seattle; friday ft
Feb. 23rd, 2018 08:24 amTime was a strange thing. Sometimes, it dragged on so slowly that you would give your right eye for an hour to pass and sometimes it went by so fast that you blinked and a year had gone by. The latter was how Sam had been feeling for a long time. Between business with the Council and just trying to figure himself out, a year and some change had passed.
His house was busier than ever, his life stranger than ever, and his luck crappier than ever but he was still here. His limbs were in one piece, his latest concussion had eased a few weeks ago and the scars on his body were still plentiful but they were just that, scars.
It had been hard to get time to himself. With Brannoc gone, there had been a lot of focus on putting the Council back together and Sam thought they'd done a pretty good job. Brid was helping a lot and while Sam hadn't let himself take the step further than friends, they were extremely close and their relationship was much, much stronger than it had been.
Sam was glad for that.
It was an overcast, rainy day in Seattle but that didn't stop Sam from grabbing his dusty skateboard to head out to the half pipe in the backyard. Taco followed him and took up shop playing with the gnomes in the grass. That would at least save any visitors from being attacked.
Small favors.
[NFB but open for calls/text/etc]
His house was busier than ever, his life stranger than ever, and his luck crappier than ever but he was still here. His limbs were in one piece, his latest concussion had eased a few weeks ago and the scars on his body were still plentiful but they were just that, scars.
It had been hard to get time to himself. With Brannoc gone, there had been a lot of focus on putting the Council back together and Sam thought they'd done a pretty good job. Brid was helping a lot and while Sam hadn't let himself take the step further than friends, they were extremely close and their relationship was much, much stronger than it had been.
Sam was glad for that.
It was an overcast, rainy day in Seattle but that didn't stop Sam from grabbing his dusty skateboard to head out to the half pipe in the backyard. Taco followed him and took up shop playing with the gnomes in the grass. That would at least save any visitors from being attacked.
Small favors.
[NFB but open for calls/text/etc]
seattle; tuesday ft
Oct. 27th, 2015 09:07 amSam didn't feel too great today. He knew the reasons behind it but still hated that he could barely get out of bed and that James felt the need to bring him water and a bunch of dried up vegetables to try and get him back on his feet.
He'd expended a lot of energy yesterday, raising and speaking with several people who'd recently been found dead with puncture marks in their neck and claw marks on their back. They'd initially thought it was a vampire and a werewolf working together but the people that he'd managed to raise and calm had contended there was only one person that had attacked them, one grotesque creation who'd drained, slashed and then killed them.
The Council had convened and Sam had passed out right there in his seat. He'd even drooled a little. Brid's brothers had carried him back to his home and James had dumped in bed which was where he was now. He was powerful, able to raise and control the dead but even he had some limits and even he got tired.
His bed was comfortable, at least, and Taco was curled up in the space between his legs. Ramon had brought one of his record players into the room and there was some quiet jazz playing now. Sam closed his eyes and sighed.
[NFB but open, sure]
He'd expended a lot of energy yesterday, raising and speaking with several people who'd recently been found dead with puncture marks in their neck and claw marks on their back. They'd initially thought it was a vampire and a werewolf working together but the people that he'd managed to raise and calm had contended there was only one person that had attacked them, one grotesque creation who'd drained, slashed and then killed them.
The Council had convened and Sam had passed out right there in his seat. He'd even drooled a little. Brid's brothers had carried him back to his home and James had dumped in bed which was where he was now. He was powerful, able to raise and control the dead but even he had some limits and even he got tired.
His bed was comfortable, at least, and Taco was curled up in the space between his legs. Ramon had brought one of his record players into the room and there was some quiet jazz playing now. Sam closed his eyes and sighed.
[NFB but open, sure]
seattle; wednesday ft
Aug. 12th, 2015 03:11 pmThe music room is often where Sam found himself these days. Between Council meetings, Council business and dealing with the weirdness of his estate, the music room was the place he felt most comfortable, most relaxed.
Today, he was spinning something jazzy, letting the dulcet tones of brass instruments and mournful guitars wash over him. Taco was curled up on his lap, snoring in the most adorable way possible. Sam had his phone in one hand, lazily answering a text message here and there to pretend he was still working.
The door was shut and James was under orders not to bother him unless absolutely necessary. So far, no one had tried to get his attention. Sam closed his eyes and sighed.
[NFB but open for the usual things]
Today, he was spinning something jazzy, letting the dulcet tones of brass instruments and mournful guitars wash over him. Taco was curled up on his lap, snoring in the most adorable way possible. Sam had his phone in one hand, lazily answering a text message here and there to pretend he was still working.
The door was shut and James was under orders not to bother him unless absolutely necessary. So far, no one had tried to get his attention. Sam closed his eyes and sighed.
[NFB but open for the usual things]
seattle; friday ft
Jul. 10th, 2015 09:24 amThe Council meeting had run last night leaving Sam tired and worn thin. It hadn't been a bad meeting but it continued to be something he just didn't want to do. The only good thing had been Brid and her good mood. She'd spent the entire meeting making faces when others had been talking or throwing him notes when the faces got old.
It was a huge change to how she'd been acting towards him. Maybe things would thaw out further and Sam could have his friend back. He desperately wanted that. Sam had all of his friends around him but he continued to feel that tiny blank spot where Brid used to be.
"You look terrible," Ramon said once he'd breezed into the kitchen and headed towards the refrigerator. "Something a werebear dragged in."
Sam raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his coffee. "You make a habit of dragging stuff in? What's your room look like these days?"
"Animal carcasses, pictures of naked ladies, and recipe books," Ramon answered. "I like a variety."
Sam snorted and shook his head. "You making breakfast?"
"Depends, you like cereal?" Ramon took the box out and shook it in Sam's direction.
"My favorite thing in the world."
"Then, soup's on!" Ramon grabbed two bowls and served breakfast.
[NFB but open for the usual things]
It was a huge change to how she'd been acting towards him. Maybe things would thaw out further and Sam could have his friend back. He desperately wanted that. Sam had all of his friends around him but he continued to feel that tiny blank spot where Brid used to be.
"You look terrible," Ramon said once he'd breezed into the kitchen and headed towards the refrigerator. "Something a werebear dragged in."
