elias--jensen

[elias--jensen]

He doesn't know exactly what she was going through, but he thinks he can understand. Sometimes you can just be sad just because you are. Not wanting to be a burden, and trying to bury your feelings. It sounded liked she didn't sound like really wanted to discuss anymore, so he dropped the topic. He let a moment of silence pass, watching the performers on stage. He turned back to her when she spoke. "Over 10 years, it's really been a long time. Well, it's technically been less." He paused for a moment, wondering if this woman even wanted to hear his sob story. "This is actually the first time I've played in front of people in a few years. I used to be in a band, but that fell through. So yeah, here I am, trying to get back out there." He felt on top of the world. Not only did he get up on the stage, he didn't sound half bad either and people enjoyed it. He turned back to the band and stepped a little away from the bar. "Would you dance with me?" He turned back around and held out his hand. "I mean, Taylor put it best when she said, 'shake it off.'" He could feel the shot in his body now, making him feel loose and bubbly.

𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐄𝐓 on the vibes, but what vibes really? She doesn't even know. Neva hadn't realized that she stayed a second or two in silence but could come up with an answer. ❛ To get distracted. ❜ She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. ❛ No, thank you. I'm good. ❜ The Swedish blonde held her Coca-Cola Zero and sipped her drink, before putting the glass on the counter. Coming to this place was a mistake, she thinks. It is hard to know what to do when a person does not know what to do. Her boyfriend's work shift wouldn't end anytime soon, and she wished to see him. She chuckled at his words, shaking her head. ❛ That's why they make famous songs. ❜ She jests. ❛ It's silly but I just don't have a reason to feel sad. But I can't help but feel this sadness. I want to stop it, but I don't know how. I don't want people to worry about me. It's complicated. ❜ It was easier to talk about this to a stranger than a person she knows. ⏤ Perhaps she would stop overthinking a lot of things, and she could relax a little. Anyway, she'll try to shift this conversation about him. Neva doesn't feel like talking about herself anymore. ❛ So… How long do you play and sing? ❜

[elias--jensen]

@charlotte-met

OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH 2.02 | 2.03

[elias--jensen]

"how can i assist you?" (closed)

When: present day, 9 AM

Where: manhathan, ny - metcalfe hotels

Who: @charlotte-met

EJ gripped tighter onto the cardboard tray of coffee he had in his hands. Metcalfe Hotels towered over him as he made his way through the lobby doors. People were packed inside, and their voices echoed throughout the room. He said a few hellos and good mornings as he made his way towards the door that lead to the offices in the back.

After placing his stuff on his desk, he checked in with the overnight manager. Double checking if anything happened, or if there was anything he needed to be aware of. They said their goodbyes and he made his way back over to his desk. He picked up the phone and dialed the room number he knew by heart. Ever since EJ had started working at Metcalfe Hotels, he and Lottie had a connection. Her drive and motivation for this company was so inspiring to watch, and because of his role, he got to watch it happen in real time. When he first arrived, he didn't have the experience to work in a hotel, but they gave him a chance. And with training and time, he grew in the company and closer with Lottie. They've been attached ever since.

After a couple of rings, he finally heard a click and Lottie's voice. "Ms. Metcalfe, there is some urgent business you need to attend to. A piping hot cup of coffee has your name written on it." He pulled the tray of coffee closer to him. One cup had his name on it and the other had Lottie's. "Will you be joining us today?" He said playfully into the phone.

[elias--jensen]

Just from her tone his could tell he was being put in his place, and then she turned to face him. He then realized who he was speaking to and wish he could take back what he said. He remembers Helene being in the room for his audition. She had kept a straight face the whole time and he honestly didn't think he booked the gig. To his surprise, later that day he was offered to play a few songs.

"Helene...I mean, I didn't recognize you. I'm EJ, nice to meet you...again. I auditioned for you a few weeks ago? Thank you again for the opportunity." The bartender came back with his drink and he handed over his card to pay. He took the shot, the burn causing his face to scrunch up a little. "You must be really busy. I didn't mean to interrupt what you were doing." He wasn't sure if he should leave her alone or find an excuse to keep talking.

𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒, 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐇𝐄 could send some kind of mental signal out into the universe that would tell its people that it was time to leave her the hell alone. some of her clients were pushy, trying to force there way into her life when it wasn't necessarily appropriate. like now, for example, when she had specifically expressed several times that she was otherwise engaged -- they continued to blow up her phone thinking that the words meant nothing. we can still schedule a studio date, right? perhaps the thing she hated the most about working amongst the a-list was their entitlement, their narcissism, the subconscious belief that they were the sun and everyone else was an orbiting planet. one thing about helene coppola: not only is she a giant in the world of music production -- she is also unafraid to bite. and on this particular occasion: she is clearly prepared to as she begins to type a furious text on her cell phone.

it takes her a moment to realize that she is being spoken to, ordinarily a fly on the wall to most. the regulars know who she is: the one who signs the paychecks, the one who handpicks the bands herself. however, he is clearly newer amongst the same sea of faces she has seen a thousand times before. " ah, it is not what it looks like. " helene shakes her head, placing her phone on the wooden bartop with a sigh. her italian lilt is dripping with agitation, no matter how hard she tries to mask its appearence. " some people believe my time is their time, you know? "

[elias--jensen]

He knew all too well about cryptic texts from family. When his parents first divorced, him and his sister were pawns. Multiple times, his mom and dad would try to make the other angry by getting him or Natalie involved somehow. Even though it's been years since that happened, he remembers the feeling. "I say throw the fit, but you know your family better than I do." When the bartender came back, he payed for his drink and threw it back. His face scrunched a little as it went down. "Sorry if I came off like an asshole. I don't even know why I asked that in the first place." He tried to be casual and keep the conversation moving. "I'm EJ, by the way. Do you know any of the performers?"

Karmen came to The Echochamber with a couple of friends earlier to support one of their friend's bands. She watched them perform with excitement and was enjoying herself when her mother sent her a cryptic text. She retreated towards the bar to get away from all the commotion so she could try to interpret what the text meant. She was deep into a reply to her mother when a voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned towards him and smiled awkwardly. "No," she shook her head. "It's not that at all. I'm a huge fan of music... my mother just sent me this cryptic text that I have to reply to now or she'll throw a fit."

[elias--jensen]

As EJ watched her face, he regretted what he said. Clearly she wasn't having a good day and was trying to escape something. He knew that feeling well. He tried to keep hold of the adrenaline he was feeling before his liquid courage arrived. "Well then, what's the vibe?" Just then the bartender came back with his shot. He handed over this card and turned the stranger, "Can I get you anything?" He was trying to play it cool, which deep down, he knew he wasn't. He somehow was able to start a conversation with a beautiful woman. He wanted to see how long he could keep this up. After she replied, he realized she still hadn't answered his first question. "What's on your mind? Musicians are actually the best people to tell your sorrows too." He laughed at his own words and knocked back his shot. It burned on the way down, and he couldn't help the way his face scrunched up.

𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐀 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 peculiar these days, with the news life-changing news. She decided to hit the place where she doesn't go often, and if she is lucky enough be surrounded by people that do not know her. It was one of these days she wanted to feel and get lost in the middle of the crowd. She watched the entire performance, or tried to; ignore some people trying to come at her, just because she was alone. It seems the technique of pretending to text somebody was working. As a matter of fact, she was staring at the flight ticket to Stockholm she bought on an entire impulse, without giving a second thought. ⏤ On the other hand, her grandparents on her father's side still live there.

She thought of sending some message to her man, but he was at work, and she wouldn't disturb him for unnecessary things. Then she double-checked her flight ticket and snorted when her thoughts were interrupted by EJ's words, her pale complexion stared at the musician, grey-bluish hues locked into his gaze, and then dropped at the phone in her hand. ❛ I like music. Today is one of these days that I'm not feeling anything. ❜ She admitted. ❛ I'm not on the vibes, but also I didn't want to go home yet. ❜ Neva thought she would get distracted. There was absolutely nothing distracting her.

[elias--jensen]

It started to click in his head why this man wasn't responding to him. EJ nodded his head in acknowledgement that he couldn't hear him. He could feel his cheeks start to warm up from the embarrassment. Before he could dwell on that feeling for too long, the stranger was telling him to wait and pulled out his phone. Once he passed the phone to EJ, he smiled down at the reply and typed something back. "I'm alright. My head was in the clouds. I was just saying I hope I didn't crush your dog." He handed back the phone and waited for a reply. He watched as the man began to type again. After learning their names, EJ grabbed the phone from Owen. "I'm EJ, I normally don't run people over, but it's an effective why to meet people. Also, is Lady named after Lady and the Tramp?" He chuckled when he saw the man's reply and typed back, "Is it ok if I pet your dog?" While EJ never had pets, he loved animals and Lady was adore.

