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muserevival || 123.5 || Ten List
Jul. 12th, 2016 03:02 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lifeinthefastlaneTen Things You Love About Your Family
1. Being called "Daddy" by my son, Tanner.
2. Going to bed with my partner... and usually with our Tanner boy smooshed between us, because he's a cuddle bug.
3. The nights I come home from work exhausted, but always have enough energy for just one more bedtime story.
4. Having a mom who's always loved me and had my back, and now adores her grandson.
5. Having a dad who cares, even if he didn't always show it in the best ways.
6. The sassiness that is my sister going full bitch mode.
7. The sassiness of my big brother, too... Sass isn't limited to women.
8. My brother-in-law. I don't know him well yet, but coming home from work and seeing him playing with Tanner and talking to Quentin when Quentin didn't believe his family wanted anything to do with him is a really amazing thing.
9. The family that I chose to add on to the family that birth gave me. Luckily, I love both.
10. Love. Cheesy? Maybe. Cliche? Most definitely. True? Without a doubt.
1. Being called "Daddy" by my son, Tanner.
2. Going to bed with my partner... and usually with our Tanner boy smooshed between us, because he's a cuddle bug.
3. The nights I come home from work exhausted, but always have enough energy for just one more bedtime story.
4. Having a mom who's always loved me and had my back, and now adores her grandson.
5. Having a dad who cares, even if he didn't always show it in the best ways.
6. The sassiness that is my sister going full bitch mode.
7. The sassiness of my big brother, too... Sass isn't limited to women.
8. My brother-in-law. I don't know him well yet, but coming home from work and seeing him playing with Tanner and talking to Quentin when Quentin didn't believe his family wanted anything to do with him is a really amazing thing.
9. The family that I chose to add on to the family that birth gave me. Luckily, I love both.
10. Love. Cheesy? Maybe. Cliche? Most definitely. True? Without a doubt.
"He's my brother..."
Jul. 11th, 2016 12:30 amthelifeandtimesofowenWho? Owen and Quentin Lawrence
What? A little brotherly love
When? Sunday evening
Where? Quentin and Kevin's place
Owen had been determined to keep in touch with his older brother after his initial contact here, and though Quentin had tried to get him to go home, avoiding trouble with their parents, Owen wasn't the sort of kid to just step away when he'd got his head and heart set on something. He had added Quentin on Facebook and stayed in touch, though his brother was cautious, and he'd told his parents flat out that Quentin hadn't done anything wrong, even the law said it now, and that he wasn't going to disown his big brother just because they did.
Today, he needed his big brother more than ever. He needed Quentin to help him make sense of things. That was what big brothers were supposed to do in life, and for the last several years, Owen had missed out on that largely. He was determined not to miss out anymore. Especially not now that he had an adorable nephew that he wanted to get to know, too. He showed up at Quentin's house after having texted him earlier, and was carrying with him a gift bag with presents for Tanner. It was uncle prerogative to spoil nephews, right?
What? A little brotherly love
When? Sunday evening
Where? Quentin and Kevin's place
Owen had been determined to keep in touch with his older brother after his initial contact here, and though Quentin had tried to get him to go home, avoiding trouble with their parents, Owen wasn't the sort of kid to just step away when he'd got his head and heart set on something. He had added Quentin on Facebook and stayed in touch, though his brother was cautious, and he'd told his parents flat out that Quentin hadn't done anything wrong, even the law said it now, and that he wasn't going to disown his big brother just because they did.
Today, he needed his big brother more than ever. He needed Quentin to help him make sense of things. That was what big brothers were supposed to do in life, and for the last several years, Owen had missed out on that largely. He was determined not to miss out anymore. Especially not now that he had an adorable nephew that he wanted to get to know, too. He showed up at Quentin's house after having texted him earlier, and was carrying with him a gift bag with presents for Tanner. It was uncle prerogative to spoil nephews, right?
[FACEBOOK]
Jun. 11th, 2016 10:41 pmlifeinthefastlaneWhen your child has been through hell, there's nothing quite as rewarding as seeing them smile and respond to love and kindness. Couldn't have handpicked a better man to share the parenting of our little munchkin with than Quentin. I've learned more in the process of loving these two than I ever imagined possible. They both make me a better human being.
alittletoolegalYou guys have got him. He's yours. Just need to lodge the paperwork ASAP to get the process completed.
"Everything I do, I do it for you..."
Feb. 29th, 2016 06:02 pmlifeinthefastlaneWho? Quentin Lawrence and Kevin Lawson
What? Parental life
When? Monday night
Where? The Lawson-Lawrence home
Being a foster parent was probably the hardest thing Kevin could have ever imagined, especially when being a foster parent to a very sick, and very abused little boy whose tiny body had already been through hell more than once on account of his mother's neglect and outright abuse. But there was nothing more rewarding, either, than the sense that little Tanner was coming around... trusting Quentin and Kevin to love him and see to his needs. It was a huge thing to realize when the little boy was hurting, or sick, that he came to Kevin and Quentin needing the love and care that other kids would go to their parents for. Perhaps that was what made it that much heavier when facing the fact that there were still no guarantees that this little boy would ever be theirs permanently.
Kevin was getting Tanner into his little Thomas the Train pajamas after a diaper change, and the little one had been a little whiny earlier with an upset tummy, but he'd managed to get some food down and keep it down without crying, which in itself could be a victory sometimes. Once Tanner was all comfortably clad in his PJs, Kevin scooped him up into his arms and made his way into the kitchen, where Quentin was washing up the dinner dishes. It was something really special to Kevin, the way that they'd come to share the roles in the apartment. They both took part in the cleaning and cooking, and both shared the care and keeping of Tanner, and seemed to have brought them so much closer together. Kevin couldn't deny how much that meant to him after the relationship failures he'd had before. He moved over to Quentin and pressed a kiss to his cheek, which only led to Tanner reaching for Quentin so that he, too, could give him a wet, sloppy toddler kiss on the cheek, too. "I think our little man is a fan of the Thomas jammies," he told Quentin as he shifted Tanner to his other arm so that he could see both of them.
What? Parental life
When? Monday night
Where? The Lawson-Lawrence home
Being a foster parent was probably the hardest thing Kevin could have ever imagined, especially when being a foster parent to a very sick, and very abused little boy whose tiny body had already been through hell more than once on account of his mother's neglect and outright abuse. But there was nothing more rewarding, either, than the sense that little Tanner was coming around... trusting Quentin and Kevin to love him and see to his needs. It was a huge thing to realize when the little boy was hurting, or sick, that he came to Kevin and Quentin needing the love and care that other kids would go to their parents for. Perhaps that was what made it that much heavier when facing the fact that there were still no guarantees that this little boy would ever be theirs permanently.
Kevin was getting Tanner into his little Thomas the Train pajamas after a diaper change, and the little one had been a little whiny earlier with an upset tummy, but he'd managed to get some food down and keep it down without crying, which in itself could be a victory sometimes. Once Tanner was all comfortably clad in his PJs, Kevin scooped him up into his arms and made his way into the kitchen, where Quentin was washing up the dinner dishes. It was something really special to Kevin, the way that they'd come to share the roles in the apartment. They both took part in the cleaning and cooking, and both shared the care and keeping of Tanner, and seemed to have brought them so much closer together. Kevin couldn't deny how much that meant to him after the relationship failures he'd had before. He moved over to Quentin and pressed a kiss to his cheek, which only led to Tanner reaching for Quentin so that he, too, could give him a wet, sloppy toddler kiss on the cheek, too. "I think our little man is a fan of the Thomas jammies," he told Quentin as he shifted Tanner to his other arm so that he could see both of them.
"We are family..."
