jacobivarson

[jacobivarson]

saminadar​:

closed starter for @jacobivarson

where:   Pit Stop Diner

Mina didn’t usually take business meetings at a diner that smelled like french fries and doled out far too sugary milkshakes, but she hadn’t had lunch at all and she had an iced latte for breakfast, so she was running on fumes and she wasn’t sure she could hold one more meeting if she didn’t immediatly stuff something cheesy into her mouth.  She’s early, because it’s best to be early, being on time in this sort of thing usually meant you were actually late. 

She’s got papers spread out in front of her, and to her right, sits a plate of overly cheesy, loaded french fries. “Thank you for meeting me here,” she finally says to the man sat across from her, smoothing her hand over one of the files. “It’s been a busy day and I wanted to kill two birds with one stone, if you will.”

-

Most days were fairly busy for Jacob. He worked full-time, drove his sisters to work and picked them up after their shifts, along with the drug addicts anonymous meetings he tried to hit up at least a few times a week, it was safe to say there was hardly any time for anything else in his life. However, this was important, this was about his little brother Peter and getting to be his caretaker again. So when Mina told him to meet her at the Pit Stop Diner, he made sure to be there... albeit, five minutes late, however, he made it there none the less. Walking in with an apologetic look, Jacob took a seat across from her, “It’s alright, sorry I’m a little late, there was this guy a bike who was pretty keen on using the car lanes — anyway, I’m here now. Next round of cheese fries are on me” He said, taking a glance down at the papers, “How’s it looking so far?”

[jacobivarson]

esmerayozdemir​:

Esmeray: Damn, might reconsider using him… it’s the ‘normal’ ones that you truly have to look out for you know?

Esmeray: I would say insomnia? Never really got diagnosed if that’s a thing that you get diagnosed for. 

Esmeray: My brain just constantly runs a mile a minute so it’s a little hard to actually lay down and shut that bad boy off.

-

Jacob: If it helps I can vouch for him and doesn’t hurt that he’s cheaper than most

Jacob: Honestly, who doesn’t have a little bit of insomnia, especially if you’ve lived in NY

Jacob: Yeah, I know what you mean. Sometimes I try counting sheep but before I know it I’m hitting 1000 sheep and still nowhere close to sleeping

[jacobivarson]

esmerayozdemir​:

Send “🌙” for a LATE NIGHT text.

Closed @jacobivarson

Text || Jacob

Esmeray: I’ve set aside funds for the pipe replacement if you could reach out to your guy.

Esmeray: Also just now realizing that it’s 2:30 in the morning and if you’re a normal person you’re already asleep by now.

Esemray: I’m kind of curious now… are you normal?

-

Jacob: Not even a little.

Jacob: But noted, I’ll call my guy up in the morning bc unfortunately for you and I, he is very normal

Jacob: So do you got insomnia or do you just like staying up late for fun?

[jacobivarson]

esmerayozdemir​:

Esmeray chuckled as he drew out the words as if it actually pained him to say so. “Ah see so you can’t judge me all that much if your sister also decided to stay in the area while attending college.” She smiled. Although he had made himself sound pained while discussing where his sister chose to go to school she couldn’t help but see the admiration in his eyes, something she used to see in Aydin’s when he spoke of her and her college endeavors. Jacob was proud of her “Graduating soon… what did she end up going to school for?” She asked him, wanting to learn a little more about him and his family since he already knew more about hers than she had his.

Esmeray chuckled at the mention of  lime green countertops and corduroy booths. “I guess that you have a point there… I don’t think that I would have been able to stomach walking into the place if he had gone with that design.” She chuckled “Probably would have started to question how in the world he was related to me as well.” She laughed shaking her head. She ran her fingers through her hair as Jacob confirmed that he would be down to help her with any renovations that she needed. “I’ll have to skip on the gym membership.” She spoke “Not really a fan of working out in front of a ton of peering eyes… always feel like it’s a competition even if no one else is participating.” She shrugged. The only time she had ever really been into going to the gym was when she would go with Aydin back in high school. She always enjoyed scoping out the men lifting weights and Aydin was always there to correct any lingering stares that came in her direction. 

“Oh strawberry all the way.” Esmeray smiled “Especially if you put a light drizzle of chocolate syrup on top.” She smiles, just reminiscing on the thought of the chilled treat. Esmeray smiled when Jacob considered who Eren had inherited his ability to destroy an entire carton of ice cream from. “I think that it’s actually a requirement of being a child.” She commented “I used to be able to do it myself and now it seems that I can’t make a dent in it before I’m folding in the towel.” She admits. 

“You’re a braver man than I.” She informs Jacob “I stay away from all and any frying.” She chuckles “Even the fryers at the diner scare the absolute hell out of me.” She says shaking her head. It was something about the way the hot oil jumped and bounced from the pan. She wasn’t interested in burning herself or anything around her. “You’ll have to tell me how it turns out though because you sir have definitely peaked my interest.” She smiles. Esmeray laughed when Jacob called her out on her answer. “You mean you can become even more unbearable?” She asked faking a shocked face, she was only joking of course. “I’ve moved on from jaw breakers.” She informs him “I now prefer lifesavers or jolly ranchers.” She smiles as if her new choice in hard candy had elevated her in some way. 

-

“Oh I can definitely still judge you, in fact, I’ll just judge the both of you now,” Jacob joked with a hint of a smile. As Esmeray inquired about his sister, Jacob shot out the answer with a bout of pride, “Nursing. Yeah, she’s got another year left and then she’d gotta figure out where to go from there but I’m sure she’ll be alright,” Jacob had the utmost confidence in his sister.  Cassie had always been smart, that mixed in with her kind nature made the nursing degree a no brainer. Despite that, Jacob would be lying if he said he didn’t miss her, especially these days, but he understood why she wanted to put her education first. Even if Jacob never had any formal education himself, he knew it was important for people to step up in the world. 