In an instant, Owen flashed the other a smile, his eyes instantly going to his lips as he began to speak. His brow furrowed in deep concentration as he did his best to follow along with what was being said. Granted, he was decent enough with lip reading, but even still, he missed words here and there, filling in the blanks as the conversation went on. But he was pretty sure that he was catching most of what was being said, looking down at Lady for a moment with a grin before his eyes were back on the other. He gave a nod of his head before he brought a free hand back up, waving at his ear, and shaking his head. The easiest way to let someone know that he couldn't hear, that he was deaf, before he grabbed for his phone in his back pocket.

Holding up a finger, silently asking him to hangout a second, Owen swiped over to his notes app so that he could type out a reply. It's okay- Honestly, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going either. You alright? Turning the phone towards him so he could read what had been typed out before he was turning it around, typing once more, though this time with a small laugh. You could probably completely crush her and there she would be, still begging to be your friend and for a belly rub. Shaking his head with an amused expression. Lady- Gesturing towards his dog, And Owen. Nice to meet you.

[elias--jensen]

summer days (closed)

When: Jun 07'

Where: Cranford, NJ

EJ could feel the sun beating against his face, drops of sweat starting to form on his face. He could feel blades of grass jabbing into his back as he laid in his backyard. Summer break had just started, and all he could think about was getting to the pool. In his town, there was this public pool that everyone in town went to once summer had officially begun. EJ could hear the sound of footsteps coming from his front porch. When he popped his head up, he saw Natalie, his older sister, walking out. A beach bag in one arm and her phone in the other. “Yes, we're leaving now. We’ll be there in like 10 minutes.” She was on the phone with one of her friends. Once she hung up, his sister looked down at him and asked, “Where is thing number two?” EJ had told James what time they were leaving, but when was his friend ever on time. “He’ll be here soon.” He shot up from the ground, and started to peer down the street for any sign of James. “Well I am leaving, in my car, in one minute with or without you two.” Nat had gotten a car from their Dad as a high school graduation present and she took every moment she could to brag about it. 

Thirty seconds later, he saw that shaggy blonde hair flying down the road on a bike. James’ eyes were beaming at their house as he lugged his bike up their driveway. He was gasping for air once he finally reached the side door, leaning his bike against the house. “Did I make it in time?” He said between breaths. “Just in time.” EJ said, smiling at him and throwing an arm over James’ shoulder, dragging them both over to his sister’s car. Recently spending time with James is all he wanted to do. Being near him, talking to him, hanging out with him. Even though they already spent as much time together as they could, EJ would miss him when he wasn’t around. He was his best friend, but sometimes it felt different. 

As soon as they made their way inside, his sister turned to him. “We’ll meet back here at 3:30. Mom will kill us if we’re late. If you're late, no more rides this summer.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. He playfully shoved her and said, “Alright mom.” Her face dropped a little. That’s something that was talked about a lot in family therapy. How Nat had became a mother figure to him. It was a hard pill to swallow and right now wasn’t the time for that conversation. He reached out and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for driving us. We’ll be here on time.” She smiled and squeezed his hand before walking away from them. When he turned back, James was just staring at him. It made his heart jump. Why was this happening? What was this feeling? Abruptly, James broke eye contact and said, “Last one in is a rotten egg.” James made a beeline for the grass next to the pool, throwing down his towel and shirt. EJ wasn’t too far behind, doing the same thing. They both jumped into the pool one after the other. They spent hours goofing off and splashing each other. Seeing who could hold their breath or hold a handstand longer. This is what he loved about summer. Just having fun and getting to be a kid. 

When they had tired themselves out, they sat on the pool's edge, dangling their feet. The sun felt so good against his skin. He could feel the concrete underneath him and hear the sound of people all around him. And then he felt James. They ended up sitting really close to one another, their thighs and shoulders pressed together. This was something that always happened, but this was the first time EJ was really aware of it. His skin was still cold from the pool, and the beads of water fell down his body. Before he could stop himself from looking, he noticed James' eyes were on him too. They just stared at each other, looking and watching. His eyes were so blue, and the sun reflecting off the pool made them sparkle. EJ didn’t know what came over him, but he reached out his hand and pushed some of James’ hair out of his face. His hand lingered against his cheek and James seemed to lean into it. When EJ dropped his hand, James scooped it up into his, interlocking their fingers. Before anything else could happen, he heard his name being called. Their hands ripped apart from each other so quickly. EJ immediately stood up, looking for who called out his name. He noticed Rachel, one of his band mates, excitedly raising her hand and running over to him. Looks like more people were showing up, so the bubble he was in had burst. James had finally stood up, and Rachel was even more excited. Even though James wasn’t in the band, he would hang out during band practices and basically became their groupie. Before Rachel had reached them, EJ tried to lock eyes with James one more time. But he kept his gaze forward and a smile plastered on his face.

