let them eat cake

Roman McNulty 37 • Baker at Sweet Dreams Bakeshop roleplay blog for tonopahvalley

[romanmcnulty]

and maybe you’re here because you wanna come h o m e

Roman McNulty // 38 (DOB: May 9th, 1985) // Baker at Sweet Dreams Bakeshop and Soldier for The Enterprise

Roman is a Tonopah Valley native, but he’s only been back for a few years. Before he moved back, he lived in NYC and was in the military (Navy Seals) so was deployed to a few fighting stations. Overall, he was in the military for about 12 years.

He's the oldest of two, and his younger sister, Kate, was adopted when he was almost a teen. She was one of the two injured at the New Year's Eve event, but she was the only one who died from her injuries. It has quite literally devastated him to the point where he rejoined The Enterprise to use their resources and figure out who killed her.

He’s @sawyerdecker's ex-fiancé. They haven’t been together for about 6 or 7 years now, but they almost got married until she stood him up at the altar. (It was for a good reason tho)

His father is a member of The Enterprise and recruited him when he was pretty young. His Uncle Jeff (Sawyer’s father) schemed with his dad to come up with a plan to keep tabs on Sawyer which involved Roman moving to NYC and dating her. He actually caught feelings and left The Enterprise when he found out what they had put him up to, but at one point Sawyer overheard a phone conversation he was having with his father about rejoining and found out about the whole thing. She didn’t tell him that, though. All he knew was that she didn’t show up on their wedding day and he deployed the next day, so he wasn’t able to figure out what was going on. He had to hear it from his family that she had returned the ring to them and moved out of his place.

It broke his heart majorly and when he returned from deployment, he retired from the military and tried to track her down to figure out what went wrong and how he could fix it, but he was never able to find her. This has given him an overall pessimistic view on love because if it’s not enough to make someone stay, then why put yourself in the position of losing the person you love?

To help him feel better, his younger sister took a bunch of classes like art, pottery, and cooking classes with him until he found out he absolutely loved cooking and baking. He learned how to do the majority of what he knows now from YouTube tutorials and various experimentation, and while he loves baking a variety of things, his preference lies with cakes and cupcakes.

He also has a Samoyed named Rufio after the character from Hook. He’s the cutest.

He’s a big Soft Boi who loves deeply and likes to bake and is a beach bum who surfs and is overall a swell guy if you ignore the whole lying to the love of his life thing.

[romanmcnulty]

on sleepless roads, the sleepless go (part two)

LOCATION: Glenn Estates, outside of the town, then Downtown Tonopah MENTIONED: @kathrynharinger

He checks himself over in the mirror, one button undone on his white dress shirt to give him a casual air without being out of dress code. Although they’ve gotten together a few times since they met on July 4th, this is Roman’s first actual date in a very long time, and he’s taking Kathryn somewhere incredibly special. She deserves it, after all, for somehow making him realize he should give this romance thing another shot even if only for a little while.

Once he’s satisfied with his appearance, he grabs his keys and says goodbye to Rufio who's settled on top of the pillows on Roman's bed, a habit he stopped trying to break a few years ago. "Wish me luck," he says, placing a kiss to the top of the dog's snout. "This could be something good if I play my cards right."

The white fluffball yawns, a laugh spilling from Roman in response, ruffling the fur on Rufio's head. "Yeah, yeah. Go back to sleep, lazy bones. I'll see you tonight." Rufio splays himself out on the pillows as Roman makes his way out the door.

He shows up outside of Kathryn's apartment and rather than bringing her flowers, he has another gift tucked away in his pocket: a necklace he saw while in California with a gemstone in her favorite color that he thought would look nice on her – though that wasn’t difficult to do when she could make anything look nice. He could swear he heard Kate telling him to get it for her, taking it as her sign of approval from the great beyond, so he'd done just that, hoping it wouldn't be too forward.

When he calls up to her apartment, he feels the fluttering in his chest at the sight of her. The dress she’s chosen for tonight is black and hugs her curves, highlighting her silhouette.

“I have something for you,” he says, causing her to raise a brow.

“Oh?”

He pulls the long box from the inside pocket of his suit jacket and holds it open for her to reveal the piece, a cushion-set amethyst on a white gold chain, the purple gemstone surrounded by a border of Pavé-set diamonds. He takes great pleasure in the way her eyes light up and shock takes over her face at the sight of it, offering to put it on for her before they make their way to the car.

He takes her to a place he’s loved since he was younger, an upscale dining experience worth enough for a third date where he wants to impress closer to Vegas. After he passes his keys to the valet, he escorts her inside, and it’s like the whole restaurant has their eyes on the pair of them as they make their way to their table. At least, Roman would like to think so. With her on his arm, he felt like the luckiest guy this side of Nevada.

