TUNE ME.

Avery Holbrook | 29 | Data scientist @ Mayor's office (Democrats)

[avxry-hclbrook]

AVERY HOLBROOK, the intro

— BASICS

Name: Avery Beckett Holbrook

Age / D.O.B.: 29 (May 7th, 1992)

Gender, Pronouns & Sexuality: Cis Male, He/Him, Homosexual

Hometown: New York City

Affiliation: Government (Democratic Party)

Job position: Data Scientist / Campaign Advisor

Education: Graduate of Brown University (data science, BsC & MsC)

Relationship status: Single

Family: Angelina Holbrook (Mother), Mr. Holbrook (Father), Alice Holbrook (Older sister). Arabella Holbrook (younger sister)

Children: None

Positive traits: Analytical, Patient, Sensitive, Persistant, Intelligent

Negative traits: Reserved, Rigid, Arrogant, Uptight, Stubborn

— BIOGRAPHY

tw: bullying, alcohol and drug use.

Avery Holbrook was one out three of the youngest Holbrook generation to carry on its legacy, created by his father’s side of the family and boosted by his mother, the current Mayor of New York City. New York City was their base of operation and more sentimentally, their home. While Avery has some qualities that make him ‘a worthy’ Holbrook -as his parents would describe it- he was quite aware in what he was lacking, also thanks to his parents. For as long as he could remember, he was part of a circus, growing up with parents who’d put on an act wherever they went. But when at home and that mask came off, Avery was met with nothing but impatience and coldness. He had always been an observing and curious child, having a talent for seeing patterns and logic that others did not. It was this same quality, which defined him, that also crippled him emotionally. Seeing his paretns switch from hot to cold (namely towards him and his siblings) brought confusion and a distorted view on emotions. Ironically, it was one of the few patterns he did see.

Despite his upbringing and the downsides it gave him, it wasn’t all dark, gloomy and depressing. Avery has more than his fair share of good memories. He found happiness in science and technology, went on amazing vacations with at least one parent and got great opportunities. While not excelling at making emotional connections, Avery did have a group of decent friends growing up, consisting of all kinds of people but with parents that ran in the same circles. It ranged from the rebellious rich kids to the uptight mini versions of their parents. It was a semi-safe place, to rant, to dream, to experiment: everything that was not allowed to do within the home he (and they) grew up in. The group, however, split up more than once after one half fought with the other over the latest drama.

The group split indefinitely, after two guys were arrested for harrassment and arson in his senior year of high school. Avery and the others were included in the scandal as well, though not to the same degree. During a party at one of their houses, a fellow student was lured to their party. The student was a lonely girl and never managed to quite click with others at the school, no matter her efforts. A few people from the group, who were under the influence of alcohol and some soft drugs, thought it would be funny to invite and prank her. Needless to say that when Avery (who was elected to invite her), texter her to come over, she jumped at the chance of making some friends. What seemed like only a slightly cruel but funny prank at the time, quickly escalated when more alcohol and drugs had come into play. The two guys made humuliated her and bullied her in front of everyone and topped it off by setting her car on fire. Avery was petrified when it all went down, not knowing what to do next.

Luckily one of the others called the police and arrived soon. Because Avery was the one who sent the invite, he too had been taken to the station where he quickly met by his mother in her capacity as lawyer. She didn’t say a word to him, rather focused all her efforts into proving he was not a part of it. Avery felt horrible about it, yet made it look like there wasn’t much going on in his mind. Angelina managed to convince them that his true involvement was limited to the invite and they were quickly on their way. Avery persistantly tried to apologize to his mother, but he got little response. He was not sure if it was the disappointment of being involved with something so horrible or the disappointment of almost ruining their good name.

After an especially depressing summer due to the never-again-spoken-of incident, University was the fresh start he needed. It was where Avery not only developped his intellect, but his identity as well. He moved out of his parents house and felt a bit lost without his mother’s overbearing guidance, even though he initially thought he would be glad to be rid of it. Thankfully, he was once he had settled into his own routines. Now the only times he dealt with his parents, was when his mother, an esteemed alumni, gave speeches or whenever he was necessary as a prop for whatever campaign they were running at the moment. His new friends were good people and care little about his background and were more impressed with his own achievements in classes and on exams. Among this group of friends also was a guy who later turned out to be his first great love. He was like the Yin to his Yang and taught Avery what it was like to feel real love and the warmth of honest emotions.