Sam raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his coffee. "You make a habit of dragging stuff in? What's your room look like these days?"
"Animal carcasses, pictures of naked ladies, and recipe books," Ramon answered. "I like a variety."
Sam snorted and shook his head. "You making breakfast?"
"Depends, you like cereal?" Ramon took the box out and shook it in Sam's direction.
"My favorite thing in the world."
"Then, soup's on!" Ramon grabbed two bowls and served breakfast.
[NFB but open for the usual things]
seattle; sunday ft
Jun. 14th, 2015 02:29 pm"We should put in a pool."
Ramon's words came to Sam's ears and he snorted. Sam was laying on the top of the skate ramp, shirt off and head braced against his skateboard. It was warm but not terribly so. Ramon was nearby, rolling back and forth on his board.
"It doesn't get warm enough here for that," Sam told him, shaking his head. "It'll be a waste of money."
Ramon shook his head even if Sam didn't see it. He knew it was happening. "Come on, imagine the parties, Sam!"
"Are you going to clean the pool?" Sam asked, opening his eyes just the tiniest bit. "Are you going to save the gnomes when one falls in?"
Ramon was silent for a second before coming up with a solution. "We'll hire a lifeguard! James can do it!"
"No, I will not do that," James said. He was down on the lawn, tending to some bushes. Sam was pretty impressed with his range of hearing. "I don't get paid enough for that."
Sam smirked. "Man's right. Look, I'll get you a kiddie pool, Ramon. Will that work?"
"Spoilsport."
Sam grinned.
[NFB but open for the usual things]
Ramon's words came to Sam's ears and he snorted. Sam was laying on the top of the skate ramp, shirt off and head braced against his skateboard. It was warm but not terribly so. Ramon was nearby, rolling back and forth on his board.
"It doesn't get warm enough here for that," Sam told him, shaking his head. "It'll be a waste of money."
Ramon shook his head even if Sam didn't see it. He knew it was happening. "Come on, imagine the parties, Sam!"
"Are you going to clean the pool?" Sam asked, opening his eyes just the tiniest bit. "Are you going to save the gnomes when one falls in?"
Ramon was silent for a second before coming up with a solution. "We'll hire a lifeguard! James can do it!"
"No, I will not do that," James said. He was down on the lawn, tending to some bushes. Sam was pretty impressed with his range of hearing. "I don't get paid enough for that."
Sam smirked. "Man's right. Look, I'll get you a kiddie pool, Ramon. Will that work?"
"Spoilsport."
Sam grinned.
[NFB but open for the usual things]
seattle; friday ft
May. 1st, 2015 09:23 amSam was staring at the ceiling.
Luckily, that was by choice. He wasn't sick or injured or currently the captive of some supernatural baddie. Nope, he was just laying on the floor of his music room, staring up at the ceiling. Being that close to the ground, even in a house as big as his, meant he could feel the dead things around him.
It finally didn't freak him out.
Taco was curled up against his side, snoring quietly. Sam wished he had Taco's ability to fall asleep anywhere. There was jazz music on the record player, filling the room with sound and energy that almost made Sam want to get up.
Almost.
But, it felt good to stretch out and close out the world for awhile. James could handle the house, Haley could handle James, Brid could take care of the Council and everything else could wait awhile. Taco was all the company he really needed. If he got bored, he'd talk to his pet chupacabra.
The thought alone was enough to make Sam snicker.
[NFB but open for the usual things!]
Luckily, that was by choice. He wasn't sick or injured or currently the captive of some supernatural baddie. Nope, he was just laying on the floor of his music room, staring up at the ceiling. Being that close to the ground, even in a house as big as his, meant he could feel the dead things around him.
It finally didn't freak him out.
Taco was curled up against his side, snoring quietly. Sam wished he had Taco's ability to fall asleep anywhere. There was jazz music on the record player, filling the room with sound and energy that almost made Sam want to get up.
Almost.
But, it felt good to stretch out and close out the world for awhile. James could handle the house, Haley could handle James, Brid could take care of the Council and everything else could wait awhile. Taco was all the company he really needed. If he got bored, he'd talk to his pet chupacabra.
The thought alone was enough to make Sam snicker.
[NFB but open for the usual things!]
seattle; thursday ft
Apr. 16th, 2015 10:18 amSam was covered in mud. Covered. From head to toe, only the tiniest bits of clean skin or clean fabric peeked through. Beside him, Ramon was similarly caked in mud while Frank trailed behind them, wet and complaining.
Mermaids. The Council had discovered a group of mermaids in a lake nearby and had sent Sam out to talk with them. No one else from the Council had come along as they all had convenient excuses of some sort. Right then and there, Sam should have figured something was up but he hadn't.
The mermaids were beautiful. Ramon made several comments about them eclipsing the mermaids he'd seen in movies which had seemed to please them. Sam had walked closer to the edge of the lake, crouching down to be more on their level when it'd happened.
While one mermaid had been speaking demurely to them, two others had reared up and tugged him into the water, pulling him down to the floor of the river where the mud had happened. They'd done the same thing to Ramon when he'd lunged to help Sam. Frank had stayed back but he'd gotten splashed and soaked when each mermaid in the lake had taken turns flapping their tails at him.
Sam and Ramon had been released with giggles and whoops of laughter and then the mermaids had refused to speak to them further. They were done. Sam and his friends had trudged back to the estate, scowling and glowering.
When they got home, James refused to let them come in and instead directed them behind the house to get hosed off. James just wasn't going to clean up muddy tracks in his house. No sir.
So, with an air of exasperation and anger, Sam waited out back while Ramon used the hose first. What a stupid day.
[NFB but open for the usual things]
Mermaids. The Council had discovered a group of mermaids in a lake nearby and had sent Sam out to talk with them. No one else from the Council had come along as they all had convenient excuses of some sort. Right then and there, Sam should have figured something was up but he hadn't.
The mermaids were beautiful. Ramon made several comments about them eclipsing the mermaids he'd seen in movies which had seemed to please them. Sam had walked closer to the edge of the lake, crouching down to be more on their level when it'd happened.
