PALM WATER, IDIOTS

Esme's apartment, Rittenhouse || @ramsesxtarek

He needed to get some more friends. That was the instant thought that popped into his head when he was dragged to spy on the couple. Had he thought he could make a clean escape he would’ve done it. Watching lovers fight wasn’t as interesting when it was literally your job description. Just today he had managed to listen to three couples insult each other for hours and refuse to settle on any agreements because pride was a fickle thing. As he listened in he gave a quick shrug, “Either way it ends up bad. Look at how sister wives are eliminating each other one by one.” He cursed his paralegals for that knowledge tidbit. “And we all know how Rom Coms aren’t real.” 

Clem tries to fight a small smile when she sees him starting to think about it a little, and it grows when he laughs. She especially likes how poetic that last sentiment is, about how the only absolute when it comes to humans is death. "I agree completely," she says. "I don't think there's such a thing as some divinely-decreed sense of good and bad. Even if there was, you're right, humans don't really do well with absolutes, although I do think we try to create them sometimes, you know, like, when things don't go the way we want them, we definitely try to find one person to blame, even if it's something that isn't one person's fault." She gives a wry little grin, and adds, "You see that a lot with politics."

Ramses bit back his laughter for as long as he was able to before a quiet hum fell from his mouth. “Humans do strange things for comfort. Even if it is false.” He would know that better than most people. Especially lately. When he had been diagnosed he had looked at all the studies. He Had decided that if he had to bargain with his life that he would go with whoever had the bigger percentage. Which put in hindsight he realized how insane that sounded. No one could promise him his life. No one could tell him that he wouldn’t relapse. The anxiety of worrying that any stupid cough or sign meant that it was back was close to driving him insane. His lips pulled upwards at the corners to show a faint smile, “As complicated as we try to be we are really simple. We want everything to make sense. A quick simple answer and for someone to tell us everything is going to be ok.” That was what his clients always wanted. Everyone wanted to be told that their case was bulletproof and that victory was in their corner.  

“It’s not the nice things I am worried about.” It was more so adding fuel to the fire. “Enough compliments and that head of yours continues to grow. That would make me an enabler. Not something I want to be known for.” He spoke freely. To Ezra - Cockiness is a display of an empty lifestyle, humility is when you see yourself as a zero while others are making you their hero. “That’s a dream. Most people struggle with that idea. It’s definitely not as attainable as some make it out to be.” Ezra was fortunate enough to have a career he enjoyed and a place he could call his own. But there was still things that could be enjoyed or wanted. “I’m content if that’s what you’re getting at.’ The word slightly more preferable. "Better get you a large cushion. Or thick - sounds like memory foam is your best option.” There was sarcasm laced there but it was only spoken in turn. “I think art is expression, if you want to argue that you might have to find someone else.”

To hear Nathan Ezra talk about not being an enabler brought a tight-lipped smile to his face. One that he let go because he knew tonight just was not the night to go into details. “Then what has you worried? My ego? Come on, Ez.” He used the previous nickname that had once been used with such joy and fond memories easily. In all honesty, it had just kind of slipped off his tongue. Ramses hadn’t even realized it till it was too late, “Because if it is that then you should know that you are completely late.” He chewed at the inside of his cheek, “So what are you missing to move from being content to being happy?” He wasn’t being an asshole. In a way, he wanted to know what was going on with Ezra. That was probably the whole post-cancer treatment kicking in if he was going to be completely frank. “I was thinking of that or perhaps a water bed — you think that is a good idea? Been going back and forward with it. — I get paid to argue. I think I know where to get a fix for my vice.” 

Before cancer, Ramses had been better at being an ass. If there was anything he missed it was that. The ability of just being able to be done with this a lot quicker than he was now. Now he cared a bit too much. Which explained why he stayed and decided to embark on this discussion. He didn’t have anywhere else to be till three hours, so he had time to kill. “Ok. If I had to choose one I would have to say no one is born inherently good or bad.” God he hoped he was right or he was going to end up like his father and his brother real soon here. Then again the apple didn’t fall from the tree, wasn’t that the saying? “Absolute? I don’t think so. I think a simple notion that we’re humans complicates things. We never have been creatures of absolutes.” He laughed softly as he took a pause, “You know aside from the notion of we’re all going to die at some point.” He found himself finding this just a bit interesting and waiting for her response.   

