Connections spark reality [Oliver/Jory]

*
Mentor

3,276 POSTS
last seen Apr 4, 2020 9:33:58 GMT -5

They'll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you.

Connections spark reality [Oliver/Jory] Apr 21, 2020 12:58:15 GMT -5

Post by * on Apr 21, 2020 12:58:15 GMT -5

Jory Brontz

Birthdays?

They've never been the same without her. She always made us all feel special. From the moment the midnight bell struck, she made sure to wake us up without regret, kiss us on our foreheads and then lull us back to sleep singing with her gentle voice. It's been twelve years. It's the memories that hurt the worst and now as Lotus will be entered into the reaping on the last year I will be eligible, I wonder just how much I could do to protect her as she stands where my sister did for two years before being shoved off to the capitol. Her fourteenth year will be a momentous thing to mourn - each year she turns another year older, I only remember Cecilia. How could I not?

She looks so much like her -

Though these past few years has been easier. Especially knowing that Oliver's last year to be reaped was just passed. He'll no longer have to endure the torture from the threat of the games. His body and soul are free from the capitol's reigns and I am happy to have him to myself.

A few days ago, my birthday came and went and for some reason, my parents had forgotten. One working a double shift and the other asleep for their day off. Lotus was the only one to really make a big deal of it, though I miss Jacob. He's finally moved on with his life leaving me the oldest to remain to care for Gage and Lo. Gage's presence in this house was null that day and try as I might, the only person I wanted to spend it with was Oliver.

He's just not been the same since he's returned, so I don't hold it against him for forgetting. His presence was enough to be honest. The best gift I could ever have was having him back in my life after those games because it was not long before that I realized my feelings for him was much more than friendship. It was more.

A note was left on my window this morning from him. It simply read to meet him at the oak tree. He knows my mornings are the same routine just as Cecilia had done. The window was the first to be opened unless there was rain. Seeing that note there was enough to make my morning gleam. So I threw on my white top, laced up my shoes and zipped up my fly before I made my way to our meeting spot.

"Oliver?"

kap
Retired Staff

6,017 POSTS
Pronouns: they/them
last seen Apr 24, 2024 16:11:15 GMT -5

goomy goomy on the brain

Connections spark reality [Oliver/Jory] Apr 21, 2020 13:38:08 GMT -5

Post by kap on Apr 21, 2020 13:38:08 GMT -5

Some people won't sail the sea
'Cause they're safer on land
To follow what's written

I was furious with myself that night. How could I possibly go and forget my own boyfriend's birthday? We had been together for about five years now, and I'd always been good at remembering his birthday before. I suppose the memory loss problems that came from my head injury in the arena were really starting to get to me. It was no excuse, though. Jory's birthday was one of the most important days of the year, to me. In my life, everything that had to do with Jory mattered to me. I loved him more than anything. He'd stuck through this all with me.

Even when I was gone travelling for a year, he didn't break off our relationship. He still loved me, and I still loved him. That means the world to me. He means the world to me, yet I still managed to fuck up and forget his birthday.

That's why, today, I was going to make it up to him. I'd left him a note, asking to meet up with me today. I hadn't explained why, but I'd do that when I saw him. I was dressed as nice as I could be, although I didn't have a whole lot of 'nice clothing' options. My gray, button-down, collared shirt was tucked into my black slacks that I wore. I held my wooden crutch under my right arm to support me from that leg injury I sustained in the arena that never seemed to lighten up, much less go away.

The best looking part of my attire were my shoes. I'd made them myself, as that was what my family did for work- we made and repaired shoes. It was something I'd become quite talented at over the years, too. I was proud of my work.

I'd told myself that I wouldn't drink any alcohol today, no matter how tempting the beer in the refrigerator was this morning. For lack of a better way to say things, I'd become an alcoholic in the last year or so, as a terrible coping mechanism. Regardless, I needed to be sober today. I was going to be treating Jory to something special.

When I got to our meeting point, I saw him, that handsome young man known as Jory Brontz.

