intrepid mentality

— ♦ IVAN  EKLUND XXXVI Freedom Tower Security Dept. var sc_project=11856043; var sc_invisible=1; var sc_security="5a50914d";

[ivaneklund]

Parker:

         “Perfect. It’s down here,” Parker said, pointing down the street before he started to lead the way, following one of the best shortcuts he’d found around the city. “I am, yeah. Born and raised – I was gone for a while, and the city changes frighteningly quickly, but fortunately some of my old short cuts still work out. And let me guess, you’re new around here?”

“Thank you. Again, can’t say it enough.” Ivan shook his head, carefully attempting to observe the area of the current short-cut they were taking. “That’s nice. You move away somewhere else then? At least your shortcuts stayed the same though.” He grinned a bit. “It’s that obvious I guess. But yeah, a few months actually. Still don’t know my way around yet. Clearly.”

[ivaneklund]

Theresa‌:

“It’s almost pointless now,” Theresa responded with a sigh. She was being dramatic, she knew, but that was hardly a reason not to indulge the emotion. “By the time I decorate, it’ll be time to pull out the Christmas things.” With a slight smile, she turned to regard the kind man who’d entered into a conversation with her. “I’m sorry to lay this all at your feet. You must think I’m strange.” 

Ivan shook his head, not finding the conversation strange actually. The holidays were coming up and it was a common topic. “It’s alright. These months can be stressful for anyone.” He nodded. “People seem to like to skip to Christmas right away anyway now, earlier and earlier every year. All in the shops, there’s decorations and all for it, even when the Halloween ones were still up.”

[ivaneklund]

Louisa:

          “They do too good of a job sometimes,” Louisa waved off with a sigh. “I wish they’d leave me alone more often. I mean, it’s not like I’m as well-known here as in Sweden, right? You’d think they could let a girl walk around on her own sometimes, but whatever.” Considering the fact that Ivan had been hired for her security all those years of course meant he might disagree with that, but Louisa had never seen much of a p oint in lying to him. That hadn’t changed despite the time spent apart. “I’m still in one piece, that probably says enough,” she added jokingly, a crooked smile on her features. “I don’t know if it’s forever or anything, but for now – yeah, I think I really want to stick around. I like my life better here.” She liked at least having the chance to be normal at times, and being out of her parents’ grasp. “Freedom Tower? That sounds nice. Probably not as nice as taking care of me, but still,” she teased playfully. Brushing her hair out of her eyes, she nodded enthusiastically as he agreed to her offer and looked down the street. “Of course I have the time for you, silly! There’s a cute little coffee shop just down there we could go to, if you’d like?”

“Well, as long as I still did a better security job than them, then it’s alright.” Ivan stated light-heartedly, at least attempting to amuse Louisa, sensing the understandable frustration about the guards. He’d at least like to think he didn’t get on her nerves for the most part while on the job, they did become fast friends after all. He wouldn’t trade it for anything, which is what made the distance significantly difficult. But it was relieving in a sense that is seemed as if they were easily falling back into where they’d left off. “Yeah, I mean, this place is about three Swedens combined it seems.” He mused. “That does say more than enough, and the fact you’re in place is  all that matters.” Ivan nodded with a grin, his expression brightening further at the fact she’d be staying put as well. “Good. I mean, as long as you’re happy. I think this is going to be pretty permanent for me too.” He couldn’t help but lightly laugh at her following remark. “It has the same values of the job, nothing can beat the palace though, I will say that. — Ok, then yes, definitely. I’ve been trying to count actually, how many coffee and pizza shops they are on every block.” Ivan shook his head, starting to follow Louisa down the street.

[ivaneklund]

Parker‌:

            Parker turned around when someone approached him, a smile blooming on his lips when he looked at the man. “You’re in luck, my friend, because you’ve found someone who’s spend his entire life finding the best short-cuts around this city,” he grinned. Even if he’d been gone for quite some time, he still knew a fast way back to Brooklyn. “Want me to show you the way? I got nothing better to do anyway.”