— PRESENT

The couple flourished on together, getting their degrees, Avery coming out to his parents and siblings, moving in together, going on vacation, joining family affairs (not the official capacities) and even proposing. It all seemed to be going great in Avery’s eyes. However, the shift started when Avery began as an independant consultant and started putting more and more hours in his business, leaving little time for his fiance. Avery had never been the biggest talker, so the lack of meaningful communication eventually killed the spark. Avery hadn’t seen it coming at all, thinking it was going great. They were attending parties at his moms invitation, they smiled and waved for the pictures and basically did everything like his parents did. It was later pointed out by his sisters that it wasn’t a good thing that he had modeled his relationship after his parents’, not unless you were power couple. Heartbroken (internally), his mother seized the opportunity of using his talents by offering him a job working for her at the mayor’s office, which felt like a way of showing her appreciation and Avery gladly accepted.

— WANTED CONNECTIONS / PLOTS

Father (see wanted connection by Angelina Holbrook)

THE GROUP: Avery has left his high school years completely behind, most of all the people in the group who were a part of the unspoken event. Running into one of them would be great and interesting: it could be one of the others who, like Avery, had a more passive role and share the feeling of guilt, but it could also be a much darker person from the group. BESTIE: Everyone needs a partner in crime and definitely true for Avery. He’s a bit of an uptight man and I’d be very interested to see him with a best friend who he isn’t necessarily so uptight with! EX-FIANCE (male): Avery’s been dumped by his fiance not too long ago. That in itself is an interesting journey to figure out why and how and what their interactions are like at present (if at all). Avery isn’t quite sure how it came to be, but then again, he wasn’t the most present partner. (male, 28-30 years old)

(FAMILY OF) THE VICTIM (gang member): One of the darkest things that Avery had been a part of, was the bullying of the girl at the party. While his involvement was not meant to lead to what happened and he didn’t participate in the actual bullying, he still feels incredible guilty when and if he thinks about it (he’s a wonderful compartmentalizer). It would be really interesting to see Avery meet the victim again, or family of the victim who turn out to be part of one New York’s infamous gangs!

MORE TO COME!

[avxry-hclbrook]

lizholbrook·:

.

     “You’re talking to yourself now?” Liz didn’t appear out of nowhere but she liked to give the illusion that she had – she’d always had a knack for seeming omnipresent. Her signature glass of red was held securely in one hand, while the other reached to ruffle his hair. 

     Annoying, insistent and distant as any older sister, at least that’s what she figured. She joked and mocked him, but only superficially – it had to remain on a surface level between the two lest one finally exploded. “What do you know, hm?”

     But then, she had a different thought, which she drowned, at first, with a sip of her wine. IT bubbled up, though, it always did with her, and came out regardless. “Or are you talking to journalists now? Spilling all those government secrets?”

~

Half-startled, Avery looked to his side at the sound of his eldest sister’s voice. He returned his gaze back to the front to mask any startling expression. Avery prided himself on not letting other people read him, a skill that came in handy many times, especially when it came to the ‘explosive’ relationship between him and his sister. “Still makes for better conversation than most guests here.” He joked with a slight smirk, looking back at Liz. 

“I was just thinking out loud, too loud apparently.” He raised a brow. “Nevermind about what, you wouldn’t be interested.” He took a sip from his drink and fully turned his attention to Liz. “I honestly thought you wouldn’t come tonight. I owe Arabella now, thanks.” He teased with a smile.

[masongoodingsource]

MASON GOODING for Schon Magazine (2020) // photographed by David Higgs

[avxry-hclbrook]

prettytoxichayes·:

• ℑ𝔰𝔯𝔞𝔢𝔩 ℌ𝔞𝔶𝔢𝔰 •

Slowly pacing around the room, while looking for something or someone to catch his attention, Israel’s listening to whatever the other guests are talking about in the fake privacy of the small groups they created.

When he lingers near e man holding what seems like a little tart, reminding him he had nothing to eat for at least. the last twelve hours, a voice closer than the others makes his head turn. “Ain’t that his job?” Is answers, moving the glass in his hand.

