black & blue

Thierry Dupont. 48. Police Officer for the Providence Peak Police Department.

[elifalvey]

It wasn't often these days that Elijah decided to spend a morning outside of the house, much less for an extended period of time, all by himself. Alas, Aslihan had insisted that he take some time for himself — he'd been up nearly all night with the baby, after all — and as long as he brought back some bagels on his way home, she didn't mind if he took his time. It was a sweet gesture, and one that he was certainly appreciating as he energized with a cup of hot coffee while he sat at a booth in the corner. He had his laptop open, mindlessly scrolling through emails in the process as he peered over the top to catch the eye of a familiar face. He smiled in return, happy for the momentary distraction as Thierry started to walk in his direction. "Morning, Thierry. I'd say I'm not half bad — y'know, not much to complain about in my life these days. I'm thankful for that," he said. "What about you? You hard at work, stopping in for a little bagel break?" ( @thierrydupont )

[thierrydupont]

"That's always good news." Thierry knew the signs of a stressed father. From what Asli had told him, this was Elijah's first child. Becoming a dad for the first time was an extremely daunting feeling. Even though they were still getting to know one another, Thierry sensed that Eli would find his footing and be one hell of a father. "No, I'm off today. I'm actually just stopping in to pick up some bagels and for my boyfriend and I. We're enjoying a nice day in with munchies and movies," he smiled warmly.

[leofernandz]

Jamal nodded, his heart heavy with guilt from causing Thierry pain. "I know.. and I'm sorry." He expelled a sigh and took Thierry's hand in his, taking the risk of drawing the man closer to him still. 'I know you don't owe it to me.. but I'm asking you to give me another chance." He looked into Thierry's soft eyes. "I want us back. I won't run this time. I promise."

[thierrydupont]

Thierry could feel the walls he had built around him start to crumble the moment Jamal's hand touched his. The love he had for his ex hadn't faltered since their breakup. Losing him only opened to his eyes to just how strong his feelings towards Jamal really were. He was scared, but not enough to let this opportunity slip through his fingers. He would regret it for the rest of his life if he did. "I want us back too. I missed you so much." Thierry admitted in a gentle tone, guiding his hand to cradle the side of Jamal's neck. "I love you." He leaned in towards his ex, closing the gap between them with a slow kiss.

[thierrydupont]

status: closed - @sophramirxz

location: somewhere in university heights

Working out had always been a form of therapy for Thierry. It had become his outlet for relieving stress and releasing pent-up anger. Lifting weights when he felt unsure of himself. Going a few rounds with a punching bag when he was pissed off. Running when he needed to clear his head. Every exercise had it’s purpose. Today was running. After finishing up a mountain of paperwork back at the station, Thierry grabbed his sweats and earbuds from his locker, driving out to the University Heights area to take in a quick run. The police officer slowed down to a jog as he rounded the corner of an empty road. It was only about fifteen minutes into his run when he came across a dark-haired female, leaning against a car parked on the side of the road. Thierry quickly assessed the situation, noticing the back left tire was flat. As much as he wanted to keep on going with his run, the cop didn’t have it in him to just ignore a person who might need some kind of help. Besides, it was only a flat tire. As long as they had a spare and jack, they could get it fixed in a matter of minutes. Thierry began jogging over in the stranger’s direction, offering a polite wave as he approached. "Hello there, you need hand with that flat?"

[thierrydupont]

status: closed - @elifalvey

location: lucky joe's

Thierry strolled through the front doors of Lucky Joe's, welcomed by the aromatic scent of freshly made bagels and hot coffee. He had popped into the establishment to pick up some bagels for he and Jamal. Things had been going great since they decided to get back together. Although the couple was still working on trusting one another, Thierry strongly believed things were going to work out between them. As he glanced around the restaurant, the street cop spotted Elijah sitting in a booth nearby. Thierry caught his gaze and smiled. They met when Thierry ran into Asli at the library. He walked over in Eli's direction. “Good morning, Elijah. How are you doing on this fine Sunday?"

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

Chuckling softly, she gave him a sheepish smile. "We, um, kept her a secret for awhile. After Theodora, I wanted to be more cautious. But thank you so much! With Eli such a music lover and he's also Welsh, Rhiannon was just a natural choice for us, due to the Fleetwood Mac song and the Welsh Celtic goddess. I really appreciate it, truly. It's been a process and she's Eli's first child, but we're happy." Her head tilted slightly. Yet, not wanting to press him, she gave him a small smile. "Still, I hope that all's well with you. You're in luck; We're all here today. Alex is a part of the Magic Tree House read-a-thon and Eli's with Rhia in the reading area to keep an eye on Alex while I looked for a few books." Her features softened. While him initially finding out had been a low point in their relationship, things have only gotten better. Even throughout the chaos of a newborn in the house while trying to figure a schedule out concerning Eli's therapy sessions along with getting the studio ready and Asli soon heading back to work at the museum, their relationship has been warm and secured. "I think I've fallen even more in love with him," she admitted with a soft laugh. "We're really good. It has been interesting to learn how to parent with another person from the get-go and how it's affected our relationship in way, but I think we've only gotten closer while working through this. I'm just... I'm so happy with him and our life together. How about you? Anyone special in your life?" ||📜@thierrydupont

