The Capitol
gay af
Sexuality
The other daddy
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fighting things, ya know
Occupation
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Alex
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Dec 30, 2017 20:18:58 GMT
Tag me @ezrathomas
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Post by Ezra Thomas on Jul 7, 2015 0:44:19 GMT
Finally he was released, it'd been months since he saw this family. Everson and Flynn were the only things keeping him on track. He clutched the letters they'd sent him, cherishing every word. Being in the military had its perks, but also its faults. The call telling him he had to leave was heartbreaking, nothing hurt more than leaving his family. He'd been sent off the twelve for deeper training, hours upon hours of classes and seminars.
He'd been waiting at least 3 months to see the love of his life, it didn't seem fair that after they'd broken up he was ripped from his life once more. Everson seemed understanding though, thank goodness. Ezra has told his Sargent that he would no longer be able to go away from the Capitol. A simple gold bang shining in his palm and he quickly makes his way to their place. How was he going to approach this? His palms sweat as he slips the ring in his Jean pocket. His hands shaking as he reaches for the door knob, a face splitting grin forming on his full lips.
Shoving the door out of his way he quickly enters the house, dropping his bag by the front door. "Honey I'm home!" His loud voice booming through the house as he searched frantically for Everson or Flynn.
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The Capitol
gay as the day is long
Sexuality
ezra has a nice butt
Relationship Status
Stay-at-home dad
Occupation
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Megan
Offline
Apr 20, 2018 17:50:00 GMT
florida time
Tag me @eversonbattle
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Post by Everson Battle on Jul 7, 2015 3:54:31 GMT
Months. Three to be exact- accompanied by two weeks, four days, six hours and approximately thirty-two minutes, but who’s counting? Definitely not Everson, no. He’s far too busy to be staring at the clock, dreading for the phone to ring with the bad news while simultaneously bouncing a toddler on his knee as he scribbles relentlessly at the notepad before him, calculating the budgets for the month. No, Everson wasn’t tracking the seconds, for sure. It’d been too long since he’d held Ezra close, since his musky, familiar scent drowned his senses as they lay cuddled in his king-sized mattress, since there had been that tickle of facial hair against his lips as they kissed, since they’d been doused in sweat after a night stocked full of love making. It had just been too long since he’d seen his boyfriend- his best friend, at that. They’d only just gotten back together, a tender month of rekindling before he was ripped back into the military- the very reason they’d broken it off in the first time.
But this time was different. Everson had matured, heck, he had a kid. He wasn’t going to let this cause another rift between them, and that’s why he wrote the letters. Day by day, he’d mail them out, always keeping up to date and filling him with promises and hope. He gave him details on Flynn’s fourth birthday, and how the party went. Gossiped about how the citizens of the Capitol were handling the war. Stated that everything was fine, that their funds were brimming and his son was growing smarter by the day. He kept in touch out of desperation, not ready to let a day go by without telling Ezra he loved him. The only thing that’d tear them apart was if Ezra came home in a body bag rather than with bags in his arms.
Having hidden in Flynn’s room for the majority of the time his significant other had been absent, that’s where he was when the door to the house eased open and a heart-warming voice filled his ears.
Ezra was home.
Stock-still for the briefest of moments, Everson didn’t know what to do. Three months and some change- how could he just walk up to him and not latch on him and threaten to never let go. In the end, it was his son hopping off his lap and taking down with their dog hot on his heels that stirred him back to reality. Ezra was home.
Dashing out of the room right behind his two littlest, he charged into the living room where his boyfriend stood, gasping out a sigh of relief as he threw his arms around the man while Flynn cuddled his legs and Shiloh barked at him endlessly. It had been too long, but now the wait was up.
“You’re home.” It was breathed out with contentment, his grip tightening as he buried his face in the man he loves neck, “God, I missed you so much.”
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The Capitol
gay af
Sexuality
The other daddy
Relationship Status
fighting things, ya know
Occupation
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Alex
Offline
Dec 30, 2017 20:18:58 GMT
Tag me @ezrathomas
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Post by Ezra Thomas on Jul 7, 2015 4:42:32 GMT
Ezra's eyes lite up as he saw the little boy bouncing towards him, followed by the man he'd been dying to see. How long has it been? It felt like forever when in reality it'd only been three months since he'd felt Everson's presence. Something he had missed terribly. All the time away made his touch all the more comforting, his muscular arms wrapping around Everson's waist. The man's warm breath sending chills up his spine.
