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garlan tyrell . 31 . CEO of TMC "the best." blood and glory

[leonettefossoways]

twisting the kaleidoscope behind both of my eyes // leonette & garlan // september 15th

[leonettefossoways]

The minute Leonette stepped onto the marble flooring that was being used a dance floor, she could feel her stomach drop in nerves. She was going to dance with her boss, and while maybe that would not have been such a bad thing for someone else, she was sure every Tyrell knew of her silly adolescence crush on him. Having a crush seemed like the wrong choice of words, but she wasn’t exactly ready to drop everything and be his little wife.

Woah. Where did that come from?

She subtly shook her head, small smile on her face. Thankfully no one spared them a second glance. A few people nodded in acknowledgement and she inclined her head in greeting as she took his hand. Garlan excluded a warmth that was both foreign and familiar. She had brushed against him a few times before, sliding into her office that still had that sickeningly small doorway. Sometimes she stumbled over that little bump on the carpeted floor and Garlan would have to pull her back from falling face forward into hot coffee. But this was different. 

Her fingers were gently resting on his shoulders, his hand a grounding presence on her waist. She tried not to blush and probably failed drastically. Pulling a bit of boldness from behind redden cheeks, she subtly swayed closer, adjusting the position of her hands on his shoulders. They had been hurting before, hanging in a tentative distance. “I never knew you could dance.” she said lightly. His steps weren't the most fancy, but he knew enough and had a good rhythm. 

[garlandtyrell]

He led her with confidence in the steps as they rounded their little allotted space on the dance floor. It wasn't that weird, and obscenely proper to ask an employee to dance. They were at a social function, and if anything, Garlan considered Leonette his friend with all she had done for him in the past years.

"Really? I should think that a good thing, that you don't know every little thing about be, surprises, and all." He quirked his lips into a sort of smiling smirk, if such a thing could exist. "I took lessons when I was a boy, safe to say they've paid off. Dancing has never really been a hobby of mine, though." He shrugged, feeling her hand go up and back down with the movement. 

Stepping back, and watching her follow, (wasn't she further away?) he looked down at her, "You however, I didn't know you could dance either. You look like you could, so it isn't a big surprise, if I'm being honest." With the music around them, and the chattering dance partners, the last thing Garlan would expect this to be was close, and secret. Though their closeness, and their voices soft like conspirators, it was. A mis-placed step however, led him to accidentally pull her too far, too close, colliding into his chest. "Sorry, not paying attention." He stepped back a little, but he couldn't keep a stupid grin off his face betraying any sort of apology that he had given before.

[leonettefossoways]

twisting the kaleidoscope behind both of my eyes // leonette & garlan // september 15th

[leonettefossoways]

It felt weird, turning suddenly shy in front of a man she usually went all out to prove herself to. Leonette had tried her hardest to show that she was not a pushover, because she wanted him to respect her, to trust her. And if she was putting in a little more effort because she was fond of him, no one would ever know, either. It was assuring though, that he didn’t immediately reject her half arsed attempt to get him to dance with her. He seemed more amused than anything, which still didn’t give her a clear idea as to what he answer might be. 

A small part of her wanted him to brush it off, wanted to say something to make it a bit more nonchalant, but then again, she didn’t really want to take it back either. Leonette settled for a small shrug, face heating up. He might want to dance with her, for the sake of being nice, or even because he wanted to. Oh stop it, she told herself, that’s so adolescence. She was no longer a blushing teenager, waiting patiently for someone to look at her. Of course, she still felt a little self conscious, but Leonette knew that if she didn’t make an appearance, she would fade in the background and she had enough of that with working for her father. 

She averted her gaze from the chocolate fountain, where she was mindlessly looking at nothing in particular, just to keep her eyes occupied, when he placed the plate on the table. A small smile, shy and slightly amused, tugged at her lips and she wiggled her feet in a little bit more into her heels, making sure they were properly secured. She didn’t want to trip or step on his feet, after all. “Lovely.” she said simply, linking her hand through his arm. If he noticed the slight hitch in her breath, Leonette hoped he wouldn’t point it out. “I feel like I should warn you,” she said softly, as they made their way to the floor, “I haven’t danced in a few years.”

