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His smile widened, unable to help the laugh he let out shortly afterwards. That was one way to describe it. "It's alright. I mean, it's an adjustment but I'm not the one who has to deal with it on a constant basis." Sure, it made lying to Ella an impossibility, but he tried not to do it in the first place. Often, James corrected himself, calling himself out before she had the chance to. The heart gave away his nerves, his responses, but rarely did she say anything.
Lately, James felt himself thinking a lot during the night, about their relationship. Restless thoughts lead to increased anxiety, which caused disruptions in his heart rate. They were getting older, and the natural progression of a relationship called for certain milestones. Marriage. Children; they already covered that subject awkwardly sometime back. But words failed every time.
James let go of Ella's hand, only to connect with her waist. Drawing in closer, he the top of her head. "Besides, it's not just pretty sure." He amended her previous statement. "I do love you."
Had he even said that to her out loud before? He assumed it was a given between them, but one could never be sure without the words being spoken. Without the pressure or hype surrounding love, it felt... easier. To just say it without sending his heart into overdrive.
James raised an eyebrow when Ella laughed and nudged his shoulder, taking an extra second to process exactly what he said. As soon as the realization dawned on him, he let out an amused chuckle. His words applied to more than just the circumstance of manifestation; but to the formation of their relationship.
Grinning, James shook his head. "Who knows. It would have given me an excuse to talk to you more." Which begged the question; would he have stuck around? "Or maybe I'd run, scared that I would be next or something." Perhaps their history was better the way it is. Better to keep the distance, though any time spent apart now James found himself longing for Ella's presence.
"I mean, I'm sure we would have found each other eventually. Some way, somehow."
If anything, the idea of Ella's death caused more of a reaction out of James rather than therapy. Therapy had the potential to do good, but in her case, potentially not. He got distracted momentarily by his own thoughts, about a life without her presence. She was everything and even the thought alone was enough to cause a sharp exhale from his lungs.
"Which is completely understandable." James agreed. Often, the negative consequences of meta abilities were ignored in favour of focusing on the positive. Side effects, the manifestation itself, everything had to be dealt with. "Hemokinesis isn't exactly one of those glamourized abilities."
"Your support system." He added on. The role that therapy was supposed to play in Ella's life, replaced by her recruiter. "Did he help make the whole process easier? Or at least bearable." James amended.
Nodding, James looked over at her face. He remembered sharing a similar conversation with Ella a few years ago, where they both described their initial encounter as overwhelming. "Now it makes more sense. Control is so important during the earlier stages. Having no control is..." He trailed off, searching for the right word. "You know, terrifying. No control means that anything can happen in the blink of an eye."
Nodding in response, James gave Ella a smile at the mention of her mother. He couldn't remember if she had mentioned therapy before, but her explanation made sense given the circumstance. He listened to her story, his eyes following her movement towards her free hand. Eyes went wide at her next sentence, his heart faltering for a beat or two. She would notice, of course. But it was the only reaction he could give at the moment. The image was terrifying enough but to actually live through the experience left him speechless.
Stunned into silence, he opened his mouth to reply but nothing. "Shit." James finally breathed out, giving her hand a squeeze as they continued walking. Never in his experience had he heard about someone nearly dying from their manifestation.
"So, your ability kept you alive but also nearly killed you." He commented. "I can't even imagine what that was like for you." Even knowing some of the details now.
Tilting his head, James couldn't help his reaction given her laugh. Of course, he knew nothing because it wasn't a topic the two discussed. Until now. After a pause, he followed Ella's lead towards the door. He stepped into the hallway, turning around with the same inquisitive expression on his face. Her statement almost read as a challenge, and he felt that he could handle the awful details of her manifestation.
"Try me." James spoke, his hand reaching for hers on instinct. "Unless you'd rather not."
From his own experience, both as a student and trainer, a harder approach was necessary at times. As a student, James was arrogant and believed that he was above training sessions. Had his trainer not given him a good reality check right near the start, he likely wouldn't have graduated on time. His own manifestation was relatively harmless, especially compared to other abilities. A push towards the right direction did him good. But, it couldn't be forced.
As soon as Ella frowned, James felt his expression mirror her own. Although he knew few details, he couldn't imagine that would go over well. "No? Not even if you mention how you're doing now?" James had no idea if that would even help, but it was a possibility.
A smile appeared on his face again at Ella's question. "I was thirteen. The first time it happened, I remember I was sitting in band class. The bassist had unplugged his instrument, but I could still hear him playing chords. It was so loud, he might as well have been playing right next to me. Nobody else said anything so I kept quiet." He paused. "Their voices in the hallway were too loud but I tried to ignore it."