"I'm home, and I'm not leaving again." He whispered softly into his lovers ear. It was a promise he intended to keep. He'd taken a desk job here in the Capitol, same pay just not the kind of work he wanted to be doing. Though it meant he wouldn't be sent off anymore, and he'd do anything to keep that from happening.
His gaze flicks down to the child hugging his leg, he'd taken to Flynn like peas and carrots. He felt as if he were his own son, they were small and broken but they were a family no matter how you spun it. "Hey buddy." He says softly, releasing Everson and kneeling down to Flynn. "I got you something." A grin still plastered on his face, his hand jetting into his bag as he pulled out a small pocket watch. He'd found it in a small shop in twelve. He'd engraved their names on the back. "That way we are always together." He smiles pulling out another one for Everson.
"I have something for you later." He purrs up at Everson giving him a wicked grin. He stands quickly grabbing their hands and towing them to the couch. "What'd I miss?" He asks, eager for information.
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The Capitol
gay as the day is long
Sexuality
ezra has a nice butt
Relationship Status
Stay-at-home dad
Occupation
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Megan
Offline
Apr 20, 2018 17:50:00 GMT
florida time
Tag me @eversonbattle
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Post by Everson Battle on Jul 7, 2015 9:01:46 GMT
The comforting weight of Ezra's arms on his hips lifted any and all worries that'd harbored themselves on his shoulders right off. It was liberating to be in his presence, to hold him close after so long of being without him. His scent burrowed itself in his nostrils, his warmth radiated back onto Everson's own flesh, and his voice- god, his voice- it melted the man where he stood. No longer shocked that his lover was actually here, warm and pliable under his fingers, he managed more than just a few sparse words, dragging his lips over Ezra's ear, he murmured, "Oh, you're not going anywhere. I won't let you." There was an underlying tone of lust, promising a much more eager welcoming home later.
As his boyfriend peeled himself out of his grip to lean down and lend his attention to the four year old, Everson could hold back the grin that split across his face. It was no secret that Ezra's relationship with Flynn made his heart sing, and more than once he'd just sat back, a hand pressed to his lips to prevent any soft sighs or giggles from leaving his lips, and just watched the two interact as if they were family by blood and not just feeling out the boundaries of each other. Ezra was his son's father, without a doubt, and he was forever grateful for how accepting they were of each other.
A palm pressed to his heart as he watched Ezra hand over the gift that Flynn took into greedy hands, fingers dancing over the engraved words despite not knowing their meaning. He knew it was special, he thanked Ezra eagerly, "Thanks, da! It's purty." Clinging it close to his chest, he took to sitting on the floor and fiddling with it while the dog danced around him. Turning his attention back to Ezra just in time to catch him pulling out another watch, he gripped it tightly and let all that he wanted to say, how much this all meant to him fill his eyes.
A devilish grin of his own crossing his lips at the promise, he was easily dragged to the couch and sat himself nearly in Ezra's lap as he pursed his lips, thinking his question over quickly. "Well, I let you know most of it in the letters, but uh- I have pictures of the more memorable moments if you want to see? And a ton from his party, he really missed you," looking down at his lap, he twiddled his thumbs and whispered, "I really missed you." Perking up a bit, he added, "And, well, Azalea called a few times, tried to get me to bring Flynn down to see her, but I couldn't- I wouldn't risk it with the war. Other than that? Not much." A sadness had masked his eyes at the mention of his ex, but he quickly turned the tides by chiming, "Now shut up and kiss me."
Without waiting, he planted his lips against Ezra's, fingers curling into his hair as he surged forward and demanded more contact.
God, he missed him.
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The Capitol
gay af
Sexuality
The other daddy
Relationship Status
fighting things, ya know
Occupation
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Alex
Offline
Dec 30, 2017 20:18:58 GMT
Tag me @ezrathomas
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Post by Ezra Thomas on Jul 7, 2015 15:35:23 GMT
Ezra listened intently as Everson mentions pictures of Flynns birthday. He was crushed that he had to miss it, though he knew he would be there for many many more. If tonight goes well, forever. "I'd love to see them." He explain softly, his voice filled with excitement until the mention of Everson's Ex. His body tensed for a moment, wondering slightly what Everson was thinking.