While one mermaid had been speaking demurely to them, two others had reared up and tugged him into the water, pulling him down to the floor of the river where the mud had happened. They'd done the same thing to Ramon when he'd lunged to help Sam. Frank had stayed back but he'd gotten splashed and soaked when each mermaid in the lake had taken turns flapping their tails at him.
Sam and Ramon had been released with giggles and whoops of laughter and then the mermaids had refused to speak to them further. They were done. Sam and his friends had trudged back to the estate, scowling and glowering.
When they got home, James refused to let them come in and instead directed them behind the house to get hosed off. James just wasn't going to clean up muddy tracks in his house. No sir.
So, with an air of exasperation and anger, Sam waited out back while Ramon used the hose first. What a stupid day.
[NFB but open for the usual things]
seattle; wednesday ft
Mar. 18th, 2015 11:01 amSometimes, Sam just needed to get away.
While normal people might have taken a vacation, Sam just went up to his music room, shut and locked the door and put a record on his record player. He turned it loud enough that people passing by the door would hear it but not so loud to bother everyone else.
His head was aching and he knew the simple explanation was a slow changing of seasons but he also knew stress wasn't helping. Council meetings kept him busy, busier than he could have ever expected and when he wasn't doing work associated with the Council, he was at home, working to try and mend fences with Brid or cleaning up Ramon's mess or trying to get James to calm down because of one of Ramon's messes.
It was a lot of work but when it was just him and the music, he felt better. He flopped down bonelessly in his chair, legs splayed out and body curving so every inch of his back and hips were hitting the soft padding. He sighed and closed his eyes.
No one here but him. Nothing hard to deal with here. Somewhere downstairs, he heard something drop and break. Nope, he was ignoring it. Taco, who'd sneaked into the room with him, climbed up and curled up on Sam's lap.
No one here but Taco and Sam.
[NFB but open, if needed]
While normal people might have taken a vacation, Sam just went up to his music room, shut and locked the door and put a record on his record player. He turned it loud enough that people passing by the door would hear it but not so loud to bother everyone else.
His head was aching and he knew the simple explanation was a slow changing of seasons but he also knew stress wasn't helping. Council meetings kept him busy, busier than he could have ever expected and when he wasn't doing work associated with the Council, he was at home, working to try and mend fences with Brid or cleaning up Ramon's mess or trying to get James to calm down because of one of Ramon's messes.
It was a lot of work but when it was just him and the music, he felt better. He flopped down bonelessly in his chair, legs splayed out and body curving so every inch of his back and hips were hitting the soft padding. He sighed and closed his eyes.
No one here but him. Nothing hard to deal with here. Somewhere downstairs, he heard something drop and break. Nope, he was ignoring it. Taco, who'd sneaked into the room with him, climbed up and curled up on Sam's lap.
No one here but Taco and Sam.
[NFB but open, if needed]
seattle; monday ft
Feb. 2nd, 2015 08:15 amRamon was asleep at the kitchen counter. Sam had spent a few bleary moments just staring at his friend before he'd shaken his head and tossed a blanket over his shoulders. They'd had a Super Bowl party last night and Ramon had a little too much fun, it seemed. There were gnomes around his feet (also asleep) and Sam was just going to leave them alone.
Instead, he quietly grabbed himself some orange juice and took it out front. The garden was in full bloom and meticulously groomed. James's work, no doubt, and Sam made a mental note to thank him. There was no way Sam could ever keep this up. A light drizzle had started to fall, speckling Sam's shirt and pants but he didn't mind.
He took a seat on the front step and stretched his legs out. Everything had been so quiet, so calm lately and he'd gotten used to waking up at peace. He was almost optimistic, even. That was strange. And scary.
But, he was just going to drink his orange juice and go with it.
[nfb but open for texts/calls/visits/whatevs!]
Instead, he quietly grabbed himself some orange juice and took it out front. The garden was in full bloom and meticulously groomed. James's work, no doubt, and Sam made a mental note to thank him. There was no way Sam could ever keep this up. A light drizzle had started to fall, speckling Sam's shirt and pants but he didn't mind.
He took a seat on the front step and stretched his legs out. Everything had been so quiet, so calm lately and he'd gotten used to waking up at peace. He was almost optimistic, even. That was strange. And scary.
But, he was just going to drink his orange juice and go with it.
[nfb but open for texts/calls/visits/whatevs!]
seattle; monday ft
Jan. 12th, 2015 10:34 amSam had decided to get a new tattoo today. The pandas on his chest had turned out really well and Sam kind of liked the idea of getting a new piece of ink every few months. Nothing huge or garish but something. Ramon had already suggested a skull and crossbones (Sam had vetoed that) while Haley said he needed to get a flower on his neck (Sam had also vetoed that).
Instead, he'd decided to keep his zombie motif (so maybe Ramon was a little right). He was going with a face, half bone, half human and was probably going to design something around it in the future. For now, it was just going to be that somewhere on his back.
Frank had volunteered to come with him and Brooke planned to hang around outside (since she didn't want to freak out the artist by randomly appearing) so it looked like they were set to go. Sam wasn't much looking forward to the pain but his back was probably mostly numb anyway. The werewolf attack from years ago had done a number to the nerves back there.
Could that be considered a positive? Sam wasn't convinced.
[NFB but open for typical things]
Instead, he'd decided to keep his zombie motif (so maybe Ramon was a little right). He was going with a face, half bone, half human and was probably going to design something around it in the future. For now, it was just going to be that somewhere on his back.
Frank had volunteered to come with him and Brooke planned to hang around outside (since she didn't want to freak out the artist by randomly appearing) so it looked like they were set to go. Sam wasn't much looking forward to the pain but his back was probably mostly numb anyway. The werewolf attack from years ago had done a number to the nerves back there.
Could that be considered a positive? Sam wasn't convinced.
[NFB but open for typical things]
seattle; thursday ft
Dec. 11th, 2014 01:27 pmToday had been designated as Christmas decoration day.
Sam hadn't really been enthused for tossing up decorations but between Haley and Frank and Ramon, he'd been talked into it. Brooke had arrived when Sam had been tangled up in Christmas lights and had promptly laughed herself silly. Haley had taken a picture and sent it to their mother and James had merely sniffed and walked out of the room.