[elias--jensen]

Location: The Echochamber

Status: Open

EJ could hear his heartbeat in his ears and his whole body was shaking with adrenaline. He just performed for the first time in years. After trying to turn his life around, he'd given up on his passion. His dad called it a pipe dream. He'd forgotten how exciting it is to be on stage, watching a crowd of people stare back at you and just let it all out. Even though he was nervous, once his fingers started to puck his guitar and he started to sing, all his worries slipped away. It was like riding a bike, it was in his muscle memory.

The crowd had applauded for him and a few people had come up to tell him how great he was. He couldn't help how much he enjoyed the validation, and he soaked it all up. While the next performer headed to the stage, he made his way over to get a drink from the bar. He needed it. "Can I get a shot of Fireball?" He called over to the bartender. Standing next to him was someone buried deep in their phone. "This must be pretty boring for you." He motioned to the stranger's phone. "Not a fan of music?" He tried to make it sound like a joke, but he was being serious. EJ couldn't understand why someone would come to a show just to be on their phone the entire time. The adrenaline gave him the confidence to ask this, but then he realized maybe he was pushing it too far.

[elias--jensen]

dumbo, brooklyn, july 2022

[elias--jensen]

EJ had seen a flyer for Cover to Cover, a secondhand bookstore tucked away in Queens. That's how he found himself on the subway heading there on his day off. After spending a few hours, and a little bit much money in the store, he decided he deserved a sweet treat.

While walking around, he saw a sign that said, "Bake My Day." From the pastries he saw through the window, he assumed this wasn't a dispensary and stepped inside. The smell of sugar, and bread and chocolate filled his lungs. This is exactly what he needed. He joined the line, intensely looking at all the options in the display cabinets. Someone broke his concentration, looking over at the stranger. "Unfortunately for you and me, this is also my first time here." He laughed along with her. "If you want suggestions, I'm probably gonna get some kind of jelly filled donut." EJ's sweet tooth always got the better of him and was his kryptonite. He turned his attention back to the displays, looking at the other options. "Or the macarons, those look really good." EJ wasn't one to start up conversations with strangers, but this person seemed friendly enough. "I'm EJ by the way." He stuck out his hand, feeling a little awkward at how formally he made this interaction.

Bake My Day | Open

Beatriz had been in Queens on a business trip that finished earlier than she had anticipated, so she was looking for something to pass the time. She had a sweet tooth like none other, so that's how she ended up at the bakery. She bit her lip and headed inside. She was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices, so she turned to the person behind her.

"Have you ever been here?" she asked her. "I have no idea what to get..." She chuckled softly, tucking her hair back behind her ear, toying with the ends of it, a nervous habit she'd picked up.

( @bhqextras )

[elias--jensen]

EJ would always find an excuse to cut through Prospect Park to get to his destination. Only a couple of blocks from his apartment, it was the perfect escape. Miles of nature in the middle of a concrete jungle. The weather in New York was slowly becoming more bearable. He only had to throw on a jean jacket when leaving his apartment.

Strapped across his back was an acoustic guitar, which hummed every time a gust of wind would come by. A few days earlier, he had seen a sign on a poster that Echochamber was looking for new talent. This was his chance, to finally step outside of his 9-5 bubble and start performing again. At least, that's what he hoped.

He was buried in his phone, scrolling through songs when all of a sudden, bang! EJ stumbled back a bit, realizing he just collide with someone. "Dude, I am so sorry." He looked up, trying to read the strangers face. He felt something tap at his feet, and noticed a dog, looking up at him and wagging it's tail. "I hope I didn't almost crush your dog." EJ didn't think this man or his pet wanted to kill him. He laughed at how ridiculous this whole situation was, hoping the man could brush it off too.

Where: Prospect Park Who: Open

As soon as the first hint of spring made its way into the air, Owen always jumped at the chance to be outside. There was nothing more that he loved than being outside, of the feeling of the sun on his face, of the fresh air, or well, as fresh as air as he could get in the middle of New York. There was just something so relaxing about being out, not cooped up in his apartment, and so as soon as the weather was remotely warm ish, he found himself in Prospect Park with his dog Lady in tow. Feeling her slightly pull on the leash, he looked down to see what might be wrong. Only to see Lady trying to wiggle her way towards the other side to try and get to another dog, most likely on her never ending mission to befriend every other dog they passed on walks. He gave a huff of laughter at her, turning to look back up right as he ran into someone. A sound of surprise falling from his lips, instantly bring his free hand up to sign a quick 'sorry' at them before his brain even recognized if he knew them or not.