“Nah, I can kinda see the resemblance. Besides, siblings always turn out different. I’ve got one sister who’s a coffee connoisseur, knows how to make the best coffee, another sister who’s an artist, Cassie’s got the nursing thing, and me? I like fixing things, most cars, but as you know I can fix anything from old stoves to pipes,” It made Jacob feel a hint of sadness for Esmeray, if only because she didn’t have her brother anymore and Jacob knew he’d be a wreck if any of his siblings passed away. “Alright, I might agree with you about the gym, I’m not really a fan of everyone sizing each other up. I know I ain’t the smallest guy, but you know there’s always some gym rat out there trying to show off,” That and Jacob just wasn’t a big fan of going to the gym in general. He preferred going on walks, it helped him with his recovery process and he hadn’t given it up since even if results weren’t ever as speedy as a gym membership.

“Sounds like the perfect combination. Who knew we were so compatible when it came to ice cream,” he said with a faint chuckle. “Okay frying shit my be a little dangerous but I think it’s worth it. Last year I fried a turkey for Thanksgiving and now I can never go back to an oven roasted one, you know?” The rest of his family would probably be on Esmeray’s side since frying anything came with the risk of burning yourself but Jacob was never one to shy away from a little danger, especially when the reward was something delicious. 

“Wow, you really think I’m unbearable?” Jacob asked, feigning heartbreak for just a moment before his smile gave him away. “Okay good to know. I think I’m only into chocolate these days, my teeth can’t handle any of that other crap.” After finishing what was left of the fried Oreos, Jacob tossed the now empty container in a nearby trashcan. “Alright, I think I may call it a night now — played some games, ate some food, had a beer — that’s all you need for a good carnival, right?”

[jacobivarson]

SEBASTIAN STAN Endings, Beginnings dir. Drake Doremus

[jacobivarson]

esmerayozdemir​:

“I wouldn’t say Manhattan is unbearable it was the people that inhabited it that were unbearable.” She chuckled softly. “Oh God Magnolia Bakery!” She spoke in a dreamy tone, reminiscing on their pastries. “Honestly they might be the only reason that I would ever be willing to go back.” She admitted. There was a part of her that missed New York… although she didn’t really believe that is was Manhattan itself that she missed but instead the life that she had while living there… everything had been so much easier in that time. 

She chuckled softly at the thought of Aydin walking around the diner with little swabs of paint held up to the walls in order to choose the perfect variant for the diner. Jacob was right that wasn’t her older brothers style at all. She had gotten the artistic gene in the family while he got the nurturing one. Honestly I’m surprised that the booths even matched the stools.” She laughed softly with a shake of her head. Honestly Esmeray wasn’t sure if Aydin was responsible for the way that the diner looked or if he had bought it that way and simply decided not to update anything. They had discussed the possibility of a revamp over the phone while she was in New York but she had never seemed to have the lengthy period of time that would have been needed for a complete revamp of the place… God how she wished she would’ve just taken some time off now that the option was no longer available. “Oh I will definitely need your set of expertise.” She informed him “I’m all about the decorating and design but when it comes to hard manual labor-” She trailed off moving her arm up into a flexing position “Noodles arms aren’t exactly great for heavy lifting you know.” 

Although Esmeray loved Nazli and Eren like a sister and nephew her relationship with them would in no way impact her and Jacobs professional relationship. She only knew bits and pieces of his story and although it had been hard on both Nazli and Eren not having him around it was for the best at the time and coming from someone whose own father was battling addiction and stuck around, she was glad that Jacob had had his head on straight enough to at least not rope his son into whatever he was going through at the time. That was something that she could commend him on. The thing that mattered to her was that he was trying to walk a better path, one of sobriety and she would gladly assist him in that journey like her brother once had. She smiled when Jacob mentioned possibly bringing the boy down to the diner for ice cream one day “I would love that.” She smiled “Will have to make sure that we have plenty rocky road stocked and ready to go… that kid could destroy a cartoon of that all on his own.” She laughed. She wasn’t sure what Jacob and Nazli’s current situation was regarding visitation of anything so she would be sure to speak with her as well on that subject to make sure that all sides were comfortable with what was going on. 

“mmm alright you dot me on the cinnamon roll… especially if they can fry it in a way that gives it a nice crunch but still a nice and soft and gooey center.” She smiled, eyelids fluttering at just the thought of how delicious that could be. Definitely get rid of the cigarettes.” She spoke with a shake of her head. She couldn’t judge him to hard, she had once been a smoker herself, nothing to bad just on the occasion when she had a few drinks in her but luckily she had quickly kicked that habit when she had started to date a doctor back in the city. “Oh so we’re getting personal here now are we?” She asks when Jacob asked her what it was that she found herself addicted to. “I’m assuming that you wont believe me if I said I was addicted to other peoples happiness?” She asked with a small chuckle. She thought about it a moment “I’m addicted to caffeine on the highest level that you could imagine.” She spoke, however left out the fact that that was more than likely due to the countless restless nights that she found herself having. “Also hard candy in literally any form.” She admitted. “I don’t know why but since I was young it has been a thing… cracked my tooth on a jawbreaker when I was younger after Aydin yelled at me multiple times to stop biting on it.” She laughed thinking back on the memory. 

