[ froy gutierrez, cis-man, he-they ] — whoa! FLORIAN JACE RODRIGUEZ just stole my cab! not cool, but maybe they needed it more. they have lived in the city since 1996, working as a DANCE/ICE SKATING INSTRUCTOR. that can’t be easy, especially at only 30 YEARS OLD. some people say they can be a little bit HARSH and UNSURE , but I know them to be RESOURCEFUL and PRAGMATIC whatever. I guess I’ll catch the next cab. hope they like the ride back to EMERALD MIST!
Full Name: Florian Jace Rodriguez (he doesn't use his last name for reasons)
Nickname(s): Flor (Flower in Spanish), Jaybird, Jay, FJ,
Age: 30
Current Location: Emerald mist, Kismet Harbor
Gender: Cis Man
Pronouns: He/they
Marital status: Single,
Children: n/a
Orientation: click here
Occupation: ice skating/dance instructor.
Language(s) Spoken: English, Spanish.
Face Claim: Froy Gutierrez
tw: medical
From your earliest memory you can recall those very words. “He’s meant for greatness,” and even as a child that stuck with you. Expectation and promises of grandeur, a life full of accomplishments. The thoughts of trophies and medals, recognition, it all seemed like the sweetest of dreams. Dreams that were simply thrust onto you far when you were far too young to act defiant. You tried to be picture perfect didn’t you? Or at least that was the goal. Perfect grades, good manners, well behaved, and always supposed to be looking your best no matter how menial the circumstance. The embodiment of excellence, not a single room for error, no flaw in place.
You had to be a star no matter what, and so ever since you hit the ice, you never once stopped. It was amazing seeing you glide on your skates as if this was what you were always meant to be doing. I could tell you loved every second of it, your smile had never been that big. But no matter all the elation you felt, nothing could’ve prepared you for what came next.
It started off as little complaints, and I distinctly remember the way you would hide your pain, just pretend it was a simple discomfort and move on. Gradually it worsened, and it wasn’t until your parents noticed something was off during one of your many extra curriculars, ballet was it? A quick doctor’s visit and you were told you had scoliosis. The dreams of Olympic achievements were slowly fading before your very eyes and your fear was so crystal clear in those little blue eyes of yours.
Your adoptive parents loved you and they were the reason you worked so hard, a silly little boy with a grand dream and wishes to make them eternally proud. Then one day you were told you’d be undergoing surgery, a miracle to correct your issue and you’d be able to continue your dream. A grave mistake, but what did you know, you were nothing but a child.
A grizzly scar now kissed your back, something you always tried to hide, but at least you were back on track. For a time it was perfect, you were competing, and winning, and the pain was still there but the surgery was supposed to help, right? So why did you fall in the middle of a performance? Why did you scream out in pain, the same pain you’d been hiding because you hoped and prayed that this would all be temporary.
But it wasn’t, it was all worse, and as you sought out your parents help, they recommended you take some time, wear your back brace and just commit. So you did, and it helped, but only a little that pain was persistent, petulant even, never leaving your side just gnawing away at you, day by day by day. Nothing was helping you, and it wasn’t until you rang the doctor that had seen you all those years ago that you found out the truth. That fateful surgery was never supposed to happen, the doctor had fully advised against it, he had recommended a brace and therapy to rectify the issue over time, but your parents hubris would be your downfall. Them people in the medical field who should know better, and when you confronted them, all you could see was the guilt written all over their faces and words of how they meant well, and the fear in your eyes was what ultimately led them to go through with it.
Now you’re left with that pain, never able to achieve those bitter sweet Olympic dreams, now you’re stuck being a teacher, and while you still love being on the ice, you will always have two constant reminders of the biggest betrayal in your life. Your chronic pain, and that big scar on your back, the same one that makes it so you can’t get close to any man, the one that makes it so you’re afraid to take your shirt off, even get intimate with someone fully nude.
You’ve never had a boyfriend, your career had to come first, and if you could talk to your younger self you’d laugh in his face, tell him it was all a waste of time. So you’re angry, angrier than even, but even as angry as you are you can’t hate them, you love your parents but you hate what they did, what they put you through, but you could never hate them.
So silly little boy, gliding on the ice as if he’s being whisked away to neverland, will you ever learn to let that one boy in or are you keeping him at arms length, like all the others.
location: Kismet Harbor Park
starter for @florianjaces
Florian was one of his favorite people, the male was a good friend. They were similar in some ways and they got along well. Orion often got along with people but sometimes there were a few people who he would click with. He had finished work and did not have anything better or anything else to do so he decided to hang out with his friend. "Florian....." he called out with a smile on his face as he ran towards his friend. They had agree to meet at the park. "Do you...want to grab....something to eat.....and also did a....new drawing too....." he added with a smile on his face.
