Ice Ice Baby

A surprised chuckle passed through his lips at the other’s sarcasm.  Up until this point, Oz had just been the picture of upbeat optimism and teasing flirtation, he hadn’t expected that sort of response. “I know, I hide it so well.” Leo shot back, deadpan, before the smile crept back onto his face.  Just a tiny one, though.  “Is it infectious or are you just easily excitable? – Because so far I’m immune to it’s effects.”  Although he had to admit it was the tiniest bit more bearable since entering into the conversation.  It took his mind of how sweaty and gross and hot it was, and allowed him to focus in on one thing rather than the endless amounts of noise around them.  “So how did you manage to get separated from your friends if it’s not because you’ve been drunkenly stumbling through the day like everyone else?”

🏒

He wasn’t usually a sarcastic person by nature but he hadn’t missed the way his words had earned him a smile. And he wanted nothing more than to make that happen again so he tried his hand once more. “Yeah, your acting’s so good you could give that other Leo a run for his money.” But for all Leo might not have been the best at hiding his discomfort, it was something that Oz found he liked. There was an honesty in the way that the other man carried himself and he found that something to be admired. “Both.” Grin flashed across his features before he pitched his viewpoint once again. “But come on, this is something to get excited about. Everyone out celebrating who they are, enjoying sharing a kind of freedom.” There was more that he could have waxed lyrical about but he kept it short, still testing the waters as to what topics would be safe enough that the nurse wouldn’t begin to search for alternative company. “One minute they were there only a couple of feet away and the next they weren’t. But it’s probably my fault, it took me a while to realise they weren’t there anymore. Just got caught up in the crowd.” While he was quite happy finding his own company, he probably would have tried again to get hold of them if it wasn’t for Leo. Now he was all too happy to be without them and make the most of however much time the nurse allowed them to spend together.

“Your teammates?” Jason echoed. On the one hand, that didn’t necessarily mean the guy was an athlete, much less a professional athlete. There were all kinds of teams, after all, but on the other hand … something told him this guy wasn’t calling his coworkers teammates without reason. “That’s an awesome bonding night, though. I’m so happy to hear we were part of it.” That was, in fact, one of his favorite things about making music; being part of peoples’ lives, with the right song or the experience of a show. His earlier suspicions about the guy’s occupation were renewed as he mentioned the roar of a crowd; it certainly wasn’t so ordinary a thing, to know a crowd was cheering for you. “It’s an unbelievably heady thing,” he agreed softly.  Jason was struck, then, that in his head, he kept calling this guy, this guy, rather than his name. “You know, you’ve got me at a disadvantage — you know my name, but I don’t know yours,” he observed with a friendly grin. “You just gotta consider all aspects of the medium,” he replied with a shrug. Maybe something sounded a million times better on vinyl than it ever could streamed and piped through a phone’s tinny speakers, but if you always wanted to skip track three … that wasn’t so much an advantage. “Ah, I don’t know about that. It’s funny the things that stick with you, and the things you forget. But, yeah, I think nostalgia’s a good rule of thumb.” And if there was ever an album to be nostalgic about, Jason could understand the appeal of the Stones one that had been pointed out. “I say do it, but I don’t know how many you’re looking to start off with.”

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There’d been no intention from him to be purposely mysterious about his profession, he’d just been that preoccupied with who he was interacting with, it hadn’t occured to him he’d been giving half answers. He’s quick to rectify it when he’d never been the secretive type. “Yeah, I played hockey down there for a while. The Barracudas and then the Sharks for a bit.” He’d never been one for dwelling on the past and for the most part he was grateful to still be playing at all after his accident. But there would always be a small part of him that would feel sadness over his time there being cut short. It’s not something he dwells on for long though and he’s introducing himself with an easy grin. “Ozan but everyone just calls me Oz. But if you come to a match then watch out for them talking about Durmaz.”  His focus is pulled back towards the records and despite Jason’s help he feels just as directionless as before. It felt impossible to choose just one to go away with. “I don’t know, a dozen or so maybe.” There’s a small shrug given, followed by a bright but sheepish grin shot in the direction of the other man as he makes his confession. “We haven’t technically got a record player yet but I figured if I got enough then I’d be able to persuade my roommates.” It perhaps wasn’t the most foolproof of plans but he figured that all that his roommates would need was a little push in the right direction and they’d be sure to agree to him getting one.

