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suarezcatalina​:

     Aside from the fact that she’d pretty much been the only person on the bus, Catalina was excited for the stargazing event. Since she’d moved to Colorado five years prior the restauranteur had wanted to get involved in something like this she just had been so lucky as to hear about a group of enthusiasts until recently. The stars had been a place to look to whenever she’d found herself alone in life or missing her mother, and then eventually the others she had lost. Dressed warmly for the snow and cold night, the brunette crunched her way through the snow to where it seemed the gazing was to take place only to find herself face to face with a couple of familiar friendly faces. “Hey,” Catalina greeted, “sorry, I… didn’t mean to interrupt.” The assumption was that Nate was there in the middle of something with someone with the music playing. “Oh, wait, you and Cosmo are here for the stargazing? It’s good to see you again.” Of course, she should’ve guessed that. At his words and disappointment, Catalina reached a hand out to his arm to give a comforting squeeze. “Well, I’m here. We don’t need a whole group, do we?”

-

He felt like he should’ve known that Cat would be sweet about the circumstances. “You didn’t interrupt anything. But no, we don’t need a group to make star frames.” He glanced at the supplies and the fire. “Or we could just sit and enjoy it, consider this bust a better luck next time thing and just make s’mores and enjoy the fire? Whatever you want.” That was more stringed together words than he’d probably offered up to anyone in Bradford Springs since his move and he tucked his face nervously into the scarf tucked into his heavy green ranger’s coat while he waited for Catalina to decide what she’d like to do since she’s the one that made the real trek up the mountain because the spot wasn’t all that far from his cabin.

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gravesaugust​:

Glancing down to see a dog in a vest, August watched his step, careful not to step on the animal, he put a hand on the new guy’s shoulder. He didn’t answer until the parents were gone. “You’re the best, man. But for real, I got the drinks.” Grabbing his wallet, the hockey coach considered the other man’s question. “I think bourbon. It’s a holiday, y’know?” Grabbing a passing waiter and putting a twenty in his pocket, August asked for him to grab their drinks before he turned back to the other man, holding out a hand. “Nate, you just saved my night. ‘m August. I’m guessing you and your pal down there are having a good time?”

-

Nathaniel shook his head, “Next round’s on me then.” He followed August’s gaze. “That’s Cosmo, my service animal. Can’t say we’re particularly fond of these things, but being new in town, I thought it might be nice to get out and meet some people.” Though he wasn’t about to talk about the family drama of being a puppet to an empire, Nathaniel could offer up that partial truth. “So, who did I save you from, August? Can’t promise I’m better company.”

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nataliarosas​:

Natalia usually didn’t make out with guys she recently met, though there was something about Nate that made her feel comfortable around him. It could have been the tequila from earlier in the night too, but It also helped that he was so incredibly attractive and now an amazing kisser. When she was lifted off of the ground, she slid her fingers that was on the back of his neck up into his hair and tugged gently, opening her mouth more so their tongues could meet. Fuck, he tasted so good and she loved how his large hands moved against her body. It wasn’t until she heard someone near them say, “get a room,” and after a few more moments of passionate, deep kissing, she pulled away breathless and grinned, panting softly. “Wow,” was all she could say as she kept her body close to his, her fingers still tangled in his hair. “Making out with you is going to be the only thing on my mind for a while,” she said with a chuckle, still trying to catch her breath. “Holy shit.”

-

Nate didn’t stop kissing the young woman until she pulled away and that seemed to solely be because heads had turned and someone shouted ‘get a room’ at them. It was probably fro the best, he thought. The last thing she needed was to be some headline in a paper in New York City over what he was doing ‘on sabbatical’ in Colorado. He chuckled when Natalia said ‘wow’ about the kiss, but his neck and face were definitely getting warmer. His tongue ran across his lips as he continued to look down at her. “How long’s a while?” Biting his lip, fleetingly thought about her thinking about him tonight before bed. Maybe it was the bourbon talking, but he threw out a soft spoken, “You planning to find me when you forget?”

