Amy didn’t think she’d live to see the day that she was too hungover for a Bloody Mary. It was her go-to ‘hair of the dog,’ tried and true for years after being introduced as a teenager by the tiniest old woman she had ever and would ever see. But even the sight of the tomato juice had her stomach churning. She pushed her sunglasses higher on her nose and yanked the strings on her hoodie, burrowing herself away with a slow groan. If ever there was a sign to bring on more help, this was it. “Hey, want a job?” she asked the person nearest, her voice low and unbothered, no hint of humor though she was joking. Mostly. “No experience necessary.” She even slid her untouched shoestring fries their way to sweeten the deal. @villagestart
Agatha had been enjoying her afternoon since her boss had told her to go home early. Usually, she had to stay back, but today it was different, and it was most definitely the little break she’d been needing. Her attention was occupied on the half-eaten burger in front of her. It wasn’t until she heard a murmur from the person next to her that she actually noticed they were there. “Um... no thanks.” She replied rather nervously to their question, giving them the most obvious side-eye you’d ever see. “Sorry... I don’t mean to be rude, I just... I’ve been taught to be wary of job offers from strangers in bars. You’ve got me curious, though... what is the job?”
“is twitter art jock a suitable career choice?” emile wonders around the cigarette sticking out from the corner of his mouth. “nyeh? what about poetry cheerleader? …what’s your title, exactly?”
( @villagestart· )
Her eyes peered up from the book in her grasp, the question causing the brunette to raise a brow... honestly, pretty unsure about what any of that meant. “You sure make those sound appealing, although, I’m embarrassed to say I don’t actually know what twitter art jock translates to.” She shrugged her shoulders, closing the book at once as she looked at them curiously. “Am I supposed to have a title? I mean... mom is technically my title, I suppose.”
“not that it’s any of my business,” marilyn breezes by a proper greeting, comfortably tipsy and lips quirked into a wry smirk, “but that gorgeous figure across the bar — red shirt, can’t miss ‘em — has been making come hither eyes at you for the last twenty minutes. now i’m here to offer one of two options: to save you and be a proper distraction so they’ll bounce or to introduce you, really talk you up. personally, i don’t think enough people find romance during dollar beer night.” @villagestart·
Mind elsewhere, Agatha was enjoying the solace she found at the bar counter, happily watching people pass by... some on a wild night out, others just looking for a relaxing after work drink. She, on the other hand, was trying to savour her remaining few hours from the confines of her unhappy marriage. Going home had become a chore, and it evoked a pang of guilt within her to want a break from her relationship. Still, it was nice to have some time just for her.
The feeling of a presence by her side, followed by the sound of a stranger’s voice, she turned her head to offer them a small smile — wondering why on earth they were talking to her of all people. “Oh! They were?” Turning her head, she let out an amused chuckle as she tried to seek out the person in question. “I’m married... so, there’s no chance of romance here. Why don’t you go talk to him? He’s cute.”
he hears her and nods his head ❝ they are very beautiful , my mother has what you call a green thumb , you give her anything and it blossoms out of this world . you know you hear that people have these talents and you don’t believe until you see it . ❞ he whispers as only for them to hear . he feels the tug of someone and he sees a small kid with his t shirt on , his number and last name on the back “ can I have your autograph ? ” alec smiles nodding his head ❝ of course little dude . ❞ he grabs the nearest paper and pen , doing his signature then taking a picture for the dad and the kid ❝ stay in school and be safe . ❞ he ruffles up the boys hair and turns back to the brunette ❝ do you have a favorite ? ❞ he inquired the femme before him
Pleased the younger man agreed, she began to relax slightly, already feeling that they had a gentle energy... something she appreciated immensely. Coming across people who were downright rude no matter what never failed to rub Agatha the wrong way and cause her to completely shut down. Other than experiencing the wrath of some impatient New York drivers, the majority of the people she’d met in the city so far had been very kind. “Oh, exactly. I admire anyone who has a gift with plants. My old neighbor back in London actually had one of the most extraordinary gardens I’ve ever seen, it seems as though your mom is blessed with the same gift.” Curious eyes watched as they’d been briefly interrupted by an excited child. Obviously she’d been talking to someone famous, although, she had no idea who he was... she wasn’t quite caught up with who was who in New York City. “I’m partial to Camellias and Orchids. There’s something about them that’s so endearing to me.” A brief pause, she ran her slender fingers through her brown strands. “Do people just randomly ask you for an autograph all the time? I suppose you’re someone I should know?”
red: describe your favorite shirt
orange: if you could, would you change your eye color? why? to what color, if so?