[thierrydupont]

"I can't wait to meet them." Seeing Asli practically glowing with happiness filled Thierry with warmth. She had been through so much and deserved nothing but peace and joy in her life. He was glad to hear that she had found a good man to love and protect her. "That's amazing, Asli. He sounds like a wonderful guy." It was hard not to be a touch envious as Thierry listened to her go on about how in love she was. It caused his heart to ache for the man he missed. Jamal. "Me? Not really, no. I was in a relationship, but things ended between us over a month ago. I'm single now."

[leofernandz]

Jamal had hoped for Thierry to melt at his confession, to launch into his arms and say all was forgiven-- but the wary officer didn't respond that way. He couldn't blame Thierry for being cautious now, given the hurt he'd gone through in his life. He didn't intend to hurt the other man anymore. Jamal frowned at the distance kept between them. "I won't lie.. I'm still worried about how dangerous things can get out there for you. I'm scared about it.." he swallowed thickly, being the first to take a step closer. "But I'm more scared about you being out of my life 'cause I couldn't get over myself." He paused, licking his lips as he chose his next words carefully. "I don't feel like myself without you, T."

[thierrydupont]

It felt too good to be true. Ever since Jamal left, all Thierry had wanted was for his ex to come back to him. Now that it was happening, he found himself questioning whether he should give the man he loved another chance. It would have to take a lot of trust on Thierry's end if they rekindled their romance. Trusting that Jamal was in it for good this time. That the cop's job wouldn't scare him off again. His folded arms eased away from chest as Jamal took a step closer. With all the thoughts racing through Thierry's mind, his heart was only longing for one thing. His gaze softened. "I haven't been myself either. I've just felt lost since you left."

[leofernandz]

Jamal expelled a grateful breath, stepping into Thierry's home. The familiar hearth didn't feel as cozy as it once did -- and perhaps that was his fault. Once inside, Jamal's gaze slowly roamed upward. Thierry's folded arms seemed to hold no warmth for him. He hoped that wasn't true. Jamal chewed his lip pensively. "I'm sorry--" he started. "I didn't mean to hurt you, T. Not at all.. but I know I did." He sighed, admitting, "I miss you."

[thierrydupont]

I miss you too. The words were hanging on the tip of Thierry's tongue. He wanted nothing more than to say them back. It was fear keeping him from letting them slip free. Thierry was still a cop and planned on being one for a few more years. That wouldn't change. What if they got back together and Jamal had second thoughts again? Thierry wasn't sure his heart could survive another round of that kind of pain. He kept his arms folded and his feet rooted to the floor. The cop didn't trust himself to come any closer. "You don't miss my job, though, right? You said it yourself. You can't handle dating a cop. It won't work out between us... no matter how much I want it to."

[abstrvctsouls]

"Of course," he nodded curtly, but thought bitterly to himself 'I bet you don't ask in that tone though, do you?' Dupont's disdain from him had always been obvious and it was more so now. At least the feeling was mutual.

A bouncer or two. Nathan could've laughed. They certainly had enough people milling around at the distillery to fit the description, but it wasn't the bar they were keeping an eye on and he wasn't about to share that with the police. Instead he scowled at Thierry, before glancing over to where his employees were carefully clearing up the mess, scooping larger chunks of glass into a dustpan and revving up the vacuum. They couldn't be blamed for looking as disgruntled as they were, Alison had worked hard on that gin display and it was lucky that only the bottles had been hurt. "You can ask them, but I don't think it'll do much good. What would be the point? He's not the first idiot we've had in here, he won't be the last."

[thierrydupont]

Thierry simply returned Nathan's scowl with one of his own. Of course he would take offense to the suggestion. It didn't matter what the cop said. He could give Nathan a genuine compliment and he'd still find a way to take it the wrong way, not that Thierry would ever waste his breath stroking the male's already bloated ego. "The point would be to show that there is repercussions to one's actions. It make any future idiots think twice about wanting to cause mayhem in your place of business. Less idiots, less of a chance that I have to show up and you have to deal with me."