"Orion, are you okay?" Florian smiled as he saw his friend run towards him, seemingly out of breath. "I'd love to grab a bite, and oh lemme see you know I'm an art lover." The man excitedly replied as he looked up at Orion. He truly adored the other man, a gentle giant as some would call him. Lovable, and charming. If Orion had the amount of confidence some celebrities had, he'd be unstoppable.
Aindreis couldn't help but laugh at the man's first words. "Well, I'll try not to let that go to my head," he replied, amused, as he got closer. He then looked at him quite impressed when he mentioned his old job. Even the current one sounded cool. "Consider me impressed," Andy said with a nod before taking Florian's hand and getting on the ice. "I'm Canadian, if that explains anything. It's been a while since I've done it but great idea, i missed it". @aindreisblythe
"Please, even if your head was the size of a hot air balloon, you'd probably find a way to pull it off," Florian teased playfully smiling at the man. "Don't be, it's all because I couldn't quite hack it for the olympics," he mentioned not wanting to dive further into the topic as it was just an open wound. "I did get a whiff of maple syrup the second you walked in, guess that explains it. Well if you can land a triple axle I'll be impressed."
Carter was holding his place and coffee, feeling the cup starting to burn against his hand a little, so the moment the other confirmed he could sit, he immediately placed down his drink and plate, before he went to remove his jacket. Placing it over the chair, he pulled it out while watching the guy as he talked, raising a brow at him a little, before he shrugged. "I don't mind if you continue to sit." He told him, raising a brow when he called him cute. "Not something I hear everyday." He stated before digging into his sandwich. @florianjaces
"Are you sure? You could totally just sit with a friend if you're here with someone. I'll just be out of your hair," Florian mused softly, before tilting his head to the side, finding it odd that Carter wasn't hearing that every single day. "Really?" he said all too surprised at the revelation. As he sipped on his drink he sighed, slightly shifting as his back was bothering him. "Honestly that's surprising, the moms of the kids I teach would be all over you."
"I feel like you've come to me for the same thing already like three times," Jo said with a sigh, half annoyed, half amused, as she looked up from the open hood of Florian's vehicle. It's not like it was the first time that he'd come in for a something simple, and she knew it wouldn't be the last. "It's your air intake hose again, you just have to..." she started before grunting slightly as she pushed back the hose onto the connector until she was sure it was on tightly. "Push it back. That's all. Do it once in a while, or we might have to have a reserved space for you in here."
"Well, it's not my fault I don't know how cars work, they just have wheels to me." Florian commented watching Jo at work under the hood, and even as he saw her do it he still had no idea how any of this truly operated. "See even if just saw you do that, my hands will never touch the inside of this car because I'll just end up ruining it further or it'll explode. Plus, you're glad I always come to you anyway."
Ricky blushed a bit at Ducky, his cheeks reddening and warming up at the other's words. "Hm in another life," he teased a bit playfully. He liked being able to go back and forth with Ducky like this, being able to be comfortable with one another to do so. They had known each other for years and Ricky considered the other to be a good friend. Nodding he sighed, "yeah I guess so. And like I really didn't mean to throw him for a loop. It kind of just happened with Alina. Not that I'm complaining. But we didn't plan on it like that with the timing."
Rolling his eyes Ricky laughed, "nah it's all good, it's not a bad thing." He reassured his friend before his cheeks blushed again, "aw," he cooed, placing a hand on his chest, "life works out in funny ways doesn't it?" @duckysgoncalves
"Guess this author will just have to write our cute friend fiction some other time." Ducky teased clearly joking with one of his best friends in the entire world. "I know it's a very weird spot to be in but honestly I do feel for him, but also those are his own feelings to work through and you shouldn't have to feel responsible for it. We're adults, and shit happens but he needs to realize that just because you got your happy ending doesn't mean he won't."
"Ricky, why couldn't I just clone you and then just be happy with your clone cause you're literally like a perfect guy. You're hot, you're sweet, you're not dumb, like ugh. You'll even say you're the lucky one in your relationship which further proves my point," he mused before grabbing a pizza slice. "Never mind, you're in second place now cause pizza is my new boyfriend, and if dare ask my about my love life whilst knowing I have the hots for a certain childhood friend of mine, I will disappear."
Carter was waiting on some parts to come in for a car he was working on, so he'd decided to go grab lunch early before heading back to the shop. Walking into a nearby café, he looked around the menu a little, before he ordered a freshly pressed orange juice and sandwich. After getting his order, he looked around for a place to sit, eyes landing on a lonesome soul in a booth, "Hey--" He asked, "Mind if I sit?"