Shrugging slightly, he takes a sip of the drink. It’s just coke, but the place’s too fancy to serve him a can, and he ain’t gonna drink champagne or anything with a twist. “I mean it’s like the old joke says, how d’you know a politician is lying’? ’Cause their mouth is movin’”. It might be the wrong place to make those kind of statements, but he doesn’t pay attention to anybody looking his way, speaking his own mind as usual.

~

A voice came from his left and Avery’s head turned to meet it. For maybe the first time tonight, he genuinely smiled at a stranger, even if it was barely visible he did so. “Well... yes, you have a point.” He nodded as he looked back at the person he refered to earlier. “I suppose I never really appreciated how good they were at their job.” Even though his mother lived that very same life, he was never privy to what was going behind the scenes. But now, with his work, he knew more than ever and it was eye opening for sure. Avery looked back at his new acquaintance who seemed so wonderfully out of place. “If you’re not a politician, then what brings you to a room full of them?”

[avxry-hclbrook]

jnchojrmllo·:

he’s leaning on the marvel balcony, he needed some air &. thankfully so did avery who had showed up seconds before he had. the moonlight around them giving them sufficient light. a joint between his brims as he lights it up taking the first few hits ❝ what has you walking around these corners ? shouldn’t you be around pleasing los politicos ( the politicians ) ? ❞ it was no secret that juan carlos didn’t believe in the justice system of this country, hence his way of taking matters into his own hands.

correspondance :  @avxry-hclbrook·

Not only did the change of scenery gave him some fresh air, it also gave him a welcome sight. A familiar face and a great accent. His face, however, still opaque and he took in a deep breath. “I thought you knew me better than that, JC.” He scoffed softly, his eyes heavy with the memory of talking endlessly to the politicians. “I needed a break from being my mother’s son. What are yuo doing out here?”

[avxry-hclbrook]

jakob-muller·:

“What else is new? You tell me.” Avery was the one with the interesting life here. Jakob mostly kept to himself outside of work. He had a couple of people he could call his friends, but he had never been the type to hang out. Work, bassoon pratice, maybe some tennis with a coworker. Those were the things that occupied most of his time, when he was not busy working for the Azars. “Piss off.” The surprise was insulting, and Avery must have known what he was doing here. “Come to think of it, she probably would love to speak with you, talk about what it’s like to be the son of Madam Mayor.”

“I was not asking for your permission,” the other might have been important through his mother, Jakob wasn’t sure nepotism gave him such a great advantage in the world. People who were born into power and wealth had to prove themselves more than anyone else. Too many expectations. Jakob, well no one expected him to do well. “Mommy Dearest would probably approve of me anyway. Top of his class, works with cute animals, a pretty girl,” the possibility of bringing shame to her family before the elections. Jakob couldn’t vote anyway, and he didn’t really give a shit about politics. Not yet.

~

Avery scoffed amusingly at his snap-back. Jakob and he were interesting pair of... friends? Acquaintances? Avery could never tell with him, but had had found that he didn’t need to clarify it. It was an easy relationship, as neither wanted for much. Well, mostly it was easy. Jakob seemed to be pushing it into complicated by showing up here. Avery sighed, slightly annoyed. “You can tell her it’s like being in a zoo. Everyone wants to see and gawk.” That might be putting it a bit strongly, he was by no means a celebrity, but at this event he felt like one when he wished he didn’t. “But sure, if she’ll ask, I’d be happy to talk to her.” A more phony smile appeared on his face; the smile of the mayor’s son, not of Avery.

The laugh Avery gave him was more heartily, almost pity like. “Top of my class never impressed my mother all that much, it was expected.” He imitiated his parents, stiff and sternly. “I don’t think she has the capacity to be smitten with cute animals. The girl might work though, if she’s someone interesting.” While it was a mere tact to disinterest him from meeting his mother, it wasn’t entirely untrue. “How about we just have a good time and you don’t destroy my life in the process.”

