of... I’m kind of at a loss for words. Normally I know what to say, but right now, everything feels blank...” He held the blanket a little tighter to his body, feeling himself cave in. “I don’t... I think we’re going to have to rebuild. And when that time comes, I can’t say a little extra muscle wouldn’t help. But please don’t feel required. I just don’t know what else I could do.”

[elihinkley]

petersen-jannik​:

The ending of the wedding had ended, not in bliss, but in disaster. After the fires broke out and the fight, of which one Jack Adler was involved and which Jannik would be seriously discussing with him after the fact, Nik lost Eli, too. Not in any permanent sense, no, but it was understandable. The manager believed it was one of the girls, that Jess or McKenzie had been hurt, somehow. Family was always first, as Nik well understood. He didn’t begrudge him his leaving.

It was only after the fact, when statements had been made and Jack had been checked on, ensuring quietly that he wasn’t given anything for his pain that remotely resembled a narcotic because that’s what he did, Jannik found himself hopping into his car and winding his way toward the Barbecue.

What he found was charred and damaged but, fortunately, not altogether unfixable. He saw the building, too, but Eli was his primary concern, after all.

Nik was somber as he stood a bit off to the side, hands in his pockets, and let the man rage for the moment’s time that he was given, a blanket draped over his arm one of the first responders had given him after he’d asked where Eli was. The man came up alongside him now and laid a hand, wordlessly, on his arm, draping the blanket over his shoulders with the other and tucking Eli carefully into his side. Jannik sighed a bit through his nose, eyeing the still smoldering remains of what had been the main dining hall of Robin’s before nodding to himself.

Pulling away, ever so slightly, Nik nudged a knuckle into the side of Eli’s face, his cheek, unafraid of his anger, knowing it wasn’t directed at him. “Elijah, he murmured, a small trick he’d learned to get the man’s attention. His voice was softened, soothing, and a small smile curled around his mouth when the other man looked his way. "The kitchen is alright, hm? Which is good, seeing as how we can fix the rest. I know…I know this was your mother’s. But…you can make it for her, now, yes? Remember her in another way, I suppose?”

Eli knew that buildings were just made of brick and stone. They were replaceable, in their nature. They had been built up, and though they could be burned down, they could just as easily be built back up again. There was a piece of him… the smallest piece, perchance, who remembered how sad he had been, the littlest kid, moving from Kansas City. Kansas City was all that he knew, and his family decided to uproot and change their entire lives.

But when they arrived in Catalina, what with the beaches and the sunlight and the beautiful restaurant they had created… Eli fell in love. And that same restaurant had been up and running, surviving and thriving for thirty years. It had such a permanence to the Hinkley’s, and held such a piece of Eli’s heart… it felt strange and sad and sentimental to just have to let that piece go.

And yes, things could be fixed and worked on, and improved… these things were all true. But that fact didn’t make any of it hurt any less.

At least Nik was now here. Eli knew he had kind of just up and left, but he had to. Just as Nik had to stay and make sure Jack was okay. But at least he wasn’t alone now. Even though Eli felt like he was losing the shred of sanity that was still grasping at straws in his head, he felt the weight of Nik’s hand on his arm, felt the way that Nik pulled him in, and that grounded him in a way he didn’t even know he quite needed. Sure, Nik was a new development, relatively. But where would he be without him?

Eli felt the first tear spill, as he looked over at Nik. Elijah. The use of his full name really was so rare. His breathing felt harder, now, as he looked over at a comforting Jannik. He hated feeling this way, feeling this much anger was not like Eli. But everything felt hopeless, as it was. “I suppose.” He tried to wipe at his eyes, but the tears kept coming. “God, I’m so sorry you have to see me like this.  Just feel.. heartbroken.”

@petersen-jannik​

[elihinkley]

petersen-jannik​:

@elihinkley​

With his hands free, Jannik was able to balance his files, maneuver into clothing, and pad into the living room with Tilde at his heels, tail wagging wildly at the sight of the other man in the kitchen. The poodle had taken to Eli just as easily as her owner had, which was evident as the dog trotted over to sit at his feet for pets (or food, either one). Nik, for his part, was a touch more adult about it. 

