whelan.

32. LIVING IN SANTA MONICA. CONSTRUCTION WORKER. BIKER. DEALS IN DRUGS AND ESCORTS

[jude-whelan]

wcnderboii:

“Oh wow, yeah man cops these days are so fucking dumb. I know one who thought there was actually such thing as a medical card for meth. What did you get out of?”

Jude arched a brow at that.  Apparently people really would believe anything these days. “Because that’s exactly what the world needs.” He drawled out in a dry tone, though the words were followed with a quick laugh and an even quicker shake of his head. “Nothin’ worth going into details about, man. Just a bit of a... misunderstanding.”

[jude-whelan]

nikita-jxnes:

“Well, he was walking down the street, and I was just afraid that he was gonna end up in the road. So… I want to help the, you called it an oversized rat, right? I… I want to help it find it’s owners instead of getting hit by a car, or something.” 

The fact that she wasn’t one of those people who treated a pet as an overdressed accessory was mildly comforting. The fact that she’d actually saved the fur ball was even admirable. Not that he’d outright admit it, though. “He got a collar on or something?” Even as he asked the question his gaze drifted back to her bag to see for himself. “Or maybe take him to the vet? I heard people put those chips in dogs nowadays.”

[jude-whelan]

jordmats:

“For real though, dude. That was some scary shit. The way she was talking about it, this girl had all but like, killed her best friend… Gotta agree with you on the bare naked ladies though. The whole world would be a better place, if more people walked around naked.”

“No sense in even giving her another thought, though, man. She’ll be whining about something for the rest of her life until someone decides to smack her in the face with reality again.” In his experience people who were that self-absorbed and deluded rarely changed but it wasn’t his problem to worry over. There were much more enjoyable ways to utilize his time. “It’d certainly be happier. Most of the time, at least. I can think of a few times where that might not be the best thing you come across all day.”

[jude-whelan]

mackcnziericci:

Kenzie loved what she and Jude had. How they were just totally comfortable with each other, they didn’t have to fake anything. It was something that she’d always wanted, and it wasn’t something that she would give up easily. Life without Jude wasn’t something she saw. No matter what that meant. The only problem that came with that was the fact that Kenzie really hoped, secretly and deep down, to get a fairytale ending. Not in the way that her Prince Charming would come in and sweep her off her feet, she just wanted to find happiness. Someone who loved her that she could spend the rest of her life fighting with, that was the dream. With Jude, he just didn’t seem like the type and she would never expect that of him. But, with him around, that dream couldn’t be a reality. There was no dream with Jude, but no life without him.

“Yes, you are.” She said, a slight smirk pulling at the corners of her mouth. There was something about the way Jude looked at her, no matter where she was or what she was wearing, that always made her feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. “I should hope not. All of this took twice as long because I couldn’t find anything in my new place. Moving is a nightmare, but this has given me something to look forward to today. So, thank you for that.” She admitted. “Nope, you’re not getting it that easy. Let’s see how dinner goes, then maybe I’ll tell you.”

Their designated server chose that moment to approach the table and the stunned look he was given didn’t go unnoticed by Jude. There was no doubt that his somewhat disheveled and certainly battered appearance was an uncommon sight in the modest but sophisticated establishment. If one were to compare the crisp button downs of the other patrons to Jude’s loose t-shirt and jeans the shock across the server’s face wouldn’t have been such a surprising thing. For that reason, among others, the reaction was expected but it still managed to get beneath his skin. Giving an irritated glare he refused to look away, all but daring the younger male to pass any more judgement on what a guy like him was doing in a place like that. Or, more importantly, with a girl like her at his side. He nearly opened his mouth to offer the gawking employee a matching set of bruises but it was Kenzie’s presence alone that held the aggressive words back. Stifling a sigh he straightened out of his slouched position in the seat and re-settled into what could only be considered more ‘proper’ posture.