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

His question pleasantly surprised her, an eyebrow raising up at the realization he hadn't heard. Then again, it wasn't a surprise over all. Rhia had been kept a secret for quite awhile that perhaps not as many people knew after all. Though, she didn't mind. "Wellllll... I may have given birth to my youngest daughter, Rhia, earlier this month..." She watched him for a moment after telling him the news, her smile growing. "I had a C-section, so I've been taking things easy while I heal up from surgery. And unfortunately, bending over too much might make things worse. Ah, gotcha. I hope everything's been going well at the station and around town. I haven't heard much about crime, so I hope all's good. And that you're taking it easy as well." ||📜@thierrydupont

[thierrydupont]

A look of surprise swept over Thierry's features. "What? That's amazing news! Congratulations, Asli. Rhia is a beautiful name." He nodded back, understanding all too well the process of a C-section. It was how his Olivia had been brought into the world. "Well, you look great. I'm really happy for you and your family." A small sigh escaped him. "Don't you worry about how I'm doing. You have enough on your plate right now. I hope I get to meet your newest addition one day, and her dad as well. Eli, right? Everything still good with you two?"

[khalilhassan]

"Sure did. Took me by surprise." He should have known by the calm pitch in the other's tone that something was askew. That, and no one went outside just to have a talk when there were perfectly good seats all around to do just that. "I let my guard down because I wanted him to trust me, but uh, he doesn't. I don't think he ever will again, but I'm working on it." He was pulling out every stop in the book, but nothing was making a difference. They'd made their judgement, now it was up to Khalil to make his own. "From Freddie? Yeah. I go this message loud and clear. I'm working a different angle now."

[thierrydupont]

Thierry didn't see how Khal could possibly think he had any kind of chance of gaining the Crane's trust now. It felt hopeless. Thierry could rant and rave to the agent about what he should do now, but what would be the point? Khal rarely ever listened to his advice and the cop was tired of giving it. Thierry was only one man and taking down the Crane brothers went beyond his reach. If Khal wanted to go off and keep trying, Thierry wasn't going to stop him. The cop had to move on from this, from the Cranes. "I hope it works out for you. Just watch your back and keep the people close to you safe. One slip and you could lose everything." Thierry extended his hands towards Khal. "I'm sorry this didn't work out as we hoped."

[leofernandz]

Jamal swallowed thickly as he heard Thierry working the lock from inside the cabin. He pushed his hands into his pockets, unsure of what else to do with them for the time being when the door opened and Thierry stepped into the doorway. At the sight of him, Jamal tensed. He bit his lip and nodded emphatically. "Yeah, yeah. Everything's okay." Physically speaking, at least. He exhaled, glancing down at his shoes, finding it difficult to meet Thierry's eyes. The miserable look in them the last time they encountered one another had stuck with him. "Can I come inside?" he asked, shifting his weight. "Can we talk?"

[thierrydupont]

Everything didn't look okay from Thierry's point of view. Jamal could barely look him in the eye. The overprotective side of him wanted to comfort his distraught ex. He reminded himself that wasn't his place anymore. Even with that warning going off in his head, Thierry nodded without hesitation. "Yeah, sure, come in." He stepped to the side to let Jamal in, swallowing hard as he closed the door behind him. Thierry put a safe distance between them, folding his arms against his chest. "What do you want to talk about?"

[leofernandz]

closed starter @thierrydupont

Jamal parked his car at the very end of the driveway to Thierry's cabin. He cut the engine and sat there with his keys in his hand, pumping himself up for a solid 5 minutes before he willed himself to get out. With every step he took toward the front door, he tried to convince himself that he would know what to say once he saw his ex-boyfriend. At the moment, he didn't have a grand plan, only a strong desire to see Thierry to see if they could somehow set things right. As he knocked to signal his presence, he just hoped that Thierry was in the mood to hear him out.

[thierrydupont]

Thierry paused the movie he was watching upon hearing the knock at his door. "That was fast." He had ordered a pizza and wings only ten minutes ago, after being told it would be at his place in forty. Thierry rose up from his couch and made his way over to the door. Swinging the wooden frame open to see his ex on the other side sucked the air right out of his lungs. He was the last person in town that Thierry expected to see at his doorstep. "Jamal.." The cop cleared his throat, fingers gripping firmly to the door. "What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"

[abstrvctsouls]

The irritated expression turned icy. Nathan ground his teeth together, patience far too frayed for this. “If you're trying to imply that my staff are irresponsible-” There was nothing he disliked more than people taking shots at the distillery employees. Dealing with the public was already bad enough when alcohol was involved, he admired their resolve when it came to it, and to have their integrity questioned when he knew they were doing their damned best rubbed him the wrong way. They didn't deserve it, especially not if it was simply the result of Dupont's fervent dislike for himself. He took a breath, schooling himself. Provoking the officer before him would do little to help the situation. “As far as I'm aware he'd only had a few, the same as his friends and they managed to hold themselves together. My staff spotted that he wasn't handling it quite as well and they cut him off, they did everything they were supposed to. Perhaps he'd taken something, I don't know. It's not their fault he reacted badly when they were just doing their jobs. There's a certain level of responsibility customers are expected to take for themselves, you know, being adults.”