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evaniemay​:

a silent , sweet smile overtook her features , and evanie gently sat herself down upon the seat , sequins ruffling against the back as she grew comfortable . at the very least , it was a relief to be off her feet for a moment or two after hours spinning , twirling and hopping on the spot upon the dance floor . “ cosmo is a cutie . at least you haven’t been all alone up here . “ whatever had been beyond the door — storage , a disgruntled office worker , cardboard boxes full of liquor — would have been better than the alternative , existing beneath a spotlight and batting away endless creepy advances . “ i’m evanie-may . evanie .  and i’m not the biggest reader in the world , i gotta admit . i just live by what my mama taught me and that’s about it . why don’t you read me a line ?? “ 

-

Nodding, Nate looked down at Cosmo, “No, we don’t do alone well do we, buddy?” Nathaniel smiled apologetically at the dog, wondering for the umpteenth time about the ethics of the concept of a working dog, before he patted him on the top of his head. He smiled at her when she asked for him to read something to her, “All right, Evanie-May, If you can’t love this I’m not sure we can let you stay in our hideout.” His tone was gentle, clearly teasing, teasing in everything except in the melodic way he said her full name. Though he typically only went by a nickname, he found something really sweet in her full name and hoped she wouldn’t think he was being condescending. He cleared his throat, turning the ink stained pages until he found the lines of Book I of Endymion. Nathaniel didn’t actually need to read it, but he pretended, as he recited the first verse:

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep A bower quiet for us, and a sleep Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing. ... (cont.)

When he was done with the first verse he looked up at her with a soft smile, his fingers absentmindedly petting Cosmo’s head. Nate gave her a moment to process and then asked, “Verdict or shall I read you another?” He loved reading aloud, it had helped him get rid of his stammer and helped him make friends through the scholastic bowl team during school. The only thing he loved more than reading aloud when it came to a good book was being read to.

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lizwright​:

After having had some drinks, having been trying to avoid some people - okay, mainly just one - she had decided that she needed some fresh air. Fresh air was very welcome after the amount of alcohol that she had consumed already after the short period of time she had only been here. She stumbled slightly as she found the small outdoor area that was already taken by someone, ending up in their personal space just a bit too much but not fully enough for her to realise it. Liz was even startled slightly by the voice that spoke to her, only then fully realising someone else was standing there with her. The blonde took a deep breath before looking up at the sky and nodded slowly. “Yeah, it is actually,” she muttered at the clear sky above them before looking back at the man standing next to her. “I have never really liked fireworks, to be honest. Why would you pay so much money for it to just disappear into thin air?”

-

Smiling at her candor, Nathaniel nodded. “I think it’s just a fleeting romance. Oftentimes I wonder how many people that get engaged under them stick together. Do you think the statistics are better or worse than the traditional, vanilla engagement types?” Nate was a numbers guy and his blue eyes stayed on the glimmering stars above. “Do you have a favorite?” Nate mused aloud, asking about the constellations visible that evening, though it was possible she had no idea what he was talking about and could’ve thought he was asking if she had a favorite firework.

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evaniemay​:

much like nathaniel , evanie had all but had enough of new years . as much as she had attempted to be brave , to put herself out in the world after a severe knock to her confidence , her anxiety had come to a head and , for another brief moment , the woman needed some respite . there had to be an empty room somewhere , and as she bumbled her way past dancers and drinkers her cowboy boots took her to a string of offices that looked close to derelict . attempting to keep track of her breathing ( in for five , out for another ) her palms pressed against the first door she found , lips eliciting a gasp at the sight of the other . “ god — sorry !! i didn’t mean to walk in on your … um … bedtime story ?? “ eyes were mopped , ridding her of any evidence of her hurricane of sadness . “ … do you want me to leave ?? “

-

For a moment, Nathaniel didn’t get up. Cosmo was licking his face and he was watching her with curious eyes. Nate had sat in enough therapist offices and dealt with himself for decades, he knew someone that was struggling in some way or another. Getting out of the chair and setting it back upright, Nate rolled it to her. That, he thought, would be answer enough to her question, and then he sat on the edge of the desk after picking his book back up. Once the stranger had a seat, he laughed a little, “God, I haven’t embarrassed myself that bad in...” He whistled. “I’m Nathaniel- or Nate.” His fingers itched toward Cosmo, who’s head was resting on Nate’s knee. “This is my zen monster, Cosmo.... and the bedtime story, that’s Keats. Not a fan of literature?”

