War of Hearts

starter for @counselorapollo Location: Downtown

Apollo laughed and shook his head at Ben's question, rolling his eyes playfully. "To be honest, it doesn't feel that different. Mostly because I sort of already had a feeling we would end up engaged at some point. It was just waiting for the right moment. And there were plenty of them but none of them would have been as special as how it happened." He said, smiling at him before giving his hand a squeeze. "You've turned me into such a fucking sap, I hate you." He laughed, nodding his head. "Right yes. Do we want to buy one or build one?" He asked, sitting down on a nearby bench to rest.

Charlie was at the local pet store to pick up some feed that was needed. He normally did got adelivery but this week it was a bit off and he had picked up a bag to last the next few days. But Charlie being Charlie had to pick up a few extra's for his many animals on the farm. He just loved to spoil all of his animals no matter the size of them. So that was treats for the cows, and horses town to bucket of worms for the chickens.

Apollo had taken a trip to the pet store to grab some food for Nazgul when he heard a loud noise from the aisle next to him. Fearing that it could be someone hurt, his instincts took over and he rushed to the next aisle, watching as Charlie struggled with the dog food bag. It was always harder lifting straight from the ground that it was the rack and most of the time it was a two person job. “Here let me help you with that.” He said, stepping towards the older male and helping him lift the bag of feed into his cart. “Are you okay? I can help carry this to your car if you need me too.” Apollo offered, giving him a warm smile. He took the opportunity to grab the food he needed and placed it into his own shopping cart. “Can’t have you getting seriously hurt now can we?” @charliesxdavis

Apollo preferred the snow over water but he didn’t hate the sensation of the cold water on his sun warmed body and as he came up next to Aliye’s canoe, he offered her a small smile. “I have no doubt that she’ll figure it out, hell she probably already has because Ben and I haven’t exactly been the most discreet couple but I don’t think she understands why? Like why do I like guys instead of girls? Why can’t I be with her mom? She hasn’t asked those questions but I know it will come up one day. She knows enough about her mom to get a general idea but she doesn’t know that her mom abandoned her on my doorstep. Doesn’t know that… that she almost wasn’t born.” He said, looking up at the brunette with sad, melancholic eyes. “Can I tell you something? Only because I know you won’t say anything to anyone?” He asked, waiting for her nod before climbing back into his own canoe. “When my ex was 9 months pregnant, we had a fight and she left me. I don’t know where she went but she was gone for 3 days. When she came back, I could tell that she had been using. I don’t know for how long or what her drug of choice was but she told me that she was trying to kill our child because she didn’t want to give up her lifestyle of drugs and partying. She chose drugs over our child. I convinced her to stop until after she was born and we could decide then, hoping that once she laid eyes on her, her maternal instincts would kick in. They never did. She refused to hold her in the hospital, faking pain to get narcotics. I’m surprised she waited as long as she did to drop her off at my place.” He stopped, biting the inside of his cheek. “Felicity can never know the truth. It would destroy her.” He said, nodding. “I’d rather she form her own opinion when she’s old enough to have one. It’s the same thing with your dad. He loves you, and he only wants the best for you and right now, he doesn’t think the life you have is good enough. Maybe it is and maybe it isn’t but its your life and only you get to decide what is right or wrong for you. You’re an adult. I can control what Felicity knows now but eventually, she will have her own life and her own opinions and I have to respect them, even if I don’t agree. The best thing you can do for your father is give it to him straight, one final time. Tell him everything you’ve just told me and tell him that he can either accept it or not. And if he can’t, then that says a lot about who he is and absolutely nothing at all to do with you.” @aliyebalik

