jordanbh

[jordanbh]

text 📲 vivian zhang

viv: food trucks are always a good option. there's a new one downtown that's been incredible!

viv: two months will fly by, i'm sure. luckily nothing permanent, too, i can't imagine how stressful it's all been though

jordan: yeah i've heard about it!

jordan: its been pretty stressful, can't deny that. but im learning to adjust, a lot more others had it worst so, im lucky

jordan: speaking of food trucks.. i was wondering if you wanted to try it out with me?

[jordanbh]

text 📲 vivian zhang

jordan: yeah, actually 😅

jordan: sorta got trampled, sorta fractured my wrist!

jordan: guess i'll be... microwaving food for now

viv: omg shit that sounds awful. though i can say microwave food is a lot better than it used to be

viv: how long are you out of commission for?

jordan: or.. a good food truck! i've been lazy about cooking these days, being out of commission and everything.

jordan: i'm out for two months at the most, which isn't too bad.. all things considered

[jordanbh]

text 📲 vivian zhang

viv: hey! i'm doing alright, made it through without any issues. did you get caught up in any of it?

jordan: yeah, actually 😅

jordan: sorta got trampled, sorta fractured my wrist!

jordan: guess i'll be... microwaving food for now

[jordanbh]

livsaeli​:

closed starter for @jordanbh at Horizons

Six p.m. on a Sunday was a terrible time to go grocery shopping. Everyone was home from work, church, and/or other responsibilities which meant everyone and their mother needed to get groceries for the week. If things were different she would have came on Thursday before work, but cravings didn’t follow schedules and her craving required the one thing that should have been in her pantry but wasn’t for whatever reason. Liv was weaving through the aisles, past the deli and and bakery, all the way to the spices and condiments. As she drew closer to her destination, the bottle of peanut sauce was like a lighthouse in the dark. If not for the fact that a mother with a baby stroller was just a few feet away, Liv might have lunged to grab that last bottle. She just grabbed it, dropping it into her basket when she practically wheeled into a familiar face. “Shit. I’m sorry-” she paused at the look on Jordan’s face, his eyes were looking right at her basket. She narrowed her eyes, readying to defend her find, “- were you looking for a bottle, too?”

                         Since being subjected to a cast for the past month, Jordan had been feeling incredibly limited. He had been able to get by these days with his chin up, banking on his endless optimism, but nothing about how today went would give him any sort of break. Getting ready for the day took forever as he kept knocking things over, frustrated with even putting a shirt on. Perhaps this is what people meant by starting off the day right, as most of Jordan’s days just seemed to start on the wrong foot as of late. He wonders if it was really just about the cast, but he can’t bare to pay mind to it as it was already the main thing running his life. In any case, Jordan figures cooking some comfort food was just the thing he needed to relax. Despite his limitations, the chef knows he can dish out some Thai food according to his cravings. After all, his family at one point craved Thai food for nearly an entire month— it was going to be easy and that’s all what Jordan needed at the moment, something easy.

As he makes his way down the condiments aisle, Jordan takes his time examining through the various labels before him. When he spots the last peanut sauce jar, he smiles in relief, only to pause in place when he feels a sudden force pass him and grab it within a blink of an eye. The act was shocking, causing Jordan to go speechless as he wordlessly turns to the person who grabbed it. He’s somewhere in between surprised and relieved to see Liv, but it doesn’t take away his intense focus on the jar in her basket. “Yeah... actually,” he answers, his tone light but serious at the same time. “And... you took the last one, even though I was clearly eying it first.” 

[jordanbh]

travisxstrickland​:

~

He picked up the spoon, taking a sip of the soup, a happy groan leaving his throat. He was so happy to be having anything other than Jell-O, but it was helped by the fact that it was one of the best soups he’d ever had. “This is amazing. I don’t even have better words for it than that, and it doesn’t do it justice.” He nodded at Jordan’s next words, understanding that perfectly. “It’s a great reminder of the fact that maybe I should be slightly careful.” He’d had his own fair share of dark thoughts in the past year, but when it came down to it he wanted to try to enjoy what time he had on this Earth. “Not too long. Not much they can really do for me other than pack me up and send me home to sit around some more. Though, between you and me, I will not be doing that as much as they want me to.”

