[ Emre Bey, cismale, he/his ] - spotted in the streets of brooklyn, itâs ZAKHIR âZAKâ DEMIREL. they have lived in the city for SIX MONTHS, working as a/an VIDEOGAME TESTER. the TWENTY EIGHT year old will probably be seen around BROOKLYN HEIGHTS a lot, seeing as thatâs where they live. people say they can be a bit CHILDISH and INDECISIVE, but friends know them to be LOYAL and SUPPORTIVE. you know for sure youâve found them when youâve come across MESSY HAIR, WARM HUGS, SHOULDERS TO CRY ON. welcome to brooklyn, itâs been waiting for you!
Triggers: Parental death
Zak began life fleeing from his original country, his father fled from Yugosalvia earlier, and his mother followed with him a few months later. They immigrated to Turkey which was his mothers original country, he of course doesnât remember any of this, he was only six months old when they left for a better life. In Turkey he grew up for a few years before they again wanted to move on, his grandparents disapproved of her choices and she always felt like an outsider. They left when he was five years old, moving to Oregan for him to start his elementary school journey. He bobbed along, working slowly at things and he never excelled in anything, choosing to use his infectious personality to make friends with people rather than wanting to do well in school. He has always been extroverted and has such a happy personality which shone through when it came to making friends and excelling in the social aspect of his life.
It was when Zak was thirteen that the weight of his mothers depression really started to come out, and while they tried to help her, she was never the same as she once was. This culminated in his mother getting sick and eventually passing on. He tried his best to pick up his happy personality, but he lost interest in everyone and everything. It wasnât until he was sixteen that the depression was slowly starting to ease and he began remembering who he really was.Â
He fell heavily into playing games and finding himself locked into his couch, it wasnât long before he was fully fledged into gaming and found a passion for it. He spent a lot of time trying to make it as a social media personality within gaming but it never took flight for him. He continued on playing video games, but at eighteen someone ran into his old videos and offered him an opportunity to test video games.
He fell in love with gaming all over again and testing the games gave him a great joy, he was starting to remember what it was to enjoy his life again. He started going out again, getting more confident in himself and returning back to life. His first girlfriend when he was nineteen gave him something more hopeful to enjoy, and as time went on, he began getting so focused on the video gamesthat he was ignoring her and he wasnât doing it intentionally, but the relationship completely fell apart. He learned a lot with that relationship, and he worked hard to regain her friendship, but it was never meant to be more than a friendship at the end of the day.
The video game testing took him to Los Angeles at twenty five, he found a quiet place to settle in and continue his work, eventually he met Ayla, she was someone he followed on instagram and they very quickly formed a bond, over a few years they fell in love and as they were both Turkish, the day of the tulip festival in Turkey he proposed to her in a field filled with tulips. Six months ago they moved to Brooklyn and brought a home in the heights, where they welcomed their little girl Lara.
The sound of the man calling out to her was enough to make her fully freeze where she was. "Oh shit," was all she was able to get out in return at first. As she side-stepped the glass, she finally took a moment to turn and look at the person who had warned her in the first place. "Thank you for the heads up. Are you okay? Did something happen?" Adriana wasn't sure how long the glass had been there, or if it was part of something bigger going on.
Zak let out a soft breath, he would have hated to see someone walking through glass even if it might not have hurt, because shoes exist of course. It still sucked having to pick pieces of glass out of your shoes, even if it saved your feet. "Oh no I'm fine, I was just on my way home and I ran across the glass on the path, I figure I'd better find a way to clean it up before I do anything else just in case a kid comes running through as well." { @theprophccy }
Stella wasn't usually one to be distracted while walking, but she found herself looking down at her phone before she heard the exclaims from another human in her direction. She immediately looked up in time before walking right over the broken glass. It looks like it's from a broken window. "Well that could've been a disaster. Thank you so much! I don't usually walk without paying attention, I like to think i'm a better New Yorker than that."
Zak was relieved when she didn't step right into the glass, god knows what would happen if someone didn't hear him. At least glass was a lot easier to sweep to the side, unlike many other things he'd seen on the streets of New York in his very small amount of time here. "Glad you didn't step on it though, I mean shoes and all, but still, that would have sucked." { @stella--ashford }
Willa jumped back when he yelled, her hand over her heart from the slight shock. "Jesus Christ," she mumbled, taking a breath. "That was one hell of a heads up."
Zak held his hands up, an attempt at an apology but perhaps not the best one. "Sorry, I just don't want people to end up with glass in their feet, that does not sound like a good time. Plus there are some pretty big pieces there." { @willa-holmes }
Ayla felt like she hadn't had a proper sleep in the last three months so she couldn't help but agree with him. Being a parent was overwhelming, even though she'd expected it. Lara was like her mother, high maintenance and needed every bit of their attention at all times. "That's why I said uber eats, babe," she kissed him back gently, pulling away to look up at him. "She might stir at someone being at the door, but honestly I hope she's exhausted."