“More like it takes a massive guilt trip from a friend,” he sighed, cursing Ava internally.  “I’m sure this will surprise you, but I’m not usually one for all…This.” he finished as he motioned around to all the hubbub, from the crowds of people to the rainbow balloon arch some feet away.  He thought saying it made him anxious was too strong of a statement.  But he certainly wasn’t comfortable.  There was just too much…everything. Noise, people, things going on.  It made him feel out of control, something he firmly hated. “But you obviously are,” he said with something of a sardonic smile, seeing how clearly the man was in his element.  The differences were staggering, Ozan decked out in pride colors, so obviously enjoying the day, while Leo stood there in his normal clothes, storm cloud gathering over his head.  He had never saw a more perfect picture of golden retriever and black cat.  Leo couldn’t help but snort sarcastically at the other man’s last words, “Are you drunk, Durmaz?”

🏒

He’d always had something of a penchant for the dramatics but only ever in the name of fun and so when the other man brought up the unsurprising piece of information, Ozan couldn’t help but clutch at his chest as though the news had shocked him. “That’s a complete revelation. I’d never have guessed.” There’s a grin on his face as he brings his own sarcasm to match Leo’s but there’s slight concern in his gaze as it flickers over the other man’s features. It was obvious he felt out of his depth and while he couldn’t relate himself, he still felt sympathetic. But he wasn’t quite sure what fell into the realms of what was allowed for their dynamic - he wasn’t sure if they were anything close to friends or that the nurse viewed him as anything but a workplace annoyance. If nothing else, he could attempt to play distraction. Shoulders rolled into a good natured shrug, not shame felt at Leo’s assessment. “It’s nice to celebrate and the atmosphere around here is pretty infectious.” Head shook at the next question, an easy chuckle leaving his lips before he replied. “Just high on life, as usual. I actually don’t really drink.”

Goddamnit, Ava.  She had been the only reason he had decided to come the parade.  Her and her stupid little face with those big stupid eyes.  Leo had never been one to celebrate pride, mostly because he wasn’t really the type of person to enjoy any sort of massive, loud event.  But also, pride just wasn’t ever his scene.  He understood it’s purpose, and could even understand why some people loved it.  But as someone, who in one way or another, had always been out to his loved ones and those around him (when safe to do so), he had never felt that he personally needed pride.  Because he had always been proud.  But Ava had convinced him, said she needed a wingman, that she wanted to find herself a lady at pride.  Although, he’s now realizing that no sane person would want him as a wingman, and she had just been saying that to get him to come.  But now, as he waited on the bench, with several unanswered texts from him to her, he regretted coming. 

 It seemed as if he wasn’t the only person in a similar predicament, and though it took him a moment to recognize the voice, he got there eventually, and before his former and somewhat often patient turned to him.  Leo raised a brow in response, “Well it certainly got me out and about, so I guess you could call it that.”  he gestured to Oz’s phone.  “Your friends desert you too?”  To be honest, Leo wasn’t too surprised to see Oz at pride.  Even though he was a bit unsure of what the hockey player’s sexuality was before seeing him decked out in the colors of the pan flag, the positive energy of the event seemed to match his, so Leo would have been more surprised if he hadn’t been in attendance. 