When the man spoke again Ezra instantly calmed, he had nothing to worry about. Everson was his, and soon enough it'd be official. "I missed you more than you could even know." He whispers softly before his lips are hijacked. His tongue slowly explored Everson's all too familiar mouth for a brief moment before he realized Flynn was still there. His lips moved but his arms wrapped firmly around the man.
"I have plans for us for tonight, I need to shower and you both need to get ready." He demands softly kissing Everson's forehead before quickly disappearing into the bathroom. His jeans slipped off and before he discarded them into the wash bin he slips out the gold band, on the inner part of it was an engraving 'I am with you always'. It was corny and he knew it, but if he was anything it was a big romantic.
He hurried in the shower not wanting to be away from them for longer than he needed. He contemplated walking out there wearing nothing but the water beading on his skin, but then he remembered their son. Grabbing a towel he wraps it around his waist and casually walks into the bedroom, hoping Everson would join for a brief moment of alone time.
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The Capitol
gay as the day is long
Sexuality
ezra has a nice butt
Relationship Status
Stay-at-home dad
Occupation
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Megan
Offline
Apr 20, 2018 17:50:00 GMT
florida time
Tag me @eversonbattle
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Post by Everson Battle on Jul 17, 2015 9:59:33 GMT
"I'll find them," Everson says softly, eyes roaming over his boyfriend's elated face at the mention of the pictures, catching the underlying regret in his eyes. He knew it bothered Ezra to not have been here for it, but he reassures him with a soft kiss and whispers, "He had fun, you know? Missed you, of course, but I kept it small. Private. We can throw a bigger one with you here if you want? It wouldn't be a hassle." He bit his tongue, wanting to continue on with ideas to mend the splintered bond between the two due to his absence. Maybe a trip to the park, or to one of the pool at the back lot of his apartment. Traveling out of the Capitol wasn't an option, there was no way he'd put Flynn in any form of danger, so they'd just have to think of fun things to do around here. If that's what both of them wanted, that is.
He mumbled against Ezra's lips a quick, "God, I missed you so much, baby," before he moved back just a pinch to spare Flynn from the scandalous act. Smirking softly at the man he loved so dearly, he listened intently to his words and nodded, mind flickering over all the possibilities.
Not hesitating to act, the moment Ezra had shuffled into his room, Everson was up and gathering his son in his arms. "Daddy's gonna dress you up, okay? And then you can go back to playing," he purred against the side of his son's head as he pressed a kiss there. Swift hands swapped the pajamas he'd been clad in for a pair of tiny khakis and a polo like shirt. Tan and green, brought out the soft hue of his skin and gentle emerald of his eyes. Proud of his work, Everson sent his boy off to play, making sure to tell him to stay clean before he snuck off to his room.
Easing the door shut behind him, he had made it into the room just as Ezra was leaving the bathroom. A large spread across his lips as he sauntered towards him, he couldn't stop his eyes from roaming the expanse of his bare chest. Upon reaching him, he didn't hesitate to set his hand at the knot of the towel, fingers dipping just under it as he brushed his lips across Ezra's, purring against the flesh, "Oh, you wouldn't believe how much I've missed this- you."
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The Capitol
gay af
Sexuality
The other daddy
Relationship Status
fighting things, ya know
Occupation
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Alex
Offline
Dec 30, 2017 20:18:58 GMT
Tag me @ezrathomas
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Post by Ezra Thomas on Jul 17, 2015 18:13:02 GMT
Ezra let his muscular arms wrapped around the man in front of him, a small gasp escaped his lips as Everson's fingers made contact with skin under the towel. His lips cherishing every second of being brushed against, this was the moment he'd been waiting months to have. To have the man he loves wrapped in her arms, safe and sound. "I could take a wild guess because I missed you just about the same." He smiles before pressing his lips to Everson's again, this time more passion as his hand knotted up into the mans short hair.
His tongue exploring the all too familiar mouth of Everson's, his bare chest pushing up against the man. Ezra's heart was racing, tonight of all nights could change everything for them. It could be the beginning of making them a real official family. He could finally have the chance to make Everson his husband.
