lavender bones.

austin mikkelsen. 34. paramedic. call me oz! montana native fuckin' around in colorado for the foreseeable future. living life good day at a time.

[ozmikkelsen]

austin mikkelsen, valentine’s day benefit auction. 

[ozmikkelsen]

oakleygrey·:

Oakley had never considered herself a selfish person, despite the selfish decisions she’d made in the past. In fact, she liked putting everyone else’s needs before her own, yet she’d failed to do so in the past few months. She’d worked hard on putting herself first, but those needs had been blinded by something she needed to work. “Crap,” she exhaled through slightly parted lips. She’d been so consumed by everything else that she’d totally forgotten about everything he was trying to do. “I’m the worst friend ever.” She felt bad for interrupting his studying, but there was no other place she wanted to be than with him. “How’s the studying going? I can’t remember the last time I studied for something. I’m sure you’re going to do amazing, though. You’re good at everything you do.” If he put his mind to it, Oz could achieve anything and she truly believed that. “If you need help studying, I can always help too. I didn’t get a full ride scholarship based off natural talent alone,” she grinned, feeling a bit better now that she had something else to focus on. “I promise I won’t make you do flashcards, but highlighting is a must.” Color-coding too, she failed to add.

Feeling his touch against hers was more comforting than she’d ever remembered. It was like a wave of relief had washed over her worrying body and left her in the wake of peace. “I don’t want to seem like I’m intruding,” she shrugged, eyes settling on his. “I should be used to being alone at night. She used to work closing shifts a lot and whenever she was getting in, it seemed like I was getting up for work.” Their schedules had never really aligned, which was why she’d taken any free time she had to spend with the woman. “Best friend break-up club,” she trailed off, liking the way it sounded. “I’m just tired of people leaving.” Not that her parents had left her by choice. “Bold of you to assume I’m going to let you start slacking off on your studying. I know that you want this and if that means pulling out the flashcards,” she teased, though she wasn’t above it. “Can I get you something to drink? I know this is your place, but I’m feeling like I should probably crack open that whiskey bottle right about now. I thought I got it for you, but I think I really just bought it for myself.” One glass wouldn’t hurt anyone, right? Maybe two? “I took the day off tomorrow. I think I put in almost seventy hours last week between the clinic, on-call, and the shelter.”

It seemed to him that he had frowned more in the last five minutes than he had in the last six months— it wasn’t that anything Oakley was saying was upsetting him, more that he hated to hear self-deprecation from the people he loved and he could feel a protest rising in him even as Oakley seemed to brighten a bit at the thought of drilling him with flashcards or whatever studying techniques she still had in her back pocket. “Okay, two things. One: you’ve never been a bad friend the whole time we’ve known each other— you’re allowed to have your own stuff going on and it’s allowed to be distracting and I’m not mad, okay? You’re here now and I’m happy about it and it’s okay. Two: you know I’m a teacher, right? I didn’t get there without my fair share of flashcards,” He explained, punctuating his playful final comment by reaching out and tapping the tip of Oakley’s nose with his finger-- an easy grin on his face. “But-- if you wanna help me I’m not gonna say no. It’s basically my full time job for like, the next five months or whatever so you’re gonna get sick and tired of me talking about it, I’m sure.” Still, any help he could get was help he would take-- especially if it was coming from Oakley.

“When have I ever made you feel like that?” He asked, a genuine curiosity in his gaze as he met Oakley’s eyes. He’d felt remarkably comfortable around her from the moment they’d met and that feeling hadn’t abated at any point in their friendship— she could have lived in his guest bedroom and he’d have been perfectly happy about it for as long as she was there. “If it makes you feel any better...” Oz trailed off, raising a hand to run his fingers through his hair. “I’m not going anywhere. You’re pretty much stuck with me at this point-- for whatever that’s worth.” His expression brightened at the teasing she tossed in his direction and he couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of Oakley taking time out of her day to grill him with flashcards like they were in college together. “If you really wanna break out the flashcards I don’t think I can stop you,” He teased in return, “But sure, darlin’. I’ll take a drink.” His nose wrinkled slightly at the amount of work Oakley was putting in-- he respected her work ethic immensely and loved how passionate she was about the things she cared about but it was worrying to know she was working herself into the ground the way it seemed she was doing. “Christ, Oak. Crash here tonight, okay? Get a drink and relax for a little while. It sounds like you need it.”