[elias--jensen]

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT TASK #001

playlist name: bob "to the beat" builder

Carl Barker by Dance Gavin Dance

I Feel Fine by The Beatles

Loose Lips by Kimya Dawson

Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac

MICHUUL by DUCKWRTH

Hideaway by Jacob Collier

[elias--jensen]

[ colin morgan, cis male, he/him ] — whoa! ELIAS “EJ” JENSEN just stole my cab! not cool, but maybe they needed it more. they have lived in the city for 5 YEARS, working as a FRONT DESK MANAGER. that can’t be easy, especially at only 32 YEARS OLD. some people say they can be a little bit STUBBORN and SNARKY , but i know them to be AMBITIOUS and LOYAL. whatever. i guess i’ll catch the next cab. hope they like the ride back to BROOKLYN! — (jessie, 30, est, she/her, none)

Name: Elias “EJ” Jensen FC: Colin Morgan Age: 32 Sexuality: Bisexual Pronouns: He/Him Birthday: May 11, 1991 Zodiac: Taurus  Birthplace: Cranford, NJ Current Location: Brooklyn, NY

tw verbal abuse

FAMILY

EJ grew up in the suburbs of middle class America. Picture perfect families surround the hell hole he was living in. Some on EJ's first memories are his parents fighting in the living room. Their voices would echo through the home, but Nat was there. Natalie is his older sister. His rock, his protector, his home. She would squeeze him close to her chest, and tell him everything was alright. Even if it wasn't. Finally once their parents got a divorce, they would spend their school year in Jersey with their mom. And during the summer they would be with their dad in the city. During this time in his life, he was very angry. At his parents, at the world, at himself. It took years and a lot of family therapy to work past it, but it lingers and bleeds into his friendships and relationships.

OCCUPATION

Always known for kissing ass, EJ seemed to thrive in customer service. He knew how to plaster on a smile and to read in-between the lines. From a young age, he was always working and trying to make money. He wanted to grow up so badly, and to be on his own. In high school, he found a love for music. Blasting the speakers as loud as they could go, and singing on the top of his lungs. It was the pipe dream he followed for a long time. To his parents disapproval, he dropped out of college to travel with a band he had auditioned for. The problem with pipe dreams, as his father would say, "They always fail. You need to be realistic." When EJ found himself sleeping in his childhood home, with his mother and her boyfriend of week in the kitchen, he knew his dad was right. After applying for any place that was hiring, he landed an interview for a front desk job at a Holiday Inn. With that smile and a lot of luck, he got the job. Until he had the money, he would take the train into the city. But as soon as he could afford it, he found a room in Brooklyn. Whenever he has the opportunity, he plays open mics here and there. But he's had to put his love of performing on the backburner.

CONNECTIONS

Natalie Cruz, 35, EJ's Older Sister

Natalie is EJ's rock and wants to know everything that's going on in his life. She would fuss and worry over him, even lecture him when he got in trouble. As much as it annoyed him, he needed her. They needed each other. Nat is almost like a second mother to him, but it's hard for EJ to admit that. Plus she has her own babies to look after. She has a 3 year old daughter named Maeve and a 1 year old son named Mateo. She's married to her partner, Valerie Cruz. They been together for 7 years. She stayed in Jersey and he visits them as often as he can.

Judy Byrne, 56 and William Jensen, 54

Looking back, it was a miracle and curse that his parent's marriage lasted 10 years. EJ's parents were the exact opposite, and it over time they hated each other for it. His mom was very outgoing, but his dad was more shy. His dad loved getting to their destination, while his mom would find any reason to stop and look at the view. It was hard to believe there was a time they got along. They met when his dad was studying abroad in Ireland. "Almost like a fairytale, it was love at first sight." His dad would say, reminiscing about people they didn't exist anymore. After the divorce, EJ didn't really have a relationship with either of them, as much as they tried. It got easier as time went on, and they all grew up. His mom never remarried, and his father is on his 3rd marriage. EJ's relationship with his parents now consist of awkward phone calls, and showing face at holiday parties.

James Anstead, 33, EJ's Childhood Friend (WANTED)

The first time they met, James was standing at their front door and tears in his eyes. A few minutes earlier, a ball had flown through their window, glass shattering everywhere. His mother had made him come to their door to apologize. All EJ could think about was how James was able to kick the ball that far. That not only did he find out they were practically neighbors, but he found his new best friend. Throughout their whole lives, they stayed partners in crime. Even now when they don't get to see each other as often, he would drop everything to help James.

[elias--jensen]

[elias--jensen]

x