Post by griff hawkins on Feb 23, 2012 15:26:45 GMT -5
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griffen tobias hawkins
every memory of looking out the back door,
i have the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
REMEMBERING THE PAST
>>full name: Griffen Tobias Hawkins
>>nicknames: Griff (most commonly used), Toby (reserved for select persons)
>>date of birth: February 23rd, 1994
>>date of change: August 16th, 1996
>>hometown: La Push
>>species: shape-shifter
>>abilities: Enhanced senses (the ability to smell, see, hear, and detect general state of emotion is dramatically advanced) & Super strength (able to tear apart the marble flesh of a vampire with one bite, Griff must learn how to keep this added trait in tight rein).
TRANSITIONING
>>height: 6'2"
>>weight: 201 lbs.
>>hair: Black
>>eyes: Brown
>>general appearance: Griff stands about 6’2”, an average height for a Quileute shifter. This, along with the wolf blood running through his veins and noticeably sculpted muscles, often lends him the appearance of someone more mature than his actual (recently turned) eighteen years. He doesn’t have an overly bulky frame yet there’s an obvious strength and finely chiseled look to his appearance. If it weren’t for the masculine set of his jaw, Griff could probably be described as a pretty boy. He has a full upper and lower lip (perfect for well-timed pouts) and supported by a strong chin below stunningly high cheekbones. Thick, bushy eyebrows draw an even line broken by a dainty nose. Dark, chocolate-brown eyes watch the world with a warm glint captured within their narrow depths. With hair a shade or two darker, its long tendrils reach mid-back. When he’s serious, there’s a brooding intensity about him that often leaves one wondering what’s going on in that head of his but while he’s smiling, not many can resist the pull he naturally exudes.
He dresses very casually, not bothering to spend more than a handful of minutes each morning to select the day's attire. Nothing too fancy is the rule of thumb and the lighter, the better. A pair of casual shorts and naked chest are the norm, accompanied by a thin, printed tee when in public places. Griff enjoys letting his tattoo show, the same style every Quileute wolf has done shortly upon shifting for the first time.
>>face claim: Michael Hudson
THE CHANGE
>>likes: Soccer, Camping, Flea markets, Learning, Unique names, Driving, Coke, Rain, Cliff diving, Kids.
>>dislikes: Doctors, Bullies, Vampires, Loneliness, Nosiness, Punctuality, Early morning shifts, Burnt toast, Blue cheese, Losing my cool.
>>strengths: Intelligent, Compassionate, Dependable.
>>weaknesses: Insecure, Impulsive, Secretive.
>>habits/quirks: Shuts himself off from others when he feels they are prying too deep & Runs a hand through hair when nervous.
>>fears: Losing those he loves & Losing his own individual identity amongst the pack's general image of operating as one unit.
>>secrets: Griff inadvertently caused a rumor to be started within the ancient forests south of Forks. Locals claim these mighty trees are haunted by an evil wolf spirit specifically targeting young children as potential meal. Some tourists come specifically in hopes of catching glimpse of such speculation.
Story behind the rumor: Griff, faced with lingering grief from losing his younger brother combined with the recent discovery of being a wolf, left him seeking temporary break. He ran south until he reached a national forest half a day's journey away. There, he saw a frail looking boy, probably about twelve or so, trying to cross a wide creek hosting a turbulent current. Instantly reminded of his sibling, he crept closer with the honest intent to simply ensure the boy's safety but the more Griff watched, the greater he was reminded of Riley. Before he consciously realized what he was doing, he'd already left the protective cover of the brush.