[garlandtyrell]

Approaching the dance floor with her on his arm was a little on the side of normal. Garlan didn't think too much of it, they were coworkers, adults after all. And besides, it would've been rude to discard her aforementioned of said dance.All the same, Garlan tried to see Leonette Fossoway for a dance partner and not his office assistant.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about that." He down-turned his lips in a way that should've shown her there wasn't anything to worry about. He led them through the crowd, pairs too wrapped up in each other to notice anything outside of themselves.

The music played softly in the background, and people milled about, either dancing or conversing with others. He dropped his arm, releasing her's and extended his hand for her to take. Once she did, he relaxed a bit more, and smiled easily, pulling her a fair distance closer. 

[fantasyscifiaddicted]

[leonettefossoways]

twisting the kaleidoscope behind both of my eyes // leonette & garlan // september 15th

[leonettefossoways]

Leonette had decided to forgo the food herself, partially because her dress did not allow much movement and she felt uncomfortable eating in front of strangers. Of course, these were important strangers and perhaps that was why she took extra care to keep herself clean and well presented. A heavy lunch managed to balance out all the liquid she was drinking, and though it was probably impossible to get drunk off a few glasses of champagne, she was feeling a bit more lighter than before. Nibbling at the edge of the sandwich she had nicked from his plate, Leonette felt her face flush slightly at his smile, and quickly averted gaze to the dancing couples, nodding her head slightly. 

"It’s very well planned." Her eyes glanced towards the sharply dressed men who served as guards at every entrance before smiling slightly, ducking her head down to shift her attention from the floor to Garlan. "You look good." He always came into the office well dressed, though by mid afternoon, his sleeves would be rolled up, ink staining the tips of his fingers. Leonette realized she liked that Garlan better, because a cleaned up Garlan, with his soft smiles and amused gaze was just too much. It was easier to be more serious around him in the office. Outside, in public, it was harder to keep it professional, and she often found herself observing his movements in a totally unprofessional manner. 

Coughing softly to clear her thoughts from heading in that direction, she couldn’t help but be drawn towards the dancing couples, a wistful smile tugging at her lips. There had been a few people she could have asked to accompany her, her father for one, though if he had been her date, Leonette would probably be spending most of her time sitting down, gossiping about who wore what and did you see her hair?, with him. “Do you dance?” The question was out before she could think on it and she glanced at him, worried for a moment that it would make things awkward. “I mean, just…Just asking.” she threw in a shrug for extra precaution.

[garlandtyrell]

Garlan nods at her before taking a rather large bite of his own sandwich. She was slowly working on her's, well, his, still, it doesn't matter. He finds himself smirking to himself as he looks down at the floor, then at the people mingling across the large room.

His smirk brightens into a smile at her compliment. It's nice of her, and he tilts his head, "Thanks, even with a plate and mouth full of food." He says with a laugh, after a hasty swallow of the sandwich in his mouth. At his previous state, he didn't know how good he looked, good enough to impress the other men here at least, and show his status amongst them. He had a power here, which people clamoured to, even if it was for the greater cause of London, no cause was greater than upping themselves in the world.

Garlan dreaded those sorts of conversations. However, with Leonette here, surely none of that would come along. "You too, great." He adds suddenly, remembering that she had infact complimented him before his mind ran wild. Chuckling softly, he raises his glass to drink from as she coughs. It isn't a worrying cough, perhaps something in the air, or the sandwich had dried out in her throat. Either way, she looks fine, great even, but Garlan reminds himself that she is his employee, his assistant in truth, so...none of that.

Taking another bite as she doesn't seem to feel brimming with conversation, he watches her watch the room, glad that she is in fact here. At least someone that wasn't his sister is in attendance. 

Do you dance? It's abrupt and it sounds like she hadn't even meant to say it. He knits his brows together and glances down at her. Is she asking him to dance? He decides to forego the formalities and pleasantries, it's much too exhausting, and they've known each other for three years and fucksakes they're adults. "Miss Fossoway, are you asking me to dance?" He says with an amused tone, placing the remainder of the sandwich in his mouth, and the plate of food on the table. 

After finishing his bite, he unceremoniously dusts his hands for crumbs on his pants and grins, "Why don't we find out then?" 