🏳‍🌈

Recogniition dawned on him as a grin spread over his features, hardly believing his luck that out of all the people in Eureka he might have turned to it was Leo he’d managed to snare into a conversation. He wasn’t exactly surprised to see him there but that was only because he had so little to go off that he wouldn’t have been able to call it either way. The other man was still so much of an enigma to him and Ozan was determined to capitalise on this time together away from the rink. His own brow raised in response, hum of mock consideration given before light words leave his lips full of teasing assumptions. “So this is what it takes to get you out then? Good to know.” The truth was he was dying to know any small detail about Leo’s personal life, wanting nothing more than to understand him better. Head shook and he allowed the grin on his features to take on a cockier edge. “Leave me? Nah I’m the life of their party. And maybe everyone else’s too, I think I actually left them and now, I can’t find them. But -” He drew the word out playfully, unable to resist falling into his usual habits with the other man. “-I did find you so that’s something.”

Leo: and what little I know about you i'll still probably just assume it's all emergencies

Leo: jesus christ

Leo: sit down, take deep breaths, and text me your address.

Oz: I'm not always a disaster, I'll prove it to you

Oz: you need to come over, I dOn't want to give you any extra work.

Jason never knew quite what to say at times like this, but there was a part of him that had to agree; it was pretty damn cool. His smile deepened, and he said, “Well, it’s good to meet someone who enjoyed one of our shows.” He liked to think that most everyone who bought a ticket and attended a show felt the same way, but that didn’t make it any less appealing to hear, spelled out. “Yeah? Who all did you come see us with?” It sounded like it had been a group of people, but Jason didn’t like to assume. “I gotta say, though, nothing compares to a show like that. It’s really — it’s incredible, honestly. There’s so much I love about my job, but that is absolutely the best part. That energy.” And standing here, talking about it, he was starting to realize how much he’d missed it. He’d have to reach out to the boys, see how they felt about maybe playing a show or two over the summer. “Ah, well, that’s a good thing, right? Lots of things are great on vinyl, but for me, it’s more about … what am I gonna wanna put on and listen straight through? Not an album with one or two songs I like, but …” They were in the R’s, of course, and it didn’t take him very long to find what he was looking for: Avalon (1982) by Roxy Music. “My dad used to play this one, CD, in his truck when we were driving between sites and the hardware store or whatever. I know every note,” he added with a modest chuckle.

🏒

“My teammates at the time, it was a great night for bonding. Really helped us get to know each other.” With his easy, outgoing nature he’d never really struggled to fit into a team but there had been something about that night that had galvinised them together in a way he hadn’t expected. The joy of the show and being able to share in the experience had created a lasting bond, one that still held with a number of the team despite him having moved on. “Yeah, there’s nothing quite like the roar of a crowd and knowing it’s for you. The high is unreal.” Whilst his fans might not be singing songs back to him, they were still plenty vocal and he figured that the similarities were close enough that he might have some inkling of what being on stage was like. “Now that’s the way to look at it.” A nod of approval accompanied his words, tucking away the suggestion for later reference when he would inevitably be looking for another record to add to his as yet non-existent collection. But before he could focus too long on the advice he was drawn in by the insight that the other man gave, attention instantly caught by the personal information. “That’s impressive. I guess it is easier to enjoy things when there’s memories attached too - so picking with nostalgia works too? Because if so I’d be going for this one.” He pointed to a Rolling Stones album but didn’t pay much attention to the title, only knowing that his father had proclaimed them to be one of his favourites several times. Maybe someone else would require more when making a selection but as far as Ozan was concerned there was no better endorsement than one that came from someone you loved.

LEO: well, it could be because i gave you my number for emergencies

Leo: although I would hope you would know that if it was a real emergency you should be calling 911 and not texting me

Leo: but to answer your question, unless you have a blood clotting disorder or are on blood thinners, no you should be fine.

Leo: unless you like.....cut off your toes.

Leo: You didn't cut off your toes with a skate or something, did you?

Oz: I guess I'll have to start texting you for other reasons too then

Oz: well you've just told me that I should be fine so no emergency this time, right?

Oz: no, all toes are still attached. but I do know a guy that lost a finger to a skate.

Oz: I dropped a can on my foot though, could it be broken?