[thcmasrhett]

[ozmikkelsen]

oakleygrey·:

***

Austin Mikkelsen was a godsend beyond belief. When she was done, he always managed to help her back up in every way possible. He reminded her that things could get better if she let them. Seeing him there before her eased her heart a little. It was his goofy smile that allowed one to settle on her own lips, even if only temporary. The familiar smell of his cologne filled her head as she gripped his frame tightly, wondering if she’d ever want to let go now that she was there. Despite the desire to latch on, Oak pulled back, only to follow him inside to a place she’d considered her second home. She was comfortable there, most definitely because it was his space and anywhere he was, she felt safe. “You’re calling me a nerd and you were the one reading? I think you should maybe reevaluate that statement and maybe think of something else to call me,” she grinned, already feeling a bit better in his presence. Even if it didn’t fix everything, she already felt less alone. In her messed up playbook, that was better than she’d been feeling before.

Doing as she was asked, Oak turned the lock on the door and shrugged off her jacket. She placed her bag and her jacket on the coatrack and kicked off her boots before falling deeper into the home just as Oz had done. “Sorry to interrupt your light reading,” she hummed as she crawled onto the couch, knees tugged up to her chest. “I didn’t want to be alone tonight. It’s been a week and I don’t think I could handle another night of a silent house.” She didn’t even have the cat to keep her company. “I let myself fall too fast, which is usually the opposite of my issues with relationships. I don’t know what happened. Maybe we should’ve taken it slow, but I don’t think she’s coming back.” Her stuff was gone, she wasn’t at her job, and no text had been returned. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now.” She could focus on her career once more, but that wasn’t entirely what she wanted. Focusing on a career only worked for so long before the loneliness would catch up to her again. “This is where you give me some kind of inspirational speech or something,” she half joked, her hand moving to rest atop his knee. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Oz. Seriously, I’d lose my mind.”

...

It was heartbreaking in a way he couldn’t really fathom to see Oakley sad about anything-- for the longest time he’d assumed it was the same protective affection he felt for his sisters that inspired those feelings in him whenever he saw her out of sorts in any way. He was more or less inclined to believe that was true even as he sat there listening to her discuss her girlfriend’s abrupt departure and felt a profound urge to comfort her in any and every way he knew how-- to assure her that it would be difficult sometimes but she would be happy again before she knew it. “It’s just... firefighter stuff,” Oz said after a moment, glancing towards the side table that all of his textbooks had been balanced on since the day he’d gotten them. “This is-- you’re way more important than studying, so-- you definitely don’t need to be sorry about interrupting me. You can do it any time,” He explained, smiling. Oz was the sort of person who would drop anything for his friends the moment they needed him but Oakley was certainly one of the few people in the world who could have needed him to straight up murder someone and he likely would have followed through with it if she needed that from him. It was an extreme example, of course, but indicative of just how much he cared about her.

He reached up to scratch at the back of his neck with his free hand, tangling his fingers with Oak’s with his other hand-- it was almost reflexive to want to have physical contact with her in some way when they were together and there was no hesitation in the gesture-- simply a desire to comfort her if he could. “You can stay in the guest room whenever you want, Oak. No one else is ever really here and I really don’t mind,” He continued, a frown returning to his features after a moment at the thought of knowing Oakley was sad and lonely and that he might do anything at all with that knowledge that didn’t involve helping make her feel better. “I don’t know if I’m an inspirational speech kind of guy, darlin’,” He teased. “We can be the best friend break-up club— like the breakfast club but probably with more alcohol involved. I don’t know... exactly what you’re goin’ through but I know that it really fucking sucks when you’re heartbroken and I’m here, okay? For... whatever you need. I could use the company too, y’know? I think my eyes’ll fall out if I study anymore for the next couple days and I missed you, so. This feels like a win to me.” 