"A few days later, I was with my parents in the grocery store. Nobody was in the aisle, but I heard a conversation between two older ladies. I vaguely remember running towards the sound and it was... deafening." He exhaled, in amusement. "And I caused a bit of a scene. Started asking a bunch of questions but no one answered. No one could answer. My parents and I left the store without any groceries. I'm sure they were embarrassed. Only took a day or two for the recruiter to show up and explain everything to myself and my parents. Then, I left."
"Nothing really eventful." James concluded, his eyes meeting Ella's. "I'm sure especially in comparison to your manifestation."
"I mean, to be fair, all students react differently. Plus, our training style could also have an impact on it." James suggested with a slight shrug. Ella was patient and attentive, letting the students approach the situation first. By nature, he was more demanding, even abrasive in his earlier years. He forced a reaction out of students. Complete silence had yet to be an experience for James. "Not so much anymore but I used to get a lot of quick-tempered students." The kind who were hot-headed and eager to come out swinging.
Nodding in agreement, he didn't add anything to Ella's explanation, because it was a threat. Especially so early on in the process. "Yeah, if it was volatile, it was probably more than a little traumatic. Just have to give them some extra time." Taking a step forward, James drew closer in proximity to Ella. "Same ability as yours or different?" He asked, knowing the volatile possibilities that came with being a hemokinectic through her.
Hesitation lined Ella’s voice, but James remained silent. The falter was all too clear for someone with such perfect hearing. His gaze shifted from the file folder back to her expression, as she drew closer. A thoughtful expression crossed his features, remembering all the students from his time spent as a trainer.
Her hand crossed the distance in between and the moment Ella made the connection, his pulse shifted in response to her touch. Even the light physical contact had such a strong impact on James. Moving to rest his hand over hers, he reciprocated her smile. “Yes... and no. Yes, I’ve had students who don’t want to do anything but they usually vocalize their opinion.” Even when he didn’t ask.
“That’s where the no comes in. I’ve never had a student who doesn’t at least say something.” James finished, unable to help the frown on his face. It was strange, to say the least. “How many times have you met with them?” Moving downwards, his hand tracked the length of her arm.
"I know," James reassured her, as the last thing he intended was to bring out feelings of guilt, especially when he was the one who interrupted her thoughts. Plus there was no point in going home to an empty apartment, even it meant being around the school for a couple hours longer. They had gone through worse.
Nodding, his gaze followed Ella as she went to collect her stuff. "What's it about?" He asked, with a head gesture towards the file on her desk. Being in the same line of work as his girlfriend allowed for greater insight; they both understood the struggle that came with the job.
"You could bring it home, at least. Looking over it again in a couple hours might do some good." James offered as a suggestion.
Deep breaths confirmed her presence; James could hear them before he even approached the door. Sound gave everything away before the process of sight. He tried not to use his ability to pry, only when the noise became too much to handle, too overwhelming. Any indication of concern and he used it to his advantage.
But they both did. The way their abilities worked in tandem provided an advantage for the pair.
Eyes met hers, and James features lit up. He could hear the way her heartbeat responded to his, and how his own responded to hers. Even now, James lacked control when it came to managing the rhythm in his chest around Ella. He listened as the two heartbeats matched each other's time.
As soon as she offered a connection in the form of her hand, James opened his hand to hers, pulse shifting as her fingertips brushed over his wrist, until fingers interlocked. His eyes didn't move from hers. Giving a gentle squeeze, James replied "We can always stay a bit longer." He knew it wasn't ideal to work from home. Maintaining some separation was necessary, but he also understood that it happened. Work always had the possibility of interfering with daily life. "I don't mind." His free hand moved to her waist, bridging the distance.
3:00. James flipped over the sheet of paper that had been his focus for the past half hour, with notes and ideas lining the margins. The form detailed a new student; a new arrival from South Carolina. Enhanced smell. Not directly related to his power, but since it dealt with the senses, James was assigned the student. He was at a point in his career now where he felt more confident taking on students outside of his immediate knowledge.
Closing the new file folder, James stood up and put his jacket back on. With no more students left to see for the day, he figured it was time to call it quits. Return home and start again tomorrow. The all familiar routine that no longer felt mundane, but... satisfying. Fulfilling, even.
There was only one thing left to do, one more person to see. Turning off the lights, James locked his office door and took the few necessary steps down the hall to another office. The lights were still on. A quick knock to signify his presence, despite knowing that she likely heard him before his fist even connected with the door.
Lips curled upwards at the sight of Ella, once he opened the door. "Hey," James spoke. "I'm gonna head home now. You plan on being around for a bit longer?"