Feb. 10th, 2016 10:42 pmthelifeandtimesofowenWho? Quentin and Owen Lawrence
What? Reunion
Where? Kevin and Quentin's apartment
When? Thursday morning
Owen had a free period for his first class of the day at school, and after the previous night's chat with Fin, and the chats with Layla that had led to said chat with Fin, he had far too much on his mind to sleep in or use his free period to work on homework. All he could really think about was getting a chance to talk to his big brother and apologize for doing the same fucking thing to Quentin that he'd done to Fin. It was bad enough doing it to someone you'd only just met. But to do it to your own brother when you'd known him as the farthest thing from a druggie in the world was pretty damn fucked up.
It was one of the hardest things he'd ever gone through, losing his big brother to jail and parents who wouldn't let him go to Quentin. Owen had begged to be allowed to visit him or write to him, but his parents had made it very clear that the family -- all of them, Owen included, whether he liked it or not -- would be done with Quentin. But Owen wasn't going with that anymore. He wasn't just going to do what his parents said when it meant hurting people he loved. And he loved Quentin dearly... Looked up to him like all younger brothers did to their older brothers. It had been a gift when Will had given Owen the address to Quentin's apartment, which had led to Owen standing just outside ringing the buzzer.
The door was answered by a guy Owen didn't recognize, but could only assume was Quentin's boyfriend Kevin, with a bleary eyed toddler on his hip. "I'm sorry," Owen said softly, tilting his head thoughtfully as he looked at the little boy. Will had mentioned that Quentin and Kevin were fostering a kid, but it was strange to see said kid in person. "You must be Kevin. I'm Quentin's brother Owen. I came to see him. Is he here?"
Kevin didn't exactly look thrilled with the idea of letting a stranger in, and if Owen had his guess, he probably didn't think much of Quentin's family who'd all written him off. But he gave Owen a nod, invited him in, and directed him to have a seat on the couch. "I'll get him for you," he said, in a tone that Owen wasn't sure was cold in itself, or just sounded so as a result of the heavy weight of guilt resting on his shoulders. Still, he thanked the other guy, and waited, nervously tapping his fingers against his legs as he sat on the sofa.
What? Reunion
Where? Kevin and Quentin's apartment
When? Thursday morning
Owen had a free period for his first class of the day at school, and after the previous night's chat with Fin, and the chats with Layla that had led to said chat with Fin, he had far too much on his mind to sleep in or use his free period to work on homework. All he could really think about was getting a chance to talk to his big brother and apologize for doing the same fucking thing to Quentin that he'd done to Fin. It was bad enough doing it to someone you'd only just met. But to do it to your own brother when you'd known him as the farthest thing from a druggie in the world was pretty damn fucked up.
It was one of the hardest things he'd ever gone through, losing his big brother to jail and parents who wouldn't let him go to Quentin. Owen had begged to be allowed to visit him or write to him, but his parents had made it very clear that the family -- all of them, Owen included, whether he liked it or not -- would be done with Quentin. But Owen wasn't going with that anymore. He wasn't just going to do what his parents said when it meant hurting people he loved. And he loved Quentin dearly... Looked up to him like all younger brothers did to their older brothers. It had been a gift when Will had given Owen the address to Quentin's apartment, which had led to Owen standing just outside ringing the buzzer.
The door was answered by a guy Owen didn't recognize, but could only assume was Quentin's boyfriend Kevin, with a bleary eyed toddler on his hip. "I'm sorry," Owen said softly, tilting his head thoughtfully as he looked at the little boy. Will had mentioned that Quentin and Kevin were fostering a kid, but it was strange to see said kid in person. "You must be Kevin. I'm Quentin's brother Owen. I came to see him. Is he here?"
Kevin didn't exactly look thrilled with the idea of letting a stranger in, and if Owen had his guess, he probably didn't think much of Quentin's family who'd all written him off. But he gave Owen a nod, invited him in, and directed him to have a seat on the couch. "I'll get him for you," he said, in a tone that Owen wasn't sure was cold in itself, or just sounded so as a result of the heavy weight of guilt resting on his shoulders. Still, he thanked the other guy, and waited, nervously tapping his fingers against his legs as he sat on the sofa.
"Make it easy on yourself."
Feb. 3rd, 2016 10:32 pmbreakthesilenceWho: Quentin Lawrence and Lorenzo Chevalier
What: Tips from an expert
Where: Quentin and Kevin's place
When: Wednesday morning
Quentin was pretty sure Lorenzo was too much of an amazing person for his own good. He had been away on his belated honeymoon that coincided with Lewis' birthday for the last week, but promised Quentin he could come visit when he got home. He had assured Quentin it was only a week-long holiday because of things still being complicated and stressful with Lincoln. They also didn't want to leave Holly longer than a week. The trip had been booked before the awful thing happened to Lincoln and apparently Clint had insisted they still go because they deserved it. They didn't have a real wedding, so they had to have a real honeymoon. Quentin was happy for Lorenzo. Beyond happy. He knew how tough life had been for him.
The reason Quentin needed to catch up with Lorenzo was because he was having a lot of self-doubt, anxiety and cold feet over... well, everything, really. He had been through so fucking much and with his self-confidence and self-worth taking a beating, he was starting to doubt he had what it took to be a dad. It was only two weeks prior that Dani called and said the courts had completely severed all of Tanner's mother's parental rights to him. He became a ward of the state, and with the go-ahead, she immediately started adoption proceedings. Though, that could take a bit of time by the time the bureaucratic channels followed. It was all this that had Quentin wondering if he should be doing this. No matter how much he had wanted to be a father since he heard Milo existed, that didn't mean it was what he was capable of.
Lorenzo arrived with Holly. He was pushing her stroller, but had her nursed on his hip. She was holding onto the sleeve of his shirt and had her little fist stuck in her mouth covered in drool. Lorenzo made being a daddy so easy. He was just made for it. The baby girl was as cute as a button too. She was Lorenzo all over, with the same hair colour and big blue eyes. If you had asked either of them all those many months ago sitting with their girlfriends in group therapy if this was where they would end up now, neither of them would have believed it. "Dude, are you sure you shouldn't be at home with your husband right now? I didn't mean you needed to come straight away. But you're looking great. Did you have a nice time?"
What: Tips from an expert
Where: Quentin and Kevin's place
When: Wednesday morning
Quentin was pretty sure Lorenzo was too much of an amazing person for his own good. He had been away on his belated honeymoon that coincided with Lewis' birthday for the last week, but promised Quentin he could come visit when he got home. He had assured Quentin it was only a week-long holiday because of things still being complicated and stressful with Lincoln. They also didn't want to leave Holly longer than a week. The trip had been booked before the awful thing happened to Lincoln and apparently Clint had insisted they still go because they deserved it. They didn't have a real wedding, so they had to have a real honeymoon. Quentin was happy for Lorenzo. Beyond happy. He knew how tough life had been for him.
The reason Quentin needed to catch up with Lorenzo was because he was having a lot of self-doubt, anxiety and cold feet over... well, everything, really. He had been through so fucking much and with his self-confidence and self-worth taking a beating, he was starting to doubt he had what it took to be a dad. It was only two weeks prior that Dani called and said the courts had completely severed all of Tanner's mother's parental rights to him. He became a ward of the state, and with the go-ahead, she immediately started adoption proceedings. Though, that could take a bit of time by the time the bureaucratic channels followed. It was all this that had Quentin wondering if he should be doing this. No matter how much he had wanted to be a father since he heard Milo existed, that didn't mean it was what he was capable of.
Lorenzo arrived with Holly. He was pushing her stroller, but had her nursed on his hip. She was holding onto the sleeve of his shirt and had her little fist stuck in her mouth covered in drool. Lorenzo made being a daddy so easy. He was just made for it. The baby girl was as cute as a button too. She was Lorenzo all over, with the same hair colour and big blue eyes. If you had asked either of them all those many months ago sitting with their girlfriends in group therapy if this was where they would end up now, neither of them would have believed it. "Dude, are you sure you shouldn't be at home with your husband right now? I didn't mean you needed to come straight away. But you're looking great. Did you have a nice time?"
thankfuckforlifeWho: Richie Jameson, Kevin Lawson and Quentin Lawrence
What: Plan of action
Where: Children's Unit, Mount Sinai
When: Saturday morning
Richie was working all weekend this weekend, and things were pretty hectic. He had a full patient allocation and a few of his patients were quite seriously ill and needed close monitoring. Not severe enough to warrant admission to the PICU, but the next step down. Helping kids was the reason he wanted to get into Pediatrics, but it was never easy to see little people sick or in pain. He knew that it was his job to try to help them, though, which was the rewarding part. He knew what it was like to be a kid in hospital, and over the years, the doctors and nurses who had cared for him had been amazing. He had a lot of good role models, so he hoped he was just as helpful to his own patients these days.