[ozmikkelsen]

[ozmikkelsen]

oakleygrey·:

location: oz’s place in bighorn hills.

characters: oakley grey & @ozmikkelsen·.

Truth was; Oakley had been avoiding Oz for almost a week. She’d busied herself with extra shifts, on-calls, volunteer work, and anything else that took her attention away from home. Plus, she didn’t know how to tell him that her partner had left and wasn’t coming back, no matter how badly she wanted her to. Whether she liked it or not, it was a confession she needed to make sooner or later, regardless of how much it hurt.

So, with an apology bottle of booze in one hand, Oakley knocked on his front door and waited for him to answer. When the front door swung open, the blonde stepped closer, almost nervous to be seeing him again. “Before you tell me I don’t have to knock, I need to say something.” She didn’t need him brushing off her flaky behavior, but she knew he wouldn’t hold it against her. “I’ve been avoiding you all week. I’ve been working a lot and volunteering at the shelter because I didn’t know what I was supposed to say. She left, Oz. She left and she’s not coming back and I thought that she would,” she trailed off, feeling her chest tighten and grip on the bottle doing the same. “I’ve spent the last few months putting all of myself into her. I stopped working so much. I stopped seeing you so much. I lost parts of myself that I didn’t even realize I was losing.” It was easy being happy when someone was by your side, but when they left? It felt impossible. “I avoided you because you’re my best friend and I didn’t know how to tell you that I’m sorry. Which is why I brought this,” she offered, handing over the booze with ease. “I know it’s late, but I was hoping I could stay for a little?”

...

For as much as Oz went through his day to day life with the intention of being a bright, happy person there were days when he couldn’t quite muster that feeling when he was by himself. The night after his break-up with Duke he’d spent nearly an hour on the phone with Ashton and Abby where all he’d been able to do was explain the situation and cry off and on until he’d drifted off to sleep. And then he’d had something to throw all of his attention into in the form of the fire academy and all of the classes and work associated with it and that allowed him to ignore the hurt and the loneliness and the desire to be by himself that had been more fierce and present in the week since the break-up than he could remember it being at any other point in his life with the exception of the months he’d spent avoiding everyone after he’d rotated home from the Middle East. He’d dozed off on the couch somewhere in the midst of reading through one of his new textbooks and the sound of a knock at the door served to rouse and startle him in equal measure-- a dull thump the only other sound in the room as he scrambled and more or less fell off the couch in his haste to answer the door.

The sight of Oakley on the other side brought an immediate smile to his face but any greeting he could have offered was interrupted by the sound of her voice and he listened to her speak with a furrow between his eyebrows and a deep frown etched onto his features. “Oh, baby girl,” Oz’s voice was soft when he finally spoke and he stepped forward to wrap Oakley in a strong hug; he hadn’t answered her question but it felt to him that it wasn’t something he really needed to do when she knew him well enough to know that he’d do anything for her in a fraction of a second. He pressed a kiss to her forehead as he pulled away and smiled, “Yes, nerd, you can come in. I dozed off reading so this is already more entertaining than anything I was doin’ before,” He explained, retreating into his house and quietly flicking on lights as he went until he settled down on the couch in the living room, “Lock the door behind you, Oak!” He called, his voice echoing through the house as he rubbed his eyes and waited for Oakley to join him.

[ozmikkelsen]

azrayilmez​:

-

Azra had heard about the break up when she’d last texted Oz about hanging out. Now she was on a hunt to make sure he was doing okay. When she walked up to him, the brunette flashed a smile at the male — content to see that he wasn’t down in the dumps like she’d expected. He seemed happy, shockingly. Plopping down opposite him, the brunette couldn’t help but give him a sympathetic smile. “That’s good. I mean, I think you need a break but I mean it’s good that you’re staying occupied. Unless you don’t want to talk about it, then we won’t.” She assured him quickly. The last thing she wanted was to bring up something painful if he didn’t want to speak about it. Looking over her shoulder at the person he was speaking to, she flashed them a smile when they politely declined. He was being nice but Azra was glad the person had said no because she didn’t want them to infiltrate their discussion. “Did you already order something to drink and eat? If so, do you want some more because I definitely am in need of copious amounts of caffeine.”