► What is your plotting philosophy? I like to think my plotting philosophy is pretty open. Whatever ideas you have for our characters, throw them my way. I like planning out a rough idea for a thread, but in no way is it absolute. If we've role-played together before or if the characters have previous history, then it's easier to go in without a particular idea. If Communication is key.
ACTIVITY
► How often can you reply to a thread? Depends how life is going; I'll try and do once a week at the very minimum. If school and work aren't too heavy then it'll be more frequent, like once every 1-2 days.
► How long are you willing to wait for a reply to a thread? Probably 3-4 weeks. After that, I start to lose interest. If you give me a heads up though, I don't mind waiting.
► What about volleying? Yeah sure just let me know!
► Tagging Honestly whatever works. You can tag me if you want, you don't have to. If you're used to tagging then I can adapt.
► Contacting you? Plot pages work for plots. You can always direct message me too, and I'll eventually make a Discord account if that works.
► Anything else? Nothing I can think of!
LIMITS
► Godmodding Again, communication. Small actions I don't mind but if it's going to have a major impact on my character or your character, let's talk it out first. Sketch out a rough idea of what will happen or something.
► Romance I don't like preplanning romance plots. It doesn't work 9 times out of 10. Otherwise, all else is fair game.
► Violence I'm going to be honest, I'm not good at writing violence. So, I usually avoid these sorts of plots. If it's necessary or happens then that's fine but I can't guarantee quality writing on my side.
AGE: 27, born May 28th 1990 GENDER: Male ORIENTATION: Heterosexual POSITION: Powers Trainer at Bellefonte Academy
♦ THE ABILITY ♦
POWER: Enhanced Hearing
The ability to hear with the utmost clarity. Put simply, James' hearing is better than the average person's. Not only is the quality improved, but James can also hear sounds and voices at farther distances compared to the average person. He is able to faintly distinguish sounds normally outside the range of normal human hearing, but isn't always able to register it or make it more than a murmur in his ear. After training his power, James has learned how to tune out certain sounds, but it does take a decent amount of concentration in order to choose what he listens to. Naturally, the louder and closer a sound is, the easier it is for his ability to pick it up and makes it harder for him to ignore it.
LIMITATIONS:
-The farthest James has been able to hear something is across town. This takes a great deal of strength and makes the side effects harsher; a comfortable range is within the same building as him -Sounds that are closer and louder are easier for him to pick up and otherwise can be hard to ignore -Usually a subconscious effort; takes more concentration and energy in order to consciously choose what to hear but can still be done, within reason.
SIDE-EFFECTS: -Constant ringing in James' ears, varying from minor and not very noticeable to severe and the only thing he can hear, depending on the day and if he used his power more than usual -Increased sensitivity to loud and high pitched noises -Headaches ranging in pain from minor to severe -If overused, James may eventually become deaf. He takes care to ensure that this is likely not to happen but it is likely that he will experience hearing loss earlier than most
♦ THE FREEFORM ♦
And this is how it starts;
New York City had always been there from the beginning.
Born and raised in the city that never sleeps set high expectations for James Lawrence. It would always be a part of him, the strong, innate connection between him and his home town formed from a young age. He remembered it all; his childhood spent outside on sidewalks and walking around the neighbourhood, as if he and his friends owned the place. They were young and didn't know any better. But it was easy to buy into the image and attitude that came with New York City.
Being the only child only helped shape the persona of James. Two loving parents who spent their free time giving all their attention to him. There wasn't a lot of spare time, as both Edward and Katherine Lawrence had to work hard to survive. He found comfort in a group of kids that lived in the same apartment complex as him. As one of the younger kids, James always had to prove himself; but that was easy given the personality he already was developing. An ego, there from a young age, that would only grow with time. The framework of his personality was already set in stone, because it was necessary.
Because he was James Lawrence.
Then again, maybe you were right
Frustrated, the nine year old looked up from the string tightly pressed underneath calloused fingertips. "Come on Dad, don't you think this is a little easy?" Scales? He'd been playing for almost a year now; he didn't have to continue the easy chord progressions that he had memorized both forward and backward.
Raising an eyebrow, Edward Lawrence looked to his son with a grin that revealed his amusement with the situation. "Nothing wrong with that. This is how you started and it's good to warm up."
James scoffed. "I don't need to warm up. You already know I'm the best guitar player in the neighbourhood. I could play circles 'round everyone else."
"Maybe."
"And?"
"Until your name is permanently engrained on a billboard somewhere in Times Square, does it really matter if you're the best guitar player the world has seen?" His father asked, not to be a buzzkill but to get his son to think. Even if it was rather blunt. "You need talent to reach fame. And with an attitude like that, it doesn't matter how skilled you are because..."