After a few moments of enjoying the bliss he felt, he remembered they had reservations. "As much as I'd love to stay locked in the little paradise forever, we have reservations in about twenty five minutes and I still have to get dressed." He says softly before kissing Everson once more, and slipping hesitantly out of the mans grip.
He quickly tugged on a pair of boxers, and followed those with a pair of black slacks. Before putting on his white button up, he combed his curly blonde locks back so they were slicked back nicely. His white button up accompanied by a light grey tie. He'd never really cleaned up like this, he didn't really hate it.
Turning to Everson he gives him a cheesy smile, holding up his arms to show off. "Well, how do I look?" He asks, a slight chuckle rolling off his lips.
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The Capitol
gay as the day is long
Sexuality
ezra has a nice butt
Relationship Status
Stay-at-home dad
Occupation
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Megan
Offline
Apr 20, 2018 17:50:00 GMT
florida time
Tag me @eversonbattle
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Post by Everson Battle on Aug 30, 2015 4:26:15 GMT
It was pure bliss- no other way to explain it. It would be a waste of time and words when he could just say that. Bliss. A moment of ecstasy, of love, of relief. He could rattle off some poem about the contrast of his boyfriend's smooth lips to the hard, chiseled expanse of his chest, but why do that? That would mean having to think, having to pull away from the moment he'd yearned for what felt like forever. Maybe later he'd do it. Sit himself down with a pad of paper and a glass of wine, fingers anxiously shaking the pen back and forth as he searched the deepest depths of his mind to find the perfect mesh of adjectives and adverbs to bring together just a hint of how much he really loved this man. He just may do that, after it's truly soaked in that Ezra is safe, and alive, and here.
But for now? Now he was just going to keep his tongue curling along the ridges of the man he love's teeth, his fingers twitching at forbidden flesh, and his mind clear of any and all doubts. This was them. Finally and forever, just the two of them. This was his best friend, his lover, and now the second father to his child, and god, he wanted to make sure Ezra knew exactly how much he appreciated it all.
Or at least he tried to. Just as he moved to yank the towel away and make the moment last, Ezra stepped back, insisting that they had something rather important to attend to. Everson disagrees, because if his boyfriend has to put clothes on? Then it's not all that important in his book. Huffing like the child he mentally was, he crossed his arms over his chest and watched the man hustle around the room to dress up in a way he so rarely does, but boy could he appreciate the view. With a watering mouth and wide eyes, Everson let his hand rest against Ezra's chest, fingers twitching as he grasped the tie, his gaze glued to the body presented so delectably to him.
"Great," he whispered hoarsely, voice caught in his throat traitorously before he cleared it and clarified, "You look great, but," he gestured down to himself, where he was dressed in a gently pressed, tan sweater and jeans- nothing special, "I feel under-dressed?" He wasn't sure where they were going, or what the surprise was, but if Ezra was so dressed up, shouldn't he be too?
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The Capitol
gay af
Sexuality
The other daddy
Relationship Status
fighting things, ya know
Occupation
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Alex
Offline
Dec 30, 2017 20:18:58 GMT
Tag me @ezrathomas
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Post by Ezra Thomas on Aug 30, 2015 9:53:10 GMT
Ezra let himself be pulled closer to Everson but the tie that hung around his neck, a sly grin forming on his lips. His mouth moving slowly towards Everson's ear, his voice low and teasing as he says "If I could have my way, we are both over dressed." His lips pressing softly right below his ear, trailing down his neck and stopping at the sweater.
Bright eyes finding Everson, a small innocent grin playing on his needing lips. He wanting nothing more than to lose himself in the man he loves, but he knew Flynn was right in the other room, playing or doing something amazingly innocent, and he couldn't keep Everson all to himself right now. "You look perfect." He adds after a moment of just taking in all of his boyfriends features.
The months he'd been gone were agonizing, he couldn't believe Everson stayed strong and faithful while he was gone. Sure, Ezra would do the same thing, but he truly appreciated Everson. For everything.
