Post by Deleted on Feb 21, 2013 8:15:35 GMT -8
| Joachim Loïc van de Velde Clever, charming and charismatic, yes, it seemed like Joachim Loïc van de Velde had it all. He certainly was different, but there were many times when he wished for nothing but normalcy. Now a rebellious sleeper agent that refuses to wag his tail for the MI6, Joachim divides his time between being a host and a consulting detective. He should have known the past would catch up to him sooner or later… |
| CODE NAME: Sherlock |
| Male | 22 | Heterosexual |
| Walloon-Belgian | Host/Consulting Detective | Sleeper Agent |
| Physical |
| 175cm | 59kg | Cream Blond |
| Chartreuse Green | Fair | Athletic; Lanky |
| Personal |
Ah, Joachim Loïc van de Velde. Where does one begin after a name that is such a mouthful? As Shakespeare had uttered once upon a time, “All the world is a stage, and all men and women are merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.” And this was Joachim, the master of masks, shaped by society to be the men (plural) that they needed him to be. Do you think you know him? Well, you are about to find out. As one of the top host in London’s most elite clubs, many would call Joachim: { SUGAR } + Charming; all of Joachim’s clients and colleagues could testify to this. Joachim is a real sweetheart; his words are like honey, something quite addictive. He knows just how to make you feel treasured and special, and treats you like his precious little princess – at a price, of course. Joachim lives to please, and pleases to live. + Personable; Joachim is extremely well-liked, adored by many and much. For some odd reason, one could easily establish a sense of connection with this jolly man. It might have only been a few hours, but when one was with him, it feels like you two have been buddies forever. This makes it easy to spill your burden and sorrows over a pint of beer – though many fail to realise just how dangerous that decision could potentially be. Come now, friend, what is lying heavily on your heart? Tell me your secrets. + Friendly and Fun; In the host club, Joachim is never seen without a sunny smile on his face. He treats all strangers as family and genuinely loves getting to know new people. No one likes being lonely, and certainly not this Walloon! A young lad who is so bubbly that his contagious cheeriness sometimes overspills to infect those around him, Joachim is the sort of guy you would look to for a good time. After all, the parties don’t start till he walks in. (TIK TOK.) Perhaps one of the reasons why Joachim is so popular is because of how truly outgoing and amiable he is. Hello there, new friend! + Witty; he is certainly not one who subscribes to the stereotypical views on blonde. Witty with words and ever eager for a laugh, Joachim enjoys making others smile. He knows just how to turn any unfavourable joke or insult to his advantage and to earn himself a bout of laughter and support from the rest. + Easy-going; not much seems to bother Joachim; he is never in a rush and never one to fuss. In fact, one could say that he pretty much eased through life. Everything seems to come easy for this young lad and he never appeared as if he really had to work hard for any of his successes; be it the charisma, good looks, a loving family or overall a brilliant life, he was blessed with all of them, much to the disgruntlement of many. It feels like even Lady Luck is enamoured with Joachim, and ergo, he appears to live life at his own carefree pace. The word to note, however, is 'appear'. But based off what his other clients would say when asked to describe the 'somewhat Sherlock', the ex-(sort of)-agent often comes off as an entirely different persona: { AND SPICE } + Brilliant; Joachim is brilliant. There's not much to explain about it – he just is, as what many would say first and foremost. It is no less than expected, of course, judging from how his first cousin was not only a scholar but a researcher in the MI6 as well. Likewise, there are also certain standards to be met as well before one is allowed as an agent. Brains and good looks run in the family – though Joachim would say that most of the looks still came his way. + Perceptive; if one really has to dissect the reason as to why Joachim is 'brilliant', perhaps the most distinguishable reason is how perceptive he is. Many see, some observe but rarely, very rarely, does one ever perceive. It's not a skill that can be taught but rather a gift that is inborn. Joachim has a knack for being able to see what others do not and what others call 'impossible', he sees it as almost commonsensical. Well, clearly this lady had been dumped, not over a week ago; heavy foundation in attempt to cover puffy eyes, the nail polish colour