The Academic

Scott Michael Ingram. Thirty-One. UCF Professor & Architect. ((RP Only && Sideblog))

[scottxingrm]

Christmas With the Ingrams

[scottxingrm]

iakyn‌:

“I will!” She responded matching his excitement as she hugged him back, laughing as she was pulled onto the bed with him. As their lips collided in a kiss she couldn’t help the butterflies she felt in her stomach that came with the action, it happened every time he kissed her. His words brought her breath to a hault, he loved her back “you do? Holy crap am I lucky!” She smiled, quickly kissing him one more time before agreeing “you’re right, we should probably get back down there” lakyn said, unable to wipe the smile off of her face “I can help your mom with food if you want to take the kids outside”

A laugh sprung forth. Warm and thick like honey at her reaction. “You’re so adorable.” He grinned, forcing them to sit afterwards and tucking her hair behind her ears. “You want some alone time with her, you just have to say it. I’ll scurry off.” His hand stretching out to offer it to her before he made steps to leave his room with her down the hall to the noisy living room area with the kids, Mia, and his father there playing a game of Candyland.

[scottxingrm]

Christmas With the Ingrams

[scottxingrm]

iakyn‌:

Lakyn smiled at the little moment, reminding herself to take a mental picture so she’d remember it in the future. “You’re a Christmas miracle” she said, pausing for a second before adding “seriously, I’ve always loved Christmas but this, this is perfect” after that statement she let them stand in silence for a moment, looking out the window.

As he released her and walked away she turned, noticing how his facial expression had changed. The news was a bit of a shock to her, while she was happy he could get back into what he really loved doing but they were in New York, she didn’t know much about the state, but she knew it was far away from Florida which made her terribly sad to think about. The more he talked about taking the job the more her heart seemed to ache at the thought of losing him, she took a couple steps closer to him, cupping his cheek “you should 100% take the job Scott, you can tell how happy it would make you just from the little you’ve been talking about it right now, it’s what you want” she smiled, a little taken back when he asked her to consider going with him. He was right, the timing was kind of perfect with her recent job loss. Letting her thumb stroke his cheek for a second as she thought about it, a small smile came to her face “yes, of course I’ll move with you” With that she let her hands fall onto his shoulders, biting her lip as she was a little nervous to say what she wanted next “I uh, I love you. I know we’ve only been officially dating for a couple months but, I can honestly say I’ve never felt this was before, I’ve never felt the want to pick up and move with anyone else ever before, but it seems to be the only reasonable option with you. And you don’t have to say it back if you aren’t ready, it just kind of hit me that love is this feeling that I’ve been having towards you” she said with a smile, nervously shifting her weight.

“You will?” His heart lept with such joy that he didn’t even know was possible. Smiling ear to ear, he took the woman in a giant bear hug and laid himself back flat onto the bed. Sliding palms up along her spine as lips met with her own as if to transfer such elation. A feeling that only grew with a certain fluttering warmth that seemed to consume not only his heart but within the pit of his gut as well. She loved him. Lakyn Rivers, his girlfriend, loved him. Scott Ingram. Just as he was. It had been so long since something on that level of intimacy was expressed to him in such a way.

Such a heavy pivotal moment now paired together with another, Scott had to remind himself to breathe. When he did again, it came out like a shaky laugh. Blue eyes dancing over her freckled features that he’d come to know so well in their short amount of time together. “I love you, too, Lakyn.” He finally spoke again with such softness of truth. “I’d want to solidify that statement right now, but I’m sure my mother is cooking up something and I know the kids want to burn off some energy outside before it’s time to eat.”

[scottxingrm]

Christmas With the Ingrams

[scottxingrm]

iakyn‌:

She smiled, leaning back into him as he slowly rocked them back and forth. The thought of more snow was mind boggling to her and her eyes widened “what if we get stuck and can’t get back to Florida?” She asked, a small smirk on her face at the idea “not that I really mind, I really want to take some time to enjoy snow but, what about your classes?” She asked before letting out a little puff of air “psh, I bet I can build a better snowman than you can” lakyn said, smiling at the childishness of the topic.