He arrived at little Tanner's room with a smile at his guardians, Kevin and Quentin. "He-llo. We have progress. Pathology has been kind to us," he revealed, holding Tanner's medical record in his hand and reading over the latest set of nursing notes to see what was progressing on the most recent rounds. But, as always, his attention was first zeroed in on the child and he went over to Tanner and softly stroked his little forehead. Tanner was conscious, but groggy. He hadn't really come through the anesthetic very well and he was still running a pretty mean temperature. You knew when a child was even too ill to cry that it was serious business. Richie had ordered him on antibiotics and a nasogastric tube, which wasn't nice for parents to see, but necessary in this case.
"Hi there, little man. We need to get these pukies sorted, don't we?" Tanner had been vomiting throughout the morning. Richie had suspected Tanner had a bowel obstruction as soon as he presented and was examined. Normally, it would first be attempted to treat it conservatively, but when they sent him for a CT, they discovered it was a nasty obstruction and if it wasn't fixed surgically, his life could be in danger. Richie hadn't hesitated in ordering the surgery and Nate signed off on it. While they were in sorting out the issue, they had taken biopsies to try to find out what was causing the little lad's stomach issues that he had a history of since birth. The heartbreaking part was, the abuse that his mother had been inflicting on him may have been aggravating any inflammation he had inside, causing it to exacerbate. It was such a sad situation.
He was still stroking Tanner's hair soothingly when he started to explain things to Kevin and Quentin. "The good news is that it's not cancer, and there's no cancerous cells whatsoever. That was the biggest red flag we were looking at, given his ongoing issues. The bad news is, when they were in, they had to resection. It was the only way to remove the obstruction, but that's okay. He'll heal. What the biospy results have shown is an inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn's. There's no cure, unfortunately."
What: Plan of action
Where: Children's Unit, Mount Sinai
When: Saturday morning
Richie was working all weekend this weekend, and things were pretty hectic. He had a full patient allocation and a few of his patients were quite seriously ill and needed close monitoring. Not severe enough to warrant admission to the PICU, but the next step down. Helping kids was the reason he wanted to get into Pediatrics, but it was never easy to see little people sick or in pain. He knew that it was his job to try to help them, though, which was the rewarding part. He knew what it was like to be a kid in hospital, and over the years, the doctors and nurses who had cared for him had been amazing. He had a lot of good role models, so he hoped he was just as helpful to his own patients these days.
He arrived at little Tanner's room with a smile at his guardians, Kevin and Quentin. "He-llo. We have progress. Pathology has been kind to us," he revealed, holding Tanner's medical record in his hand and reading over the latest set of nursing notes to see what was progressing on the most recent rounds. But, as always, his attention was first zeroed in on the child and he went over to Tanner and softly stroked his little forehead. Tanner was conscious, but groggy. He hadn't really come through the anesthetic very well and he was still running a pretty mean temperature. You knew when a child was even too ill to cry that it was serious business. Richie had ordered him on antibiotics and a nasogastric tube, which wasn't nice for parents to see, but necessary in this case.
"Hi there, little man. We need to get these pukies sorted, don't we?" Tanner had been vomiting throughout the morning. Richie had suspected Tanner had a bowel obstruction as soon as he presented and was examined. Normally, it would first be attempted to treat it conservatively, but when they sent him for a CT, they discovered it was a nasty obstruction and if it wasn't fixed surgically, his life could be in danger. Richie hadn't hesitated in ordering the surgery and Nate signed off on it. While they were in sorting out the issue, they had taken biopsies to try to find out what was causing the little lad's stomach issues that he had a history of since birth. The heartbreaking part was, the abuse that his mother had been inflicting on him may have been aggravating any inflammation he had inside, causing it to exacerbate. It was such a sad situation.
He was still stroking Tanner's hair soothingly when he started to explain things to Kevin and Quentin. "The good news is that it's not cancer, and there's no cancerous cells whatsoever. That was the biggest red flag we were looking at, given his ongoing issues. The bad news is, when they were in, they had to resection. It was the only way to remove the obstruction, but that's okay. He'll heal. What the biospy results have shown is an inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn's. There's no cure, unfortunately."
aussielawyerRichie called the judge and spoke to her directly. She accepted your special consideration. She also granted you full expungement and issued you a Certificate of Actual Innocence. You're completely in the clear. How's Tanner doing?
[ TEXT MESSAGE ] To Quentin & Kevin
Aug. 21st, 2015 10:16 pmaussielawyerI've managed to stick my nose in far enough on Tanner's case and had one of my best attorney's allocated as his Independent Child's Representative for his parental and custody hearing.
"Lost that lovin' feeling."
Aug. 18th, 2015 06:59 pmbreakthesilenceWho: Quentin Lawrence and Gen Hart
What: Long time, no see
Where: Mount Sinai, NYC
When: Tuesday morning
Tanner wasn't well again, and Nate had insisted if that happened, they should bring him back to see him. Quentin didn't know what was wrong, but Tanner had a fever all night and he had been crying on and off. His belly seemed to be sore too, so rather than just trying to settle him, Quentin called the hospital and asked when Nate's shift started in the morning so they could see him when he got there. After what happened in Mark's office a few days ago, Quentin had quietly requested that he take Tanner to the hospital on his own this time. It was just something that he needed to do. All that was still a work in progress. Quentin had been sleeping on the couch since the appointment.
So, now he was sitting in the hall waiting for Nate to see them. Of course, Nate's more serious patients had to be seen to first and at this point, Quentin had no idea that Justin was one of them. He hadn't heard the bad news. He had Tanner on his lap nursed against his chest. Tanner had fallen asleep with his head tucked in against Quentin's chest and Quentin was rubbing his back softly while he waited. He didn't matter how long he had to wait. Tanner knew Nate and trusted him. Quentin would wait there for a week for that if he had to. For now, he was just glad Tanner had settled snuggled in against him because it had been another long and unsettled night.
What: Long time, no see
Where: Mount Sinai, NYC
When: Tuesday morning
Tanner wasn't well again, and Nate had insisted if that happened, they should bring him back to see him. Quentin didn't know what was wrong, but Tanner had a fever all night and he had been crying on and off. His belly seemed to be sore too, so rather than just trying to settle him, Quentin called the hospital and asked when Nate's shift started in the morning so they could see him when he got there. After what happened in Mark's office a few days ago, Quentin had quietly requested that he take Tanner to the hospital on his own this time. It was just something that he needed to do. All that was still a work in progress. Quentin had been sleeping on the couch since the appointment.
So, now he was sitting in the hall waiting for Nate to see them. Of course, Nate's more serious patients had to be seen to first and at this point, Quentin had no idea that Justin was one of them. He hadn't heard the bad news. He had Tanner on his lap nursed against his chest. Tanner had fallen asleep with his head tucked in against Quentin's chest and Quentin was rubbing his back softly while he waited. He didn't matter how long he had to wait. Tanner knew Nate and trusted him. Quentin would wait there for a week for that if he had to. For now, he was just glad Tanner had settled snuggled in against him because it had been another long and unsettled night.
"You can't always get what you want."
