quiet, but not blind

Tony Ramos. XXII.

[losttjourney]

thisisziyu·:

“Be sure to introduce your sixty-year-old girlfriend to me when you get her,” Ziyu teased. She couldn’t help but give him an indulging smile at his words. Her brothers had been the same with their male friends; she’d found it fairly amusing that they’d never extended the same caution with the girls they knew. The fond memories she had of hooking up with her brother’s tall, pretty lab partner in high school… but never mind that. “You could always go back, you know. It’s not too late. And I think it’d be worth doing. People can say what they want about degrees these days being of less worth than they once were, and they’re right, but sometimes having that piece of paper can be a big help in situations you never expected.” She cocked her head, watching Tony’s expression. “I know you have the money and the brains for it. What’s stopping you?”

“Will do, I’m thinking of Jessica Lange, I’m sure my dad already had met her,” He clicked his tongue, containing a smile with a serious expression. The problem was that he also didn’t want to come back, he still didn’t know if performing arts was what he wanted to do and if it wasn't, he had no idea of what to try or if he should. Sometimes it was easier, to pretend that he didn’t need to think ahead of the day he was living, but deep down knew what a fool he was. “I don’t want to study something for the sake of doing it and... I don’t have anything I’ll like to do.”

[losttjourney]

littlemisslettie·:

“no!I’m- well actually, yeah! Kinda! I guess I am.” She looked at him, almost daring him to react. “I feel likemilkshakes are for… twelve and under. Like kids menus. We’re both too old.” Shedidn’t know if that would make him feel better, but whatever. “I mean. If youwant to make them? We could?”

He tried for a nonchalant look, but after a few seconds, he just shook his head with a laugh. “Guess I am,” He repeated her words with humor. Maybe he was getting old, while he still saw Violet like her baby sister. “Both of us? You’re still a baby,” Tony teased. “No... I was trying to cheer you up. Tell me what you wanna do, besides what you have to.”

[losttjourney]

thisisziyu·:

“I think I’m a little past the acceptable age to be going for older women,” Ziyu said wryly. Not to say she hadn’t been interested in them when she was younger. God, how age had crept up on her. “And I do think you ought to know the ‘bro code’ better than I do. I’m halfway through my likely lifespan; if I want to sleep with someone I just do, codes and unspoken rules be damned.” Not a very noble sentiment, but she’d never really claimed to be that kind of person anyway. She drained her glass, pondering if she should order another. Well, the night was young. “You’d better not be in trouble,” she began, then frowned. “I sound like my parents. Forget I said that.” Ziyu amended her statement carefully. “You can talk to me if you happen to be in trouble, but it’s good that you’re not.” Right, that sounded better. “Now what are you feeling so ‘weird’ about?”

“Sixty years old been killing it lately,” He shrugged jokingly, obviously getting what she meant by that. “It always sounded stupid to me, but I guess some of the supposed rules are reasonable enough... Like I wouldn’t want my friends going after one of my sisters,” Or any man, if he was being honest. But he knew he couldn’t be that protective all the time... Or he tried to understand it, at least. He crooked an eyebrow at her, chuckling after she corrected her words. “I will,” Besides, who else would he talk to? “I don’t know, thinking maybe I should’ve stayed in college, finish my degree... It's not like I'm doing anything.”

[losttjourney]

littlemisslettie‌:

“yeah?” she looked at him, confused and smiling at the memory. He’d always gotten in trouble for wasting all the meterials and making such a mess. Yet another time she’d gotten off easy. “that was kinda fun.” She had to admit it. But still… “aren’t we a little too old?”

He laughed incredulously, he thought that it may have been a nice way to try and cheer her up or something. “Are you calling me old?” He asked, half-teasing. “Who’s old enough for a milkshake?”

[losttjourney]

littlemisslettie‌:

she let him stroke her hair. Vi herself didn’t have many rules with who could touch her. she’d been hugged, kissed on the forehead and cheeks,  and sat on the laps of people she barely knew since she was little. it was all fine as long as they stayed good to her, but with her family it felt special.

“hey… um… so…” she looked up, a laugh already returning to her voice. “do you want to… play my scales, now?”

He let go of her slowly, breaking the contact. “Well...” He was still concerned and doubtful as to if that was what Lettie needed at the moment. He shook his head, pensive. “Remember when we used to prepare milkshakes? All kinds of sugary?” He wasn’t a fan now, but was trying for her. “What if we do that first?”

[losttjourney]

thisisziyu·:

Ziyu nearly choked on her wine, willing herself not to laugh and/or throw yet another napkin at Tony. It was an even chance at the moment. “Very funny. Have some faith in my taste.” She wavered for a moment - she wasn’t sure if Tony was acquainted with Amy or Rhiannon, and she was even less certain of whether she’d want him being aware of who exactly she was sleeping with. Didn’t want to scar him for life if he did know them. “Hands off,” she answered instead, teasing and mischievous. “Find your own girl to mess around with.” She swirled her glass thoughtfully, slowly frowning at him. “Are you really all right? You seem so…” She waved her hand vaguely, not sure how to put her concerns in words. “Did you get into trouble or something? You know I can help - especially if it’s got to do with money.” Lord knew she had more money than she could reasonably spend - she had no qualms spending some of it on helping the kid out.