How did I get so lucky as to end up with someone like him?

That was beside the point right now. With my crutch under one arm and a wrapped gift box under the other, I went over to Jory. I had a wide smile on my face.

"Jory!" I said, greeting him cheerily. "I'm so sorry I forgot about your birthday... My memory has been... you know what? That's no excuse. I should've remembered. I wanted to treat you today, to make up for it, if you'll let me," I told him. Then, I continued.

"What do you say we go get lunch? My treat. I have a little something for you, too."

But I'd follow you to the great unknown
Off to a world we call our own
Hand in my hand and we promised to never let go

table by Kaplan
art credit: xrhize on DeviantArt
lyrics: "Tightrope" from the Greatest Showman

*
Mentor

3,276 POSTS
last seen Apr 4, 2020 9:33:58 GMT -5

They'll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you.

Connections spark reality [Oliver/Jory] Apr 21, 2020 14:04:53 GMT -5

Post by * on Apr 21, 2020 14:04:53 GMT -5

Jory Brontz

The giant oak never ceased to surprise me. It held up in every storm and every winter. It lost its leaves but every spring, green would grow back and then some. It weathered as much as I had plus a couple of decades more as big as it was. Waiting for Oliver was trying. Part of me wanted to go over the next hill and look onto the resting spot of my sister and it still to this day feels odd never to have stepped foot in there. I've never come close to the opening yet, she's always with me somehow. But I have to remember that Oliver was somehow gifted to come back to me and his life was much more precious to me knowing that sometimes, you have to appreciate what your given and never let go of those you love.

Love...

"Jory! I'm so sorry I forgot about your birthday..." He starts again just like always when his mind was altered into forgetting or jumbling up some information. My head dips downward, shaking ever just the slightest.

"It's fine..." The words interrupt him while he's talking and by the time he finishes he mentions making it up to me. I bring my index finger to my lip, roll my eyes upward as if to contemplate the idea before I close the distance between the two of us and even though he can't hug me back, I bury my nose against his neck and my arms circle around him. His presence and body against mine just feels good. It feels wholesome and good.

"Of course. Whatever you want, but you don't have to. Just saying. Just having you around on my birthday is more of a gift then you'll ever know." I whisper into his ear before pulling myself from him and noticing the box under his arm. I hold off asking about it until he mentions something about food and then -

"Is that... for me?" A grin appears and I bite down on my lower lip for a moment in anticipation as I close my eyes and hold my hand out for him to hand it to me. "Am I allowed to open it now -"

Darkness may cloud my vision but I can still feel his presence in front of me. The wind blowing gently across us both as the leaves sway above us both and today, it just feels right.

Last Edit: Apr 21, 2020 14:07:24 GMT -5 by *

kap
Retired Staff

6,017 POSTS
Pronouns: they/them
last seen Apr 24, 2024 16:11:15 GMT -5

goomy goomy on the brain

Connections spark reality [Oliver/Jory] Apr 21, 2020 14:27:27 GMT -5

Post by kap on Apr 21, 2020 14:27:27 GMT -5

Some people won't sail the sea
'Cause they're safer on land
To follow what's written

The hug from Jory made me feel... peace. It was comforting, as if it were meant to make me not feel as bad about forgetting his birthday. Nothing could change the fact that I felt bad, though. It was a guilty feeling, deep in my gut, and it wouldn't fade until I'd felt as if I'd made it up to him, if it even did then.

When we separated from the hug, Jory had this aura of excitement about him. He'd seen the gift that I had for him, and asked if it was for him.

"Of course it's for you, silly!" I teased. He wanted to know if he could open it now, and I nodded. "Of course you can," I answered him.

Inside the box was something I'd bought for Jory. I wanted to make him something, but I hadn't had the time, so I supposed that would just have to wait until next year. I wouldn't forget his birthday next year, that was for sure. I'd never forget it again.

What I'd bought for Jory was still special, though, even if it wasn't handmade by me. It was a small wooden model of two birds on a nest*, which to me, was meant to be the two of us and our relationship, the nest being all the hard work we'd put into keeping one another happy.

