&& Swim Good

That's a pretty big trunk on my Lincoln town car, ain't it? Big enough to take these broken hearts and put 'em in it. Now I'm drivin' 'round on the boulevard, trunk bleedin', and every time the cops pull me over, they don't ever see them.

[orionxanderson]

@crimsonfaux​ || Oliver Faust

Location: Chicago airport. 

Time: 4:23 pm

- && Three weeks had moved so quickly. But then again he had a lot of fun so the saying was true after all; time flies when you have fun. He had spent all those weeks with his family, just hanging out and catching up. It was hard to do that when you live in Chicago, so far away from the islands he called home as a kid and teen. He had missed his parents and childhood friends. While there he even visited the grave of his childhood sweetheart, placing flowers and updating him on what have changed in Orion's life. He knew that his former lover would have been happy that he finally found someone new to love. That he finally got that second chance. But the one he missed the most was Oliver who was still in Chicago. So the travel back felt like it took way too long, his heart aching for the other. The second the plane landed, he almost rushed out of the plane.

A soft smile formed when he saw the other. Walking up to him, he dropped the bags onto the ground and cupped his face. "Hey you" Orion whispered before he leaned in, kissing the other with as much passion he could muster up.

[alvarocabreraleon]

location: lincoln park zoo (neutral)  time: around non opened to: all @crimsonstarters

Thank God it was sunny and nice out today. Alvaro had really had it with the cold Chicago winters, and even into May, it proved to be quite cold, but today? Today was a warm, sunny day and he was pleased with it, especially after what had happened at the art gallery. He had a few tips on who had started things, knowing the Walshes had gotten in over their head with some other gangs, but he couldn’t connect all of the pieces yet. He was determined to, but he also knew he had to take care of his mental health too. The Lincoln Park Zoo was a great place to do that, something he loved to do with his late husband and his granddaughter. It was a good distraction, as he breathed in the nice air and looked at the lions, smiling. 

“God, mira eso. Imagine being stuck in a cage with them for a minute or two. Although, I have to say, after what happened at that reopening the other night, I think everyone around town is feeling pretty invincible.” He joked, sighing. “With my clients though, day in and day out, prosecuting everyday, I know how the lions feel - fiere as anything. We all got more a backbone than we think. ¿No es esa la verdad?“ 

[orionxanderson]

- && The trip to Hawaii had been needed after all the hard work he had done this year. Dealing with the traumas he had endured during the last year and the injuries he had sustained, he almost craved a vacation from this town. He had missed Oliver the most, of course. Talking to him almost everyday while he was away. But he also believed that this trip would help them in their new relationship. Orion didn't want to become cold and reserved again but he did have moments when he just felt like he couldn't truly breathe. Three weeks in Hawaii, his home, it brought back so many amazing memories but also sad ones. It was nice to face it all head on without running away like he normally did. But now he's back in Chicago and the second stop he did after his reunion with Oliver was the Zoo. 

He was just minding his own business when he heard a familiar voice. Turning his attention towards the younger man, Orion smiled softly. "Being locked inside a cage is something I never want to experience. A mental cage is enough for me" the teacher chuckled and then shook his head.

[shesnake]

Lucy Liu presenting Keanu Reeves the MTV Award for Best Fight (The Matrix), 3rd June 2000.

[orionxanderson]

crimsonfaux​:

Oliver overheard Matty’s shouted whisper tone of awe, “Wow!  Glock you can has this flower. Dad! Dad! Oreo him gave me flower.” His brows furrowed, and he frowned only for a second since he was unable to see the image in all its glory. “Oh that’s very nice of Orion. What do we say?” He murmured softly in the direction of where he thought Matty lingered next to his leg. “grazie, Oreo!” The boy spoke up happily, before he bound away. The warm happiness returned to Oliver’s facial expression as he heard the interaction between the two of them. Orion was important to him, even though he wasn’t sure exactly what he felt for the other man.  “He is a good kid, but a handful for sure. He knows some Gaelic too, but we don’t speak that here really.” A language that had been an exposure on his Walsh side, and he wouldn’t mind terribly if Matty forgot the words he learned within it.

“That’s good to know.” It always made him feel better when he felt he could trust someone to not leave him. However, those damning whispers always manifested in the back of his mind. They catered to the pattern of his past, and those he got close to leaving. Lilah started to pat him on his shoulder and babble, which he assumed meant she wanted to be down. For a second he wondered if he should steal a kiss, considering how even the smallest peck caused his heart to skip merrily. Another place, and perhaps he was reading the situation wrong. After he set Lilah down, he waited a few minutes before he carefully tried to maneuver over towards the direction, he last heard Orion’s steps. “Are you on borrowed time? I know a couple of people are going to multiple houses.” He leaned himself against the counter, using his gloved hand to trace him along towards the stove. “I should warn you, I had Matty help with the pizza creation. I have a feeling it’s going to be pretty cheesy.” He chuckled, even though the sight was currently lost on him. He was still able to visualize it in his head.