Aug. 14th, 2015 11:30 pmaussielawyerWho: Mark Campbell, Quentin Lawrence and Kevin Lawson
What: Planning
Where: Mark's Office, NYC
When: Friday morning
Every Friday morning, Mark and Justin had breakfast together. They would go wherever Justin picked, and then Justin would come back to fill in the time with Mark at the office before he went to his scheduled personal training session with Hayden at the gym just down the block from where Mark worked. Everyone at Mark's office knew Justin, and he wasn't at all a pest. Mark never scheduled appointments until Justin was due to head to training, and the kid usually just hung out and chatted, or played on his iPad while Mark worked at his desk.
Justin was just packing up to leave when Mark's secretary called through to say that Mark's first appointment had arrived. Mark led him out and Kevin and Quentin were waiting for him in the waiting room with a little lad in a stroller. Mark gave them a wave and then started to remind Justin not to overdo it, to drink plenty of water because it was summer and hot, and then Justin gave him a smoosh hug like he always did before he left. Moments like these, Mark knew he was on the right track of being a dad.
He gestured for Quentin and Kevin to head into his office. "Come on in," he told them and once they were all in there, closed the door over behind him for privacy. He sat down at his desk and started a new page on his legal pad. He had the very brief details of why Quentin and Kevin wanted to meet with him, but he always preferred to start from scratch with new cases. "Okay, do you want to give me a bit of an outline of what we want to achieve to start with? I can't make any promises, but if we start with what you want, we can take it from there. I just want you to both be aware that custody cases are one of the most complicated areas of law, especially in cases where social services are involved."
What: Planning
Where: Mark's Office, NYC
When: Friday morning
Every Friday morning, Mark and Justin had breakfast together. They would go wherever Justin picked, and then Justin would come back to fill in the time with Mark at the office before he went to his scheduled personal training session with Hayden at the gym just down the block from where Mark worked. Everyone at Mark's office knew Justin, and he wasn't at all a pest. Mark never scheduled appointments until Justin was due to head to training, and the kid usually just hung out and chatted, or played on his iPad while Mark worked at his desk.
Justin was just packing up to leave when Mark's secretary called through to say that Mark's first appointment had arrived. Mark led him out and Kevin and Quentin were waiting for him in the waiting room with a little lad in a stroller. Mark gave them a wave and then started to remind Justin not to overdo it, to drink plenty of water because it was summer and hot, and then Justin gave him a smoosh hug like he always did before he left. Moments like these, Mark knew he was on the right track of being a dad.
He gestured for Quentin and Kevin to head into his office. "Come on in," he told them and once they were all in there, closed the door over behind him for privacy. He sat down at his desk and started a new page on his legal pad. He had the very brief details of why Quentin and Kevin wanted to meet with him, but he always preferred to start from scratch with new cases. "Okay, do you want to give me a bit of an outline of what we want to achieve to start with? I can't make any promises, but if we start with what you want, we can take it from there. I just want you to both be aware that custody cases are one of the most complicated areas of law, especially in cases where social services are involved."
[ FACEBOOK ]
Aug. 7th, 2015 11:19 pmbreakthesilenceWhat are you supposed to do if your foster kid has a nightmare, and when you're cuddling him after it, he calls you "daddy"? This one wasn't in the handbook.
[ FACEBOOK ]
Jul. 29th, 2015 05:26 pmbreakthesilenceI'm starting to wonder if Tanner is Jace's long lost child. This kid loves bananas like they're going out of style.
[ FACEBOOK ]
Jul. 21st, 2015 11:30 pmbreakthesilenceTaking Tanner to the beach today. This could either go really, really good, or really, really bad.
[ FACEBOOK ]
Jul. 11th, 2015 12:50 pmbreakthesilenceOf all the places to have a complete tantrum meltdown, he picks the middle of a busy grocery store.
@muserevival 088.2 – Quotes
Jul. 6th, 2015 05:11 amlifeinthefastlane"A family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss... That's the trade-off. But I'll take it all." - Brad Pitt
If, a few months before this, anyone had told Kevin he would be raising a beautiful little boy with Quentin, he might have laughed in their face. But now that he was doing just that, he had to admit that it made him happier than probably anything else he’d ever done. Kevin had spent most of his life working his ass off by day, and partying it off by night. He liked that life. It suited him for a long time… until he’d discovered that he liked being in a relationship and having someone to come home to. And Quentin, after the initial issues they’d faced, became that someone to him. After the night of their first official date, they’d made the decision to put in motion a plan to bring Tanner, the son of one of Sofie’s drug-addicted friends, into their home as a foster child… Hell, Kevin, who’d been a smoker since his mid-teen years even quit smoking in preparation for the arrival of their foster child.
( And the plan had worked… )
If, a few months before this, anyone had told Kevin he would be raising a beautiful little boy with Quentin, he might have laughed in their face. But now that he was doing just that, he had to admit that it made him happier than probably anything else he’d ever done. Kevin had spent most of his life working his ass off by day, and partying it off by night. He liked that life. It suited him for a long time… until he’d discovered that he liked being in a relationship and having someone to come home to. And Quentin, after the initial issues they’d faced, became that someone to him. After the night of their first official date, they’d made the decision to put in motion a plan to bring Tanner, the son of one of Sofie’s drug-addicted friends, into their home as a foster child… Hell, Kevin, who’d been a smoker since his mid-teen years even quit smoking in preparation for the arrival of their foster child.
( And the plan had worked… )
@muserevival: 095.5. ten things
Jul. 5th, 2015 07:34 pmlifeinthefastlaneTen things you love about your relationship
1. How selfless my boyfriend is.
2. How he falls asleep with his head on my shoulder when we try to watch movies on the couch and he's tired.
3. The fact that my financial situation has no bearing on why he's with me.
4. How warm he is when we're in bed together... Don't even need blankets, just him to sleep next to.
5. How good of a kisser he is.
6. The fact that he pays attention to the small things.
7. How he seeks physical touch as a form of connection... Not even in a sexual way. He just likes being close to the people he cares about.
8. The fact that he doesn't use his past as an excuse not to move into a better future.
9. How absolutely gorgeous he is with our foster son, and how well he takes care of him.
10.The fact that he's the first person in history to make me want to put a ring on it... and I don't mean his cock His laugh... I don't get to hear it often, and that's okay... But when I do, it's the most amazing sound in the world.
1. How selfless my boyfriend is.
2. How he falls asleep with his head on my shoulder when we try to watch movies on the couch and he's tired.
3. The fact that my financial situation has no bearing on why he's with me.
4. How warm he is when we're in bed together... Don't even need blankets, just him to sleep next to.
5. How good of a kisser he is.
6. The fact that he pays attention to the small things.
7. How he seeks physical touch as a form of connection... Not even in a sexual way. He just likes being close to the people he cares about.
8. The fact that he doesn't use his past as an excuse not to move into a better future.
9. How absolutely gorgeous he is with our foster son, and how well he takes care of him.
10.
"Now everything has changed."
Jun. 28th, 2015 03:30 pmdontcomebackformeWho: Nathan Mitchell, Kevin Lawson and Quentin Lawrence
What: Piecing he puzzle together
Where: Pediatrics Unit, Mount Sinai
When: After THIS
Saturday nights were always the busiest of the week. The peds ward was no exception. Nathan was the primary physician that night because they were understaffed, so the NICU was left in Christian's capable hands to hold the fort. The rounds were done, however, and it gave Nate some time to be able to see the little lad Kevin and Quentin had just taken on fostering. Those close to them knew they had been going through the process of filing to foster, and now the little boy had come to them and wasn't feeling well. Nathan didn't at all mind seeing them to check him over.
He was paged when Kevin and Quentin arrived, and he finished up with his last patient and went to meet them at the front desk of the ward. He had asked the ward clerk to take the child's details when he arrived, and check to see if he had any previous records with them there at the hospital so he would at least be prepared when he came in. There were many hospitals in New York, however, so there was always a chance if he even had medical assistance at a hospital, it might not be there.