As a whole, Aliye had been pretty lucky with the life that she'd lived up to this point. The small continual drama with her dad was nothing compared to what a lot of people had been through and sometimes listening to stories of other people's struggles helped remind her of everything that she had to appreciate in her life. "Of course, yes. That's what we come out here for, yeah? No judgement zone. Nothing ever leaves the kayaks," she promised, leaving the floor open for Apollo to keep talking. It was clear that he had a lot weighing on him and Aliye was happy to give him the floor to be able to talk through all of the things he had on his plate. She would never turn around and spread any of it elsewhere, this was a safe space for the both of them to open up and vent and get some small sense of relief with anything they had going on. She'd joined the kayaking club to get some exercise and meet people that loved the water as much as she did, but it had turned into something totally different after meeting Apollo, and she loved it. "She'll never have to know if you don't think she can handle all of that. I think...keeping things from your kids is maybe never the best, though. You're raising her to be strong enough to handle anything, even stuff like that. It may not be a conversation for today, but...someday she'll probably wonder, have questions about her past, her mom, all of it. And if and when the time comes, she'll be ready for it. She'll be able to make her own opinions and you'll have raised her to make the right ones." Her head bobbed a bit as Apollo gave his advice on how to handle her dad. It was always a tricky situation trying to navigate how to deal with the man. She wanted to show him the proper respect that he deserved, but at the same time she never wanted to let that conflict with her own path in life. A familiar whistle signaling that it was time to head back towards shore sounded out then, prompting Aliye to give a soft nod towards Apollo before grabbing her paddle. "Hey, thanks for the advice, Polly. I'll let you know how things go with him next time we're out here, yeah?"

There was always a sense of peace that came once they had paddled far enough out that there weren't any other people around. It was just them, the water, and a calmness that Aliye always felt when out at sea. For her, it was where she felt the most at home, like she belonged there more than anywhere else. As much shit as she talked about her father, it was one thing that she'd picked up from the man. Setting her own paddle down, Aliye relaxed back, settling in to listen and let Apollo vent his own concerns. While she was an excellent talker, she could also be a surprisingly good listener when it was asked of her. "Hey, you said yourself she's already so fucking smart, she'll figure it all out. I bet she gets it more than most adults do. I wouldn't stress about that. And, obviously, if anyone picks on her at school because of it, you call me up and I'll go beat up some kids for her. I'm not above that," she promised with a quirked smile. It was a lot to handle for the guy. Aliye didn't have kids, so she could only imagine the added level of stress it brought trying to navigate life and also make sure that they turned out to be good people as well. "Dude, no, don't sweat it. Any time you need to talk, I'm here to listen." It was an easy promise to make, especially since Apollo had listened to her prattle on about her own drama more than she cared to admit. Leaning over against the side of her canoe, Aliye kept her balance, resting her chin in her hands to face Apollo as he swam over next to her. "Yeah, I don't know. I don't really seem him most of the year anyway. He works on a boat, so he's gone like. A few months at a time. He's home for a few weeks here and there and just...I guess he's trying to make up for lost time or something and come in acting like what he thinks a dad should be doing. I try not to stress about it, but it's just like, fucking annoying. I know I'm not like in some big career or whatever, but I don't know. I get by usually and like, whatever. A few missed bills here and there won't kill anyone. I get them paid eventually."

Apollo preferred the snow over water but he didn’t hate the sensation of the cold water on his sun warmed body and as he came up next to Aliye’s canoe, he offered her a small smile. “I have no doubt that she’ll figure it out, hell she probably already has because Ben and I haven’t exactly been the most discreet couple but I don’t think she understands why? Like why do I like guys instead of girls? Why can’t I be with her mom? She hasn’t asked those questions but I know it will come up one day. She knows enough about her mom to get a general idea but she doesn’t know that her mom abandoned her on my doorstep. Doesn’t know that… that she almost wasn’t born.” He said, looking up at the brunette with sad, melancholic eyes. “Can I tell you something? Only because I know you won’t say anything to anyone?” He asked, waiting for her nod before climbing back into his own canoe. “When my ex was 9 months pregnant, we had a fight and she left me. I don’t know where she went but she was gone for 3 days. When she came back, I could tell that she had been using. I don’t know for how long or what her drug of choice was but she told me that she was trying to kill our child because she didn’t want to give up her lifestyle of drugs and partying. She chose drugs over our child. I convinced her to stop until after she was born and we could decide then, hoping that once she laid eyes on her, her maternal instincts would kick in. They never did. She refused to hold her in the hospital, faking pain to get narcotics. I’m surprised she waited as long as she did to drop her off at my place.” He stopped, biting the inside of his cheek. “Felicity can never know the truth. It would destroy her.” He said, nodding. “I’d rather she form her own opinion when she’s old enough to have one. It’s the same thing with your dad. He loves you, and he only wants the best for you and right now, he doesn’t think the life you have is good enough. Maybe it is and maybe it isn’t but its your life and only you get to decide what is right or wrong for you. You’re an adult. I can control what Felicity knows now but eventually, she will have her own life and her own opinions and I have to respect them, even if I don’t agree. The best thing you can do for your father is give it to him straight, one final time. Tell him everything you’ve just told me and tell him that he can either accept it or not. And if he can’t, then that says a lot about who he is and absolutely nothing at all to do with you.” @aliyebalik