[masongoodingsource]

MASON GOODING for VMAN (2021) photographed by Callum Walker Hutchinson

[avxry-hclbrook]

ahclbrook·:

Angelina hummed her affirmation, following his nod, “I remember, of course.” She listened to Avery’s words, eyebrows lifting slightly at the information he had to share, “Hm, well… maybe we’ll just have to lay waste to them, I suppose.” She chuckled, proud at her own pun, “Good work.” She told him before turning and thanking the bartender for for drink. It was useful to have her son work so closely to her, practically down the hall, for both personal and professional reasons. It enabled Angelina to keep an eye on him and she could ask of him more than she could ask of some other staff because of the burden of family. Besides, she was proud of his work. Even when she didn’t say so. He was valuable to her team- in the office and out of it, “Working even at an event that’s supposed to be fun- I knew you were my son.” She teased him, lifting her drink to her lips for a quick sip, “Have you seen your sisters? I haven’t caught up to them yet.” Whether because of avoidance or the crowdedness of the gala, she wasn’t quite sure. 

There was internal ‘glow’ at hearing the approving words of his mother; it felt good and rewarding, even though he wouldn’t admit that out loud. It would definitely go against his ‘vibe’ of being cool, calm and collected. Nevertheless, he was smiling and it showed. “Thanks, mom.” He nodded as he quickly to a sip of his drink and turned around, away from the character that was now on his mother’s target list. “Well, to be fair, I didn’t do the research just now, I just happened to see the guy.” Avery defended himself, mostly because he promised himself that he wouldn’t be working and had some fun, finally. “I’ve seen Ari, but no Ali.” He responded, monitoring her reaction at the news of Ali most likely not attending the event. He hadn’t heard about it from anyway. “So what are the goals for tonight? Apart from enough money donated of course.”

[avxry-hclbrook]

arabellaholbrook·:

—

When he queries about the nature of her evening, Arabella can’t help but deepen her smile into a knowing smirk, and a playful nudge of her elbow against his accompanies her words as she replies, “That’s a trick question and you know it.” She offers a laugh like a little ringing bell; Avery, even in all his tightly-wound, uptight glory, never failed to give her something to laugh over, and for that, she was eternally grateful. “If Mama hears anything but the fact that we’ve been on our best, professional behavior all night, she’d be disappointed — but if Alicia heard that we were doing exactly that instead of enjoying ourselves, she’d probably feel no differently.” The unspoken implication, of course, is ‘I won’t tell either one if you won’t,’ and thankfully, Avery reiterates the sentiment out loud in his own way, moving onto what had long been her favorite pastime at the many events like these which populated their youth: guessing games. 

Arabella, wide-eyed as a fawn, looks around the room in search of someone to fit the bill. “Hmm, Seb Santana’s been donating left and right tonight,” she muses, eyes resting on the sight of the CNN anchor chatting up a potential recipient of his generosity. “I imagine that, whoever it is you’re concerned about… They probably think that their money can buy a favor or two down the road.” Realization dawns on her then and she adds, “Should we send your mystery big spender over to Mama? If we butter them up and get them to donate a high enough amount, it might make her evening, you know. And that means…” The statement remains open-ended, but her small, secret smile says it all: Maybe then we could get to have some fun. 

~

Arabella was perhaps the only Holbrook with a genuine infectious laugh. He had no idea where she had gotten that from. He always suspected adoption. At the age of 8 he had even sincerely hoped she was, just so her ‘real’ parents would come and get her. Needless to say that this ‘I hate girls’ phase was only that; a phase. In most areas. “Dear sister, by now you should know that even your ‘best, professional behavior’, won’t stop the iron lady from being disappointed.” It was a lifelong struggle that he and Ali knew far too well, though surprisingly, Arabella wasn’t so much afflicted by it all. “Hm, yeah, if Alicia’s here, she can shield me from mama’s disappointment.” Avery joked, with a chuckle. 

In his mother’s best imitation, Avery went: “I cannot confirm nor deny that rumor.” He teased, finding a clever way to not have to confirm or deny any of it. If their mom found out he blabbed, he wouldn’t hear the end of it. His eyes shot to the corner and looked at his sister. “I’m here and ready for her photo opt. That’s the only favor I’m doing her tonight. She torture donations out of him herself.” He rolled his eyes. “We’ll just have fun.” Avery stated, downing a the remainder of his drink, smoothly putting it on one of the platters the waiters carried and swapping it for a new glass. “What’s up with you? Anything juicy happened to you? Just remember that I’m your brother and I don’t  need all the juicy details.” He spoke, regretting his choice of words.