As he mentioned something longer than a vacation she turned her head slightly to see him before smiling and looking back out the window “I’d like that a lot. And I think Vicky likes the colder weather too, watching her prance around in the snow is pretty entertaining” she admitted “but yes, I’d like more of this. I’m taking this time to get to know more about your childhood, so don’t hold back on me mister, I want to know everything”

He smiled back down at her. God, she was so beautiful. An incredible human and she was his. The thought had arms gently squeezing her closer against his frame. “It’d be a Christmas miracle.” His deep voice warm and saturated with affection. Teeth skimming his lower lip then when classes were brought up and the offered he’d gotten swam back to the forefront of his mind. He’d wanted to wait to propose this to her.

Forgoing the challenge for now, he released her and sat himself on the bed. A more solemn expression now was on his face as he sucked in a deep breath. The remainder of her answer to being in such an environment seemed promising but his palms were still getting a little sweaty in anxious reactions. “Lakyn,  Skidmore, Owings & Merill contacted me last week with a job offer as Architectural Project Manager... The job pays exceedingly well and I’d be back in the element I love, proceeding over multiple projects.” He gulped, then, feeling his throat start to dry a little. “The only downside is they’re located in New York City and I’d have to move there the start of the year. I-- I’ve been thinking a lot on it and with Mia doing so well with her new boyfriend, I want to take it.” The man admitted aloud. “But, I’d want to take it even more if.. you were to, maybe, consider... moving with me? It’s good timing with your recent job loss. There’s so much opportunity for you there, too. And we’d get to experience all four seasons, heh.” He tried to entice her a little with a lopsided smile.

[scottxingrm]

Christmas With the Ingrams

[scottxingrm]

iakyn‌:

Lakyn was nervous first for a long drive with Mia and the kids, but mostly for meeting her boyfriends parents. They seemed like nice enough people, she was just hoping that they would be happy with her dating their son. She was surprised by the welcoming hug, something she hadn’t received in the longest time going to her own home, once they got upstairs to unpack she could feel her eyes swelling up with tears.

Feeling Scott’s arms around her made her smile “it’s beautiful, I’ve never seen this much snow in person before. Your family is so nice and welcoming, I wish I felt as welcome at my own mothers” she said softly, letting her arms fall over his “I love it here though, I kind of love the cold and the snow. I might take the munchkins out to build a snowman or something after we all settle”

He used his large frame to gently rock them in place, a means to sooth her as well as just enjoy their closeness in his childhood home. It felt so oddly yet naturally perfect. “Just wait, the next week calls for more snowstorms. I think the tiny tots will have to teach you a thing or two on technique, though. The trick to building a good snowman is experience.”

Blue eyes looked out the with all the familiar sights of what winter truly should be. “Maybe... we can experience things like this even more down the line...” He looked back to her, gently biting at the inside of his lip. “For longer than just a vacation.”

[scottxingrm]

Christmas With the Ingrams

They had made it. A mini van packed with Scott, Lakyn, his sister, and her two kids had legged up the twenty one hour trip from Orlando to Greenfield with mostly Mia and Scott at the helm. His girlfriend a welcomed guest was proved even more so when they got there and the door opened to welcome arms all around. All was going perfect even if the three bedroom home of his childhood was now stuffed with so many bodies inside it.

Currently unpacking his bags with Lakyn in his room, Scott was all smiles. “So, how do you like it here so far? I told you my parents would adore you.” Pride and affection gleamed in his eyes as he took a break to walk over and and wrap his arms around the woman from behind. Placing a kiss to her cheek as he did so. 

[scottxingrm]

September 9, 2018: New Adventure

[scottxingrm]

iakyn‌:

“maybe that’s why depression and suicide are up so much, kids these days grow up with the idea happily ever after exists for everyone and they aren’t experiencing it and they can’t figure out why” she said sadly “i wish there was something i could do to help i mean, i see so many kids at the hospital who are just so happy while they’re going through probably the hardest fight of their life and it just, it makes me hopeful i guess” Lakyn turned her head slightly to look up at him and smile “but some dragons are cool, like elliot from pete’s dragon, he just sings and can turn invisible.” The small kiss was enough to make her blush and her stomach started filling with butterflies “how the heck do you keep doing that to me when we’ve been around each other this long now?” her voice was a small whisper as she asked the question, giving him a little wink. As they walked up she looked around “hmm how about green?” she asked and pointed to one a little further off “i’ll even let you steer the uppy downy thingy” Holding onto the side of the elephant as she crawled in, making sure she wouldn’t fall over and embarrass herself in front of a bunch of people, well, more so she wouldn’t embarrass Scott “oh good there are seat belts in case you get a little too crazy with your driving” she laughed, waiting as Scott got in.