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

Post and Lintel | Garlan and Loras | September 19th

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

 ”Gala’s and those types of events are usually the places to be seen and make an impression.” And get shot, apparently. It was odd how such a huge event like the assassination of an important Martell figure at a Stark birthday party could be forgotten so quickly. Loras supposed in light of everything else that had happened, Doran’s death had been just the tip of the iceberg— a tip that floated away quickly once broken off, leaving the rest of the ice for London to crash into.

 Loras watched Garlan carefully as he ate and described the Gala, and there was a pause there that stuck out like a bright comet. Garlan’s face suddenly relaxed a bit, a small smile on his lips and a twinkle in his eye. Loras knew all too well what that look meant. Garlan had brought someone and Garlan was thinking about that someone, and Loras just had to know.

 ”So…” he began casually, trying to hide the sly smile that kept slipping on to his face. “Did you bring anyone with you, or go stag?”

 Suddenly all of Loras’ worries just floated away as he got to tease his brother.

[garlandtyrell]

Garlan raised an eyebrow as his brother began to talk again. Pulling his lips into a rather amused frown, he looked at Loras. "I always go stag." He said with a shrug and another bite of his food. He knew however, it wouldn't be let go that easily. Loras would want to know details, had he met anyone, but Garlan was sure it wasn't anything to talk about.

"Nothing out of the ordinary. I mainly just stood around the food bar." Another shrug and a drink from his bottle. Normally, it wouldn't be anything of note, so why now? It was such a stupid worry, and it made him feel as though he were in his twenties again...for some odd reason.

"I danced with Leonette, I think that would be the only person you'd know." He squinted and took another drink, "No big deal though." Entirely professional. Though he did see his brother's face, and even when he tried to keep that smile off his face, he knew it wasn't going to be like that for long. And...Garlan could take a few moments of teasing, if it made Loras feel that much better.

[leonettefossoways]

twisting the kaleidoscope behind both of my eyes // leonette & garlan // september 15th

There had been an unspoken agreement that once at the venue, Leonette would have to mingle around, introducing herself always as Leonette Fossoway, PA to Garlan Tyrell. She was not to go looking for him, unless the situation called for it because it would probably be weird and people would jump to conclusions. So far, she seemed to be handling the mingling part well enough, since it wasn’t like she was a newcomer to such events, but Leonette’s part was always behind the scenes, designing and fitting dresses, never really talking to many, so it had been a bit difficult at first, to find appropriate discussion material, but once she got the hang of it, she managed to be friendly yet not too annoying, proper yet not too boring. 

She was, however, beginning to feel the initial pain of what would probably greet her as a splitting headache the next morning and excused herself politely from the circle of people she had slipped into, finding an empty seat as most of the crowd had navigated over to the dance floor, swaying with their partners or family members. Sighing softly, she wiggled her feet around her shoes slightly, toes aching, glancing around to see if she could find a more familiar face. 

She recognized a few from TMC, as well as her boss, standing by a table laden with food. Unbidden, she snorted softly under her breath, covering her mouth with one hand as she took in the sight, amused more than anything. Of course he was near the food, she thought to herself, as she got up to go say hello, heels clinking against the polished marble flooring. “Enjoying yourself?" she asked softly, flashing him a cheeky smile before fishing out a sandwich from his plate for herself. 

[garlandtyrell]

One thing was certain: Garlan Tyrell rightfully enjoyed these little functions. They were perfect places to meet new acquaintances, and chat amongst old friends, but if he had to pick one thing that kept him coming back, other than the public importance that he go in the first place...It would probably be the food. 

The Martell Gala, was no different. Although for a good cause, which made Garlan more at ease in the setting. There would be people here contributing to a better London, one that saw the rubble of the attacks away. Of course, there would always be the people who only sought to put their name in good light. Garlan didn't so much appreciate those people, as wish they just...weren't.

He arrived fashionably late, normal for him and made the usual rounds, talking to people, he thought worthy of his acknowledgement. It wasn't that he thought himself better, it was...He ran a company now, there were certain things expected of him. People would expect his attention, and if not, it would be taken as a slight towards them. Garlan definitely didn't want to offend anyone just as he's getting control of this monster company under his belt.