The boy saw the massive wolf approaching about the same time the boy's father did. Griff had been so preoccupied, he hadn't even noticed the adult human. The father, however, assumed the wolf was hunting his child and grabbed a rifle, aiming it directly at Griff's heart as he charged. Unfortunately, Griff had only a mere couple of weeks experience being a shape-shifter. Thus when the unknown male attacked, he retaliated instinctively in order to avoid being fatally shot. Smacking the human down to the ground and momentarily pinning him there with a powerful swipe of paw, Griff realized in shock what was happening. Hurriedly, he released his grasp and rapidly hightailed it back to the reservation. As he ran, he was left with the chilling sounds of the father's bones crunching beneath his weight. In the weeks following the reported animal attack, a story evolved depicting a huge wolf preying upon unattended children.
>>personality: Griff’s general personality has been sculpted by his specific life experiences. When he was young, he was hailed as hosting an adventurer’s spirit accompanied with an athlete’s stamina. Smart, fast, and fearless were adjectives readily used to describe him then and each of these can be used today as well. Being the center of attention was the norm and he quietly enjoys such positive focus. Having adoring eyes aimed at him makes Griff feel powerful. The more who praise him, the greater his wealth increases. He can be openly affectionate, lacking the erroneous misconception that strong men shouldn’t display amorous feelings, albeit also strictly reserved as to who this is actually demonstrated for.
During adolescence, he first learned betrayal and bitterness only to gradually have them morph into acceptance and genuine love for his brother, Riley, yet those negatives periodically resurface. Upon finding plenty of antics to keep the two of them busy due to a natural curiosity, this led to an additional education involving expertly delivered deceit. Lies can roll off his tongue with a disturbing amount of ease. There never was any inner turmoil felt and later regret was always washed away in light of his sibling’s obvious entertained delight. This portrays Griff’s lingering appreciation for humor. This side of him is powered by true passion. Amongst known friends and family, he often resorts to kidding around. A good joke is almost considered as highly valued as prime rib.
For a few years, Griff was the proverbial mayor with the shiny, new desk who slyly signed his own salary increase while presenting a modest front to the general public. Take away the shiny, new desk and position of admiration, however, and one would find a very insecure child hidden inside the muscled hunk of a man now visually observed. Without Riley’s continuous belief actively placed in him, Griff’s world became cold and empty. Sorrow still periodically overshadows his expressions, frequently lending a hardened edge that stoically hides a heart of pure gold. This is knowledge deeply buried under lock and key for Griff’s deepest fear is suffering additional loss.
BEFORE THE BITE
>>mother: Julia Raine Hawkins, 46, part-time florist
>>father: Damien Marshall Hawkins, 46, construction worker
>>siblings: Riley Cole Hawkins,11, deceased
>>other: Ruth Ann Hawkins (Grandmother), 71, homemaker
>>history: Griffen Tobias Hawkins was delivered after fourteen grueling hours of intense labor on a chilly winter afternoon several days after the nation celebrated Valentine’s Day. When Griff was just a wee baby, he was showered with attention, carried around more often than not, and fawned over almost constantly. To his young and inexperienced perspective, all was perfectly well with the world. Little Griff, as he was called back then, was borne with the spirit of an adventurer. He mastered how to run at exactly ten months, bypassing the whole process of walking entirely. This was typical for the remainder of his early years; quickly skipping ahead in milestones with a natural ease and happy disposition.
Baby Griff was known for his pleasant temperament, little Griff known for the oftentimes exasperating need for constant supervision lest he inadvertently find trouble while he sought out new experiences. Preschooler Griff conquered the honor roll, securing him a spot forever etched into the mind of his primary teacher with fond remembrance. He was smart and he was fast, fortunately using both abilities for the sake of good. It was obvious he was independent beyond his typical age range, also possessing the innate and skillful art of gradually domineering a situation without force or obvious persuasion. A well placed compliment, a sly wink of an eye, or an indifferent shrug of shoulder; these all played a part in Griff’s easy success both academically and personally. He had his mother wrapped around his pinkie, his father boasting tales of paternal pride focusing on his son’s many youthful accomplishments. The center of attention hosted Griff in its spotlight fully, his face shining with satisfaction yet void of total arrogance. He was the model child; well-mannered, smart, energetic but not irritatingly so, self-sufficient. Little Griff was the picture of perfection.