________________________________________________

- && Now that was a nickname, that's for sure. Nicknames were a rarity in his life. His mother called him all the nicknames under the sun, it had always been reserved just for her. But now hearing Matty call him Oreo, it melted his heart. He could get used to this, to being called Oreo and being invited to Oliver's home. He cursed himself and his shyness, how he never knew when to make a move and when to stand still. Orion didn't want this to be seen as a friendly date and he didn't want the other to be left in the dark for too long. He wanted all the cards to be on the table, the truth to be known. He wanted the two of them to move past the friendship stage and finally become a couple. But he never knew when to make those wants known. Smiling softly when the young boy thanked him for the flower, he sighed. "Anytime, Matty" he said. His gaze then moved to Oliver, the source of all this inner turmoil. It still amazed Orion that he had actually been able to truly fall in love again after all this time. "Gaelic? That is actually amazing. It is such a beautiful language. Not many people appreciate it" of course he would talk about that. Man was he awkward. He never knew what to say or do. 

Falling silent for a couple of minutes, he continued to look at Oliver. He wanted to make sure that he didn't trip and fall. Now that would be a shame. His expression softened when Oliver started to move towards him, he didn't reach out, no. If the other wanted to find him on his own then so be it. "No, I am free all day" he then walked closer, placing his hand on Oliver's smaller back. It felt better knowing that he would be there to catch him if he would fall. "Good thing I love cheesy pizza's then"

[orionxanderson]

alvarocabreraleon​:

Alvaro smiled, nodding. “I’ve heard it is nothing short of spice and good. I like spicy things, and Cuban food is nothing but spice. It brings such life to the plate and you know how much I adore a good colorful spice to my palette.” He shrugged, taking a good sip of his espresso that helped him run most days. He relied on it more than most things to keep him from going crazy and Cuban espresso was made even stronger. “A weakness? Well, that’s something I can definitely show you to. Two men enjoying delicious Cuban food never hurt anyone and I know all of the best Cuban places, for sure. You would love them.” He smiled, arching an eyebrow. “Oh, it is indeed, but I have faith we will meet each other again, like we are promised. I have great faith in that. He sees all that I do and what our children do. I know this in my heart.” Alvaro nodded, warmly, letting out a chuckle. “High school students, wow. So you must have a very, very strong backbone then, do you? High school students are without a doubt a different kind of monster, aren’t they?” 

_______________________________________________________

- && “Spicy food will always be one of my favorites. I never get bored of eating it and I love seeing how people that are not used to spicy food react to it” Orion said and nodded. But after the laughter, he always felt bad. That was the curse of the caring nature he had, he would always feel bad whenever he laughed at someone else’s expense. Looking at Alvaro, the smile never once left his lips. It felt nice to meet a likeminded individual. “Well I would love to go to one of those places sometime. I need more Cuban food in my life” it had been such a long time since he had a good Cuban dinner, it must have been four or five years ago. Gaining friends had always been hard for Orion due to his naive mindset. He always wanted to see the best in people even when they only wanted to use him and his kindness against him. Years of that same old routine have caused him to unintentionally close out any potential friendship. “So you believe in an afterlife?” he couldn’t help but to ask. It was an interesting topic, one he didn’t get the chance to talk about all that often. “That is the funny thing. I am a very sensitive person. But when I get into the role of a teacher, I shut that down and become more assertive. I make it known that I am very serious about my class. That is why my students respect me. Because I don’t let them walk all over me”

[eliminated]

[orionxanderson]

crimsonfaux​:

It rather upset him the pain that throbbed in the back of his head, and the pain he felt behind his shut eyes. Oliver couldn’t see Orion, but being this close somewhat made up for it. The warmth and comfort he felt being beside Orion with only the paper thin hospital gown to separate them was an experience. One neither of them actually wanted, but they would get through this. He hummed softly as his fingers dragged carefully across Orion’s exposed flesh. Being mindful not to lift his hands on the other’s head, or comb through his hair because of the head injury. He inched his face closer to rest against what he assumed to be Orion’s shoulder. Snuggling close to the other man in this moment of complete vulnerability.

