Undeserving

24. Bus boy. Grad Student. Native of Asteria.

[roman-cohen]

mikael-valentine​:

“Not a bad situation to be in, trust me you miss getting ID’d at times.” Mikael quickly shook his head, “no, apparently I forgot how to form sentences properly.  I meant to say I thought I had it bad when my parents’ lectured me.”  His eyes widened at the younger male’s directness, especially given the two just met for the first time.  However, if someone was going to offer him a good time, who was he to say no?  After all, it would be bad manners not to entertain one of the guests.  At least that was what he was going to tell himself.

Once in a secluded area, Mikael shrugged.  “No biggie.”  His eyes darted down towards the joint and a smile crept along his lips.  “And what made me so deserving for your generosity?” He questioned.  Mikael stood there patiently feeling slightly bad at his behavior. Usually, he smoked the herbal stuff in the privacy of his own house away from spectators, but he assumed the two couldn’t be seen by anyone.  When finally handed the joint, he brought it to his lips and took a puff holding the smoke in for a moment before exhaling.  “Fuck, that’s good stuff.”

“Really? Do you not get IDed? You don’t look that old.” Roman picked on him a bit. He was enjoying being a tease. He didn’t get to fill that role often. Roman nodded his head when the man corrected himself. “That makes more sense.”

Roman was thankful when they reached a more secluded area. It felt more normal to him than being inside the house with all of the other people. Roman pondered the strangers question. He wasn’t sure what drew him in. He wasn’t bad looking but he wasn’t going to give himself away too much. The night was still young. “You seemed interesting. I got a good vibe. Hence the invitation. Plus the whole entertainment aspect.” A smirk etched across his features. ‘I’d hope so. I haven’t heard many complaints before.” He chuckled.

[roman-cohen]

izzyfreynolds​:

“Lead the way.” Izzy smiled, picking up her drink and following him away from the crowds of people. She would kill Kennedy for ditching her later in favour of dick, but for now she could deal with hanging out with Roman and avoiding Jack at all costs. She was far too buzzed to deal with that now. “So what have you been up to?” She asked him, attempting to make small talk. It was never something she really excelled at, but with a drink in her hand, everything seemed easier. 

Roman nodded his head as he made his way through the crowd to find the door to get them both out of there. In little time, he finally got them outside of the busy house. “I’ve been good. You know. Just staying busy like I always do. How about you? I’m surprised to see you here.” He was even more surprised that she was speaking to him. 

[roman-cohen]

hipnash​:

The only Valentine that Nash knew was Emmi and he wasn’t going to pass up any opportunities to see her. It didn’t matter that it meant crashing her brothers’ birthday party when it looked like the entire town was already there. He didn’t see her right away but he did spot someone else he recognized and made his way over. “’Sup, broski.” It was the guy that had bought him a cup of coffee a couple of weeks back. “Nuh.” He wouldn’t have denied the offer but the guy might get kicked out for smoking and Nash wasn’t risking that. “Free booze so I’ll let it slide. Wassup dude?”

Roman was thankful that he at least knew someone at the party. His new found friend Nash. It was a pleasant surprise. “Hey. Long time no see. Still in town? I’m surprised you haven’t gotten that car fixed yet.” Roman took a sip of his drink. “Fair enough. We can just get drunk instead I guess. And oh you know. Just avoiding people as best as I can. How about you? What’s been going on?” 

[roman-cohen]

aleksanderbrookes​:

“I meant they were checking you out,” Alex chuckled, turning to the other male. “But you could be right for all I know. My advice would then be to try a little harder to stare at some empty space and not ass-level of everyone else. Each to their own, I guess.” Alex couldn’t blame the guy for not being as aware of other people checking him out. It was easy to ignore such things, but then again most people were a little more subtle than this one had been. “I’m Alex. Are you a friend of the family then?”

Roman almost let out a snort at the comment that they were checking out himself. It was highly unlikely, but he would take the joke. “Me? Oh, I seriously doubt it.” Roman nodded his head in understanding. “You are right. They should practice looking at walls when staring into space.” Roman took a sip of his drink before answering the man’s next question. “Pleasure to meet you Alex. I’m Roman....I’m actually huh friends kind of an ex of Jack’s. What about you?”