By the time he entered grade school, Griff had a loyal following of friends. He spun amazing tales for them to gush over, passed out toys and candy as if they were a dime a dozen, and made sure to keep one step ahead of everyone else. He was well-received and well-liked thanks to the long-standing practice of generosity. When he turned five, he fell out of a towering pine tree and broke his radius bone. On the same day, he became big brother to Riley Cole Hawkins. The two brothers shared birthdays with a span of five years in between. That was okay in Griff’s book for there had never before been shortage of attention. Initially, the arrival of his sibling was only a joyous occasion. Griff was adjusting better than his parents expected and baby Riley seemed healthy enough...until his mother began noticing the failure to respond to gentle stimulations. He didn’t learn how to roll over by three months of age like his older brother had nor had he learned by four months. In fact, little Riley seemed to lose milestones instead of gain them. By the time Griff’s cast was off, his parents had started dragging their children to specialist after specialist.
Concern overshadowed happiness and worry drowned appreciation. Griff’s talented progress vanished from the proverbial spotlight, his younger brother’s continuing struggle with developing normally taking over. This resulted in a sense of resentment felt towards the intruding baby, Griff’s sudden dislike of his own brother taking shape in the form of sporadic temper tantrums and shocking displays of anger. Instead of addressing their oldest child’s newfound and unwanted behaviors, the distraught parents promptly sent him to live with his grandmother while baby Riley’s health issues were painstakingly addressed.
Life with his aged grandma felt like unending punishment to Griff. She didn’t believe in television, had no idea what a computer was, and still owned a rotary phone. Her fixed income left little in the way of extras. A diet consisting mostly of stale bread and chewy venison was the standard fare. Griff’s sharp wit had no outlet once school was dismissed. He’d step off the bus and instantly feel the pall of lifelessness gloomily settle over him. The previous joys discovered by dismantling a radio only to put it back together were repressed. Being the elementary class’s smartest student didn’t bring the glory and adoration he’d formerly experienced. On the contrary, smart peers were mocked, even ridiculed…and adolescent Griff soon began to purposefully score low on tests so he would fit in. By the time Griff entered third grade, his report card plummeted from straight A’s to steady C’s. Teachers were left frustrated by his antics, knowing he purposefully didn’t apply himself. The pile of unread books stacked carefully on his night stand were left unattended and grew dusty, eagerly deserting them for a game of kickball with the other local, poverty-stricken kids. Sports were his ticket to companionship and companionship meant attention. The visits with his parents decreased, their once secure foundation crumbling into sporadic lectures blatantly ignored.
Griff was growing up on his own, finding whatever means necessary to feel wanted. When he was eight, he smoked his first cigarette. Grandma could neither hear nor smell well enough to bust him. When he was nine, he blamed the breaking of his grandmother’s priceless heirloom vase onto the old mutt dog without so much of a single shred of remorse. She had to ask him to repeat himself three times before nodding her head and waving him off. When he was ten, he received news that he was moving back home. The adjustment was excruciating. His brother’s condition was finally thought to be temporarily albeit briefly stabilized. His parents expressed regret over their lack of steady involvement but they had changed. There was a deep sadness in their eyes now, a secret knowledge that Griff instinctively detected as something bad...very bad. Their former house had been sold, leaving the family of four to reside in a two-bedroom duplex in dire need of renovations. Griff and Riley had to share a room.