"I really hope you like it," I told him with a small smile.

But I'd follow you to the great unknown
Off to a world we call our own
Hand in my hand and we promised to never let go

table by Kaplan
art credit: xrhize on DeviantArt
lyrics: "Tightrope" from the Greatest Showman
*wooden birds and nest reference here

*
Mentor

3,276 POSTS
last seen Apr 4, 2020 9:33:58 GMT -5

They'll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you.

Connections spark reality [Oliver/Jory] Apr 21, 2020 14:44:31 GMT -5

Post by * on Apr 21, 2020 14:44:31 GMT -5

Jory Brontz

Through the darkness, there wasn't nothing I could be frightened could happen to me while I stood in front of Oliver. He was my rock. He knew more about me then my own parents did and frankly, at this point in my life, I wanted nothing more then to be with him even after I moved out of my parent's place. I wanted to follow in Jacob's footsteps, but I had to question what might happen to Lo if I were to leave her there. She was the youngest of all of us. She would slowly watch me move out and then Gage and be left with two parents who seemed to not really have a grasp on life after our sister's murder.

But Oliver would always be here though.

I needed him to be.

As the box was placed in my hand, I opened my eyes to see the box and promptly opened it to see inside the wooden statue of birds upon a nest. Simple but plain. The wooden carving had two birds that were looking at each other, an empty nest but I had to wonder more about it.

"I love it... did you make it?" I placed the box down on the ground and inspected it further, gently rubbing one of the birds head and looking at the detail of it all. I knew Oliver used to carve, but it had been rare anymore. Still, I moved my finger along it more and more as I inspected the gift. I turned it upside down to admire the intricacies of the nest that was held together.

"Is this us?" I wondered and placed the statue against my chest. I moved to hug him again this time, only one hand around his neck as I held him. "Your the best boyfriend ever, Oliver Wren."

It felt like an eternity resting my chin against his neck, breathing in his scent before my stomach grumbled. "...didn't you mention something about lunch?"

kap
Retired Staff

6,017 POSTS
Pronouns: they/them
last seen Apr 24, 2024 16:11:15 GMT -5

goomy goomy on the brain

Connections spark reality [Oliver/Jory] Apr 21, 2020 14:58:35 GMT -5

Post by kap on Apr 21, 2020 14:58:35 GMT -5

Some people won't sail the sea
'Cause they're safer on land
To follow what's written

Jory truly seemed to be happy with what I had given him. He'd started to look at it more closely, running his fingers along it, examining it. He then asked me if I'd made it. Unfortunately, I didn't, and I'd have to tell him that. Luckily, I was making something for him. It was a work-in-progress that I'd begun last night, and I hoped would be done soon.

"I didn't make it," I said with a slight shake of my head, "but I am working on making something for you, too, that I hope you'll find special, too."

I gave him a wide smile this time.

"Is this us?" Jory inquired as he placed the gift against his chest. He hugged me again this time, and now that I had a free arm, I hugged him back, squeezing him tight, hoping that he knew how much I loved him. Then, he said something that made me tear up, but in the happiest of ways. "You're the best boyfriend ever, Oliver Wren." he told me

"Nah, that would be you," I giggled.

He was resting his chin against my neck, and I didn't want to let him go.

I never wanted to let go of the feeling I had right then. It was complete and total bliss. I felt peace. I didn't feel any of the stress that had been pouring down on me for Ripred knows how long. With Jory, I felt peace, and I felt freedom.

Then, he asked about lunch, and I let out a slight laugh. When we released from the hug again, I spoke.

"Yeah, I was thinking I could treat you to lunch at that diner in the District Square. I'm sorry it's not anything fancy, but I think you'll enjoy it. I've heard their burgers are really good, and I think their fries are fantastic!" I gave him another big smile. "You can get whatever you want, my treat!"

It was certainly a good thing I had a little extra money put aside as a savings. I wanted to treat Jory. He deserved it. He deserved the best.