[roman-cohen]

mikael-valentine​:

“Twenty-four?  How fortunate for you to have such a great complexion.  It will not be necessary, your word shall suffice.”  At the mention of his mother, he smiled.  “Oh and here I thought I bad with the lectures.”  A playful smirk spread across Mikael’s lips, it had been a few months since he last engaged in smoking anything other than cigarettes, mainly because his dealer no longer supplied.  “What?  Early to mid twenties is the best time to be a party goer.  I cannot recall half the things I got into when I was younger. You’re missing out on a lot of adventures.”  Mikael stood there for a moment, his eyes wondering to the rest of the guests as well as his family.  Sucking in a breath of air, he shoved his hands into his pockets and followed the younger male towards a more secluded spot.

“Thank my mom and dad for that one. I’ll probably get ID’d until i’m 40. Maybe even after that.” Roman chuckled softly at his own joke. He was always one to laugh at his own humor. “You give lectures? You don’t seem like the type.” Roman teased back at the stranger. “Am I? Maybe we should get fucked up tonight then and see what we can’t remember in the morning? Sounds kind of enticing. Roman wasn’t sure on where to go but he was looking for the nearest quiet place he could find. He didn’t really venture to Jack’s home a lot growing up. Mostly because he didn’t want anyone to speculate that they were dating. 

After a while of roaming, Roman found a spot. “Sorry. I’m not too familiar with the area.” He shrugged as he pulled out one of his joints out of his pocket. “You’re lucky. I don’t usually give out freebies but I’m feeling a little generous lately.”

[roman-cohen]

izzyfreynolds​:

Izzy was standing by the drinks area, trying her best to mix herself up a cocktail, which was a struggle considering how many drinks she’d already consumed. If it wasn’t for her bartending skills, it would probably have been near impossible. Kennedy had dragged her to the party, promising not to ditch her, but she had done just that, deciding to cozy up with Dylan instead of being her barrier between Jack and herself. She looked up when she heard the person next to her speak. It took her a second to place him, but she quickly realised it was the very Roman she had gone to school with. “Hey.” She greeted, taking a sip of her newly mixed drink. Definitely on the strong side, but it would do. “Yes.” She answered immediately, desperate to get away from the crowds of people and Jack.

Roman was thankful for when the girl said yes. It took him a minute to recognize her but he did shortly after. They had gone to school together and she was Jack’s ex. It was kind of awkward to be speaking with her but they were on good terms. Roman never really knew what happened with the two of them except that they parted ways. Maybe it would get brought up in conversation. “Sweet. Let’s go.” Roman began to walk in the other direction with his drink as he made his way out of the crowd and outside. 

[roman-cohen]

mikael-valentine​:

After mingling with a few people, Mikael found himself needing a stiff one.  Making his way over towards the drinks, his eyes roamed the variety.  When his family did something, they went all out.  Reaching for a beer, he raised a brow at a man next to him.  With a soft chuckle, he placed his hand on his hip.  “What?  Aren’t you like fourteen?”  He questioned jokingly, his blue eyes look up and down the other male.  “Didn’t your mom tell you that smoking is bad for you?”  Not that Mikael had much room to talk since he been smoking since he was in college.  “You think so?”  His eyes wandered around all the people and he shrugged.  “I guess I can step away for a bit.”  He commented.

Roman laughed softly at the man’s snarky response. Roman always got that he looked younger than he actually was. He knew that he would be carded at bars until he was at least 40 and maybe even then. It didn’t bother him as much anymore than it did before. “No. I’m 24. Wanna see my ID?” He joked back. “Considering that my mother is a doctor, she did. I’m not talking about smoking cigs though. Something more...herbal.” Roman just wanted to take the edge off and alcohol wasn’t enough to calm him. “Great. And to be honest, I’m not really a party goer.” Roman began to walk in the direction of where the backyard was as he motioned for the man to follow. 

[roman-cohen]

Time To Party

Where: The Valentines House 

With: Anyone || Pre-Fire 

Roman wasn’t one for parties. In fact, he was the opposite. He was never fully known in high school because he wouldn’t participate in all the parties. But he was here to support Jack and to potentially help is business grow. Roman looked around and felt small and out of place, but he was going to push through nonetheless. Roman walked up to the drink area and grabbed himself one. He noticed someone standing...or well hoovering next to him. “Hey um...you wanna smoke?” He asked casually, his voice kind of low. “This party is kind of a drag.” 