The food is as impeccable as the company, and Roman finds himself thinking how nice it’d be if they could do this for a while longer.

The night ends far too soon for his liking, but he’s got orders to make in the morning and the life of a baker means getting up before the sun, even during the summer. Outside of her place, he parks the car and looks over towards the woman in his passenger seat, a warm smile coming to his lips.

“I don’t want tonight to end,” he admits, leaning against the headrest as he takes her in, “but I’ve got an early morning tomorrow. We'll make up for it another night, though. I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to it, big guy,” she replies with that thousand-watt smile Roman’s grown fond of before leaning across the middle console.

He meets her halfway, reaching a hand up to cup her cheek as their lips meet in a deep kiss. He savors it, hand slipping to the back of her neck to hold her there for another few moments before pulling away and placing a peck to the tip of her nose. “Goodnight, Kathryn. I’ll call you soon.”

“You’d better. I’ll make the wait worth your while.” With a wink, she slips out of the car, and Roman can’t help the chuckle that leaves him as he watches her saunter towards the entrance of the building.

He’s about to start the car up again when he hears a quiet beep, like a button being pressed or something being activated. He barely has time to register what’s happening before the bomb wired to his vehicle detonates, shooting a ball of flames and shrapnel into the air and destroying everything in its path.

[romanmcnulty]

What would you think of me now? So lucky, so strong, so proud? I never said thank you for that Now I'll never have a chance May angels lead you in Hear you me, my friends On sleepless roads, the sleepless go May angels lead you in

[romanmcnulty]

may angels lead you in (part one)

LOCATION: Malibu MENTIONED: Kate McNulty, Dante Parker, @sawyerdecker, @gabriel-knox, @shepdecker, @kathrynharinger

Roman has always loved the way the shades of the cotton candy skies reflect off the ocean during a sunset. The cold water of the Pacific washes over the coastline in a soothing rhythm, lulling him into a sense of peace. He’s come to this very cliffside dozens of times in the past to watch the sunset after a full day of surfing, his sister by his side, but tonight is different in the fact that she’s only here in spirit, her physical form reduced to ash within the urn sitting beside him.

He’s here tonight because he’s finally completed his search for who took her life. It’s taken him over half a year, but after scouring through the internet, hacked devices, and Enterprise records, he’s gotten the answers he needed and they’re compiled in a secure database only he and one other person can access. Although he’s gotten what he wants, he also knows he’s set off red flags for Giovanni. He knows what that means: it’s only a matter of time now before he’s taken out of the picture.

With his affairs in order, he’s taken this trip out to Malibu for one final hurrah: he wants to watch the sunset one last time.

“It never gets old,” he remarks, a soft smile on his face. He looks down at the urn and places his hand on top of it. “I wish you could see this. Maybe you can, wherever you are. I don’t know if I believe in the whole heaven thing, but if you were going to be anywhere, it’d be there.” He falls silent, taking in a deep breath of sea air and closing his eyes. “Y’know, after Sawyer left, the only reason I managed to find myself again was because of you. Or some version of myself, anyway. You got me out of the house, made sure I didn’t get too deep into my depression. You were my rock, and now that you’re gone…” His voice trails off, swallowed by the sounds of the beach. He’s gotten better about not crying every time he thinks of her, but here and now, he allows himself that much. “I don’t know how much longer I’ve got around here, but I know you’d want me to be happy, so I’m going to try. I have a date this weekend. I think you’d like her a lot. Keep an eye on me, will you? I don’t wanna put my foot in my mouth.”

Standing, he takes the top off of the urn and walks to the edge. “I need to get back now, but we’re going to get justice for you.” Tipping out the contents, he watches as the ashes catch on the breeze and blow out to sea. He watches them until they dissipate and he smiles softly, wiping his cheeks clean. “You can rest now. See you soon, kid.”

He pulls out his phone and opens the camera, facing it towards him then hitting record. “Hey, Sawyer,” he starts, the smile on his lips failing to reach his eyes. “I know you’ll be tempted to turn this off, but I need you to listen to everything I say, okay? It’s about who shot Kate and Shep.”

He pauses, gaze flicking down. “It’s probably a bit morbid I’ve always wanted to record one of these, huh?” he chuckles, turning his gaze back to the camera. “If you’re watching this, it’s because I got too close, and the wrong people took notice. I don’t know how it’ll happen, but it’s almost inevitable at this point so I’ve set up this database to require daily access. If I don’t sign in for some reason, it’s set to send everything over to you. You’ll have all the evidence you need attached to this; it’s encrypted so only you can open it. After Kate died–” His voice cracks with a clear sign of overwhelming emotion, and he pauses to clear his throat and collect himself before speaking again. “After Kate died, I followed every lead I could, including ones the police wouldn’t have been able to access without jumping through legal hurdles, and I found him; I found the person who took my sister from me and nearly did the same to Shep. You’ll see for yourself once you go through the documents, and his mask kept him hidden for a while, but I tracked down security footage from the hotel and pieced it together..”