"Oh screw it." He whispered softly to himself before dropping to one knew I front of Everson. His hand plucking the small black box out of his pocket, a simple silver band with one small diamond sit in front of him. "Everson, since the day I met you, you've shown me how amazing and precious life can be. I cannot thank you enough for the joy you, and that little boy in there have caused me. I know we've hit a few rough patches, but we've over come it. So I'm hoping you'll continue to be my best friend, my lover, and my everything. Will you marry me?" His voice broke as tears of joy trickled down his warm cheeks. The silence between the last words and Everson's first would seem like forever.
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The Capitol
gay as the day is long
Sexuality
ezra has a nice butt
Relationship Status
Stay-at-home dad
Occupation
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Megan
Offline
Apr 20, 2018 17:50:00 GMT
florida time
Tag me @eversonbattle
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Post by Everson Battle on Dec 24, 2017 10:33:57 GMT
Goosebumps danced across Everson's spine as a shiver rolled over him. There was just something about Ezra's voice, about his close proximity, about the promise of sex after so long of going without so much as seeing him. The man was his other half, the one thing that kept him going when he was trapped in a relationship he'd lost feeling for. The idea that maybe someday Ezra would be able to forgive him gave him the strength he needed to return back to that pink apartment with his son on his hip and leave his deranged ex behind. Even if he never saw the man again, the fact that there was a chance was more than enough. One month and a redecorated apartment later, and he saw him, bumped into him at a library with Flynn latched to his leg. One evening together and they'd already fallen back into place—into bed. It may have been rushed, may have happened too quickly, but this was his best friend, his first love. His first everything. He'd made a mistake when he'd left him, but he'd been scared. Ezra had joined the military and wasn't around him anymore. It made him feel as though the boy was trying to get away from him, like their relationship was a mistake. He'd panicked and rather than talk it out, he broke up with him and fled the District. That's when he ran into Azalea, when he let his broken heart try to mend itself in her arms—between her legs. It had always felt wrong. He knew he wasn't into women, but he wanted to feel normal. He needed to. That day when he ran into Ezra with his new boyfriend hanging off of his arm, it made him feel sick. It made him realize his mistake. It was too late to fix it, however. Ezra had moved on and Everson did the only thing he could think to do. He threw himself into the fight, joining the army and abandoning his girlfriend the way his boyfriend had with him. When he came home, he had intended to break up with her, but her stomach was swollen and her eyes so full of hope. He was roped into a relationship with a girl he'd fallen out of love with, but he never blamed his son for that. He was glad Flynn had that time with his mother, but once she fell off the deep end, he knew leaving was his only option.
It was the best choice he ever made.
He had Ezra back and his son was flourishing in his new home. Things were finally falling back into place.
Everson had meant to tease his boyfriend back, knowing they couldn't do anything just yet—not with Flynn still awake—but as soon as he had opened his mouth, Ezra was dropping down to one knee. It was like the world moved in slow motion as the blonde reached in his pocket and pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal the delicate piece of jewelry. His brain stalled, mouth left agape and eyes damp with unshed tears as he tried to register what was going on. Ezra was proposing. Ezra was proposing! He couldn't believe it, that now of all times this was happening. His heart stuttered, lips quivering as he hiccuped on a silent sob. This was happening. He couldn't believe it. After everything he'd done, he thought he was lucky to just have Ezra in his life, but to be able to marry him? He hadn't imagined the world would have ever been so kind to him.
"Yes," he cheered around a sob, tears falling freely now as Ezra's speech ended, "Of course, Ezra. It'll always be yes." It was them. It had always been them.
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The Capitol
gay af
Sexuality
The other daddy
Relationship Status
fighting things, ya know
Occupation
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Alex
Offline
Dec 30, 2017 20:18:58 GMT
Tag me @ezrathomas
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Post by Ezra Thomas on Dec 30, 2017 20:18:58 GMT
Ezra and Everson's ride was a bumpy one that's for sure. They'd been best friends for as long as they could remember. Neither of them knew that the other was secretly longing to be nuzzled in each other's arms. That was until the beans were spilt, one slip up and the pair was inseparable. The war changed that, Ezra was sent off time and time again leaving Everson to fend for himself in the pink apartment they'd shared. Everson couldn't take it, the day they got together did not counteract the weeks they spent apart. He'd left Ezra, a letter was all he had for his goodbye. The man wasn't enough anymore, he'd lost his best friend and the love of his life.