not matching the dress, and the right shoe is a bit cuffed at the welt as well, from having violently kicked the closed door in a mixture of anguish and fury. How can you not see it? This is his main tool of trade, both as a consulting detective and as an agent – the ability to dive into jumble of disorientated fact and fiction and retrieve precisely the essential information and clues to crack the case, well. You have to admit, that is pretty impressive. + Serious; even Joachim has a serious side to him, when the appropriate time calls for it. Should the case be intriguing or important enough - important to him, that is to say – Joachim is capable of losing his insouciant demeanour and adopting a far more staid behaviour. This, however, can be both a blessing and a curse. Joachim can be so serious that he becomes almost single-minded on his goal - and possibly willing to sacrifice almost anything to achieve it. + Inefficient; alright, so Joachim might not be the most hardworking person you have ever encountered and sure, he procrastinates. But it's only just... a lot. Give the guy a break; he's only human, after all. But in all honesty, Joachim is one who needs to be constantly hounded and kept on track to finish the job (especially if it's a boring one), and if it wasn't for Rosa, he wouldn't actually even be doing this 'consulting detective' thing. But note: Joachim is inefficient, not ineffective; though frustrated as you might be while waiting on a case, he ensures you that you will be no less than highly satisfied with the end results. After all, good things are worth the wait. (And what's the rush, truly? Why do it today when you can do it tomorrow? And why do it tomorrow when you can do it the day after...) Now this is the Joachim that not many know and not many see. { AND EVERYTHING NICE } + Spoilt; when you have lived a life of ease and usually get whatever you ask for, it’s understandable that you would grow up to be just a tad spoilt. Joachim would only show this side of him to his close friends and family, and yes, sometimes his demands can be a bit unreasonable and even downright childish. But at least Joachim is mature enough not to throw up a big fuss if things don’t always go his way – he’s not really a child, after all – and in the end, he’s still loveable! Right? + Manipulative; truthfully, this isn’t something that Joachim is proud to admit. In fact, it’s a part of him that he constantly tries to suppress and deny. When you have a way of just seeing people and a knack for charming them, it is just so, so easy to bend them according to your will – and they wouldn’t even know it. With his mind and words alone, Joachim can – and has – manipulated others for his own personal gain and benefit. For favour, for goods, or even approval. Sometimes Joachim gets a bit upset with himself – because he does feels happy after achieving something through underhanded means. (But he still hasn’t stopped.) + Liar, Liar; Joachim is a good liar. He has to be; he is literally bound by the British Intelligence contract that he has to keep up a convincing lie, or else. Joachim simply saw it as himself taking up multiple masks, and various roles; he is an actor on the world stage and he shall perform accordingly. He is Joachim Loic van de Velde – the host, the detective, the agent. They are the same person but they do not know each other; that is how Joachim lives his lie. Lying soon grew into a habit and a way of life and really, it’s not always that bad! There are good lies too; tiny white lies here and there, but as long as they make his clients smile, Joachim figured that sometimes the world is better off seen through rose-tinted glasses and a trimmed lace of lies. + Cowardly; in truth, Joachim is a coward. Had he been braver, he would have been able to shoot that girl. Had he been braver, he would have been able to protect her and say ‘no’. He looks back at that mistake – that one mistake that eclipses all others – and thinks that had he been braver, Joachim Loïc van de Velde could have been so much more. Even now, Joachim sometimes succumbs to his cowardice; rather than face his challenges, if it seems too impossible, too hard and painful, Joachim rather turn his back and run. + A Good Heart; but underneath all the lies and pretense, somewhere deep down inside Joachim rests a truly good heart. He genuinely does care for the unfortunate, and while he knows he can’t save the whole world, he still wishes he could. He wants to make people smile, he wants to be able to make others happy, even for a moment. He is not seeking to justify his actions, or to make redemption for his mistakes, but if he could make someone’s day a little brighter, then Joachim is secretly satisfied. He would still make mistakes, do things he know he shouldn’t – but at least he was trying, at least he’s human. |