“I did say she was a nice lady, I’m sure she was a bombshell on the early 50′s or something,” He wiggled his eyebrows. At her next words, he laughed, raising his hands as if he was surrending. “Relax, I wouldn’t mess around with someone you already did,” He remarked with humor. “That’s against the bro code or something like that. I don’t know, does that really exist?” Of course, after the word left his lips he felted stupid. He waited for her to found an adjective and smiled a little tightly. “I’m fine. Now I see how shady I sounded... I’m not in trouble of any kind,” He clarified, sighing shortly. “Just feeling weird, I guess.”

[losttjourney]

oftrainwrecks·:

“That’s funny. I don’t recall asking you for your opinion, yet here you are spouting at the mouth,” Jaslene responded offhand, scoffing in disdain at his unwarranted comment.

“That’s funny, I should’ve assume you were talking to the air and expecting no answer.” He rolled his eyes, unfaced. He had three sisters, the outcomes weren’t new.

[losttjourney]

 oftrainwrecks·:

“Name one stupid death in horror movies. The Final Destination franchise doesn’t count and didn’t deserve to thrive either,” she challenged with a smug smile, almost positive she could contest any of his answers.

“The whole Happy Birthday To Me movie, Maximum Overdrive and the soda machine, Paranormal Activity, any of them with any death,” He started to name a few, reserving his favorite for the end. “And Halloween and their obsession with the butcher knife.”

[losttjourney]

littlemisslettie‌:

No… he was moving away… Vi fallowed him, seeking comfort under his arms, hugging him tight. He was always the one who was the rock. She didn’t want to float away now. “I’ll try, I promise. I’m sorry… I didn’t wanna scare you.” She really didn’t. “can we just… not let go? For a sec…?·

He let her hugged him, stroking her hair in what he hoped it’ll be a soothing way. “It’s okay,” He was still a bit confused as to how things turned out but wanted to comfort her none the less. “Yeah.” His family was the only exception to his ‘no hugs’ rule, besides he missed her. 

[losttjourney]

bcllalyonns·:

“I tried to break up with him because he cheated on me with my best friend and he won’t let me go now!” She reassured the other despite knowing the question was rhetorical as she frowned, not looking at her ex anymore. “Never do that again or I swear I’m calling the cops!” She reassured her ex as she started to walk away. “Thanks, I really needed the help.”

Too many details. Tony tried to maintain a skeptical face, but his expression became incredulous. What a cheating asshole. He followed closely, making sure the guy was left behind. “Don’t mention it. Are you okay though? That was messy.”

[losttjourney]

littlemisslettie‌:

“sorry… i just-” how to put it? was there a reasonable way? “I tried to tell you to stop- and i couldnt? because i couldn’t breathe? not to stop laughing… i guess he’s grown more power-” she dissolved into tears, breathing deeply. it was just an adrenaline crash hitting her hard. “it was scary. i’m sorry… I know you’re safe… i couldn’t breathe…”

He moved away, enough for him to sit on the bed and puller by the arm without force, as to look at her face. “I’m sorry... I didn’t notice,” His frown deepened, noticing the tears welling in her eyes. “Next time push me away, okay? I didn't mean to scare you."

[losttjourney]

thisisziyu·:

She supposed that was true - she knew better than most the kind of environment Tony had grown up in. Her kids had basically grown up in the same. Strange how differently they’d turned out. “Sure, he can learn to climb a ladder. Again, you’re never going to be called for babysitting duties,” Ziyu teased, then smiled ruefully at him as it finally clicked for Tony. “Yeah. Relieve tension,” she laughed. It rang a little hollow even to her, but she steadfastly pushed it aside, looking down at her wine to avoid looking right at him. “Yeah, they’ve all been… busy. The two older ones growing up, and god knows what my husband’s doing with his time ever, so. You’re lucky you see your siblings often.” She thought. She wasn’t actually sure how his relationship with them was at the moment. “And you’re not a disappointment. You’ve always been smart and hardworking as long as I’ve known you. Or from what I could see.” 

“Oh, c’ mon,” He chuckled, but that statement was fair. What would he do as a babysitter? Probably not a good job, that’s for sure. This time he laughed a little, crossing his arms on the table with a curious look on his face. “So, who’s the fortunate one? Tell me it’s not Miss Graham at the corner of the street. She’s a nice lady, but I think the walker might inconvenience the whole thing...” Tony wasn’t sure if he’ll be crossing a line asking something that personal, but he might as well give it a shot. “I wouldn’t say I see them often. Like you already imagined they’re pretty busy and...” He shrugged, already accustomed to that fact. It was sad, sometimes. “Yeah... Lately I’ve been failing even on that. But hey, the good news is that I’ll never have to worry about my incomes at least.” He finished his beer with the last sip, obviously teasing.