Eden couldn't help the snort that fell from her lips, pushing the empty glass further away then. "I'm guessing it would go something like, 'are you a broom because you just swept me off my feet' -- or, even better, 'are you from Tennessee, 'cause you're the only ten I see'." Though, if she was being honest with herself, she appreciated a good cheesy pick up line far more than she'd admit. Then again, it probably relied mostly on how attractive the complimenting party turned out to be -- Eden never claimed not to be a little shallow. "What are you drinking then, hm?" she asked then, brows arched. "Something you'd recommend?"

Ramses had to admit that the lines that she was spewing were a lot more interesting than the ones he had thought of himself. He parted his mouth to add something but the woman kept going, leaving his mouth to curl up at the corners. “It appears that you have heard them all. Careful, 'cause I don’t think a new line gets dropped in this joint till three more years,” he let a laugh slip past his lips. As soon as the question landed on his ears the temptation crept in. One that he had to learn to keep down for the sake of his health. “Not drinking. Here for the cheesy fries. People overlook this item but more for me I suppose.” He hoped the conversation wouldn’t come back to the lack of drinking, so he went through the quick conversation starters he knew before landing on one, “You new to town? Or I just haven’t seen you?”

location: somewhere in chestnut hill

He had pulled an all-nighter once again. Ramses was aware that he needed to cut back on doing this but it made him feel like he was back to normal. That he was able to do all these things and be ok. Even if that was not the case. Tonight he had been knee-deep in a custody battle that was heavily contested. Not that he truly understood the why. The mother had proven to not be the right choice for the kid and the father was doing everything that he could to protect them. Yet he knew the law wouldn’t be completely on his side and he had been advised that the father wanted to keep this custody fight as clean as possible. This was probably why he had been assigned the case cause his father and brother just knew how to play dirty. 

“We will have to try that another night,” he responded as he looked down at the menu. Trying to remember what he had once ordered here. It seemed like a whole different life ago. Though at the same time, he felt like he had just been thrown back to what he had left. Having an office right across from his brother and father was a feeling he hadn’t missed at all. Not to mention the drama that surrounded his sister and his mother. There were moments throughout the day when he wondered if coming back had been the right move or if he had given in to old vices once again. “Come on — I am sure you have some appetite. I have heard desk attorneys eat more than trial ones.” Now having done a bit of both he could understand why Nate was in no hurry to come back to the other side. The long hours, the interactions with clients as well as other attorneys, and the formalities were not worth it. Though when that paycheck hit his account he wasn’t completely against it. “So anything new that I have missed while I was gone? Significant other? — any drama? Listen I have to hear someone’s 'cause I am tired of the one I keep getting dragged back into.” He made the mental note that eventually he would have to address his sister — sooner or later. “Also, feel free to drink, It doesn’t bother me at all.”

open starter for @philly-starters

“I’m sure, though maybe every day is like Christmas to you.” Ezra mused. Change is a natural part of life. People change also. In fact, the life of an individual is highly characterized by continuous changes in appearance, mindsets, attitudes, and behaviors. Their dynamic had change most definitely. Maybe their own personal characteristics were the reason. However he did emit a faint chuckle. “As much I would like to disagree you’re damn right. That’s common sense so don’t give your ego anymore brownie points.” The man felt the need to reassure the other that. Yes this type of food was it’s own category of over the top smells with all of the spices it contained. To say the least. “No amount of those scented room mists will cover up it.” Ezra was quick to add. And believe he had tried his very hardest. “How the hell am I a walking cliche?” His brows furrowed. Then shaking his head from side to side for extra measure. “No, not really. I like the repetitiveness of my quiet life. Art is far better then most people.”