Ben did not have any doubts at all. He loved Apollo and was happy to spend his life with Apollo. Ben had never thought he would be happy or married but then this handsome man came into his life and changed everything. Ben wanted to be by Apollo's side and he was glad that he got to be that. Ben smiled wildly and had a massive grin on his face he could not control as he kissed Apollo back, losing his eyes for a moment and opened them. "Well, since you do have a key made. I can't let it go to waste and so....of course I would move in with you," he answered running his hands through Apollo's hair as he looked into his eyes.

Ben smiled as he listened to Apollo's words, the chef had always seem his boyfriend as someone who was confident and them being nervous was making him wonder unaware that he would get the answer to why that was. As Apollo spoke, the more Ben smiled wildly, his face red. Apollo's words made him think to the moment they first met, he was so surprise how well he had gotten with Apollo and for once someone made him smile and laugh for once. He felt something he had never felt before and it was a good feeling. Apollo had all his heart, he had always wondered if he would ever give someone his heart like he did the other. Ben looked down when his boyfriend paused and reached over to grab both his hands. The chef heart was beating fast because he was starting to realize and piece everything together. Apollo...." his voice a whisper as he got up and walked over, and pulled out the box from his pocket before getting on one knee. Ben was speechless for a moment before all of this felt like a dream. He loved this man standing in front of him and he could not picture his life without him. He wanted to share everything with Apollo, the joy and sadness of life. He wanted to be with them. He knew Apollo was his soulmate.

𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 @counselorapollo

Apollo didn't mind the heat or working outdoors. He had grown accustomed to all temperatures during his time on the streets and had learned how to adapt to stay hydrated for those particularly nasty summer days. Wiping his brow on the cold wrap around his neck, he stopped working for a second to allow himself time to breathe and take a drink of water. He had no idea when he'd volunteered to held Mrs. Randall clean around her house that it would be this bad, or require this many people, to handle. She hadn't been out of her house in years and with no kids to help her out, it had become overgrown and dangerous for her, her pets, and any visitors she might have. So, they had decided that today was the day to take action. He had removed a lot of the weeds with the mower but of course, there was always the more pesky fiends that refused to be removed. He had seen many people attempting to remove the shrub currently embedded in the corner of the house but this woman seemed determined. "I wouldn't worry about that one. Its actually growing out of the house. If we remove it, it could collapse. We've got someone coming out to handle that one. But here, you can still use mine." He said, handing her the shovel.

Ben could tell that Apollo was nervous, he had a feeling that Apollo wanted to say something or ask him something but he could never guess what that was. For someone as smart as Ben, it was always funny how oblivious the chef could be sometimes. He was distracted by Ben's eyes, so beautiful like the ocean and he smiled. It was as if his smile was saying that there was nothing to be nervous about. Ben loved Apollo so much and his smile also reflected and spoke that too. Ben was someone who gave the person he was with all his attention, his focus was on Apollo, listening to whatever the other was going to say.