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Closed starter for @moorejosie​

Nate had planned to leave at the stroke of midnight, the New Year would hit and he’d be free of his family obligation of showing his face at some event. Then he’d been pounced at midnight and lost track of time. He wasn’t mad about it, but he was dog tired and the second he was alone again the anxiety started bubbling back with vengeance. It was possible the reason for that had a lot to do with the fact the lingering New Year revelers were partying at the levels higher than Nate had seen in his life. Bowing out seemed easy enough, no one in town really knew him, right? Turning a corner to head toward what he thought was an exit, Nathaniel smacked full force into the body of his colleague. “Hey, shit. Sorry, boss. You all right?” He pressed one hand to the man’s arm and another to his chest, steadying Jo before pulling away. Nate’s blue eye locked on the man’s for a moment and Nate pointed toward some random direction and started backing toward the other. “Happy New Year, umm, early morning, heading to bed so... catch ya on the flip side.” Cringing at the word vomit while Cosmo nudged at Nate’s palm, alerting him that he needed to calm down.

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nataliarosas​:

Natalia opened her mouth to respond back to his question, but by the time she would have talked, his lips were pressed against hers and she slid her arms around his neck, enjoying every second of the kiss. She could hear the crowd cheering as the clock struck midnight and as much as she wanted to cheer along, she slid one of her hands up into Nate’s hair as they continued to kiss, not wanting to pull away just yet. When she felt him pull away, she chuckled to his words as she stayed close to him. “Happy New Year, Nate. That kiss was the best start of the year and I want more,” she said before pulling him back in and kissing him again, this time more passionately, not caring what others thought about them.

-

The chuckle that passed Nate’s lips when she said the kiss had been the best way to start his year was quickly swallowed up by her saying she wanted more and then her small hands pulling him back. To say he was surprised was an understatement. A completely sober Nathaniel would’ve gently asked to take her to dinner first. Maybe it was the bourbon or the desire to not overthink what was happening, but he kissed her back with mirrored heat. His arm around her slender waist, tightening as he straightened up, causing her feet to leave the ground while he cradled Natalia’s head and teased her lips with the gentle swipe of his tongue begging for access. If there were ramifications to be had for making out with someone in a public space, Nathaniel wasn’t thinking about them, made evident by Cosmo sleepily laying down on the ground next to them.

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nataliarosas​:

Even though Natalia was mainly pushed into the room, she looked around at everyone as people made their way to those they wanted to spend this moment with. A few moments later, she was looking into the warm, welcoming eyes of Nathaniel. “Nathaniel,” she breathes out, a smile quickly forming on her lips as she looked up into his eyes. For a few moments there, she forgot that everyone started counting down from ten. Blinking, she looked around for a second before looking back up to him. “Wanna kiss?” She asked with a shrug and a grin.

-

Nate chuckled when she gave him the full name right back. He kept his eyes on her as she closed the distance between him. “Did you just shrug after asking me for a kiss?” Nathaniel’s head tilted to the side, a smile spreading quickly across his expression as he took her hand, the crowd around them counting three... two... one... and Nate slid an arm around her waist, craning his head down and pressing his lips tentatively to hers before pulling her closer and pressing his lips a little harder to hers. Maybe they should’ve stopped, he could hear people cheering and singing, fireworks going off, but his hands were tugging at her waist and moving up her back and damnit if she didn’t taste so good. It wasn’t until Nate pulled away with kiss-swollen lips that he realized the noise of spiraling anxiety in his head had found its first taste or silence since he showed up to this event. “Happy New Year, Natalia. Hopefully that wasn’t a shrug-worthy start.”

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closed starter for @evaniemay​

Nate had all but given up on being social. He was overwhelmed, disheveled, and ready for the night to be over, but just in case someone from the family called to see ‘how things were going’ he knew he couldn’t leave until midnight. It wasn’t an easy task to find a place to hide in, but he’d somehow managed it. It looked like it was a small office and he was sure someone simply forgot to lock the door, but Nate slipped inside and pulled out the thin book of poems, worn and littered with writing in the margins, taking out his pen and tapping it to his lip as he sat back and set to relaxing. Three pages in and the door burst open, causing Nate to fall back out of the chair with his heart racing and Cosmo licking his face. His heart rate only slowed as he looked up and saw a girl- or a young woman rather, not the ghosts of his past. Though he hadn’t moved, he groaned out a quick, “You all right, miss?”

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gravesaugust​:

– open – NYE party

Every room at this huge event, August has walked in and immediately been stopped by a parent of one of his students. There was one awkward interaction at the door as he was walking in where he was sure he saw one of his seniors with a fake ID, but August was absolutely not dealing with that. He was off the clock, if they wanted to get themselves into shit outside of school hours, that was on them. Now if only their parents knew that. After the generic how was your holiday? Exchanges they wanted to talk about how their kid was doing in his class, or why August wasn’t playing their son - who is obviously a star - on first string. 