[aleksanderbrookes]

WHERE: Valentine Family Home (Before Fire) WHO: Open

With Alex having stayed in town for a couple of months, he was getting more and more comfortable with life in Asteria. He still had no idea when he would be leaving, but it seemed that he wasn’t in a rush. Even if he had been in and out of town for over a year and a half it was still more of a fresh start then he would get if he stayed in Terrell or Pilot Point.

While he was closest to Niko he did still know the rest of the brothers at least in passing. A good portion of the town was attending anyway, so he didn’t stand out much either way. Considering now that Cass and Niko were together and serious, it was probably good for Alex to get used to spending more time with the Valentines anyway. There were a lot of people to remember and keep up with.

As Alex got another appetizer at the table, he couldn’t help but feel like there was someone watching. He looked over his shoulder to find someone being obvious while they checked out the person next to him at the table. “Dang. You’d think some people would be a little more subtle when checking someone else out,” he muttered.

[roman-cohen]

Roman wasn’t the partying type usually but this would be a great opportunity for his business. Everyone loved to have a good time right? Plus it was Jack’s big night. He wanted to be there for him even if they were on kind of awkward terms. Roman had a drink in his hand trying to let loose, but it wasn’t working that much. Maybe he needed to have another? Or at least something stronger. Roman was his head but he was immediately pulled out by another males voice. He snickered at the strangers comment. “Whose to say they were checking you out? They could have been accidentally staring into space.”

[roman-cohen]

yvessainttyler​:

“Argh, you’re ahead of me.” Hollis is genuinely upset by this, although she may overplay the jealousy a bit with the open-mouthed look on her face. Not that she sees herself as smarter and more capable than Roman… It’s just that she sees herself as smarter and more capable than everyone her age in Asteria, and some older. “I’ve got two years left. Then I’m outta here. For real this time.” 

Hollis pulls her wallet out of her back pocket. “Oh, just, like, a misdemeanor’s amount. Don’t need Fiona going to prison.”

Roman raised a brow when Hollis mentioned that she was out of Asteria for good. No one ever really was out of Asteria for good. At least from what he had seen in the past. People would decide to leave and then come back many years later. “Does anyone really leave though? Where would you decide to go? If you could go anywhere in the world?” He asked curiously. Roman nodded his head and chuckled a bit when she mentioned a misdemeanors worth. Roman got out about a gram and a half and put it in another plastic bag before handing it to her. “That’ll be $25.” 

[roman-cohen]

nicholasandrewcook​:

Nick had been sat in the coffee shop with his laptop sorting out a presentation for his next guest lecture to include some recent research to intruige the students, when he quickly headed back over to the counter to order another cup to keep him going. There was a bit of a queue but he wasn’t too bothered by it, he simply took out his phone and decided to go through some emails while he waited, unable to not be productive in some way when he was in the zone. Nick smiled at the young man in front of him in the line at his offer “You’re very kind.” He responded, “You’re also lucky i’m an americano man, and not someone who like a frappe with every topping and syrup known to man or i would be breaking the bank.” It wasn’t often he would see someone of college age doing somethng so generous, mostly because they were quite tight on cash given all their bills and partying in some cases.

“Either way. It would be fine. I have quite a bit saved up.” He chuckled. “Do you teach? I feel like I’ve seen you on campus before.” Roman paid for both of their orders and moved to the counter to wait for them. Roman wasn’t usually this generous but he wanted to do an act of kindness. 

[roman-cohen]

kennedymarshall​:

Kennedy leaned against the counter as she sized him up.  Not her usual type but he was cute in kind of dorky way and she wasn’t necessarily opposed to straying from her usual look. “Cohen…yeah I think so.”  She shrugged and tilted her head to the side as she watched him casually, smiling at the him.  “It’s funny, I always remember a cute face but sometimes I can’t put the name with it.”

Roman wasn’t used to flirting so when it happened to him, it got him all flustered. Usually with his line of work, he was good with people. Customer service and all that, but flirting turned him into jello. Regardless of the sex of the person. His cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. “Well, aren’t you blunt. I kind of am on the down low most of the time. Out of sight, out of mind. That sort of thing.”

[roman-cohen]

hipnash​:

“Car broke down so I can’t really leave.” Nash couldn’t believe that anyone would purposefully move to a place like that which is why he didn’t understand the question until Roman explained that people moved to little places to hide. “That’s some witness protection shit right there.” He took another drink from his coffee cup and stretched his neck to the side to crack it. “Here’s my phone.” Nash pulled it out of his front pocket and handed it over to the guy who was now flirting with him. Nash liked it. He liked it when anyone flirted with him because it usually meant that he could use it to his advantage. “I touch yours if you touch mine.” That line made him laugh.