“Let’s focus on the fun of today, mh?” His large hands rubbing along her back. “I know how upset you can get while working as well as enjoying it, but, I want today to be about you, us, and creating a wonderful memory.” Lakyn’s heart was so enormous and giving, he just wanted her chance to enjoy and take some niceness for herself so she could head back to work with that seed of happiness and hopefully, again, for his other ulterior motive he still kept close to his vest. Following her to a green one, he slid in and worked to place long legs rather snuggly within the more confined space. “Are you sure you don’t want to drive? I did drive us all the way here, after all. It’s my turn to sit back and enjoy the view.” Trying his hand at a little joke. There was something about having the control as well that brought out a childlike innocence he knew he’d experienced many times before having to do just that for whichever child of his sister’s he’d ride with.. Buckling in, he nodded and made sure she was restrained into it as well. “There’s a similar Aladdin ride as well with the magic carpet. Call me old fashioned, but, I’ve always enjoyed this one more.” He reached out to pet the plastic elephant’s head before the ride began to start up.

[scottxingrm]

nathantsai‌:

Nathan was clueless on the topic, but it sounded pretty impressive. “Architecture. Wow,” he said a little breathlessly, nodding his head. “I don’t either,” Nate said with a small frown, “I mean, a companion is a companion, I think. I guess it’s just how people view things. Generally dogs are more outgoing and friendly and want more attention than cats. At least, that’s what I’ve always heard. I never really had any pets growing up.” His mother was allergic to cats, and his parents had never much wanted a dog. Nate just didn’t think he had what it took to train up a puppy, so a cat suited him just fine. With a smile, Nathan let her sniff, hesitantly trying to scratch behind her ears. “I wish I could get a dog, but I just…don’t have enough space.”

Scott was liking the way this man thought. He seemed like an intellectual fellow and that was always a thing he enjoyed seeing in others. It made him feel less strange and nerdy when he could find a similar spirit or brain, whichever you preferred to compare. “Cats can be just as friendly. Just not in the context us as humans are used to. Dogs were bred more for our purposes, they’re a pack animal as well, so they react more so how we’re used to interacting with other people. More or less.” Liberties were taken in this brief bulletpoint. “Whereas cats are usually solitary. They express love and affections in different mannerisms as well that people mistake easily as being, for lack of a better word, jerks. I read a lot...” He confessed. Animals and facts about them being one of them. “As well as some personal experience, so...” Eyes fell to watch Vicky turn her head away momentarily as if to ask his permission to be pet by another. “It’s alright, girl~.” He assured the both of them. Patting her head quickly. “You can always have a cat now then if you ever have the space get yourself a dog as well, later down the line.”

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meara-collins‌:

“Oh, that’s kind of adorable, actually. And a really good idea. Would have been nice when I was younger to go to my grandmum’s. Ray and I literally would play tic tac toe and hangman. And after about five rounds, that got boring real quick,” she nodded in thought. “Okay. I’m definitely thinking a l-i-o-n. Not a real one, obviously. That would be terribly terrifying.”

“Games can only hold my attention for so long, as well. A book, though. I can keep reading for days. It’s usually what I wind up getting, anyways.” He was a simple man with simple likes, after all. Lips transforming into a smile, he looked to the toddler then back to Meara. “Yes, as long as it’s not a real one, I think she’d love it and it’ll be mother approved. Which, is what needed in order for her to keep it.”

[scottxingrm]

riverdurand‌:

Looking up at the call of his name, River’s smile was immediate. He’d liked Scott, and had been mildly disappointed when Grace had only invited him out that one time. Though, River liked Alyssa too, so he couldn’t complain too much. “Hey, Scott,” he laughed, raising a hand in greeting, “This your pup? She’s gorgeous.” Placing his hands on his hips, River took a few steps closer to meet the other man halfway. “Been a while since I’ve seen you. How’ve you been?”

Glad he’d gotten both the name and face correct, he smiled, returning a friendly wave. A few steps more taking him to River’s side. “Yes, that’s Vicky. Victoria, really, but no one calls her that.” A short awkward laugh came up from his chest. “Me? Oh, I’ve been busied with school starting up again. How about yourself with all your luxurious shoots and campaigns and such?”