In a matter of minute the server had collected their drink orders, as well as their request for an appetizer, and then was off. After watching the male’s retreating back for a moment Jude finally swung his gaze back over to Kenzie’s face and coughed up a gruff, if not somewhat uncomfortable, clearing of his throat. For the first time a small part of him had actually cared about what the people around him thought. Or, more accurately, what they thought of her for being in his company. It was unsettling to say the least. His entire life up until recently had revolved solely around not caring about outsider opinions or desires.  “Well the extra time paid off because you're lookin’ better than any other girl in the room tonight. But we both know you already knew that.” Easing back into his usual charming, ‘devil may care’ persona he braced his elbows against the white linen tablecloth and leaned forward. “You gonna show me this new place of yours any time soon? Maybe we can head there next and you can finally decide if I’ve redeemed myself enough once we get there.”

[jude-whelan]

mackcnziericci:

This wasn’t the first time Kenzie had seen Jude like this, this wasn’t even the worse state she’d seen him in, and she knew it definitely wouldn’t be the last. This was normal for them, and she knew people watched the two of them when they were together, wondering what someone like her was doing with a rough looking guy like Jude. At first, it had bothered her a little, but as time went on, the way she felt when she was with him helped drown out the feeling of the eyes on them. She rolled her eyes at him, shaking her head. Kenzie knew better than to expect this dinner to be anything close to a date, she’d known Jude long enough to know that he didn’t do that kind of thing. But, there was a part of her that, deep down, wished that maybe one day one of these dinners could possibly be a date, one where he actually showed up on time. That wasn’t Jude though, and she wouldn’t change him for the world.

“Well, if that’s the case, then you’ve still got some making up to do for the last three dinners you’ve been late for. You never showed up with flowers for any of those. Watch out, I might start expecting this kind of stuff if you’re not careful. “You’re damn right they’re on you. I put on a nice dress, super uncomfortable heels, and did my hair all nice the way you like it and then sat here looking really sad for forty-five minutes. It’s the least you can do. Especially since you’ve been here for two whole minutes and haven’t made any kind of comment on how great I look.” There was absolutely no irritation or anger in her tone, only laughter as she tried to keep a straight face while telling him off. “I know better than to ask those kinds of questions, Jude. The answers can be scary.” A part of her did want to know, though. She always found herself wanting just a little more insight into his world in hopes that maybe someday she could be a bigger part of it, not just a girl he takes to dinner and sleeps with occasionally. “Dessert sounds great, but I had something else in mind.”

Jude wasn’t sure which was more terrifying... the idea of actually committing himself to going on a genuine date or the idea of having to think up new ways to surprise Kenzie with his sentimental side. After a few seconds of silent consideration he decided his guess landed with the second option. Although he was a man of many sides, soft and romantic was hardly one of them. Hell, he’d even caught himself off guard when he’d lifted the wrapped bouquet of roses from the shop down the street. Not because he’d stolen them, of course, but because he’d even cared enough to bother. Blue eyes thoughtfully narrowed in her direction as he tried to determine what it was about her that made him feel the need to push himself into unfamiliar territories. The way his expression smoothed out into a calculated blankness moments later proved he was no closer to discovering the answer than he had been the many other times the question had plagued his thoughts.

Whatever it was, though, it had him in a state of constant conflict. How could he possibly expect to keep a girl like Mackenzie in his life when there were so many pieces of him that needed to remain in the dark? There had been so many times when Jude had almost given her a glimpse of what his life looked like outside of their little bubble. Maybe it would be enough to convince her that he really wasn’t any good... and maybe that’s what he was truly afraid of. Any minute now she could change her mind about him, about whatever this was. Equal parts of Jude anticipated and dreaded the day it inevitably happened. He wasn’t about to fess up to any of his concealed thoughts, though. With an easy grin that had become so common in her presence he laughed and then gave a shake of his head. “Now I’m really gonna be needing to beg your forgiveness. Don’t think all that effort you put in tonight went unnoticed, though. You look stunning, Kenz.” She always did. All dolled up or in a pair of old sweats the girl was a sight to behold in any form. “But alright. I’ll bite. What else did you have in mind?"

[jude-whelan]

“Even I’m surprised I managed to talk my way out of that one. In case you, or that same cop down the street, are wondering... I’m the new Prince of fuckin’ Denmark. Swear to god people will believe anything these days.”