Enter Noel, they burned hot for a while until the flame died down. Their demise was seeing Everson with a woman on the beach. A woman. Ezra's heart shattered into a million pieces, but he couldn't show that to Noel. Everson had moved on; their relationship was a fling. Nothing more than an experiment to see if Everson wanted him, and when he didn't Ezra was cast out. That was fine, Ezra had moved on too. Except he never really did. Every touch that he and Noel shared brought back memories of the nights he and Everson would lay tangled together in the silk sheets. Before long Ezra would dread entering the home that he and Noel shared. Noel could sense it, that's why the rushed proposal caught Ezra off guard. In that moment Everson and the girl played through his mind, and he blurted out 'yes'.
A regret that would haunt him through the rest of their relationship. Ezra found himself taking every out of the Capitol job he was offered. He wanted as much distance between him and his fiancée as possible. One voicemail was all Noel got when Ezra ended it, his happiness was more important than trying to out couple Everson and his girl. Ezra couldn't make anyone happy until he made himself happy. He had to be a better man. Maybe had he been just a little better Everson would have stayed, maybe he wouldn't be wrapped in the weak arms of a woman. Ezra couldn't think that way for long, Everson was happy and that was all that mattered.
Until he'd bumped into him in the library, a child clung to his leg. He was Everson's twin, and that when Ezra knew. He tried his hardest to hide his heartbreak, Everson had a son. No doubt he was happy in his life now, except he wasn't. He'd come back to Ezra's house, they'd laughed the way they did. They'd joked around and talked the way Ezra longed for every night. Most importantly they'd fallen into the gentle embrace of one another, from there on they were one again.
Ezra had found himself loving Flynn as if he were his own. When his mother threw threats of taking the boy from Everson, Ezra was right there pulling whatever strings he could to keep his family together.
That's what they were, his family. Which was why he was knelt down in front of Everson, ring in hand ready to make him his forever. Knew he didn't want, and would never want anyone else. He wanted the good, the bad, and the ugly with Everson. He wanted to be there for Flynn on his first day of school, or when he lost his first tooth. He didn't want to miss a thing with either of them, never again would he let them go.
The yes that rolled over Everson's lips sounded like a million angels. Tears pooled out of Ezra's crystal blue eyes as he placed the ring on Everson's finger. His hand covered his mouth holding back the sob that was trying to escape as he stood up. Large muscular arms wrapped around his soon to be husband. He didn't know what he'd done to get so lucky, so lucky to be in love with his best friend. They were getting married, they were going to share their lives together for the rest of their lives. Ezra couldn't help but feel his heart about to burst from joy. His lips crashed against Everson's, all the joy and love he was feeling poured into the one kiss. Everson was right, it would always be yes. The world had chosen them, they were soulmates from the start. From the way they both designated one mug that the other would not touch, to the way Ezra knew how many marshmallows to put in Everson's hot chocolate. It was going to be them forever. "I love you and Flynn so much." He whispered, pulling back for a moment to look Everson in the eyes. He was looking into the eyes of his future.
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The Capitol
gay as the day is long
Sexuality
ezra has a nice butt
Relationship Status
Stay-at-home dad
Occupation
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Megan
Offline
Apr 20, 2018 17:50:00 GMT
florida time
Tag me @eversonbattle
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Post by Everson Battle on Dec 31, 2017 8:09:08 GMT
Mistakes were the foundation to life, or at least that's what Everson's father had told him at a young age. He'd wanted his son to learn early on that it was okay to stumble and fall as long as he got up again—that he could make a wrong turn and still find himself on the right path. It was that kind of attitude that landed him the position of Mayor in the sparsely populated District Eleven. He wanted to pass down those mindsets, wanted his only son to be prepared for the hurdles life was going to toss in his way. No one was perfect, and he needed Everson to realize that. Aiming for perfection had destroyed so many, he just wanted the boy to be happy. If that meant living out his life in the Capitol with his best friend in his arms, surrounded by flamboyant pink or with a young lady at his hip and a new family to defend. He just wanted Everson to be happy.
Truth was, he had been. With Ezra, with Azalea. He was happy until he simply wasn't.