"It's fine. We're here now, leaving so soon would make me look like an ass. Besides, there's no bad blood from my side." Andrew uttered, leaning forwards over the table. It helped that he was friends with Apollo for a longer time, which helped with the awkward atmosphere, and he knew that despite his past issues he was a good man. One suitable for his brother. When Apollo said he would ask Benjamin anyway, regardless on the family not giving their blessing, Andrew nodded, pondering his words for a while before he shrugged, offering him a smile. "Then, isn't that your answer?" He stated. If it would have stopped him from proposing and potentially even end the relationship, then it was never meant to be. The love wasn't strong enough. "But if you feel better hearing it, I approve, you have my blessing. I worry about him, you know why. But having someone by his side, and that someone being you? I know he'd be better off for it." @counselorapollo

Apollo was not the kind of person to inquire about someone else's drama, preferring to stay out of things that did not involve him but he was also a curious person as were most people. Ben was not the type to discuss his brothers personal lives with him and he respected that but he couldn’t help but wonder what had happened between Andrew and Roman. Not that he would ever dare ask because again, it had nothing to do with him. He remembered how they were at the holidays and they seemed good for each other so he hoped that things would work out between them, if it was something fixable. The long pause after Apollo said what he did gave him pause, wondering just what he was thinking. But then he gave his speech and he felt all worry disappear. “Thank you, that means a lot. I’m an old fashioned guy so having all of your blessings, and input, no matter what that might mean, is important to me because I want all of you to know that Ben is in good hands with me. I am never going to let anything bad happen to him. Ever. I don’t know if I believe in soulmates but if I did, he is mine.” He finished, giving him a small smile. “Speaking of, I promised I’d meet him to go hiking, I don’t know where though so I should get going. It was really nice catching up with you again. I’ll see you around, Andrew.” He said, pushing down the counselor side of him that wanted to tell him to have hope for he and Roman. He knew if things were meant to be between them, it would all work out.

He did want Fallon here but when Kacey was surfing he wouldn't have anyone to watch Fallon so he was with his mother. He knew he could have asked a friend to come and watch but he didn't want to bother someone when they could be having a good time.

"He sounds like he and Felicity would get on quite well. As much as it pains me to say because I can barely keep up with my own kid, perhaps they should have a play date sometime. Somewhere outdoors, with lots of room to run so that they tire themselves out of course so that by the time we take them home, they're ready for a nap. She has been telling me she's having a hard time making friends at school so maybe she and Fallon will get on and she will have her first friend." He said, nodding over at him. "I try to let her make mistakes so that we can turn it into a teaching moment but there are moment where I flat out refuse to let her participate, even if that makes me the bad guy in her eyes."

Apollo's joke brought another laugh out of Aliye, a bright grin shot his way as she paddled along behind him. "Well, as you and your fiancé's biggest supporter over here, I'll make sure not to mention it to him," she promised, one hand pressed to her chest as a show of sincerity. As funny as it might have been to see everyone in Apollo's life calling him something goofy, Aliye was willing to let it just stick between the two of them. Letting her paddle slow, Aliye made sure to keep it quiet as Apollo spoke about his daughter, head tilted in his direction to better pay attention. "Felicity. That's pretty. Whatever she's gone through in the last eight years, she's in for a great next eight with you as her dad." Apollo had always struck her as a good guy in the time that she'd known him, someone that would take care of the people around him, and she was sure that his daughter would only benefit from that. Aliye had sped back up with her paddling, sliding into the water space next to Apollo so they could cruise along together. "Oh, I tell him how I feel all the time. Maybe a little too much," she admitted. There were no lack of fights between her and her father any time he was around, the distance that had always separated them making it hard at times to bridge that gap and have any meaningful conversation. "He's been hating on my career choice for the last fifteen years. Something tells me that's not about to change any time soon. Does Felicity have all kinds of cool dreams of what she wants to be when she grows up yet?" There was some truth to her father's concerns, she supposed. She had been in the exact same spot in her career now since she started lifeguarding and there wasn't a lot of room for her to better her position where she was at, but she also just...didn't care.