                Jordan smiled softly as he watched Travis eat, complimenting him to no end. He had been praised many times before, but it never got old. Hearing good reviews was always music to his ears. At Travis’ protest to following doctors orders, Jordan chuckles, crossing his arms as he eyes him teasingly. “Then you should probably get yourself a girlfriend if you don’t plan on recovering according to your doctors orders,” he lectures jokingly, taking a few steps closer. “‘cus this?” he points, gesturing to the food. “It’s a one time deal.”

[jordanbh]

nikmarek​:

+

         “It’s a lot of juggling and making sure that there’s enough time. Shockingly, there never seems to be enough and I’m left baking at the early hours of the morning so it’s a bit of a touch and go.” She’d get the balance soon enough but the money was good and her daughter was in daycare most of the week so she could catch up on some sleep during the day. “I would say so. It’s hard to keep the kitchen clean and in order. Especially with a child who loves to play with the Tupperware and open every cupboard.” she said with a shake of her head. A hand fell onto her daughter’s head, pushing some brown hair from her face. “This is Ivy. Short for Ivana.” She said as she looked at him and smiled. “Cake!” The little girl replied without second thought. 

                        Jordan smiles, a short chuckle escaping as he could imagine the chaos of trying to cook around a toddler. He was definitely the type of chef that demanded order along with a certain type of ambiance while he worked— in which cooking with Nik would be quite the challenge. He looked forward to it, given it was actually going to happen. He figured people these days just said things to be nice, but she seemed genuine and interested in his food— which flattered him, incredibly. “Cake?” he answers back, just as enthused as she was. He then looks up at Nik, sighing. “Baking is definitely not one of my strong suits, which I think can call for a fair trade? I’d be interested in learning what you can teach me, you know... student to student.” 

[jordanbh]

selinturan​:

+

          Selin is both relieved and stressed to see the male. A part of her worries that maybe he’s here to warn her that he’s taking her comment seriously and coming to speak to her bosses about her endless thirst for alcohol. The other part hopes that maybe he’s here to speak more about what was shared and to provide her a way to clarify. As they stepped out, she peers over at him and nods silently. If she spoke, she worried that her voice would crack open and show the worry and fear. “Jordan,” she breathes out in relief, reaching out to touch him in the hopes it adds some reassurance. “I would never tell anyone your secret. Even when you’re ready, it isn’t my place and I’m happy that you came here. I was hoping for the same curtesy. I know what I said made it seem horrible but I can assure you that I come into work with a clear mind. It’s a priority of mine.”

                      Jordan knows he’s silly to ask for reassurance from someone like Selin. Despite their relationship to be far from what it used to be, he knows her to be trustworthy and kind— far from the type that would enact his deepest fears. Still, when she does reassure him, he feels this immense amount of pressure being lifted from his shoulders, ultimately glad he asked anyway. When she asks for the same in return, Jordan’s unable to hide his confusion. He knows what she’s asking, but he can’t help but shake his head immediately, reaching out his arm to reassure her himself. “Selin, I never gave it a second thought that you would... you know,” he waves his hand, gesturing to nothing in particular. “I trust you, I’ve always trusted you. That won’t change no matter the secret or amount of liquor.”

[jordanbh]

alarakczen​:

—

     As a teenager, Alara had dreamed in fairytales and fallacy, books that her father had read to her creating an idea of her perfect life; a best friend who became her husband and a beautiful home filled with their children, where decades of memories would one day be passed onto the generations after them. Jordan had become her friend, then her best friend and eventually, the man she saw herself having that life with. She adored him, every part of who he was and who he wanted to be, Alara wanted to be by his side. They were young, but her dreams were never a secret — She wanted to be a mother, she wanted to be a wife. 

Had it not been for her father, then maybe she would still be waiting for those things from him. The man, who had passed away near the end of their relationship, had seen the signs before anyone else. His indifference and the hesitations rising red-coloured flags, prompting Berat to speak to his daughter. Don’t wait, he had repeated in the days leading up to his infinite sleep. Don’t wait for him, Alara had been confused. Don’t wait for anyone, he made her promise and she did. 