Florian was just going over some plans and emails that he'd neglected over the past week as he didn't have the energy to look at parents wanting to make their child a star. As he was munching on a little breakfast sandwich he found himself staring up at the man who asked if he could sit. Was he sculpted by the gods or something? "Sure, I don't mind at all. I was just leaving if you'd prefer to be alone, or if you'd rather have me stay that works too. Sorry, I'm really bad at conversations with cute guys, how is this supposed to go again?"
Aindreis was surprisingly or not actually quite excited simply for the fact that he'd been told to come to the ice rink for the date he'd been won in for the Halloween charity event. He'd hadn't won anything with his own bid but at least this one started off well. A certain ex didn't like iceskating, or anything cold really, so it had been a while since Andy had been ice skating and he really missed it, as it was something he'd enjoyed doing since he was young.
He arrived at the rink and collected a pair of iceskates on his way in. "Florian? Hi," he said, approaching the man.
Florian hadn't expected to win, and the man he had once wished to bet on wasn't won by him but he didn't mind the outcome. Not when he saw Aindreis step up to the rink. "Shit, I didn't think you'd be this hot." he said before catching what he said and blushing. "Not that I didn't think you'd be attractive just that usually I wouldn't think a blind date would be this...good."
"Sorry of ice skating isn't your thing, I'm an ex professional figure skater so I got this place for free cause I teach here." Florian commented before smiling. "But if you're game," he said extending his hand out to the man. "I think I'll make this date worth your while."
Bailey loved the feeling of a homey space to hang out in and that's why he was currently in The Coffee Carousel. As he was looking at the menu for something that would warm him up now that the colder weather was settling in, he heard the dreaded words of 'next' and he moved towards the counter. "Uhm yes, I am going to get a Chai Latte please." He requested from the employee and then looked behind him quickly to see another person standing behind him. "And then whatever this one would like." Bailey mentioned back to the employee and then waved the other forward.
"Huh? You really don't have to do that, but it's extremely sweet of you." Florian said as he now had to think of what exactly he wanted. As he fidgeted for the answer, he landed on something that looked like a fine choice. "White chocolate caramel Frappuccino with biscoff drizzle?" He commented finally ordering. "Are you actually sure you want to do this, because I'm totally fine paying. Free things are great, but...I don't, sorry I'm just not used to getting things for free, especially from good looking guys with no ulterior motives."
He chuckled. "You wish," he teased the other. He didn't want to shower with Florian at this point. "Good," he said as he did love food and was happy to make Florian. He didn't need anything fancy; he had to deal with that at work all the time. "Oh, for sure, you look amazing," he said, eyeing up the strange man. "I can not wait for that, I want them off now," he said, playing with the other's shirt, as their lips nearly touched. @sebastianxthomas
"I might just be," Florian retorted, before rolling his eyes at the other man. He couldn't help but giggle at Sebastian's performance as it was sure to garner the attention of the man they were trying to get rid of. "Pulling out all the stops I see," he mused, eyeing the other up and down and finding that maybe there was a lot more to Sebastian that meets the eye. "You know, maybe I was wrong about you,"
"Ah, if it's close-by I can wait for the restaurant. Might as well get it in a glass with ice cubes." And he was certain he could wait the extra time before he could get it. He might just be rude enough to already request a drink when they were given a menu. He was about to deepen his smile, saying it was nice to meet the other per the introduction of his name when he mentioned just like before, which caused him to fall silent. He awaited the man's words, figuring it was the best thing to do and when he did, finding out the man hinted at them having met before he felt this sinking feeling in his stomach, other than the hypo he was currently undergoing. "Oh. This is awkward, uh." Gabriel started, scratching the back of his neck. A trait he had when he was nervous. "You're welcome, I think -- but.. I'm afraid I don't remember." Gabriel was forced to confess. Rather that than playing along and working himself into a bind later on. "Got a bump on the head and, believe it or not, forgot literally everything." He knew it might sound like a lie to most, and he hoped the other would be forgiving. "That ventriloquist sounds like a nightmare, though." @florianjaces
"Sounds good to me, besides it just means more time spent with you." Florian thought this was just another way Gabriel captured his attention, forgiving him entirely as he could just enamor him with the littlest of smiles. Then the man spoke and his heart broke for the other man, a case of amnesia. "Oh, I'm so sorry," he said not able to think of anything else in those moments. "I feel kind of silly now, but it's not your fault. I'll just explain then. A while back we met up and had an amazing first date, in fact you ended up rescuing me from what was potentially the worst date of all time. We agreed to meet up for a second, and you never showed, I think I know why now," he mumbled, coming closer to peck his cheek. "Oh he was, and you had told me something along the lines of, instead of having that puppet steal your first kiss...Nevermind, that's just in the past. Let's start over again then, Hi I'm Florian, and I think you're really cute."
