Fire and Steel

Theo Hampshire. Firefighter. 24.

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teganwtf:

“Yeah. A lot of people in Lanford seem to have that talent.” Tegan couldn’t seem to hide behind his bullshit anymore. If felt like everyone around him was beginning to see past his lies. Forcing him to open up about a secret he had been keeping without fail for years. “Yeah. I’m not really enjoying it too much.” He replied, pushing the glass further down the bar, away from him. Regretting even buying the damn thing at this point. “Well my mum and all her texts about grandchildren will tell you it’s twenty four.” He looked up at him, his tilting a little. “Is that an offer??”

Theo watched as the man pushed the glass away, feeling a little bit of pride that he had chosen something many people couldn’t. Theo smirked, chuckling quietly to himself, “If you were my type I’d be tempted, but I think you’re going to have to find someone else for that kind of service.” Theo looked around him as if he was trying to help the guy out, but everyone around the bar seemed to be older than 50 other than them. “I think it might be slim pickings though.” 

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veronica-spencer:

“It’s all about knowing your audience,” Veronica chuckled, quickly glancing back at the group of women as they began crowding together for a group photo. “Clearly none of them have spent much time at bars like this, otherwise, they probably would have chosen a different location for tonight’s festivities.” Thinking back to her own 21st birthday celebration, the few memories Veronica was still capable of remembering were from a much too expensive table at some club in LA. “Believe it or not, there is indeed a club that has karaoke. Unfortunately, I can’t remember if it’s actually taking place tonight or tomorrow. I figure it was a 50/50 shot. At the very least, I got them out of here.”

Theo chuckled, picturing the look on their faces when they ended up at the other bar just to be disappointed. Hold up his beer bottle, he smiled, “Here’s hoping that they don’t come back looking for the woman who may have lied to them.” Finishing what was left in his bottle, Theo motioned for the bartended, indicating he needed a refill. “Sounds like you’re pretty good around people. You’ll have to teach me some things.” he said, crossing his arms on the bar. People had never been his strong suit, preferring to be alone more than anything. You could never predict other peoples reactions, and the unknown was what Theo tried to avoid at all costs. 

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mollyprior:

Maybe she was misreading him completely (because let’s face it, she hadn’t been doing much reading of him before), but she almost got the feeling that he wasn’t at all a big fan of her reaction — and maybe she had been a little too… awkward. “I’d say that would leave me being the asshole here if anything.” With another raised eyebrow as if to prove her point, a softer, even if vague, smile entered her lips, adding, “Dinner sounds like a fair deal to me.” While she doubted he was fully serious, she was debating on whether or not to reveal the fact that she cooked dinner far more often than she went out to get it. Letting go of his hand, she leaned back a bit, eyes finding their way to his face. “I’m sorry, I just don’t do this very often.” Feeling the need to say it out loud, to excuse herself for making everything worse, she continued, “I mean… I didn’t even know your name…” She wasn’t sure whether or not to hide her face because of the embarrassment or just laugh at her own stupidity and desperation.

Theo immediately sensed a change in her and it almost gave him whiplash at the 180 she did. He had expected her to leave him as a distant memory and go back to her life but he seemingly was completely wrong as she put his offer of dinner back on the table. “Well I just moved into town, so I don’t know what is good around here... or even what kind of food you really like...” he said, coming to the realization how little he knew about the woman. They really had just jumped into it the last time they had met, but it was obviously what they both needed at the time. A smile spread across his face as her embarrassment changed her features, finding it adorable and amusing. “Theres nothing to be ashamed of.” he told her, turning towards her, “We both needed someone at the time, just happened we fell into each other.” 

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teganwtf:

He shook his head, letting a small laugh escape him. “I’m really that easy to read ??” Tegan prided himself on his ability to keep a secret. He was able to keep his addiction a secret for years. Either that or no one close to him cared enough to help him. “Believe me. I’m not enjoying any of this. But i’m not really a one drink type of guy. And I’m getting to the age where waking up in strangers bed with no memory of the night before. isn’t really cute anymore.”

“I’ve just had a lot of practise reading people.” Theo offered, smirking at the man. It was the only thing that had kept him safe throughout the years. He always had to be aware of all things going on around him at all times for his own safety. Being aware had kept him alive. “Seems a little masochistic to me.” he said, “I didn’t know there was a age limit on that, but you should try it sober sometime.” 

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serenamccoy:

Serena enamored jukeboxes. Her dad had shown her one when she was little, treasuring the machine that conducted with coins. The blonde loved sipping on her beverage while listening to an 80′s jam or an early 2000′s smash hit. When the young man started to seem a bit more apprehensive about the jukebox, Serena almost chuckled. “How much? My rent’s due next week…I’m kidding. How about you buy me another drink, instead?”