Only after he died had she started to see the signs of doubt. Pushing those conversations aside, exiting them as soon as possible and avoiding them at all costs. Something happened, but she didn’t understand what. Or why. For a few more months she hung on and then, she let him go. An emotional goodbye sealed by peace in her heart, knowing that the decision was the best decision for her. They deserved to be happy. With, or without each other, she wanted him to have everything he ever desired. If that meant no marriage and no children, then she was happy to let him go. She never wanted to convince someone to marry her, or to have her children.

In the weeks and months following their break up, Aly had moved back in with her mom. She had gone through every part of their relationship to find out where she went wrong, to understand why she couldn’t see what blocks stood in their way. But his words, they finally made the pieces fall together, answers becoming obvious as he spoke. There was pain in his voice, shame maybe, but either way, Aly looked at him with empathy and warmth. What happened all those months ago no longer seemed important and while she said nothing, Alara stood up and moved to be next to Jordan, embracing him in a long and supportive hug. 

“I’m proud of you, Jordan.” She smiled, “I only ever wanted you to be happy.” She explained, releasing him after a while. Almost instantly she took his hands, squeezing them to let him know that everything was okay. “You never needed to explain, Jord. I could tell something was up, but I never needed to know what. We didn’t want the same things and that’s okay.” And even if they did, her dreams would have been shattered. “You and I, we deserve happiness. You deserve to explore every part of who you are and if you’re discovering something new, or are embracing a different part of yourself, then I’m with you.” She whispered as if other people were listening. “Every step of the way, you have my support.” 

                     Jordan didn’t know what to say, sitting there in Alara’s embrace. He was hesitant, but he slowly brought his arms around her to reciprocate. He was gentle, but after a moment, he laid is head against hers, squeezing his eyes shut as his embrace tightened. It had felt like a ton of bricks had just been lifted off his back, sighing in relief as the silence deepened between them, even if it was only for a short minute. He was almost overwhelmed. In truth, Jordan wasn’t expecting Alara to embrace him. He wasn’t sure what to expect at all, but hugging her in this moment felt like his best friend had just welcomed him home after an extremely long drive. It was the only way he could describe it, really. Alara was the embodiment of everything he had put on hold for the sake of fear and judgement. He was terrified of what she would think, but at this moment, he felt like he could finally relax after holding his breath for so many years.

After she parts from him, Jordan can’t help but feel exposed. He can hear her talking, but there’s this numbness going through him that’s struggling to accept the fact that he no longer has to hide such a huge part of himself. In some strange way, it was comforting holding onto something for this long— and now that he’s without it, well... Jordan presumes this is what vulnerability feels like. It’s strange and uncomfortable, but it’s Alara’s words that awaken him, finding himself nodding as he tightens his grip on her hands. “Thank you,” he manages to get out, his voice strained and tired. “Thank you for saying that.” He looks up at her, finally, the corner of his glassy eyes squinting as he smiles softly. “I thought a lot about how you might respond...” he nods, his thumb rubbing the top of her palm. “Sometimes, I imagined you said something like that, and... hearing it in person has to be a million times better.” 

[jordanbh]

masoncollins​:

-

Mason laughed and nodded. “I guess it is.” He said and waited for the response about him not hitting his head. “Good, that’s a good thing. Head injuries are a bitch.” He said and looked down at the tape and cardboard and nodded. “Yeah, it’s definitely is going to hurt.” He said and frowned slightly. “There isn’t much I can do for the pain unfortunately but it should be over pretty quick and they can give you the good stuff once we get you to the medical tent and then off to the hospital.” He said as he looked towards the other. “Are you ready?” He asked before lining the makeshift splint up and doing his best to be quick but gentle with any movement of the wrist, wrapping tape to keep it together. “There.” He said as soon as he was done. He grabbed the cloth sling and used it to keep the other’s arm immobile. “Let’s get you over to the medical tent and then we can both go get our arms checked out.” He said, alluding to his own arm injury.