| Likes | Dislikes |
+ Women; how can you not like them? They're smart, soft and they smell nice. God's gift to mankind, Joachim sincerely feels. + Older Women; personal preferences. + Sweet Things; Joachim does hail from the country of sweets, after all. He has an undeniable sweet tooth and his boundless energy is fuelled by sugar rush. + Dancing; particularly ballet. As a child, Joachim's mother had signed him up for classes along with his young cousin, Elise and it soon grew into a secret passion for Joachim. It became a way for to relieve stress through creativity and a suitable gateway for all of his unused energy. Even till this day, Joachim is an active ballerina. Hey, stop laughing! All ladies like a man who can dance! And Joachim would like to see you do a 180 degrees split. + Baking, Cooking; pleasant pastimes. (Though cleaning up is such a chore.) + Cleanliness; Joachim is a surprisingly tidy man. With a rather mild case of OCD, he requires everything to be pristine and perfect. However, that doesn't make the chore of tidying up any more appealing. Joachim likes to be clean, but not cleaning. + People; Joachim simply loves being around people! Or more correctly phrased, people being around him. He adores the attention and enjoys getting to meet new people, making more friends and learning more about others. + His Family; extended ones as well. There are many a times where they quarrel quite a bit - especially with Femke, sheesh - but he genuinely loves them and cares for them. He would give up his life in a heartbeat for his family + Talking; :3 (You might have to occasionally remind him to breathe.) + Sex; ;3 + Engineering; you wouldn't be able to tell, but Joachim is quite apt with his hands! (In more ways than one.) Sure, he can't make weapons of mass destruction like how his cousin does, but Joachim is able to construct some pretty neat things as well! From basic every day tools to slightly fancy gadgets, he possess the spirit of Walloonia, once a great might in the industrial revolution long ago. + Festivals; the Brits don't celebrate like how the Belgians do. In Belgium, the festivals are grand and merry and you would never feel more united as a country. Strangers are merely family that you have never met, and festivals are family reunions. Joachim misses the festivity and hype back in Belgium. + Animals; Joachim is no doubt an animal lover. If it wasn't restricted by the law, Joachim would probably own a miniature zoo in his maisonette. For now, he only owns a chubby corgi. | + People Pronouncing His Name Wrongly; it's zho-ah-keem, not yo-keem or jo-keem. + Dirtiness; call it what you want, but Joachim doesn't find that his dislike for dirt and grime 'gay'. There's nothing homosexual about keeping clean and daisy fresh. + Being Bothered; it might not seem like it, but Joachim is always focused and he's always up to something. There's always a goal in mind - be it solving a case or charming a lady - and various routes and decisions are churned out and eliminated rapidly behind that smile. But because his train of thoughts move so swiftly, it is so easy to disrupt the flow completely. Once lost, it's quite hard to get back onto the same track so hence, try not to disturb Joachim too much, especially while he's working. + Being Disliked; this might seem really shallow, but Joachim just can't stand being disliked. He craves for attention and adoration and it is almost a need for him to know that he is well-liked and popular. Joachim would his utmost to charm you into liking him - or perhaps, even near worshipping him. + The doctor; not The Doctor, but doctors and hospitals in general. Just something about the sterilised smell sets Joachim on edge. (Perhaps it's because it reminds him of death.) + Deadlines; he doesn't work well with them. + Pressure; how do you expect me to work if you're breathing down my neck, Rosa? :c + The Word 'Nipple'; ew. |
| Dreams | Fears |
+ To cut off all ties with the MI6; the way the agency functions absolutely disgusts Joachim. Unfortunately, this dream to wash his hands clean of all involvements with them cannot be achieved just yet. He'd signed a contract with them, after all; a bond, if you will. A collar and chain that was going to last for the next ten years. + To have a family; Joachim has always wanted a big, rowdy family of his own. His parents taught him much through example and he wanted to be the same heroes to his kids as his parents were to him. + MORE ANIMALS!; MORE PETS, MORE FLUFFINESS, MORE LOVE! | + Heights; Joachim is fine being at high places and such, but if he has look down... well, he tends to get a little bit light-headed and become a little green as well. + Being Outcasted; for the first few years of Joachim's childhood, he was just that - outcasted and rejected. Joachim never wants to return back to those times again. + Making The Wrong Decisions; especially if those decisions could spell the end for someone else's life. Yes, Joachim may be brilliant and smart, but that doesn't mean he is always right. He makes mistakes, he chooses the wrong decisions, and he should be damned if someone's life was affected badly because of him. That's why he's always so, so careful. |