[losttjourney]

littlemisslettie‌:

she gasped as soon as she was able, laying flat on the bed. Her chest heaved, and she was hot. She just wanted to stay for a minute, thankful he’d quit. “I…” she had half a mind to yell tricked ya! Just to get him to think she was really okay. But she knew she was too scared he might just continue his assult if she did, so she didn’t. she just reached up and hugged him, pulling him back down to her. “I-I couldn’t breathe…” She muttered, trying to wipe the tears out of her eyes without letting go of him. “I surrender.”

“Hey, you scared the shit out of me,” He breathed a little bit better now that she was responsive, hugging her back without doubting. “What happened there? I didn’t think the tickle monster was that powerful,” He tried to lighten the mood, but his voice was somehow strained. That never happened before and that was concerning. “You know I’ll never hurt you, right?” 

[losttjourney]

bcllalyonns·:

“i said let go of me, you bastard!” arabella replied to her ex-boyfriend as she was trying to leave right after their breakup, but it seems that her ex wasn’t able to let her go especially since they’ve been together since they were twelve. 

“Hey, what’s the problem here?” He came closer the moment he recognized the blonde figure, getting between them for the contrary to loosen his grip on her. “What the fuck, man?”

[losttjourney]

thisisziyu·:

“You were raised in a barn,” Ziyu retorted. It wasn’t a particularly good comeback, not that she was particularly fazed by that. “And no, he is not, because six-year-old children should not be climbing anything more dangerous than a flight of stairs.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t make me throw another napkin at you. I’ll do it.” She would, too. If not for that little quip, maybe for wilfully pretending he didn’t know what ‘extracurricular activities’ she was implying. Or did he genuinely not know what she was talking about? Ah well, to be young and innocent. She glossed over it, quickly moving to respond. “I can understand that. I feel like I barely see anyone but Rocco these days.” She sighed - her husband she wasn’t concerned about, but she missed the days when her kids were running to her for every little thing and giving her bright smiles and long reports about their days. “Violet, I think. She seems sweet, if overworked - seems like a trend in your family.” 

“An expensive one then,” He snorted, his words full of irony. “I think he’s at a healthful age to learn how to climb more than just a flight of stairs,” But again, what did he know about parenting and taking care of a child? It was a fortune how he never wanted to babysit even his cousins. That answer was enough for him to realize what she probably meant by that, making him open his eyes more. “Ohhh, I see,” There was complicity on his voice, taking a long sip of his beer. “I mean, that’s good, right? You can... Relieve some tension and everything,” Was he allowed to comment on that? Probably he’ll receive another napkin on the face. “It’s been a while since I saw anyone from your family,” That wasn’t Rocco, at least. “She’s sweet, but overworked indeed... I think it is a trend, that’s why I’m the disappointment,” He mumbled the last part with sarcasm. “I’ve been telling her to chill out a little, though she feels that everything’s fine and that if her sisters could do it she can too.”

[losttjourney]

littlemisslettie·: “n-n-“ she was giggling, squirming and convulsing under him,trying and failing to skirt away. Tony knew all of her most ticklish points atthis point. He’d been the one to discover half of them, hadn’t he? She knew she’dlost. So she held out a minute longer, simply to spite him. and then, when she opened her mouth to surrender… 

she couldn’t.

 But she was alsogiggling like mad, so with the lack of air she couldn’t ask him to stop, evenwhen  she tried. Fear began to bubble inher eyes, and she began to cry. Her hands slapping the bed in an attempt to tapout. Now she wasn’t giggling, now laughs were being ripped from her. 

And it wasscary.

When there wasn’t laughter anymore he was confused, finally noticing the expression on his sister’s face. He frowned, instantly stopping his movements and moving away to check if he didn’t hurt her. “Lettie? What’s wrong?” Tony asked, concern evident in his voice. “Hey, breathe.”

[losttjourney]

thisisziyu·:

Ziyu laughed out loud and threw a napkin in Tony’s face. “You have a very limited understanding of the lifespan of birds and of electrical dangers, Tony Ramos,” she teased. “Remind me never to let you babysit, you’d probably let Rocco climb a tree and just cheer him on.” She smiled as she took another long drink of her wine. “Don’t go flirting with me now, you’re like a son to me. But thank you, and I daresay you’re right. But it was about time. It’s nice to have free time to myself, and to my… extracurricular activities.” Probably shouldn’t be telling him about the extramarital affairs that were taking up most of her time. That description was close enough. “How’s your family doing? I met your sister a while ago - she came down to the shop.”

The napkin hit his face and Tony narrowed his eyes, feigning annoyance. “And you shouldn’t be throwing napkins around, were you raised in a barn?” He cocked an eyebrow, containing a teasing smile. “Is he able to climb trees now?” And he was only asking for science, nothing more. “Am not!” That made him laugh. “I do think you’re pretty and everything though,” He was being honest, on a platonic way, of course. “Extracurricular activities?” He frowned slightly, obviously not understanding what she meant by that. “My family is busy as always, we barely see one another, so...” He shrugged, smiling at that last mention. “Which one?”