                       Jordan nodded carefully as he explained, bracing himself as his ‘savior’ lined his forearm with the splint, wincing as the pain immediately triggered a response. “...Fuck,” Jordan mutters, falling into a chuckle at how painful it felt. He follows the other carefully, getting to his feet as they make their way over to the tents. “Thanks,” he manages to get out as they come to a bench, taking a seat promptly. He then looks up at his helper, wanting to speak before he left to go help more people “I’m Jordan, by the way. I appreciate the help,” he asks, a bit eager to know his name. 

[jordanbh]

text 📲 vivian zhang

jordan: hey vivian! sorry if this is out of no where. just wanted to check in, see how you've been since the fair!

[jordanbh]

reyabeharry​:

-

“My bubble is un-fucking poppable,” she declared, throwing her one free arm into the air. She climbed in the car and sat herself down, pulling the seat belt across her lap. “Rebellious phase?” she questioned with a raised eyebrow. She rolled her eyes as he made a comment about being in school too. “Fucking hell Jay, you didn’t have to come, phones come with this button that turns the sound off you know,” she stated. “In fact just let me out here and I’ll make my own way home so you can get your precious fucking sleep,” she said. Drunk Reya was fun, until she turned into angry Reya and in all honesty that did not take much at all.

                      Jordan immediately rolled his eyes at her voicing what he should’ve done, the grip he had on the door tightening. “Oh get fucking real, do you really think I’d abandon you? I’m just asking for some accountability here,” he sighs sharply, eyes darting towards the direction they came, subconsciously making sure no one was around. “—By the way, your drinking is not getting very subtle,” he adds quickly, gesturing towards her. “Do you really think mom and dad aren’t going to find out? If you keep this up, they will and you’ll be in deep shit.”

[jordanbh]

addiewiggins​:

-

Addie knew she probably shouldn’t treat Jordan as a free therapist but if she bought the drinks then that was some kind of payment right? Addie being quiet was always a warning sign, sometimes it was a warning that she was about to do something unpredictable or sometimes, like today, it meant that she had something on her mind. She scoffed as he acted like it was normal to live off your parents in your twenties, “barely, I’m almost thirty,” she groaned, signing dramatically. “I don’t exactly have a purpose,” she stated, “like I’m not saying I should be a president or some shit, I just mean, like what is the end goal?”

                       Jordan pursed his lips together, nodding softly at her question. Despite not being around her all the time, Addie did seem to have a lot on her mind; and after hearing her ask about her purpose, it became clear to him just what she had been thinking. Jordan, too, wondered about his purpose. In fact, it used to plague him back in high school around his junior year when college was ‘just around the corner’. It used to affect him so much that his mother had to sit him down and reorient his priorities. He smiles to himself, knowing Addie’s about to hear the same speech he heard, with a modern —inability to remember exactly what she said— twist. “I know this sounds dumb, but... it’s not that serious,” he chuckles, his tone light and genuine. “What I mean to say is that life up until now has convinced you that you need a purpose— that we must pick ‘the perfect career’ in order to live a life that’s fulfilled.” Jordan shrugs, fingers tapping against the glass of his drink. “I’m sorry to say that it’s just not true. —I’ve been thinking about that lately, actually,” he pauses, taking a quick swig. “I mean, think about it: if there was answer to finding purpose, would there be wars? Hate and violence?” Jordan shakes his head, deciding he was getting off topic. “You being here already means everything, what more could there be asked of you? You just gotta do what you love and hope for the best.” 

[jordanbh]

travisxstrickland​:

~

“Butternut squash is underrated.” He said with a grin, shifting in the bed until he found a spot that was as comfortable as he was going to be able to make it, grinning at the bowl of soup, his stomach grumbling loudly. “You’re my hero. I mean that, by the way. Soup and chocolate mousse? I’m on cloud 9.” Everything smelled delicious, and just having anything that wasn’t Jell-O was bolstering his spirits as he winced when Jordan showed his arm. “Jesus, that doesn’t look fun. Nor does getting trampled sound like any kind of good time.” He had heard from a few different people now that they had been trampled, everyone looking to flee from the chaos at the same time. “How’s it been with the cast? Annoying as all hell?”

