a lonely road

ZANE NEPTUNE ( HE/HIM ) is a CIS MALE, TWENTY-SEVEN year old WAITER AT DELIA’S CAFE who has been living in Moorbrooke for HIS WHOLE LIFE. They were born on APRIL 3 and right now, they are currently residing in OAKLEY COURT. It has been said that they look suspiciously like CODY CHRISTIAN and if they had to choose a song to describe themselves, they would choose BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS by GREEN DAY. 

Eli had just managed to convince Noah to change into his pajamas when the knock at the door signaled that someone was there. “Our angel,” Eli exclaimed, only half teasing, as he opened the door to find Zane standing there. Noah rushed forward to hug the other man’s legs and Eli chuckled. “We’re just getting ready to watch a movie. You sure you don’t just want to skip work and hang with us instead?”

Eli waggled his brows as he stepped back to let Zane in. “We’re okay,” he confirmed, watching as his son threw himself on the couch. Eli had lived in Moorbrooke his entire life. Snow storms were nothing new and even though this one was supposed to be significant, he wasn’t really worried. He was as prepared as he could possibly be. Or so he thought. It was impossible to really be sure considering how many things could go wrong. “How’s it looking out there?”

"You know I’d love to stay here and hide out from the storm with you guys, but I promised I’d go back at help. I’ll get back here as soon as I can though, I promise.” Zane promises, reaching down to ruffle Noah’s hair affectionately. Hopefully the storm would pass through town quickly, though they both knew it could last a while. As much as he wanted to stay and hang out with Eli and Noah until things cleared up, he knew that he couldn’t. Leo was counting on him. “Uh, pretty snowy. My truck wouldn’t start so I walked over here. I’m not holding my breath on it starting again, though we both know it’s been on its way out for a while now.” Zane points out, scratching his jaw lightly. He was more stressed out about his truck than he was letting on, but Zane was sure Eli had enough on his mind with worrying about keeping Noah occupied for the next few days. His stuff could wait. “Are you guys alright though? Blankets, flashlights? I know it’s not our first snowstorm, but you know I worry about you two.” 

The people were piling into the cafe and it was getting fuller and fuller by the second. Honestly, Stevie had no idea how the cafe was supposed to cater for all these people but they supposed that Leo had done a good job of getting the stockroom filled up before the storm hit. At least someone had been prepared for it, meanwhile Stevie had just been hoping that the storm just wouldn’t come so her plans wouldn’t be ruined. So much for hoping. “Honestly, I think we’re way past full capacity here but I don’t blame everyone for piling in here.” She looked around the cafe and every single seat was full of cold and snow-covered people. “You’re right, Leo gave me access but honestly I could do with a coffee right now if you wanted to be an absolute angel.” Maybe this storm would be a good opportunity to get to know Zane too, considering they had only ever really seen the other in passing. 

   kenji was mentally unstable at the moment despite looking like he had everything put together. he came to delia’s when he was able to escape his place, mainly to search for andrej, but he hadn’t seen any sight of his brother.  as he was already here he decided to stick around for a cup of coffee, plus he needed a moment to gather his thoughts. he didn’t even know why he was pretending to read the menu when he knew all he was ordering was a black coffee, like the last time he was here, but he decided to play the part of a normal person to the best of his ability. kenji’s attention only drifted from the menu when he heard zane’s voice, glancing up to meet the other’s gaze with a soft, playful smirk, “oh, but where’s the fun in that?” he silently reminded himself to bring it back and not accidentally make the other feel uncomfortable. “i’ll have a black coffee, the usual. more importantly, how are you? are you okay? if you guys need any help i’ll be happy to help out. i’m not much of a baker, but, uh i can whip up a good cup of coffee or wash a dish or two.”

"well, considering i practically live here, i suppose it was bound to happen again.” zane chuckles, amused. “one black coffee. i should’ve guessed.” or maybe not. kenji’s coffee order could’ve changed over the years, though obviously it hadn’t. zane knew better than to assume anything though. “i’ll be right back with that.” turning in his heels, zane weaves through the crowded café, returning after a couple of minutes with a cup of coffee, setting it down on the table carefully. “oh, i’m alright. glad to be keeping busy here. my truck is out there somewhere and i, uh, don’t really want to think about it too much.” the brunette explains, frowning for a moment. it was strange to feel like this, like kenji was both a stranger and a friend. or at least he used to be the latter. now they were just...two people who used to know each other, two people who shared a bit of a complicated history. wiping the frown from his face, zane nods at the offer instead, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet. “oh, that’s nice of you to offer. i’ll let leo know. it looks like we’re all gonna be stuck here a while, so he just might take you up on that.”