His chilled fingers finally managed to locate his small penlight in his med bag as he listened to Durmaz continue his endless quest to…Well, to what, Leo wasn’t sure.  He couldn’t tell if the man was one of the types who’s flirting and charming came to them as instinctively as breathing and thus made it their natural way of communicating, or if the man was legitimately trying to flirt with him.  For the hockey player’s sake, he hoped it was the former.  Someone as happy as him would quickly tire with Leo’s pessimism for, well, everything.  “Uh huh, and if you’re doing that, who’s going to make sure your brain didn’t get milly-rocked?” he questioned.  Leo knew concussion protocol required him to take him to a quieter place, but he wanted to rule out any major trauma and had already started to move the pen light in front of his eyes, checking to make sure his pupils reacted appropriately, as well as making sure there was no light aversion, as he replied to the man.  “Not sure whether to tell you if that’s your dream, you’re dreaming to big or too small,” he replied, finishing up with his pen light and tucking it away in his chest pocket.  “Now, c’mon, to the locker room with you.  If you’re lucky, I might even let you practice tomorrow,” he gestured to the doors along the back of the rink and offered an arm, wanting to finish the exam in a quieter place where Ozan could concentrate on the questions and Leo could concentrate on his patient without worrying about a stray puck to the head.  “And spare me the pride,” he started, referring to his arm,  “–because I know for a fact you must be light headed.”

🏒

“I’d be on the bench, taking one for the team so that your hands’ll be toasty when you need them.” The words were said matter of factly, as though it should have been obvious all along what he intended to do. Part of him wondered if he was going too far and that the other man’s obstacles to his suggestion were a polite way of shutting him down. But for all he didn’t know Leo as well as he might have liked, he figured he knew him well enough to feel confident that if there ever was a problem or he ever did cross a line that the man would be sure to make it known. “No dream is too big or too small, they’re always just right.” He shrugged slightly and while from anyone else the words might have sounded too cliche ( and maybe they still did ) he spoke them with a simple assurance. The quiet seriousness is gone moments later and he’s flashing a grin once again, light words only making it grow wider and brighter. “You spoil me.” As he stood quickly he wasn’t sure if it was the speed of the movement or the words from the nurse that caused him to pause for a moment. Regaining his centre a small frown creased his brow as he fully processed what had been said. “Do you really think I’ve got that big an ego?” For all the typical lightness to his words there was a real curiosity behind them as he wondered whether it was just a throwaway line or an assessment of his character. He was intrigued to know what the other man thought of him - not completely unsurprising when he was something of a people pleaser - but he found that Leo’s good opinion meant more to him than most. Perhaps just because it seemed as though it had to be earnt rather than given freely. But the moment of reflection is shortlived  “Because if you think I’m going to turn down an opportunity over a little pride, you’ve got another thing coming.” As he spoke he flung an arm around Leo’s shoulder, choosing to ignore the offered arm.

Even after a long and grueling shift, Finn almost always had energy to burn off still.  His coworkers found this fact endlessly annoying, and almost always refused to go out with him at the end of those 12 hours, whether he suggested a beer if they finished in the evening, or a mimosa if in the morning.  They all teased him that they couldn’t stand to be around his perky ass for another minute, and intended to crash.  Which usually meant, his roommates got the brunt of that post-shift high.  And that’s when Finn thanked his lucky stars for Oz.  They were similar in their upbeat ways, and as long as he was awake when Finn got home, he was always willing to hang out, matching Finn’s energy.  Finn had the sneaking suspicion that his roommate and best friend was a lot more observant than he let on, and knew that Finn hated to be alone after a shift.

He couldn’t help the grin that tugged on his lips as he was bombarded with cat videos as soon as walked through the door and quickly pulled out his phone while he toed his shoes off, watching the video with a tilted head and raised brow.  “Could he? Yes.  Would he? Absolutely not.” he chuckled.  “That cat wants to watch the world burn with us in it.”  Finn was already half way to the kitchen, brain already thinking of what to make for food, when Oz called out again.  “Damn, I had given up on you ever sharing food with me, with your stupid fast athlete’s metabolism and need to consume everything in sight.” he teased, opening the door to the oven to check on it, and true to Oz’s word, finding just about done.  He pulled it out quickly, too excited to wait any longer.