The brothers were as different as night and day. Griff was quick, smart, had grown sassy in the past few years. Riley was quiet, terribly quiet, and could hardly move without a grimace of pain flashing across his face. Griff was ten, Riley five. They started over that day; two strangers related by blood but nothing more. Riley’s hopeful expression accompanied the slight push of a favored toy into Griff’s direction as their parents looked nervously on. It was his highly prized blue stuffed hippo, a valued toy given as peace offering. Griff was humbled, dumbstruck by this physically frail, mentally slow boy’s lingering wish to make amends for their parents’ mistake of separating the two siblings. Time seemed to stand still, silence ruling the room as only Riley’s labored breathing was audible while Griff stood and fidgeted. His life had been uprooted once again and this fragile looking little brother of his had been the reason why for the second time now. It was easy enough to figure out. His parents had brought Griff home so he could get to know his brother before that something bad happened...before Riley passed away. Advanced medicine had done everything it could. Now it was Fate’s turn. No one knew what rare ailment Riley suffered or how much longer he had to live. He was the first known case of the condition now commonly referred to as Rawkins Syndrome, a combined derivation of first and last names.
Something in Griff changed too for just as the abrupt anger unleashed, a calming force doused its fiery flames. Before he knew it, he’d snatched the stuffed toy up and replaced it with his treasured soccer ball. Riley grinned widely, Griff staring as if he were an invading alien. Slowly, ever so slowly, that incredulous stare eased into a returned, tentative smile. This was his sibling, the boy he’d once planned on showing around town and introducing as his kid brother. From that day forward, Griff and Riley were inseparable. Gone were the listless evenings spent causing trouble for now Griff discovered a new purpose. He took Riley everywhere with him. From the second Griff hopped off the school bus, he toted Riley around whether it was by wheelchair or crutches or simply pulling him behind in a rusty wagon. He became best friend, loyal defender, fierce protector, faithful servant. For the first time ever, Griff didn’t care if the spotlight wasn’t aimed at him.
Being reunited with Riley felt like coming home regardless of where they lived. At night, while their parents slept, Griff read to his younger brother. Riley would haltingly repeat the words, stuttering his way through. Griff told all of his secrets to Riley, including how he’d felt when apart, how much he’d loathed their elderly grandmother. Riley in turn idolized the big brother he’d dreamt of meeting for so long. They grew into extensions of one another in a figurative sense, relying on each other in order to feel fulfillment. Sometimes, Griff pushed Riley’s wheelchair along the reservation’s dusty lane until they eventually caught up with new faces outside of La Push. During one of these excursions, Griff discovered a used car sales lot. So many people filtered in and out, much more than the quieter auto shops native Quileutes maintained. Griff first sat and watched the salespeople as they sweet-talked the potential customers, his brain flabbergasted in their shared ease of rolling lies off tongue without the bat of an eye.
The owner, a burly, middle-aged man with a pot belly as large as a pregnant woman in her last trimester, took notice of Griff and Riley a few weeks later and waved them over. The man was lazy but smart. Without caring where the two boys had come from or whether or not their parents would approve, he laid an offer on the table the duo wouldn’t refuse. It was agreed that whenever they could show up, they’d wash the cars ready to be moved out for display. Not only would each earn a few dollars but they’d also be right there in the midst of the car lot’s activity. It was an exciting opportunity and they quickly bobbed their heads in agreement. Keeping this arrangement solely between himself and his brother, Griff felt happier than he had in a long time. His parents mistook this, thinking their oldest child was merely content in life again but Griff’s stolen moments at the car lot taught him plenty… none of which his parents would have preferred he learned. It enabled his natural desire to gain attention to attain a masterful level of slyness always carried with such feigned sincerity and open kindness to never seem falsified. In short, Griff learned how to lie.
Over the next few years, Griff did what he’d learned best; he fabricated lie after lie. He convinced himself that whatever tall tales he spun, they weren’t really hurting anyone and besides, they caused Riley to laugh and smile. Life was one big party at that point and his spot was right smack in the middle of it all. Griff was sixteen when he first shifted. He’d recently gotten his driver’s permit and towed Riley along to the movies. Once there, a group of teens poked fun at the cripple, mercilessly taunting him with derogatory names. Griff’s temper simmered before boiling over. Nearly panting from seemingly spontaneous and excessive heat burning beneath his skin, Griff stood on suddenly shaky legs. Everything was fine one moment and the next, his face and body were covered with a layer of sweat while his stomach heaved with sudden nausea. His upper lip curled into an uncharacteristic sneer and he began to shout. His mouth opened as a torrent of angry words spilled forth. The sound of his voice changed partway through; deep, rumbling undertones taking over in pitch. If it weren’t for the accompanying queasiness, he’d most likely have shifted right there and torn out the throats of the offensive persons.