[avxry-hclbrook]

maureenkeaton·:

“I mean, nothing really, right now? I guess if you’ve got any ins with people running charities, I’d love to talk to them, but I’ve still yet to figure out my exact angle with how I’ll write about it, and there’s a number of my coworkers here, so who knows if I’ll even get to be the one to really write about it, but…” she shrugged, “if you want to help me get a leg up, I could be persuaded - I mean, I’d want the article to go to the person most deserving, if there’s only one article, but there’s so many of us here maybe there’ll be more than one.”

She couldn’t help but grin - it was always so easy to be around him, around anyone who’d known her since she was a kid - since they were both kids, even though he’d always been the cooler slightly older boy at any number of functions. “Oh - well, I was invited because of work but I am enjoying it too - first big thing my boyfriend and I have gone to, which is really nice.” She raised an eyebrow at him, “fine, fine, I’ll have one to start. You pick what I get.”

~

Avery chuckled deeply at that. It was like a little pro con monologue in which she displayed ambition, doubt about her abilities and consideration for her colleagues. Avery counted himself lacking in many departments- well, actually, his parents did, but he was never able to shift through the gears like Maureen just did. “All you can do is try. Let me know when you have your angle to pursue and I’ll help however I can.” Avery vowed to her. It was most likely not too hard a task on his part; introductions were easily made. “And have a little faith, you’re always deserving. You just have to be better.” It was a bluntly worded statement, as he was known to do. 

A smile appeared on his face and eyebrow was raised. “Your mystery boyfriend is here? Do I get to meet him, finally?” There had been some talk from Maureen about her seeing someone or liking someone, whatever it was, but Avery hadn’t heard much about him. And while it was Maureen’s first time to an event with her now significant other, it was Avery’s first time without his ex-significant-other, ye he was determined not to let that show. That stoic expression of his came in handy every now and again. “How about we start with some champagne, like civillized people.” He teased. “We can get more exotic drinks once everyone is tipsy.”

[avxry-hclbrook]

jakob-muller·:

—

Ugh. Politicians. “Well you’re no fun,” Jakob‘s voice was not as soft as the other’s. Purposefully so, of course. If the other wouldn’t provide him with the obligatory embarrassment and surprise, he had to summon it one way or another. “Me? My girlfriend asked that I came with her,” never mind that Jakob was invited by his thesis director, or that this was indeed the perfect place for business. His two hands were not enough tonight to count his clients, but once again, he wouldn’t share that.

“As for when was the last time you’ve seen me,” Jakob’s crooked smile grew just a bit larger. “Well, I think it’s been 12 days. More or less,” a shrug, as he stuck his hand in his pocket. “Shame you’re not glued to your mother, I was hoping you would introduce me.”

Avery sighed, his annoyance clear. He was mostly worried about unwanted exposure and Jakob frustratingly seemed to enjoy that worry. “Yes, well, what else is new?” Avery snapped, having heard those words plenty of times before. At his next comment, Avery had risen a brow. This was unexpected, not thinking of Jakob as one to get serious with someone, but then again, their relationship mostly revolved about Jakob’s wares and letting off steam. “You have a girlfriend? That attends events like these?” Avery questioned, partially mocking Jakob. “Who?”

Well, that seemed about right, two weeks ago. Avery smiled, clearly aggitated and keeping up appearances. “Yeah, you’re a really funny man. Best not smoke your own stash at these events, because you’re delusional if you think I’m gonna let you anywhere near her.” He put his hand on his shoulder, making it appear they were having a friendly chat, and Avery honestly hoped they would return to that soon enough, after Jake was done being a dick.

[avxry-hclbrook]

aysunsezen·:

-

Everything in this place felt over the top an exaggerated. From the decorations to the servers floating around with one drink after the other or tiny, tiny bites of what rich people considered to be food. Aysun looked over at him when he assessed the situation, explaining to her what she assumed- these events were always the same. Terribly predictable. “Of course whatever connection the politicians have with the charity is entirely genuine and not a made up act to gain sympathy and a campaign money from rich people.” She mocked, shaking her head. Measuring the alcohol to get people just the right amount of pliable and willing to spend more money was something she understood and she’d heard about these auctions, but it wasn’t something she ever saw herself participating in. They were too fake. “I guess i’ll just have to take your word for it. So are you offering up a decent conversation or should I go look for another skilled conversationalist and let you enjoy the bland tiny food?” 

