Captain Ashcroft

[mapleluke]

( male, milo ventimiglia, he/him) look who goes there! It’s luke ashcroft. wait, you don’t know who he is/are? the 45 old captain at station 5 has been in town for, like, his entire life. i believe they live in richmond, but i usually see them around seabreeze marina. they can be a bit judgemental, but i think being responsible kinda balances them out, you know?

Everyone knows the Ashcroft name and their son, Luke as he was a star at high school, captain of the football team and all around loved. Despite being from a well-off family, Luke kept his head firmly on his shoulders and is known to be kind, well rounded and great to have on your team.

He almost bought disaster and scandal to his family when himself and Ema found out she was pregnant and after a fight with his family, he proposed and Ema came to live with them, marrying right out of high school and bringing Toby up together while juggling college, it was a lot for them. Luke always had a small inkling about his ex-wife in the back of his mind but family came first. 

After a discussion with Ema, the pair of them divorced quietly, but stayed the best of friends, raising Toby together until he went off to college. Since then, Luke has met and remarried, he has two children with his current wife. 

Being the fire captain was something Luke has always wanted to do, after coming back home from college, he signed up to work as a fire fighter at Station 5, working his way up to Captain. He’s a firm but fair Captain and likes to take recruits in under his wing (and maybe play a practical joke or two on them, it keeps him young). 

Facts:

Name: Luke Ashcroft

Age: 45 (25th August)

Sexual orientation: Heterosexual

Occupation: Fire Captain at Station 5

Residence: Richmond

Hobbies/Interest: Fishing, football, long walks.

Possible connections:

His wife: they have been married for about five years now, they met when Luke was doing some fishing on the marina with his son, Toby. At the time, he was unsure if he wanted to peruse her but he couldn't get his mind off her and the next time he saw her, he said hey and the rest is history. They have two children together.

His right hand: as the Captain of Station 5, Luke has a deputy who is one of his best friends, they hang out whenever they can, catch up on their lives and fish together.

Exes: He married Ema straight out of high school, but after his divorce, he dated a few people before meeting his current wife. They could still be in contact, or they're not getting along any more, etc.

Friends: Being a popular guy over the years, Luke has a few good, close friends.

Frenemies: Someone he likes to tease but they actually get along.

Enemies: People who can't stand him or are simply jealous.

Current connections:

Ema Ashcroft: His ex-wife and very best friend, he's very happy that she's met someone and got engaged. She is his confidant and rock, together, they have bought up Toby to the best of their abilities. His two children like to call her Aunt Ema.

[whiskeyneats]

"I'm good. Thank you for asking, though." Ema replies with a smile, shaking her head. She was comfortable enough in Luke's home to help herself if needed, though it hardly came to that. Even after all of this time, Ema and Luke were still the very best of friends. "Oh, it's alright. It reminds of when Toby was young." Ema and her fiancée had talked about expanding their family too, though nothing was set in stone just yet. First their book and book tour, then their wedding, and then maybe children. Or maybe not in that order at all. It was all very much up in the air. Though Ema was a planner, she was doing her best to not crash out about all of the unknowns. "No need to apologize. How've you been? Things good over at the firehouse?"

[mapleluke]

"Yeah..." He smiled fondly at the memories of Toby when he was this age, they had no idea what they were doing but he was still alive so it must have been a good job, right? "I'm not gonna lie, it's been a little quiet in the station recently, but now I've said that, I've probably jinxed it and we'll get a call the second I go down there later." Luke said a small roll of his eyes. "But what about you? How's the writing going?"

[tapestr1es]

Cordelia nodded, though she didn't know how the 25 year old hadn't became obsessed with his cellphone. She decided it was probably not best to pry. “Ah, cute ages.” She admired, looking at the toddling not quite toddlers and their excitement on the ride. “Some parents give them one as soon as they start school now, or they already have an addiction to a tablet.” She sighed, again impressed by the two kids engaging with the ride. “Seems like they'll be good then.” After a pause, she smirked at the other. “But what about you? Did you get a phone addiction now that they're so mainstream?”