Even though he couldn’t see his face, he felt the general flush of his cheeks. While his lips found their resting spot near the other man’s neck as he got comfortable. The groan caused him to giggled in a hushed tone, but he felt the pain that accompanied the small bout of joy linger on the back of his skull and his face. “I think that’s the one. Some of my siblings read it and tried to explain it to me. They wrote me letters when I was overseas like I had asked them for a book report.” Oliver’s voice soft, and there’s a weak smile that remained stuck upon his lips. “I bet you had the grade a lot of papers about it, right?” He’s never even thought about it before, but the idea randomly populated being this close to Orion. “You haven’t taught one of the Fausts have you? Sorry if you did, unless it was the mild tempered ones.” One of his arms slowly looped around Orion’s waist. Finding a spot to rest until they were ultimately interrupted by the night nurse.

Oliver can feel his heart skip a beat when he heard the whispered words of Orion. Did he mean what he said or was he saying it to appease him? Deep down he felt he trusted Orion enough to know the other meant what he had said. That Orion, though not violent, would turn the world to look for him. “I don’t want to move either. I’m pretty sure I’d walk into a wall at this point, and I’d much rather just be here with you.”

____________________________________________________

- && Normally Orion shied away from being touched unless it was family. Not even many friends got the chance to get up close and personal with him, not after his ex boyfriend died. He knew that it was rather sad that he had held onto that heartbreak for as many years as he had. But when you are that young, you are naive. You truly do believe that you can be on top of the world, that nothing can ever get to you or harm you. Losing him was such a big change in his life, a shift he didn't think he would experience that young. It caused him to be afraid of commitment, of trusting someone else with his fragile heart. And he had been content with living a single life to the day he died. Oliver came and pushed down those protective walls, changed his mind and made him see things from a different more hopeful perspective. 

But he had also still been afraid of actually thinking that the other could possibly like him back. That thought was rare, he had not seen any sign of that being the actual truth. It had all been wishful thinking and he will never truly know unless he made a move or even told him. Just laying there in that hospital bed with him in his arms, it was the closest thing to heaven he had experienced in years. "It was clumsily written but I truly do believe that if the author was a little bit better, the story could have been good. The world needs more supernatural stories" Orion mused. It may not have been a story for him but many people out there found comfort between the pages of that book. So who was he to make fun of it? "I did and it was an interesting read. They really were passionate about the story and it was a lot of fun to witness. Ones man's trash can be someone else's treassure. And it was their tressure so it was a lot of fun" he never really got the chance all that often to talk about his job. Mainly because most people found it too mundane and boring. "I do not think I have had a Faust in my class before"

Brushing his lips against Oliver's forehead, Orion closed his eyes. Baby steps, he had to take baby steps. If he rushed, he could scare the other away and that would be the last thing he ever wanted to do. "Then stay here for as long as you want" he mumbled.

[orionxanderson]

crimsoncarrigan​:

steeling herself for an onslaught of insults, carrigan was happily surprised when she was greeted with a smile. her own smile shone right back, “are you sure?” she felt bad, especially now that he’d proven to be kinder than the average chicagoan. “you seemed so content before me and my lack of spacial awareness came to interrupt and i won’t be able to live with myself if i don’t rectify that in some way.” the nurse explained with a chuckle. she wasn’t the least bit dramatic, obviously. 

_____________________________________________________________

- && Orion couldn’t help the chuckle that slipped past his parted lips. It had been a long time since he met someone who seemed so gentle and kind. The fact that she wanted to make it up to him showed to him what a warm heart she had. “Now this sounds like a line straight out of a Jane Austen book” of course he had to pull out a bad literature reference. He always did, it was kinda his thing. After each class he had, he would pull out one of those references and it was always met with the groans of his students, it was hilarious. “But I have to once again assure you that it’s okay”

[orionxanderson]

crimsonfaux​:

“I suppose you make a good point. Everyone has their limit,but I haven’t met mine yet. Or maybe I just don’t recognize it.” He honestlywasn’t sure himself if he knew a time he hadn’t felt stressed about things.Oliver had assumed it was somewhat normal with the territory and duties.Perhaps he had been wrong though, it was interesting to hear Orion’s point ofview of things. An unsoiled perception into his life not muddled with theknowledge of his criminal activity. Part of his selfish side wanted to keepOrion at arm’s length for that reason, but the majority of him wanted to pullthe other man closer into the web. To test and see if he could survive in hisworld. It still all confused Oliver, but he knew for utter sure that he caredfor the other dearly. Oliver continued to be gentle, while his free hand interlacedhis fingers with Orion’s. A small victorious smile as he placed the small padand tape over the wound. “Might have to stop by to check on this in a few days.”He was no medic, but in his position he needed to know basic medical proceduresfor survival. Orion’s answer made Oliver’s eyes widen in somewhat disbelief. “Th-threeyears?” What was this other man? A saint? Oliver blinked slowly, “Don’t hold itin. I feel bad, because here I lose my temper at least a few times a day.” Hechuckled. Though none of those times had been directed at Orion even via text.