As it was, however, Griff abruptly wheeled Riley behind the theater just before bursting into massive wolf form. It was Riley’s hand who reached out and grasped a thick tuft of fur, his innocent eleven year old’s gaze fixating on his brother in awe. His movement confused Griff for he hadn’t yet looked down upon himself. When he did, he felt panicked. Griff tried to speak again but his lips had taken the form of long snout. Frightened, he mouthed the handles of Riley’s wheelchair and hurriedly carried him into the woods. Waiting there was Jacob Black but it was mainly Riley’s unyielding support which gave Griff the strength to overcome such obstacle. Learning he was a wolf, knowing there were vampires lurking throughout the world…this information changed Griff, gave him reason to secretly resent the involuntary role he played. Griff disliked the wolf inside him even though he delighted about the enhanced abilities now possessed. With renewed vigor, he returned to his familiar ways. The ladies swooned over his hardened masculinity and plain men envied his strength. Griff was officially hired at O’Grady’s Used Car Sales as a part-time salesman and he was good at it. When he wasn’t in school or spending time with Riley, he was working…or dating. In private, the two brothers held out hope Riley would also change. Surely if Riley shifted too then he’d become as strong and as fast as Griff. Once again, Fate was left in charge with no clear idea of what was in store.
Fate isn’t always kind. Sometimes one is given precious gifts such as the strong bond of brotherly love. Other times, it delivers a seemingly cruel hand.
Three months later, Riley was scheduled for surgery Wednesday morning. His body was unable to support the most recent growth spurt, resulting in dangerously retained fluid. Certain vital organs needed that pressure alleviated immediately, namely that of his brain. The operation’s goal was to quickly and efficiently halt the building fluid, thus lowering the potentially disastrous pressure. It was two minutes since his mother had last asked for an update on Riley’s surgery progress. A major artery was unintentionally sliced, a single slip of a doctor’s hand instantly transforming into a death sentence for the anaesthetized Riley. Griff could smell the fresh blood from where he stood. He knew the exact second of despair, heard the frenzied shouts of the gathered doctors and nurses as they hurriedly tried to fix an irreparable mistake. Griff knew the moment his brother’s life slipped away, the wolf in him highly sensitive to the smell of death. As he fell onto his knees clutching at his own chest, sobs wracked his muscled frame. The hovering attendant walked into the waiting room with a look of disbelief plastered across his face, motioning for the Hawkins family to follow into a private meeting room...
The weeks and months afterward blurred together, meshing into an unrecognizable whirlwind of motions void of conscious thought and direction. He drifted, following Jacob’s orders as needed without truly awakening from the slumber borne of grief. The wish to have Riley join the pack was decimated, buried with his casket six feet under. Griff spent more time as wolf than he did as man. He volunteered to attend all patrols, having no desire to find enough time left in the day to think. Thinking hurt.
Eventually, everyone wakes, powered by an inner sense of self-preservation refusing to be burned out. Griff opened his eyes one year after Riley’s death.
The pack had grown considerably closer to the Cullen coven. Despite knowing this, it felt foreign to Griff. He said little, frequently being the silent observer standing in the back of the room content to let life slip by without objection. When he did object, however, it was heard. His voice became hard and determined. There was still life inside him after all. Rage and loss swept through Griff’s mind upon hearing of the Volturi’s pending plans to annihilate Renesmee’s parents. Almost eagerly, he welcomed these feelings again for it was at least better than the doom he’d known for too long. Finally, he found someone to blame all of Fate’s wrongs onto, someone he could rip apart and give voice to the pent up frustrations and hurts...someone who couldn’t buy their way out of justice for there was no legal system to hide behind. Without objection, he personally vowed to help protect them.