-

“Same difference,” Jacob said with the casual shrug of his shoulders. He missed New York and Port Whitley certainly paled in comparison but he didn’t leave the big city because it made him unhappy, he left because he needed to and he had been better for it ever since. “Although I shouldn’t talk too much shit, one of my sisters is going to NYU right now and she’s livin’ in Manhattan,” He said with a drawn out sign as if it actually pained him to say, however, he managed to crack a smile after a second, “So I guess I’ve got to go back to the area soon. For the graduation at the very least,” Jacob was proud of his little sister so it would be an easy decision to make even if he wished she could move to Port Whitley with him and the rest of their siblings.

Letting out a soft chuckle at Aydin’s expense, Jacob had to agree with Esmeray on that one. Aydin didn’t strike him as someone who cared much about the design or decor, but had been more about helping people who needed a second chance. “Hey, you and me both. Just be happy it’s not lime green countertops and corduroy booths,” He joked with a grin. “But yeah, I’m always up for new projects and I love the restaurant already so I’d love to help give it a bit of a facelift,” It had never been quite as important when Aydin was running things and Jacob couldn’t exactly blame him since he knew the guy had other priorities, however, now that Esmeray was taking over he thought it was a pretty good idea. “Alright, maybe we need to get you a gym membership...” Jacob teased as he held back his laugher and added, “I think I may be a little better. But just a little,” He said, rolling up his shirt sleeve to reveal his bicep that might not have been Arnold level, but it beat noodles any day.

“You know I’m a chocolate or strawberry type of guy, so the fact that the little man likes rocky road is kind of sacrilege but I’ll let it slide,” Truth be told, Jacob was just happy to learn more things about Eren that he hadn’t before. Being a ghost in his son’s life wasn’t something he had been proud of but he was trying to make up for lost time the best he could. “He’ll destroy a whole carton? Can’t tell if he gets that from me of Nazli...” He said with the inkling of a smile, “Honestly, could go either way.”

“Right? I think I might have to try and make it for my sisters one of these nights, so if I don’t show up for work just assume my place got burned to the ground,” He joked. Jacob wasn’t the best cook but he was trying his best to pick up new skills even if that meant making dessert for his household. “Addicted to other people’s happiness?” Jacob repeated with the raise of his brow, “You know this isn’t an audition for miss congeniality, even though that’s definitely a good answer for one of those,” he added with a chuckle, “But the caffeine I kinda understand. I can’t have too much or I just get unbearable. Plus, I think I’ve had enough jawbreakers ruin my teeth that my siblings avoid them at all costs.”

[jacobivarson]

carmensxnchez​:

Carmen shrugged her shoulder. “I think that if you brush and floss, you’ll be fine.” She didn’t have much issues with the dentist. It had worked for her but she knew a lot of it was genetic and despite the shit her mother had given her, she had to be happy that at least this wasn’t that bad. The brunette waved her hand and shook her head. “I love chatter boxes, it’s what makes my job go by a lot quicker.” Most of the time she could sit and speak to them all the time. “I don’t mind at all. Like I said. it’s the upside of my day.” Talking a lot was a lot better than bitching. 

-

“Alright, but I’m trusting you on this,” Jacob said with an equally friendly smile as he reached for his cup of coffee and took a sip while it was still hot. “You do? Then I guess it’s your lucky day,” he added with a faint chuckle. Most of the time people found hims somewhat amusing, other times they found him straight up annoying. Jacob found that it was a very thin line so he hoped he’d stay on the former rather than the latter. “So how’s your day goin’ anyway? Doing anything fun after work?” He asked, just making conversation since he didn’t like sitting alone with no one to talk to so he was glad that she was putting up with his antics.

[jacobivarson]

esmerayozdemir​:

Esmeray had no intention of coming into the diner and firing everyone. In fact one of the reason that she had decided to keep the diner instead of simply selling it to someone who had a better idea on how to run things or someone who would take it and more than likely close it down was because Aydin had put his heart into this diner and these people. Most of these people didn’t have another option when it came to work and if her brother thought that they were worthy of a second chance than who was she to decide different? She couldn’t promise that things wouldn’t change or be different but she could promise that no one would be forced to look for a new job without probable cause.

Esmeray chuckled at his response to her being from around Manhattan. Honestly she could understand why he would have such a reaction “I wasn’t even from New York and I hardly wanted to stay around Manhattan.” She laughed “However it was where my school was so it just sort of made sense to stick nearby.” She shrugged “I was looking to move towards the end of my degree but things just didn’t really pan out.” She shrugged as she gestured around them as if to say here she was. “Already sketching out plans.” She admitted to Jacob about remodeling the restaurant. She hadn’t let the employees in on that secret but seeing as she was sure she’d be hiring Jacob to do most of the heavy lifting when it was time she might as well mention it since he asked. “I love my brother but h never particularly had an eye for design.” She laughs gently. “I mean the diner looks like something straight out of the fifties and not in a good way.” She sighed. 

Esmeray thought for a moment while Jacob informed her that her choice in names made her goldfish sound like a middle aged man ready to go through his second mid life crisis. “Yeah I guess that you’re right.” She laughed softly. Esmeray couldn’t help but stop mid step when Jacob spoke Nazli’s name. One name was a coincidence but two? They must be talking about the same people now right? “Yeah.” She said looking at him “We were in school around the same time, met her on campus one day and we just instantly clicked.” She chuckled with a shake of her head “Hell of a small world isn’t it?” She asked with a small laugh as they fell in step with each other once more. Nazli had given her the run down as to why Jacob hadn’t been in Eren and her life anymore… the same reason he now found himself working for her. Nazli had never went to far into detail and had always managed to keep her words kind and never ill towards the man that had fathered her child.