The tree went up, the lights finally went from Sam's body to the tree and now they were busy tossing garland on the tree and putting up wreaths on various doors. Ramon was making the front yard a gaudy display of plastic reindeer, sleighs and candy canes. It was going to be an amazing display of tackiness and Sam loved it. He found he really loved it.
The gnomes seemed amazed by the decorations since he figured Douglas had never decorated and the statues even let themselves get draped in lights, thinking them the new fashion. At the end of it, Sam was sitting on the top of his half pipe, watching Haley dance around to Christmas carols while Frank and Ramon tried to talk the Minotaur into putting on a Santa hat.
Things were pretty okay right now.
[NFB but open]
Sam hadn't really been enthused for tossing up decorations but between Haley and Frank and Ramon, he'd been talked into it. Brooke had arrived when Sam had been tangled up in Christmas lights and had promptly laughed herself silly. Haley had taken a picture and sent it to their mother and James had merely sniffed and walked out of the room.
The tree went up, the lights finally went from Sam's body to the tree and now they were busy tossing garland on the tree and putting up wreaths on various doors. Ramon was making the front yard a gaudy display of plastic reindeer, sleighs and candy canes. It was going to be an amazing display of tackiness and Sam loved it. He found he really loved it.
The gnomes seemed amazed by the decorations since he figured Douglas had never decorated and the statues even let themselves get draped in lights, thinking them the new fashion. At the end of it, Sam was sitting on the top of his half pipe, watching Haley dance around to Christmas carols while Frank and Ramon tried to talk the Minotaur into putting on a Santa hat.
Things were pretty okay right now.
[NFB but open]
seattle; wednesday ft
Nov. 26th, 2014 09:02 amApparently, they were going to have Thanksgiving at Sam's house. Haley had suggested the idea because of the space and with Sam's large array of interesting friends, it would just be safer and more comfortable. Sam hadn't really argued that much. The house was still clinging to some of the uneasiness that it had come with when it had been in Douglas's possession and he hoped that maybe this would vanquish it.
But, Sam wasn't cooking. He could cook but he wasn't. Instead, he was sitting on the counter in his kitchen, eating an apple and watching Haley get a pie together. James was nearby, glancing over to Haley every once in awhile and pretending he definitely wasn't doing that nope not at all. It amused Sam. Maybe he'd given James the 'if you hurt my sister, I'll kill you' talk just to make him sweat.
Before Sam could entertain that fact further, Haley dumped a bunch of flowers and a basket in his lap.
"Make a centerpiece."
"What's the magic word?" Sam asked.
"Shut up."
"Ding ding!" Sam laughed and went about making the world's worst centerpiece.
[NFB but open for stuff]
But, Sam wasn't cooking. He could cook but he wasn't. Instead, he was sitting on the counter in his kitchen, eating an apple and watching Haley get a pie together. James was nearby, glancing over to Haley every once in awhile and pretending he definitely wasn't doing that nope not at all. It amused Sam. Maybe he'd given James the 'if you hurt my sister, I'll kill you' talk just to make him sweat.
Before Sam could entertain that fact further, Haley dumped a bunch of flowers and a basket in his lap.
"Make a centerpiece."
"What's the magic word?" Sam asked.
"Shut up."
"Ding ding!" Sam laughed and went about making the world's worst centerpiece.
[NFB but open for stuff]
seattle; sunday ft
Nov. 15th, 2014 11:08 amIt was Sam's birthday today.
He'd already gotten one gift fro Natalie that he'd safely put away in the music room and now he was shoved into the seat of his car while Ramon and Frank loudly sang along to some song on the radio. They were on their way to Sam's mother's house to celebrate. She'd promised cake and cookies and presents. Sam had made an attempt to keep things low key but after the last year of his life, it'd been impossible to deny his family and friends a party.
Brooke and Ashley had made plans to drop in and Haley was trying to convince James to come. That meant James was coming because Haley got what she wanted. All that was missing would be Brid despite his extended invitation. They were still playing the distance game and it kind of sucked though he understood. He wanted his friend back especially on his birthday.
Before he could get too far into his melancholy, Ramon slapped him on the shoulder and shook it, trying to get Sam to sing along to some song. He shook himself out of his reverie and bobbed his head, at least. No singing but some light head bobbing and some tapping of his fingers against the steering wheel would have to do.
Ramon seemed fine with it and Frank didn't seem to care one way or another. They continued to sing loudly while Sam wove them through the streets towards his mother's house. As they got closer, he saw his mom had even tied balloons to her mailbox.
He laughed.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/etc]
He'd already gotten one gift fro Natalie that he'd safely put away in the music room and now he was shoved into the seat of his car while Ramon and Frank loudly sang along to some song on the radio. They were on their way to Sam's mother's house to celebrate. She'd promised cake and cookies and presents. Sam had made an attempt to keep things low key but after the last year of his life, it'd been impossible to deny his family and friends a party.
Brooke and Ashley had made plans to drop in and Haley was trying to convince James to come. That meant James was coming because Haley got what she wanted. All that was missing would be Brid despite his extended invitation. They were still playing the distance game and it kind of sucked though he understood. He wanted his friend back especially on his birthday.
Before he could get too far into his melancholy, Ramon slapped him on the shoulder and shook it, trying to get Sam to sing along to some song. He shook himself out of his reverie and bobbed his head, at least. No singing but some light head bobbing and some tapping of his fingers against the steering wheel would have to do.
Ramon seemed fine with it and Frank didn't seem to care one way or another. They continued to sing loudly while Sam wove them through the streets towards his mother's house. As they got closer, he saw his mom had even tied balloons to her mailbox.
He laughed.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/etc]
seattle; tuesday ft
Oct. 7th, 2014 08:41 amSam didn't tend to have a lot of nightmares anymore but when he did, they were awful. This one had been full of blood, zombies, Brid, Ramon, Frank, his mother, Haley, everyone. The last thing he remembered was seeing his face in a darkened mirror, splattered with blood and grinning in a feral fashion.
Sleep...wasn't going to be happening the rest of the night. The sun hadn't risen yet and the rest of the house was quiet. Sam had stumbled his way down to the music room and put a record on. Door closed, he was able to listen to it without waking everyone and using headphones.
