#elistcne

Blake regretted the fact that she had been so caught up in things that were going on in her own life that she almost neglected the people that were important to her.  Sure, she’d checked in via text or phone call occasionally, but that wasn’t always enough especially considering the fact that Eli was always there when Blake needed him.  She knew that he was taken care of and if he needed her then he would’ve said so, but she couldn’t shake the sense of guilt she had or the feeling that she was failing him.  But she knew she couldn’t dwell on it and staying away wasn’t going to make it better, so she got in her car and stopped to grab a pizza for them before making her way over to the Stone residence.  When she arrived, she grabbed the pizza from the passenger seat and made her way up the walk way, knocking before she let herself in.  “Hello?”  She called as she closed the door behind her.  “I come bearing gifts and by gifts, I, of course, mean pizza.”  She said with a smile as she spotted Eli on the couch and made her way over to him, dropping the pizza on the coffee table.  “How you doin’, big guy?”

Things finally begin to settle back into place. Needless to say, it was a little jarring to run into issues straight out of being married. But maybe that was an inevitable thing. You have to go through some bad to get to the good, as some might say. Oliver repeats that sentiment inside his head like a mantra, trying not to revert back into his own anxiety-fueled intrusive thoughts that have plagued his every move lately. For now, he wanted to just focus on his family, focus on being better and feeling better. Even while that was hard, Oliver was willing to try. 

Sharon, Oliver’s mother, was the first to hear of their troubles. Mainly because Oliver told her everything and he could never quite keep his mouth shut, even with his own baggage and drama. So, she’s here tonight, playing with Riley and watching her while Oliver and Eli sort out their home, cleaning from a busy week. Oliver chucks some bath toys into a little basket inside of Riley’s little bathroom before padding over to him and Eli’s shared bedroom, poking his head through the crack in the door, now opening it slightly. “Hey, hot stuff,” Oliver says teasingly, smiling fondly. He always liked seeing Eli in all his domestic glory. It made him happier than he could ever describe. “You wanna sneak out, just me and you?” The social worker asks, wiggling his eyebrows, “I think we’re overdue for an ice cream rendezvous.” Oh God, he’s really solidified himself as a corny father now with these jokes.

when + where mid afternoon, just outside of the clubhouse 

"there are things that are legal and there are things that are right."

@elistcne​

Tensions always run high when they go to the church — Meetings aren’t exactly uneventful when it comes to the club, even on the quieter days. Being part of the club in any capacity is no small task, one that is usually followed up with beers and chain smoking outside after. It’s a nice enough come down from the talk of guns and money and keeping people quiet — Andy’s happy to enjoy a cigarette or two after, breathing in the mixture of fresh hour and the smell of smoke. Sitting atop a picnic table, he takes another deep inhale, brow arching as Eli speaks. “I’m not disagreein’ with you, brother.” Andy answers easily, “The question here,” he pauses for another drag of his cigarette, continuing once he pushes snow from his lips. “Is what are ya gonna do about it?” He questions the other man, eagerly awaiting the answer.

ROYAL FLUSH! 

Riley’s little but somehow booming voice rattles through the air louder than the thunder rumbling their home, smacking playing cards down onto the table. They’ve been playing family poker in the living room for about twenty minutes. Riley has no idea how to play but ever since Oliver taught her what a royal flush is, she’s determined to be victorious. “Not quite, baby, but keep up that energy, I love it.” Oliver says as he deals another hand, looking to his daughter in wonder and amusement. They were betting with jellybeans. Also some pennies but only because they ran out of jellybeans. This was their first blackout since adopting Riley and Oliver had gone into it completely panicked, of course. He was nervous she’d be scared and possibly on edge because of the storm. But, here she was, smiling from ear to ear, playing pretend poker and believing she’s winning. She’s fucking awesome. 

But it’s only a matter of time before she gets bored out of her mind because she can’t go outside. 

Either way, Oliver sucks at the game too. Every time he gets a good hand he makes the most ridiculous noise. A sound of excitement. The second he does it, his husband gives him a look, which earns in the same response every time, “I could be bluffing....you never know.” He’s not bluffing, he’s just a moron. 

Oliver had fallen asleep for what feels like ten minutes. The last few days have been a little all over the place. From the wedding to the aftermath of the wedding, and then somehow reverting back to everyday life soon after. Though regardless of everything, they were happy.

But now, needless to say, sleeping was always strange when Eli wasn’t there. Oliver, somehow, always stirred awake when the sound of Eli’s snoring wasn’t there. In truth, this occurrence hasn’t happened in a while so Oliver wakes up in a small panic, turning slowly onto his side just to make sure he wasn’t just dreaming. When he turns and sees an empty space next to him, he frowns. Like some lovesick puppy, he reaches out and touches the vacant spot before climbing out of bed.

There’s always tomorrow, is what his mother said on the phone. I’ve had a terrible day, is what Oliver said initially but maybe he should have said a terrible evening. His day had started with a promising beginning, waking up right and bright. But it slowly descended into a trance of uncertainty and insecurity. He dropped his daughter at day camp, texted his husband, and carried on. Work was even worse, a client of his having checked into the hospital over the last weekend. Oliver knows there was no reason to blame himself but he can’t help but wonder if he could have done more. 

He spends his evening sitting out in the yard, smoking too many cigarettes to count. A habit he still can’t quite kick, especially while stressed out or upset. While he flicks ash from his cigarette he thinks of Hallen, hoping he’s okay. It’s silly of him to worry for someone who would kiss a married man but Oliver was always in too deep. He cared. Oliver worries for Adrian too, the smaller man having called or texted him back since the night of the festival. 

After a few more hours of hopeless sulking, he heads inside. Blue eyes survey the kitchen before landing on the clock above the oven. Two in the morning. With that, he pads into his and Eli’s bedroom, removing his pants and shirt before sliding into bed beside him. Oliver’s hand reaches out to trace aimless shapes against Eli’s skin before leaning in to kiss his neck. Oliver doesn’t want to wake him but another part of him wants Eli there with him. Present. It sounds trivial, but he couldn’t do this without him.

DEVELOPMENT TASK — headcanon day.

a headcanon regarding trust & honesty.

DEVELOPMENT DAY.

✪ for a headcanon regarding a secret my muse has kept.