                  Jordan grinned, placing the bowl closer. “You’re very welcome,” he chuckles, setting the spoon on the side, allowing Travis to... “go to town.” He then steps back slightly, shrugging when he asks him about the cast. Jordan sighs, nodding. “It’s honestly the worst,” he expresses, unable to hold back a humorless chuckle. “I know I’m not bed ridden or anything, but I’ve been out of work for a few weeks already and it’s sort of driving me insane.” He then rests against the counter behind him, looking at his cast for a moment. “It’s one of those— didn’t realize how much I appreciate my able-ness moments, for sure.” After a beat he then looks up, observing Travis for a moment. “How long are you gonna be stuck here?”

[jordanbh]

alarakczen​:

—

     The deterioration of her comfort wasn’t made much easier by the few words he spoke; her mind ravaged her guilty conscience, her body physically ached from stress and she wondered how anyone did the aftermath like a normal human being. Those last few months of the year before was a perilous journey up and down emotional mountains, most of which were spent running or stumbling around for sanity. Her confusion and questions saw Jordan caught up in the ride, unfairly dragged into the mess she had created. Alara frowned in the silence, playing with her thumbs as she thought about ways to leave without coming across rude. She hadn’t handled this well, it was unlikely that she would fair much better with anything else.

It’s why she looked up slowly when he mentioned wanting to tell her something. Her teeth sank into her lower lip and she inched forward on the couch, managing a small smile. “Is everything okay?” She asked for the second, maybe third time. Alara was concerned, his admission of remaining alone all these years had had wondering why. He was a great man and anyone would be lucky to spend the rest of their life with him, “You can tell me …” She saw the stress behind his eyes and leaned forward, placing a hand on his knee. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

                     Jordan used to go through all the reasons why he did and didn’t want Alara to know about his sexuality. He had killed himself over it for a very long time, and perhaps their lack of contact since sleeping together helped him regain some consciousness in deciding that... she didn’t have to know. Jordan used to imagine that there was some alternate universe where he was in a relationship with another man, posting pictures together online like any other couple would. He figured it was the way she’d find out— perhaps saying ‘I knew it’ to herself as she scrolled past his photos. His imagination was uselessly detailed, but it was useless information like this that helped him decide that her knowing was only for him. No one knew what their relationship was like except for them, so he couldn’t imagine explaining himself to someone why he wanted Alara to know. So instead of thinking she had to know, Jordan decided she deserved to— even after all this time. 

“...Alara,” he started, exhaling out a deep breath as he scooted forward, taking her hands in his. “I want you to know that I’ve always wanted to the same things you wanted.” He starts subconsciously patting her hand, feeling his chest begin to tighten from how nervous he felt. He wondered, for a moment, if she could feel him shaking. “From the very beginning— even when it was too early to talk about kids and our own home... I really did want it and I’m sorry I made you believe I didn’t.” He pauses, unable to look her in the eye. His grip tightens for a moment, releasing it shortly after as he begins to speak again. “I said I didn’t because... I wanted something else, and I was afraid if we got married and had kids... that I’d never get the chance to...” Finding it difficult to continue, Jordan releases his hold on her, bringing his hands to run through his hair. He remains quiet for a few beats, breaking out into a humorless chuckle. “—Sorry, I just... I don’t know how to say this...” For a moment, Jordan finds himself hiding his face behind his hands, elbows digging into his knees as he tries to find the right words. He realizes, however, there probably aren’t any right words, much like how there’s never a perfect time. Heaving a deep breath, the chef looks up at her, slowly sitting up straight. “Alara, I’m... I’m into men— not just men,” he corrects, gulping softly. “...I’m bi.”