[clairesbell]

[billiexabrams-deactivated202509]

@jude-whelan

[dana-sun-blog]

“Holy shit, are you okay? I can’t believe I caught that on camera- I mean, I’m going to delete it- of course I am. But seriously, are you okay?”

[jude-whelan]

Blunt fingers massaged at the cheek that was now stained red from the slapping hand of the other woman currently storming away from where he stood. “Nothing that hasn’t happened before,” He finally commented as broad shoulders lifted in a shrug. Turning to face her Jude glanced to the camera in question and gave a chuckle. “Would sure appreciate you taking care of that, though.”

[mason-carmichael]

“Okay, so before I show you this, you have to promise me you won’t freak out,” Nikita began very hesitantly–pausing for a moment as she took a deep breath– her hands moving to the bag on her shoulder, opening it to reveal a dog. 

[jude-whelan]

There was a distinct frown of mild confusion on Jude’s face as he observed her hesitancy. The look only intensified the moment she pulled apart the opposing sides of her bag to reveal one very furry, although little, head. “---do I even wanna know why the hell there’s an oversized rat in your purse right now?”

[jordmats-blog]

“ This girl was behind me at Starbucks today complaining about how this other girl liked the same band she did, but didn’t dress like it. I mean, how can you dress like a band you listen to? What if you’re like, really into the Bare Naked Ladies? Then what? ”

[jude-whelan]

“If you ask me, those are the real people you need to worry about. Anybody who has enough time on their hands to worry about shit like that and actually have it affect their day can’t be any good. Can’t say I’d be complainin’ about any ‘bare naked’ ladies, though.”

[jude-whelan]

jeremywccd:

He could already feel the liquor burning through his veins, making him a bit more confident and outspoken. Jeremy Wood WAS a lightweight after all. The male merely shrugs, “Oh you know. The occasion of the woman who was dared to sleep with you as a joke, who wound up getting pregnant and who was so DISGUSTED by the thought of having a daughter with you she ditched her baby and the father in the hospital and who is NOW gracing herself back in their lives after three years of NO word and wants to take your daughter away from you. That occasion.” Jeremy said bitterly, grabbing another shot as he coughs while drinking it, “Sorry. I ranted. I do that when I’m nervous.”

It wasn’t immediately obvious whether Jude was just devoid of an adequate response or simply a man of little words. Either way, there was only a slight widening at his eyes as he continued to stare over the worn bar top at the other man. He wasn’t going to admit it out loud but he had a new understanding for why the guy was pounding down the liquor like it was water. He also wasn’t going to stop him from continuing down the path he’d started. Instead, Jude made a roundabout motion with his finger to signal the bartender to keep them coming. “Don’t have to apologize to me, man.” With a simple shrug he leaned forward and braced his arms against the edge of the wood. “Sounds to me like you’re not nearly drunk enough already.”

[jude-whelan]

ellanawong:

Taken aback from the comment, Ellana paused briefly before answering. “…That was actually pretty smooth. Feel free to come on over and take it along with the little candies they left me.  ― That we are. I think we should probably have that talk sooner than later since I’m running out of time.”

The crooked smirk on his lips only deepened when Ellana gave him what he considered to be an unintended compliment. “I can be when I wanna be.” The laughter slowly seeped from his eyes, however, when he began to appraise the girl in front of him. They’d only met once, very briefly, but the encounter had lasted long enough for him to grasp the bare minimum of what she was after. Mulling it over for a another moment he glanced to the ground and then gave a quick nod of his head. “I’m always up for mixing business with a bit of pleasure. Tonight work good for you?”

[jude-whelan]

mackcnziericci:

She wasn’t surprised to find herself sitting there, waiting, wondering if Jude was even going to show. Kenzie had been sat there for going on forty-five minutes, having arrived a little early, feeling quietly optimistic that maybe, just maybe, he might’ve been on time for once. Of course, her optimism had been short lived as their meeting time came and went. Yet, she didn’t leave. Kenzie continued to sit there, waiting, knowing that Jude would show up eventually, or at least let her know that he wasn’t going to make it.