He spotted Kevin and Quentin standing up the hall, Kevin nursing the little boy in his arms with a blanket wrapped around him. The little boy had his head on Kevin's shoulders, sucking on a pacifier and cuddling a teddy. Nate had picked up the child's file the clerk had found for him, but he saw the little boy before he read the name. "Tanner?" he said, clearly surprised. He went over to them and was resting his hand on Tanner's head to get a better look. "Hey there, matey. We're going to have to stop meeting like this. Is this guy your's? He's cute," he said softly, referencing the teddy.
He then glanced up at Kevin and Quentin. "Come down here to Exam Room One."
What: Piecing he puzzle together
Where: Pediatrics Unit, Mount Sinai
When: After THIS
Saturday nights were always the busiest of the week. The peds ward was no exception. Nathan was the primary physician that night because they were understaffed, so the NICU was left in Christian's capable hands to hold the fort. The rounds were done, however, and it gave Nate some time to be able to see the little lad Kevin and Quentin had just taken on fostering. Those close to them knew they had been going through the process of filing to foster, and now the little boy had come to them and wasn't feeling well. Nathan didn't at all mind seeing them to check him over.
He was paged when Kevin and Quentin arrived, and he finished up with his last patient and went to meet them at the front desk of the ward. He had asked the ward clerk to take the child's details when he arrived, and check to see if he had any previous records with them there at the hospital so he would at least be prepared when he came in. There were many hospitals in New York, however, so there was always a chance if he even had medical assistance at a hospital, it might not be there.
He spotted Kevin and Quentin standing up the hall, Kevin nursing the little boy in his arms with a blanket wrapped around him. The little boy had his head on Kevin's shoulders, sucking on a pacifier and cuddling a teddy. Nate had picked up the child's file the clerk had found for him, but he saw the little boy before he read the name. "Tanner?" he said, clearly surprised. He went over to them and was resting his hand on Tanner's head to get a better look. "Hey there, matey. We're going to have to stop meeting like this. Is this guy your's? He's cute," he said softly, referencing the teddy.
He then glanced up at Kevin and Quentin. "Come down here to Exam Room One."
@ muserevival | 095.7. Misc/Random
Jun. 27th, 2015 10:12 pmbreakthesilenceHERE @ muserevival
"First crack of the lightning storm."
Of all nights for New York to have a storm, it had to be this one. There was a crack of thunder outside and a flash of lightning could be see through the curtains. Quentin hoped it wasn't some sort of sign that they shouldn't have made this decision. Deciding to foster a child who had been through traumatic times and left in the care of the authorities because his mother was thrown in prison on drug charges, and his father was long-dead from an overdose was huge. But it had been impossible to forget about the little boy once they were aware of him.
( The foster process had been arduous and time-consuming, but once they suddenly had to collect him, it felt like no time had passed at all. Tanner was such a beautiful little kid, just over two years old, but he had been nothing but miserable since they picked him up... )
muserevival"First crack of the lightning storm."
Of all nights for New York to have a storm, it had to be this one. There was a crack of thunder outside and a flash of lightning could be see through the curtains. Quentin hoped it wasn't some sort of sign that they shouldn't have made this decision. Deciding to foster a child who had been through traumatic times and left in the care of the authorities because his mother was thrown in prison on drug charges, and his father was long-dead from an overdose was huge. But it had been impossible to forget about the little boy once they were aware of him.
( The foster process had been arduous and time-consuming, but once they suddenly had to collect him, it felt like no time had passed at all. Tanner was such a beautiful little kid, just over two years old, but he had been nothing but miserable since they picked him up... )
"Hearts are gonna roll."
Jun. 27th, 2015 01:39 ambreakthesilenceWho: Quentin Lawrence and Kevin Lawson
What: A simple twist of fate
Where: New York City
When: Friday after lunch
'Nervous' wasn't at all enough to cut how Quentin was feeling right now. It had all happened relatively quickly that as soon as the ball had started to roll, he couldn't get cold feet. If he got cold feet, that would make him a selfish cunt. What they had here was a little boy about two and a half years old who had been taken by the authorities because his mother had been thrown in prison for drug possession, dealing, and likely prostitution, but they didn't have all the ins and outs of the actual case. After what Quentin had gone through with his own court case and time in prison, he couldn't handle hearing about someone else's who was just like Sofie. Sofie whom was dead now and threw everything away, almost destroying the little life inside her. Milo was in a better place with Luke and Haley now, which is why this was all a little dizzying for Quentin.
So, there was a little boy who didn't have a home or parents to care for him. His mother was in the slammer for a very long time, and biological father dead from an OD. The mother's boyfriend was just as much a druggie as the mother, so he wasn't a viable option for the boy to be put in his care. Quentin had only heard about the little boy inadvertently when a friend of Sofie's contacted him asking if he knew where the boy's biological father was. Which he did. He knew about the OD in passing from awhile ago. In fact, he has been shocked the kid hadn't been put in care before it got this far, but there was no point thinking about the situation or it would be way more distressing that it already was.
It was tough to think of a poor little kid in a situation like that. Then Kevin had to go and throw the idea out there that maybe they could apply to foster him. The process had been quite smooth as to legalities and paperwork because Kevin had a squeaky clean record and an extremely healthy bank account. Now they were sitting in the office of the foster place waiting to have the boy brought to him, and he would be placed in their care for an indefinite period of time. Cases like this were always so open-ended. Quentin was overwhelmed and those awful doubts were starting to creep up inside him. Were they doing the right thing? What the hell had they been thinking when neither of them had experience with kids? Why had this seemed like a good idea, but now it was suddenly terrifying.
He really was terrified and part of him wanted to go up to the desk and pull the plug. Only, then the doors were swinging open and carer came through with a little boy nursed in her arms. He looked small, and suddenly Quentin felt like he was going to throw up. Could they really do this?
What: A simple twist of fate
Where: New York City
When: Friday after lunch
'Nervous' wasn't at all enough to cut how Quentin was feeling right now. It had all happened relatively quickly that as soon as the ball had started to roll, he couldn't get cold feet. If he got cold feet, that would make him a selfish cunt. What they had here was a little boy about two and a half years old who had been taken by the authorities because his mother had been thrown in prison for drug possession, dealing, and likely prostitution, but they didn't have all the ins and outs of the actual case. After what Quentin had gone through with his own court case and time in prison, he couldn't handle hearing about someone else's who was just like Sofie. Sofie whom was dead now and threw everything away, almost destroying the little life inside her. Milo was in a better place with Luke and Haley now, which is why this was all a little dizzying for Quentin.
So, there was a little boy who didn't have a home or parents to care for him. His mother was in the slammer for a very long time, and biological father dead from an OD. The mother's boyfriend was just as much a druggie as the mother, so he wasn't a viable option for the boy to be put in his care. Quentin had only heard about the little boy inadvertently when a friend of Sofie's contacted him asking if he knew where the boy's biological father was. Which he did. He knew about the OD in passing from awhile ago. In fact, he has been shocked the kid hadn't been put in care before it got this far, but there was no point thinking about the situation or it would be way more distressing that it already was.
It was tough to think of a poor little kid in a situation like that. Then Kevin had to go and throw the idea out there that maybe they could apply to foster him. The process had been quite smooth as to legalities and paperwork because Kevin had a squeaky clean record and an extremely healthy bank account. Now they were sitting in the office of the foster place waiting to have the boy brought to him, and he would be placed in their care for an indefinite period of time. Cases like this were always so open-ended. Quentin was overwhelmed and those awful doubts were starting to creep up inside him. Were they doing the right thing? What the hell had they been thinking when neither of them had experience with kids? Why had this seemed like a good idea, but now it was suddenly terrifying.
He really was terrified and part of him wanted to go up to the desk and pull the plug. Only, then the doors were swinging open and carer came through with a little boy nursed in her arms. He looked small, and suddenly Quentin felt like he was going to throw up. Could they really do this?
"I want to break free."