Even Avery couldn’t help scoffing amusingly at the lady’s comment. “Of course.” Avery confirmed, as if he was the sole person to decide whether this was truth or not. He looked around and all he could see were politicians, begging for money with a smile, his mother and father amongst them. Avery was nothing but a mere prop for his mother’s endless campaign, but he was used to it by now. There were plenty of people he could socialize with, allies with simiilar reasons for being here. “I’m not the greatest conversationlist, but at least it’s not fake.” He said, indirectly commenting about the other guests whom they just discussed. “What are you here for, if it isn’t for the fundraising?”

[wildspringday]

mason gooding

[avxry-hclbrook]

maureenkeaton·:

She was grateful to find familiar faces here who knew her outside of her professional life. Not that she minded nearly any of her co-workers (though some she still felt skittish around, after the article about her father), but having people around who’d known her since childhood certainly felt like a breath of fresh hair. Avery just happened to be one of those people. 

She could sense herself relaxing as he excused the two of them from the group. “No, you’re my savior, as a matter of fact,” she grinned up at him. “Absolutely grateful to have had an elegant exit out of all of that.” Maureen tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m just getting information on the event in general, that guy talking about his conquest?” She scrunched up her nose, “not news-worthy, even if he seems to believe it so.” An easy shrug, she motioned for Avery to follow her, arriving by one of the bars. “A drink? It’s free, so I’m not buying, and I’m also not really drinking, though I might be able to be convinced by a good enough argument.”

Avery nodded with only the tiniest of smiles, not letting his face be all that readable. “Good.” He replied, as he had not wanted to disrupt her work. To have felt guilty about that was a bit of an overstatement, but he hated disruption in any form. “What are you looking for in particular? Maybe I can help you point out some actual sources.” Avery said, already scanning the room for potential candidates. There were a few honest men and women about, who were at this event for the right reasons, but they were always easily overshadowed by the ones with the big stories. He followed to the bar and found a guy around his age in the usual uniform, serving. “Here’s one, you won’t survive the night without one.” Avery chuckled and ordered a drink for himself. “I hope you’re not here just for work? You should enjoy it, too.” He said. “By the way, that’s another argument for a drink, or two.” Avery teased.

[avxry-hclbrook]

ahclbrook·:

“Avery.” Her voice cut through the crowd, immediately recognizing her son amongst the crowd. She made her way to him, pulling him into a cordial hug and smiling as she looked him up and down, “You look very handsome. Just like your dad.” She had never been particularly warm, even to her own children- you could probably count on both hands the amount of times she’d been legitimately comforting to any of the three. But the affection wasn’t just for the show, just for the photographers and more gossipy attendees to eat up. She legitimately enjoyed seeing her children, even if, at times, it felt untrue. She had never set out to be Mother of the Year, that was for sure, but the blonde was thoroughly convinced that she had done a good job. Sure that she had done more than enough to ensure her children’s successes. Then, Angelina patted his shoulder fondly, ordering a drink for herself and furrowing her brow at Avery’s words, “Who can pretend what’s alright?” In a room like this, her son’s statement could apply to almost half of the room. Even to herself. Part of her civic duty was simply pretending there weren’t any problems, that whatever task was at hand was the most important one- and right now, that was the gala. 

“Mother.” Avery nodded his head, only maintaining eye contact for barely a second. His tone was polite yet lacking warmth, as it usually was in their private interactions. He did hug her back and put on the face of that of an endearing son, for all the people to see. “Thanks.” It was an admirable quality, being able to be so charismatic as his mother was. She also seemed fairly good at compartmentalizing, ignoring whatever spat they might have privately, all to appear perfect in public. Unlike the charisma, that was a trait he had inherited from her.