“I wish that was the case,” don’t get him wrong every day he woke up and was not dead did feel like some sort of miracle but Christmas was pushing it a bit too much. At least he was able to show that. Ramses had always wondered if he had actually gotten on that train and done what he had wanted to do instead of following a ten-year plan made by his father and if his friendships would align with that as well. But alas what use did it serve to keep thinking of all the what-ifs? “Come on, a couple of brownie points are not going to kill you. Not like you’re going to drop dead for saying a couple of nice things to me.” Despite his teasing tone, he was being genuine. He knew that fact alone was going to shock people around him. But for tonight he was not going to think too much about it. There was a slight nod to his statement as he agreed completely with it. “Chasing your dream, getting everything you want, and having a nice house — isn’t that the American dream after all?” Ramses was proud of Ezra, in countless ways. Not like you would catch him ever admitting such things out loud. “Daydreaming is better as well but only a few find a way to make living out of that. I like to have some cushion in my life — to make sure my ass doesn’t take such a hard hit.” he countered quickly, gaze dropping back onto the food before picking it back up, “Though I suppose law is a form of art, isn’t it?” 

where: lloyds, fishtown who: @philly-starters

After enduring a three-hour mediation between two people that should have never been married at all Ramses decided it was time to revisit old vices. Or at least pretend to. Not like he could drink with the medications he was currently still in. Not to mention his doctor would probably murder him, himself if he knew that he was doing anything remotely damaging to his body. He took the first empty bar stool he found and ordered himself some coke with some cheesy fries. The smell of intoxication was enough to curve his needs. At least for now. Not to mention there was a football game on that could distract and numb his brain at the same time. Something he was overdue for after the week he was having. During commercials he heard the commotion and glanced over his shoulders, he took note of her outfit and shrugged. 

--

He had half of his mind just to walk away. Kids were not his forte — at least they hadn’t been. Then when he kept going in for his treatment at the hospital overseas kids in the cancer wing seemed to gravitate towards the giant. Somehow he started to appreciate them a lot more than most adults he had around him. At least they were able to talk about other things aside of the treatment itself and its progress. The kid seemed to be alright as he straighten himself up. 

“Ah, that’s why you’re taking up the table. I guess you have more of an ego now.” Ezra had already formulated that opinion inside his head. Tabloids? All that ruckus was just too much for him. Clearly, Ezra was passionate more so about his art and privacy. Protecting his peace was more important then being well known. “I guess that’s one way of looking at it.” Maybe redemption was in the other’s cards. He too agreed, though there were times when it was quite alright to be social. But talking while someone was stuffing their face wasn’t too preferable for most. “I take it , that take out isn’t for you too then?” A simple question before he began to get settled. “Promises can be taken with a grain of salt.” He rose a brow but then shrugged. “Chicken tikka masala.” Ezra answered. “Cliche yes - I am aware but still damn good.” There were no complaints about that food dish. Even if it was quite popular with most.

At least this much never changed. Ramses let out a small yawn before placing his utensils down and looking over at him. “My ego has its own birthday,” he shared as he glance over at the media. A damn circus. Sometimes he did debate the idea of just doing plastic surgery and giving himself a whole new face and life. He had his doubts about the whole plan if he was honest. It probably worked better on paper than in real life. “Are you kidding? I take this back and it’ll take fucking weeks to get rid of the smell. Carpet is unforgiving.” He had once taken an entire pizza back home and forgot to close the lid and the smell of mushrooms still haunts him to this day. When he finally sat down and started to chill, Ramses’s reached for his utensil picking them back up. “Well come on, you’re just a walking cliché — then again who isn’t?” Ramses was the typical rich boy that hated his father and could not win the fucking war against him. If that wasn’t cliche then he didn’t know what was. “Anything new with you? Aside from drawing and etc?” 

where: the franklin institute

Ever since his cancer diagnosis Ramses started to care more about science than he ever had before. Granted it had never been his strongest suit, not by a long shot. He was more of a history and music individual that somehow ended up in law. Though not somehow, his father had planned such a route before he was even given a real choice. That was a subject for another day. Today was his free day. A day that he didn’t have to be concerned about the backlog of cases that were building up on his desk or the mess his family was at the moment.