"See, that's the thing. I already know all of this. You'll see, one day I'll be famous. And you won't be able to go anywhere without seeing my name." James set his guitar aside, temper flaring. "I'll show you!" He stood up from the couch, ready to cool his temper by taking a breather outside.
Edward grinned, shaking his head. "Say, when you get famous, how about you come back here and say 'I told you so?' I'll be waiting."
It was that moment where his obsession with fame started.
Mad sounds in your ears
"I don't know, I can just hear things. With more clarity." James tried to explain, trying his best to hide the nerves he felt. The thirteen year old fidgeted with his fingers.
His mother and father looked between each other, quizzically, before two pairs of eyes landed on their son at the same time. "What do you mean?" Katherine asked.
"It's just... loud. Everything. You, the kids in the hallway, the instruments in band class." James continued, as an idle hand ran over the pack of cigarettes in his pocket. "This can't be normal."
Two quick knocks on the door before a stranger opened it. "You're right, it's not." He answered with a soft smile. "Sorry for interrupting, but I can answer your questions..."
Image is everything
Identity was important. To construct the perfect identity took careful planning on his part. Moving from New York to Montana was the perfect opportunity for James to shape an identity that would help him start new.
Calm and collected, with enough arrogance to drown out the rest of the student population. With the ability of enhanced hearing, he really did hear everything; both the good and the bad.
Either way, they were talking about him.
Meeting her part 1
They met in high school. Only once, in a crowded hallway. James had approached her with full intentions to flirt with her and move on with his day.
But he found something more. Someone who wasn't willing to succumb to his natural charm. Someone who questioned his actions. A conversation that felt deeply personal considering he had never talked to her before. Which led to him open up to her in a way he never thought possible after she asked the perfect question about cigarettes and why he smoked. Offering an answer even when she had changed her mind.
There was little distance between them, breaching personal boundaries even in a crowd. The student population had stepped back, all eyes on James and the unknown girl. Because who else were they going to look at? In that moment, time seemed frozen.
But then she took a step back, covering her nose. Running away.
The distance grew between them. The most genuine conversation of his entire high school experience. James wanted more of her. But it'd be the only conversation they shared. They only talked to each other once through the entirety of high school.
Forget about it
Years passed. A dejected James drove down familiar streets, one hand on the wheel and the other wielding a cigarette between his fingers. His return to Kalispell, Montana was made unwillingly.
It had been six long years since graduation. Two years of trying to make it big, to make sure his name left an impression on everyone's lips. Two years of rejection. Two years of carrying around a guitar while bar hopping in hopes of catching the attention of someone, anyone. Two years was an awful long time to wait.
He had applied to a small college back in his home state. Shifting his dedication from music to school, James was able to graduate with his degree and no idea of what to do with it. He entertained the idea of trying the entertainment business again, but it seemed like the only way possible was through television auditions or knowing a connection in the entertainment industry.
Dark brown eyes landed on Bellefonte, gaze flickering between the school and his reflection in the mirror. Nervous, but it never showed in his expression. He got out of his car in order to make it on time for his interview for the position of training powers.
Meeting her part 2.
James never thought he'd see her again.
He honestly never expected to see a familiar face, let alone hers, once he returned to the school. Settled into the routine of training students, he found himself in the staff lounge when she entered.
Ella.
He remembered her name. Of course.
Another deep conversation followed in an empty hallway and almost more importantly, the physical connection between them. A physical bridge drawn between two former high school classmates, who only ever had one conversation.
Physical contact was important. The way their hands interlocked so perfectly. The way it made him feel. Holding onto someone who he was drawn to without explanation. He didn't know why he felt this way. How it felt so natural to be around her. There was no explanation.
It just was.
She's got a boyfriend, anyway
Standing in the middle of Times Square on New Years Eve, James looked to Ella, an arm around her waist as they stood in the crowd waiting for the ball to drop. A crowd of a million plus, all waiting for the exact same moment. His hand resting on her back as she drew in closer. The all important connectivity.
Seconds away from midnight. So close.
She noticed the rise in his pulse, the way his heart worked to calm the erratic notions and how her own responded to the beat. The topic of their friendship had come up; one that had happened in such a short period of time. About who they were and what exactly that meant.
The crowd began to count down, in synchronization. But he wasn't listening to a single word; only focusing on the serious subject matter of their conversation.
A few seconds before midnight, James leaned down to kiss her, his lips meeting hers. Driven by impulse and desire. The previous conversation didn't matter as the crowd celebrated the new year, but all he could focus on was the reciprocated movement of her lips against his own. It was driving him crazy, in the best way possible.