Like a man, he hooked his chin over the other’s shoulder and stole blackberries off the top of the yogurt Eli had plated, chewing thoughtfully as he listened to the terms Giovanni was listing, agreeing with an easy affirmation but countering with his own conditions, as well. Though they were friends, Jannik still needed what was best for their co-client, and Gio understood that. In fact, if you were listening for it, you could hear his laughter on the other end of the phone. Nik kept listening as he wrapped an arm around Eli’s hips, securing it around his waist in front of the apron. His apron, he noticed with a slight smile. 

It looked much better on Elijah Hinkley, a shirtless, bedheaded Elijah Hinkley, than it ever had him. 

Yes, he knew this was only a first date, second if you considered the first time they’d met and third, technically, if you counted this, too. But he was comfortable with the other man, at ease in his own skin and able to sleep for the first time in weeks through a full night. It was like another world had been cracked open in front of him and it was glorious. He bid his goodbyes to the man on the other end of the phone, huffing a bit at the knowing tone. Giovanni would, no doubt, be texting or phoning him tomorrow to ask for every detail, the nosy bastard. 

“This looks amazing,” he murmured, the arm around Eli’s middle squeezing as he marveled over the meal. “And I wasn’t on the phone for more than, what, twenty minutes? Very impressive, Mr. Hinkley.” 

Something was very domestic about this entire scene. Maybe it was the way he already felt comfortable in Nik’s kitchen. Maybe it was the way he didn’t mind that Nik was off on a phone call, as he cooked breakfast - they were both doing the things that made them feel purpose in this world. Maybe it was the way Tilde came right up to him, searching for food, or some love. Eli leaned down to give her a nice belly rub, and fed her some blackberries while he was at it.

And then Nik came over, and wrapped his arms around Eli, and Eli could feel his heart beating in his chest. Was this comfort? He thought back to the night before, the way they so easily melted into each other. The way Eli was brought into Nik’s world through food and music. The way the both had an actual night of sleep, something it seemed they had both been lacking, recently.

Maybe it was just the fact that he knew he was wearing Nik’s apron. And wearing something of Nik’s gave Eli a little bit of a thrill.

Eli knew now that no matter what happened, there would be a sense of longevity that he would want out of this. It couldn’t just be him. Nik seemed just as present, just as willing to be involved. Even on the phone, his attention was shared with Eli, and he didn’t take that lightly. And as Nik said his goodbyes to the man on the other end of the line, Eli grinned to himself, excited, in part, to have Nik all to himself.

“Well, it is my job. And my livelihood. If I can’t wow you with a meal now, well.. I’ve failed before I’ve even started.” He cracked a grin. “Now you must try it and hopefully it will have been suitably impressive.”

`

[elihinkley]

della-slade​:

Della couldn’t believe what had happened at the end of the wedding. After making sure her sister-in-law was alright she headed down to the Marina to check her boats and that’s when she found out about the ferries had been trashed. Her first thought though was that she was grateful nothing had happened to her boats. She knew others weren’t so lucky. Heading home, she stopped when she saw the fire before her. She knew who owned it. Parking, she got out and found him near the firetrucks. “I’m just glad you’re alright. You can rebuild. If you need anything I’m here for you.”

Even the ferries were out of service, which was quite honestly horrifying. Eli didn’t leave the island all too often, but there were people who made lives out of it. People who commuted to and from Los Angeles.. it was kind of heartbreaking, in a way. Eli had lived almost his whole life here, and nothing like this had ever happened. And of course, with the personal connection, Eli felt worse and worse… he hadn’t had something bad happen in so long - he just wondered why it had to involve the barbecue. “Thanks, Dell. You’re too kind… I’m afraid I might be the worst company, right about now.”

[elihinkley]

char-ainsley​:

Lottie couldn’t believe how the wedding had ended. What type of psycho went around burning down buildings in order to show is love for someone? Really it sounded like it belonged in a Hollywood movie. Following the crowd to one of the fires, she frowned at the sight and stopped when she heard someone speaking. “You can rebuild it. Just because you experience one set back doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel and call it quits. Let’s see what morning brings. Maybe it’s not as bad as you think.”