yellow: name of an artist you think is underappreciated
green: do you have a favourite flower?
blue: preferred type of weather?
purple: a poem you think describes your closest friend
magenta: do you keep your fingernails long or short?
turquoise: favorite sea animal?
fuchsia: favorite land animal?
cyan: are you religious? spiritual?
sea green: can you fold a fitted sheet?
violet: are you a part of the lgbt+ community?
amber: what’s saved as your phone’s lockscreen?
aqua: do you thrift?
pink: what’s your natural hair color?
beige: have any pets? what’re their names?
black: would you ever try going vegetarian or vegan?
coral: an animal you wish hadn’t gone extinct
grey: how many languages do you speak? do you want to learn any more?
maroon: do you care for clothing brands?
rose: favourite scent on a person?
charcoal: have you ever been camping?
claret: do you play an instrument? do you want to learn to play any?
copper: gold or silver jewelry?
cream: any piercings or tattoos? do you want any?
salmon: how many pairs of sunglasses do you own?
ebony: would you ever want to play a game on television? (jeopardy, family feud, etc)
indigo: have you ever lived on a farm?
emerald: if you had the option, would you choose to move and live in another country? which one?
lavender: relationship status?
erin: what was/is your best school subject?
mauve: any unpopular opinions?
fulvous: another name you think would suit you
coconut: a subject you enjoy learning about
frost: a -core you enjoy
porcelain: an tv show you used to love
fawn: any interesting family stories?
gold: do you wear your socks mismatched?
honey: your thoughts on magic- does it exist?
rust: form of art you enjoy doing?
cherry: YouTubers you enjoy watching?
wine: do you have a ‘type’
mahogany: your sun, moon, and rising signs
blood: twin beds, queen, or king?
hot pink: did you/do you had/have strong feelings against the color pink?
plum: a food you’ve never tried
lilac: dogs, cats, or fish?
amethyst: do you collect anything?
mulberry: earbuds or headphones?
azure: jean jackets?
teal: have a job?
denim: kill the spider or take it outside?
sapphire: do you think you can sing well?
mint: favourite flavour of gum?
pecan: shuffle your playlist, what’s the first song that comes up?
penny: icecream or cake
ash: can you do your own makeup?
jade: ever written fanfiction?
umber: do you brush your teeth before you eat?
chestnut: type of phone you have
prussian blue: what’s your first choice at the vending machine
aquamarine: beach or pool
brass: least favorite food condiment
mustard: how much sugar in your tea/coffee?
silver: ever broken a bone?
rose quartz: rings or necklaces
onyx: do you still play Minecraft?
burgundy: ever ridden a motorcycle?
scarlet: favorite holiday
apricot: opinion on 3 in 1 body wash/hair wash
platinum: do you follow politics?
magnolia: your Instagram handle?
malcolm dated. he had the apps, he spoke to women as he got served at a club, and men as he got served at a coffee shop . and vice versa. he had a go to restaurant, a go to bar, a go to view of the city. what he didn't do was bring people into his life - share that last glass of wine he had every evening to wind down, after he'd swopped his contacts for glasses and yanked the tie from the collar of his shirt. there was intimacy in the comfort he shared with agatha, and it had developed quicker than either had time to realize.
“If i have the wait until forever, that'll just have to do… i don't know if you're just flattering me to get me to lay off but that means a lot,” a hand raised to his chest to show his appreciation. malcolm always knew the way to turn everything in a joke, there was something about her trusting her respect with him that calmed that instinct for a moment.
“Wait, right now? ”He immediately placed his glass down and instinctually wiped his hands against his trousers, it was like that panic right before someone was about to hand your their baby and it suddenly felt like the worst idea in the world to trust you. when it was in his hands, he closed some of the space between them, so the book could open in both of their view. he wasn't looking to inspect and judge her work, he wanted to experience it alongside her. “Damn aggs, these are just…“ he turned the page slowly to take in the second sketch, “these are insane. you should absolutely paint these… is that your favorite medium? ”He asked, tearing his eyes from the drawings to ask the question to her directly.
There was something about Malcolm that wasn't like any other relationship she'd had with a man before, whether it be romantic or platonic ... it felt different . All she knew was that she liked the way he made her feel, often longing for his company more than that of her spouse. Did that make her a horrible person? Definitely not, but she felt as though it did with a pang of guilt in her heart. Her marriage had been unhappy for quite some time, though, Agatha never once considered anyone else ... all until she stumbled into Malcolm on that fateful day.