He fell into the seat there and closed his eyes, rubbing at his temple to try and stave off the headache he knew would come. Hadn't had something this bad in awhile. Hopefully it wasn't going to be some harbinger of doom. Everything had been calm and uneventful and Sam wanted that. Craved that.
He didn't care that Ramon got bored or Frank was considering getting a part time job. Sam needed a damn break.
He sighed and rested his head against the back of the chair. His heartbeat was calming and he was starting to feel a little less keyed up. Better. This was better.
[NFB but open for the other stuff, if needed]
Sleep...wasn't going to be happening the rest of the night. The sun hadn't risen yet and the rest of the house was quiet. Sam had stumbled his way down to the music room and put a record on. Door closed, he was able to listen to it without waking everyone and using headphones.
He fell into the seat there and closed his eyes, rubbing at his temple to try and stave off the headache he knew would come. Hadn't had something this bad in awhile. Hopefully it wasn't going to be some harbinger of doom. Everything had been calm and uneventful and Sam wanted that. Craved that.
He didn't care that Ramon got bored or Frank was considering getting a part time job. Sam needed a damn break.
He sighed and rested his head against the back of the chair. His heartbeat was calming and he was starting to feel a little less keyed up. Better. This was better.
[NFB but open for the other stuff, if needed]
seattle; sunday ft
Sep. 14th, 2014 10:54 amLast weekend had been strange. Once he'd come back to himself and his memories, Sam had gotten off the island quick. The aftermath always tended to be the worst for him so he made sure that wouldn't happen by just getting off the island without seeing anyone or anything.
And one of the first things he'd done when he'd gotten back to Seattle was to get another tattoo. It was like a comfort thing and something else to permanently etch on his body that would remind him of who he was. This one was on the back of his calf and had taken some time to create and color but it was there now. Ramon had thought it was awesome, Frank was a little creeped out and James just shook his head. So, typical reactions.
Tonight, there was a Council meeting that Sam had to attend so he was taking the day to sit on his porch, bottled water in hand, watching it rain. The weather was turning cooler which meant he could wear a hoodie comfortably and soon enough the leaves would start to change color.
It was a soothing scene. One Sam liked and remembered. Right now, that was important.
[NFB but open for things, if needed]
And one of the first things he'd done when he'd gotten back to Seattle was to get another tattoo. It was like a comfort thing and something else to permanently etch on his body that would remind him of who he was. This one was on the back of his calf and had taken some time to create and color but it was there now. Ramon had thought it was awesome, Frank was a little creeped out and James just shook his head. So, typical reactions.
Tonight, there was a Council meeting that Sam had to attend so he was taking the day to sit on his porch, bottled water in hand, watching it rain. The weather was turning cooler which meant he could wear a hoodie comfortably and soon enough the leaves would start to change color.
It was a soothing scene. One Sam liked and remembered. Right now, that was important.
[NFB but open for things, if needed]
seattle; monday
Sep. 1st, 2014 11:20 amSam was used to water. He lived in freaking Seattle so rain was more likely than sunshine on any given day. But, that didn't mean it should rain inside. Sam's roofs were sound (James made sure to have them checked) and leaks were not a thing that happened in Douglas Montgomery's old estate.
So, the rude awakening of getting ice cold water just dumped all over him while he was asleep was not cool. It soaked him through and through and had him sitting up, looking around for Ramon because he's the only person who'd do that. His bedroom was completely empty though and completely quiet save for the chattering of Sam's lips. It sucked that he'd gone to bed wearing nothing but his shorts and now his skin was goosebumping and he felt himself shivering.
"What the hell?" he mumbled, slogging his way out of bed and watching the carpeting beneath his feet get wet. His bed was a mess of wet sheets and wet quilts and he had no idea how he was going to explain that one to James. Maybe he'd just do the laundry before James discovered it.
"I'm gonna catch a freaking cold," he mumbled mopily, stomping over to his closet and tugging his robe on. It did nothing to dry his soaking wet shorts but it gave him some warmth at least so he could assess the situation. There were ice cubes on the sheets and water dripping from the ends of his quilts onto the carpeting.
"What a mess," he mumbled, peering up at the ceiling for any signs of where the water had come from. He didn't think a ghost would have or could have done something like that but it was definitely something he'd ask Ashley or Brooke about.
Later. After he got cleaned up so Ramon didn't find out about this and tease him about having an accident as an adult. He didn't need that.
[NFB but open for the usual stuff!]
So, the rude awakening of getting ice cold water just dumped all over him while he was asleep was not cool. It soaked him through and through and had him sitting up, looking around for Ramon because he's the only person who'd do that. His bedroom was completely empty though and completely quiet save for the chattering of Sam's lips. It sucked that he'd gone to bed wearing nothing but his shorts and now his skin was goosebumping and he felt himself shivering.
"What the hell?" he mumbled, slogging his way out of bed and watching the carpeting beneath his feet get wet. His bed was a mess of wet sheets and wet quilts and he had no idea how he was going to explain that one to James. Maybe he'd just do the laundry before James discovered it.
"I'm gonna catch a freaking cold," he mumbled mopily, stomping over to his closet and tugging his robe on. It did nothing to dry his soaking wet shorts but it gave him some warmth at least so he could assess the situation. There were ice cubes on the sheets and water dripping from the ends of his quilts onto the carpeting.
"What a mess," he mumbled, peering up at the ceiling for any signs of where the water had come from. He didn't think a ghost would have or could have done something like that but it was definitely something he'd ask Ashley or Brooke about.
Later. After he got cleaned up so Ramon didn't find out about this and tease him about having an accident as an adult. He didn't need that.
[NFB but open for the usual stuff!]
office hours ; monday
Aug. 4th, 2014 05:03 pmSam was busy getting his class together for tomorrow. He'd brought almost all his friends in at some point or another and was actually coming up short on what he thought people might enjoy.
He tapped his pen against his lip and looked over at Taco, who was curled up in a corner, with a plate of chicken in front of him.
"Is hot air ballooning an extreme sport?"
Taco just made a sound similar to purring and went back to lazing around like a lazy chupacabra. Sam smirked and shook his head, going back to his thoughts.