A major sigh of relief elicited from Ivan as the man he’d happened to approach nearby not only knew his way around the city’s shortcuts, but also had a friendly, pleasant manner to him. “I can’t thank you or that luck enough.” He nodded with a grin in return. “I will definitely take you up on that offer.” Ivan motioned for his company to thankfully lead the way, the remark then sparking curiosity. “So, I take it you’re from here then?”

[ivaneklund]

Elias:

Elias turned his head hearing a voice and smiles. He was just finishing up a meeting in Manhattan and was on his way back to Brooklyn himself. “Honestly that would depend on where in Brooklyn you are heading to. I mean I’m headed there as well but I’m headed out Williamsburg, which is a bit further out then a couple of the other neighborhoods.” 

This seemed to be turning out better than expected. Not only did the other man know where he was going, he’d also been on his way back to Brooklyn as well. This place was as big as about 3 ore more Scotlands probably. “The Heights, actually. — Although, I haven’t gotten a good look at Williamsburg yet…how do you travel there, if you don’t mind the question?”

[ivaneklund]

Louisa:

            “Thank you,” Louisa smiled, accepting his compliment easily. There had been plenty of times when he asked for his opinion o n her outfits, so of course she trusted his words. After looking at him for another moment, she turned around to ask her security more or less politely to leave them alone. “Don’t worry, he’s more capable of protecting me than all of you are combined – not that anything’s going to happen anyway,” she said sweetly, sending them away with a rather stern gaze. Knowing them, they’d just hide in a car or around the corner, still keeping an eye on her, but that was better than having them hover behind her when all she wanted to do was rekindle with her former best friend in the bustling streets of New York. It was less likely for anyone to recognize her without them anyway. Turning back towards Ivan, she nodded slightly. “I am. Clearly – I don’t know, I like New York. It’s better than being encaged in Stockholm,” she explained, hands brushing a loose blonde curl out of her eyes. “You did? No way! I can’t believe we’re in the same city all over again, that’s such great news. Where do you work?,” and before he could answer her question, she added. “Do you maybe have time for a coffee? We need to catch up.”

“You’re welcome.” Ivan nodded. Nothing to worry about. Louisa was used to his compliments and opinions from the past so he didn’t have to second guess doing so. Not that she truly needed any of them to believe it. Although he couldn’t help but grin a bit wider at the public praise “Good to still know I was good at my job all those years.” Ivan mused. “Better safe than sorry, at least what we were always told in training.” He then noticed her security scattered about. “But uhh, in all seriousness, they do a good job right? You know I have to ask.” It had been difficult quitting abruptly, for a myriad of reasons yet at the time Louisa made her move, they both knew he couldn’t do with her at that time. He’d be lying to himself if he hadn’t hoped she still would be in the city .“Yeah? That’s good you like it though. So, you’re thinking it’s going to be permanent then?” Ivan couldn’t help curiously asking, nodding enthusiastically at her elated reaction to his news. “I know! I am glad you are still here. Lower Manhattan. Freedom Tower. Mostly on night security for now…It’s not directly body-guarding for anyone specifically.” Ivan couldn’t see himself doing that, expression brightening further at the offer. “Yeah. Definitely, I mean, if you have the time. I know how busy your royal duties keep you.”

[ivaneklund]

Nic:

“Well, I think you’ve got the wrong door here, but I’m sure I can help you find who you’re looking for.” Then he held a finger up. “Or we can totally just go partying. I’m a great person to hang out with. I know from experience,” he joked.

“You know, if I did need any more reason to believe it was you, then that would ‘ve been it.” He mused in greeting to the familiar prince. “How long have you been in the city? Can’t remember if you told me of your move or not.”

