03.2023 | WELCOME BACK! Hello friends old and new! I'm so excited to welcome you all back to SITW! I've made some changes to the plot and added the ability to play supernatural charcaters! So come and check it out! I can't wait to jump back into this little town with all of you!
A strange history surrounds the town, it is a place where mysterious and supernatural things have been known to happen. The reputation of the town reguarly draws in visitors and newcomers alike. While some residents avidly believe in the supernatural, others are far more skeptical. What do you believe?
Post by Francisco ‘Cisco’ Irwin on Dec 12, 2023 0:35:53 GMT
“Your loss, I’ve heard I’m delightful in dreams.” Cisco teased with a chuckle, shaking his head and then giving a slight shrug. “If you’re gonna work out you should eat a protein bar or something before hand, help keep you balanced.” He added, running a hand through his hair as he considered his remaining tasks around the station.
“Hey, there are worse ways to fill the time. I’m going to start cleaning up the kitchen from lunch.” Cisco was concerned for the other man, but he couldn’t force him to eat or open up. So he’d just periodically check on him, at least that way he’d feel like he was at least trying.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Dec 12, 2023 3:52:59 GMT
The Fire Chief rolled his eyes. He didn't usually remember his dreams. Or have very many. Maybe that was for the best in this case. "Yes, mom," he grumbled. Ferris has no intention of eating anything. Not because Cisco wasn't right, but because he really didn't feel up to it and even the Gatorade was more than he wanted.
He also highly doubted Ethan, Calvin and the rest would find these drills and training better than standard chores, but he knew everyone would get over it. It was the job they had signed up for, after all. They knew what they were getting into and that while some of it was hard work or less than glorious, it was necessary. "You can share that with the team," he teased, heading toward the dormitories to change.
Human
Head Editor at The Tribune & Volunteer Firefighter
Post by Francisco ‘Cisco’ Irwin on Dec 21, 2023 20:07:38 GMT
It had been a few days since their additional training and drills, and Cisco was still a bit sore. But it was necessary, and he enjoyed being as prepared as possible. Though part of him being sore was due to his private fun with his fun new playmate. Cisco was by no means a ‘young’ man, so he was definitely going to have to work out a bit more and get creative with the foreplay to keep up with Alexis’ insatiable appetite. Not that he minded in the slightest, he was interested in seeing just what sort of trouble this young woman was going to get him into.
He worked a bit of muscle rub into his hand and applied it to his calves, today would not be a good day to work on his legs. They needed the rest. Maybe a little cardio, but for now he was set to start his weight training. Nothing too intense, but enough to get the blood flowing.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Dec 21, 2023 21:05:20 GMT
The Fire Chief had had a long week. Surprisingly, only half of that long week and the stress that came of it, entailed his work. Between a hockey game, a hike, setting up a first date, and sending way more texts than he had in the last year combined, autumn had been a long season for him, physically and emotionally. He was really hoping his social life (which was supposed to be non-existent) would cool down with the winter. Well, okay, except for maybe one part of his social life.
The fire station was his safe haven as always. Work provided distraction, the crew provided just enough social obligation and accountability that he didn't feel entirely alone. But now it was also a place to get away from other people. Not that that stopped him from getting texts or stopped him from answering them. Ferris was his usual introspective and distant self. Going through the motions and making sure everything was running smoothly. Gear maintained, reports filed, emergencies handled, various drills completed, all the usual things. Heather followed him around the station, particularly demanding of his attention in the cold weather. He ignored the cat, as was his custom.
He noticed Cisco enter the gym and paused, pushing open the door and posing a question he had clearly just thought of and was looking for a springboard on. "Hey, Cisco, I was thinking this spring, we trade some shifts with the next town over, Redfall or someone. See if we can get time to do live fire training day. And probably return the favor." It would be nice to get his whole team together for some real practice. To make sure the volunteers were comfortable and the main team was solid. There were also just some things you couldn't prepare for until in a real burning building and it was hard to focus on teaching and practice when lives were at stake. A controlled situation would be useful.
