Never stop moving on...

Cedric Eckheart Ballard || 27 || Engineer Artist Art Consultant

[wandererballard]

I. Hate. Spiders. || Cedric and Valerie

[wandererballard]

vanderbuiltscaststones:

Valerie’s eyes followed the spider, watching as it moved on its merry way. If that was the scariest thing they encountered, then Val would count himself lucky. The more they walked along the path though, the more he continued to focus his head on Nix and Carter, his fingers crossed that they were at least being civil. “Not many people do.” He replied back, his head turning back to Cedric as he pushed forward. The last thing he wanted to give Cedric was a bad experience, he didn’t even know the other staff member.  “Unfortunately. You want a good time- find Quinn, he’ll have a million and one ways to entertain you and tell you he’s the prettiest Vanderbuilt- but if you want something more subdued go to Nix.” A man of little emotions to most others- he did love his brothers, he just couldn’t help the tease when he said it. “You don’t have any siblings here, right? Trust me, it seems like it’d be fun, but most of the time it’s awkward.”

"Phoenix Vanderbuilt..." He said slowly, the name leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. "I should've put two and two together..." He mused. "I find it hard to believe that there's away to pick the prettiest Vanderbuilt... Since the three of you have your own kind of beauty." And suddenly his hand was twitching for his piece of charcoal. He wanted to draw the three Vanderbuilt. Phoenix with his cold beauty, Valerie... So delicate... And Quinn... He had yet to meet the other Vanderbuilt but he had the feeling that he'd probably find in Quinn the warmth that Phoenix lack. Maybe he had got too deep into his own thoughts that it took him a moment that he had been staring at Valerie. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare... As for your question... No. No siblings. Just a cousin. Or two if you count the one that left..."

[wandererballard]

franksxntoro:

Cedric offered his companionship, friendship and someone he knew he could be with without complications or expectations of any sorts. “Interesting could be one word to describe it. Valerie’s here.” He mentioned, because Cedric was bound to find out sooner or later. The other people he had met at the Haus were men Cedric did not know about already. “I’ve recruited some minions. They help me with some things around here. No one will be as good as you, though.” He meant it, because Cedric had been his best student. 

Cedric pursed his lips together. Frank had told him his story with Valerie and so did Constant. At first he hadn't thought anything of it, but now he couldn't help the small pang of jealousy to know that the male was around. A person that mattered so much both to Frank and to Constant. Both of which mattered so much to Cedric. Even though he wasn't ready to face Constant yet. "Yeah?" He asked trying to sound causual, which wasn't hard after Frank's compliment. "If you were going to train me, it was just fair that I didn't waste your time... I'm glad I didn't disappoint..."

[wandererballard]

I. Hate. Spiders. || Cedric and Valerie

[wandererballard]

wandererballard:

vanderbuiltscaststones:

Cedric. The other didn’t seem so bad- well not yet, he didn’t really know who the other was, all he had seen was the staff member walk the halls with a few people he knew. To be honest, the youngest of the Vanderbuilt’s head was somewhere else, concentrating on what Phoenix was talking to his lover about as they walked ahead of them in the forest. Had they made it out yet? Perhaps- he just hoped that they weren’t trying to kill each other, praying the men were getting a long. Val focused on the ‘I love you,’ the one that Carter had left him with before disappearing, those words rang in his ears- it had been so public, melting him a bit more than he was used to, making sure to repeat the phrase back.

Still lost in his thoughts, he hardly heard Cedric’s words, a small laugh coming to his lips as he turned his head up at the spider currently hanging out on Cedric. Sighing, he shook his head, “Stay still…” He whispered softy as he put his hand out, collecting the arachnid in his hand before gently putting it on the forest floor, “You okay?” He asked, looking back towards Cedric with a popped eyebrow. 

Cedric didn't need Valerie to tell him twice. He didn't move a muscle, only waiting for the other to get rid of that spider. And once it was on the ground, Cedric was eager to resume their walking. "I don't like spiders." Was all he said. Was he okay? He probably would be in a few minutes. He slipped his hands into his pocket, an awkward silence falling over them, not sure how to start a conversation. "I've heard you're not the only Vanderbuilt in the Haus..." He started, hoping that wouldn't be a bad topic to start a conversation.