Esmeray had always been a sweets feen growing up and although the cravings had subsided over the years she still found herself enjoying a treat every now and than. She waited with Jacob as he ordered before walking to a nearby bench and taking a seat so that they could enjoy their deserts. “You know it’s crazy how many things can be deep fried.” She spoke, helping herself to an Oreo as she spoke “The fist person to drop a cookie into boiling oil was a true hero.” She smiled taking a bite of the Oreo, not caring if it burned her mouth or not at this point.

-

“Yeah, Manhattan’s pretty unbearable if you’re not a tourist trying to check shit off your list. Though, I’ll say it, Magnolia Bakery is worth the hype,” Jacob said with a nod. As a native, he tried his best to avoid the borough at all cost, though back in his drug-filled days, Manhattan had been the best place for picking pockets and getting away with countless rule breaking. While Jacob hoped to eventually make his way back to New York, he knew there were far too many triggers for him there at the moment. That and he refused to go back without his little brother, so until the custody case was settled, he’d find himself in Port Whitley for the unforeseeable future. As Esmeray went on to tell him about the decor at the diner, Jacob couldn’t help but let out a faint laugh. While Esmeray was being kind about it, he knew exactly what she meant. The diner could use a major facelift, especially if it wanted to compete with all the surrounding restaurants popping up. “Yeah, Aydin wasn’t really into picking out paint colors and all that stuff as far as I remember. Well, if you need any help with those plans, let me know. I mean, I don’t have much of an eye for design but I’m pretty good at remodeling,” Jacob had always been good with his hands and learning new skills quickly. Laying down hardwood flooring, fixing leaky faucets, painting, electrical wiring — you name it, he had probably done it at some point. 

It really was a small world, that much Jacob could see. And while he and Esmeray had gotten along, he hoped this little additional connection between them wouldn’t set them back in any way. He knew Nazli never bad mouthed him outright, but it was obvious that the gaps of fatherlessness in Eren’s life had been his fault and his fault alone. That much he could own up to. “Maybe I should bring him down to the diner for some ice cream then, with his mother’s approval, of course,” Jacob didn’t think Nazli would say no but he’d run it by her anyway. Besides, he had a feeling she probably trusted Esmeray more than him so it’d be an easy sell. These days he was just trying to get to know his son and do the best he could when it came to fatherhood. However, there was a lot of his plate these days, so between working and family, there was little room for much else.

Jacob followed Esmeray’s lead and took a seat beside her as he popped another fried Oreo into his mouth. “I don’t know, I think there’s probably a few more things they could try deep frying — like maybe peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or maybe a deep fried cinnamon roll,” He said, unable to stop his laughter from spilling out since he understood how ridiculous it sounded. “Alright, I’m addicted to sugar and cigarettes — working on doing away with the cigarettes, but this kinda stuff...” He said, lifting the fried food in his hands and adding on, “I don’t think I can ever really kick the habit. But what about you? What’re your guilty pleasures?”

[jacobivarson]

nazliaydemir​:

although her life was always surrounded by death and gruesome murders due to her constant research for her books, it always, without fail, make her smile to see eren laughing this happily. the innocence of a child who yearned to be liked by someone he didn’t quite know, but wanted to. she understood the appeal of it… society tended to make fathers every boy’s superhero, so of course, it wouldn’t be any different to eren. he wanted for jacob to like him. do you think dad likes this? do you think dad likes that? she remembered him asking quite a few times ever since moving to port whitley, and nazli could only hope that disappointment wasn’t in the future for him… at least not when it came to jacob.

she hung back, letting the duo chat. it wouldn’t be a fair shot if she didn’t let jacob be himself around their child, right? hopefully soon, she would also trust him to do more fatherly things like dropping off and picking him up from school, help doing his homework, play sports together… but all in due time.

nazli snapped off her trance when jacob asked how he was doing, which stole a chuckle from her lips. it also instinctively made her cross her arms, as if to shelter herself from his charms. “you’re doing alright.” the brunette nodded, her waves dancing gracefully around her face as she looked at him. “he was excited to hang out with you, so that helps a lot.” sometimes, looking at jacob made her understand her reasons for staying those years ago. he was a good man. he had a good heart, but his demons would often get the best of him and drag him towards a path she no longer could follow. at his little joke, she couldn’t hide the minor eyeroll, despite keeping things humorous. “calm down, romeo.” she teased, patting on his arm. “you should focus on earning his trust, you know? we’ve got one hell of a loyal kid if you earn his trust. how’s work, by the way? good, i hope.”

-

Jacob knew that fatherhood wouldn’t be easy, that he wasn’t starting off on the best of terms, but he was determined to earn his way back into his son’s life. He had gotten clean, he got a steady job, new friends, new everything. So while things had been difficult at first, he liked to think that he and Eren were at least warming up to something that could resemble a father and son duo. Jacob would always be grateful that Nazli even gave him the opportunity to step up because he wouldn’t blame her if she decided to just write him off completely. But she didn’t. And that meant the world to him. So even as she stood there, arms crossed and that look in her eye, he held his smile, “Just alright? C’mon, I’m killin’ it,” He said with the same smug expression he usually had when he used to playfully press her buttons. “But it’s alright, I get it, you gotta keep me humble,” he added. Jacob was certainly someone who had his humbling experiences and it was safe to say some of his ego still remained intact despite it. 