Part of Sully wondered what the hell he was doing. That he saw ice skating lesson and called up about it. Yes it was mostly for young kids and rarely ever for adults. But Sully had spent his life growing up in Florida. It was always hot, and there was no snow and ice. That last thing on his mind was to go to an ice rink. Then he grew up and started working on a ship for 30 years, leading to him not skating. He was on a ship that roller skating but never ice skating, so this was new to him.
He sighed as he walked up dressed in some means a read it was good from the cold and you could still move and fall in them. A long-sleeved shirt and jacket and he was set as he walked up to the counter. "Okay, who is Florian? Who's going to embarrass me by teaching my old ass out to skate?" Sully said with a laugh. @florianjaces
"That would be me," Florian chuckled, looking over the man as the stepped up to the counter. "And you'll be fine, I teach people of all ages to skate and dance, so you're in pretty good hands. I'm a professional." Offering the man a smile he asked for his shoe size to have skates that would ease the process of all this. "Let me know when you're ready to hit the ice, we can go as slow or as fast as you'd like, and if you need me to keep you steady and hold your hands I can do so as well." he commented before stepping from behind the counter and headed into the rink.
Hearing what Florian said, he gasped. "Rude," he said, looking at him. "I am very clean, unlike you," he said, looking the other over. He was only kidding with Florian. "Oh poor you some guy hitting on you" he teased as he looked around to see who was nothing Florian. He chuckled under his breath, seeing a guy looking at him and Florian. "I see" he said "and food" he didn't mean that he didn't need anything for this. "Babe, you look so cute tonight." he winked at Florian and put his arm around him to face him away from the strange man. @florianjaces
"Save that line for when we save water showering together," Florian groaned, rolling his eyes at the man thanks to his snide remarks. "Fine, it's a deal." Florian said agreeing to his terms as Sebastian wouldn't do anything easy, but at the very least it wasn't something extravagant. "Oh you think?" he mused, pulling Sebastian closer so their lips ghosted over each other. "Imagine what I'll look later tonight without all these things in the way,"
When the other uttered something, Gabriel hadn't quite caught it, figuring he had just wanted to say something but had something in his throat, hence the clearing of it. The man's reaction seemed off, however. As if he knew something that Gabriel didn't, which was a feeling he wasn't a stranger to these days. But when he began talking as if they were strangers, he took it. It was easy to get along in the man's mannerisms, finding himself smiling when the man chuckled. He sure did come across as giddy. "Oh, something with carbs. Pasta or something. As long as I can have a soda first, get my sugar up." He mused, allowing himself to smile a little wider at the suggestion. "I wouldn't say no to some company. But then you can choose where to go." He told him, holding out his hand. "I'm Gabriel." @florianjaces
Florian wondered why Gabriel wasn't acknowledging the time they were supposed to meet where he never showed. But he really couldn't hold it against him, not when the man smiled like that, he'd forget he was ever annoyed to begin with. "Italian it is, and I know a place close by. There's sure to be a soda machine around here for you, we can grab that first before heading over to the restaurant." It was a cute idea, meeting for the first time again. Florian guessed this was Gabriel's way of making up for lost time. "Florian, and I know, but just like before it's still my pleasure. Also thank you for saving me back then, don't think I could've survived having to actually go on a date with a ventriloquist keen on only talking to me through his puppet."
It had never happened to him before -- or at least, that he knew of -- but Gabriel had managed to get through his day with barely eating anything. He had found himself in an unknown part of town as he had undergone acupuncture in the hope it would help him remember more in the nearby future. With a slight tremor in his fingers and a strange feeling in his legs, he approached the first person he saw, tapping them on their shoulder. "Hi, excuse me. Do you happen to know where there is a lunchroom nearby? I just realised I completely forgot to eat and I'm paying for it now." He let out a chuckle, unaware that he knew this person in a previous life. @florianjaces
Another day another call from his parents going ignored since he'd cut contact with them. After the truth came out, Florian had rarely maintained contact with them, only really answering the phone when his heart couldn't let him be stoic. Feeling a tapped on his shoulder he yelped, turning around to find himself staring at an all too familiar face. For the first time in his life Florian found himself at a loss for words. His lips parted but nothing came out. He blinked to see if this wasn't just a mirage or a trick of his mind. "Gabriel," he muttered under his breath before clearing his throat, a little blush now dusting his cheeks. "There's a few places nearby yeah," Florian giggled, not really realizing he was feeling giddy all of a sudden. "What are you in the mood for so I can point you in the right direction, I was going to eat myself, if you'd like I could join you."
"So...I wouldn't normally approach you without a tetanus shot handy, but this guys keeps asking me for my number and not leaving me alone." Florian sighed feeling annoyed that he'd have to resort to these methods. "If you could please pretend to be my date so I can be off the hook, I'd like owe you one. I'll buy you a drink or whatever." @sebastianxthomas