On such a special day.. one that was meant to celebrate so much love and happiness, this is what happened? Eli couldn’t even begin to try and understand it. It made no sense, and it made him frustrated, and he sat in the night air, feeling his dreams slip away from him. It made him almost feel worse, predicting how distraught his father would be. “I… could never quit. I couldn’t do that to my family, or our customers. I just don’t … I don’t get it. Who could possibly want to burn down this island, just to be seen?”

[elihinkley]

emmaainsley​:

Emma was still in complete disbelief at what had happened tonight. No one ever expected for such chaos to ensue, but then, she’d never really understood the way anybody bot so crazy over people they were supposedly ‘in love with’ nor family dramas. Truth was, she’d made an escape as soon as she possibly good, instead walked slowly around the island, chaos surrounding her. She’d been walking for an hour or so when she spotted Eli, approaching him apprehensively. “I wish there was something I could do for you…” she said lightly, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder.

Elijah Hinkley wished desperately that he could turn back time. But then, maybe if he went back, he wouldn’t currently be Nik’s boyfriend. Life was confusing, to say the very least. He sat, body wracked with anger, the pain of his favorite place in the world, up in smoke, lingering in his chest. He typically wasn’t one to get mad, or to feel any particular hatred, but there was a very specific part of him that now felt it in spades. He didn’t like feeling this way, but he couldn’t help himself. With Emma’s hand on his shoulder, he sighed, shaking his head, as his eyes trained on the ground. “I just wish I could know what happened. It couldn’t have just been him.”

[elihinkley]

daphnexpalmer​:

After arresting Micah at the disastrous wedding, Daphne had dropped him off at the police station to be interrogated. Then, she’d gone home and quickly changed out of her dress into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt before heading over to one of the properties damaged by the fires. She was out of uniform, there to help with crowd control and see if anybody need help more than she was in any official capacity. Spotting Eli wrapped in a blanket she said “I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help you?” She knew her words probably meant very little to him right now. “If its any consolation, we have Micah Davenport in custody right now.”

Eli was reeling. He just.. didn’t understand. He supposed there was a shred of him who could comprehend starting a fight for someone he loved… he knew he would surely start a fight for his family. And even for Nik, now. But setting fires to the whole island? Ruining buildings and businesses… all for some stupid power trip? The thought was beyond him. He knew that the world wasn’t ending, but to him, with this place that meant to much burning away, he felt a part of his soul harden. It was devastating, to say the least. “I… I just.. I don’t get it. I don’t understand why he needed to fuckin’ ruin this town. This beautiful place.” He shook his head, glaring. “It can’t just be him, can it? It makes no fucking sense.”

[elihinkley]

The minute he had gotten word that the restaurant was on fire, he was out of that wedding as fast he possibly could be. He would apologize to Nik later... but the restaurant came first. It would always come first. Even now as he sat near the firetrucks, with a fucking trauma blanket wrapped around his shoulders, he stared up in wonder. The restaurant he had moved here for at three years old. The restaurant his father had all but passed down to him. The restaurant that carried the last true tangible memories of his mom... burnt to a crisp. Thankfully the kitchen was safe, somehow. That would have been a mess to deal with in insurance. Still, Eli was in shock, and the sadness that swirled in his mind turned into utter disbelief and anger.

“30 years. 30 fucking years... for what? A pile of fucking ash and coal?”

[elihinkley]

luciancarterx​:

“Suppose it would be a little worrying, yeah. That’s me back home, though, sometimes I felt like I knew everyone… although, LA’s pretty big, so perhaps not.” Lucian laughed very lightly and took another sip of his drink. “She is. Really great.” A brief pause, and then, “It was a charity event we worked together on, but I spend most of my time out in LA still as a leader of a homeless shelter over there. Kinda do a few odd jobs here and there on the island to keep the money coming in.”