[wandererballard]

I. Hate. Spiders. || Cedric and Valerie

If there was any god up there, he or she or they must be laughing at Cedric right now. There were so many people who he could be paired with. And they put him with Valerie. He didn't need the male to show up to figure who he was. He knew who he was. And he had heard about him from three different sources. Even before he had come to the Haus. So it was a rather odd experience to him to nod at the other and then start walking into the forest. He had decided to dress up as a marksman and felt oddly comfortable with a gun hidden within his clothes even if he hadn't put any ammo in it.

Walking into the woods, Cedric's hand twitched to grab his gun and it was almost like he could hear Frank training him once again. But they supposedly were out of danger. However, he couldn't help the shiver that crossed his whole body when something dropped in his head. "Get. It. Off. Please." He gritted through his teeth, his muscles tense. He usually had no trouble with spiders. But then again, they didn't usually fall on his head.

@vanderbuiltscaststones

[wandererballard]

franksxntoro:

Frank scoffed and reached down to pinch Cedric’s ass playfully and not too hard. “I don’t appreciate being treated like an object.” He said, not really offended because it came from Cedric and he knew he didn’t mean any harm by the comment. It if were anyone else, though he would have certainly jumped right there and taught whoever was a lesson. “Let’s get out of here.” He said, standing up and pulling Cedric along, one arm over the younger man’s waist and leading him down towards his room. 

Cedric yelped at the unexpected pinch and then looked up at Frank confused for a moment and then he understood and chuckled. "Come on, Frank. You're not an object. But it's not your fault your chest became my favorite pillow." Truth be told, Cedric, more often than not, would hold onto Frank like someone would cling to a teddy bear, wrapping himself around the other, seeking for the kind of comfort and contact he only got from Frank. He beamed up and followed suit, resting his hand on top of the hand of Frank that was on his waist. "What have you been up to? I'm sure your life is far more interesting than mine."

[wandererballard]

franksxntoro:

Frank kept one arm around Cedric at all time, fingers idly scratching the skin of his abdomen and just comforting him. With them, it was pretty normal to just spend hours lying on a couch scratching each other’s backs or talking. They did not have to do anything else, even if Frank eventually got a bit anxious and had to to some push ups or lift some weights. Their relationship was like that, calm and peaceful and Frank missed that. “Cedric, I must tell you that even if you tried to monopolize me… It wouldn’t be possible. I don’t think I am a one man’s property.” Which was how he felt, but ultimately never really tried to be in a monogamous or committed relationship ever before. “You can try, though. I’d love to see their reaction.” 

Cedric shook his head. Deep, very deep inside, he felt like a relationship with Frank would be great. And quite easy. But if the man didn't feel like the monogamous type, Cedric wouldn't force him into that dynamics. "Frank... As long as I have a few hours of your day... I'm happy..." He said and kissed Frank's cheek before he rested his head on the male's shoulder again. "Which reminds me... Can we go to your room now?" He asked lightly. "The ride was tiring and I could use a nap in my favorite pillow..." He joked patting Frank's chest.

[remiel-eckheart]

Lost and Found (Cedric and Remiel)

[remiel-eckheart]

Remiel was if anything more taken aback that Cedric didn’t seem that surprised to see him than the fact they were now face to face. He and his cousin hadn’t seen each other for years and he didn’t remember them being on anything more than neutral terms but still he would have hoped to rate a hello if Cedric knew he was working here.

If Remi was any less chill he might have of been offended by the way Cedric snatched the book from his grip but the other man was obviously in a fluster about losing it - judging by how tightly he was hugging it now. “It was outside,” Remi replied, shuffling his feet awkwardly and glancing off down the hallway, “Under a bench? Must have slipped through the holes or something. I only saw it cos I was down their tying my laces - I thought someone was probably missing it but I had no idea it was you…I had no idea you were here Cuz.” He shrugged, digging his hands into his pockets and chewing on his bottom lip, “I’d have, y’know, come and said ‘hi’ or something.”

[wandererballard]

"Thank you for bringing it back to me." He said with a small awkward smile. It had taken him weeks to give Sky a normal smile. He didn't know how to behave around the people of his own family and he had no idea how to start to change that. "Do you want to come in? I just ordered some food... Wasn't feeling much like cooking..." He said stepping aside to allow his cousin into his room.