[thierrydupont]

"I'm implying no such thing. I'm asking you the same kind of questions I would ask any other bar owner." Thierry just wanted to get this done and over with. He made it a point to avoid any interactions with the Cranes. This encounter with Nathan would hopefully be the last for a very long time. Thierry jotted down more of the distillery owner's statement, biting down on his tongue to hold back from saying something he shouldn't. "Right," he muttered under his breath. "Maybe you should think about hiring some security for your staff. Having a bouncer or two around could have possibly prevented this from escalating to property damage." Thierry tucked his pen back into his pocket, closing his notepad shut. "Do any of your staff want to press charges?"

[leofernandz]

Jamal wondered briefly if Thierry had been at the jazz club with someone before he'd shown up. While he didn't have much right to ask -- and wouldn't -- he'd hoped not. It was selfish, especially since he'd been on a few dates himself after their breakup, but still. Feelings weren't rational. "Alright." He lingered a few moments more. "Get home safe then." He stepped closer out of habit and caved into a tight hug before realized what he was doing. @thierrydupont

[thierrydupont]

"You too." Thierry didn't expect Jamal to move in closer. He stiffened up as his ex wrapped his familiar arms around the cop. Instead of immediately putting space between them, Thierry decided to torture himself instead and linger for a moment in the embrace. He closed his eyes and breathed in the scent of Jamal's cologne, regretting the choice instantly. Being this close to him again brought on more pain than comfort. Thierry pried himself away from the hug and released a small sigh of relief when his Uber pulled into the parking lot. "See ya around." He mumbled quietly as he parted ways from Jamal, hurrying into the car to escape their unexpected reunion.

[draslihanxfahri-bailey]

With it now being two weeks since Rhia was born, Asli was wanting to try to get the whole family out and about together more. Of course, she wasn't going to try to do anything too physically crazy or draining and she didn't want to have the girls out in the heat too much; But, it was about time that they made their first official family outing. So, she decided to gather up Eli and the girls to head to the library for awhile. While her boyfriend was entertaining Rhia and Alex was participating in a read-a-thon, Aslihan went on a little book hunt. With Jane Draycott's book on Cleopatra Selene now out and her still waiting for her own copy in the mail, she was going to take the opportunity to see if the library had it. The brunette let out a soft 'a-ha!' once she spotted it, quickly reaching up to grab it. Only, in her haste, to knock off another book as well. "Oh, damn me," she groaned softly. She was not suppose to bend over too much, due to risking ripping her stitches open. But, maybe, if she was careful... Fortunately, that wouldn't be the case. Asli sighed with relief at the sight of Thierry. "You just saved me from potentially getting scolded by Eli and my OB!" she said, her smile growing. She took the book, tucking it along with the other close to her. "It's really good to see you, too. And thank you. I'm on orders to take things easy still, including picking things up. How are you? It's been a moment." ||📜@thierrydupont

[thierrydupont]

"Always happy to help." Thierry's brows furrowed with concern after hearing Asli not only mention her OB, but also that she was on orders to take things easy. "I hope everything is okay?" The cop didn't want to pry into her personal life. It was simply in his nature to be concerned over the good and decent people left in this town. "I'm alright, staying busy mostly. Nothing too thrilling going on with me unfortunately."

[khalilhassan]

Having hunkered down in the back was a low point in his career, but blowing his cover for a situation that Thierry had under control would have cost him more than his pride. "Yeah well, I appreciate it nonetheless." Had things escalated any further, he would have stepped in and blamed his old training from the NYPD. Luckily, that hadn't been necessary. A low hum of air was exhaled, shoulders lifting as his gaze landed on the other male. "Honestly? Not sure. They found out about my stint with the NYPD and about us meeting up, but I think I smoothed things over enough. Not with Freddie though," he trailed off, fingers hooking beneath his shirt to lift up the material to expose the freshly closed up wound. "Needless to say, he's still pissed."

[thierrydupont]

Thierry's brows furrowed with confusion as Khal lifted up his shirt. The cop's gaze narrowed in on the stab wound healing on the agent's chest. "Freddie did that to you?" Through the entirely of knowing Khal, Thierry had never really felt a sense of protectiveness over him. He was a grown man and very capable of taking care of himself. Seeing that mark on his chest sparked something off in Thierry. "That son of a bitch," he seethed through a clenched jaw. "He needs to be locked away for the rest of his goddamn life. You've been staying away from him, right?"

[thierrydupont]