...

It had been a long while since Oz had worked through the aftermath of a break-up of any sort and his break-up with Duke seemed to be hurting a tad more if only because he felt that they hadn’t had a real chance to be together before things had ended. Still, he had always tried his best not to dwell on things if he could help it and having his friends around to support him had certainly lessened the sting of things to some extent. He smiled warmly at Azra as she spoke, offering her a brief nod, “I’m pretty much always hungry, Az. I’m a growing boy,” He joked, leaning back in his chair as he scratched at the stubble along his jaw he hadn’t shaved in nearly a week. “And I don’t... mind talking about it? I guess I just don’t really know what to say. It sucks and I’m really bummed out about it but if...” He trailed off and frowned, “I guess I’ve always been the type of person who feels things really hard when I do feel them and I’m kind of worried if I stop long enough to get sad about it that it’ll get kind of overwhelming. And I have... other things to worry about.” It wasn’t the healthiest means of dealing with his sadness but it was what he was doing to get through his days for the time being and he hadn’t sorted out how to change that pattern of behavior just yet nor was he totally sure he wanted to try. 

[ozmikkelsen]

elreyrafa·:

Recently his wife had been distant, Rafael didn’t know what to think of it. Maybe it was work? Maybe it was stress? Maybe she hated living up here? He decided to do something nice by bring her some coffee and treats to her office. She had been working a lot, it was the least he could. Despite his better judgement Rafael took his bike and made his way to her favorite spot.  By the time he arrived to Deja Brew, he was already regretting not taking the trunk. He walked inside feeling the heat and warmth which relaxed his cold muscles.  It was rather empty for an early afternoon but he didn’t mind. Rafael wasn’t the biggest people person he would rather be by himself or with his wife. He smiled when he saw the young man, and thought about his question. He wasn’t ready to go back to the cold so maybe he should enjoy his coffee here. “Yeah, just for one.” He said as he noticed the text book. It was huge, he didn’t know how anyone could sit there read all that. 

 “Can I get coffee with,” He paused mid sentence when he realized his wife wasn’t around. One of the sound sides of living with a brilliant doctor, was she was a brilliant doctor and tried to get him to eat and drink right. “Can I get a coffee with whole milk and eight sugar.” 

...

When he’d first announced to his parents that he wanted to go to college with the express intent of becoming a history teacher it hadn’t come as a great surprise to them; he’d always been good with people and having younger siblings had taught him a fair amount about patience and instructing his sisters in the ways of the world and academics was something he’d always been gifted with as he’d grown up. Though he’d earned his degree and credential and could feasibly begin teaching whenever he wanted to if he had a change of heart he’d never lost his particular talent for interacting with people who were unfamiliar to him and he offered Rafael an easy smile before he nudged the chair across from him away from the table for the other man to take whenever he got his coffee. He returned his attention to the textbook in front of him-- making a few more notes on what he’d have to read before his first classes began before he tucked it into the backpack he’d lugged along with him and focused his attention on the coffee in front of him and his phone.

It seemed to take almost no time at all before he heard the next order being called and Oz found himself quietly studying the man who’d spoken to him before he’d joined the line in front of the counter. He wasn’t someone Oz recognized outright which wasn’t all that unusual considering how little time for socialization Oz had had when he’d been working full time as a paramedic-- he wasn’t sure he’d have more time for it since he was studying to be a firefighter and was well aware he’d be performing both duties if he got through the academy and went on to work in earnest. “Hey, man-- not to be super nosy but-- are you new around here?” Oz asked as Rafael approached the table. He held up his hands in a peaceful gesture, a broad smile on his face almost immediately, “You don’t have to answer since I realize that’s kind of a bold fuckin’ question since I’m a total stranger. You just don’t look familiar and I’m pretty good with faces. I’m Oz.”