“I don’t think you could bore me. Maybe calm me, but notbore me. I’d find things to amuse us.” Oliver was a simple man when it came toamusing him, and one of the cardinal rules of no fast food was the most genericpleaser when it came to him. “What do you eat in the Autumn and Winter months?Blueberries?”

_________________________________________________________

- && To some it may be childish to have a crush on someone at this age. But Orion couldn't care less. The feelings had grown during the year the two of them had talked and spent time together. It was always there at the back of his head, the voices yelling at him to make a move. He never knew the relationship status of the other man as such things never came up in conversation. It would be weird to ask, wouldn't it? He was rather confused as it had been literal years since he last felt any romantic affections towards another man. He had shut those needs down, pushed them away after his first real boyfriend had passed away. He couldn't get involved with someone and then lose them. Orion didn't know if he could ever cope with such a loss again. But Oliver was different on so many levels. The way he looked at Orion, the way he spoke. It was so kind, so effortless. And it caused the normally calm man to freak out. Love was just such a terrifying yet beautiful emotion to experience. And no matter the age, you will always fear it yet welcome it like an old friend. Orion zoned out as he looked at the other, almost forgetting to answer. "Yeah that sounds good. My door is always open for you" the raven haired English teacher nodded to his own words, cursing himsel for being so obvious. Or well at least to him it was obvious. "Yes, three years" Orion knew just how ridiculous it sounded, three years without getting angry? But Orion had never been someone who focused on negative emotions. He found that to be a waste of precious time. "No need to feel bad. It's only human" he assured.

Biting down on his bottom lip, gaze moving towards their intertwined fingers, he hummed. "Good" he was starting to notice just how fast his mind was currently moving, how hard it was to keep talking when all he wanted to do was kiss him. "During the autumn months it's Blueberries, yes. But when it's winter I eat a lot of apples"

[shesnake]

Keanu Reeves photographed by Terry O’Niell, 1993

[stainedblccdy-deactivated202401]

location: non-public place in neutral or faust territory

“i know it’s past curfew, but i also know that if i don’t smoke in the next ten minutes i’m going to lose my motherfucking mind --” zakiya snapped at the other after being questioned for grabbing her purse as if she was about to leave. “i’m not asking you to come with me,” she clarified in a more tamed tone, sliding her arms into an oversized black leather jacket that swallowed most of her curves. she took her wallet out of her purse and shoved it into her pocket instead, before tying her hair back in a low pony, unconsciously making herself look more masculine in preparation to go outside after dark with no weapons on her. she couldn’t risk getting caught up hot by the cops, and though she didn’t plan to be seen at all on her little excursion she knew it was a possibility. she was that desperate for a black and mild and some green. still, there were dangers she had to be aware of, not limited to the curfew or the chicago pd. finally looking back at the other, she offered her signature mischievous smile. “take a pill, okay? i’ll be right back, i promise.” || @crimsonstarters​

[orionxanderson]

- && Rubbing his temples, he hummed to himself. It truly had been a long day and the whole curfew thing didn’t make it easier. All he wanted to do was hang out with his boyfriend, take him and the kids out for dinner and then spoil the kids rotten with toys and candy. But no, he had to be inside at all times. Orion had the patience of a saint but it was slowly running out which was terrifying. Hearing someone speak, the tired teacher looked up at her. “Hm?” he asked, clearly a little confused. “Were you talking to me or him?” Orion then asked, gesturing towards the guy next to him.

[orionxanderson]

alvarocabreraleon​:

Alvaro smiled, nodding softly. “Indeed it does. Cuban food always has that effect on me, since my blood is Cuban and my culture. Our food is special - it’s got heat, warms you from the inside out. It’s the best part of us. We make food from the soul.” He smiled, very much in belief of his culture and what the food meant to him. “Italian food is like that too - it has heart and it has warmth. Warms you to the bone. I don’t know much about this place, the owners of it, let’s say - but the food is divine, I will get them that.” Alvaro arched an eyebrow, knowing exactly who owned this Italian restaurant. Faust owned. “You like that, mijo? You should hear my phone number.” He chuckled, his eyebrow still raised as he looked the man up and down. “Oh, yeah? Well, I moved here back in the day, for law school, met my husband and he showed me the color and excitement of Chicago. Fell in love with it, and him, more and more. He passed away not too long ago, but - fighting for Chicago, the Chicago he and I shared- it’s what I love to do.” He shrugged. “What do you do, Orion?” 