[goshdarncute]

Ben Stone - Manifest 1x05

[ivaneklund]

Louisa:

           Louisa absolutely hated her security details. She tried her best to avoid them, to explore New York on her own. Whenever they tagged along, people recognized her much more often than when she was just on her own, a girl walking down the street. Of course, her parents wouldn’t let her live in New York without at least some sort of protection, and she understood why that was – so every once in a while, she couldn’t help but let them follow her along the streets hustling with people. No matter how many times she managed to sneak out the door without them, it was always torture to walk side by side with them. The only thing they were good for was carrying her shopping bags, as they did that day, while her mind was lost in her phone as they moved down the street. When she was approached by someone, at first she figured it was just some fan, but as she lifted her eyes from her phone, she was thoroughly surprised to meet Ivan’s gaze. It had been a while since she last saw the man she got to call her best friend for so many years at the palace. He’d been the person she was closest to aside her family, the one who knew everything about her. And he was what she missed the most about Sweden, especially since her rather abrupt move to New York. “Ivan,” she breathed, shock and surprise lacing through her words before she waved for her security guards to step back. “It’s fine – I know him.” And without much else, she’d stepped forward to wrap her arms around him in a tight embrace, a wide smile taking over her features. “What the hell are you doing here, Ivan? I had no idea you’d be in the city,” and after pulling back to get a proper look at his face, she added, “God, it’s been too long. It’s so good to see you.”

It had unfortunately been some time since they’d last seen one another, and the possibility Louisa didn’t recognize him could have been greater than he even realized the more the thought hit within his mind. Yet, when her eyes did meet his, there was a sense of relief that waved through him. She didn’t forget him. He’d known that look in her gaze for far too long to be thinking otherwise. There had been an abundance of questions he wanted to ask her since the sudden move, and now that a potential chance presented itself, Ivan didn’t want to mess it up. Especially with the lingering growth of underlying feelings he’d only attempted pushing aside. Their bonded, close friendship over the years he worked for the Princess of Sweden as her bodyguard meant more than any of that anyway. “— Hi.” It was the only thing he could currently breathe out currently, unsure where to start or what to say further. Thankfully, the current security detail laid off, and he couldn’t help giving them a good look, just ensuring they seemed more than suitable for her protection. After being a part of the bodyguard detail for so long before, it was practically a natural reflex. His stance wound up straightening more again, suddenly wrapped up in a warming embrace by Louisa. A smile instantly formed upon his features, arms going around her tightly in return. “You can say that again. It’s really good to see you too, you look great. Of course. — Yeah, I didn’t know if you’d still be here or…I mean, I know your last letter said you were but..” That was still a while ago since? “I got a job actually. Still in the field.”

[ivaneklund]

Quite frankly, Ivan was getting rather sick of his usual methods of transportation around the city. Yes, he should’ve been scoping things more in the few months he’d been around, but adjusting to work and the usual night-time security shift had been the primary concern of late, and the last thing on his mind returning to his current home in Brooklyn from the tower in Lower Manhattan afterwards. Seemingly spotting another nearby that looked as if they knew what they would be talking about, he casually strode up to them. “You don’t happen to know of any short-cuts, faster ways around here back to Brooklyn do you?”

[ivaneklund]

Ophelia‌:

“–––Right,” Ophelia interrupted self-righteously. In black stilettos, she cleared 5′5″ though she would’ve fooled giants with her gravity and assurance. “So, I’m a really busy person, and you’ve been talking for approximately a million years. I just want to know if you’re almost done, so I can plan for the rest of my day.” She beamed genially, eyeing the victim of her brazen. 

New York was a city teeming with people, and it was certainly a rather difficult adjustment from overseas, despite having it been a few months. And catching someone to ask a mere question? Even more so. Although luckily, seemingly over-hearing a conversation being wrapped up, he decided to walk up to the female and her company. “Hey, do either of you know if I’m going the right way to the E subway station?”