[emiliaaclarke]

[ozmikkelsen]

LOCATION — Deja Brew.  NEIGHBORHOOD — University Heights.  TIME — Early afternoon.  CHARACTERS — Open! ( @providencepeakstarters​ )

It seemed to Oz that everything in his life had a tendency to happen in batches— both positive and negative events would crash over him in an avalanche of immediacy and he would have a bit of time to breath and process them before the next set of things seemed to align to happen sometimes within days of one another. His last day working for the ambulance service that had employed him for most of his life in Providence Peak, his sudden and still rather painful break-up and his acceptance into the local fire academy all being events he was trying to juggle without letting any of them slip through the cracks in terms of his handling and processing them. Still, break-up aside he was feeling remarkably happy— remarkably positive given the fact that he was taking a step towards a goal he’d been rolling around in his mind for what seemed like an eternity now that it was actually happening. If anything-- the only thing that Oz felt as he sat at a table at Deja Brew with textbooks spread out in front of him was a deep sense of excitement and more than a little amusement at the fact that he felt very much like he was back in college all over again. “I don’t know why I thought being a firefighter would involve doing anything easy but sheesh-- I haven’t studied this much since I wanted to teach,” He announced to the empty air, grinning sheepishly as he caught the attention of a nearby patron. “Howdy,” He greeted with a quick wave, “Did you need a seat? I can put some of this stuff away-- I don’t think I even need all of it right now-- I was just getting my bearings.”

[ozmikkelsen]

azrayilmez·:

-

“Good to know for the future.” Azra said with a wink as she looked him over. He seemed much more happy and she couldn’t help but feel happy for him about that. While Azra may have been alone and lonely more often than not, she liked to see those around her content with their lives and their partners. At the mention of sister, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, I did bring the two of you together and I think that has to trump some things.” Of course, she was teasing. Shove came to push, she’d be merely honoured to watch them marry if it came to that. “But I would be a hot bridesmaids and they’re often the ones who get laid.” She did need to get laid. Chewing her lower lip when he mentioned he wasn’t the type to hold grudges, she nodded her head because she should have known that about him. Of course he wasn’t. Oz had always been full of life and happy for the most part. “I’m glad that you see it that way. Lacklustre in terms of I’m just doing my regular work routine. It tends to get boring.” She sighed, pushing a strand of hair from her face. “You can help me by letting me live vicariously through you.”

“Through me? I mean, if your idea of fun outside of work is playing endless amounts of video games and fixing up my house then I’m definitely your guy,” Oz joked, leaning back in his chair with a huff of laughter. He wasn’t the most exciting person in the world but he’d always assumed that was likely due to the fact that he had an extremely high stress job and when he wasn’t working he wanted to do everything in his power to relax and disconnect from the world just a little bit if he had any way of doing that whatsoever. “We can hang out whenever you want though, yeah? I know I can kinda disappear sometimes but that’s mostly when I’m working overtime or need the extra cash for something. All you have to do is text me and I’m all over it. We can go hiking or out to eat or like, whatever. To one of the bars,” He waved a hand in a vague gesture, “I know I’m taken now but if you need a wingman or something if meeting new people would help I can probably do that too. I can’t promise I’ll be the best wingman in the history of the world or anything but I like to think I’m pretty cute and pretty convincing so I think both of those things would work in our favor,” He grinned, wide and playful, though the offer was a serious one. He hated to see his friends bummed out for any reason and it was second nature for him to offer a solution to such things in any and every way he could think of if it was appropriate.

[ozmikkelsen]

duke-reifer·:

Duke knew he was joking but his eyes still widened ashe glanced at the coffee shop again. “Oh, I really hope not!” He admittedbecause of course, he would never want to offend anyone. Always the pure, goodsoul. As his attention went back to Oz, he smiled again just at seeing hisboyfriend’s smile. It really was vice versa, how they adored each other’ssmiles and melted anytime they saw it. He then seemed a little surprised at Ozbringing up potentially applying to the fire academy, looking really curious ashe listened. Duke didn’t realize Oz had the drive to want to do that, and thetaken aback look in his expression was genuine. “Oh, really?” He said thethought out loud, letting the information settle into his brain. It was true,that being a firefighter brought about more danger on a day to day basis. However,if it was something that his boyfriend generally wanted to try, then he’dsupport him.