@lonclyroad (Zane)

Joey didn’t mind being stuck in a place for a long time. He was used to being in sticky situations, growing up as a military brat and traveling all over the world. With war and crime happening everywhere, sometimes it was unsafe for kids, so he had to hide in a bunker or even if someone’s basement for days at end. However, sometimes his anxiety did get the better of him and he could end up freaking out and having panic attacks. He was trying to remain calm here, but not being able to get in touch with his dad was really stressing him out. “I hope my dad’s okay.” He said softly, letting out a shaky breath. “I don’t think he went back to town just yet but I don’t know where he is and I just want to know he’s okay.”

FINLEY.

‘sleep’s for when we’re old and financially stable.’ finley smiled sadly, knowing his situation all too well. ‘i know, ugh. i feel like nico and i might need a third roommate but i don’t know where they’re meant to sleep other than the couch. but stress aside, how are you? anything new?’

to say zane was panicking was to put it mildly. he was worried and eli and noah. he was worried about his truck and the fact that it probably wasn’t going to run after this storm passed. he was sure leo would let people nap in the booths at delia’s until the storm passed, but after? zane didn’t know what he was going to do after. 

FINLEY.

‘am i supposed to enjoy having showers? i think i’ve been showering wrong all my life if that’s the case.’ finley joked, brows raising as zane spoke. ‘oof, that’s a rough gig. my boss is sort of the same, but he’s just around so often it’s like i’m not even needed. i did start a part time gig at the record store, though! i’m sure they could use more help if you’re ever interested.’

Andrej actually hadn’t realised how much he’d just needed somebody to be there. Even if he didn’t confess what was going on or how he was really feeling, it was nice to just have somebody there. He’d felt oddly alone the last few weeks, even when he was at work. “You don’t know me well if you don’t think I can avoid feelings for the rest of my life,” he commented with a small snort. If numbing himself was a talent, then surely he’d win all the awards. “God, trust me, I DO wanna hear about that shit. Tell me all about your heater, it might be nice to listen to something mundane. Not that I think you’re boring or anything.” He glanced up and gave Zane a wicked grin. 

Joey nodded at the other when he said he wanted to. He sure wasn’t about to turn down food, he couldn’t cook to save his life. “If you say so, but really, he wouldn’t mind and neither would I. He barely sleeps in it. You know how the retired are, they are always on some strange life crisis thing and think they need to go out and be young.” He chuckled. “Although I think this time he’s making money for it, so I guess that’s not too bad.”  He moved over to the kitchen as well. “That sounds really good, honestly. Oh, and there under the stove. I think there should be something down there at least. I don’t really use them.” He admitted with a shy smile. 

“I think you have to be middle aged to be considered a DILF,” Eli countered. “I’m still mostly young enough to pretend that I don’t even know what children are.” He laughed at that. Though it had been unusual how Noah had come into his life, Eli wouldn’t trade him for the world. Things had gotten considerably more complicated ever since then, but of that, he was sure. “After the movie, we can make posters. I can see them now: ‘please take this man home with you. He’s as cute as a button,’ with a photo of you looking like a lost puppy. There’s no way it won’t work. You’ll be living on some old man’s couch in no time. Though I’m pretty sure mine will miss you. Just don’t forget us when you’re rich and pampered.” Eli snorted at that. It was the dream to be loved and cared for, even if he exaggerated it so that it sounded like something out of the most ridiculous of movies. “Gonna be honest here, I really thought you’d choose some sort of horror movie or something. Since little man’s asleep.” He stood, crossing the small living room until he reached a small closet, and pulled out the blankets and pillows Zane usually used. He turned and threw the pillow at Zane. “But I’ll watch whatever you choose. Even if we’ve seen it a million times already.”

"I’m pretty sure that’s not a prerequisite. Take the compliment, Eli! I’m trying to say that you’re totally fuckable.” Zane laughs, shaking his head. “Why does it sound like we’re making lost puppy posters and not trying to find me a boyfriend? Hard pass! Though you can swipe on Grindr for me later if you really want.” Truth be told, he hadn’t really opened the app in months. but if it made Eli happy, he’d let him mess around on it for a bit. “You know I can’t do scary movies...if you wanted me to cuddle you though, all you had to do was ask, silly. No need to scare me half to death in the process.” He teases, playfully hitting his friend’s arm as he returns with the pillows and blankets for him, setting them aside. “Aw, shucks. You treat me so well. Are you sure I can’t just stay here forever? I can pay you in free childcare and muffins from Delia’s. And, of course, my undying love.” 

FINLEY.

they hadn’t lied at least, the water pressure was a little off. they were going to pretend they didn’t know how to use a wrench and fix it, but that was neither here nor there. they texted him the time they’d meet up and done a bit of cleaning around the place, including preparing some snacks. ‘door’s open! come on in!’ fin said as they set down the popcorn on the table and reached down to pick up their kitten. ‘welcome to my humble abode, and thank you for the muffins. you can do the shower later, come hang out with me! how was your day?’