May. 26th, 2015 01:30 pmbreakthesilenceWho: Quentin Lawrence and Kevin Lawson
What: That moment that changes everything
Where: Downtown NYC
When: Monday night
Ultimately, Quentin agreed to go on a date. It took a little while for him to come around, but he realised a lot of that was because he wanted to give Kevin time to process the information Quentin had offered up to him about how the situation was for him. Things like this, they didn't just resolve in a night and life goes on peachy keen. That would be like saying someone was mortally wounded and then sprung back up off their death bed perfectly fine in 24 hours. It was fucking ridiculous. Quentin recognised part of the thing with Kevin was that he had to begin to see things in a different light, and that took an adjustment period.
So, they were heading out to dinner, walking along the street. Quentin was lost in a bubble of his own thoughts, as one did when you were trying to work through a domino effect of traumatic events in your life. Quentin then just randomly got three texts in a row, because he had been able to retain his old cell number from his belongings they returned to him when he was released from prison. He was in the middle of reading them, his mouth having dropped open a little as he did and because of his distraction, didn't realise Kevin had stopped walking. He ploughed right into his back and nearly dropped his phone a gasp of, "Fuck!"
It took all of three seconds for him to realise why Kevin had stopped walking. There was Haley standing with Milo in her arms in front of the grocery store, looking a little flustered, like she was trying to figure out how to do the shopping with a grizzly baby grabbing at the front of her shirt, stroller laden with baby things. Quentin just sort of froze, not sure what he was supposed to do here.
What: That moment that changes everything
Where: Downtown NYC
When: Monday night
Ultimately, Quentin agreed to go on a date. It took a little while for him to come around, but he realised a lot of that was because he wanted to give Kevin time to process the information Quentin had offered up to him about how the situation was for him. Things like this, they didn't just resolve in a night and life goes on peachy keen. That would be like saying someone was mortally wounded and then sprung back up off their death bed perfectly fine in 24 hours. It was fucking ridiculous. Quentin recognised part of the thing with Kevin was that he had to begin to see things in a different light, and that took an adjustment period.
So, they were heading out to dinner, walking along the street. Quentin was lost in a bubble of his own thoughts, as one did when you were trying to work through a domino effect of traumatic events in your life. Quentin then just randomly got three texts in a row, because he had been able to retain his old cell number from his belongings they returned to him when he was released from prison. He was in the middle of reading them, his mouth having dropped open a little as he did and because of his distraction, didn't realise Kevin had stopped walking. He ploughed right into his back and nearly dropped his phone a gasp of, "Fuck!"
It took all of three seconds for him to realise why Kevin had stopped walking. There was Haley standing with Milo in her arms in front of the grocery store, looking a little flustered, like she was trying to figure out how to do the shopping with a grizzly baby grabbing at the front of her shirt, stroller laden with baby things. Quentin just sort of froze, not sure what he was supposed to do here.
"What do you say to taking chances?"
May. 11th, 2015 12:42 amlifeinthefastlaneWho? Kevin Lawson and Quentin Lawrence
What? Taking a different approach.
When? After Kevin's long day with the rude customer
Where? Kevin's apartment
If ever there had been a day that had put Kevin's brain through the ringer, it was probably this day. The truth was, everything that people had been telling him lately was definitely being taken into consideration. It wasn't that Kevin didn't understand or even didn't believe and agree with them. It was that he had to commit the things they were saying to his mind and realize that he was never going to get different results in doing the things he'd been doing. And if one of the results he wanted was to be a good friend and hopefully eventually boyfriend to someone, he wasn't going to get there by trying to just fix everything. It hadn't worked with Jesse. It wouldn't work for Quentin. It wouldn't work for anyone... not even Kevin himself, because some things were just beyond fixing.
Taking in what Sonny, Jesse, and Jace had all said to him, along with what Quentin had indicated in their conversations throughout the day, Kevin had been trying to figure out the best approach to this when he got home... and that was when he realized this was exactly his problem. Maybe he needed to just stop over thinking every little thing and do what fucking felt right to him.
Which was how he came to make it all the way back to his apartment without the promised Chinese food for dinner, and came inside, his eyes immediately searching for Quentin. "Hey, Quentin?" he called out when he didn't immediately see him in the living room.
What? Taking a different approach.
When? After Kevin's long day with the rude customer
Where? Kevin's apartment
If ever there had been a day that had put Kevin's brain through the ringer, it was probably this day. The truth was, everything that people had been telling him lately was definitely being taken into consideration. It wasn't that Kevin didn't understand or even didn't believe and agree with them. It was that he had to commit the things they were saying to his mind and realize that he was never going to get different results in doing the things he'd been doing. And if one of the results he wanted was to be a good friend and hopefully eventually boyfriend to someone, he wasn't going to get there by trying to just fix everything. It hadn't worked with Jesse. It wouldn't work for Quentin. It wouldn't work for anyone... not even Kevin himself, because some things were just beyond fixing.
Taking in what Sonny, Jesse, and Jace had all said to him, along with what Quentin had indicated in their conversations throughout the day, Kevin had been trying to figure out the best approach to this when he got home... and that was when he realized this was exactly his problem. Maybe he needed to just stop over thinking every little thing and do what fucking felt right to him.
Which was how he came to make it all the way back to his apartment without the promised Chinese food for dinner, and came inside, his eyes immediately searching for Quentin. "Hey, Quentin?" he called out when he didn't immediately see him in the living room.
[ FACEBOOK ]
May. 10th, 2015 02:34 ambreakthesilenceI am basically just a complete waste of space. Really need a job, for distraction and the fact I think my jeans are about to fall apart at the seams.
"One night of sin..."
Feb. 8th, 2015 08:51 pmbreakthesilenceWho: Quentin Lawrence and Lorenzo Chevalier
What: Crossing paths
Where: Central Park
When: Saturday morning
Everyone had that one person in their lives that had been an indescribable something, and that stuck in some place in your heart, but ultimately had no way to develop into anything at the time. They were one of those people that impacted on you, but the time just really wasn't right and because of that, when you crossed their path again, everything would have changed so much that any tiny window of opportunity would never have been meant to be.
All of this was something Quentin didn't realise until he stepped back from the coffee stand in Central Park with his drink in hand and nearly tripped over a baby's pram. "Oh my god, I'm sorry--" was out of his mouth before he realised who was there. When he saw the familiar face, he nearly dropped the coffee. It wasn't a dramatic shock to see him, it was just because he was one of those people, and he hadn't ever forgotten their night together. A night that should never have happened because they had both been with other people. "... Lorenzo?"
Lorenzo. And he was pushing a baby pram. This was a whole lot of unexpected surprise that cut close to home. "W-Wow, it's um... it's been a long time..."
What: Crossing paths
Where: Central Park
When: Saturday morning
Everyone had that one person in their lives that had been an indescribable something, and that stuck in some place in your heart, but ultimately had no way to develop into anything at the time. They were one of those people that impacted on you, but the time just really wasn't right and because of that, when you crossed their path again, everything would have changed so much that any tiny window of opportunity would never have been meant to be.
All of this was something Quentin didn't realise until he stepped back from the coffee stand in Central Park with his drink in hand and nearly tripped over a baby's pram. "Oh my god, I'm sorry--" was out of his mouth before he realised who was there. When he saw the familiar face, he nearly dropped the coffee. It wasn't a dramatic shock to see him, it was just because he was one of those people, and he hadn't ever forgotten their night together. A night that should never have happened because they had both been with other people. "... Lorenzo?"
Lorenzo. And he was pushing a baby pram. This was a whole lot of unexpected surprise that cut close to home. "W-Wow, it's um... it's been a long time..."
notskywalkerWe thought you might like an update, dude. Haley thinks he looks like you. We might be able to take him home in the next couple of weeks. He's getting stronger, feeding better. Don't forget, you're always welcome to come visit.
lifeinthefastlaneWho? Quentin Lawrence and Kevin Lawson
What? Conversations that need to be had
When? Late afternoon
Where? Kevin's apartment
Kevin had always been a certain type of guy -- mostly the guy that had a bad habit of not admitting how he felt until it was far too late. Jazz had called him out for it when she'd come by here to find Quentin, passed out in Kevin's bed and wrapped in his arms. She'd made it very clear to him that Quentin needed Kevin to be consistent and honest... to keep his shit together, and not to flake on him the way he'd flaked on Jesse before. He didn't want to do that to Quentin. And part of his strategy to avoid that was complete honesty.