“I didn’t know you were thinking about that. Wow, that’s great,though!” Duke reassured him and gave him a wide smile. “Really! Of course I’dbe alright with it. I mean, if it’s something you really wanna do, then I’ll behere to cheer you on.” And he said that like he really meant it, and he reallydid. “I mean, I know… yeah, I know it’s more dangerous and of course I’d beconcerned whenever you go out there. But you’d be doing something you wanna do.You want to save lives, you’re that kind of person. And so—” Realizing he wasrambling, that blush returned and he laughed nervously. “Sorry. But really, Ithink if you really wanna do that… then you should.” At the mention of dogs, hegrinned. “Are you thinking about getting one? I mean, Bruce I’m sure would lovea sibling.” His German Shepherd always acted friendly around other dogs, and sobeing around another constantly would be fine, right? Duke was sure of it.

Oz felt a wave of affection for Duke crash over him as he listened to the other man speak and he forced himself to wait patiently until Duke had finished speaking before he raised his hands to hold Duke’s face gently and kissed him-- slowly and perhaps more deeply than was entirely appropriate given the fact that they were in public but Oz felt a remarkable sense of love and affection as he pulled away. “I love you,” He murmured against Duke’s mouth, kissing him again one more time before he pulled back and reached the younger man’s hand the moment his own hands dropped away from Duke’s face. He squeezed his hand lightly with a smile, “I still get to be a paramedic and maybe it’s the adrenaline of it all that I’m gonna like but even when I wanted to teach I knew it was ‘cause I wanted to help as many people as I could. This is just-- kind of a more intense way of doing that. I know I don’t need anyone’s permission to do what I want to do with my life but... I’m glad you’re okay with it. It means a lot,” He explained, trying to get even a fraction of what he wanted to say out into the world without rambling for ages about how deeply he appreciated being supported in general but specifically how much he appreciated Duke being willing to support him in doing what he wanted simply because it was important to him.

He chuckled softly at the mention of Duke’s dog as he tugged on his boyfriend’s hand gently to guide him into the café, his eyes shifting towards the menu quickly while he considered the question in spite of the fact that he’d been thinking about it for quite some time. “I think so? I mean, I think I really wanna adopt one from a shelter if I can. People are always so weird about rescue dogs but they’re so sweet and I’d be stoked to give one of ‘em a stable home, y’know? Would you wanna go with me? To see?” He quirked an eyebrow-- his heart leaping hard in his chest at the idea of doing something as domestic and simple as adopting a dog with the help of his boyfriend. It was nice, Oz decided, to be loved and be in love again after so many years. Having Duke at his side for the process would have the added benefit of helping him make a thoughtful decision in adopting a dog rather than deciding the moment he stepped into the shelter to adopt every dog they would reasonably allow him to own-- his property was certainly big enough for it but Oz was sure he’d go insane if he let himself do something like that. 

[ozmikkelsen]

eleanorwalker·:  

Eleanor chuckled softly at Oz’s words, genuinely appreciating the gem of a person he really was. In a world where she’d only been surrounded by people who were terrible influences on her, here was a guy who just cared about everyone around him just because he couldn’t not care. “I haven’t dated anyone in about five years. I broke up with my last boyfriend when I came back from rehab, and I just threw myself into finishing my undergrad. It never bothered me that I was single… but I guess a part of me is a tiny bit jealous. Usually, during family dinners, Catherine and Andrew are the ones in the kitchen. Vera and I would be hanging out together, and Clay gets to entertain the kids. But now… Clay and Vera are all over each other, and as happy as I am that the two of them finally got their heads out of their asses and admitted their feelings for each other, I can’t help but feel a little left out.” El admitted with a sigh. She’d realized that the dynamics of family dinners had changed, and she just had to get used to that. “Clay is the expert… so he’s naturally refusing to let go of that title. That’s just the kind of asshole big brother he is. You know, the other day, I took James to Frontier Foods because I promised him that we’d bake cookies when he came to stay with me. One moment, he was next to me as I was reading the label on the frozen cookie dough, and I turn around… he’s ran off because he’d seen Oakley. My life flashed before my eyes over a moment there…” She sighed, shaking her head. “I suck at being in charge, Oz… how can I let a kid know that I’m in charge when I can’t even believe it myself?” 

