This guy has been listening to AC/DC since he was a kid in the late 70s. The records in tower are his, and Patch takes very good care of them.
Mayday encouraged Blade to keep his pilot's license and choose a career in fire where he could use it. He also helped Blade out of a grief spiral after Nick died, and Blade thinks of him as a mentor figure.
Blade has a natural intelligence for problem solving.
While Blade wants nothing to do with his fame or acting career, he still appreciates acting as an art form. He enjoys watching movies with other people to discuss afterwards, but he struggles to invite others to do it with him.
He might not wear it outwardly, but Blade is a total aviation nerd. That man loves rotary aircraft and anything else that flies.
(more depressing stuff below the cut)
Blade grew up in San Fran and became familiar with American West Coast culture at an early age. Like many young men in the 80s, he was involved in gay nightlife. Unfortunately, Blade chose to pull away from the community when more and more of his buddies were falling ill. It was difficult for him to stay around that despair, and he'd also need that separation in case his acting career blew up.
The only people who knew about Blade's relationship with Nick were Nick's parents, who accepted him as a member of their small family. Nick's parents suffered from health issues, so Blade would pitch in around their house like second son during visits. He even learned some of their family recipes.
See this post.
Blade spent so much time with Nick that he picked up small pieces of his East Harlem dialect, like his use of the word "ain't." He also learned a couple Spanish phrases from being around Nick's family, but they're specific to the Caribbean variant that's spoken in Puerto Rico.
Blade has a collection of Polaroid photos that feature his relationship with Nick.
Lot's of people in Hollywood, and even at Piston Peak, speculate about what went on with Blade and Nick. Blade wants to reveal more about their relationship, but first, he needs to think of a plan. He wants it to special and on his own terms.
If you wanna talk about Tugs headcanons, what do you think about Warrior?
Warrior's one of my favorites, so this'll be fun!
For my Human AU, I picture Warrior as being a really good baker. He'll make a huge mess in the kitchen, and the pastries won't come out looking very pretty, but they'll taste amazing. Like, the Stars could be having an argument in the briefing room, and Warrior immediately ends it by walking in with a tray of cupcakes; each with varying amounts of clumpy frosting. He's swarmed as soon as he gets through the door.
Warrior is quick to notice when one of his fleet mates is upset and will do everything he can to make them feel better. The big guy just wants to keep his team as happy as possible.
I also headcanon Warrior as autistic. I'm autistic myself, so I tend to notice those traits in characters. He takes things literally and asks questions about things that are "obvious" to others. He doesn't notice when the other tugs insult him. His clumsiness could be the result of struggles with motor skills or lack of spatial awareness, which are also common in autistic folks.
Headcanon: Blade has a soft spot for pride celebrations, so he helps represent Piston Peak Air Attack in a parade at least once every June. He didn't get a chance to celebrate safely as a young person, so he takes full advantage now. While he does pester anyone who will listen about crowd safety, Blade lets the more nurturing side of his personality shine during Pride.
This was inspired by the firefighters in my hometown who have always been fiercely protective of queer people, especially youth.
Will be creating all future character designs on the basis of Captain "wear anything you want as long as it fits our color scheme" Star and Captain "we all dress like a mob family from Chicago" Zero.