He realized belatedly this was the gym. Ferris hadn't worked out in a few days. Partly due to his own activities outside of work, but also to a lack of motivation that normally didn't stretch so deep as to affect his workout routine. "What are we working out today?"
Human
Head Editor at The Tribune & Volunteer Firefighter
Post by Francisco ‘Cisco’ Irwin on Dec 22, 2023 6:05:45 GMT
His mind was rather distracted and focused elsewhere, despite his actions of absentmindedly completing seated dumbbell curls. he wasn’t lifting anything too heavy, but he definitely should have been paying more attention. Nearly jumping out of his skin and dropping the dumbbell from his right hand when Ferris’ voice reached him. “Shit-fuck!” He managed out as he quickly moved his foot so as to not end up catching the weight there. He set the other dumbbell down neatly to fix the one the was starting to roll away.
Cisco shook his head for a moment and looked back to the chief with a slightly raised brow. “I think that sounds like a solid plan Chief Daddy.” He teased with a half grin, trying to ease some of his embarrassment with a bit of playful teasing to Ferris. He gave a slight shrug. “Well, if I can stop from dropping anything else, I’m working on my upper body today. Been a minute since I’ve seen you hit the gym… getting your workouts elsewhere?” There was a playful wiggle to his eyebrows, though he was mostly only joking. He didn’t want to make any assumptions about Ferris’ personal life, though he did seem to be texting a lot more than he used too.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Dec 22, 2023 6:57:47 GMT
Ferris wasn't planning on joining in or even entering the room, but seeing Cisco fumble the dumbell made instinct kick in. He made it two steps before the man avoided anything worse than hurt pride. The fire chief stopped and folded his arms, admitting a slight chuckle of amusement over the comedic moment now that it was clear Cisco hadn’t broken anything. He opened his mouth to caution his about awareness and coordination and pulling something (mostly as a joke) when the man called him that stupid sexy name again.
It wouldn't have been nearly so bad if the man wasn't more than acceptable to look at sometimes. He blushed at the flood of feelings and then immediately frowned, shifting to block the view of the security camera and flip the man off.
The notion of other activities made Ferris stiffen. He took a deep breath, still frowning and closed his eyes, shoulders slacking a little. It doesn't matter, just ignore it. Normally, this was the moment he made a joke about ‘if he could fire’ Cisco or something along those lines. But instead, he stretched his arms over his head, flexing a little to warm up. “Would you like a spotter?”
Human
Head Editor at The Tribune & Volunteer Firefighter
Post by Francisco ‘Cisco’ Irwin on Dec 22, 2023 18:35:10 GMT
While he was only mostly teasing when it came to flirting with Ferris, Cisco definitely found his superior an attractive man.One of the things that caused him to be viewed as such a ‘shame’ to his family was his openness about his sexuality and his polyamorous lifestyle choices. Even when he was married, it was well known that the couple had an ‘open’ marriage. So he didn’t bother trying to hide any of that with people. Hell, he worked at the paper and didn’t try to keep his name out of things if that happened to be the ‘hot gossip’ in town that week. If they were talking about him, someone else was catching a break. Still, it wasn’t often that his playfulness resulted in actually getting a bit of a reaction, especially not from Ferris. The man was uncrackable. At least, that was what Cisco originally thought. Did he detect blush creeping into the other man’s cheeks? This, paired with being flipped off amused him to no end. Cisco chuckled lightly and shook his head. Noting the lack of answers coming from the man.
“Fine, keep your secrets. But, I know what a good workout time spent with another person can be… I’m still a little sore from the girl the other night.” He teased, rubbing his calf for a moment before looking to Ferris with a raised brow. Today Cisco wore a pair of black ball shorts and had a grey t-shirt that hugged his chest, he gave a shrug as he moved to adjust the incline on the bench. “Yeah, I’d appreciate that. I don’t need to accidentally hurt myself.” He said with a nod, moving to adjust the weights on the barbell. Nothing too crazy, he normally benched 175lbs, so he figured 160 to get him started was alright.