“Thank you Aliye, ‘preciate that.” He smirked, shaking his head. To be honest, Apollo didn’t despise the nickname, hell, he found it quite endearing. No one had ever bothered to give him one before and usually once you reach that stage in a relationship or friendship, it meant it was forever and while he might not have known the brunette for long, he found her easygoing and aloofness quite refreshing. Of course, he would never tell her that, the lake was only so big and the ego boost would no doubt fill it in completely. Once they’d reached a certain area of the lake, Apollo put the paddle down and lay back carefully in the canoe, allowing the sun’s rays to fall on his face. He hadn’t done anything like this in a long time and sometimes you just needed to relax. Hearing the compliment from his friend, he sighed, looking over at her. “I hope you’re right. I feel like an idiot around her most of the time. She’s so fucking smart already and right now helping her with homework is easy but then she’s going to grow up and need more help and I don’t.. and then Ben, she likes him enough but I don’t know that she really understands our relationship. How do you explain sexuality to an 8 year old? I just want to protect her and while I know the town is accepting of same sex relationships, not everyone here is. What happens when she is picked on at school for having two gay parents? Am I doing the right thing because right now as I’m saying it out loud, it sounds like all I’m doing is adding more onto her already full plate.” He confessed, shaking his head. “Sorry, I don’t know why I just said all that. Sometimes even the counselors need counseling.” He chuckled, before sliding out of the canoe and into the water, disappearing beneath the surface momentarily before coming back up next to Aliye’s canoe. “Sometimes we have to tell them nonstop before it finally sinks in but, and I hate to even suggest this, if he continues to act the way that he is, maybe its best to cut him out of your life, at least momentarily. Once he realizes that you’ve made up your mind and you are doing what you love, and his fatherly instincts kick in and he starts to miss you, he’ll come around. It’s a hard choice but sometimes that is what stubborn adults need.”

Ben had resigned to himself that he would be alone forever, he believed that he did not deserve love or anyone, ignoring everyone that hit on him but meeting Apollo that day changed everything. Ben knew he loved him so very much, he could not picture his life without Apollo, he saw a future with him and that made him so happy. Ben closed his eyes for a moment when Apollo pressed his forehead against his. He loved his boyfriend's touch, he had never let anyone touch him the way he let Apollo touch him and Apollo touch set his skin on fire, always filled him with buttle flies. He knew he was lucky, to have someone like Apollo, someone who loved him so much and someone who wanted to support him. Since his accident, Ben had always wanted to do everything on his own, he took on too much than what he could handle because believing that he had to endure it all by himself but Apollo had helped him carry all that weight. He knew he was lucky to have the man in his life and was happy they were in his life.

Orion had some different sides to him. When he was very comfortable with people, he had this excited and happy side. He was more free and less tense. Apollo was one of these people, he looked up to the other and saw Apollo like an older brother someone he trusted and always like hanging out with them. Like a little sibling sometimes asking so many questions all at once. "Sorry...." he spoke with a smile on his face looking at the other. "That.....really cool...like seriously...I guess....your boyfriend is like famous...also and I...guess it can't be easy....him being away...too..." he chuckled. @counselorapollo

Apollo grew up without siblings and while most kids would enjoy being the center of attention, a part of him had always wanted to be a big brother. To love them, care for them, and teach them everything he knew. But it never happened. Which is why Apollo still had so much love and compassion to share with the world. Even when he was at his worst, he always tried to make sure that he did what he could to protect those who needed it. And now with the center, he had a whole group of people to look after and care for. His own family. Orion was a part of that family. He was the younger brother Apollo had always wanted and when it came time to help him plan his engagement, the younger male was the first person he thought of. "Yeah, I guess he is. His instagram has been blowing up with comments of praise and marriage proposals. I better put a ring on it before someone else does." He laughed, shaking his head. "Speaking of... you wanna help me plan it?"

who: Theo & Apollo.

Ever since Apollo had proposed to Ben, he had felt different. He smiled more, he interacted more with people, he was... happy. He felt like his life was finally on track and he had cause for celebration. It wasn't everyday that someone in his position got their own chance at happiness. He wasn't used to it. So then why was he at a place that was meant to help relieve tension and stress? Well, he was there because of Felicity. She had had a bad day at school and she wanted to find a place to let it all out and rather than risk her getting hurt at the smash room, he decided to bring her to the Last Throw, where she would be supervised. Hearing an unfamiliar voice, he turned, shaking his head. "I haven't but my daughter is becoming quite an expert already." He complimented, encouraging her to continue.