“Growing up in LA, hm? I can’t even imagine having roots in a place so big, but.. I’ve always kind of been stuck here.” Stuck wasn’t the right word for it, but Eli would never be able to shut off the tiniest part of him that longed to run away. “Digby has been a longtime pal, but I’m happy I got to know Tinsley through him. And hey! A charity event? God, that’s awesome, man.” He smiled. He would never reserve any judgement for anyone with their career path. It wasn’t any of his concern - it’s not like he cooked for the money - he really loved the act of it, but he knew survival was necessary for many. How could he ever cast any judgements for that? “That’s the way it goes, hm? Well, enough about jobs. We aren’t here for that, tonight! You enjoying the wedding so far?”

[elihinkley]

petersen-jannik​:

​

“No. You’ve not,” Nik replied, easily, grin stretching into something softer, not quite indulgent but not humoring, either. It was…content, possibly in a way that he had never been before. Jannik had cared for people before, cared in a way that had allowed him to get close to people only for them to get ripped away. But he never felt that way with Eli. Never felt that whatever he was feeling or how they were was reduced to the anxiety that it would all be torn apart. 

They could just be and it was…liberating. 

The snort that erupted from his chest before the laughter was mirthful, as was the look on his face as he settled his hands along Eli’s hips, swaying to the music. He listened quietly, humming at the appropriate places while he kept an eye out for the other bodies on the dance floor. His attention perked up considerably, however, at the mention of a conversation. The perfect time for it, apparently. That drew a considering hum, a sound of ‘I’m listening,’ letting Elijah speak even as he continued right along, moving them in a lazy arc in the middle of the throng.

His boyfriend.  Eli wanted to be his boyfriend. The thought was…dizzying, exhilarating. It sent a rush of endorphins, a surge of happiness like a shock to his system and Jannik grinned widely, brightly. His hands traveled the length of his back, one sliding to the middle of his spine the other to the back of his neck. A leg slid between Eli’s own and, then, Jannik was dipping him toward the floor to the crescendo of music, lips attaching to Eli’s own. 

Nik pulled away after a moment, nose nudging against the other man’s. “I would be honored to call you my boyfriend, Elijah Hinkley. Though, if I am being honest, you’ve been that for…some time, if not in name.” 

Frequently, Elijah Hinkley felt like a pressure cooking, bubbling up until he exploded. He just felt so much, all at once, everything constantly percolating. But he wanted to always stay strong for everyone. Strong and composed. The moments in which he rambled, when those who cared for him indulged him, those pieces of tightly wound pressure that he kept so near and dear, so heavily guarded, started to seep out. 

As he spoke the words boyfriend and then immediately shut up, as the idea floated between them, Eli seriously felt as though he might cease to exist. He might just combust right here, right now. But if he did, he’d never hear Nik’s answer, and what a shame that would be.

Before he knew it, he was being dipped. And... what? Was that not the most romantic thing that had ever happened to him? It was kind of a crazy sensation, as though it were all happening in slow motion, but then Nik was kissing him. And there was an immense amount of trust between the two of them, that made Eli so happy. 

And then, of course, Nik said yes, and now, even more so, Eli thought he could burst. He was just so happy, and his face clearly showed it. “God, I... you don’t know how happy that makes me. You’re my first boyfriend and I... I could literally shout it out for everyone to hear, but it’s... a wedding. So I won’t make a scene.”

[elihinkley]

talliefostermontgomery​:

Tallie cocked a brow at the person at the bar beside her. “For a change? Do you not usually enjoy food?” She asked, half-joking and half-curious. “I do have to agree with you about not worrying about work, though. The closest I’m coming to work tonight is painting, although I’m doing it as a gift.” Thanking the bartender as he handed her the drink she had ordered -a poinsettia- she raised her glass in a cheers motion. “I’m Tallie, by the way.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. The grin lingered, as he took another sip of his drink. “Ah, on the contrary. I love food way too much. I make it, for a living. I spend too much time in the kitchen, as it stands. And painting, hm? You’re an artist then? Because if you are, that’s awesome, even if you are tasked with painting as a gift.” He raised his glass to match hers. “Pleasure, Tallie. I’m Eli.”