"I don't say things I don't mean." Her reassurance was as sweet as the smile that bloomed upon her face as she spoke to him. Soft eyes watched the other with interest, wondering what he'd think of her work. Of course, she knew he would be nothing but nice, but there was the fear that he wouldn't feel anything in what she drew. Her worries diminished as she took in his reaction - god, he was so sweet. A complete darling. She found her heart fluttering as he spoke. “Do you think so? I will, then. Painting is probably one of my favorites ... along with charcoal. I love using watercolors, or acrylics. I want the painting to be subtle, and focus on the finer details rather than overpowering the canvas with colors. ”
Lifting the wine glass towards her lips, the Brit took a healthy sip. “I'm really pleased you like them. Thank you. It means a lot ... I always wanted to pursue art professionally, but I just lost the chance. It's more of a hobby now that I've ... got other things to focus on. ” That was the truth. Obviously she made a point of leaving out the part that her husband made her drop out of art school ... a move that he deemed to be right for them at that time, stuck in the outdated idea that women couldn't be mothers and career-focused at the same time. “I'm glad we did this. Tacos in the park is fun, but there's something really relaxing about being by candlelight with a glass of wine.
“I believe my own style started to evolve once I moved to London at 25. The streets are like a catwalk and incredibly inspiring and liberating. No one ever cares what you are wearing. There is an intrinsic rebelliousness within the London fashion scene that I love.” — Rose Byrne
he’s always been a huge fan of flowers or roses , his foster mother had what people would call a “ green thumb ” anything that she touched blossomed . reaching towards the last bouquet that was filled with white roses and lilies as well as a few daffodils . his hand reached and bumped with the other ❝ my bad were these yours ? ❞ he inquired looking at the other .
( open starter : @villagestart· )
Midtown in Bloom was just what Agatha had been craving... a reason to get out amongst the people in the city she now called home. Naturally reserved, it usually took a little prodding until she opened up to new faces, but considering that the only people in New York she really knew were her family and coworkers. She needed friends.... pronto.
The flowers adorning the stand caught the brunette’s eye, causing her to move closer to inspect... a particular bouquet of white roses captured her attention. A delicate hand reached out for it until she felt it clash with someone else’s. “No, no. I was just looking.” She reassured politely, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “They’re rightfully yours... I’m still trying to decide what color I’m feeling today. They’re beautiful, though, aren’t they?”
alongside a bottle of merlot, malcolm returned from his kitchen with a question. “ i know you like to dodge me on this, but how much longer are you going to make me wait to see your art? ” malcolm asked, topping off her glass; he was at heart the good host that his grandmother had taught him to be. the room was illuminated by a collection of lamps and reading lights spread across his living room, but through the large glass doors that opened to a fire escape, nighttime had fallen. it wasn’t often they spent time together in the evenings but a last minute meeting had foiled their lunch plans and so they had simply pushed it back - as if an red wine evening in brooklyn was the same to them as food truck tacos on a bench in washington square park. why wouldn’t it be?
It felt rather taboo drinking wine with another man, almost as if it were a date... surrounded by soft lighting and a touch of untapped desire lingering ever so hauntingly in the air. The question of ‘should I even be here?’ plagued Agatha’s mind every now and then when she thought of her husband and children at home while she was spending the evening with Malcolm. Of course, the nature of their relationship was purely platonic, but the feelings he evoked within her were definitely not.
His question caused the brunette to return back to moment, an appreciative smile as he filled up her glass. “Oh... good question. How about forever?” She suggested playfully. “I mean... I’m just shy when it comes to my art, especially when it comes to someone whose opinion I value.” Shrugging then, she reached down to her oversized handbag that sat at her feet, pulling out a clearly well-loved sketch book. “You should feel privileged, because I don’t even let my husband look at this.” Not that he’d even be interested.
The pace of her heart began to quicken... her vulnerability on full display, she held out the book to him tentatively. “The first one is a self-portrait, and the second page is of my daughter from a photo of when she was really little. I’m thinking about turning them into paintings.”
1. lemonade by nicole dollanganger // 2. clouds by slayyyter // 3. dynasty by rina sawayama // 4. one less bell to answer + a house is not a home by barbra streisand // 5. we’ll by again by vera lynn // 6. tired of talking by LÉON // 7. dancing with your ghost by sasha sloan // 8. gemini feed by BANKS // 9. i don’t know how to love him by helen reddy // 10. wuthering heights by kate bush
“so here’s the thing…my card was declined and i already finished my drink.” okay so maybe it was a few drinks on her tab. “this bartender is legit about to fight me or kick me out…think you can help a girl out?”