He loved his job, but August was here in his best suit, ready to drunkenly ring in the new year and maybe, if he was lucky, not do it alone. No students or their parents were part of that plan. But he put a smile on his face as he nodded along to the ramblings, eyes shifting around for any way out. “Oh excuse me,” August said, quickly making his way toward someone that he at least thought he recognized. It was loud and lights were flashing, but as he approached the may be stranger, he plastered a smile on his face. “Hey! Didn’t think you’d make it.” As August got to his target, he ducked his head and mumbled quietly, so just the two of them could hear “Just go with this and I’ll cover your drinks.”

-

Nathaniel rarely drank at an event and he’d only come to this one with the intent of doing as his parents asked, trying to put out the Delmore face as Bradford Springs could be a potential fourth location for the Fortune 500 company. Nate may have stepped back from some roles and taken on a new job, definitely didn’t want to see his city life lurk into his new one, but he also had an inability to tell his family no. The conflict of interest was exactly why he was at the bar, deciding on a bourbon or a beer. Cosmo sat obediently at his leg, eyes trained up at Nate and he looked down at the dog, “You’re supposed to be making sure I’m okay, not judging me for trying to be, pal.”

As if it probably wasn’t weird enough for him to be talking to the service animal now he had an audience and Nate bit his lip and smiled. His head tilting to the side a little before he relaxed, “Didn’t think I’d make it either, honestly.” The corner of his mouth tilted up and he shook his head, “No, drinks are on me, you seem like you need it, too. Maybe you can end my dilemma? Is it a beer or a bourbon kind of night?” For a moment he lowered his voice, “Name’s Nate, by the way.”

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closed starter for @nataliarosas​​

Nate had taken a spot against the cool brick wall to avoid the bustling that was settling down and pairing off for the final countdown to midnight. Crossing his legs at the ankle, he sighed, this part always the hardest. His right hand mindlessly reached for Cosmo, combing through his service dog’s soft coat when someone brushed his arm. He looked up, already saying an apology when he recognized the person from his first trip into town. “Natalia?” The corner of his mouth tugged into a little smile of greeting as everyone started to count down from ten.

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closed starter for @madhi-pillai​

With every minute trapped in the stifling suit Nathaniel became more aware of the crowd and the noise. Having mentioned the event in passing to his family, it shouldn’t have surprised him that they insisted he go. Nate had his doubts that there would be people worth schmoozing in relation to the family business and the longer he was at the event the more he was convinced that even if there were, he was no longer a person up to the task. Swallowing, he tried to sip on his bourbon and keep to the outskirts of the event. He’d been tugging on his tie, unbuttoning his suit coat, and pressing on pulse points to try and calm down every time his service dog, Cosmo, alerted him to no avail. He’d reached the point of pacing, trying to decide to leave and wondering what his parents would say about it. Even in his forties and stepping back from the CFO role, he hated to be a disappointment. Spiraling, turning around, trying not to hurt Cosmo as the dog kept alerting him, and there he was bumping into someone. His hands gently took her forearms to steady her. “So sorry about that. Did I hurt you?”​

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closed starter for @lizwright​

“It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?” Nathaniel smiled over at the woman that walked outside and stood a little too close too him for him to not say something. He’d come outside to avoid the crowd and the fresh air helped, but his service dog, Cosmo, was still leaning his weight into his leg and Nate kept a hand down, tangled in the dog’s scruff. “Shame it’s about to be blotted out with smoke from fireworks.”

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EVANIE  |  Bookworm Plots  |  Your muse catches Nathaniel hiding in a quiet corner reading a book. They can pick at him about it or chat books.

ELIZABETH  |  Stargazing Plots  |  Your muse finds Nathaniel outside where he’s enjoying the stars before the fireworks. He’s just trying to be wherever there are the least people possible.

MADHI  |  Bad Weather Plots  |  The anxiety storm in Nate’s head has unravelled and your muse notices his service dog alerting him over and over, so you help him find a quieter space to calm down.

JOSIAH  |  Ranger Boy Plots  |  Duty calls way too early in the morning and Nate accidentally runs into your muse minutes after midnight when he’s trying to escape the event and go home to sleep off the socialization.

NATALIA  |  Awkward Encounter Plots  |  Well, here they are, ten seconds to midnight and everyone’s clinging to someone to kiss… Nate shrugs, what’s your muse gonna do about it. I mean, no one wants bad luck in the New Year, right?

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