"Sky told me you were working here... But..." He simply shrugged. It was a well known fact that Cedric was the least people person in the Eckheart family. Granted, he preferred to keep his mother's maiden name. Ballard. "He told me to check up on you and... Seymour? I think? Green eyes, handsome, a perfect gentleman? I think his name is Seymour..." He bit his lower lip. "Sky mentioned something about me wanting to draw Seymour if I ever get to meet him, because of how amazing he is and all that stuff... If it wasn't the fact that Sky's heart was in another place, I'd say he'd have a little crush going on..." He commented.

[remiel-eckheart]

Lost and Found (Cedric and Remiel)

Remi was just off on a run when he found the sketchbook, abandoned in error by the bench. He wouldn’t have noticed it if his laces hadn’t needed tightening, spotting the book - which must have slipped out through the gaps between the slats - when he crouched down. Reaching out he pulled the object over and stood, using the edge of his vest to wipe a few loose particles of dirt from the cover.

Turning back toward the Haus, he set of for the main reception to hand it in, idly opening the cover to see if he could garner any clues to it’s owner. “Whoa! Someones got some talent!” He whistled to himself as he took in the first detailed artwork - a startlingly good portrait of Constant. A few pages later, with the same familiar face looking back at him and he had to laugh, “… .and a bit of a crush I think…”

Feeling that his examination had become an intrusion he closed the book again but as he did so he spotted a name on the inside cover, surprised he’d missed it the first time and slightly abashed that his prying had been unnecessary. C.Ballard. Well that should be enough for the item and it’s owner to be reunited and he decided that he would take the errand upon himself - a slight balm for his guilty conscience at having looked inside without permission.

Reception had no problem giving him the Clients room number so Remi was soon on his way, riding the elevator up and counting the numbers until he was outside the strangers door. Placing his easygoing smile on his face the surfer tucked the sketchbook under his arm and rapped on the wood, wondering what the forgetful artist was like and hoping that he’d win some points with the Client for returning his property. But when the door opened he dropped his smile in favor of almost bewildered surprise, speechless for a second as his eyes traced those unexpected and familiar features, “W-what …? Cedric?!”

@wandererballard

[wandererballard]

Say that he was losing his mind would be an understatement. He had no idea where he had lost his sketchbook but he was freaking out. He had more than one but that one particularly was the one he had used to draw Constant, over and over again. The same Constant had found the first time they interacted after Cedric had came to the Haus. But he couldn't lose that one. Not in a place where probably everyone knew Constant.

He was about to bolt out of his room and run around the Haus, trying to find his sketchbook when someone knocked on his door. His heart almost jumped out of his chest at the sudden unnexpected noise and he was quick to answer the door. Only to find a very familiar person standing outside the door. A person he knew that sooner or later he'd cross paths with. "Remiel..." He nodded his head and his eyes fell on his cousin's hands to spot a familiar cover. "My sketchbook!" He exclamed grabbing the sketchbook and holding it against his chest fearing that Remiel might have looked through his drawings of Constant. His attempts to not draw the other. Clearly a proof that he had failed at that single task.

“Where did you find it?”

[wandererballard]

goldisaac:

"Terrible nickname, i’d assume an artist could come up with something a little better than Goldfish,” he smirked as he gave the other a quick wink when he took the sketchbook from him to look at the picture.  "Guess you’ll just have to shake the bottle by the glass and see what I do,“ he insisted, "isn’t that how you get them to perform?  This is really, I don’t actually look this good do I?”  The sketch was beautiful, Cedric having done a fantastic job, “impressive, what more can I say?”

"Well, excuse me." He said shaking his head slowly. "There are artists and artists. Some are good with words... Well, that's not my case." He shrugged simply. "Don't worry. I certainly will." He said with a small smile, his mind already working with possibilities. "Well... That's..." He bit his lower lip and cut himself midthought. "You're not bad to look at." Was all he said. "Say 'Thank you' and agree to let me sketch you again. I'll pay you in meals... Or cakes." He shrugged casually, but his eyes were expectant. He didn't know how to people, but Isaac made it surprisingly easy to keep a conversation.

[levi-of-kindrose-deactivated201]

Samir nodded as he watched the lines spread on the piece of paper. “Oh, okay. I can get talkative sometimes so yeah, that would be fine” he said. Although the first minute he spent next to the other male was a silent one. Great. “So, you are like an artist, right? That’s cool. I always wondered how they found inspiration to put things into paints and drawings. I’m more of a words person myself, so I always had trouble thinking in images”

[wandererballard]

“I can see how talkative you can get.” Cedric teased the other after a few moments passed and the male was completely silent. “Something like that…” He nodded slowly. “Well… I’m not good with words but… I think it’s the same thing you know? Just like you put it how you feel into words, I put it into images. And it all depends on how you express it. Darker colors, thicker lines, thinner lines… You know?”