“Smells good, man.” Fingers already dipping into the man to snag a burning hot piece before it had time to even think of cooling, although he regretted that action immediately.  He was an impatient dumb ass, so sue him.  

🏒

With his easy temperament and positive outlook Ozan tended to make friends easily but his boundless energy and eagerness sometimes seemed to make people prefer him in small doses. He’d never been one to shrink himself, only respect people’s boundaries if they wanted their space. That was why he’d initially been nervous about a houseshare with strangers, unsure how they’d adjust to him 24/7. It had been a relief when he’d met Finn and they’d bonded almost instant, like recognising like. He’d yet to find someone who rolled with his segues and detours in conversations quite like him and so it was as much for himself as it was for Finn that he tended to wait around until he came home. “Nah, he doesn’t. Well, okay, maybe - maybe - you guys but I think he’d keep me around. He likes the easy life and I’m the one who feeds him.”

It was far from a secret that he had a heafty amount of respect for his roommate’s profession and so he’d taken to make sure there was enough for two whenever he had time. Still it was something that he played off with a grin and a joke, hardly seeing the need for it to be a big deal when he was certain that if the roles were reversed Finn would do the same for him. “I’ve got more lined up later so you’re in luck. How does it feel to be on a level with Snake?” Head shook in almost disbelief at his friend’s action but in truth he knew it was something he’d just as easily find himself doing. It was like looking in a mirror sometimes but that didn’t stop him from teasing, even if he was hardly one to talk. “Dude, aren’t you a paramedic? Did they not teach you about burns? That cheese is basically molten.” Relinquishing his seat on the sofa he made his way over to the oven, peering over Finn’s shoulder to see if he’d taken everything out of it. “Did you get the garlic bread too? Gotta come clean and tell you that’s not from scratch though.”

LEO: what did you do

OZ: why have you always got to assume the worst?

OZ: ... but hypothetically if my toe was bleeding and it wouldn't stop at what point would I need to worry?

OZ: could I bleed out if it doesn't stop?

FINN: you know that we don't

FINN: rebecca and jake are gonna killlllllllll youuuuu

FINN: and im gonna wait a hot sec before reviving you

OZ: ... that's because they don't get me like you do

OZ: I can handle another brush with death, being unconscious isn't that bad

OZ: he can sleep in my room

OZ: sorry to bother you but you're my only hope

OZ: I'd usually ask my roommate but he's not answering his texts but hypothetically how much blood can someone lose before it's bad?

OZ: Yo so I was on a hike today and I found this little guy all on his own and brought him home to get warm but he seems pretty comfy

OZ: we've got room for another cat, right?

Annie would try anything once. It had been her modus operandi for essentially her entire life, and it hadn’t quite led her astray as of yet; she’d inherited the attitude from her mother, and it felt like an honor to the woman, in some way–a different way to pay her respects, by being brave. As it were, ice skating required a type of bravery Annie hadn’t yet had to tap into–the kind that forcefully ignored the constant fear of falling flat on her face. Oz was an amazing instructor, of course, and she trusted him implicitly, which was vital. Still, she was a bit shaky with nerves, and when she successfully glided across the ice for the first time that day without getting tripped up, she was overjoyed with her progress. She beamed up at the man before her, holding his hands out in case she, once again, ate it. “I wanna get good enough to at least take Connor without falling on my ass,” she admitted, still embarrassed by her showing during Winterfest last year. “I want him to try everything to see what he likes, y’know?” After a moment, she took another stride, following Oz, who skated backward with complete grace and ease. “What about you? How’d you get into skating?”