[Open]
He tapped his pen against his lip and looked over at Taco, who was curled up in a corner, with a plate of chicken in front of him.
"Is hot air ballooning an extreme sport?"
Taco just made a sound similar to purring and went back to lazing around like a lazy chupacabra. Sam smirked and shook his head, going back to his thoughts.
[Open]
Office Hours ; Monday
Jul. 28th, 2014 10:28 amToday's office hours were being spent on the telephone. Specifically, on the telephone to Brid back home. They'd gotten a little better at talking with each other since everything with her dad and Douglas but it there was still a distance that Sam hated. So, he was doing some reaching out and asking if she wanted to visit tomorrow, help him out with his class.
After Brid had gotten done laughing at the thought of him as a teacher, she'd agreed and now they were just spending the rest of the time catching up and idly chatting. It was really, really nice. Sam missed it and really liked having it even if for a few short moments.
[Open]
After Brid had gotten done laughing at the thought of him as a teacher, she'd agreed and now they were just spending the rest of the time catching up and idly chatting. It was really, really nice. Sam missed it and really liked having it even if for a few short moments.
[Open]
office hours ; monday
Jul. 21st, 2014 09:17 amSam was preparing for class tomorrow by sending Ramon text messages to tell him to clean up the half pipe in the backyard. He didn't think his class was really going to mind a battered half pipe but still. The rest of his house was going to be insane so might as well have one normal thing.
He was also sending messages to Frank to tell the gnomes to behave tomorrow and to have them pass the same message along to the Minotaur, the nymphs, the gladiators, and the statues. Not that Sam necessarily thought it would work but still had to try.
If anything, he figured the class tomorrow would keep the attention of all the students. If they didn't wanna skateboard, they could talk to one of the many weird things that lived with him. Or they could pet Taco.
[Open office hours]
He was also sending messages to Frank to tell the gnomes to behave tomorrow and to have them pass the same message along to the Minotaur, the nymphs, the gladiators, and the statues. Not that Sam necessarily thought it would work but still had to try.
If anything, he figured the class tomorrow would keep the attention of all the students. If they didn't wanna skateboard, they could talk to one of the many weird things that lived with him. Or they could pet Taco.
[Open office hours]
office hours ; monday
Jul. 14th, 2014 08:00 amSam was never more grateful to be off in Seattle then when weird things happened over the weekend on the island. He'd only listened to last night's broadcast but all he could do was shake his head and chuckle a bit. The island never changed, it seemed. It was kind of endearing.
While he caught up on the weekend happenings, Sam was putting together some lesson plans for the future weeks of his class. He was trying to go as daring and risky as he thought he could go without needing permission slips signed by parents.
While he caught up on the weekend happenings, Sam was putting together some lesson plans for the future weeks of his class. He was trying to go as daring and risky as he thought he could go without needing permission slips signed by parents.
office hours ; monday
Jul. 7th, 2014 10:47 amHaving an office was a strange thing. He was pretty sure he might have visited a few of these offices when he was a kid so sitting in one now? Strange. But Frank thought it was respectful and Ramon wanted to help with decorating it so maybe he was the only one who found it weird.
Sam was kicked back in his seat, catching up on some Council business. Brooke had visited earlier and had bemoaned the lack of eating again before leaving. He'd told her to pass a message along to Ashley about the confrontation he'd had with one of his students to see what information she might have.
With that done, Sam was just watching Taco explore the office. Taco wasn't sure what to make of the new place but he wasn't being destructive. He was a good chupacabra.
[Open]
Sam was kicked back in his seat, catching up on some Council business. Brooke had visited earlier and had bemoaned the lack of eating again before leaving. He'd told her to pass a message along to Ashley about the confrontation he'd had with one of his students to see what information she might have.
With that done, Sam was just watching Taco explore the office. Taco wasn't sure what to make of the new place but he wasn't being destructive. He was a good chupacabra.
[Open]
seattle; sunday ft
Jun. 8th, 2014 09:21 amSome days, Sam just spent all of his time in the music room. Douglas had brought so many terrible things into his life but he couldn't really list the house in that category. He'd grown attached to the weird estate and all of its strange inhabitants over time. And he couldn't deny that having a big house with a music room and a skate ramp in the backyard wasn't a cool thing to have. He knew he was lucky so sometimes he just liked to have those quiet days where he could sit and think and listen.
He'd gone for something jazzy today, turning the volume up and closing the door so he didn't bother anyone else. He didn't even know where James or Frank or Ramon were. The only person he had tabs on today was himself.
And Taco. Because Taco seemed to love the music room just as much as Sam and had curled up on Sam's lap as soon as he'd taken a seat. Though maybe it wasn't the music room that Taco loved but the attention that Sam tended to give him while he was there.
Sam's eyes were closed and his fingers were gently stroking under Taco's chin while the music filled the room. Not bad for a Sunday. Not bad at all.
[NFB but open for all the usual stuff, sure]
He'd gone for something jazzy today, turning the volume up and closing the door so he didn't bother anyone else. He didn't even know where James or Frank or Ramon were. The only person he had tabs on today was himself.
And Taco. Because Taco seemed to love the music room just as much as Sam and had curled up on Sam's lap as soon as he'd taken a seat. Though maybe it wasn't the music room that Taco loved but the attention that Sam tended to give him while he was there.
Sam's eyes were closed and his fingers were gently stroking under Taco's chin while the music filled the room. Not bad for a Sunday. Not bad at all.
[NFB but open for all the usual stuff, sure]
seattle ; monday ft
May. 5th, 2014 08:02 pm"Do you think we're alone in the universe?"
The question was asked while Sam and Ramon were splayed on their backs in the middle of the half pipe with the night sky above them. Tonight, they could actually see the stars due to a break in the clouds. It was warm and lights were coming from the various lamps that James had installed around the massive backyard.
"What, you mean like aliens?" Sam asked, glancing over at his friend. "You asking me if I believe in little green men?"
Ramon shrugged a shoulder, propping his head up with his skateboard. "They could exist, right? I mean, look what else exists."
Sam couldn't really argue that point considering he could see the gnomes playing what looked like soccer out of the corner of his eyes. Apparently, the Minotaur was playing referee.
"Yeah, but space aliens?" Sam asked, looking back up at the sky. "Wouldn't they have made contact by now?"