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iakyn‌:

Lakyn laughed slightly at his little confession “it’s definitely not a bad thing to be an open book, at least with me. I guess it could be a bad thing because then people could use it against you or something. that’s why i tend to try to be more guarded” she shrugged her shoulders lightly with that thought. Looking over at him with a smile at how childish their conversation would seem to anyone but them “i actually do kind of like that movie, it’s not one i sit and watch all the time but i like how the lead is the iguanadon instead of your typical trex, i mean, trex is cool but it’s nice to have other dinosaurs be the lead. clearly i should have just had a jurassic park movie night on the couch, i’ll have to save that idra for another night as we’re already on the road” her eyes skimmed the menu for a second before she ordered a sandwich and iced green tea “and for you professor?” she asked with a small raise of her eyebrow,

His brows knitted together as they soften did considering his pensive mind. “I don’t understand how that Ankylosaurus was essentially a dog to them, though while all the other’s were humanized. Then again, it’s Disney and they have Pluto and Goofy in the same universe.” He shrugged. Probably giving it more thought than he should and instead looked to the menu. Opting for the same drink but a toasted bagel and cream cheese instead. Not terribly hungry after the huge feast he’d had a few hours before. After, he took out his wallet and handed her a ten to contribute to the total. “Don’t fight the birthday boy on this. He wills it, so it should be.”

[scottxingrm]

meara-collins‌:

“That would be nice, if it’s not a bother. I don’t want to intrude or anything on a family celebration,” she gave a small nod in thought as she ran a hand through her hair. “I really just celebrate Christmas day with Lexie’s family. They are very different than what I’m used to and I’ve been celebrating with them since I came to the states.” Meara gasped as the child got a hold of her hand, looking up with Scott spoke. “I can spell it and I don’t think she would know? Is she so smart she would know what I’m saying?”

“Not at all.” He assured, “We started the tradition of letting everyone open one present before we go up to our folks. That way we all have new toys to entertain us. Whether we’re driving or taking a plane. It’s pretty useful.” The man’s deep chuckle rang warmly while he nodded his head. “She’s brilliant, but she’s not up to full spelling, yet.”

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nathantsai‌:

“Oh that’s…actually really cool,” Nathan said, sitting up a little straighter, “What uh…what do you teach?” Nathan liked to learn, but he’d never been too adept at teaching. The invitation to come see her again brought a smile to his face, and Nathan nodded almost immediately. “That would be…that would be amazing, if you’re sure. I uh…I really like animals. I’ve been thinking about adopting.” He cast a glance down at Vicky, holding his hand out so she could sniff him. He wanted to pet her, but didn’t want to do it too soon. “Not a dog. I uh…I don’t think I have the space. Maybe um…maybe a cat though.” It was hard to imagine Vicky as a puppy, but Nathan laughed anyway. “I bet she was a really cute puppy. She’s got such a gorgeous coloring.”

“Architecture.” He informed rather proudly. Pride that grew under the man’s enthusiasm for his girl and praise of her. She could steal hearts by simply entering someone’s field of vision. He was convinced. “I used to have a cat when I was a kid. Both cats and dogs are pretty fantastic. I don’t see what all the warring is about on which is better.” Even if he did prefer dogs slightly over felines. “It all just depends on the personality. Thank you, though.” He smiled, clicking his tongue to the roof of his mouth with the obedient pooch coming over. Trying to suggest she step closer to this new man as well, she took a few and went to sniffing at the offered fingertips again. 

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riverdurand‌:

Huffing out a laugh, River nodded his head. “Alright girl,” he said with a nod, “I get it. Not too keen on coming over to say hello, huh?” River didn’t want to pressure the pup, especially because she wasn’t his. “Alright girl,” he said with a brief laugh. “Here you go.” He shook the stuffed rabbit, indicating he was going to toss it for her. He lobbed it a short distance away, not wanting her to get lost amongst people once more. “Go on and enjoy your day, pup,” he called out, laughing as he gave a little wave to the dog.

She backed up instantly with the movement. A slow wag of her tail until the toy was lobbed and she went over to run and shake the poor floppy creature. Catching the tail end of it after his call, the taller man squinted when he saw a familiar face and took steps to close the distance between them. “River..?” He called out to see if his guess was accurate.

[scottxingrm]

meara-collins‌:

Hearing what he said, she sighed as she kept her eyes on the child, not really wanting to delve deep into her parental problems in front of a child. “True. I just usually get Reagan something. I haven’t celebrated Christmas in a long time. Well, my best friend’s family takes me in as their own for Christmas, so at least I have that,” she gave a soft smile as she poked Denise’s little belly, forming a smile. “I know the perfect gift I’m getting you,” Meara smiled brightly as she watched Denise’s reaction.