🏒

There was a certain amount of pride that came with watching his friend’s confidence grow on the ice but above all he was glad he’d managed to help her curate a skill that she could share with someone else. “Yeah?” Easy grin sparked up quickly as she explained her plan, always fully on board when it came to getting more feet in skates and on the ice. But it was more than that, he couldn’t help but admire the vision that Annie had for Connor with the way that she was hoping to encourage him to try new things and figure it out along the way. He’d always thought that his own willingness to try new things was perhaps one of his greatest strengths, he could only hope that it would prove the same for others too. “I bet he’ll love it and even if for some reason he doesn’t, he’ll love that you brought him.” Whilst his emotions on the subject of his own introduction to skating were more complicated than his norm given the history between himself and Asim, Ozan had never been one for secrets. HIs heart had always been worn on his sleeve but he had begun to especially dislike secrecy after the one that had been kept from him. And so he is as open as ever when it came to answering Annie’s question, grin shifting into more of a wistful smile as he couldn’t help but get affected by the nostalgia of his memories. “My big brother skated, and played too. All I wanted when I was a kid was to be just like him. He’d take me with him whenever he could - I didn’t even have to ask. ” There was still a part of him that refused to acknowledge that Asim wasn’t technically his brother but considering that was the role that the elder Durmaz had played he figured it was accurate enough for now.

It didn’t matter how many times it happened, ( probably because it didn’t happen every day, or even every week; ) Jason was always a little blown away, whenever someone recognized him. Not as Jason Maddox from high school, Jason Maddox whose father had been a fixture in Eureka, but Jason Maddox, lead singer of a rock band. It didn’t feel entirely real, even after so many years of making music, of touring. So when Jason looked up from his hunt for something that might appeal to Sprout’s apparently delicate sensibilities ( the pup had already, vocally, vetoed the bulk of Jason’s existing record collection, ) he was a little startled to see the proffered record. It was a flare of recognition that went beyond knowing an album; the cover of that particular EP was one of the few releases, of any length, which actually pictured the members of RICHTER. It had never been about seeing his face plastered everywhere for Jason; it had always been about the music, and his friends hadn’t minded the more abstract concepts that graced the covers of their three albums, or their first EP, or the majority of their singles. This one, though … it was definitely Jason, pictured beside his three best friends, and he couldn’t help but grin, seeing it again. “Yeah, that’s me.” The truth was, he liked meeting fans; he liked knowing the songs he sang, the melodies and harmonies he’d written, had made an impact in someone’s life. But he’d never been recognized quite like this, either. “And, thank you, that’s really nice to hear. That was a really fun show — really good energy that night.” He knew exactly the show in question; San Diego wasn’t a small city, but it wasn’t one they’d visited on tour before their last. And the venue — the three-story Music Box — had to be one of the unexpectedly cooler places places they’d played.

🏒

Music wasn’t his main passion in life but he’d always loved exploring new things in life - how would he know if he liked them otherwise? - and he was never one to turn down an opportunity that seemed like a good time. So whilst he couldn’t claim to be a diehard fan of any bands, mostly just creating playlists that were a mix of songs he deemed to match vibes, he still loved it live. He wasn’t quite involved enough to know when someone was touring but if his friends ever had a spare ticket going he never turned it down. Eyes lit up with excitement when the man confirmed he was who he’d thought, quick to express his feelings about their meeting. “No way, that’s so cool.” He’d always think and claim that his own profession was the coolest ( and not just so he could make a pun ) but being in a band almost rivalled it. The fact that he was meeting someone who actually did it for a living was thrilling to him and he couldn’t help the grin that seemed fixed on his face, loving the fact that he’d be able to tell his friends from San Diego who he’d met. “Yeah? It felt pretty amazing for us, can’t imagine how you guys must have felt during it.” Of all the shows he’d seen RICHTER had been up there as one of his favourites, loving the atmosphere that had been created between the band and the crowds. Gaze drifted back to the assortment of records around them, remembering why he’d decided to go in the first place. Figuring that there was no one better than to ask than someone involved in the music industry, he was quick to pose a question. “What’s your recommendations? I’m thinking of starting up a collection but -” Hand motioned to the extensive shelves. “- the choices seem endless.”