As time went on, Kenzie kept looking at her phone, checking the time, waiting for a text, anything to make it look a little less sad that she was still sitting there alone. She’d just slipped her phone back into her bag when she looked up and spotted Jude making his way towards her. Letting out a short sigh as she took in his appearance, she shook her head at the state of him. She wasn’t surprised, in fact, she was quite the opposite. This was one hundred percent Jude-like behaviour. What did surprise her were the flowers that he offered. Kenzie took them, smelled them and then shook her head at him. “Flowers? Be careful or people might think we’re actually on a date or something. I’d ask what the hold up was but I’m not sure I want to know. So, I’ll happily take the flowers, and I expect you to pay the bill when we’re done. Then and only then will I forgive you for keeping me waiting this long. Deal?”

A rough hand reached higher to scrub over his face, momentarily forgetting the fact that he’d earned a few new bruises and split skin since that morning. As Jude’s fingers brushed past the fresh cut set above his cheekbone he sucked in a quiet but sharp wince. It was a good thing he didn’t care much about appearances because tomorrow he was going to be looking even worse than he did in that moment. “Yeah--- flowers.” His mouth opened to say more but then quickly fell shut again. It’d been on the tip of his tongue to dispute her claim that this wasn’t a real date but... who was he to contradict her? Over the course of the past couple of months he’d done everything in his power to keep things at strictly that. They were friends. Friends who occasionally slept with each other, granted, but friends nonetheless.

Time would tell how long he could keep up that charade. A man was only capable of coming up with so many reasons to randomly meet before his intentions became obvious; even when they weren’t so obvious to himself yet. A raspy chuckle built in the column of his throat and Jude spread both hands in front of him. “I had to do somethin’ to make up for being so late.” He really was sorry about it, too. The plan had been to make tonight different but history, it seemed, had a talent for repeating itself. At least this time he’d managed to handle the ‘situation’ in record time. Forty-five minutes late was at least a small improvement. “Dinner and drinks are definitely on me tonight. Especially if you don’t ask what kept me so long.” His deep voice was teasing but there was truth behind every word. What he did when Kenzie wasn’t around was something he absolutely meant to keep away from her. “I’ll even throw in some dessert to sweeten the deal. Sound good?”

[jude-whelan]

ellanawong:

“Nothing’s worse than when your co-workers go out to get you cake and sweets for your birthday but you don’t like eating sweets. Twenty-three and I’m still an ass.”

“Yeah but it’s a pretty fine ass so I doubt anybody’s complainin’. As far as the cake goes I’m more than willing to come over and take that off your hands. I’d say you and I are long overdue for a conversation anyways.”

[averylynch]

“I know I don’t normally drink but…Screw it. Give it here. Let me buy the next round…and maybe the round after that. Special occasion.”

[jude-whelan]

It seemed like he was drinking away his problems more than he was celebrating. Either way, Jude didn’t comment. He just gave a short and silent nod to the bartender for another round and then shifted his gaze to his right. “What’s the occasion?”

[jude-whelan]

@mackcnziericci

God dammit. Jude struggled not to let a string of curses explode out of his mouth for the third time as he hurried (without looking hurried) down the sidewalk. The plan had been to meet Kenzie going on thirty minutes ago and, naturally, he was late. Taking blunt fingertips to the side of his face he pressed against the split skin and winced at the pain. Yeah, there was definitely no hiding that one tonight. At least this time he had a valid and obvious excuse for his absence... not that she’d be any happier for it. The restaurant was coming into view up ahead and he needed to find a way to fix the mess their evening had become. As his footsteps carried him past one of the small corner stores he spied a few outdoor bins of plastic wrapped flower bouquets. Hmmm.

Angling closer to the storefront he never stopped walking but moments later, as he hopped the curb on the next street over, there was a bunch of pink roses in his hands. Some things never changed... He kept the pilfered bouquet tucked beneath an arm as he entered the building and cast a quick glance around. It didn’t take long to find her dark head in the modestly sized crowd. “I’m sorry,” An apology from Jude was uncharacteristic but she deserved one this time. Dropping down into the chair across from her he sighed and then extended the flowers in her direction. “Got here as soon as I could.”

[dvoyd]

Lord help anyone who stands in my way; for I am not merciful, and I am not kind, and I am not afraid to make you wish that I was.

say your prayers now | m.a.w (via acacoethes)