“We won’t be around for the actual holiday, but you’re more than welcome to celebrate a portion of it early with Mia and I.” Thinking of the nearing vacations where he and his sister would trek up to see their parents. It was a sweet tradition. “Oh... Well, offer still stands.” Smiling softly with a nod of his head while the girl in his arms giggled and tried grabbing Meara’s hand when poked. “If I cover her ears, can I know what that is?”

[scottxingrm]

nathantsai‌:

“Oh, it’s okay,” Nate assured the man, shaking his head. “I um…I tend to startle easy.” He was just a nervous dude, it couldn’t be helped. “Speaking? Um…what’s your job?” he asked curiously. Scott had a nice voice, it was soothing Nathan’s nerves, so he wondered if he was a public speaker of some kind. Shaking the man’s hand, Nate offered him a smile. “It’s nice to meet you Scott. Um…Vicky’s a very sweet dog. How long have you had her for?”

He nodded softly in understanding. Not wanting to draw more emphasis to it to spare the other of any further awkwardness. “I’m a professor over at the college here. Mostly.” He still did side jobs of his true passions but those were few and far between. A couple shakes of their hand later and he released it to relax himself more visibly, hoping this Nate would catch onto it. “It’s a pleasure. She is a big sweetheart. We come here, often, too, so feel free to come see her, again.” The offer delivered in a smile as he produced more information he was looking for. “I’ve had her for almost three years now and she’s about that old. Got her when she was just a puppy from a colleague of mine.”

[scottxingrm]

September 9, 2018: New Adventure

[scottxingrm]

iakyn‌:

“yeah but remember the black cauldron? the horned king is like the scariest disney villain of all time” she said very matter of factly “i mean he rose an army of skeletons and was just terrifying” thinking of the character sent a shiver down Lakyn’s spine, one she was sure Scott felt with how close they now were. “i mean i think disney is starting to focus on issues that matter and help kids understand things, i mean inside out is one of those movies that’s like, yes we want to be happy all the time but we’ll break if we force it, it’s okay to be sad and i think that’s important for kids to learn and see those kinds of things too.” she felt a small blush creeping onto her face again as he complimented her cooking “i’m glad you like my ways, maybe i’ll have to start cooking for you more often because i am enjoying such compliments. whatever did i do to deserve disney AND compliments?” she asked, obviously being a little more dramatic than the simple question called for “but seriously scott, i love this, thank you so much for thinking to bring me.” she said as she wrapped her arms around his midsection in a tight hug to show her appreciation as they reached the front of the line “ooo we’re next!”

“That is true, he was quite freaky. There’s nothing wrong with delving into deeper subject and helping to show issues and coping with them. It’s just at the cost of iconic antagonists. My nostalgic side just wishes there was a balance in those terms. It’s alright to make a lighter hearted fairytale. They hold importance, too. ‘Fairytales are important not because they tell us there are dragons out there, but that they can be defeated.’ Kids need that, too.“ He quoted while a hand rubbed along her back. Balling up his trash to toss into the waste bin just next to the line. Smiling down at her, he allowed for his hand placement to slide more around her as she hugged him so snug. Sparing his embarrassment, he leaned down with their noses bumping despite not quite fulfilling the gap between their mouths to share a kiss. Simply not one for much PDA where that portion was concerned. “You earned it by beaing you.” At the obvious announcement, he straightened more with eyes scanning the evidence then went to the flying Dumbos. “What color elephant are we going to want to pile into?”

[scottxingrm]

meara-collins‌:

Meara gave a small smile as she shook her head. “I loved that dog. He was her service dog, but he was kind of my comfort dog. Reagan and I were always together, anyway, so I spent a lot of time with him. Nothing is wrong with being a good person. I think that was my problem though. I wanted someone that wasn’t that good because maybe then my parents would have noticed. They did, but they didn’t really care.” She pushed her lips to the side in thought for a moment. “Christmas ideas? Already? I haven’t even thought about Christmas.”

“I don’t know about them not caring...” The man mumbled. Her life didn’t seam ideal, but with a disabled sister (as unfair as it seemed), naturally that child would garner more attention for obvious reasons. Clearing out his throat, he spoke up louder for her to hear. “I’m always thinking ahead. You have to when little kids are involved. Be one step ahead to keep from having everything go over it.”