#scott ely

[evolvefaster]

(EF8) Mental Triage: (EF8) The scars can either help you create a stronger identity or simply make the wound deeper — The Evolve Faster Podcast (Season One, Episode Six)

[graycurse-sims]

Lori’s birthday drew the “family” together, albeit somewhat un-willfully. Scott and Maia definitely had some tension going on between the two of them, but all was forgotten when the adorable little Lori toddled out to join the gathering. A chorus of “awwwww”’s went around the room when she appeared, and Vincent immediately swooped in to cuddle with her. Jordan want a turn to greet her, but he was forgotten in the presence of the adorable little(r) one.

Jordan: Dad? Can we go play? This is boring.

Vincent: Not now! It’s your sister’s birthday! I’ll come back some other day, and we can play then.

Jordan turned to his bio-dad, and presented the same query.

Damien: I need to focus on keeping things smooth here, kid. Plus I haven’t had a turn to hold Lori yet! Why don’t you invite a friend over?

[graycurse-sims]

Maia heard Lori’s cries from the nursery, and retreated to its sanctuary. She rushed to the crib, seeking solace in her daughter’s warmth, and hadn’t noticed Scott in the corner.

Scott: I’m very sorry, ma’am. 

Maia flinched, but didn’t reply. Scott continued.

Scott: I didn’t intend for any of this to happen. Vincent didn’t, either. He cares very deeply for you; we both do. We didn’t mean to hurt you. I hope you can forgive him... me... us. 

Maia: Scott, can you do me a favor?

Scott: Of course, ma’am.

Maia: Just leave.

By the time night fell, Scott and Vincent were gone.

[graycurse-sims]

Vincent: Damien! I didn’t know you were coming over. How long have you been here?

Vincent was quite flushed. He eyed the Voidcritter battle station, wondering how it had been moved from the room he just vacated.

Damien: We’ve only been here for a short while. I tried calling Maia to let her know I was coming by, but she didn’t answer. Will she be down soon? I need to talk to her.

Vincent: She’s... uh... not home. I think she’s still at work.

Damien looked at Vincent and Scott, back and forth, neither of whom returned his wide-eyed stare.

Damien: That’s alright. I can wait. 

The men said no more to each other, and Vincent and Scott skulked off to the back of the house.

[graycurse-sims]

Scott made his way out to the guest house, where Vincent was in the midst of an intense workout. He watched, clearly not interested in interrupting Vincent’s passionate exercise. When Vincent finally opened his eyes, Scott made a hasty introduction.  

Scott: I beg your pardon! I’m your new butler, just arrived. I wanted to say hello, but I couldn’t disturb you when you looked so... focused.

Vincent: Not a problem! It’s great to meet you! And yeah, I can get lost in this stuff. It’s my one true love. Aside from my wife, of course.

Scott smiled at Vincent’s correction. He was sharp, quick-witted, and not unfamiliar with the inner-workings of others’ marriages. Having been a butler for many years already, he had a sixth sense for secret relationship dynamics. 

Scott: If I may, sir, I must admit that I admire a man who strives to achieve his ultimate physical form. It looks like your form is especially admirable.

Vincent: Wow, thanks, man! That means a lot! I don’t think most people notice how much effort I put into myself. My wife definitely doesn’t appreciate it. All she wants are babies.

Scott smirked and snorted at Vincent’s last comment.

Vincent: What?

Scott: I’m sorry, sir, but I just had a funny thought is all.

Vincent: Well, out with it, Scott. We’re men in the sanctity of our gym... anything can be said here!

Scott: Well... I just thought that I don’t blame her for being so single-minded, when she’s married to someone with biceps like yours.

[graycurse-sims]

Ah, the flea market. The place where one can find anything they need (or don’t need), from herbal potions to couches. Maia and Vincent had built a weekly tradition of visiting the flea market to buy and sell various goods, and this week was no different. Scott even decided to join in the family fun, and did some busking on the side!

[graycurse-sims]

Scott watched regrettably as Vincent spun into something a bit more appropriate.

Scott: Vincent? Will you join me for a moment? I’d like to talk to you.

Vincent eagerly sat down, like a puppy waiting not-so-patiently for a treat.

Scott: I hope I’m not overstepping any boundaries by saying this, but I wanted to make sure you’re on the same page as me. So please, let me know if I’m overstepping. But, I find you to be quite, quite attractive.

Vincent: Wow! Thanks! But I mean, how could you not with these bad boys.

Vincent flexed his muscles for Scott’s pleasure. Scott chuckled, but his laughter didn’t reach his eyes.

Scott: I was wondering... if you felt the same about me?

Vincent’s good humor quickly dissipated. He stared down sheepishly, almost angrily, into his still-excited lap. 

Vincent: I think I know what you’re asking. And.... 

Vincent trailed off, and pushed himself up from the table. He resigned himself to his room without another word.

[graycurse-sims]

When Maia returned to the house, she rang the bell for Scott.

Maia: Would you please look after the children for a couple of hours? I need to speak with my husband. Alone.

Scott: Of course, ma’am.

Scott shrank from her heavy expression; he sensed the weight of what was to come. After his departure, Maia steeled herself and went searching for Vincent.