Still, it warmed his heart to know Eren was excited to hang out at the carnival with him. It was the kind of positive reinforcement that told him he was doing something right. His gaze drifted toward Eren who was still playing the carnival game happily, “He was, huh...” he said quietly with a faint smile. It was a nice thing to know for someone who constantly felt like he was fucking things up. “What about you? Were you excited to hang out with me too?” He asked, brow raising slightly as he looked over at her with a knowing look. “Okay well first we’re winning this stupid teddy bear for you, then we’ll work on the trust thing, don’t worry,” He said with a teasing smile. “Work’s been good, I’ve got a few gigs around town so it’s been really nice. What about you — how’s the writing thing going?”

[jacobivarson]

esmerayozdemir​:

Aydin had always spoke about his employees or friends that filled the restaurant, telling her their stories and how proud he was of the progress everyone made. He’d tell her when someone had a set back or were able to move on from the restaurant and was able to get themselves a better job using him as a reference. It wasn’t unlikely that she had heard Jacob’s story a time or two however she wouldn’t know, her brother never put a name to the story. He always believe in keeping peoples stories their own… to many people were easily judged on things from their past so he wasn’t going to enable something like that. “I think it might run in the family.” She chuckled when Jacob asked her if she too was looking for something to fix. Ozdemir’s seemed to fall into two different categories, you were either a fixer or a destroyer. “Although there isn’t much looking required, Aydin was nice enough to leave me all of his own projects.” She sighed. 

“I don’t know if there would be much bliss in that.” She admitted “I mean never really moving forward in life, always remaining at a constant stand still?” She shook her head “I’m not sure that it’s honestly much of a life at all.” Esmeray wasn’t sure if she would really classify herself as a career women, more or less life just seemed to always get in the way. She had always wanted to be a parent but timing had never seemed right. She had only ever been in one really serious relationship in her life, in a position that she felt having a child could be a real option but she was in the midst of opening her own design business and he was a resident at the local hospital… there simply wasn’t time to discuss bringing a child into the mix. “I lived in Manhattan.” She informed him “Went to Pratt Institution in order to get a degree in design and just sorta found a place near campus.” She shrugged. There hadn’t really been much thought to her getting a place to stay besides the fact that Aydin did a background check on any and all apartments that she sent to him. 

“Ah now I can tell where your naming skills truly come from.” She chuckles when Jacob mentioned that he had a son. “Jam and Toast… those are actually the best animal names that I think I’ve ever heard.” She informs him. “If it matters I names the goldfish Mr.Butters… you know after peanut butter.” She laughs gently. The fish had been the only pet she had ever owned so although he only lasted a few days he still held a place in her heart for Mr,Butters. “Eren?” She asked with a smile “I actually have a nephew names Eren.” She smiled. “Well I mean not by blood… Aydin never had any children… at least that I know of… a friend from college had a kid pretty young so anytime we hung out he tagged along, cute kid… actually trying to convince her to bring him round for a visit.” She smiled. 

“Mr.Fuzzy Wuzzy is lactose intolerant.” She informed Jacob with an almost sad tone to her voice. “However I do not share the same dietary restrictions and am a sucker for cheesecake… add anything that shouldn’t be on a stick onto a stick and you’ve got my attention.” She laughed softly. 

-

“Aydin really is the gift that keeps on giving, I guess,” Jacob said with a faint chuckle. As much as he missed his friend, it was nice to have a similar energy coming from Esmeray. Everyone at the restaurant had suffered a major loss and more than that they were worried about their jobs and how they were going to support themselves and their family. Jacob wanted to ease their minds on the new boss and the more he got to know Esmeray, the more he felt like they were all in safe hands. 

“Good point,” Jacob agreed with a nod. He knew how mundane life could be once you got into a routine and routines often got old but he knew it could always be worse. If things were boring all the time then at least you could say it wasn’t that bad, right? At least that’s how Jacob saw things, which was why he felt so blessed with the second chance he had been given in life. When Esmeray said she lived in Manhattan, Jacob gave a playful scoff along with a dramatic eye roll for good measure, “Of course you’re from Manhattan,” He said, shaking his head at her with feigned disappointment before adding, “I’m just kidding, but you know how it is, Manhattan’s where all the tourists are from. The true New Yorkers would never.” Despite that, it was interesting to know that Esmeray had seemingly been around the same streets he requested. “So a degree in design — does that mean you’re gonna change everything inside the restaurant? Maybe new booths, new countertops, wallpaper...” he trailed off with an amused smile. If she had the background for it then it could certainly help the business. 

“I don ‘t know, Mr. Butters makes the fish sound way too important. Like he’s got two kids and a mortgage, you know?” Jacob said trying not to laugh but he had to admit it was a funny name for a goldfish. “Really? It’s not a name you hear everyday, maybe you know his ma — Nazli?” He figured it wouldn’t be too outrageous and would only confirm how small of a world it actually was out there. After all, Jacob had pretty much checked out of Eren and Nazli’s life for years when his drug use had reached its peak. It had only been within the last six months that he had been able to prove himself capable of being a decent person and a decent father. Given that, if Esmeray knew Nazli and Eren he wouldn’t help but feel a little more intimidated since he wasn’t quite sure how Nazli explained his absence in their son’s life — if she had given the cold hard truth of saved him some embarrassment with a white lie. 

“Right, of course he is...” Jacob said with a hint of a grin as he played along with their new teddy bear friend. “Good, because I’m pretty much a sucker for anything deep fried or dipped in chocolate,” He had a major sweet tooth so the fair was going to be a very nice treat for him. Heading towards the food booth, Jacob went right up to the front and ordered a deep fried cheesecake on a stick and some deep fried Oreos for good measure. “I know this is gonna clog my arteries but you’ve got me covered on the health insurance plan right?” He joked with a. soft laugh before popping an Oreo into his mouth. 