He looked over to the woman who had settled in beside him, motioning for the bartender as he smirked, “If you brave the girls guarding the jukebox over there, I’ll buy you drinks for the rest of the night.” he offered, raising an eyebrow. He was more interested in getting someone else to do the dirty work for him, and he had a very limited control over his anger now after having been forced to listen to ‘Toxic’ three times in a row. 

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granthaydn:

Grant once more looked over his shoulder, mimicking the action of the stranger beside him. They must have looked like they were checking these girls out, but it was very much the opposite. Blue hues fell on the nails the man had mentioned, causing a little chuckle to elude Grant’s lips. “Precisely,” he agreed. Hopefully either of them could at least beat the girls to the punch when the song would eventually come to an end, and they could choose a song the complete opposite of Miss Spears. “Wouldn’t count on it. Unless you want some kind of ear infection,” he replied, the inner clinician in him presenting itself. Grant turned back up to take another swig of his drink. “We can get in there when the song ends. They can’t control the damn thing all night, surely. I think I might just hit a wall if we allow them to continue this animosity,” he joked.

Theo smirked, “You’re a doctor aren’t you?” he asked, not really needing the answer, “I only know a couple of people who would talk like that, all doctors.” He chuckled, turning back to his drink, still trying desperately to tune out the song. “I think we need to come up with a plan. You distract them and I’ll swoop in a change it before they even know what hit ‘em.” 

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alessamaverick:

The blonde gave a nod, averting her blue hues back to the male beside her, turning her back on the whining woman behind her. “Hmm,” she hummed as she swigged the dark liquid. “Yeah–– I agree with that. Johnny Cash, Led Zepplin and everything in between as my childhood,” she admitted, a smile drawn to her lips at the reminiscent of her dad’s old dance moves. “That is a fair comment, I’m always up for meeting new people,” Alessa added, the smile extending further on her lips.

Theo nodded, “It’s nice to meet a fellow Cash lover.” he said, “My brothers wouldn’t know any good music if it hit them in the face.” He had tried to educate his brothers past their love of Top 40s music, but to not avail. “How long have you been in Lanford for?” he asked, “I’ve just moved here and this is the only hangout place I know about.” 

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haydnavery:

“I didn’t say I was all that aware of what’s goin’ on around me,” Hayden corrected with laugh. “In fact, I usually get so distracted watchin’ one person that I block out all the rest.” Once upon a time she had bruises from walking into a street side trashcan to prove it. Pressing her lips to the rim of her glass she sipped down more of her whiskey and then elaborated. “I pay more attention to someone’s little quirks and mannerisms. How they hold their hands, how their face changes in response to something. That sorta thing.” Once again her finger flicked out to gesture at the woman across the bar. “See? Her arms are crossed, her shoulders leaning back, and her eyes keep lingering on the blonde behind him. She’s closin’ him off and trying to get some distance but he’s just too dense, drunk, or determined to see it.” Slowly but surely her hazel eyes strayed from the scene, returning instead to her company. “Well— you did threaten to take out the jukebox if you had to hear my girl Britney one more time.” The tiniest smirk pressed into the corner of her mouth. “I was just teasin’, though. I don’t actually think you’d hit me. At least I hope not.” Waving her free hand around her face she all out grinned. “This right here is literally my money maker.” In addition to actual talent, of course. “But it’s nice to meet you, too, Theo. I’m glad to know I won’t likely have to break you out of bar brawl tonight. I only offer that service on Saturdays.”

Theo pursed his lips, a little jealous that someone could make it through life not constantly aware of their surroundings. He certainly had to be growing up, and he was truly a product of his environment. Not being aware of his surroundings usually ended badly for him, most of the time he was bloody and bruised. Leaning against the bar on his elbows, Theo quirked his head, “Is it too early to get you too read me?” he asked, truly curious of what she had to say. Theo chuckled, nodding his head, “You’re right about that I guess. More of a take it out on inanimate objects kinda guy.” he confessed, “I’d get put on suspension at the firehouse if I got into any trouble with the cops.” The last thing he needed was more time to sit on his ass and think. “I’ll have to keep that in mind for the next Saturday I’m out on the town.” 

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kelseychxng:

     “You know—” Kelsey shrugged and nodded towards the garden area, “I’m pretty sure they keep one out back. Saw some old dude cutting the grass out back a couple of weeks ago. There’s storage out there, go bust in and see if there’s one.” The woman laughed lightly, “Nobody would forget it that’s sure. Just don’t know how quick they go, you know? Feels like it would be a slow journey outside.”

A small smile pulled at the edges of his lips, “If I get a couple more shots in me there is a hell of a good possibility that it might happen.” Though Theo was far from a daredevil, he had been known to do some really dumb things when he had drank too much. Theo tilted his head to the side for a moment, smirking while he imagined someone tackling him off of his lawnmower exit, “Probably not the smartest exit plan, but it might just be worth it to see the looks on their faces.” he said, chuckling. 