[jordanbh]

selinturan​:

+

           Selin knew there were conversations to be had. As someone who normally drank a lot, she was pretty good at keeping her mouth shut while she was intoxicated but Jordan had cracked her open and gotten confessions out of her that she had sworn to keep to herself. “Hey! Yes, we can talk.” Of course she had an inkling of what this could be. “That’s… wow.” The brunette took the donuts and then looked down at them. “These are going to be appreciated. Did you want to walk around outside? I’ve got a small break.” She didn’t want to rush him because she didn’t know if he was actually ready to speak but this was the best she could offer him right now.

                         At the mention of going outside, Jordan relaxed, nodding almost immediately. “Yeah— yeah, I’d like that,” he breathes in, allowing her to lead the way. Hands still gripping the box, Jordan takes a moment to wipe his hands on the side of his leg, feeling them perspire. His hands always tended to get a little sweaty whenever he got nervous, as he noticed he was getting more of, the further they were from the building. He had come to see Selin for a reason, and although this wasn’t going to be the first time he addressed... it— he was still nervous. When they came to a stop, Jordan takes a deep breath in order to calm himself, waiting for her to face him so he could start speaking. “Selin... I came by because I wanted to ask you for a favor.” Clearing his throat, Jordan begins shifting his gaze to their surroundings in an effort to ease his anxiety, unable to truly face her as he spoke. “I know you’re not the type to... spill secrets. I just wanted to ask you in person if you could ....keep what happened between us... a secret.” He pauses, gathering his words. “I haven’t had the chance... the courage, really, to tell anyone— I mean, my sister sort of... anyway—”

[jordanbh]

nikmarek​:

+

          Nik nodded her head. “That’s basically the title that I use when I pitch it to people.” Nik said with a laugh because she knew that a lot of her neighbours and people she knew worked a lot and didn’t have time or a passion to cook food. Since she had the time and the space, as well as the passion, it was a no brainer for her to just cook throughout the day and then bring them meals for the next week. “It’s not a killing but it’s giving me time to test out recipes and do what I like.” Plus it was just enough for her and her daughter, as well as to pay off some of her debt so she couldn’t be sad about any of it. “That would work. I’ve got a big kitchen. It was the only requirement that I wanted in my house. Oh, and a soaker bathtub which I also have.” She’d been spoiled with those two things. “I’m Nikola and don’t apologize, it’s on the both of us but it’s very nice to meet you, Jordan.”

                        Jordan grinned, eyes practically lighting up at the sound of her work. He was so used to the hustle and bustle of a kitchen, cooking alone sounded like a truly freeing experience. “I can’t imagine how nice that must be, especially since you make your own hours and have enough time for your family.” Despite wanting to experience something similar, Jordan lived alone and these days, couldn’t see himself slowing down for a family. It was probably due to him being eternally single, but that was beside the point. “My kitchen would probably cower in fear in front of yours, so it’s probably good that they’re not living or breathing.” After a beat, he then reaches out for a handshake, nodding. “It’s my pleasure,” he grins, then bending down slightly to shake hands with her daughter. “And you, little one? What’s your name? Tell me, what’s the most delicious thing your mom has made you?”

[jordanbh]

masoncollins​:

-

Mason looked down at the wrist and frowned slightly. “I have to admit, my specialty is animals, so the human anatomy is not at the front of my head but we should treat it as broken until we get an x-ray.” He said as he kneeled down to get a better look at the wrist. “Did you hit your head or anything?” He asked, noting the rubbing of the eyes. He looked around and spotted a piece of cardboard. He grabbed it and tried to shape it into a splint. “Here, we can use this to stabilize your wrist.” He said as he got some tape from his bag out.

                    At his admittance, Jordan couldn’t help but laugh a little, finding the funny in a very unfunny situation. “I guess this really is an emergency,” he chuckles, shaking his head. He then lifts his head at the other helping him, Jordan unable to really focus as he notices how good looking he was. The older beharry clears his throat, shaking his head as he almost missed his question. “No, not the head. Just the wrist—” he answers, following his directions accordingly. He then nods, holding onto the cardboard with his free hand in an effort to help, brows lifting a bit when he notices the tape. “It’s gonna hurt, isn’t it?” he asks, eyes slowly lifting to meet his. “I mean, I know it’s meant to help... I just don’t do well with pain— well, more pain.”