[jacobivarson]

nazliaydemir​:

— setting: the end of summer carnival — availability: closed starter for jacob ivarson | ( @jacobivarson​ )

eren was excited to hit the carnival, especially after being told his father would be joining them. he had long passed the phase of asking why his dad wasn’t around, and, although he didn’t fully understand his mother’s reasons for being hesitant around jacob, the young boy usually didn’t make a scene whenever she said his dad wasn’t coming or he hadn’t called. but he was a curious child, and he wanted to get to know jacob. at least, she could see that this time, jacob was making an effort to remain clean. it meant something to her.

she smiled upon seeing jacob at their meeting spot and raised one hand to wave at him. eren looked at her as if silently asking if it was okay to say hello. nazli let go of his hand and brushed his dark strands away from his face. “go on, say hello. it’s okay.” the eight year old hesitantly hugged jacob, then took a step back. ‘hey dad…’ although nazli gave them some space to chat, she still hung around close enough, in case eren felt like leaving or uncomfortable or something. “do you guys feel like hitting the arcade games? eren is really good at whack-a-mole.”

-

The carnival seemed to be a second chance for Jacob to finally step up and prove to Nazli that he was capable of not only staying clean but helping them form some makeshift version of a family for Eren. That’s all he wanted these days, to right some of his wrongs and start fresh. So when he saw Eren and Nazli across the way, he couldn’t help the easy smile that lit up his features. “What’s up, little man — you been takin’ care of your ma’?” Jacob said, welcoming the hug as he bent down slightly to wrap his arms around his son and give him a tight squeeze. “You get taller every time I see ya, one of these days you’re gonna be taller than me,” he said with a faint chuckle and a tousle of Eren’s hair before Nazli asked about the arcade. “What do you think? Should we see who can get the most stuffed animals...” His words trailed off as he returned his attention towards Nazli, “Hope you got an empty shelf for the prizes we’re about to win you,” He said, keeping things light. 

Truthfully, he wasn’t quite sure how Nazli felt about him but he was hoping to keep the peace and make the coparenting work. All he knew was that despite all the other shit going on in his life, the last six months had been the happiest he’d ever been. Spotting the row of games just a short distance away, Jacob grabbed Eren’s hand and kept his eyes on Nazli until they reached the first booth — whack-a-mole. Pulling out his wallet, Jacob handed over some cash to the carnival worker and gave Eren a nod to go right ahead and give it a shot. As Eren went ahead, Jacob looked on as he spoke to Nazli, “So how’ve I been doing so far. Better, right?” He said, sneaking a glance her way with a faint smile. He knew the conditions when it came to being in his son’s life and even though he had his relapses in the past, this was the longest Jacob had stayed clean and he was hoping to keep it that way. “So much better I’m this close to stealing your heart again...” He said jokingly, emphasizing the words as he easily fell back into the teasing from their past. 

[jacobivarson]

esmerayozdemir​:

“It was his favorite past time.” She spoke when Jacob had mentioned that helping others could be pretty fulfilling in itself “I don’t think that he would have been happy only living life for himself.” She admitted “He always needed someone to try and fix.” She spoke. It wasn’t a bad thing, her brother had helped a lot of people in his life, herself included in that but there was still a part of her that wished he had done more to help himself. A part of her that wished he had been selfish and cared for himself an ounce as much as he seemed to care for those around him. 

“They also don’t have a brain capable of holding memories.” She inserted her own little fact into the mix. “And if they did I’m sure that they would remember that their life in that glass cup on my kitchen counter was far superior to the life that they had sitting in a plastic bag out in the unforgiving summer sun.” She hummed, a smile clear on her own lips. She had been heart broken when Alfalfa, the fish, had passed but since then she had come to terms with the loss. “Man-child boyfriend… you must be familiar with my exes.” She joked. “No no children… up until six months I was focusing heavily on a career so there wasn’t exactly time to pop out a baby or two.” She spoke “Same goes for pets.” She hummed “I’m a firm believer that if you’re going to have an animal than you need to be around to tend to them… nothing I hate more than going to some ones house and seeing their dog stuck in a cage all day.” She said shaking her head “Thought about a cat once or twice but never went any further than that.” She admitted “And my most recent relationship came to a halting stop when I suddenly picked up my life in New York and made the move back to Port Whitley… uprooting your entire life in one night doesn’t exactly do wonders for a relationship.” She informs Jacob as if it was something that needed to be spoken out loud. 

“Mr. Fuzzy Wuzzy classifies as a prestigious name to you?” She asked with a chuckle clear in her throat “With naming skills like that I sure hope that you aren’t responsible for any form of living breathing organisms.” She laughs. She was obviously only joking. She was curious about who Jacob had in his life but this was her way of asking without doing just that. 

She looked the bear over for a moment “Well he does check off all the boxes for that to be a fitting name… he is in fact fuzzy and if I knew what wuzzy actually meant I’m sure that he would check that box as well.”

-

“Oh I believe it,” Jacob nodded in confirmation with an amused expression across his features that slowly subsided. While Aydin had been completely understanding and empathetic to a lot of the worker’s situations at the restaurant, it did cause a bout of curiosity to arise within Jacob and one thing came to mind — did Aydin tell her about him? More specifically about his past that had been riddled with drug usage and a criminal record to match. At this point, Jacob tried not to think too much about it. Whether she knew or not, he couldn’t change things, and it was her choice to keep him on the payroll or not. “What about you? Are you looking for something to fix too?” He asked with the raise of his brow. Perhaps she was only interested in fixing up the restaurant, in that case, Jacob knew he could be a tremendous asset and he hoped he’d be able to stick around for it.