| Background |
Let’s start from the very beginning – a very good place to start. When you read, you begin with ‘A, B, C’; when you sing, you begin with ‘What do you mean I’m pregnant?!’ And that is how Joachim came into existence – entirely unplanned. His parents had kept him, of course; they were good Roman Catholics after all. Along with his older sister, Joachim - named after the father of Virgin Mary - was raised in a loving and pious family. It was because of these values that had been instilled into Joachim since early age that shaped him and later affected his major decisions in life. Joachim was a charmer even as a child; adored by his family and relatives, he was that little 'special one' who received the pampering of a prince. But things weren't at all the same outside. To his peers, Joachim was perceived as 'odd' for many had been subjected to his curious intelligence and perceptiveness. When Joachim had revealed to his primary school teacher that Manon was the one who had (viciously) plucked the flowers in the garden from the crust of mud on her shoes, the smart but silly lad lost all popularity amongst the crowd for the rest of his primary education. It was quite a struggle for Joachim – to be so loved by his family who accepted him for all his strangeness, and then to be shunned by the rest of the class. He did not understand; he was just being honest! Did he say something wrong? While his schoolmates did not appreciate his... talent, his teachers certainly did. Joachim found comfort in his teachers’ kind smiles and understanding gaze – they, he could easily charm. (In retrospect, perhaps this is a factor for Joachim’s preference in older women; they were the only source of warmth and love in his otherwise lonely childhood.) Still, Joachim couldn’t stand being disliked – he utterly and passionately hated it. That was why he was so determined to change everything once he entered his secondary education. Sharp as he is, Joachim understood exactly why he had been outcasted, but now he knew exactly what to say to win people over, and how to turn people against each other rather than on him. The words that came from, the little gestures that charmed you subconciously, all of that soon became his weapons – Joachim learnt how to make you become addicted to him. All too quickly, Joachim rose in popularity, favour and fame amongst his peers, his ‘oddity’ forgotten. Life then by went by swimmingly for Joachim; he never had to want for anything. Fast forward a couple of years, and Joachim stood before the transition of youth and adulthood. While his cousin decided to take on a scholarship, Joachim chose a route that shocked everyone; he went to join the military. Why? That was the question that left everyone’s lips, but truly, there was no deep, sentimental or philosophical reason behind his decision. He simply felt like entering the military, he wanted to see if he was missing out on anything in life. The military was brutal, beyond anything that Joachim could ever imagine. But blood, sweat and tears, everything that Joachim loathed, only made him stronger. In the military, he became a man. It was also during his time as a service man that Joachim’s gift was once again re-discovered. Would luck have it – a murder happened on the military grounds. While everyone else was at a loss, a slip of the tongue from Joachim managed to crack the case. “Bruising at the knuckles; a brawl, but a drunk one, seeing how there’s a bump above his eyebrow line where he must have staggered and collided into the sharp edge of a chair. Shirt is creased under the left rib; repeated blows that must have ruptured a kidney and caused internal bleeding. The murderer is the son of the pub owner – do you see a wallet on him? No. Which means he couldn’t pay. And might I add, the son is quite a brute and might have similarly laid hands on his homosexual partner – the cologne. It’s so obvious he isn’t straight. How do you all not see it?” It had only been just a passing comment, honestly, and who would have known it was the spark that ignited the rest of Joachim’s journey? For the next half a year, Joachim’s superiors handed him