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Dec 23, 2023 2:13:33 GMT
The man's phrasing made him grimace. Had he been intentionally keeping his relationship with Darcy a secret? Not their friendship, no, he just...didn't really talk to that many people about his day to day. As for the sex...that just didn't seem like anyone's business. They were two consenting adults, and he didn't feel like explaining what it meant that they weren't dating. Not that he thought Cisco would care, but he would tell other people and those people would care. Ferris didn't want to deal with it. So yeah, maybe he was keeping it a secret.
Ferris grunted at the other man's words. He could relate to sex being a workout, but he didn't feel the need to say as much.
The fire chief wasn't dressed for working out and had no intention of really joining in. He had yet another paper to research and write, not to mention his actual work. "I don't need you to accidentally hurt yourself either," Ferris agreed. Because while he had just flipped the guy off, he didn't really mean to come off as a dick. Not at the present moment.
Human
Head Editor at The Tribune & Volunteer Firefighter
Post by Francisco ‘Cisco’ Irwin on Dec 23, 2023 6:12:19 GMT
Cisco kept his focus on the weights he was readying, though he was very aware of just how quiet Ferris was staying. Not even so much as a crack about wanting to fire him or telling him to grow up. Ferris definitely didn’t seem like himself, or at least just a bit off. But he gave a soft shrug and moved the sit on the bench, finally looking to Ferris as he spoke. This of course made him chuckle.
“Are you good man? Don’t get me wrong, you’re better than the other day, but you seem a bit off.” He sat back on the bench and got his grip set and began to work his first rep. The familiar and slightly annoying sting of muscles straining started, and he was going to be working through it. Cisco might be a lot of things, but a quitter was not one of them. A brief pause between the first and second reps, raising a brow to Ferris before started the second rep. “I think you’ve been working too much and need to get out more.”
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Dec 23, 2023 6:43:35 GMT
He was tempted to forcibly shrug off the question, compare the man to his mother, and move on. That was his usual go to. But like Cisco already suspected, that level of effort was...somewhere up there and Ferris hadn't worked out in a while and wasn't very interested in reaching that bar, let alone getting over it. He settled his hands on his hips and moved closer so he could put a hand on the weights if he needed to.
It was harder to ignore the question when Cisco made it clear he remembered the other day. Ferris simply pretended he otherwise. "Maybe I just hate the holidays," he said instead. Which wasn't technically untrue. But that wasn't why he felt off. Admittedly winter and the lack of sunlight didn't help, but this wasn't the usual amount of despair. This was worse. And in a socially noticeable way, not just the ten pounds he'd lost in two weeks that was another reason for not working out.
"I only work forty hours a week. Here. Maybe ten at the equestrian center." Which was technically true. But that only covered his normal work time. He still spent 4 days sleeping at the station and 4 days in the building with his online classes or helping with reports and drills. It left him a shockingly small amount of downtime and both men knew that was what Cisco meant. Ferris just didn't want to admit it. "I take it you have suggestions?" Because of course he did.
Human
Head Editor at The Tribune & Volunteer Firefighter
Post by Francisco ‘Cisco’ Irwin on Dec 23, 2023 7:07:33 GMT
He continued with his reps, appreciating that Ferris was there to spot him should he have any issues. So far, so good though. Maybe he needed to add a little more weight. He finished the third rep and let out a breath, looking to Ferris as he sat up and gave a shrug. “You know, I didn’t even consider that. I know the holidays aren’t for everybody, so I guess that could explain it.” And that could have very well been the issue. Not everyone enjoy holidays and made a big deal out of them. Though Cisco did personally, especially for his kids, but even at the Tribune. During the holiday season her ordered in catering throughout the month as a ‘thank-you’ for the hard work continued during the holiday season, as well as encouraged everyone to add whatever sort of holiday cheer they wanted to the office, break rooms or even in their attire. He was a regular holiday lover himself.
“Hey, accounting for work and roughly six hours of sleep a day; that still leaves you with around seventy-six hours. Plenty of time to work in a couple hours of fun.” He quipped with a shake of his head as he ran a hand through his hair, grabbing his washcloth and wiping his forehead, drying his hands off again before starting in on the next rep. Though he chuckled at Ferris’ question, nearly dropping the barbell from the action. Thankfully he wasn’t too distracted and Ferris’ hand was there.“Shit, of course I do… you should get drinks with me sometime when your free, I promise I will only make you mostly regret it. Or come to a game night, just something that get you a little more social interactions than just work.”