“Yeah but goldfish brain might be more of a positive thing — I mean think of how happy you’d be if every seven seconds you started fresh with a clean slate. Not a care in the world...” There would always be some comfort in ignorance, Jacob thought. “Alright, a career woman, I can respect that. I can maybe even overlook the goldfish murdering part of your life, too,” He joked with a knowing grin. “But yeah, I get it. Having kids or a relationship or even pets is a big responsibility and it’s not for everyone,” Jacob knew how difficult being a parent could be, mostly because he had started off as a pretty shitty one, but he also knew all that mattered was waking up and trying your best. It’s what his mother had done for him and his siblings and it’s what he was trying to do for his own kid now too. “What part of New York did you live in? I was born and raised in Queens, but needed a change, you know, something quieter without all the noise and I ended up here,” Or without all the temptation seemed to be more like it. Getting clean had been difficult, but the move to Port Whitley had made that transition easier even if he missed his hometown. 

As Esmeray questioned him about what qualified as a prestigious name, without missing a beat Jacob responded, “Absolutely it does.” He added a firm nod and managed a straight face for all but three seconds before he gave way to faint laughter. “I actually have a son, his name’s Eren and I’ve also got a dog and a cat — Toast and Jam, respectively,” He knew it sounded stupid but in his defense his younger siblings had also helped with the names and since he was the oldest he had the power of confirmation and those were the names that ended up sticking. “See, what’d I tell you? I’m amazing at picking out names,” he said, unable to help the smug expression that now lit up his features. “Hey do you and Mr. Fuzzy Wuzzy wanna grab a drink or maybe a fried cheesecake on a stick?” He offered, if only because he wasn’t having the worst time in Esmeray’s company and he figured he’d cling to the feeling for a little while longer if she’d allow him.

[jacobivarson]

SEBASTIAN STAN via Jessica Chastain’s instagram

[jacobivarson]

asherxbennett​:

Jacob was someone Asher found that was more than willing to help around the restaurant, and despite knowing the man from his life in New York, the two weren’t really friends and lost contact over the years. So it was more than nice to have stumbled upon the man and now manage to build some sort of relationship, even if just small and simple one. “Oh I have no doubt about that, Jacob. It’s the type of skill I have never seen before in my life,” the man teased the other, a small smirk on his face while doing so. They weren’t betting too much money, so Asher wasn’t really worried about winning or losing, this was all more about the fun and nothing else. “Oh so I see your angle on this. You are using me to score later tonight, I see how it is,” Asher snorted with a shake of his head. “Dude, last time I played darts it didn’t end up that well. Someone was sent to the hospital – And it wasn’t my fault, let me just clear that out.”

-

As the sarcasm dripped from every work Asher said, Jacob only rolled his eyes with an amused smile, “You better stop flirting with me like that, Asher,” He joked as he set his pool stick back on the rack, calling it quits on the game for now. Despite the fact that he and Asher weren’t the best of friends back in New York, it was safe to say they were probably different people now and therefore were better off meeting again when they had their shit together. At least that’s how Jacob saw things and he was fairly grateful for the friendship too. “It’s not called using, it’s called helping a guy out on a rough night. It’s the least you can do after robbin’ me outta a hundred bucks tonight,” He’d recover from the loss, that much Jacob was sure of, besides he was actually fun tonight and as much as he knew he should have slowed down, he had never been very good at that, “How about I buy us the next round of drinks and we call it an end to the pool game, deal?” However, before Asher even answered, Jacob was already making his way toward the bar to order that round of drinks, “Right, of course it wasn’t your fault,” he said with a chuckle and the shake of his head since he didn’t actually believe him.

[jacobivarson]

carmensxnchez​:

Carmen didn’t want word to get back to her boss and have them dock her pay or maybe not let her have as many shifts as she currently had. It was why she would lay her apology on thick and be the best waitress that she could be for the client who’d been unfortunate enough to hear her little outburst in regards to another customer of hers. “I know, sugar solves everything apart from tooth decay.” She said with a grimace and then shook her head because she really needed to start thinking before she opened her mouth. “The pie won’t do that, though and it’s worth… You know what, let me stop.” She said with a laugh. At this point, she wouldn’t expect a tip from him either. It would shocking if he didn’t get her written up. “I’m Carmen.” She said with a soft smile. “I promise to be a lot better and maybe keep the conversation to just your orders.”

-

“Yeah, that’s what my dentist keeps reminding me...” Jacob trailed off with a knowing smile. Though he’d argue it had been his two sister’s influence that he ate so many sweets and now had somewhat of an addition for anything sugary. “Hey, it’s alright, seriously, you’re all good. Sometimes I just really gotta shut my pie hole and give people their peace,” Now he was blushing slightly with embarrassment. Jacob was a people person so he liked chatting people’s ears off but he really didn’t want to cause any trouble for this woman at work, he was just simply making some friendly banter. “But it’s nice to meet ya, Carmen. Don’t change a thing, I like talking, sometimes a little too much but if you don’t mind then I don’t mind.”

[jacobivarson]

esmerayozdemir​:

At first Esmeray hadn’t even noticed that it was Jacob who was playing the game. To lost in her own head to really pay him much attention, however when the man spoke she glanced up at him with a smile on her face. She couldn’t help but chuckle when the man’s second throw wasn’t as successful as his last, forcing him to change his attituded and chalking the first throw up to luck more than the skill he was claiming to have at the start of their conversation. “He was always one for helping out others instead of realizing his own true potential.” She admitted. She was sure that it was nothing that Jacob didn’t already know if he had spent any sort of time around her brother that was pretty clear.