[mapleluke]

"Yeah... I noticed that, my wife and I are trying to engage them as much as we can so they don't have to depend on screens unless absolutely necessary. Kids these ages are starting to develop their social skills for example and how can they do that in front of a screen?" He asked, giving her a look then chuckled. "Unfortunately, my phone and work phone go everywhere with me, is such the life of a fire captain."

[tapestr1es]

Estelle had missed few things about town — but there was something about attractive and fit men and women clambering to show off their artistic displays that endeared her to the firefighters. “Good morning.” She smiled at the older man, recalling him setting some records a decade or so before her high school career. “Did you carve any yourself?” She asked, head tilting slightly as she admired the carvings before her. “Or are you just their artistic instructor?” 

[mapleluke]

"That one." Luke pointed out the lopsided, barely finished one, he had to rush this morning to get it done. "Are you planning on bidding on one or two? Proceeds goes right back to the station for maintenance." He explained with a smile.

[blndsrns]

Belinda could honestly care less about about the pumpkins, but it was a town tradition, and she had to show her support, plus a little festive energy wouldn't hurt her. "Good morning! You know, i think maybe the kids would have done a bit better at decorating these pumpkins" She joked.

[mapleluke]

"Yes, the kids don't have a good grip on the knives they used." Luke went along with the bit. "One of the rookies cut too deep and went through the other side, it was terrible."

[blndsrns]

"Good morning, got a great turnout I guess you could say." Maya responded as she really was not here for the pumpkins, she came early to check out the firehouse maybe get a tour for inspiration on her new project.

[mapleluke]

"We do have the best display in town after all." She didn't seem overly enthusiastic but that's okay, some people weren't. "Is there something I can do for you?" Luke asked.

[allwegetnow]

eli was a sucker for all things halloween. it was their favourite holiday, with fall being their favourite season by a mile. the leaves turning colour, all the spooky stuff that went on. it was addictive to eli, and they loved to absorb as much of it as possible. and maple brook had a lot cute halloween events than new york. she was waiting outside the fire station with her friends, excited to see their pumpkin display. "whoa, this is so cool! look at this one!" she said, pulling out her phone to take a quick photo. "you guys did a great job this year." she said to luke, as if she was here last year.

[mapleluke]

Luke smiled as Eli got excited for the display and pushed his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, I guess we did. They try every year to top each other as you can tell." The further along the line you went, the elaborate the pumpkins would get and bigger. "I don't know where they find the time honestly."

[elisiiium-a]

"It's certainly unique!" Elise says, in a way that's genuine. She hated when people were patronizing and refused, as much as she could, to be that way herself. (Internal thoughts, however, could be different.) "I just might. Which one have you done, Luke?"

[mapleluke]

"Oh jeez... I'm not that creative but it's the lopsided one." He pointed it out. "I didn't get the chance to finish it as I had to rush out."

[suturedxsoul]

her mouth curved, the sound of his teasing pulling a quiet laugh from her — low, genuine, a little rough around the edges like she hadn’t expected it. “fair enough, captain,” she said, a touch of mock formality slipping into her tone. “wouldn’t want to get in the way of protocol. can’t have chaos breaking out in the pumpkin exhibit.” her grin lingered as she followed his gaze to the rookie’s carving — the lopsided grin and sagging eye somehow managing to look both pitiful and endearing. “well, if they were trying to send you a message, at least they did it with artistic flair.” she shifted slightly, stepping aside to make room for a group of kids crowding in to admire the lineup. one of them pointed to the sad pumpkin and laughed, and billie caught the sound with a faint smile before turning back to luke. “creative therapy,” she mused. “beats paperwork and adrenaline any day.” her eyes flicked briefly to the turnout jacket again, catching how naturally it fit him — like an extension of who he was, not just the job. “though i don’t think you ever really stop being on duty, do you?” the soft glow of the lanterns threw golden edges across his features, the light catching in her eyes as she studied him for a moment longer than she meant to. “guess you’ll have to let me know when the captain actually gets a night off,” she said lightly, hands slipping into her own pockets, voice softening just a little. “i’ll make sure maple brook sends something worthy of the competition.” her tone turned playful again, head tilting slightly as she added, “so, do the townsfolk get to vote on best pumpkin, or is that power reserved strictly for the man in charge?”