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Dec 23, 2023 8:01:26 GMT
The way Cisco said 'he guessed' made it pretty clear that the guy knew something else was going on but was politely informing his boss that he would stop bothering him about it. At least for today. Or this conversation. Regardless, Ferris was glad to have the conversation dropped.
He shook his head at the quick math and even more at the notion of 6 hours of sleep a night. He didn't sleep that well. But he also tried to get rest in more often. Today was one of the better days, getting close to 6 hours of sleep. The night before had been more like 3 or 4 and he had really been feeling it then. Ferris reached out and closed his hand around the bar, not actually lifting unless Cisco made it clear he needed the help. Once his hands were set again Ferris let go.
Sometimes, it still felt awkward hearing people wanted to hang out with him. Cisco was probably just trying to spread some holiday cheer and that was why he had noticed Ferris being the opposite of that. He wouldn't want to hang out with him normally. "Mostly regret it?" He hoped that was a joke. Of course, Ferris mostly regretted drinking in public for any occasion. "I talk to people outside of work," he assured Cisco. Plenty of people. And only sometimes did they talk about work.
Human
Head Editor at The Tribune & Volunteer Firefighter
Post by Francisco ‘Cisco’ Irwin on Dec 23, 2023 15:54:10 GMT
He continued yet again, not trying to make the other man feel called out or zeroed in on. Just because Ferris didn’t hang out in the same circles socially outside of work, didn’t mean the man wasn’t socializing. It’s not like Cisco knew everything that went on in this town. Just mostly everything.
Finishing the last rep, he released the barbell and he chuckled. “I say that because I know that typically my sense of fun and humor aren’t always in line with the things you might enjoy.” he gave a sheepish smile, at least he had been honest! He then nodded a little as he stood and moved to add a little more weight to each side. “Okay, okay. My bad, I give up. Most people would just agree to hang out, but damn Chief. If you don’t want to I’m not fixing to try and make you.”
Post by Ferris Felwinter on Dec 23, 2023 17:52:20 GMT
Ferris raised an eyebrow at the man as he confessed that just maybe, the two of them didn't share a taste in humor. Had it really taken the man this long to notice? Probably not, but the Fire Chief hadn't thought the man would ever admit it, what with how busy he was simply trying to make him uncomfortable. He braced to be called that ridiculous nickname once again only it never came. Not yet, at least. If he had learned anything about Cisco, it was how persistent the man was.
He considered saying something in agreement, but the sarcastic 'no shit' was communicated silently and much more effectively with the simple expression.
Watching the man collect more weights for another set, he shifted his hands to rest on his hips, reviewing the conversation. Was he really so pricky with Cisco all the time? Probably. With the way the man opened conversations with sexual harassment, it always started him on the back foot, making him feel the need to compensate. He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair as Cisco confessed to giving up. "Drinks," he said, relenting. "Drinks sound great." He just really hoped Cisco wasn't trying to 'fix' something else. Should he be drinking with an employee? Probably not. But volunteers were volunteering and there were only so many places to enjoy down time in Sweetwater.
Human
Head Editor at The Tribune & Volunteer Firefighter
Post by Francisco ‘Cisco’ Irwin on Dec 23, 2023 19:25:36 GMT
Cisco wasn’t looking for a Ferris to just cave and agree to hanging out with him, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want to get to know Ferris better. Maybe it was just due to his genuinely curious nature, but he wanted to befriend the man. Even if only to be the ‘friend’ that he was always rolling his eyes at or embarrassed by. Ferris just seemed like he needed to loosen up, and Cisco was great for that! He finished changing out the weights and then raised a brow to look at Ferris.
“Normally I’d be saying I don’t need the pity agreement, but I think if you’d just relax a bit you’d find I’m a delight.” He teased a little and then shook his head. “Seriously, I don’t bite…. much.”