various puzzles and riddles, all with the same casual, practiced excuse of ‘needing help in solving it’. Suspicious? Yes. But enough for Joachim to go through all the trouble to decode it? No. The one year after the incident came, and Joachim received a letter formally inviting him to the British Intelligence Service. That confused Joachim greatly – he could tell it’s legit, yes. But then, why was the British Intelligence Service recruiting him – a French-speaking Walloon-Belgian? But he couldn’t no – literally. He tried saying it when the British agents came, but apparently they didn’t understand French. (Joachim personally finds that very saddening.) But like his decision to join the military, Joachim simply went along with it, just to see if there was anything else that life was offering. So they wanted him to join the MI6, so much so that they were even willing to overlook that he was somewhat French. It was an offer he couldn’t refuse – once again, quite literally, because it did not seem like the MI6 would allow him to walk out of their headquarters just like that, not alive at least. But Joachim was all that objectionable to the contract – he liked being appreciated after all. He was placed under the training and mentorship of a veteran agent and performed splendidly. Joachim was really beginning to enjoy this new career – up until his graduating mission. Till then, he had been working under or had been guided by his mentors on the missions, but for his graduating mission, he was in charge. He had to make all the decisions to ensure the success of the mission if he wishes to officially become a full-fledged agent. It seemed simple enough; apprehend the drug-dealer and bring him to justice. Easy, right? (Joachim would have never imagined how far and how desperate one would be to escape custody.) Joachim and his mentor had stalked the criminal on a stroll with his daughter. It soon evolved into a desperate hunt-and-escape through Hyde Park and into the city and ended with the man standing at the ledge. Joachim tried to stop him, he tried to calm him down, tried to talk to him and didn’t his words always work? It didn’t. Not this time, when it actually mattered. He tipped over the edge with a smile on his face, and his daughter was still watching. His daughter, eyes wide with agony but unable to cry, a scream in her throat that was never heard. His daughter – who needed to be disposed off. Those words, they came out of his mentor’s mouth. The mentor who he had grown close to and begun to respect – he suggested murder. “She’s just a little girl!” “She’s old enough to bear grudges – look at those eyes. Those eyes will one day be staring at you behind the trigger of a gun – is that what you want?” “This isn’t the mission.” “It isn’t, but it’s our duty as agents. We have to protect London, and if we can prevent a Lawless-to-be, all the better.” “Go jump over that ledge.” was what Joachim wanted to say. But instead, he stood there, numb and dumb, unable to comprehend, unable to decide. Wasn’t the United Kingdom a country of faith? Was it not said in the Ten Commandments that ‘thou shalt not kill’? For once, Joachim’s brilliance failed him; he could not understand. (She was just a little girl.) That day, Joachim discovered how much of a coward he was; not a decision was made and not a word was uttered when his mentor grew impatient, cocked back the safety lock of his gun, and shot the child square in the head. (She was. Past tense.) Cowardice awakened, Joachim threw in the towel; he couldn’t accept working for murderers. They could protect London without him. Of course, they were unwilling to let him quit; who would allow such a talent to slip out of their hands, especially after all the hard work they had put into polishing and grooming him? (To be a murderer.) But unable to persuade him otherwise, they could only enlist him as a sleeper agent, to call on him only for emergencies. “You can call on me when London burns.” Joachim never spoke of this incident again, especially not to his cousin, Femke. He started from scratch, built himself a new life in London. The ladies were mighty fine and the only damage that Joachim could do as a host was to break a few hearts. Some might protest that this was a waste of his talents but Joachim begged to differ - the job of making women feel like princesses was a noble one, and Joachim Loïc van de Velde wasn't one to refuse their thanks, in any form that came. Life seemed to be good once more. Then one day, Joachim met a Colombian woman named Rosa González Cortez, and this is where our story picks up… |
| OOC Information |
| IT'S-A ME! MISSY. |
| BEG. |
| GROVEL. |
| DOWN ON YOUR KNEES, PEASANTS. |
| made by CAPTAIN of BACK TO NEVERLAND |