He'd grown up running through fields of grain with the blonde boy at his heels, their laughter the only sound ringing amongst the agriculture. Ezra was his best friend, his only friend. So many others hung off his every word in hopes of getting on the Mayor's good side, but not him. He wanted Everson for who he was, not what his last name stood for. They were forever arm in arm—until he wanted to be hand in hand. Early on, he had realized that he harbored more than friendly feelings for the boy—that their countless sleep overs and lack of personal space were running a hefty toll on his restraint. His fear of rejection was what pushed him to run, to flee Eleven for the Capitol and a velvet pink room with a pretty pink pooch. His father accepted him, insisted that Ezra would too, but the idea of losing his best friend had left his head spinning. He'd rather run than face the truth.
It wasn't until he'd made himself at home in the Capitol with a girl, Jennifer, poorly filling in the role of best friend that he embraced who he was. There was stolen kisses in clubs, single dates, and a near one-night stand, but some sick, twisted part of his mind insisted on saving himself for a boy he knew would never feel the same way. Only, he did. All it took was a run in on the cobblestone streets and a retreat into his apartment for his sexuality to be made glaringly obvious. One heated look and they were tangled in sheets and limbs on his magenta duvet. He was in love with his best friend and it was clear his best friend loved him back. It made him feel foolish for running, for doubting the connection they shared. But he needed to. He needed that time alone to find out who he really was.
And he was someone deeply in love with the blue-eyed boy of his youth.
He couldn't have imagined a better life, a better lover, and then the rug was pulled out from under him. War. A battle in Four that Ezra couldn't ignore the call of. He was gone for months at a time, death a near promise—his absence a heavy weight on his young heart. The time they spent together was never enough, would never be enough. Everson was greedy, he was desperate. He was so damn stupid. He'd left a letter—brief and lousy—and nothing else. Not even Shiloh, his periwinkle puppy, was left in the loft they'd shared. It shattered his heart thinking about the look that Ezra must have worn when he came home to find the living room cast in shadows and buried in silence. He didn't think about it. He just ran.
Ran to Four, where he bumped into a petite, owl-eyed girl who lit a spark in his heart. She was a band-aid, an attempt at the normal life he felt he should live. The people of Eleven would want a man settled down with a woman—would want honest heirs. Maybe leaving Ezra was the right thing to do. Why could he never convince himself of that? It felt like love when he fell into her arms, into her bed, into her. His heart swelled at the sight of her little sister, his hands sturdy as he held the older together—his eyes soft as he promised he'd come back from war. He hated Ezra for leaving him so, but when Azalea became too much, too suffocating, he took an easy way out.
When he returned, her stomach was swollen and her baby sister was missing. A day in the woods and he returned with the girl in his arms and blood on his fists. A twisted ex wanted revenge, he was afraid what would have happened if he returned a day later. He couldn't leave again—not until he had to. Flynn was barely four and Azalea had gone off the deep end. Something broke, something he couldn't fix, and he was afraid for the effect it would have on his young son. So, he gathered their things and got on the first train back to that little apartment in the Capitol, a place she couldn't reach being a citizen of Thirteen.
He ran. He always ran. But he wasn't going to this time.
The room was no longer pink. The dye had faded off the dog. There was a little boy in the other room. There was Ezra still on his knee before him.
Everson wasn't ever running again.
The ring settled at the base of his finger like it was meant to be there, and it was. Of course it was. A soft sob fell from his lips as he watched Ezra try to supress one of his own. He'd never thought this day would come, never thought he would be the one his best friend would marry. After receiving an invitation in the mail for his wedding with Noel, after having a child with a poor girl he'd met by chance—he never saw this coming, but it only made sense that it did. It would always be them. Always.
Tangled up in one another, Everson let every emotion he felt bleed into the short kiss he shared with his fiance. It was perfect, nothing could make this moment better. "I love you too," he whispered, eyes damp with tear of joy.
"We love you too," a small voice rang out, the sound of small feet padding towards them was followed by paws smacking the hardwood. Flynn appeared at their sides, eyes wide and imploring as he glanced between them. He had a smile on his lips, wide and full of innocence as he leaned in to join the hug. He didn't know what was going on, but he wanted to join.
Shiloh barked, as if he was adding his own admission of love, and like that, their small family was whole once more.
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