[wandererballard]

franksxntoro:

Frank sighed and looked a little bit disappointed. “What will I do with my life without the constant flow of pretty boys parading around my bed?” He knew he’d have Cedric in his bed technically, but not how he’d deal with any other man. It was odd thinking about having sex with the younger man now, because their relationship wasn’t based on that. Though, he had to admit and he was sure Cedric know that the thought crossed Frank’s mind a couple times when they just met. Plus, he also remembered how Cedric also offered him some sexual favors when Frank took him in and let him stay in his apartment. 

“Do you really need a constant flow of pretty boys parading around your bed, Frank?” Cedric asked with a light chuckle, and finished his meal then returning to his previous position resting against Frank though he was careful to not limit Frank’s moves so he could still eat. His mind went back to that one night they almost had sex but backed away. And the way Frank dealt with things made him feel… like Frank actually cared about him and not that the other didn’t want him. And that only made Cedric feel more at ease around the other male. But he couldn’t help the ‘what ifs’ that crossed his mind from time to time. “Although… I don’t doubt the ‘pretty boys’ around here wouldn’t like it one bit if I tried to monopolize your attention…” He joked lightly, wrapping one arm around Frank’s middle.

[wandererballard]

franksxntoro:

Frank laughed and he agreed. He didn’t care if he sounded over cocky or confident. It was just how he felt and people often agreed with him. His cooking was better than most. Frank even admitted he was better at the kitchen than in bed and that was already saying something pretty big. “Just you wait and soon you’ll be able to taste my food once again” He finished that with a wink and sipped his wine. “You will get the whole Frank experience. Cuddling, food and… well I guess not the full experience because it also included sex.”  

"I might get spoiled and you'll probably find me at your door time and time again for cuddles and food. And honestly I don't care if I'll be keeping you from luring pretty boys into your bed..." He said returning to his food. "Cuddling and food is more than enough, really." He smiled though in the back of his head he sometimes caught himself wondering what would have happened if he and Frank ever had sex. What would happen to their bond.

[wandererballard]

franksxntoro:

If Frank was being honest, he didn’t think he ever enjoyed naked cuddling as much as he did with Cedric and it came from the fact that it didn’t happen after an exhausting round of sex. It was just because they liked the feeling and connection between their bodies. Plus, it was also a representation of how they kind of bared it all with each other emotionally as well. He turned and pressed a quick kiss to the top of Cedric’s head and laughed at the younger man’s reaction. “I expect you to finish it all, Ced.” He said and grabbed his fork and got ready to eat, but before anything cut a piece of chicken parm and fed it o Cedric. “Enjoy your food.” He smiled and went to try the chicken himself and enjoy their dinner time together. 

There were meals, and then there were good meals. And then there were Frank's cooking. If Cedric could pick, he'd go for Frank's. Every time. But that chicken... It was almost as good. He chewe slowly, enjoying the taste and also watching Frank. And only after the older male had taken his first bite, Cedric dove into his own meal with gusto. Since he couldn't be leaned against Frank as he ate, he, at least, pressed his leg against the other's. Usually he wasn't that physical to anyone. But Frank was different. In all possible levels. "This is really, really good... But it's no Santoro's..." He commented taking a sip of his wine.

[wandererballard]

goldisaac:

"It’s fine, no hard feelings, i’m not going to go home and cry about how old you think I am,” he didn’t want the other to take offense at all to what he had said, or how it had came across for that matter.  Age meant absolutely nothing to him, “I swear it’s no big deal.”  He actually chuckled listening to the other tryig to explain himself, it was rather adorable.  "Maybe soccer is who i’m waiting so longingly for,“ he considered when Cedric made his observation.  It would make sense, Isaac having loved the sport more than he had ever loved a man in his life.  Honestly there were times when he wasn’t even sure he’d ever be capable of loving a person as much as the sport he played.  "You make me sound like a goldfish,” he teased nodding when he moved away from his spot by the tree heading over to look at the work that Cedric had just done in this short time.