Zak tried his best to take over as many duties as he could after the birth of their daughter. The last thing he wanted was for Ayla to be working through the healing process and having to change daipers, getting her to sleep, and cleaning the house too. He really did enjoy having the time to bond with Lara too. "You know, we can just write on the instructions to text when it's been delivered but don't knock because there's a sleeping baby." He hummed softly. "What are we craving?" { @ayladxmir }
Maddie breathed a sigh of relief hearing that the stranger was fine. At least it was one less thing to fret about in the chaos that was everything happening today. At the offer of a mandarin, she looked around for her orange. It was no where in sight, evidently rolled away to the great unknown (that was the streets of New York). "Is it gone?" she frowned deeply. "Thanks but - it's not the same. I was having a really random and insane craving for it. You ever get those sometimes? ...I'll just get another one,".
Zak should have put his foot out sooner, this was a serious craving, and that kind of craving could only be satisfied by what you really wanted. He understood that part from Ayla's cravings, sometimes they were so intese that Zak would almost have to beg someone to open up their store to get her what she needed. "I should have stopped it for you, I apologzie." Zak nodded, giving a quick glance around looking for it too. "No I understand, believe me. You think a mandarin will help hold you over anyway?" { @ficklethcrns }
cam quirked a brow. "how are you gonna wingman in this situation?" it was speed dating. no third wheeling allowed. right? "or are we bailing?" he was already halfway out of his seat. he'd done it, technically. he'd sat down at the speed dating event at the promenade. zak could even vouch for him if anyone asked him about it. "yeah, i'd know you anywhere." he checked his watch. "what are you doing right now? we could grab dinner. my treat, even."
Zak gave a soft chuckle. "Well, if the one on the other side of the table is already taken that's one less person for you to compete with. Plus I get to talk you up when it's time for them to sit down with me." He shrugged a shoulder. "I'm down to bail if you are, though." Seeing Cam already on his way to standing made it clear to Zak, and with a laugh he got himself up out of his seat. "Always got time for you, but why am I not surprised that you're ready to go already?" { @g0ldenboyy }
"Yeah I agree with you. I can make you a nice chai tea." Gabriel replied before he was behind the counter and he figured it would just be easier if he had made himself the same thing since he like chai tea as well. He finished those things up and then walked over to the table that Zak had picked out and he sat down across from him after setting down the drinks. "How long have you been in the city? I'm not sure i've seen you around before."
"Sounds like you're about to be a lifesaver." Zak said with a chuckle, chai had become more of a comfort drink, the warm spices usually helped him come back down from whatever kind of terrible day he'd been having. Considering the content of the meeting they'd both been at, this was going to help him come back down from everything he'd been through. "Six months, we actually came over when my fiance was six months pregnant, so I've been really busy with my little girl Lara." { @rxshingpxlse }
"Alright, I promise that I am going to try my hardest with keeping it down. I like to rage and yell at people like they can hear me, but I don't want to ruin our fun so I am going to make sure that I try my hardest to keep it down." He said to the other. "I was thinking call of duty or fortnight or something in that realm. Are you up for playing anything specific?"
"Don't worry, if nothing else it just means I get to have cuddle time with Lara, and that's always going to be worth it." He chuckled softly, settling in the couch and scooping up his controller. "Man, some call of duty sounds good, feels like I haven't played in a hot minute. Maybe we can jump on some zombies instead, won't have to rage at real people." { @rxshingpxlse }
"Yeah well you could've done everything in your power, but still i'm always so aloof and I don't always pay attention to where I'm going so that would've been my own fault." He mentioned to Zak as he smiled. "Yeah, exactly." August looked around and he had managed to see a broom and he started to sweep it up. "I don't see anything to pick it up with though. Hmmmm." He said as he looked around, trying to find something to use as a dust pan.
"Don't go blaming yourself for that, you never know when the glass is going to just suddenly appear in your path. Just glad I snapped you into reality." Zak looked around for a moment, frowning slightly as he thought about it. "Oh I know." He said, pulling out a newspaper from his bag. "Got this on a whim, I think I'm becoming more of a dad. I don't normally get a paper, but apparently today I had it for the right reason." He said. placing a few pieces down. "Even good for wrapping it and tossing." { @rxshingpxlse }
Admittedly, Tae had been off in his own world, tuned into the music he'd been listening to as he ascended the stairs. It was only when he heard a voice and glanced back up that he realised something was wrong. Quickly ripping one of his earpods from his ear, he paused in his tracks, looking at the man in front of him with a curious expression. "What did you say?" he queried. "Sorry, didn't hear..." He pointed to the other earpod to indicate.
