philosophical.

featured muses:

adrian decker: professor, 51, ewan mcgregor -> intro | tag

antoine fortier: surf instructor, 30, drew ray tanner --> intro | tag

aria gomez: dancer at brinie bar, 31, lindsey morgan -> intro | tag

elijah loomis: podcaster/tour guide, 30, kiowa gordon --> intro | tag

shane hinds: former lawyer, 32, nick sagar -> intro | tag

            it  was  hard  for  katie  to  leave  the  nest .    the  thought  of  their  father ,     alone  in  this  empty  house ,    has  made  their  heart  fucking  ache  since  day  one .      it’s  a  genuine  relief  that  they  ended  up  so  close  to  home ,    and  they  take  advantage  by  visiting  often .    these  days ,    that  generally  means  coming  over  every  sunday  night  to  dish  about  life  &  watch  trashy  tv  shows .    ‘  it’s  been  a  pretty  good  day ,  ’    katie  confirms  from  where  they  stand  in  front  of  the  fridge ,    raiding  it  for  snacks .   ‘  i  didn’t  work  today ,    so  i  just  hung  out .    took  rudy  on  a  run ,    went  to  the  skate  park  for  a  bit …..   you  know ,    very  important  stuff .   what  about  you ,   how  has  your  weekend  been ? ’    they  make  their  selection ,    grabbing  a  bag  of  snap  peas  before  clambering  over  the  back  of  the  couch  to  take  their  seat  beside  adrian .     ‘  oooh .    i’m  feeling  kind  of  real  housewives - y  today .    what  do  you  think ,    potomac  or  orange  county ?  ’

Adrian wished that his life was half as interesting as Katie’s. “Graded some papers, reread the assigned texts for this week’s classes. You know, the usual.” It was sad that this was his usual. When he’d been younger and pictured what his life would be like at this age, it had always gone differently. He’d expected to be happily married, nearing the age where he could retire if he hadn’t already made that transition, maybe writing a book or two. Never had Adrian imagined that he’d spend his weekends in the very same way he spent his week days -- immersed in work. “Byron and I did step out for a run this morning. The sun was out and the weather was decent, so that was nice.” Maybe he needed to pick up a hobby or something. He drummed his fingers against his thigh, giving the question the modicum of thought it deserved. “Orange County, I think.” 

Douglas leaned back against the couch considering his brother’s observation. “That’s surprising given that they have had unfettered access to the internet and a wealth of knowledge. Granted maybe that access has allowed them to narrow their focus to things that interest them. It could be that they need someone to inspire them to broaden their horizons.” Taking a drink from his glass he shifts in his seat. “You’re hardly old, but I can understand feeling disconnected from younger generations, they can be exhausting. You look like you could use a break though, you look exhausted.” His gaze drops to his leg and he sighs faintly, “Healing, doc says it will take time because of my knee. I’m going to have to train before going back on any mountains. As far as storms, we’re nearing the end of storm season, aside from winter storms. So mostly I’ll be tracking weather patterns and processing data until March. So you’ve got a few more months before you can start worrying again” 

His brother was on to something, Adrian knew. Despite the immediate access to knowledge the internet provided, it seemed as if the majority of his students existed in echo chambers of their own creation. “I suppose that’s the beauty of the college years -- it broadens horizons and forces one out of one’s comfort zone.” At least, that was the aim of his classes. He couldn’t really speak for the motivation of all of the other professors on staff. So many others seemed to be coasting by, just as their students were. “I’ve been asked to step in as interim department chair beginning next semester. I haven’t accepted yet, but I doubt it’ll help with the exhaustion. Somethings I think I’m due a sabbatical. Maybe some time away from all of this to pursue my own research will help.” Adrian couldn’t remember the last time he’d taken a break from his career. His gaze passed over his younger brother, nodding at the man’s assessment. “Can’t remember the last time you were confined to desk work. That’ll do my heart some good, though I suspect it’ll drive you mad,” he replied with a laugh.

“Are you implying that I’m usually a grumpy asshole, babe?” Andrej responded with a small smirk on his lips. Until he was in a good mood, Andrej didn’t actually realise how rare it was for him to be this way. Which was probably a bit sad, but while he was actually happy he was going to enjoy it and spread it over to Shane too. Maybe if Shane remembered that he wasn’t always an asshole then he might actually start to like him again. Andrej could already sense those feelings creeping back in again and he desperately didn’t want to be attached to Shane again but it was beginning to feel like it was too late to go back. 

“Funny because people have called me a parasite too. Guess I have a lot in common with this stuff then. It’s a plastic one anyway, I stole it from work. Not sure why anyone would want to fight to get under mistletoe in a coffee shop but here we are.” He leaned in and gave Shane a playful kiss on his cheek before squeezing his shoulder and returning the smile. “I’ve recently come to the realisation that maybe romance isn’t dead after all and I’m just a cynic. I think I’ve been watching too many shit Christmas movies.” 

Shane made a noncommittal sound, shoulders lifting slightly in a shrug. "You've got a very unique kind of charm," he answered. The answer was diplomatic, more a non-answer than anything else, but in a way, it was the truth. For as long as Shane had known Andrej, he’d always been charming. He could be a bit abrasive at times, there was no denying that, and sometimes Shane thought that he was more porcupine than person, but there were moments -- glimmers really -- of charm underneath it all. It was what had attracted Shane to him all those years ago, what kept him entwined now despite everything else that had happened between them. 