Cedric cocked his head slightly as he heard the other speaking, glad that he didn't take any offense in his words. "Well, considering the way you're talking about it... I wouldn't doubt that..." He commented and then laughed at the male's comment. "Goldfish... What a fitting nickname." He said with a small smirk. "Do you do black flips for food too?" He teased with a snort, handing over the sketchbook to Isaac.

[wandererballard]

franksxntoro:

Frank didn’t know if they were going to do their regular sleeping routine with meant no clothes at all. The first time it happened, it really freaked out the Private Investigator. Feeling Cedric get on the bed wasn’t that big of a surprise, but realizing the younger male was naked and when he started to pull Frank’s underwear down, he had to stop Cedric. Eventually, they let it happen, knowing it wasn’t sexual in any way but just a way to feel safe, bonded. Frank slightly turned, nuzzling the top of Cedric’s head and smiling. “Of course. We can do that whenever you want. We can cook your favorite.” He promised the boy. 

Cedric found himself in Frank's bed more often than not, back in the time the private investigator had taken him under his wing. And even thought the first time could've ended up a disaster, but he managed to convince Frank that there was no sexual meaning in that. And it was comforting to feel the older male's warmth against his skin. Those moments with Frank were the things he had missed the most when he left. But now that they were both at the Haus he figured they could return that. Frank understood him like no one else ever did and them sleeping together, no clothes between then seemed to only striaghten that bond. At least that was how Cedric felt. "Sweet." He said shoothing the other a right smile and he only moved away from the comfort and proximity of Frank's body when he noticed a waiter bringing their meals. "Woah..."

[wandererballard]

goldisaac:

"Terribly exhausting, honestly I don’t even know how I make it through,” he teased though he was certain Cedric knew he was a first timer when it came to posing.  "Twenty six?  Ouch, that kills me,“ he clasped his heart though soon silently swore as he moved his hand back down, apologizing to the other.  "Twenty three actually, do I really look that much older?”  He laughed thinking about it, “damn, but to be on team USA for males you need to be twenty three or younger, just to keep it fair in the league.  I can play soccer competitively, but I can’t play at the Olympic level anymore…” That’s where he really enjoyed it too, but at least he could still play competitively if his leg were to ever get better.  He laughed once again when Cedric didn’t seem phased by his admission to needing attention, “well as long as that doesn’t send you running for the hills I guess we’re fine.  Attention and food, i’m like a damn pet.”  He was not a fan of pet play though so didn’t further that statement at all.

Cedric raised his eyes from his drawing just for enough time to raise an eyebrow at Isaac. And then shrugged, turning his attention back to the paper. "You look... I don't know... Not older. Just... I don't even know the word." He wasn't good with words anyway. "But I'm bad at guessing other's age. Like ridiculously bad to the point it's offensive." He commented and nodded as he heard the other talking. "Sound like you miss the Olympics immensely. Apologies if I come out as indifferent but I just... Don't care about sports. And if I say something on the matter... You sounded longing. Exactly what I was looking for when asked you to model..." He commented and a smirk made its way to his lips. "Don't worry. It takes more than that to send me running for the hills. And you sound like a pet easy to handle." Moments later he made the last lines and nodded. "I'm done. Wanna see it?"

[wandererballard]

franksxntoro:

Frank reached for Cedric’s nervous hand and squeezed it, lacing their fingers together and trying to soothe the other’s nerves about the whole thing. It was obvious that the whole situation meant a whole lot to Cedric, for better or worse. “It’s in the past, though. You did what you did. Maybe it wasn’t the best decision, but you did it. You have to own it and move on. You should not dwell on it too much, Cedric. It just brings you down and it’s a weight your’e carrying and that’s maybe stopping you from going forward.” He said and kissed the other’s knuckles. “I’ll send someone to help you unpack. You don’t have to do it.” He promised Cedric and then the waiter arrived and Frank ordered for both of them. 

Cedric sighed and let Frank take his hand. He looked up at the older male, probably the first man that ever meant so much to him. His words did lightened the grip the guilt had in his heart and Cedric smiled lightly. "I really, really missed you, Frank." He said and got up, pulling his chair so he was sitting right next to Frank instead of across from him. "Don't worry about that. Not like I'll need and pajamas tonight, right?" He asked with a shrug and even went as far as laying his head on Frank's shoulder. When the waiter came and Frank ordered, Cedric was quiet, just weighting Frank's words, knowing that he's like whatever Frank ordered for him. "Think that there's any chance we can cook together someday?" He asked quietly, all of sudden. Frank had taught him everything he knew.