“How long has your car been broke down for?” Roman asked curiously. There were a couple of repair guys in town. He was surprised he hadn’t found one that would work with him yet. Unless it was a money issue on his end. “It most certainly is. You’re not wrong about that. I’m sure there are people here who have very well interesting pasts.” Roman wasn’t one to ask questions normally. So he would never know what those pasts were. Apart of him didn’t care. Money was money at the end of the day. Roman gave him a soft smile when he handed him his phone. He typed in his number and handed it back to the guy. “There. Now you have one more number.” Roman was happy to oblige in the man making another friend. “Okay now that wasn’t subtle at all.” Roman followed the man’s laugh in return of his own. 

[roman-cohen]

yvessainttyler​:

She looks down at her own outfit at his comment — it’s true she’s been leaning more punk than goth these days. “I got a job, I guess. With a dress code.” She shrugs as if her clothing shift holds no indication of a person shift. She follows his lead and enters into the passenger side of his vehicle. “Still in school?” she comments cheekily.

Roman reached over to the glove compartment and retrieved a glass mason jar that had a plastic baggie inside. “Oh yeah? Look at you. All grown up. What’s the job? And how much did you want by the way? For your friend.” He wasn’t sure if there really was a friend or if Hollis just wanted to keep things on the down low. “I am still in school. I have about one year left. That is if I don’t decide to go and get my PhD.” 

[roman-cohen]

ethan-woods​:

“Oh, I see. A tragic my heart was broken and now I can never love again storyline? Been there, dude. Trust me, dating and fucking helps a lot.” He gave the other a wink and a laugh, picking up his own drink while Roman talked. “What? Like the rest of gay America, I also crush on twinks here and there. It’s like, when heteros get a crush on the girl next door thing.” He raised a brow. “You find getting dick entertaining? Tell me more, Roman.”

“Not quite. I just am pessimistic.” He shrugged softly as he took another sip of his delicious beverage. “Well if you say dating helps, who am I to judge? Maybe we should give it a go.” He chuckled as he set down his cup. Roman never really stereotyped himself as a twink but he wasn’t surprised someone else viewed him as one. “I can’t believe I just got called a twink.” A laugh escaped from him once more. “Of course I do. You don’t? Maybe you haven’t had the right dick.”

[roman-cohen]

hipnash​:

Nash took another drink from the free coffee and his eyes roamed the room for a while, only meeting the guy in front of him when he started talking once more. “Yeah, about three weeks now.” He clicked his tongue and nodded his head to reaffirm his answer. “Yeah, bro, and thanks to you I keep on scoring.” Nash winked at Roman, more out of thanks than anything flirty. “Nuh. I usually just wander around till I find something interesting to do. Don’t know too many people, I only have like three numbers in my phone.” Their current conversation was the longest he had spoken with anyone in a while. “I like your hair.”

“What brought you to Asteria? I’m sure where you’ve come from it’s more lively than here. Usually people who travel here are wanting to get away from somethin’.” It was true. Asteria was known for hiding away people who wanted their secrets kept secret. “Well I can always add my number. Then you’ll have four.” Roman wasn’t trying to be smooth, it just kind of came out that way. A small smile formed onto Roman’s lips as the man complimented him on his hair. He took another sip of his drink before responding. “Thanks. I grew it myself. You’re more than welcome to play with it any time.” Now he was being a bit flirty. Apart of him couldn’t help it. 

[roman-cohen]

kennedymarshall​:

Kennedy hadn’t even been paying attention to anything but her tinder profile until the boy in front of her turned around, offering to pay for her drink.  She looked up and met his eyes a moment before offering a small smile. “Oh, thank you babe.”  She leaned forward and ordered herself an iced caramel macchiato before stepping out of line.  “I know you, don’t I?”  She recognized the face but couldn’t place him, probably someone she knew from school “You look familiar and in this town that means I probably know you.”

“Nice coffee order. Caramel macchiato’s are pretty good.” Roman nodded before stepping in the other direction by the table top where people usually would wait for their drinks after paying. “You probably do. Or you know my parents and brothers. I’m Roman. Roman Cohen.”