________________________________________________________

- && "Ah I have never tried Cuban food before. You've got me interested now. I am quite biased when it comes to Hawaiian food as I am part Hawaiian and I lived there during my childhood and teenage years. It's beautiful to watch people make these amazing dishes, see them grow right in front of you and become this piece of art. Because I have always seen food as an artform" Orion said and nodded, feeling like he was rambling a little too much. But the other had not told him to shut up yet so that was a good sign. "Food that comes from the soul, it's the best kind of food. That is why I rarely order take out because it's just.. fast food. And it doesn't have the same amount of care and love put into it" he sighed. Besides he had never been a fan of take away, he liked to spend time in the kitchen. It was one of his many happy places. "Ah yes the food here is amazing. And the owners are very passionate about each item of food they place on the dinner plate" Orion quickly added. Rubbing the back of his neck, he couldn't help the faint blush at the nickname, not really knowing what to say to that. As he continued to listen, he could feel a frown form on his face at the mention of Alvaro's loss. "I am so sorry for your loss" he knew a fair share about losing someone you love with all your heart and soul. "Me? I am an English teacher. What about you?"

[plaztic]

[orionxanderson]

xofaddiction​:

“oh, orion is such a cool name!” she gushed. her name wasn’t usual: most she came to know didn’t know that a name like hers existed, but being named after a constellation was so much more ethereal than just a person lost in the pages of the torah. “my name’s tirzah,” her name was a soft offering, a light accent on her lips as she held her hand out to his for a shake. it was presumptuous to assume he was one to shake hands and accept contact from a near perfect stranger, but it was still polite to offer the gesture. “i know! no one ever comes here, i guess, which kinda sucks, because it’s such a nice place. i guess i just like coming to the zoo. i always thought animals made more sense than people ever did, you know? instinct’s all that matters, nothing else. it’s peaceful, i guess.”

- && “Your name is beautiful as well. Very unique which makes it even more special” Orion had always had a weak spot for unique names. Names that meant something to the mother and father who gave it to their child. Orion had always been his mother’s favorite constellation, she often spent hours just looking at it while she was young. She had promised herself that no matter the gender of the baby, she would name it Orion. And she did. Taking her hand into his own, Orion gently shook it with a soft yet welcoming smile on his lips. “It makes this place even more charming. The fact that people do come here but not big groups. It gives you some alone time with the animals and with your thoughts” he mused.

[orionxanderson]

daphnexdemir​:

Daphne turned her head to look over at him with a smile on her features. “Of course.” She glanced towards the record, pressing her lips together. “I actually have a few records back at my place if you would prefer to hear them before you purchase them. I know that’s how picky I am when it comes to buying the full of records especially when strangers recommend them to me.”

- && Now that was a very nice offer. Not one you hear all that often. Normally he met reserved people, those who wants to just be alone in their own protective bubble. Orion was one of those people so he couldn’t really judge all that much. But he did worry. “Yeah sure. I do think I am going to buy it anyways as I do need some new music in my life” he told her and nodded.

[fominone]

[crimsoncarrigan]

*! location: a neutral coffee shop. *! status: open | @crimsonstarters​

the mood over the last few days had seemed to reflect in the weather as carrigan exited swag, the skies opening up to soak her. holding her bag above her head as she ran, carrigan skidded into a nearby coffee shop. she tried to shake off as much of the precipitation as she could before going in, but a puddle still managed to pool under her feet when carrigan stepped in. “y’know.” the nurse sighed, pulling her curls out of their messy bun. “you’d think that, after living in chicago for my whole twenty four years, i’d start carrying an umbrella, but no.” she chuckled, shaking out her hair before realizing she was probably close enough to shake water on the person next to her. “oh, shit. sorry! did i get you?” 

[orionxanderson]

- && After long shifts at work, it was always nice to go and get a cup of coffee. And whenever he was on his way to work, he did the same. It was the small things that mattered to Orion, the things that made his everyday life work so well. He tried to live a normal life even though he knew that the second he kissed Oliver Faust his normalcy would be gone. But man was it a great kiss and Oliver was worth the risk. He was worth it all because never in a million years did the raven haired teacher think he would fall in love again. Hearing someone talk, Orion looked at her and smiled, not even noticing the water that splashed onto him. “Oh it’s fine, no need to worry!”