He'd tried for a little while to convince himself that what he was feeling wasn't real -- that it couldn't be real. Because the last thing that Quentin needed was someone telling him something like that right now. But at the end of the day, it wasn't Kevin's decision what Quentin wanted or needed. He'd tell him the truth, and that would be it.
So he arrived at home prepared to talk to Quentin, though a little later than he'd intended, because he'd made a stop on the way unexpectedly. He made his way inside to the living room, where Quentin was sitting on the couch, looking exhausted. "Hey," he said, leaving his bag at the door to walk over to where Quentin was sitting. "How was your day?" It was a dumb question... A weak one. But Kevin wasn't prepared to start this conversation off with telling Quentin how he felt about him. He needed to build up to that.
What? Conversations that need to be had
When? Late afternoon
Where? Kevin's apartment
Kevin had always been a certain type of guy -- mostly the guy that had a bad habit of not admitting how he felt until it was far too late. Jazz had called him out for it when she'd come by here to find Quentin, passed out in Kevin's bed and wrapped in his arms. She'd made it very clear to him that Quentin needed Kevin to be consistent and honest... to keep his shit together, and not to flake on him the way he'd flaked on Jesse before. He didn't want to do that to Quentin. And part of his strategy to avoid that was complete honesty.
He'd tried for a little while to convince himself that what he was feeling wasn't real -- that it couldn't be real. Because the last thing that Quentin needed was someone telling him something like that right now. But at the end of the day, it wasn't Kevin's decision what Quentin wanted or needed. He'd tell him the truth, and that would be it.
So he arrived at home prepared to talk to Quentin, though a little later than he'd intended, because he'd made a stop on the way unexpectedly. He made his way inside to the living room, where Quentin was sitting on the couch, looking exhausted. "Hey," he said, leaving his bag at the door to walk over to where Quentin was sitting. "How was your day?" It was a dumb question... A weak one. But Kevin wasn't prepared to start this conversation off with telling Quentin how he felt about him. He needed to build up to that.
[TEXT to Quentin]
Nov. 6th, 2014 09:26 pmlifeinthefastlaneAre you going to be home when I get there in a few? I'd really like to talk to you.
breakthesilenceWho: Quentin Lawrence with Kevin Lawson
What: "Why am I so emotional?"
Where: Kevin's apartment
When: Later in the night, following THIS that morning
Hours had passed since Quentin had signed the adoption papers and left the hospital. He hadn't been dealing very well, and like a standard response many would have in time of emotional upheaval, he wanted to get drunk. Really, really drunk. He just didn't feel it appropriate to go to Luke's bar to do it because he didn't want the guy who would become the father of his baby to think he was a loser. Even if he was a loser, it just didn't seem right. He ended up in a really shitty bar, but he didn't care about the décor. He just cared if they had booze. He had been about halfway through his second scotch on the rocks when he realised that it wasn't getting drunk in Luke's bar that had been the problem, it had just been the thought altogether.
He had signed his baby over for adoption in the middle of withdrawing from drugs, and here he was about to drown his own system in booze because he wanted to be numb and switch off the burning pain inside. Milo didn't have that. He couldn't just down a few drinks and stop the pain, so why the hell was Quentin being a selfish fucking cunt wanting an easy out? That wasn't him. None of this was him, this was all just reactionary to the shit turns his life had taken and led him here. His legacy couldn't be being a drunk and a no-hoper. It couldn't be all about thinking about himself and how hard done by he was, so why should he bother trying to be a better person? His sacrifice of giving Milo up had to make him a better person, not a worse one.
( Which was why he ended up contacting Ash for another favour... )
What: "Why am I so emotional?"
Where: Kevin's apartment
When: Later in the night, following THIS that morning
Hours had passed since Quentin had signed the adoption papers and left the hospital. He hadn't been dealing very well, and like a standard response many would have in time of emotional upheaval, he wanted to get drunk. Really, really drunk. He just didn't feel it appropriate to go to Luke's bar to do it because he didn't want the guy who would become the father of his baby to think he was a loser. Even if he was a loser, it just didn't seem right. He ended up in a really shitty bar, but he didn't care about the décor. He just cared if they had booze. He had been about halfway through his second scotch on the rocks when he realised that it wasn't getting drunk in Luke's bar that had been the problem, it had just been the thought altogether.
He had signed his baby over for adoption in the middle of withdrawing from drugs, and here he was about to drown his own system in booze because he wanted to be numb and switch off the burning pain inside. Milo didn't have that. He couldn't just down a few drinks and stop the pain, so why the hell was Quentin being a selfish fucking cunt wanting an easy out? That wasn't him. None of this was him, this was all just reactionary to the shit turns his life had taken and led him here. His legacy couldn't be being a drunk and a no-hoper. It couldn't be all about thinking about himself and how hard done by he was, so why should he bother trying to be a better person? His sacrifice of giving Milo up had to make him a better person, not a worse one.
( Which was why he ended up contacting Ash for another favour... )
[ TEXT MESSAGE ] To Luke & Haley
Aug. 10th, 2014 11:13 pmlegalisticQuentin just signed the papers. I'm really going to need you both not to back out. He's counting on you.
@ muserevival || Quote of the Day 093.
Aug. 10th, 2014 10:25 pmbreakthesilenceHERE @ muserevival
"When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier."
- Roy E. Disney
Quentin had lost track of the amount of hours he had spent sitting sitting in the NICU beside this incubator and hoping - and yes, praying, despite not being religious - that the answers would just come to him. No amount of sitting here looking at the tiny, premature baby boy through the glass made any of it easier. He seemed to cope better with facing it now, but he knew there wouldn't be a miraculous road sign that pointed him in one direction or another.
Lying on the floor beside his feet was a folder containing a pile of lengthy adoption forms. The attorney had filled out a lot of the section, but they were all yet to be signed. The signing was the hard part. Sitting there, staring numbly into the incubator, Quentin wondered how many of those forms had been filled in and never signed. How many people in this world couldn't go through with giving their baby up? Probably a lot. How did they still cope in all the situations that had led to them trying to make that choice in the first place? He wondered a lot of things over and over again, of many things that he never thought he would have to face in his life. But then, everything his life had become to this day were things he had never envisaged happening to him.
( He put his hand carefully in through one of the circular access doors and softly rested the tips of his fingers on the baby's belly that was rising and falling with his breathing that was a little rapid but controlled... )
Quentin Lawrence
original character
"When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier."
- Roy E. Disney
Quentin had lost track of the amount of hours he had spent sitting sitting in the NICU beside this incubator and hoping - and yes, praying, despite not being religious - that the answers would just come to him. No amount of sitting here looking at the tiny, premature baby boy through the glass made any of it easier. He seemed to cope better with facing it now, but he knew there wouldn't be a miraculous road sign that pointed him in one direction or another.
Lying on the floor beside his feet was a folder containing a pile of lengthy adoption forms. The attorney had filled out a lot of the section, but they were all yet to be signed. The signing was the hard part. Sitting there, staring numbly into the incubator, Quentin wondered how many of those forms had been filled in and never signed. How many people in this world couldn't go through with giving their baby up? Probably a lot. How did they still cope in all the situations that had led to them trying to make that choice in the first place? He wondered a lot of things over and over again, of many things that he never thought he would have to face in his life. But then, everything his life had become to this day were things he had never envisaged happening to him.