There had been a period-- brief though it was-- shortly after Oz returned to Montana following the injury that had resulted in his discharge from the military in which he’d refused to speak to anyone at all. He’d cut himself off abruptly from everyone he knew-- even his family-- and it had taken him over a month to crawl out of the despair he’d let himself wallow in prior. It was something he hoped never to repeat and it was, he imagined, part of the reason he tried to tackle everything in his life with an endless optimism and desire to be as present as possible for every single person in his life who called him a friend. It wasn’t something he even paused to question now-- he’d happily do anything for anyone in his life without batting an eye and it was, in truth, perhaps his favorite thing about himself. “I think it’s... pretty normal to feel jealous, El. It’s definitely normal to feel weird about it. No matter what anyone says I don’t think people are really wired to enjoy change-- routines are nice for everyone. Familiarity is nice for everyone and when dynamics change it can be strange and disorienting and it’ll probably feel that way until you get used to it.” Though it wasn’t something he discussed frequently Oz was a remarkably educated person-- he’d been absolutely devoted to the idea of being a teacher and had taken the time to study a significant amount of psychology and things of that nature in the event it might be even remotely helpful to allowing him to be a decent teacher.

A laugh rolled through him at El’s story before he could catch it and he held his hands up in apology, “Sorry. Abby used to do that all the time when we were kids— I think Ma thought about putting a leash on her at one point like, one of those harnesses for kids, y’know? It never happened but she’d run off to talk to anyone she knew even a little bit-- used to drive our mom nuts. You want me to hang out with you and the kids next time you have them? I can give them my best teacher voice and tell them to behave for you,” He joked, smiling earnestly as he made the offer. He knew full well he’d follow through if El wanted him to even in the slightest and he’d be happy to help whether that help involved physically wrangling her nephews with his bare hands or something far less complicated. “Lord knows I’m not gonna be using it to teach any time soon-- but I’d hate for it to go to waste. It’s either that or I can run around with them until they’re so tired they listen automatically-- that’s an option.”   

[henrvcavill]

DEREK THELER ph. by Darren Tieste for BELLO Magazine (2015)

[ozmikkelsen]

azrayilmez·:

-

Azra wasn’t one to keep secrets because she felt everything was better to be aired out. Eventually, people caught on to that and stopped telling her their secrets which was fine with her because she was far beyond the point of wanting drama in her life. As for Oz, well she felt that his secret was best served in the open in case the person reciprocated the sentiments. Thankfully, her gut feeling had worked in her favor and the male had also liked him. “Did you? I wasn’t even sure how long you guys had been friends so I’m just glad that it all worked out in the end.” She smiled at him when he thanked her, shrugging her shoulder. “I had a feeling that neither of you were going to make the first move so I’m glad my little nudge helped out. Plus, it wasn’t for free as I was promised a maid of honor position. If either of you have a sister, then I guess I’ll have to be fine with a bridesmaid position.” She teased. “I know you’re not a dick but you would have been in the right to be mad.” At his question, she shrugged. “They’re going okay. A little lacklustre but fine.”

“I’m the kind of guy who’s a little bit in love with his friends at all times,” Oz explained. There wasn’t a hint of hesitation or shame in the explanation-- it was the way he’d always been and he had never wanted to change it nor would he have known where to start if he had wanted that in the first place. It was simply a fact of his life and the way he interacted with the people in his life and he found himself laughing softly as Azra continued to speak. “I have two sisters but I’m sure Abby would negotiate Maid of Honor duties with you,” He joked, smiling broadly. “Ash won’t care one way or another but she’ll strangle me if she’s not a part of the wedding so she’d get bridesmaid. I guess that’s a hint I’m not allowed to have just one of those courthouse weddings, huh?” He asked playfully. He had never given much thought to whether he’d get married somewhere down the line— Abby was already halfway there and Ashton might as well have been married to her girlfriend for as much as they loved each other but marriage had never been on Oz’s radar. He wasn’t even sure it was now but the thought of being married to Duke wasn’t exactly one that scared him although it was definitely something he was willing to put off thinking about until they’d had more time as a couple. “Eh, I’m not really the kind of guy who holds grudges and you’re my friend-- you were lookin’ out for me. I can’t really be mad about it. Life wise, uh, what’s lackluster about yours right now? Anything I can help with?”