[mapleluke]

"I like the paperwork and adrenaline." He mused with an amused smirk on his lips, taking another look around as the families enjoyed the display. "No." He admitted with a shake of his head. "It's hard to turn off when you're a father, a husband and a firefighter, I have to keep my family and my work family alive." Luke let out a light sigh.

"I like to vote on which one wins but that might a good idea, to get the townsfolk to vote..." He trailed off as he thought about it, the previous Captain of this station would judge them by himself, maybe it was time for a new tradition here in Station 5.

[kalcidoscope]

"okay kids, don't wander around too much and behave" ari gave his children, particularly his eldest a knowing look while ruffling their hair as the two walked into the station, his gaze focused on them as they began their walk through the jack o'lantern lane. he was about to follow through when someone spoke near him, making him turn to grin at the source, his gaze still focused on his children as he did so. "thanks, you guys did an amazing job, my children where so excited to come see a real station like this, it's so cool" he voiced, briefly switching his gaze from the two pre-teens to the other. "did you make any? to this day i still don't know how to make one look even half decent so, props if you did."

[mapleluke]

"Have they never been in a fire station before?" Luke asked with a smile, wondering if he had a bit of time to show the kids some behind the scenes, he liked to do that because some day a kid he gave a tour to might be joining the academy or training to be an EMT, the possibilities were endless. "It's the wonky one." Luke pointed it out. "I'm no good, but the others love doing the carving so I join in when I get the chance."

[suturedxsoul]

billie lingered near the entrance for a moment, watching the line of families and couples trickle through — faces brightened by the soft orange glow spilling from the rows of carved pumpkins. the air smelled faintly of smoke and candle wax, and somewhere in the corner, a speaker hummed with the faint twang of an old fall playlist. “you make it sound so official,” she said, amusement threading through her voice as she stepped up beside him. her eyes flicked to the pumpkins he’d been inspecting, lips curving. “though i think you’re underselling that sad one — it’s got character. every masterpiece needs a little tragedy.” she folded her arms lightly, turning to face him. “so, station five’s finest is also the curator tonight?” she asked, tone teasing but not unkind. “seems unfair. you save lives and run the best halloween display in town.” the compliment came easily, casual but edged with that same warmth she always carried — the kind that could be read as friendly or something a little more pointed, depending on how you wanted to hear it. a pause. then, with a faint smile, she added, “i’m starting to think maple brook might have a little competition for best autumn view.” her gaze flicked to his turnout jacket, then back up, a spark of curiosity softening her expression. “tell me, do you get to enjoy any of this, or is it all duty and pumpkin quality control tonight?”

[mapleluke]

Luke rolled his eyes good naturedly. "Well, Billie... sometimes I've got to be a fire captain and that means being official when people come into my firehouse." He teased right back then looked at the sad pumpkin she was talking about. "Ah yes, one of the rookies made that, I think they're trying to tell me something." Luke took a look around then moved so families could get closer to the tables.

"I know, we're the best." He grinned at her and chuckled. "It's a tradition our last captain started, I'm just continuing it and it let's my team get creative when we're waiting for emergencies." Luke pushed his hands into his pockets, honestly he hadn't even noticed he was wearing the jacket, it was a habit by now, get into the station, put his turnout jacket on. "I will enjoy it for as long as I can."

