opaline

When she left town, Rory had always been adamant that it was so she could find her brother. That was what she told everyone, including her self. However as time went on, it became apparent that there seemed to be other reasons for her move. Things had been great between her and Warren, any woman would have been over the moon. He was such a catch, handsome, smart, had an amazing job, kind, and sweet. But Rory was scared; of what? She didn't know. But using the excuse to find River gave her the perfect cover. So did she really go to find River or was it to run away? She didn't know and she still didn't. But having Warren back, she knew why she left and for the first time she realized how grave of a mistake it was. She wanted to curl into him and apologize and tell him how big of a mistake she made. But she didn't want to scare him off, or have him do what she did to him. So she just smiled back. "Thanks," she said quietly, "honestly it's been a lot."

Stepping into the coffee shop, she held the door for him, wanting to grab his hand. Wanting to grab his hand, intertwine their fingers, then wrap that arm around her shoulder. She so desperately wanted to step back in time where she never left the way she did. Right here, right now, she realized how grave of a mistake it truly was. Shaking her head, "of course not. A creature if habit of course," she shrugged gently, reminiscing on him bringing her coffee in the past. A simple gesture that meant the world to her now. "I'm still an LA girl, that definitely hasn't changed" she equipped to him, hoping to show how despite the circumstances she hasn't changed, including her feelings for him. "You always did know my order best." @warrenisaacs

It was enough, and not enough all at once. Being with her, here and now, he felt like even if things were to end fully, she told him she'd met someone else, just one last bit of closure, he could accept it. While the other part of him wouldn't let that go without some kind of fight. To try and prove that they were meant to be together, fight and claim the hands of fate and monologue befitting a cheesy romance film. He was a realist more than anything, and yet, here and now, that part of him was on a hot streak for grand gestures, and he felt like he could keep it up.

He was almost relieved that her order hadn't changed. The Aurora that he knew inside out wasn't completely gone. "I'm relieved. I like you the way you are, I'd hate to see Washington change you too much." He nodded, before going back up the counter and ordering for her. He stepped away, returning his attention back to Rory. And properly this time. His eyes sliding over her, properly giving her a look, trying to gauge how she was feeling, how stressed she looked, anything that he could glean. "How are you doing, really?" he started, his voice staying as soft as he could manage, trying to retain some amount of privacy as he could in a small shop like this. "I know you're putting your focus on your brother. And, that's great. But, how are you?"

@auroraxjackson

keelyharper

“Mabel and I go way back. She bit me on my first day here and we’ve been friends ever since.” Keely laughed, looking over at the face that belonged to the voice. “I’m going to break your heart with this comment but it has to be said. She truly cannot hear me nor does she understand anything I’m saying. She’s a turtle and we love her just as she is.” The blonde smirked, putting a hand over her lips and ‘shhing’ the man. “Don’t tell anyone, it’ll be our secret.” She narrowed her eyes once she had had a chance to study him. Having been raised in Kismet Harbor her whole life, she liked to think she knew everyone and she did not recognize this man so she figured she should introduce herself, as one does when strangers are around. “I’m Keely. Resident veterinarian to Mabel, and all the other aquatic animals here.”

“Wow. She started off with a bite? I guess you are allowed to say whatever you feel about her. I’ve been there.” His tone was framed with humor, some level of entertainment by the conversation. Only further letting a soft laugh go at her further explanation. "I'll do my best to keep your secret." He half turned back, before the woman introduced herself. But, he turned back as she did. He wasn't used to the overt friendliness of the town, still trying to get over the bits of culture shock here and there. "Nice to meet you, Keely. Seems like they're in good hands." He held a hand out, offering it to shake. "Warren. New fan of Mabel and your other animals here." @keelyharper

#c: keely

As she stood in front of him, his piercing blue eyes dazzling in the warm March sun, Rory's heart raced. She wanted so desperately to forget the last few months, take it all back, and tell him how sorry she was. Erase whatever and whomever had filled up those moments between her leaving and him coming here. She was sure, he had found someone in the meantime, and him coming here would be strictly as friends. If that were the case, Rory was sure she wouldn't be able to handle that, not now; not ever. Before these last few moments, she had pushed her feelings down; compartmentalized them so she could actually live somewhat of a function life. But seeing him here, burst that tiny box in side of her wide open. Those feelings came back tenfold, reassuring her that she did in fact love him.

She had to let him know she found her brother. That was the whole reason why she left in the first place. Well at least that's what she had initially told him. She didn't tell him that she was afraid to settle down, afraid of what might come if they began a life together. But none of that mattered right now. Especially since right now, they weren't even together; they were just two people talking. Two people catching up. "I did," as he touched her hand, the sensation sent sparks from her fingertips; a simple gesture made her head spin. Taking a breath before responding, "he's good. As good as someone can be after what our father put him through." She didn't elaborate, not wanting to put a damper on that beautiful smile of his. He looked so good and happy, she didn't want to explain the horrors of what River had to endure. You can never bore me, she thought to herself, especially not now. Not after being apart for so long and that time and distance helping her realize how much she missed him. She waved him off, as if to say oh please, you can't bore me. She watched as he glanced at his watch, her heart dropping and hoping he wasn't rushing off somewhere. But at his mention of her having time, she nodded gently. "I think I'd like that," she said quietly, "I do, have time. And sure." She said, motioning for him to lead and that she'd follow. @warrenisaacs