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lucasxcollins:

For the most part, Lucas had tried his best to stay out of bars. Tonight, however, Savannah had wanted to go out and Lucas had promised to be the good big brother and be her DD so she could get out drunk as she wanted while getting home safe. He took a slow pull of his beer as the man beside him had an outburst.

“I reckon’ this song has played so much that I can sing it backward.” Lucas lifted his hand to motion that had hadn’t wanted any money before pushing himself off the stole and making his way over to the jukebox. Four quarters later something more recent and upbeat was playing. Lucas slid back down onto the bar stool. “So, besides the fact that the song was annoying why so grumpy.”

Theo looked over and eyed the man carefully. He hadn’t been paying enough attention to notice that anyone was close enough to overhear his complaints. Growing up on the streets and being raised by the system taught him that he could never be too careful about who overheard him. He’d been knocked around to have thought he had learnt that lesson. Apparently not well enough. 

“Now that would be a good sobriety test.” Theo retorted, tipping his head back and drinking the rest of his beer. He sighed gratefully when the song was finally changed, finally able to relax. He motioned for the bartender as the man settled in beside him again, caught completely off guard by the man’s question. “That’s just my face man.” he said, giving the man a sideways look, “Should I go around with a smile on my face all the time just to ease your mind?” Theo didn’t mean to be so curt, but it was as natural to him as breathing. 

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Haunting Dreams;

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winonatbh:

Winnie wasn’t the type to go out drinking alone. She was a natural lightweight with a preference for fine wine. She didn’t have to do much if she had a hard day and needed a pick me up. Anytime she went out to a bar or club, it was when she could hide amongst a large group of her friends. But of course tonight, her friend had to cancel last minute, leaving Winnie alone in the North End, running her finger around the rim of her half empty glass. She leaned on her arm, and looked around the bar, waiting for her phone to get service so she could call up an uber. Knowing that she wouldn’t even step outside and wait there when it was this dark out. She needed to know she could just hop in a car and get in her house without having to walk outside for more than a total minute.

She watched as the man next to her seemed to scan the room just like she was doing. She let herself linger a little too much, eyeing up his frame and the way his shirt fit so nicely around his arms. Once he seemed to turn back, she quickly looked down at the app, trying to no let on that she was staring. But then he spoke up, and was she forced to peel her eyes off the screen and up at him, a small smile spreading on her face. “Depends. What does pretending to be your girlfriend entail?” She reached over, lightly placing her hand on top of his.  Winnie liked to think she was good at flirting, but all of her past relationships were formed out of the blue. She never went up to someone and just dropped a line on them. It was all a guessing game with this guy.

Theo couldn’t help but smirk at the woman’s reply, looking down at her hand that she had placed just on top of his. Although Theo had never been particularly good with words he had never struggled talking to the fairer sex, except in this moment. It took him a moment for his mind to catch up and come up with a reply, “Nothing too intensive.” he said with a shrug, “Only convincing enough so I don’t get dragged into a back ally on my way out.” he said, looking over his shoulder as the man who was still staring him down. “How about we start off with a bit of talking?” he suggested, “Gotta make sure you’re not an axe murderer.” 

Motioning for the bartender, he happened to catch sight of the app open on her phone, “Shit - sorry, am I keeping you from something?” he asked, putting his arm down as the bartender passed him another beer. 

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wesley-rivers:

A chuckle vibrated through his chest, although he wouldn’t put it past somoene in this town to just reach over and grab something from behind the counter. There were regulars, of course, that acted as if they basically worked there. Sometimes it was allowed, and other times it really wasn’t. “Yeah, no.” Wes said, his words instantly contradicting themslves. “I just clocked out a few minutes ago.” 

“And you hang out here after work for fun?” Theo replied, taking the pills with a gulp of his beer. “I mean I’ve heard of loving your job, but thats taking it to a whole new level. Or you just got nothing better to do? Not that I can judge, I was sitting at a bar in the afternoon alone.” 

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teganwtf:

Tegan nodded along to everything he was saying. “I can understand that. I like to think I’m a mystery, but turns out I’m pretty easy to read.” He looked down at his drink, wrapping his hands around the glass. “Yeah. I want to.” He looked back at the other. “But I really shouldn’t.” He wanted to at least to stay clean for a little while.

Theo pointed to the man’s face, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lip, “It’s cause everything shows on your face. I’d stay away from poker if I were you, you’ve got a terrible poker face.” It had always been key in Theo’s life to school his features to portray a cool distance, because emotions always gave people the upper hand. Theo squinted, looking from the man’s drink to his face and back again, putting it together, “Shit man. That’s real fucking masochistic of you. You enjoy torturing yourself?” 

