half a man

Author. Teacher. ‘And words we most regret are the words ones we never meant to leave’

[ashfordvalleyhq]

MEET RORY

Full Name → Rory Declan Flanagan

Age → 27

Birthday → June 6th, 1997

Order & Type → second, solo

Gender & Pronouns → cis man, he/him

Sexuality → bisexual

Occupation → 10th grade english teacher at Ashford Valley Junior/Senior High School, romance and mystery author

THEIR STORY

(tw: abuse, death)

Growing up in Castlewellan, Ireland, Rory loved where he lived. The small country town was always his favorite, but he was probably a bit biased. Even if he didn’t like working on the family farm, he still enjoyed Castlewellan. At first glance or first impressions, Rory could come off as quiet. Mysterious even. But being the middle child, he had gotten used to staying quiet, but that’s how he also rebelled. It made him sneaky as a teen, allowing him to sneak in and out without alerting anyone. Other than smoking and drinking, writing was one way that he coped with everything his father was throwing at him, literally. He did everything he could to keep him from abusing his mam and siblings. Rory was the punching bag. He couldn’t verbally say that to anyone, but on paper, he could say whatever he wanted. From that, he fell in love with writing, wanting to make it his future. When he was seventeen, a host family from Pennsylvania took him in, allowing him to come to America. The whole family was lovely, and honestly, he felt like they were his second family. The situation was good for him as well. When his mam got sick a year later, he moved back across the pond to Ireland. He knew he had to go back and be there. Be there for everyone, but his father. Rory would never be there for his father. It’s been four years since Ava has passed away, and as soon as he knew his siblings were taken care of, he left again, heading back to America. Back to Pennsylvania where his host family lives. Wanting to be a teacher, it was hard to find a job where he was staying, but he was relentless in his search. After two years, he saw that there was an opening up at Ashford Valley Senior High School, teaching 10th grade English. He’s been an English teacher for two years now, and in that time, he was also working on a book. Part of Me. It’s currently in the works of being published.

[hadleyberry]

Did anyone see that article about raccoons apparently becoming more domesticated, but then some raccoon biologist ended up kind of debunking it and saying it's not accurate? Honestly, I'm kinda bummed, because who wouldn't want a raccoon for a pet, you know? Yes, I'm aware I have two dogs and three cats as it is, but I can't help but love some of those adorable woodland creatures. Like opossums, too! I'd love to have an opossum as a pet.

[theroryflanagan]

I haven't seen anything about that. That's pretty interesting. With all of the animals you currently have and eventually want, you should open up an animal sanctuary or a farm. That way you'd have plenty of room for whatever animals you desire to have.

[nick-duval]

Filing this under “Things Nick absolutely DOES NOT NEED, but holy hell does it fit the brand.” Never wished I lived in Massachusetts before, but there’s a first time for everything, I guess, 🤷🏽‍♂️

Who’s gonna supply me with a literal bucket of iced coffee, and thus earn my undying love and devotion?

[theroryflanagan]

Oh my. That is a lot of coffee. And you know what, lad? I’m absolutely here for it, and wonder when I can have one. Who says you don’t need it? Sometimes you absolutely need it.

I vote for a road trip and give ourselves the glory of getting one of these coffee buckets.

[theroryflanagan]

Would you want to get married? Why or why not?

Absolutely I would want to get married! Despite my past and such, if I find the right person, I would want to settle down and eventually get married. There's something romantic about finding the person your supposed to spend the rest of your life with.

[theroryflanagan]

Do you have a “type”?

Not exactly. My “type” is more of a person’s personality. If they have a great personality and is a decent person, I’m here for it. Looks are just a plus for me.

[ashfordvalleymemes]

💌Valentine's Day Themed Asks!💌

please remember to send some out to others if you reblog! (credits/inspired by these separate memes: x, x, x)

Are you a romantic or a cynic?

Do you believe in love at first sight?

What is your ideal date? Where would it be, and who would it be with?

Are you good at flirting? How do you flirt?

What do you look for in a partner — looks, personality, or both?

Do you have a “type”?

How do you show affection?

Do you like hugs? What are your hugs like?

Are public displays of affection annoying to you?

Do you find saying “I love you” easy or hard?

Do you get jealous in a relationship? Do you get protective easily?

How much does your happiness depend on your relationships with other people?

Would you want to get married? Why or why not?

Would you ask the big question, or expect your partner to?

At what point in a relationship would you make it public?

Who do you see yourself being with in two years?

Do you think age differences in relationships are a big deal?

How important is your family’s approval of your significant other?

Where were you when you met your crush?

Did you have a childhood sweetheart?

Have you ever been set up on a date? Have you ever set someone else up? How did it go?

Have you ever had your heart broken?

What’s the most romantic thing someone has done for you?

Have you had your first kiss? Who was it with?

How many people have you slept with?

Are you good at giving gifts, or do you struggle to get it right?

Have you ever written a poem for a crush?

Do you use or like pet names?

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day?

Would you prefer to stay in or go out this Valentine’s?

Who was your last Valentine, and where are they now?

What could someone do this Valentine’s to make you feel special?

Do you like flowers? If so, which ones are your favorites?

Do you like candy and chocolate? Which kind is your favorite?

What’s your favorite love song?

What are your hopes for love this year?

[sammyjevans]

It was cool. At least I thought it was terrific. But this one, it's getting old. It feels like they have told everything they could, and now it's just getting boring to watch. Know what I mean??

[theroryflanagan]

Oof. So from the way it sounds, it took on the sequel curse. That's a shame. I know exactly what you mean, lad. In a way, it's like most sequels that appear on the silver screen. It does suck that it's getting boring to watch for you.