The tone she gave about her brother softened his smile. He knew that was the reason she left, or at least the one she'd given when she'd left. When she'd first left, he figured there was more to it. But, he didn't know all the details, didn't want to push or pry where she wasn't ready to share. Still, it was clear there was some deeper issues. There was guilt, that was more than true. Aurora was so clearly trying to put pieces together, for herself, for her brother, and it was unfair of him to have doubted her, even if it was in its own past moments. He wanted to ask questions, wanted to let her vent, but he figured, as long as she didn't send him away, she would share in time. "I'm glad he's doing okay," he started. "He's lucky to have you here."

Relieved that she was willing to make time for him, to step out at a whim and talk to him, despite the sudden appearance. He brightened, a matching nod toward the door to her small motion forward, he turned, hesitating only for a moment for Aurora to meet him before he moved, a hand reaching - wanting to rest naturally against her back, her shoulder, anywhere that months ago wouldn't have even garnered a further though. It fell, an awkward stretch of fingers as if to reprimand itself for a slip it had saved itself from. However, it didn't escape him the gentle tap of a hand to hers before it fell back to his side, and slipped into his pocket. He'd missed her, that much was certain, and for all the screaming of muscles as he fought against every instinct they still had, he kept the new boundary. He'd stepped through one deeply enough already, he supposed. What had been just a few steps, had felt like miles. He reached the door, and pulled it open as he stepped to the side. "After you," he said with a soft, encouraging smile. "You haven't changed your order, have you?" The question came out teasingly, faux concern dripping from it. "I'm not going to step up to the barista and mess it up. I know everyone takes their coffee very seriously up here. I can't bear the shame."

@auroraxjackson

keelyharper

Open starter ; capping @ 3

Where: Aquatica

Today was demonstration day: one of Keely’s favorite days at the Aquarium. It was the day that she got to see all the animals up close and give them their monthly checkups to ensure that they were all healthy and fat and ready to be gawked at by the adoring public. She had just finished her last patient of the morning and she was looking forward to going out there and mingle amongst the crowd as she watched the animals swim, not having a care in the world. When she was feeling particularly angsty, she would come and take a walk through the tunnel, staring up as the fish and sharks swam about. It was relaxing and she often wished she could join them. She was watching her favorite sea turtle, Mabel, try to eat a piece of the coral that was outside the aquarium. “She’s a special one. God love her but she’s so dumb.”

Getting to know Kismet Harbor came with its ups and downs. It wasn't LA, enough of a culture shock adjustment that he was still reeling in a bit from. But, the only way to get over that, he supposed, was to dive in. See the town for what it had to offer, and get to know it properly. So, with a day off, he'd ended up at the aquarium. He'd gotten caught up in the tunnel surrounded all around by fish, having a moment of peace. He'd caught the turtle bumping against the glass, right before the woman next to him commented. He smiled, amused by both the sight and the comment. "You good friends with the turtle?" A air of amused confusion carrying his words "Shouldn't call friends dumb, though. Turtle or not. I think you'll hurt her feelings."

@keelyharper

#c: keely

Memories came flooding back as she stood there, both good ones and bad ones, ones she forgot even existed. But as she looked back at him, time seemed to stop but also seemed to go on forever. Both memories of them as well as the memories of the guys she had either flirted with or had a connection with since she had moved to town. Unfortunately none of them (or any other guy she had been with) held a candle to Warren. Not in the slightest, and she hadn't realized that until they stood in front of each other now. When she left Los Angeles, when she left him behind, she realized how hurt he might have been, but she had to do it even though it killed her inside. There hadn't been a day go by since she thought of running back to LA and running back into his arms; but she figured she lost that chance when she left. However, seeing him here and now, she thought maybe things would be different. Hearing that he got a job here, sparked something deep inside her. She didn't know what to label that feeling, although she knew it made her heart flutter and her belly fill with butterflies. "That's amazing, they're lucky to have you." She replied with a smile, unconsciously squeezing his arm. Those arms which had fit around her perfectly, and whose embrace she missed so much despite her not even realizing it. Nodding and biting her lip at his mentioning of many reasons to take the job, she wondered what he meant. If that had included her? No, she thought. He probably hates me and hates the fact that I left and didn't keep in touch. Probably came here to rub it in my face that he's doing alright without me. She shook off that idea, knowing that's not the type of guy he was. "It's good to see you too, and things have been good," she replied, not diving too deep into how things have gone since moving. "I- I actually found my brother," she stammered out, hoping to stretch the conversation on for a little bit longer. "And you? You look good, and happy." @warrenisaacs

There was a voice in Warren's head that wanted to reach out, to pull Aurora in, screaming against the voice of reason that held him back. He'd missed her, hadn't managed to find someone that came close to filling the void that she had left. He'd tried to hate her, a resentment that should have been easy, but he couldn't. He simply hoped she would come back, regretted how things had ended. A gentle squeeze of his arm in congratulations only further pushed some level of wanting to return to that kind of casual touch, as if nothing that was still ordinary, and they hadn't had time, distance, and people between each other. This wasn't ordinary, though. They would need some time to overcome that shock, but in the meantime, he hated this stage of not being able to just reach out, to not just feel like nothing had changed.