( He put his hand carefully in through one of the circular access doors and softly rested the tips of his fingers on the baby's belly that was rising and falling with his breathing that was a little rapid but controlled... )
original character
[TEXT TO Quentin]
Aug. 5th, 2014 09:19 pmlifeinthefastlaneHey... I know today wasn't easy for you. I'm thinking about you, and if you want to talk about it, I'm more than willing to listen. If you don't, that's okay, too. I just wanted to check if you were okay.
"Father and son..."
Aug. 5th, 2014 01:28 pmdontcomebackformeWho: Nathan Mitchell and Quentin Lawrence
What: The hard side of being a doctor
Where: Neonatal ICU, Mount Sinai
When: Monday night
In the wake of the baby born via c-section from the brain dead mother, the premature infant's care had been transferred to NICU and Nathan was his primary physician. It was easier for Ash to negotiate his best care and Nathan was more than happy for Ash to bring the baby's biological father to see him whenever the poor guy was ready. In the meantime, the baby had been given the name Milo Quentin as per an order by Ash. Haley kept as close as she could, when she could, and Nathan knew there was a lot of emotions going on there where Haley would need debriefing... but it all did depend on the outcome. At the moment, the baby boy was stable but still in a serious condition. He was so tiny and fragile, there was no guarantee he would live.
It took a few days before Ash was in touch to arrange the visit. He explained that the father - Quentin - wasn't in the best physical condition after being released from jail and emotionally, he was trying to keep it together. He hadn't been ready until now to face this, and Nathan couldn't blame him. He would probably be in exactly the same state if he was in Quentin's shoes. He was just finishing his rounds, placing the charts back in the holders when Ash stepped out of the elevator with a skinny and drawn young guy who looked terrible. He approached them, holding his hand out to Quentin in greeting. "Quentin, is it? I'm Nathan Mitchell. I've been the infant's primary carer since after his birth. I just want you to know that if, at any time, you change your mind about this, you just need to say. You're under no obligation."
What: The hard side of being a doctor
Where: Neonatal ICU, Mount Sinai
When: Monday night
In the wake of the baby born via c-section from the brain dead mother, the premature infant's care had been transferred to NICU and Nathan was his primary physician. It was easier for Ash to negotiate his best care and Nathan was more than happy for Ash to bring the baby's biological father to see him whenever the poor guy was ready. In the meantime, the baby had been given the name Milo Quentin as per an order by Ash. Haley kept as close as she could, when she could, and Nathan knew there was a lot of emotions going on there where Haley would need debriefing... but it all did depend on the outcome. At the moment, the baby boy was stable but still in a serious condition. He was so tiny and fragile, there was no guarantee he would live.
It took a few days before Ash was in touch to arrange the visit. He explained that the father - Quentin - wasn't in the best physical condition after being released from jail and emotionally, he was trying to keep it together. He hadn't been ready until now to face this, and Nathan couldn't blame him. He would probably be in exactly the same state if he was in Quentin's shoes. He was just finishing his rounds, placing the charts back in the holders when Ash stepped out of the elevator with a skinny and drawn young guy who looked terrible. He approached them, holding his hand out to Quentin in greeting. "Quentin, is it? I'm Nathan Mitchell. I've been the infant's primary carer since after his birth. I just want you to know that if, at any time, you change your mind about this, you just need to say. You're under no obligation."
"Help. I need somebody."
Jul. 11th, 2014 10:36 pmbreakthesilenceWho: Quentin Lawrence and Kevin Lawson
What: Faces of the past
Where: Kevin's apartment
When: Friday night
As much as Quentin had loved Sophie, when he was inside taking the fall for her unbreakable drug habit, that love had melted away into resentment and anger. He would probably do the same thing if given a do-over because ultimately, he hadn't done it to protect her addiction and only to protect their baby. He was stupid for believing she could get clean, and he knew it. He hadn't known how he was going to survive with a baby and still manage to finish college. It had all been so sudden and hanging in the balance when the cops were storming her place and he was soon finding himself in the slammer.
Now his life was left in tatters. He couldn't go back to college, he had a criminal record of drug possession, his family wanted nothing to do with him, and he had no money... all for something he didn't do, and never even attempted to plead not guilty. He wouldn't say he was damaged by it, but he was hardened, if only to self-preserve when he was inside. Now he was out and the hope he had that he would meet his baby when he finished doing time, and it was all gone. He was in shock. Sophie was dead, not even 24 hours. They delivered the baby, but no one was going to believe he was the father and he couldn't afford a DNA test. All the brother told him was the baby - a boy - had been delivered by emergency C-section at Mount Sinai. Her brother seemed to want to wash his hands of the whole thing, and wouldn't give Quentin any further information because he believed he was a drug addict, and now a convicted one, too.
Quentin had gone out and just sat down on the curb and broke down. The first time he cried since being questioned by the cops after he was arrested. He had cried with his attorney, Ashley Emerson, who had promised he would get him as lenient a sentence he could when Quentin refused to plead not guilty. Ashley knew the truth, but no one else did. Everyone else believed he was an addict, a dealer, all of the above. It was getting dark now, and all he had was a plastic bag containing the things he had on him when he had been put in jail and the clothes on his back. No money, no nothing.
He came to be standing on Kevin's doorstep because he didn't know what else to do. Kevin had tried to come see him in prison, but Quentin refused all visitors at the time. All Kevin would have known was from Ashley, who delivered the news to Kevin that Quentin wouldn't be back at work because he had been arrested for possession. He made bail but when he couldn't pay for it, he just stayed on the inside until he was sentenced. Kevin probably wouldn't want anything to do with him either, but he had no one else, and that was how he came to be stood at Kevin's door pressing his buzzer, feeling so overwhelmed and even malnourished from barely eating inside and not having any cash to buy something since they released him the afternoon before, his head was spinning.
What: Faces of the past
Where: Kevin's apartment
When: Friday night
As much as Quentin had loved Sophie, when he was inside taking the fall for her unbreakable drug habit, that love had melted away into resentment and anger. He would probably do the same thing if given a do-over because ultimately, he hadn't done it to protect her addiction and only to protect their baby. He was stupid for believing she could get clean, and he knew it. He hadn't known how he was going to survive with a baby and still manage to finish college. It had all been so sudden and hanging in the balance when the cops were storming her place and he was soon finding himself in the slammer.
Now his life was left in tatters. He couldn't go back to college, he had a criminal record of drug possession, his family wanted nothing to do with him, and he had no money... all for something he didn't do, and never even attempted to plead not guilty. He wouldn't say he was damaged by it, but he was hardened, if only to self-preserve when he was inside. Now he was out and the hope he had that he would meet his baby when he finished doing time, and it was all gone. He was in shock. Sophie was dead, not even 24 hours. They delivered the baby, but no one was going to believe he was the father and he couldn't afford a DNA test. All the brother told him was the baby - a boy - had been delivered by emergency C-section at Mount Sinai. Her brother seemed to want to wash his hands of the whole thing, and wouldn't give Quentin any further information because he believed he was a drug addict, and now a convicted one, too.
Quentin had gone out and just sat down on the curb and broke down. The first time he cried since being questioned by the cops after he was arrested. He had cried with his attorney, Ashley Emerson, who had promised he would get him as lenient a sentence he could when Quentin refused to plead not guilty. Ashley knew the truth, but no one else did. Everyone else believed he was an addict, a dealer, all of the above. It was getting dark now, and all he had was a plastic bag containing the things he had on him when he had been put in jail and the clothes on his back. No money, no nothing.
He came to be standing on Kevin's doorstep because he didn't know what else to do. Kevin had tried to come see him in prison, but Quentin refused all visitors at the time. All Kevin would have known was from Ashley, who delivered the news to Kevin that Quentin wouldn't be back at work because he had been arrested for possession. He made bail but when he couldn't pay for it, he just stayed on the inside until he was sentenced. Kevin probably wouldn't want anything to do with him either, but he had no one else, and that was how he came to be stood at Kevin's door pressing his buzzer, feeling so overwhelmed and even malnourished from barely eating inside and not having any cash to buy something since they released him the afternoon before, his head was spinning.