“Not sure who’d say that to you, but I agree with them,” Shane joked. Teasing was easy, definitely easier than having a serious discussion, and seeing as it was the holidays, Shane figured he was entitled to a bit of lightness. Shane felt himself blush slightly as Andrej’s lips bushed against his cheek, though he was sure that could be attributed to how warm his space was. “No shit,” he replied sarcastically rolling his eyes at that. “Of course romance isn’t dead. Some of us still subscribe to the practice you know. Especially at this time of year.”

Andrej: definitely a con artist but as the cool uncle, i will absolutely support him in every choice he makes no matter what

Andrej: the plan is to go to work, get pissed off at stupid people, go home, smoke weed and sleep :)

Andrej: maybe if i were 16 again then i could start all over

Elijah: i'll make sure i frame that message so he never forgets who supported him

Elijah: living the dream there bud

Andrej: would say it's a special birthday attitude but that would be a lie

Andrej: not that it's something that should bother you of all people

Andrej: could make myself even moodier if this isn't doing it for you tho

Silas: somehow, i can't remember saying i was bothered by it

Silas: you've really got yourself a winning personality there

Carleigha grins over to Aria as she sets the plates on the able for them to dish out themselves. She loved having Aria and Alba here. Living alone was great, quiet but sometimes too quiet. It was comfortable here with the pair of them in her life, bringing a bit of life to her home that was needed. “That’s indeed, especially with that top floor, she’s got 360 degree views of the neighborhood, all that information makes great blackmail material. Makes a retirement all that more cushy.”

Dishing up a couple flautas on a plate she drizzled the queso dip over them as she settles at the table. “It is much more fun for me to spoil you with treats.” Taking a bite she smiled before shifting her attention back to her roommate. “Speaking of, how was work?” 

“Kinda makes you wonder what she sees up there,” Aria mused. She wasn’t nosey per se but she was human, and she couldn’t help if she was curious about what their batty old neighbor saw from her window in the sky. “And what she demands to keep it quiet.” Aria smiled, brushing off Carly’s comment about spoiling them. It hadn’t taken some getting used to, but it was nice to have someone she could depend on. She’d gotten so used to always having to do everything for herself, to being the only person she could trust with her daughter, that allowing Carly to do something as simple as cook for them had felt like a big task, but she had to admit that this was nice. “Honestly, work is work. Every night’s the same but not, at the same time. You kind of get used to it all. How’s the library? You hosting any more murder mystery groups soon?”

Tristan already had a long list of reasons why someone using this service might be shady, but he knew better than to mention it since Tony seemed invested in the idea. “You know I would ask you to be my fake boyfriend to bring you to my family over the holidays, but I’m planning on spending Christmas at home with my cat, box of chocolate, and some lousy Christmas movie.” He admitted. Sure, he could go to the Barlowe’s for Christmas. They had already sent him an invitation to their famous Christmas dinner, but he hadn’t spent any holiday with them since he was eighteen, he would much rather spend it by himself. “I mean, I could bring you to see my cat, but I doubt you’ll like it since he usually doesn’t like the guys I bring home.”

Honestly, spending a quiet holiday at home sounded nice -- like something Tony would’ve wanted to do -- but ever since moving to Moorbrooke, he’d realized just how much he’d missed his family. The Fortiers were a chaotic bunch, but as the only child, he’d been well loved. Being away from them felt wrong. “Sounds nice,” he commented. “Honestly, it’s more a joke than an actual idea. I’ll probably end up going home for the holidays. It beats having to hear about how sad ma is ‘cause she misses me.” Plus, even at 30, he was sure that his family would go out of their way to make sure he was spoiled during his visit. “I don’t know, pal,” Tony speculated, a thoughtful look on his face, “I think that says more about the guys you bring home than the cat. Pretty sure I could win him over.” 

Dougie turned from his spot on the beach. It was nice enough out, Warm despite the season. He couldn’t help but make use of the weather and spend some time with his surfing buddy. Letting himself mull over the man’s words he smirks, “You know that’s a really good plan. You’re not just taking some of that season stress away but also giving them someone that’s in their corner. You can offer extra services like an escape plan, an varied amount of excuses to for you both to leave so they don’t consider hiding away in a closet to avoid people. If you need employees, I can offer my services.”

Tony had been prepared to plead his case, to give the reasons he’d considered that made his proposition seem like a good idea. What he hadn’t been prepared for was anyone agreeing with him. “See, you get it,” he replied, smile spreading across his features. “I mean, it’s like one of those things you hear in the movies, but it’s actually a decent idea, and I’m sure there’s a market for it.” He tapped his finger against his chin and considered Dougie. “You know, if you’re serious... I think with your height and your smile, you’d be the perfect employee.” 

Andrej: word of warning: nobody is allowed to acknowledge my birthday unless you want me to personally give you a birthday beating ok cool got it :)

Andrej: ......... wait i suppose i could accept a card from noah

Andrej: especially if he drew me again

Andrej: kid is going places....... maybe not quite an art school..... but places

Elijah: i know parents are supposed to think their kids the best in the world and mine totally is but hes not really an artist

Elijah: hes more a con artist than an artist RIP me