OUT OF CHARACTER
>>alias: Cobra
>>age: ageless
>>experience: 8+ yrs.
>>other characters: none
>>how to contact you: PM
>>how you found us: Caution ad
>>did you read the rules? Yesroleplay sample:It was amazing how quickly life could change, how one day Wade desired nothing more than to avenge the death of their youngest pack member and the very next, his world suddenly centered around a childlike slip of a girl. The wish to right the Denali clan’s wrong was still heavily prevalent within his thoughts yet it paled in comparison to the instinctual protectiveness highly geared towards Kayden. She’d become the main focus of his days, inadvertently the cause for a few skipped patrols here and there as well as a drastic decrease in Wade’s voluntary participation amongst pack related meetings. Instead, he’d enjoyed every second of the past few weeks simply doting on her as their relationship grew into one of trusted friendship. There was so much she still had yet to learn but while he watched her begin to understand, a fierce pride burned brightly in his heart. Those initial days of fearful, nervous behavior were gradually replaced by tentative smiles and always an obvious preference for him in wolf form. This he knew and didn’t mind for Wade would do what made Kayden most comfortable.
Silently, as he’d peer down at her tucked around lupine form or grasping a thick tuft of fur in hand, he always vowed to never disappoint her. As much as he wanted to simply hang out with his dear Suki all day long, Wade also knew she was in good hands and it was beyond time for him to show his face to the rest of the pack. Besides, he’d heard through the convenient telepathic link shared between wolves that his good friend Misty also recently imprinted. He was eager to speak with her about their mutual newfound discoveries.
With a grin, he tugged on the clothes previously stashed behind a massive pine tree. It was exactly twenty minutes since he’d kissed the top of Kayden’s head in farewell and already he missed her nearly enough to make him head back home but he convinced himself she needed these infrequent times away from him. Wade figured her newfound female friend could help her with girl stuff, whatever that may be. It was good for Kayden to grow and Wade knew she needed to learn some things without his constant presence. He just preferred to be there. A grin lit his face as he realized it wasn’t Kayden who depended on him so much but he himself who needed her.
Walking the rest of the way towards the heart of the reservation, he simply listened to the sounds around him. Enjoying nature had always been amongst his most treasured pastimes. It wasn’t long though before he could sense Misty up ahead, his mouth broadening into a genuine smile. Resorting to calling her the childhood nickname from long ago, Wade hollered out a friendly greeting. “Missy! Wait up!” He said, eagerly waving a hand in her direction. She was one of the few who knew of his past in entirety. Sprinting ahead, Wade closed the gap between them. His strong arms temporarily engulfed her into a bear hug of sorts, his chest rumbling with laughter as he released Misty.
“It’s been too long since I’ve seen your pretty face around and I take full blame for that,” he dove into friendly chatter, “I’ve had so much on my mind lately, well okay namely a whole lot of one person really.” He flashed a grin, knowing she’d already have gotten wind of his imprint and excited to share the same discovery with her. “And I heard you’re in a similar predicament now,” he continued, knowing his relationship with Kayden was restricted to paternal feelings at the current time but he held out hope such would change when she was ready. Until then, he was beyond content merely being who and what she needed him to be. “How’s that going for you?” he asked curiously, gently taking her by the elbow to lead her away from the main path and slightly off to the side just in case any foot traffic came through.
“Imprinting certainly changes everything, doesn’t it?” he added, eying her now with brotherly concern. Was she as thrilled as he’d been when the imprint initially occurred? Wade wasn’t sure if she’d been involved with anyone recently or not. “I can’t wait for you to officially meet my Suki,” he rambled on, slipping in the nickname for Kayden that he exclusively used for her. “She had a rough life,” he admitted, his voice turning harder as the usual protectiveness swept over him again, “but that’s changing now. I’ll make sure she’s never scared or hungry again.”
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