A sheen of building tears covers his blue eyes, but he sets his jaw, staring past the camera at the falling sun. “You haven’t had reason to trust me for a long time, but when we spoke outside the hospital, I promised you I would figure out who did this and I meant that. I’m glad I could at least keep this promise. I know there’s nothing I can ever do to change how things went for us, but I hope that in some small way, this can help balance the scales.” He hesitates before speaking again, his voice gone soft and gaze returned to the camera. “I will always love you, Sawyer. You deserve to be happy, to have what you have with Gabe; I’m glad you’ve got him because things in Tonopah are only going to get worse from here.” Another small smile comes to his face, a look of acceptance resolute on his face as traitorous tears slip down his cheeks. “Now go find Dante Parker and make the son of a bitch pay."

[kathrynharinger]

Kathryn: I might've likened you to one when I was describing you to my friend. That, and hercules. Good to know that you won't start choking at dinner if I ever cook for you, then. Hmmm, now that's a hard question. I guess I'd have to go with Crème brûlée. Kathryn: How about yours?

[romanmcnulty]

Roman: Is that so? You're talking about me with your friends already, huh? Roman: I may be biased, but I am a big fan of cake. Though if I want something lighter, something with choux pastry is always fun. Would cream puffs be a decent compromise?

[kathrynharinger]

Kathryn: Not me, I’m a clean bill of health. Are you allergic to anything? Or are you basically just a asgardian god or something?

[romanmcnulty]

Roman: I don't know about a god or anything, but I'm good on the allergy front too. I think I'll go for something seasonally appropriate… Roman: Favorite dessert?

[kathrynharinger]

Kathryn: Now that’s what I like to hear. So what’re you going to cook me? 👀

[romanmcnulty]

Roman: Depends on if you have any allergies I should know about!

[kathrynharinger]

Kathryn: I didn’t say I didn’t want that. Kathryn: 👀👀

[romanmcnulty]

Roman: Oh? Roman: Well, whatever the lady wants, the lady gets. 😉

[kathrynharinger]

Kathryn: Come over to yours for the first date? Are you trying to take advantage of me, sir? Kathryn: I’m kidding, I promise.

[romanmcnulty]

Roman: I can see how that'd look a little presumptuous...

[logandonovan]

Logan had been so focused on folding the newest set of shirts that were about to go out on the floor that she hadn't even noticed the chime of the front door go off. Glancing up her face lit up at the sight of Roman. Since Kate's passing, she had been worried about the man but had wanted to give him his space to grieve. "Hey, stranger!" Logan greeted with a grin, setting the shirt on the counter. "Yeah, I needed to do something to keep busy - and I get to bring Sammy to work now." Logan motioned toward the Border Collie that was laying in the dog bed behind her. "None of my men's stuff has come in yet, but I do have pet stuff in the back?" She offered with a small shrug.

[romanmcnulty]

Roman grinned at the sight of the pup, kneeling down to greet Sammy. "That's alright, just promise you'll let me know when you do get some stuff in? You've always had a good eye for style, so I'm not surprised you took this shift in your career." He stood again, glancing around the room. "It looks really good in here, Lo. Show me what you got for pets and I'll see if I can get something for Rufio. He's been putting up with me moping the last couple months, so he deserves something special."

[kathrynharinger]

Kathryn: What if I want to? We were interrupted, and just as I was about to ask for your number. Kathryn: Thankfully got it after, so…didn’t all end badly. Kathryn: As it all okay?

[romanmcnulty]

Roman: You have a place in mind? Roman: Clean bill of health, so no need to worry about me. Roman: Actually, how about this: you come over here and I cook for you. Probably gonna be better than what we can get at most places without traveling outside of town.

[kathrynharinger]

Kathryn: Well, aren't you sweet? I think I should treat you to dinner, seeing as you practically saved my life. Honestly, I don't think you could've got me out sooner, Roman. Please don't be so hard on yourself. Kathryn: Got it checked over. They said it should clear up over time. Have you gone to get checked, too?

[romanmcnulty]

Roman: You don't have to treat me, but I won't say no to the pleasure of your company. Especially considering we were so rudely interrupted… Roman: Probably took me a little longer than I should have, but I went eventually.

[sanemkaplan]

Sanem was taken into Vegas for a few days for training. It was something she was actually looking forward to. There was only so much she could do in the warehouse that her brother had for them to set up shop. This would be a top line facility where she would be pushed to the max, and she lived for it.

The hours flew by and she was left in pure exhaustion at the end. The assassin stayed behind whilst everyone packed up to leave, wanting to spend a little longer, or mostly, trying to avoid the chance that they would ask her to go out with them. She was a social person, but this reminded her too much of her squad and those memories kept flashing at the forefront of her mind.