The news of her brother, though, was a welcome reprieve from that. Big news, something to keep them here a little longer, to keep talking, and focus on. "You did? that's great, Rory!" He reached out, a loose grip on her hand, giving a gentle, encouraging squeeze. A tether to her that he didn't want to let go of. Yet, he let his hand drop back to his side, not wanting to overextend the touch, overstep his reach too much. "How is he? How are you handling everything?" He nodded at her question, and shrugged. "Please don't let me bore you with my own stuff. Hardly as interesting or important as what you have going on." He almost felt guilty that his appearance here was swept into her current situation, an added stressor to mix into everything. "But, yeah. I'm good now, I think." A glance at his watch, and then a considering glance back at the coffee shop. "Do you have a second? Can I get you a coffee or something, and you can tell me everything?"

@auroraxjackson

ariseongmurray

𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 @warrenisaacs

"Hopefully that tour was easy enough for you to keep up." Ari suggested, letting her heels click as she looked at the other stopping in her tracks. It wasn't too often that they received new staff members at channel 10 news, but Ari was excited to see a new face on the crew. She was still trying to decide how she'd been the one volunteered to show them around, but, at least she got an insight that she was trust worthy at least. "I have to say, the editing department here doesn't always do the best job so I'm excited to have a new face around here." she smiled. "You have any questions? I know it can be a bit overwhelming so if you need anything please ask."

"The tour was great," Warren answered. "The last studio I worked at was a maze, so as far as studios go, this one's at least seems to have a functional layout. I'll do my best not to get completely lost. Don't want to accidentally wander into a shot," he joked lightly. Channel 10 News was certainly just as serious and established as he was used to, though, it seemed at least somewhat more settled, as far as newsrooms went. He wasn't unaware of the surprise of a new face most of the others at the station had when he'd been introduced, but something about that gave him almost more air to breathe than an ever-changing rotation of faces ever did back in LA. He gave a light laugh at the comment and nodded in understanding. "Well, I'll push them into shape. I am nothing if not a perfectionist, so I'm sure I'll get on enough nerves that they either try and outdo me, or form a coup. So, on one hand, you'll have no mistakes, on the other, a good story to cover about an uprising of the editors against one of their own." He paused for a moment to consider some of the questions he did have that he could throw Ari's way, and nodded. "I'm sure most of the questions I have will be easy to get from the editing pit. So, I'll try to spare you from some of the more boring questions I've got. Anything I should be aware of? Even if it's — and this is a fake name and not at all a real scenario I've experienced — does Nathan in production really love to heat up fish and broccoli for lunch?" @ariseongmurray

#c: ari

Since moving to town to find her brother, the one thing, well rather person, that she missed from back home was Warren. The one man she couldn't stop thinking about. The one man that threw her life upside down but in a good way. The one man that actually made her feel good, about herself and about everything in life. But never in a million years did she ever think she'd see him again. Not after the way she left things, with her running off to a random town in Oregon for a brother she had seen in over fifteen years. So when she was going to the Cobblestone Cafe and saw him exiting, her heart fluttered and her stomach did somersaults. She wasn't even sure it was him at first, that is until he said her name. His voice that made the whole world stop around them, her heart racing a mile a minute. "Warren" she stammered out, "h-hi. Wh- what are you doing here?" @warrenisaacs

It was daunting, to say the least. A moment that he knew would come. It was the whole point of chasing after her all the way here, after all. To win her back, or at least give it one more try. Still, finding himself in a moment, all of the mental preparation, imagining the best scenarios, and the worst, still didn't compare to actually being here now. Aurora was who he wanted, and that was only solidified further with her standing in front of him here and now. The whole truth felt like too much. "I got an offer up here, couldn't pass it up." He gave a half truth as a good starting point, that felt like enough until the shock waned, doing his best to keep the conversation as casual and normal as he could. As if they weren't running into each other nearly 1,000 miles away from LA. "Lot of reasons to take it." He waved an almost dismissive hand at his own words, hoping to not get too deep into it, fear that he'd scare her off again. "It's good to see you, you look really good, Rory. How are you doing? How have you been?" @auroraxjackson

who: @auroraxjackson where: outside of cobblestone cafe

Romantic. It was romantic. That was what Warren had been repeating to himself like a mantra the past few weeks since he'd decided to make a move to some beach town in Oregon. A man who so rarely budged on so much, had made significant moves. The only peace he gave himself was that he let it happen naturally once he was here. He'd settle into his new job, start to get to know the town. He didn't believe in fate, but this once he felt like they would run into each other when the time was right. Having that moment come as he walked out of the coffee shop, and was face to face with Aurora, he felt an unfamiliar rush of anxiety wash over him. "Rory," his voice came out unexpectedly tight and strained with nerves. "Hey."