His gaze turned back to the person he was unintentionally talking about earlier. Luckily, it was only his mother that overheard him and she was definitely privy to that information as mayor. He pointed with a nod. “Remember when you asked me to vet their company for that city recycling contract?” Avery continued, his voice lowered. “At first, their numbers didn’t add up. They made way more than they could with the amount of people in their service and the work they were doing. Turns out, their expertise isn’t just limited to recycling waste.” He put emphasis on ‘waste’, hinting there was more going on beneath the service. Avery looked back at his mother, trying to see her reaction. He quietly (though perhaps not knowingly) found himself hoping for a “Well done!” or an “I’m proud of you” from her.

[avxry-hclbrook]

jakob-muller·:

Jakob had been spending the last thirty minutes discussing genetics with one of his mentors, a pin from the Wildlife Conservation Society on his lapel, and a glass of wine in his hand. If he had recognized a few customers among the guests, and another few familiar faces, he hadn’t had the chance to go speak to any of them just yet. But, there were people he couldn’t tell off, and the people in charge of validating his thesis fit this category well.

At last, the conversation came to an end however, as a donator approached the pair, with the intent to speak with the one with the PhD. Offensive. Jakob smiled politely as he was introduced, although was quick to excuse himself and rather than taking advantage of being alone, was swift to head toward that someone in the crowd he thought he had recognized. “Long time no see,” he declared, with a light tap to the shoulder.

The small talk had been deadly, almost. At times it felt like he was witnessing a pissing contest of the men and women present. Each one cordially laughed and applauded once achievements, before taking it a step further by sharing their own accomplishments in expectation of receiving the same treatment, if not more. Avery wasn’t much of a smiler, but he had been part of the circus long enough (and scolded my mother dearest enough times) to know that he was supposed to put on a cordial, if not completely fake smile. And so he did, feeling the strain on his poor, untrained mouth muscles already. 

The automatic pilot in which he could smile and nod and reply with superficial comments such as “Oh, really?” and “Well done” was turned off when he tapped on the shoulder. When Avery turned around, it sure was a familiar face, but not one he expected at one of these functions. He kept up the same polite, meaningless smile as he replied “I can’t even remember that last time I’ve seen you.” and quickly excused himself in the group to almost drag Jakob away where he could finally drop the smile and replace it with a stern, more worried look. “What the hell are you doing here?” He said softly, so people nearby wouldn’t hear them. “Don’t tell me this is your new... place of business now, is it?” The last thing he needed was a scene where the connection between Jakob and himself was known to the people around here, including his parents.

[avxry-hclbrook]

arabellaholbrook·:

Where her siblings were concerned, Arabella often leant on them to provide a different perspective, most especially ones which seemed to exist in the wings of her mind but never quite take center stage. So, she’d approached her brother with a quiet excitement, eager to hear his experience of the evening so far, one hand extended to tap on his back and alert him to her presence exactly as she would as a child, a big toothy grin wrapping itself around the words, “Surprise!”

Of course, all attempts at a reenactment of their youth subside before they can even begin, ears catching onto her brother’s musings regarding someone’s stats. She swallows, and instead offers with a small smile, sidling up to him to reveal her presence, “Mama would be proud of us, don’t you think? Focused entirely on work while the rest of the world is dancing the night away.” Spoken in another tone, the words would seem callous, harsh — a rebuke of their mother’s insistence on success above all, but in Arabella’s light, airy voice, there’s an openness to the statement, leaving it flexible to interpretation. Wide eyes follow Avery’s gaze as she queries, “Which one’s pretending?” A silly question, considering the environment, but she offers it with sincerity.

His train of thought was interrupted by his younger sister, a true light within the family and sometimes the only light that Avery could hold on to. He had never said so to her, but he was quite sure she had to know that. Unlike him, she didn’t seem plagued as much to impress their parents and found her own path within her passion of social media. Avery thought it was a bit silly, but Arabella seemed to know what she was doing and did it well, which was impressive. Unfazed, Avery glanced over at his sister and scoffed. “Don’t let her hear that.” The last thing she needed, was her parenting to be validated. “Are you working too, then?” He looked over, facing her now. Avery’s gaze flickered momentarily to the person he was talking about moments before, realizing his error in speaking aloud. “Well, take your pick.” He uncomfortably joked. “Let’s just say that this person could do with a bit of own charity, with the way they’ve handled their money.” And the money of their respective business that posed some significance for the city and their mom.

“Forget about work, let’s not give mother the satisfaction.” Avery recounted Ari’s earlier comment. “Are you having a good time?”