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kelseychxng:

          Kelsey could read people well, she had always been able to look into someone’s eyes and feel their struggles. Whatever this guy was dealing with wasn’t easy and his battles weren’t fought too far below the skin… She had rubbed him the wrong way, something that didn’t particularly bother her; Kelsey had learned that not everyone was going to like her. But she also knew when to back off and leave someone alone, her intention rarely to stir up trouble. If anything, she had hoped only to diffuse tension. “Well—” The brunette started, taking a sip from her glass before glancing back towards the Britney fans. “You could go for something a little comedic, but fully rage worthy like Pink’s So What.” Kels paused for a moment to wipe a drop of soda from the side of her mouth, “Or that one about breaking shit by Limp Bizkit. I’m not sure they have that on the jukebox though.”

Theo knew he was an asshole, but it didn’t hurt that his brothers and adoptive mother reminded him time-to-time. He had learnt how to control his emotions when he was a kid, turning it on and off like a switch and using them only when it benefited him. He was quick to anger though and that he knew was his worst characteristic. The woman beside him had done nothing to earn his sarcastic asshole side, but if Theo was good at one thing it was digging himself into a hole. Bringing his beer bottle to his lips, he snorted, trying to imagine what that would look like, “I think I like the idea of riding out of here on a lawn mower. It’d be real badass and I’m sure it would really help my reputation ‘round here.” 

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alessamaverick:

Lessa smiled when the bartender offered her another drink. This place was her typical watering hole. Not just because she liked the staff, but it wasn’t as rammed as some places. “Hmm, she’s better without the autotune,” the blonde admitted, she’d been raised on her father’s music taste. Taking a swig of her drink, she listened in on the conversation of some woman ranting about her cheating husband. Her bright blue orbs rolling in dismay. “If only getting pissed was free,” she muttered. 

Theo could wholeheartedly agree with that and raised his beer bottle in agreement, “Seems to be the way of it now. The more autotune the better. I’d rather listen to the old stuff. Harder, grungier.” he told her with a shrug, talking more to the stranger than he did to most people. “Blues, 90s grunge, rock. That kinda shit.” He looked over to the angry woman, matching his new companions eye roll with one of his own, “Tell me about it, but then if it was free we wouldn’t have met.” 

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mollyprior:

Soon, it seemed like his memory served him right after all, and that Molly wasn’t the only one to make the connection. She could feel his eyes on her as he looked her over, much like him shifting in her seat, a forced smile on her lips. No, they hadn’t gotten as far as names went. Just far enough to get their clothes off and share a heated moment. Gaze falling down to his hand as he offered it to her as a part of his introduction, eyebrows knitted together, taking a moment to decide whether or not she thought it would be a good idea to do things right this time. To start over? “Actually…” At the mention of her getting his number, she felt the need to be a bit more honest this time, continuing with a short nod towards where Bella was sitting, “My friend, who clearly thinks I need to put myself out there more, dared me to get your number. So, I’m sure you could put just about anything down.” She shrugged, as if to prove her point. “She’s had a few glasses of wine. I’ll bet you she won’t even notice.” Scrunching her nose as she spoke, she could hear herself rambling once again, finally deciding to take his hand with a smile pulling at the corner of her lips, if only to shut herself up. “It’s Molly.”

Theo snorted, shrugging more to himself than to her. He had tried, not particularly hard, to smooth things over, but seems he might have left the situation a little more sour than he would have liked. “Well, how ‘bout you tell your friend over there that I’m no easy lay and you’ve got to buy me a nice dinner if you want my number. That’ll probably scare her off and you’ll be able to entertain yourselves about the asshole at the bar.” he offered, mirroring her shrug. If he admitted it to himself he was a little put off by her reaction, and while he wouldn’t cry about it later, it didn’t make him feel particularly good about himself. Maybe he hadn’t been able to perform after too much whiskey and that was an experience they both wouldn’t want to relive. “Nice to meet you Molly... again.” 

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indiwilliams:

She bites her bottom lip as she smiles, something to stop her from grinning like a mad woman who was ready to light the world ablaze. “I like playing dirty,” she says, “Because my ass would be over there like ‘This dude said you look like a girly-man’ and there is nothing more fragile in the world than a man who doesn’t want to seem unmanly,” she raises a brow, “It pisses them off. I’d rather watch a fight than be part of it, at least publicly nowadays.”

Theo chuckled, “A woman after my own heart.” he said, leaning back and settling in for an interesting conversation. “Publicly?” he asked, picking up on the choice of the word, “So you only like fighting behind closed doors now?” If he had been a different person he might have gone over and picked a fight just to ensure she was entertained, but it seemed they were birds of the same feather. “Well, too bad about that. I won’t be able to keep you entertained tonight. I’d much rather watch too.” he said, smiling wickedly; it was like moving little pieces around a chess board.