[ambersrose]

Amber: of course! super dreamy accent, the calling me 'love'... which, true, can totally come off creepy from some guys... but not you! what isn't super charming about that? 😊 Amber: oops, i'm totally getting off-topic though. do you have any romance books of yours you'd recommend? or maybe even just other romance books from other authors too!

[theroryflanagan]

Rory: super dreamy, huh? i think that’s the first time i’ve ever heard dreamy. i guess the accent does help with not coming across as creepy lol you really know how to flatter a guy, love.

Rory: that’s quite alright. well, i really only have the one published work. Part of Me. i have another one in the works, but i have a few advanced copies, if you’re interested.

Rory: that’s a loaded question. there are a ton of good romance books out there. Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston is a good time-traveling romance. if you’re in the mood to cry, A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole will hit you right in the feels.

[ambersrose]

text || @theroryflanagan

Amber: rory!! you write books, right? Amber: to be honest, i totally don't read as much as i should, so i thought maybe it could be one of my resolutions this year to read books more! Amber: soooooo, my question to your super charming irish self is, what kind of books do you write? maybe some romance? i feel like there's so many great romance books out there i've probably never made the time to read!!

[theroryflanagan]

Rory: you'd be correct! i do write books. Rory: and that's okay! a lot people don't have the time to read. if i can help you with your resolution, just let me know, love. Rory: super charming irish self? now, now. you flatter me, love. i do write some romance. sometimes, i find audiobooks better, especially when you're busy.

[sammyjevans]

I can´t believe I´m saying this, - you all know how much I love me some Avatar- but they should have stopped after The Way of Water... this new one, the best part of it was when the credits rolled onto the screen.

[theroryflanagan]

Was The Way of Water any good? I never got around to seeing it. Is it really that awful, lad? Was it really all bad?

[ashfordvalleymemes]

ANONYMOUSLY MESSAGE ME ANYTHING YOU WANT TO TELL ME BEFORE 2025 ENDS.

The only rule is that I can’t reply, I can only post it! [x]

[juliarose]

Dude, I think you missed my point entirely, like clearly went over your head. The complaint is that with the new year, a shit ton of people take to their social media accounts to post "new year, new me" as if they're making some huge change, most of which really don't change at all. And you bringing up the other "new whatever-else, new me" is a moot point because those don't happen all at once on the same day/night so it's not really as annoying.

[theroryflanagan]

No, no. I didn't miss your point. There's no need to try and further explain it. I understood what you were saying. I'm sure everyone noticed the influx of people posting the "new year, new me" all over social media by now. It's not a complete moot point, but just a different point is all I was saying previously.

[juliarose]

Okay, but the difference here is that during the New Year, it's an influx of "new year, new me" whereas the dumb "new hair, new me" etc is all like... random and not all at once. And trust me, I don't follow that many people on social media, but anymore you don't always just see who you follow either, sooo.... you make a moot point.

[theroryflanagan]

Either way, there is no point to it. At least that's what I was trying to say. I never said that it was always all at once. Yeah, I guess you're right there. They're always suggesting people and such.

[juliarose]

Anyone else preparing for the amount of cringing that they'll be doing in a couple weeks when all of the inevitable "new year, new me" posts start popping up? I mean seriously, how did that even become a thing?

[theroryflanagan]

I don't know when that became a thing. I feel like it's been around forever nowadays. But it's not always "new year, new me" I fear. There's also "new hair, new me" or "new clothes, new me." Maybe we just need to start following different people on social media? I'll stick to friends, book people, and neighbors.

[stellaschue]

Beats me, my flabbers are sufficiently gasted at the thought. I'm not exactly a dentist, but I suspect kids toothpaste is probably still better than no toothpaste at all, in the grand scheme of things.

A truly malevolent and sinister figure, that's totally you, my man. Have a pastry and leave the corruption of all our souls for tomorrow.

[theroryflanagan]

So flabbergasted. You're probably not wrong with that line of thinking. I've heard that some people only use mouthwash, and that just baffles me just as much.

Now, I don't know about all of that. I don't think I'm a sinister person. Just.. a bit on the grey side is all. I'm here for all the pastries, love. Give me a nice pastry, a coffee, and a book, and I'm the happiest lad you'll ever see.

[stellaschue]

She hated all variations of mint, it was truly a wonder to behold. I think she eventually found a kids watermelon brand that only made her mildly disgruntled, but STILL.

And how do YOU corrupt people, Rory? If pastries aren't involved, is it even worth it? You are getting yourself into sugar plum deliciousness and that should be motivation enough.

[theroryflanagan]

How can you hate mint though? That just baffles me. Even watermelon toothpaste is still a bit iffy, if you ask me. I'm not even sure if kids toothpaste has the same properties as adult toothpaste.

Uh, well. To be honest, usually it's not in a good way. So it's definitely not with pastries. Okay, okay. I think that could be enough motivation for me, love.

[stellaschue]

I had a friend in college who could not STAND mint at all, and it was just kind of tragic. Like -- how do you even find toothpaste? If it's not mint, it's kids bubblegum and the silent judgment of your peers.

That's it, the next time I make the trek out for a little treat, I'm bringing back at LEAST half a dozen so you can try one. I have to be a corrupting influence on the general populace somehow, and leading folks into sugar plum temptation is as good a vice as any.

[theroryflanagan]

WHAT?! That's absurd, to say the least. Mint toothpaste and mint desserts taste completely different. Kids bubblegum? That just sounds disgusting.

You don't have to do all that now, Stella. You? Corrupt people? Usually that's me, love. I will say that I am definitely willing to try this sugar plum thing that you speak of. I feel like it's very intriguing, but I have no clue what I'm getting myself into.