#nathanial donovan

[kathrynharinger]

FOR: @nathaniel-donovan

WHEN: 25th of August, 2023.

WHERE: The Lost Word.

The burns marred her skin. Painful and blistered, a painful reminder of that night. It killed her inside, remembering those final moments as she played them over and over again. The moments before the fire claimed Roman's life. Her heart pulsed with a dull ache. Walking around her shop was all kinds of discomforting, a stark contrast to the beauty that surrounded her. Books lined the shelves, and old 1920s classics choked out of the record player towards the front of the shop. Today she looked like she'd been thrown back in time, her dress in the same era while she wore her hair down in large barrel curls to hide as much of her neck as possible.

Since that night, Kathryn had retreated into herself. The vivacious spirit she once possessed had been replaced by a quiet melancholy. Her laughter was a distant memory, replaced by the weight of guilt and loss that she carried within her. The Lost Word, with its familiar allure, seemed like a fitting escape—a place where she could lose herself and perhaps find some peace.

However, when the bell chimed, she jumped, hand flying to her chest.

''S-Sorry, we're closed. I forgot to loc— Nathaniel, hello.''

[dakotafitzgerald]

                 Tonopah Falls Zoo was perhaps Dakota’s favorite place in town.. one she could be often found at. It reminded her of easier days - the days she could breathe. There was no freedom that was to be found for her, nothing waiting for her at the end of the horizon.. but the chains that were unbreakable. The burden was heavy, but it was hers, and hers only to carry. “If you plan on observing me, it is far better from the left corner,” the doctor spoke, breaking the silence the courtyard was filled with as she felt a presence behind her. Not knowing who it was or what they wanted, Dakota spoke up. “Or you can spare us both and tell me what you want.”

@nathanial-donovan​

[austinhutton]

starter for: @nathanial-donovan location: mad dog brewery

Before moving back, Austin was always trying to come as often as could to Tonopah, but the truth was - it was Peyton who was traveling more to Los Angeles to see her old Dad. But it was not as if he was gone.. so now with him being back permanently, it wasn't as if he had to fix all those broken bridges - he still had his friends here, and in a way, he was making new ones as well.. grabbing a beer on his own would often lead to that. And the Mad Dog Brewery was one of Austin's favorite places in town. "Is that so, huh?" The blond chuckled as the bartender was trying to explain him everything that went wrong in the last Super Bowl.. and it was always like that. People still remembered he almost made it to the big league.. that he would be there if it weren't for his injury.. but water under the bridge, no? "I'll keep that on my mind, for sure, man. Just get me another beer." Perhaps it was a part of his past - his football career - but not here.. never here.

[dakotafitzgerald]

closed starter for: @nathanial-donovan location: nate's place

With a box of pizza and a pack of beer in her hands, Dakota was seriously hoping Nate was actually at home. Otherwise she'd end up sitting in front of his front doors eating pizza all by herself.. but that's his fault. Of course, she could have actually called him, but where's the fun in that? See, despite her fear of any possible upcoming surprises happening in her life, Dakota was actually quite fond of them.. she loved surprising people - either with sudden gifts or surprise parties, it was just something that made life so much more interesting.. the little things. So when she pressed up his doorbell - once or twice - the doctor was really hoping this would end up being a pleasant surprise - or that her plan would happen as she imagined it. But with Nate.. one could never be sure. Perhaps he was with Cole.. or perhaps he was spending the night at Alara's. Perhaps she really should have called him.. yet at that moment she was met with that familiar face.. and perhaps a bit of confusion written all over it? Oh well. "I heard someone here ordered a pizza.. or was that me?" Her grin reached her eyes as she lifted up a bit the pack of beer as if showing Nate that it wasn't just pizza she brought with her. "And I heard that beer is the best cure after the long day of trying to be on your best behavior.. though I don't know is orange your color really? But I'm sure about the beer thing."

[dakotafitzgerald]

@nathanial-donovan location: the outpost

It became more and more a habit of Dakota's to go to the Outpost after her long hospital shifts.. it was easier to numb the noise of her thoughts in a crowded place. Usually she'd take a seat at the bark, have three or four shots of whiskey and would be ignoring most of people. It was the perfect end of the evening if you asked the raven-haired doctor. But also, there were nights where she'd be talking to the bartenders, laughing and dancing.. one could never really tell in what kind of mood she would walk in.