"They could be billions of miles away," Ramon pointed out, pointing up at the sky. "Other universes, other whole dimensions and maybe it's just taking them awhile to get here."
Sam pursed his lips and kept looking up at the sky. "You don't think we have enough down here to contend with?"
"You saying you don't want a little alien guy to join the fun?"
Sam groaned and reached over to smack Ramon's stomach. "No. I do not."
Ramon laughed and they both fell quiet again.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/whatever.]
The question was asked while Sam and Ramon were splayed on their backs in the middle of the half pipe with the night sky above them. Tonight, they could actually see the stars due to a break in the clouds. It was warm and lights were coming from the various lamps that James had installed around the massive backyard.
"What, you mean like aliens?" Sam asked, glancing over at his friend. "You asking me if I believe in little green men?"
Ramon shrugged a shoulder, propping his head up with his skateboard. "They could exist, right? I mean, look what else exists."
Sam couldn't really argue that point considering he could see the gnomes playing what looked like soccer out of the corner of his eyes. Apparently, the Minotaur was playing referee.
"Yeah, but space aliens?" Sam asked, looking back up at the sky. "Wouldn't they have made contact by now?"
"They could be billions of miles away," Ramon pointed out, pointing up at the sky. "Other universes, other whole dimensions and maybe it's just taking them awhile to get here."
Sam pursed his lips and kept looking up at the sky. "You don't think we have enough down here to contend with?"
"You saying you don't want a little alien guy to join the fun?"
Sam groaned and reached over to smack Ramon's stomach. "No. I do not."
Ramon laughed and they both fell quiet again.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/whatever.]
seattle ; tuesday ft
Apr. 1st, 2014 10:22 amSam hadn't gotten out of bed just yet. Since Douglas's death, he'd been sleeping better though sometimes he still had nights filled with nightmares and ghostly visits. This morning, he just hadn't wanted to get up. Ramon had come in earlier and jumped on him just to wake him up. They'd lay there for awhile and talked before Ramon had gotten bored and went outside.
Now, it was just Sam again, laying in silence in his mountain of blankets and pillows. Hey, he was allowed some luxuries in life and a comfortable bed was something he was gladly going to take advantage of. Later, he had to head to his mother's and help her out with a few things before tonight's Council meeting but he had nothing to do for awhile.
And that...that was just strange. He'd spent so many months in constant motion that being able to be lazy was a luxury itself. Sam sighed and closed his eyes, listening to the rain hitting his window. The only thing that could interrupt his relaxation would be James coming to bang on his door and get him up.
Hopefully Frank could distract him. Somehow.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/the like]
Now, it was just Sam again, laying in silence in his mountain of blankets and pillows. Hey, he was allowed some luxuries in life and a comfortable bed was something he was gladly going to take advantage of. Later, he had to head to his mother's and help her out with a few things before tonight's Council meeting but he had nothing to do for awhile.
And that...that was just strange. He'd spent so many months in constant motion that being able to be lazy was a luxury itself. Sam sighed and closed his eyes, listening to the rain hitting his window. The only thing that could interrupt his relaxation would be James coming to bang on his door and get him up.
Hopefully Frank could distract him. Somehow.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/the like]
seattle ; sunday ft
Mar. 9th, 2014 09:42 amHaley had been trying to organize a 'Welcome to Spring!' party for a few weeks now. When Sam had told her she just wanted a convenient reason to throw a party, she hadn't denied it but she'd still said she was going to use his house. And Sam, being the oh so dutiful brother, had let her. The party was tonight and Haley had commandeered James, Ramon, the gnomes, the minotaur and Frank into helping her decorate. Sam had begged off, not wanting to get in the way and had retreated out to the half pipe in the yard.
He'd climbed to the top to dangled his legs over the edge when he noticed that even the half pipe was decorated with cheery flowers and little sunshine stickers. Sam shook his head and let the stickers be. It made the half pipe a little brighter at least.
Down below on the lawn, the statues were getting decorated in flowery sashes and seemed to be loving. Sam had to admit that even if he wasn't a huge party person, it did seem a little brighter and warmer here now. Haley did good work. Taco appeared in the spot next to Sam before making himself at home in Sam's lap. Sam scritched him underneath his chin and smiled down at the chupacabra.
So far, not a bad way to start a party.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/emails/visits]
He'd climbed to the top to dangled his legs over the edge when he noticed that even the half pipe was decorated with cheery flowers and little sunshine stickers. Sam shook his head and let the stickers be. It made the half pipe a little brighter at least.
Down below on the lawn, the statues were getting decorated in flowery sashes and seemed to be loving. Sam had to admit that even if he wasn't a huge party person, it did seem a little brighter and warmer here now. Haley did good work. Taco appeared in the spot next to Sam before making himself at home in Sam's lap. Sam scritched him underneath his chin and smiled down at the chupacabra.
So far, not a bad way to start a party.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/emails/visits]
seattle ; sunday ft
Feb. 2nd, 2014 11:10 amFor the most part, things had settled. Sam had physically recovered from the beating he'd taken several weeks ago and the emotional scars were dulled. His mood was lighter, more buoyant than it had been awhile. His friends were alive and well and though Brid was still distant, she'd come around a little more often in the past few weeks than she had been and Sam counted that as a win.
So, Sam was spending today doing something he loved and hadn't done in a long time: skateboarding. The half pipe in the backyard had been sorely lacking his company while he'd been dealing with Brannoc's death and with the reappearance of Douglas. His board had started gathering dust and that just wasn't right.
It was overcast and cool today. The minotaur had somehow found an umbrella and was sitting outside near the half pipe, watching the gnomes make battle plans in the grass. Sam let them be. They weren't hurting anything and the less he knew about battle plans, the better.
Sam jumped on his board and started skating up and down the sloped sides of the half pipe. It felt good, it felt natural. He even cracked a smile or two while he went shooting down the side of the half pipe and up the other.
It felt good to finally feel like things weren't about to crumble. Sam approved.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/visits/other things]
So, Sam was spending today doing something he loved and hadn't done in a long time: skateboarding. The half pipe in the backyard had been sorely lacking his company while he'd been dealing with Brannoc's death and with the reappearance of Douglas. His board had started gathering dust and that just wasn't right.