[ozmikkelsen]

claytonwyatt·:

Given the dramatically exhausting week that Clayton’s had, it was safe to say that accepting Oz’s invite for a beer (or something stronger for the poor surgeon) was something that he needed. It was the highlight of his week, perhaps, aside from everything that seemed to be happening between him and Vera. While he couldn’t complain about anything that was going on in his own personal life, he could not say the same about his friends. He needed a day off from being caught up in that mess, so he found himself walking into the Jagged Yard to see that Oz was already there and cracked a smile. “Hey, pal! I’ll have a vodka soda, if you don’t mind. I’m not working for the next few days… and I could use something strong after the day I’ve had.” He had performed a successful arterial switch on a newborn baby, so it was safe to say that he was also in the mood to celebrate. Sitting down, he let out a sigh of exhausted. “I’ve had two back to back surgeries, and I only had time to waft down a sandwich in between. How’ve you been?” 

.

Although they both technically worked in the medical field Oz was aware that Clay’s job was likely more taxing than his own; they were both difficult in their own ways and both had the opportunity to drain the people who worked in both fields like nothing else. In some sense it helped Oz relate to Clay on an entirely different level than he could relate to other friends of his and he appreciated having that perspective in his life. “You got it, bud,” Oz replied with a nod. Though he’d had a draining day he would be on call the next morning and there was nothing worse to him than trying to work when he was hungover or feeling out of sorts in any way whatsoever. “Gimme just a second.” He rose from his seat and hurried over to the bar to order their drinks-- returning in short order after a brief chat with the bartender. He slid Clay’s drink across the table to him as he settled in his seat again, “You wanna get something to eat? I don’t like the idea of you drinkin’ on a basically empty stomach. Big brother instincts and all that,” Oz replied, raising an eyebrow in Clay’s direction before he offered the other man a shrug at the question. “I’ve been working a shit ton, man. It’s been a little rough but outside of work things have been really, really good. How’d your date with Vera end up going? I meant to text you about it but I figured I’d rather just ask you in person.”

[ozmikkelsen]

oakleygrey·:

***

Between the clinic, new puppy, volunteer hours at the shelter, and everything else in between, Oakley had lost track of how many days had passed since the pair had last hung out. She missed him dearly and for good reason. There was a time that any free time she’d had, she’d spent with him. Now, it seemed like she was lucky to get a moments worth of relaxation and when she did, their schedules just didn’t align. “Look at you,” she hummed, impressed by the assortment of food, but too focused on him to really take it all in before arms were curled around his neck tightly. “And I think I’ve followed up with ‘I miss you too’ and it’s most definitely true,” she joked, settling back on her feet as she smiled up at him. “I’m always ready for treats. You presentation is flawless, Chef,” she teased. “I know we’ve already said it, but I really do miss you. I miss movie nights and I miss hearing your stories. We have to do something about that.”

.

“We do,” Oz agreed immediately, an emphatic nod following his words. He despised not seeing Oakley regularly even when they weren’t busy and knowing being around her was one of the few times he could just turn his brain off and not have to stress about anything at all only made him miss spending time with her that much more. “I have an idea? Well, maybe. It might not work since our schedules are a little hectic on good days but Abby and I used to do this thing when I got home from the service. I think it was her way of trying to keep my spirits up and stuff but we picked out a day of the week that we’d always do something together no matter what else we were doing in the week or whatever-- that day was just for us. Ash joined in on it too and I remember that being a really great thing for me so maybe that could work for us? I don’t wanna have to keep missing my best friend all the time,” His words came out in another rush and he felt himself blushing deeply as he took a slow breath to calm himself. “If you’re cool with that we could try it. I don’t wanna take you away from work or from Jo but-- y’know-- one day in the week feels like it could be okay? We can figure out the details another night but um, I dunno. That’s what I’ve got,” He finished, smiling bashfully. “You wanna teach me how to make something new today?”