He nodded as the man talked about his brother. "He's always persistent. Especially when it comes to food." Travis said with a chuckle. Ben had always been that way and even more so when it came to finding gluten free options so that Travis could have them. "He hasn't? He's been there a few times." He said and joined him at the table. "I'm building. Trying to make the perfect forever home for Liliana and I. I love my place, but there's a lot of memories there." Good and bad ones, but he knew it was time to start somewhere fresh with Lili and their child. It's what they deserved. @counselorapollo

"Very very persistent. Its one of his most annoying but also endearing qualities." Apollo grinned, shaking his head. "Don't forget stubborn. I don't know what it is about him that keeps me coming back but if anyone else had the same qualities, I would no doubt hate them." It was true, if he were the other Apollo, he would have easily beaten someone up for acting in much the same manner. "He talks a lot about you to me but he's never mentioned you building a house, that's impressive. I don't know that I would have the conviction, I'd be too critical of myself." Before he could say too much more, Ben had appeared from the kitchen to stand beside him, his lunch boxed up for him. "Well, back to work I go. It was nice talking to you Travis. Good luck on your home. You'll have to throw a housewarming party when its completed."

The nickname had brought an impish grin out of Aliye. It was just one of the many she'd tossed out there in the time she'd known Apollo, finding great enjoyment in coming up with something new every time. "You're right, Polly is just for us. I'd never want to share that with anyone else," she chuckled. It was something she did when it was just the two of them out in the water on the kayaks, no one else close enough to listen in. Teasing she didn't mind, but she'd have felt at least mildly bad if any of the dumb nicknames caught on with other people. Aliye's movements with the paddle slowed down as she listened to Apollo's answer, head bobbing along happily. It was exactly the answer she would have wanted to hear. She was happy living in the boat and was happy working the job that she did, so she didn't see why it should matter. "Eight. Great age. What's her name?" Aliye asked with a soft smile. She loved learning about other people, getting to know them little by little to figure out what made them tick. "Thank you. That's how I feel about it. My dad comes home from working out at sea every few months and thinks he needs to lecture me about how my life is going nowhere. Totally not cool, wouldn't recommend doing that to your daughter ever."

Apollo rolled his eyes, rowing a little ways ahead of her to grab a plastic bottle that was floating on the surface. “I’d prefer you not call me that at all but I know there’s no stopping you. Just don’t mention it around my fiance because I am ninety-nine percent sure he’ll use it and I’ll have to break up with him.” He joked, as the pair of them rowed a little ways ahead of everyone else. “Her name is Felicity and her origin story is a bit… I won’t say tragic but she’s definitely been through a lot in those eight years. More than most kids should.” From being abandoned by your own mom before you could even talk, to almost ending up in foster care, then to have your mom show up out of the blue demanding custody, being tossed around like a tennis ball, she had been through so much but thankfully, things had worked out for her and they could both move on with their lives now that her mom was getting the help she needed. “I’m sorry your dad is being hard on you. I don’t presume to know his reasoning but as a parent, I will always want what is best for my kid but I’m also not going to tell her how to live her life. There are parts of it that she will have to figure out for herself and its up to us to support and teach them no matter what. I’m sure he’s upset now but give him time, I’m sure once he sees how good you’re doing, he’ll come around. And if not, then you'll just have to be blunt with him and let him know how you really feel.”

Owen was really normally the one an done type with many people he had slept with over the years. He met them and normally fight with them till they hooked up and it was done. Apollo was a long lost memory to Owen now and he didn't really think about the other man till now. "Still" he didn't like to talk about that sort of thing if it wasn't in some bar or club were it be fine to overhear it. "No its fine just don't need to talk about what we did" Why bother it was in the past and many years ago now.

Apollo nodded, making a mental note to never mention it to him again. It was strange how time changed people and while he wasn't shy about his past, some people were and he would never want to presume or make anyone uncomfortable so he chose to just let it go. He could berate himself later for letting the words slip out in the first place. He had assumed it would be a nice little icebreaker given that they last time they'd seen one another had been the day after an encounter but he had misjudged the situation entirely.