But I'd follow you to the great unknown
Off to a world we call our own
Hand in my hand and we promised to never let go

table by Kaplan
art credit: xrhize on DeviantArt
lyrics: "Tightrope" from the Greatest Showman

*
Mentor

3,276 POSTS
last seen Apr 4, 2020 9:33:58 GMT -5

They'll either want to kill you, kiss you, or be you.

Connections spark reality [Oliver/Jory] Apr 21, 2020 15:39:32 GMT -5

Post by * on Apr 21, 2020 15:39:32 GMT -5

Jory Brontz

His name was on the tip of my tongue. It was so easy to say and yet at the same time to utter his given name in full only expressed further how much I enjoyed the present. In districts such as ours, gifts and extravagant things were unheard of. We enjoy the company of others and maybe eat some form of a treat but parties and the like were just rare. Especially in my family where we can barely make ends meet. For Oliver to purchase something instead of make it only made my heart hurt that he would spend money on me instead of his time, which I adore the most in actuality.

He threw my compliment back at me and I shrugged my shoulders unable to deny the inevitable. "I am, aren't I?" I chuckled lightly and talk of food filled my senses and I began to crave whatever we could find. It would be much easier to go back home and make something but he was insisting to go out and eat. As much as I disliked it, I didn't want to break his heart. He's planned all this out already.

"Burgers sound good. Fries, too, Oliver." I bent down to pick up the box and wrap the wooden figure back inside so it didn't break should something happen to it. Still, even though the box was placed under my arm and against my side, I couldn't help but think about it. "Let's head out then."

I reached for his hand, lacing my fingers around his and getting close enough to let my arm gently bounce against his arm as we started to head to the town. Gently, I sighed. I enjoyed the feel of him beside me. I wanted nothing more then this. My brother was able to get someone to love him for him and who knows about Gage. I figured it was my turn to find someone that I enjoyed being with.

"Hey, Oliver. You doing okay?" I can't help but notice that his limping was a little more than normal and what with his memory issue the other day, I couldn't help but be curious. It's been almost five years and still I fear for him in ways that I can't describe. I just don't want to lose him. "are the headaches still happening?"

Last Edit: Apr 21, 2020 16:06:22 GMT -5 by *

kap
Retired Staff

6,017 POSTS
Pronouns: they/them
last seen Apr 24, 2024 16:11:15 GMT -5

goomy goomy on the brain

Connections spark reality [Oliver/Jory] Apr 24, 2020 20:11:03 GMT -5

Post by kap on Apr 24, 2020 20:11:03 GMT -5

Some people won't sail the sea
'Cause they're safer on land
To follow what's written

Jory wrapped the wooden figure back up, placed it into its box once more, and carried it with him as we walked, his fingers intertwined with my own. It wasn't too far of a walk to get to the diner, but as we went, Jory asked me a question that made me feel like the walk took an eternity. He wanted to know if I was doing okay, and if the headaches were still happening.

The headaches part of the question would be much easier to answer than the part where he wanted to know how I was doing, so I started with that.

"The headaches are definitely still there," I told him. "I think they're getting a little more frequent recently, but they could always be worse." When I told him this, I tried to give him a smile, but it was a very weak one. I still had to answer the other part of his question, and I definitely wasn't doing okay.

"I'm not really doing okay, though, no." As I said this, I was determined to be completely honest. If there weren't honesty between the two of us, our relationship wouldn't have gotten as far as it had already, and it wouldn't be going any further.

"I've been struggling, a lot," I expressed. "I uh, I haven't been finding the best ways to cope, either. I've been drinking a lot- alcohol, that is." My words paused for a moment before I spoke again.

"I don't mean to bring this all on you right now, though. We're supposed to be having a good day and celebrating you!" I chuckled. "Let's focus on you." I squeezed his hand and smiled. It was a stronger, truer smile this time.

But I'd follow you to the great unknown
Off to a world we call our own
Hand in my hand and we promised to never let go