@villagestart
Snapped out of the daze she was in, Agatha’s gaze flickered over to the stranger by her side. She wasn’t in the kind of mood to question or argue, which left her to pull her credit card out of her purse, ultimately agreeing to pay for the other’s drink. “Oh, okay. I’m happy to.” She replied, feigning a faint smile. Once she caught the bartender’s attention, the brunette covered their tab before turning to them again. “I’m getting another drink. I may as well get you another, too. What are you having?”
I saw [AGATHA OLSON] at a coffee shop in [MANHATTAN] today. I forgot how much [SHE] looks like [ROSE BYRNE]. They are a [FORTY] year old [LEGAL SECRETARY] who’s been in NYC for [TWO MONTHS] now. Every time we run into each other, they are always [BENEVOLENT & HUMBLE] but I’ve heard people say they can also be [RETICENT & RESERVED]. [WE’LL MEET AGAIN BY VERA LYNN] reminds me of them every time it comes on the radio.
howdy !!! i’m buffy. my pronouns are she/her and i’m 24! aest timezone (yeet) and i am pulling this intro out of my ass so bear with me. agatha is my sweet but despairing english darling dealing with an unhappy marriage, among other things. i hope u love her as much as i do.
NAME: agatha olson.
AGE: forty.
BIRTHDAY: april 1st.
HOMETOWN: london, england.
CURRENT LOCATION: manhattan, new york city.
GENDER: cis woman, uses she/her pronouns.
ORIENTATION: heterosexual.
STATUS: unhappily married.
A London girl through and through, Agatha grew up in Hackney in a lower middle class family. They struggled, but her childhood was happy nonetheless. It made her appreciate everything she was given in life, and to not take things for granted. Her parents were her whole world, and she is eternally grateful for everything they have done for her.
Being the only child, it gave Aggie the opportunity to have one-on-one time with both of her parents, and while there were times she longed to have a sibling, she was happy being the only child.
When it came to her education, she was good in school... she got decent grades, but she kept to herself mostly. While other kids were out partying, she spent her spare time at home, reading and sketching. She had big art dreams, and aimed to get a scholarship to one of the leading art colleges in the city, but during that time, she met the man who would eventually be her husband. He swept her off her feet, and promised her the world. He was in love with her, and at the time, Agatha was too.
This love was the reason she put her artistic dreams aside, and once they were married, she dedicated the majority of her time to being the perfect wife. Her husband had expectations... mostly traditional. He clearly desired the perfect 1950′s wife who cooked, cleaned and did everything for him. As much as it pained her to put her own needs aside, she did it because she loved him, and the desire to have the picture perfect life was to strong just to let it pass by.
Over the years, they had three children ━ twin boys, one girl. From the very beginning, Agatha took her role as a mother very seriously, and wanted nothing more than to provide her children with everything they needed.
Last year, her husband was offered a position at one of New York City’s top Investment banks. The family was ecstatic at the prospect of moving across the world, but Agatha was a little hesitant at first. London was all she knew, but she put her feelings aside and they made the move to the Big Apple in January.
As she’s settling into her life in Manhattan, Agatha decided to get a job. Now that the kids were getting older, she has discovered that she has some more free time. So, she got a job at a law firm as a secretary and she’s enjoying it so far. It’s relatively straight-forward work, but it keeps her busy, and it has allowed her a little more freedom rather than trying to continue to be the picture perfect housewife. That wasn’t who she wanted to be.
When it comes to her marriage, Agatha is unhappy, although, she is far too scared to even admit that to herself. She fell out of love with him years ago, but was she ever really IN LOVE with him? Or just the idea of a comfortable life and companionship? The realisation hit her the moment she met a handsome stranger not long after moving to the city and became enamoured with him quite quickly, which is just beginning of an emotional affair.
WANTED CONNECTIONS. ♡
EMOTIONAL AFFAIR: I have based this connection on the movie Brief Encounter (1945), and honestly, it brings all the feelings, and I just need this. My idea was that these two met around two months ago, right when Agatha was brand new to New York. There was an instant attraction between the two. They often bumped into each other, and it felt like fate, so, she let him show her around the city. They began an innocent friendship, but their longing only increases every time they are together. Feelings are blooming between the two rather quickly, but Agatha couldn’t possibly cheat on her husband, but considering the temptation is continuously increasing, who knows what’ll happen.
NEW FRIENDS: They could have met anywhere! Agatha needs all the positive friendships she can get, considering she’s so new in town. She’s very much an introvert, so it’d be nice for her to come across people who can bring her out of her shell.
They think I’m depressed because I look serious in photos. It’s usually because I’m just nervous. But I’ve stopped dressing for other people. If I think I look good, that’s the most important thing.