[ivaneklund]

Theresa:

“I can’t believe it’s nearly Halloween,” Theresa groaned. “I’m so behind.” Life had been so busy that she hadn’t even had time to decorate as yet. All of her Halloween decorations were still sitting on her kitchen counter waiting for her to put them out. Usually, the skulls and pumpkins came out on the first day of Autumn in anticipation for one of her favorite holidays, but this year, the time had gotten away from her somehow. It was inexcusable. “As a Halloween enthusiast, I’ve failed myself.” 

“Me either. I don’t know how time exists anymore.” Ivan found himself absent-mindedly stating, although keeping his eyes scrolling through various news articles on his phone, a habit out on break from a work shift. Despite the fact he didn’t even know it he was the one being directly addressed at the moment. Her following remark had his head finally raising. “But, I think if the date on my phone is in fact correct, you do still have a few days to go till Halloween, so I wouldn’t say that.”

[ivaneklund]

Romina‌:

Romina thought a solo outing would help her get her head together. Get some coffee, a pastry maybe, go over this script her agent had sent her, and just try to decompress. Emotionally, she was erring closer to wreck than she wanted. So, she sat there, mulling over the script but not really grasping the words on the page. She bit her lip and furrowed her brow as she read the page one more time. She absentmindedly took a sip of her coffee while still trying to focus on the page.

It had only been the first few months of being in the city and luckily, coffee shops weren’t hard to find one bit. They were at least five on every block, just like pizza shops and the like seemed to be. Although, managing the crowds was certainly an issue, and of course upon walking into the certain he’d found first, there was an extended line. Wondering if the rest of them would likely be the same way, he took a chance and turned towards a girl sitting a nearby table. “Do you know if this line gone down at all in the past few minutes?”

[ivaneklund]

—  @louisabertil

Having just finished meeting up with a fellow colleague in Manhattan, Ivan was busy gathering his jacket, belongings to make the trip back over to Brooklyn. As he glanced around, something particular seemingly caught his eye within the ever bustling Times Square crowds. At first though, Ivan refused thinking anything of it. Not just the tourist infested Times Square, but everywhere in this city was over-flowing, teeming with hurrying bodies. Although, his peripheral had him eyeing that same direction, catching a particular emblem on a passing suit jacket. Blinking, he ensured he hadn’t been just seeing things, but in fact, there were more that passed rather close by. That same security emblem for the royal family and jacket that he used to sport. It wasn’t entirely far fetched after all, Louisa had told him about the move, and knew she’d be in the same city with the job he’d taken up. He’d be stupid thinking it hadn’t crossed his mind multiple times, although, still didn’t believe anything could or would come of it regardless. But finding himself footing forward after them, Ivan really had no idea what he was doing, only until coming practically face to face with Louisa and her security detail in the near distance. A mere “Hey,” was all he’d been able to utter in the Princess’ direction, or even currently think to say in the moment, before immediately turning to the few guards. “It’s alright, it’s alright, I used to work for her. For a long time. Also as a guard.” He quickly explained, glancing back at Louisa for the confirmation, finally able to properly lock eyes in hopeful, immediate, recognition.

[ivaneklund]

Mathias:

“You can stand there looking as pretty as you want to,” he noted roughly from beneath the hood of his own car. There’d be hell to pay for the day he ever let anyone else touch it, and the garage he all too often paid to let him take up a hoist never seemed to complain much. “Or you can hand me that ratchet head sitting right in front of your face. I’m sure whatever is that important can wait two more seconds since you don’t seem wholly versed in the art of interruption.” If anything, Mathias might have preferred it had they said something, rather than simply staring. 

Still getting primarily familiar to the numerous subway stations within the past few months, Ivan finally spotted the nearest one to head back home after a work shift, only to be side-tracked by what seemed like a familiar face having apparent car issues. Deciding to approach further, he indeed find Mathias, raising a brow. “Well, now I definitely know it’s you.” Raising a brow, Ivan spotted the tool lying on the curb, and he proceeding to pick it up in one hand. “If I do, can I possibly get a ride back to the Heights? Skip the subways for a change.”

[altman-shelby]

Ben Stone || manifest  s01e01

[patdsnaps]