Zak had already started using the bag he was carrying to try and sweep some of the glass away. It was all he had in a pinch, but it was better than honthing. He looked up at the other, giving a vague gesture to the glass in front of him. "Glass, didn't want you getting any in your foot." Zak looked aorund quickly, shaking his head. There didn't seem to be a perfect solution this time. "Got anything that might help? My bag doesn't seem to be quite doing the trick." { @oftatteredwings }
August has been not paying attention to what he was doing so he was just minding his own business. When he heard something, he stopped dead in his tracks and looked around before he locked eyes with the other. "Oh gosh. Thank you for that. I definitely do not need to be stepping in glass!! Thank you for saving me from that."
Zak waved a hand, it was the least he could do to help another person, perhaps it was something for the day of his good karma. âThe least I could do, the last thing I want is you to be in pain or being injured by something I could prevent.â Zak said, shrugging a shoulder softly, he looked around and scratched his chin a little. âGotta find something to clean this up though, donât want it to happen to anyone else.â
Starter for: Tobias // @rxshingpxlse
Where: Zak and Ayla's
âAlright, I apologize in advance but Ayla trusted me to keep the noise down while Lara sleeps, but I also have a magic touch so if she wakes up I can get her to settle again⊠But if we can keep it down itâd save headaches later.â Zak shrugged, heâd already set up snacks on the table in front of the tv and got his consoles all set.. They had options, benefits of testing video games meant he could pick whichever options⊠Even games that werenât out yet. âWhat games do you wanna play?â
Starter for: Gabriel & Zakhir @zakdemirel
Location: Beanz after hours
Gabriel had meet Zakhir at a meeting for grief earlier that evening and he knew that the shop would be closed because well, he owned it and he knew the hours. He had unlocked the door and invited the other in and once they were both in the cafe, Gabriel locked it back up and turned on some lights so that they could see, but not enough to catch attention from people thinking the shop was open. Gabriel put on a pot of coffee and then took a couple of seats down at a table. "We can sit here or there's booths." He suggested. "Also do you want hot coffee or iced? Or we also have some amazing tea. If I must say so myself." He chuckled softly.
Zak hadnât planned on having to visit the group, but christmas had been and gone and some of what he felt from his mother hadnât left. He decided to visit just to have a few extra moments of closure. It had been years since his mother passed, but sometimes he needed her and she wasnât there, this year in particular with Ayla having their baby too. âIâm happy with anywhere.â Zak said, taking up a seat, no point in having Gabriel take down a seat without sitting in it. âOh, a good chai tea sounds delicious, itâs a family favorite.â He hummed softly, âhot though please, iced chai sounds nice but itâs way too cold for that.â
he'd been in such a rush to get to this thing that he hadn't even registered the person sitting across from him until he heard the familiar voice. when he did clock it, cam couldn't help the high-pitched groan that followed. "you were supposed to pay to participate," he pointed out with a sigh, dragging a hand down his face and propping an elbow on the table. on the plus side, cam didn't have to pretend to be anybody else in front of zak. maybe this would help ease him into this whole thing or something. "does that mean you're paying for dessert?"
Zak couldnât help the grin on his face, something about this had been the perfect distraction, just what he needed when it came to getting out of the house and it was even better because it was a friend's distraction that helped. âYou might have, but I havenât, I just asked if I could sit across and scare you.â Zak said, shrugging a shoulder, it was nice to be able to watch Cam relax a little in this situation too. âIf Iâm being your wingman youâre paying for my dessert. You know, I should have gone all out and gotten a wig too. Put on a girly voice⊠Really confuse you⊠I think the beard and the face would give it away though.â
"She's finally asleep," Ayla's eyes were tired as she returned to Zak, her arms snaking around his waist for a quick hug. Being a mom was a little bit of a struggle to the brunette, even though she loved their daughter very much. Realistically, Ayla knew she was very lucky to have Zak who was extremely active in Lara's life considering a lot of men don't really seem to care, whether they were in a relationship or not. "We can put on a movie and order some uber eats? Save us from cooking and I've got a promo code."
âNo wonder why itâs so quietâ Zak said, his arms wrapping easily around his fianceâs frame as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. He never knew why Ayla chose him, but he would never stop being grateful to her. Now they had a little girl, it was like his life had reached a peak and he hoped it would never stop. âI think Iâve forgotten what itâs like to have a minute to breathe.â He admitted, leaning down to kiss her. âIâd say let me put on some popcorn bt the popping would probably wake her.â
Zak ascended the stairs, it had been a long damn day and finally getting to head home. He couldn't wait to see his fiance and baby girl, and to hear about her day. As he approached the top of the stairs he saw broken glass, even worse he saw someone approaching.
"Wait! Stop! Please! There's glass! I don't want you to cut yourself!"