She cheered for him lightly when the third throw landed around the neck of the bottle, meaning that he at least would be taking a prize home for his skill… or luck whichever you preferred to call it. “Luck or not you still managed to thrive at a game that is nearly unbeatable.” She laughs softly. 

Esmeray laughed when Jacob called her a goldfish killer “Hey I’m still saying that it wasn’t my fault at all.” She hummed “I mean who in their right minds just hands an eight year old and a thirteen year old a fish in a bag?” She smiled lightly when Jacob extended the bear out for her to take. Usually she would insist that perhaps he should give it to a family member or a child walking around the fair who hadn’t gotten a prize despite emptying their own pockets or perhaps their parents. However in the moment she wanted to be selfish, it had been a while since anyone had won her a carnival prize. She took the bear with a permanent smile fixed on her lips “You know I’ll try.” She hums “He might look like he’d be harder to kill but I’m not really great with that whole nurturing thing.” She laughs with a shake of her head, looking the little guy over. 

“You won it though so I think that it’s only right that you name hum yeah?”

-

“And he had a lot of potential, huh?” Jacob said, brow raising slightly with a knowing look. Esmeray knew Aydin better than he did so he was sure she understood him far more, but the short period of time that Jacob did know Aydin, all he could say were nice things about the guy. It was good to know that he wasn’t the only one. “Besides, sometimes helping others reach their own potential can be pretty fulfilling, too, I’d guess” Aydin had certainly taken a chance on him and he would always be grateful for that. It seemed that same level of gratitude was extending towards Esmeray now.

“Yeah well, what can I say, I’m lucky,” Jacob said with a chuckle before shaking his head with modesty. “Okay accidental goldfish killer,” Jacob corrected, doing his best to keep a straight face but his lips curled at the ends into an amused smile all but two seconds after the words left his mouth. “To be fair, I don’t think goldfish have a long life span to begin with so maybe you put it out of its misery,” Although he could agree, no one should have been giving a child a pet to take care of. “You’re not a nurturer? So no kids? No pets? No... I don’t know, manchild boyfriend?” Truth be told, Jacob was only half-teasing. Esmeray didn’t come up a lot whenever he talked to Aydin so he it was nice getting to know her after all this time. 

When Esmeray agreed to keep the bear on one condition, Jacob nodded his head and figured it was only fair. “Alright, I can do that. He’s gonna need something prestigious that really captures his energy...” His words trailed off as he thought for a moment before settling on something, “I got it — Mr. Fuzzy Wuzzy,” He worse a wide smile, a little too amused with himself. He was pretty sure his youngest brother had a similar teddy bear with the same name which was why it came to mind. 

[jacobivarson]

esmerayozdemir​:

Port Whitley’s End of Summer Carnival

Midday

Open @pwstarters​ (Capping at 4 replies)

Port Whitley’s End of Summer Carnival had always been a staple in Esmeray’s life. Aydin would take her every year growing up even if they had to jump the fencing at the back to make it in. It had become such a staple in their lives that Esmeray had even found herself flying in from New York while away at school to attend at least one day with him. This would be her first year attending without her brother… however that wouldn’t stop her from enjoying in all of the traditions that they usually enjoyed together. 

Currently she found herself stood at the ring toss game, it had always bee Aydin’s favorite. She had always found the game near impossible, Aydin being the only person that she had ever actually seen win the damn thing. She watched as countless people threw rings, failing to toss them onto the necks of the bottles until one finally landed. She looked up across the game to the person who had managed to win.

“You know you’re the only person that I’ve ever seen actually win at this game.” She said with a light laugh “My brother managed to back when we were kids, won me a little goldfish, you know when people thought that keeping fish in little baggies out in the blazing sun all day was acceptable.” She chuckled shaking her head “It’s no wonder it died three days later… well it was either that or the fact that we put him in a drinking glass because we were kids and didn’t own a fish tank.” She spoke, rambling at this point.

-

Carnivals were supposed to be fun, but when Jacob’s aunt seemingly denied him when he asked to take his little brother to the carnival in town, Jacob’s mood had plummeted. After all, the whole reason why he even started over and came to Port Whitley to be closer to his little brother, and here he was, alone. He figured he’d win the little guy a stuffed animal or a gold fish and drop it off at his aunt’s house to salvage the short end of the stick he was dealt, however, when the person next to him seemed to compliment him on his ring toss, Jacob flashed a smile, “You know, it’s all in the wrist,” He said, mimicking another toss as he tried not to give himself away with an amused laugh but failed miserably. When his next ring toss inevitably failed and landed on the ground, Jacob succumbed to the truth, “Alright, maybe 20% in the wrist and 80% luck,” He added with a chuckle. 

Jacob had one more toss but listened as Esmeray spoke about Aydin. It was weird to hear about him still, his passing had come as a surprise but it was nice to know he lived on even if it was only in their memories now. “Is that right? Aydin had an arm on him and he decided to open a restaurant instead of heading to the big leagues? What a missed opportunity,” He joked with a warm smile. Despite the fact that Jacob was trying to focus on getting his last ring around the neck of one of the bottles in front of him, he still managed to listen to Esmeray’s little story about her gold fish. As she continued, his amusement was clearly written all over his face but before he said anything else, he gave the ring a toss and lucky enough for him it wrapped around one of the bottle’s necks. 

With a small bout of boastfulness, Jacob wore a smug look across his face as he took the small stuffed teddy bear from the booth worker. “Alright, goldfish killer, looks like this lil guy’s all yours then,” He said, handing her the bear with a nod. Even though five minutes ago Jacob had been in a terrible mood, now he was feeling an uplift and that had been Esmeray’s doing so the least he could do was give her his prize, it wasn’t as if he’d find much use for it now anyway.