[elisiiium-a]

Elise always loved the local events. She's trying to do what Indy had suggested, which was going to an event without the journalist hat on.... but it was so difficult not to narrate -- in her head -- her thoughts when looking at the Jack o'Lanterns. Elise always bought one, usually bidding higher and donating more to the cause. She liked the idea of community, even if she wasn't always the most social.

"Good morning," she says in reply, smiling politely at Luke. She always liked saying hello, though sometimes it was for less fortunate circumstances. Those being... reporting on a local disaster of some kind. "These look great this year. They always look great, but I really enjoy seeing what everyone comes up with. That one looks a little sad, but I think it's my favorite one."

[mapleluke]

Luke tuned his attention again to the sad looking pumpkin. "Do you know what? Billie just said exactly the same thing, the sad one seems to be the best one." He laughed to himself. "You should bid on it." He encouraged. "I'm sure you'll find a great place to put it on your porch this year."

[allwegetnow]

he flashed the older man a tense smile as he shoved his phone into his pocket. "it's whatever. i'll make it work." he said with a soft sigh. "sorry for blocking your way, i didn't mean to stop in the middle of the street like that." he looked around, thankfully the sidewalk wasn't too busy. it was one of the things he loved most about maple brook. in new york, if you stopped in the middle of the street like that, they would spew curses at you much worse than anything he could come up with.

[mapleluke]

Luke shook his head. "No need to apologise, is everything ok?" He asked with a small smile. "That sounded intense." Then he had a thought. "I'm on my way to the station, but you're welcome to join me for a cup of coffee there and just talk if like?" Luke offered.

[tapestr1es]

Wordlessly, she gestured behind her, and her gaggle of students collectively made more room for his children.“Not a problem, there's room.” She insisted, the band kids looking on with mild irritation at their headmistress, but the tight fit aside, everyone was able to fit in just nice. Once seated again, Cordelia let out a deep sigh. “Don't I know it.” 

As the hayride began, lurching them forward, Cordelia let out a sigh of relief for the newest distraction for the kids she was chaperoning. “How old are they?” She asked, brow raised in the direction of the two children. “They're not old enough for phones, right?” After a pause, she shook her head and laughed. “Because if they are, you are doomed.” 

[mapleluke]

Luke made sure his kids weren't going to fall out of their seats first then sat himself back properly. "Four and five, great ages, just before they start going to school. We'll miss them when it happens." He chuckled some. "I have another who's 25 now, but I think we missed the whole teenager always on the phone phase with him." Luke thought back a bit then shrugged. "Thankfully."

[mapleluke]

Where: The Ashcroft house

Who: Ema and Luke

@whiskeyneats

"Are you sure you don't want something to eat?" Luke glanced over his shoulder to Ema and smiled a little as his youngest was sitting in her lap, twirling her hair around a finger. "Get off your Auntie Em, your pancakes are nearly done." He pointed to another chair and watched as they huffed, climbing into said chair. "Sorry about that, they're both very clingy recently."

[stachedmen]

Milo Ventimiglia, This Is Us 1x04 (2016)

[crestfcllens]

zayaan loved the events maple brook put on, they made the town feel even more magical. it was something he’d missed while he was away. as the mayor, his father had truly made maple brook a community. so, zayaan was eager to involve himself in all of october’s festivities. his favorite season was winter with stringed lights hanging from trees and snow covering the ground, but fall was a close second. his brown eyes flickering from pumpkin to pumpkin as the doors of the fire station were opened. as he was greeted by the captain, zayaan grinned, “you’ve got a talented bunch, don’t ’ya? who knew firefighters could be so creative? we might have to start sending some of your men to art school, captain ashcroft.”

[mapleluke]

Luke moved to look at the pumpkins again, nodding in thought. "You're know what? You're right, we do have very talented officers don't we." He said with a slight shake of his head. "How's it going, Zayaan?" Luke liked to be pleasant with people around town, learn a little about their days.