And tonight was.. well - she still hadn't decided.. and when she felt someone taking a seat by her side, the woman couldn't help herself but to roll her eyes. Perhaps she wasn't in the mood. "You should move or not-.." her voice was rather unwelcoming while she slowly turned her head to shoot the person with her glare. But the ice in her eyes quickly melted away upon recognizing it was Nate Donovan. But of course.. she didn't hesitate to smile. "Why do we only meet in the wild?" As if the Outpost sometimes didn't feel like it was full of the wild animals.

[kathrynharinger]

FOR: @nathaniel-donovan WHEN: 08th of January, 2023. WHERE: The Lost Word.

"I don't know Nate." Kathryn rasped, dropping into the chair that had been propped so she could see the doorway to the entrance of the shop, chin now resting in his palm. "Fender wasn't the kind of man that stays...tied down to one place." But there was a certain level of loss in her tone. The man that had given her everything — gone. And yet, she wondered if her life was on a new course.

Somewhere she had family and a place she called home. It was terrifying and yet, there was something rather sweet about it. Excitement in those nerves.

"If any of your prospects need a part-time job, I'm looking for help." She tipped her chin in the direction of the poster in the window. "Indeed, has only been giving me absolute nipwits." and then turned on her seat to face him. "How are you? I feel like I've gone about myself far too much."

[kathrynharinger]

FOR: @nathaniel-donovan WHEN: 30th of November, 2023. WHERE: The Raven's Gentlemen Cub.

It wasn't her first time attending a venue of this nature, in fact, it was far from it. Back in New York City, it'd been a part of the scene that'd often attracted the wealthy and well-established and, in turn, had found the likes of Kathryn there often. She'd only known Nate for a short while, but she wouldn't expect anything less, lips parting in surprise as she pushed through the doors.

Since arriving in Tonopah, she'd spent most of her time in the Lost Word, making it a reputable business. Establishing a foothold in this town had been the most important obstacle. And thankfully, it had proven fruitful.

This place exuded this old-world charm, the kind that seemed to transport her to a another world, another place, outside of Tonopah. One of her favorites as her perfectly plucked brow arched and the corners of her lips curled into a smirk. Those who'd found themselves in the venue were a mix of well-dressed individuals, their faces partially shrouded in the dim lighting, to which she only nodded in appreciation. Her own gold dress, a real Chanel piece she'd swiped out of a closet from a con job, a present for herself, she'd called it. Thankfully, it seemed the universe had been on her side because it fit like a glove.

Leaning against the closest polished mahogany, she found herself momentarily watching the performance taking place on stage, eyes trained to the slender figure that moved as only a well-trained could. Mesmerizing, so much so, that she only tore her eyes away when she caught a waitress walking past. "Excuse me," Kathryn began, her voice steady but laced with a hint of uncertainty. "I'm looking for Nathaniel Donovan. Could you point me in the right direction?"

Thankfully, she was pointed across the room, turning her head to spot him in conversation with someone else. With quick thanks, she took off across the room. Seeing as he'd seen her work place more than once, she guessed it was time that she checked out his.

[kathrynharinger]

FOR: @nathanial-donovan

WHERE: The 4th of July Event, 2023.

Kathryn glanced around the vibrant event, everywhere dashed in colour and laughter, orbs eagerly scanning the crowd. She'd heard rumors that this was one of the events of the year and she hoped it'd come through; she'd needed a pick me up. Especially now that Fender had returned.

That's when she spotted Nathaniel, a man she'd met a few weeks ago. And there, amidst the sea of people celebrating America's independence, she finally spotted him. For a moment she wondered if she should approach, giving the last time they'd seen each other had been somewhat awkward.

However, sucking up her reservations, she made her way over.

"I've been wondering about something since the last time we met. Did your daughter enjoy the book I gave you, or perhaps you sold it and became a rich man?" Kathryn joked, flashing him a smile.