She stepped out of the elevator, heading down the hall, ready to crash in her hotel room for the night. Her eyes instantly fell on the tall blond that seemed to be speaking to her. "Army. Infantry." If she were anywhere else, it would have been an odd question, but considering the building she was in, and who it belonged to, it seemed natural. "What about you?"

[romanmcnulty]

Roman nodded as he took in her response, a playful smirk coming to his face. "Army, huh? You kicked our asses in the last Army/Navy game, but I think we'll come back this year," he chuckled, taking another sip of his coffee. "Navy, if that wasn't obvious already." He took in her face, tilting his head slightly as he took in her features. "I'm assuming you're new to the organization since I don't recognize you. I'm Roman."

[kathrynharinger]

Kathryn: Other than the consistent cough? Could've been worse. How about you? I mean, you carried me out of there so fast I don't think I can complain, really.

[romanmcnulty]

Roman: I'll be better knowing you're alright. Roman: Physically fine, though beating myself up some over not getting you out faster. Have you been to the doctor to get that looked at to make sure it's nothing serious?

[keila--maahs]

Where: A Cafe Shop Who: @romanmcnulty When: July 27, 2023

She sat at one of the cafe's close to the museum, a tea placed in front of her, with a book opened -- The Art of Mesoamerica: From Olmec to Aztec (World of Art). Keila wanted to make sure she was knowledgeable enough that when questions were asked about the new exhibit, that she could answer them confidently.

Keila was also waiting for her friend.

A smile adorned her features when a giant man appeared in front of her, knowing exactly who it was merely by his shadow, instantly standing up to hug him. "Roman!" Since her move to Tonopah Valley, they would try to meet a couple times a week. She would always be indebted to him -- for saving her life so many years ago.

"I have already ordered for you, they'll bring it out shortly." She let go of him, settling back down in her chair. Touch was never easy for her, but with him, it would always be different. The relationship they had was special.

[romanmcnulty]

Since Kate's death, Roman hadn't really felt like himself in more ways than one, but he'd become invigorated the closer he got to figuring out who it was that had killed her and shot Shep on New Year's Eve. Without this being the singular focus on his mind, he was finally able to focus more on spending time with friends instead of concentrating on his self-assigned mission. Seeing Keila seated at the table made the guilt he felt for having been so absent over the last few months dissipate to a degree.

"You ordered for me? Hope you got it right or we may have some problems," he chuckled, squeezing her in his hug before pulling away. He took the seat opposite her, setting his sunglasses down on the table and relaxing back against the cushion of the seat. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. Things have been... busy lately." To put it mildly. Once she'd gotten settled in California, he'd told her all about his hometown and how quaint it was, but she'd arrived just as tensions between the gangs seemed to be ramping up. He almost felt like he had given her false hope in that sense. "How've you been? Keeping busy?"

[kathrynharinger]

She'd been looking at him with a sense of awe. Was it legal for someone to be that pretty and male? Fender had been one of the few men that had managed to captivate her in such a way; but that was different. Very. Opening her mouth to speak at what seemed to be the same moment as him when everything changed.

It crackled and screamed.

Kathryn's heart raced as the explosion shattered the air, startling her and sending a wave of panic through the crowd. Instinctively, she grabbed onto Roman's arm as he swiftly pulled her down to the ground, shielding her from the danger. She'd been in a dangerous situation. But this had shaken her. The chaos and screams surrounded them, but amidst the chaos, she found solace in his protective presence.

Instantly, from her spot on the floor, she began looking for Fender, and when she couldn't find him, she nodded quickly. Eyes wide with alarm. "Please," she replied urgently, her voice trembling slightly. The gravity of the situation sank in, and Kathryn's mind raced with thoughts of the potential dangers that lurked around them. She clutched onto Roman's arm tightly as he helped her back up, grateful for his steadying grip. The fire crackled as it began to catch. ''Shit, what the fuck?'' She whispered under bated breath.

[romanmcnulty]

The moment he got the okay, Roman's instincts kicked into high gear. He ripped the tablecloth from the booth's table and dousing it in the water to get it soaked, then wrapping it around her to protect her from the heat of the flames and prevent too much smoke from getting into her lungs. Once she was wrapped up, he scooped her up from the ground and held her close to his chest as he searched for the best exit route. The sooner they got out of there, the better. "I've got you," he reassured her before darting through the crowd, guiding others out on the way off the grounds to safety.

// END

[kathrynharinger]

Kathryn: Hey you. I’m doing good thank you. You know how business can be, we had shipment issues but it’s leveling out now. Kathryn: how about you?

[romanmcnulty]

Roman: As concerned as I am for your business, I mostly meant physically haha. Roman: No problems with the smoke inhalation or anything?