Crazy. Absolutely crazy. He was absolutely crazy for her.
It would be one thing to let that moment pass. To call it a night. They made their way through the crowd, eager to make their way back to the hotel room that was theirs for the weekend. Being in the crowd was arguably the worst place possible for them to be.
Then again, being alone probably wasn't the best idea either.
Eyes landed on her as the elevator of the hotel began its ascent. Heart racing and thoughts out of control, her hand to his chest as a reminder of how hard it was to be around him with an out of control heart rate. How difficult it was for the both of them.
Her eyes met his. "Do you want it to stop?" Ella asked, her hand resting on the left side of his chest still as no empty space was left inbetween, her back to wall of the elevator.
"No." James answered, and with that, kissed her with an edge of desperation.
We're concentrating on falling apart
Two months was a long time to go without talking. Without a single text, or phone call, or even a conversation in person. Without her, his life felt empty. Like there was no longer a purpose. To be left in the dark without any clear answers.
Why?
Showing up to the dorm monitor's apartment had been futile. Multiple times a week turned into every Friday. Every knock ended with more silence, even though he could hear her there. Every footstep. Every breath.
He stared at the blank wall of his office, empty of any meaningful thoughts or words.
The door opened; a younger student hesitated, still holding onto the doorknob. "Uhm, sorry Mr. Lawrence I can come back another time if you want..."
Waving his hand, either dismissing the notion of the student coming back another time or inviting her into his office; James wasn't entirely sure. The action was also done without thought. "No, come in. And please call me James." He looked to the opened file folder on his desk. "You must be Jennifer."
Nodding, she closed the door behind her. "That's correct. I... they sent me here because we share the same ability and you're apparently good at helping students out.
The rest of their meeting past by with a blur. Even as a young and unpractised student, Jennifer could hear the underlying tones in her trainer's voice that gave away his absent mental state.
Give me a second go
Everything between them seemed to culminate in an empty hall. James might have laughed if he was in a better mood, if he wasn't left in such a state of mind. Instead, he felt angry; he felt the adrenaline rushing through his veins that pumped from an over-active heart. He should have been relieved to see her standing opposite of him in said empty hallway.
He looked like a mess with his dishevelled hair and reeking of cigarette smoke. The cracks beneath the surface were beginning to show; certainly not the image of James Lawrence most came to know.
An empty hallway was not the place for this conversation to be held. Exposed and vulnerable, anyone could come by at any moment and interrupt. It was necessary to talk and figure out just where they stood. To solve the disconnection that had formed between them, through a locked door.
It wasn't going to be easy. But when had it ever been?
Can't deny, you're worth it
As James rolled over, he bumped into Ella's sleeping form beside him. He held his breath, only exhaling in relief once she didn't wake up from the close encounter. His eyes scanned her features, holding onto the moment. How peaceful and at ease she looked while sleeping; it drew out a genuine smile from his lips. He raised a hand to push strands of hair off of his forehead, his view of her now completely unobstructed.
Ella still slept beside him. Leaning in, James' lips hovered over her ear but before he could say anything, his throat had closed up. No words came out; the three words he had been wanting to say for some time now frozen in place. The tempo of his pulse shifted, and James pulled back before the change could wake her up.
It was too late for that, though. Her sleeping form stirred, dark eyes tiredly meeting his. A smile lit up her features. "Everything okay?" She asked, concern lining her voice.
"Yeah, it's nothing." James replied with his own smile. "Everything's alright." Now he was glad he couldn't find the means to say it. To say one of the most defining sentences in a relationship. Pulling himself closer to her, he pressed his lips to her forehead.
Love. Love was an interesting and once unfamiliar concept that James didn't plan on letting go of any time soon. Not with her by his side.
Changes
Just as things were beginning to settle down for the pair, Bellefonte Academy announced their move from Kalispell, Montana to Stagfort, Oregon. A required move since they were both trainers for the school now. It meant readjusting from small town to the larger city, and finding an apartment nearby. And this time, it was properly furnished from the start.
Life was a routine. Not that it was a bad thing from James' point of view. He just never expected to fall into the familiar, into the domestic life, and all it entailed. And he enjoyed it. He enjoyed coming home with Ella and hearing about her day and training sessions over dinner. It was... easy. Effortless. Natural. James could come up with a handful of adjectives, even if he lacked the means to properly articulate everything he wanted to say.
But she knew. In their own particular way.
♦ THE PLAYER ♦
USERNAME: Deb AGE GROUP: 21 EXPERIENCE: Something around 8-9 years now?? WHERE DID YOU FIND US? Somewhere