It was overcast and cool today. The minotaur had somehow found an umbrella and was sitting outside near the half pipe, watching the gnomes make battle plans in the grass. Sam let them be. They weren't hurting anything and the less he knew about battle plans, the better.
Sam jumped on his board and started skating up and down the sloped sides of the half pipe. It felt good, it felt natural. He even cracked a smile or two while he went shooting down the side of the half pipe and up the other.
It felt good to finally feel like things weren't about to crumble. Sam approved.
[NFB but open for calls/texts/visits/other things]
seattle ; friday ft
Jan. 3rd, 2014 07:46 pmA few weeks later, Sam was back in Olympic Park, hiking with new escorts. Ramon was spending some much-needed time with his family. He’d been easing into visits with them since his accident. When Sam told him he felt bad that Ramon had to miss out on family time because of him, Ramon had shrugged and reminded Sam that it could have been much worse. A few misplaced punches in the basement brawl could have resulted in him not seeing his family again ever, unless you counted his funeral.
( Final part, whoo! )
[NFB but open for calls/texts. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. Nothing objectionable in this post. AND I AM DOOOOOOOOONE WITH THIS CANON CATCHUP. Thank you to anyone who might have been reading along!]
( Final part, whoo! )
[NFB but open for calls/texts. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. Nothing objectionable in this post. AND I AM DOOOOOOOOONE WITH THIS CANON CATCHUP. Thank you to anyone who might have been reading along!]
seattle ; thursday ft
Jan. 2nd, 2014 07:46 pmRamon came back a few days later. Things had settled down a bit by that time. Sam was lazing about on the front porch steps, drinking his coffee, petting Taco, and watching the gnomes train Frank in some of their fighting techniques. It was pretty hilarious. He'd bypassed going to the doctor, deciding just to rest his ribs and other injuries. He didn't need to explain this to anyone.
( Ramon and Sam have a manly heart to heart! )
[NFB but open for phone calls/texts. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. No warnings for this part. One more post to go in a day or so and then done-zo!]
( Ramon and Sam have a manly heart to heart! )
[NFB but open for phone calls/texts. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. No warnings for this part. One more post to go in a day or so and then done-zo!]
seattle ; wednesday ft
Jan. 1st, 2014 08:28 pmBrid gave Sam a ride home on Sean’s motorcycle. He’d left the car with Haley so she could bring James back to the house whenever he was ready, and he’d made the rest of the crew follow in Gary’s van.
( This part made me cry the first time I read it... )
[NFB, NFI. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. It's pretty much all said and done save for some minor wrap up that I'll get to in a day or so. Thank you all for reading! Nothing objectionable in this part!]
( This part made me cry the first time I read it... )
[NFB, NFI. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. It's pretty much all said and done save for some minor wrap up that I'll get to in a day or so. Thank you all for reading! Nothing objectionable in this part!]
seattle ; wednesday ft
Jan. 1st, 2014 04:28 pmBridin Blackthorn had spent most of her life surrounded by Alpha males. She was used to the swaggering. The posturing. The jockeying for position. But that didn’t mean she always had patience for it. So when Eric grabbed her shoulder and turned her away from the dome, away from her view of Sam—who had just now been blown back against the edge of the circle—she didn’t even think. She reacted, smacking his hand and pushing him back.
( And Brid is a badass and Sam manages to do some stuff! )
[NFB but open for calls/texts! Follows this. Post 2 of 2. Taken from Necromancing the Stone and just about at the end! Warning for: post length, violence.]
( And Brid is a badass and Sam manages to do some stuff! )
[NFB but open for calls/texts! Follows this. Post 2 of 2. Taken from Necromancing the Stone and just about at the end! Warning for: post length, violence.]
seattle ; wednesday ft
Jan. 1st, 2014 04:22 pmBy the fifth ring, Sam was afraid Dunaway wouldn’t pick up, but he did, greeting Sam with a wary hello.
( And we head into the home stretch! )
[NFB, NFI. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. Part 1 of 2. Warning for: post length, violence.]
( And we head into the home stretch! )
[NFB, NFI. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. Part 1 of 2. Warning for: post length, violence.]
seattle ; wednesday ft
Jan. 1st, 2014 12:17 pmAs the group all sat in Sam's kitchen, Sam was pretty sure they were all thinking about the same two things. One, that Sexy Gary, at least whilst under the glamour, was indeed worthy of his moniker. He was all thick-corded muscle, auburn hair, and dimples. Sam could easily imagine him in a hot firemen calendar or a sexy lumberjack photo shoot. Not that he spent a lot of time imagining those things.
( Stupid Sexy Gary! )
[NFB but open for phone calls since there's finally time for him to get a phone call or text, if wanted. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. Warning for: talk of corpses and insults directed towards Keanu Reeves. ]
( Stupid Sexy Gary! )
[NFB but open for phone calls since there's finally time for him to get a phone call or text, if wanted. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. Warning for: talk of corpses and insults directed towards Keanu Reeves. ]
seattle ; sunday ft
Dec. 1st, 2013 10:29 amIt was dark when they finally got home, and, despite the nap, Sam was still tired. There was a tranquility to the house, with everyone ensconced in individual activities. He headed to my room with a wave to James. He needed some quiet time to think.
( And lo, Sam gets a visitor! )
[NFB, NFI. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. Warning for: post length but nothing else objectionable in this part.]
( And lo, Sam gets a visitor! )
[NFB, NFI. Taken from Necromancing the Stone. Warning for: post length but nothing else objectionable in this part.]
seattle ; sunday ft
Nov. 24th, 2013 09:58 amNick came to sometime on the hike down. He didn’t look super happy, but then again, he didn’t complain either. He kept an eye on Ramon for the rest of the trip, even though Sam's friend was just smiling and whistling. Sam scratched Taco’s head and tried to hide his smile.
( Ramon offered to drive... )
[NFB, NFI. Taken from Necromancing the Stone and TBC as this chapter is super long. Warning for: description of a dead body.]
( Ramon offered to drive... )
[NFB, NFI. Taken from Necromancing the Stone and TBC as this chapter is super long. Warning for: description of a dead body.]