A fair bit through the night, he found himself by the large array of food on at least several tables in a large portion of the room. He smiled his way through the line, grabbing a plate. He looked at the women, who's plates had barely anything on them, and then some of the men would not even indulge in a little party sandwich. Garlan rolled his eyes at them, setting himself up with a rather full plate.

The clatter had it's ebbs and flows, quiet moments and boisterous laughs sparking throughout the crowd. He had thought he saw Leonette through the crowd, but it wasn't as if he would acknowledge...her. No, he wasn't at work, so it would be entirely alright to just ignore her. Though he had to admit, amongst seeing his sister here, she was a welcome addition. 

He busied himself with his plate however, and heard a distinct sound of clacking heels come his way. Perhaps another would like some food, some bare semblance of food, but still. He was surprised however, to discover it was Leonette Fossoway that had approached him. "Ah, yeah." He manages a chuckle in her direction when she had grabbed a sandwich off his plate. Rather...rude, but he did have three others there, so he supposed it was alright. 

"Quite nice, this gala...Don't you think? Good cause too." He gave her a soft smile, picking up a sandwich for himself off his plate. 

[sanguis-potestas-est]

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

Post and Lintel | Garlan and Loras | September 19th

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

 Just sorting things out. That makes… sense. Sort of like cleaning up a room that has been allowed to go unattended for a little while. The mind is something that needs to regularly be changed around, lest you become to comfortable in conditions that should be decidedly uncomfortable. He’d become too used to running circles in his mind, and having an alarmingly defeatist attitude about everything. Time to sort it all out. Sort out his mind and change the furniture arrangement or something.

 Garlan broke him from his awkward analogies, and it was his turn to frown as his brother shrugged off everything, pretending he was fine when he clearly was not. He could practically feel the stress radiating off of him like a… stress microwave.

 Again with the horrid analogies.

 But before he could pry further and perhaps get Garlan to open up just a little bit (after all, he didn’t want to be the only one to bare his soul in the room), Garlan brought up the gala, and suddenly gossiping about other people became very attractive. “I just got out of custody— didn’t feel much like socializing," he said quickly, chewing on a piece of chicken. Swallowing quickly, he continued, speech a little faster and voice stronger as he ventured into familiar and decidedly less personal territory. “How was it? I mean, Renly told me about some of it, but he’s just one viewpoint. Anyone of note arrive?"

[garlandtyrell]

Well, he hadn't forgotten about that. Of course his brother wouldn't have wanted to go. Damn, he thought to himself, feeling a bit stupid for bringing up the gala in the first place. He of course shrugged it off and took in another bite of food while Loras asked him. Quickly clearing his throat, he shrugged. "It's was nice, a normal gala. The only thing that was a little different, was that hardly anyone was dressed to the nines." Though that would've been normal, especially for the cause. "Normal though, it being a charity gala and all." 

He picked up his beer, and took another sip of it, "Anyone who was worthy of note arrived. And then there were those who obviously wanted to be noteworthy, but compared to the exceedingly extravagant guestlist, they hardly made an impression."

He took another bite of his food, mulling over how the gala went in his head. It was quite nice, if he was honest, Leonette looked stunning, but that was hardly appropriate even if she technically was his date. "Overall, a good night. I think you would've enjoyed it." He remarked, knowing his brother was one for any social setting. Though now, he wasn't so sure. Garlan knew that his brother would be back to his old self soon, so it didn't worry him terribly.

[garlandtyrell]

it's a terrible life | leonette and garlan [september 2009]

[leonettefossoways]

She felt oddly silly when Garlan told her to inform him the next time something like that happened. Leonette hadn’t meant to say anything about Mace Tyrell’s PA, because whilst she was rather prone to sharp answers and undisguised looks of ridicule, Leonette knew she wasn’t someone who would be easily cowed into submission by a few harsh words. Still, she had meant it in a joking manner, though she had been rather riled up at the time, but it was nice to know that Garlan, despite his initial feelings on her employment, was concerned with her work.

It was flattering really, and Leonette felt her face heat up slightly, head pounding from the sudden rush of blood to her cheeks and the late nights she had been spending at the office. Thankfully, even in six inch heels, she wasn’t all that weak and she was smart enough to lean against the desk slightly after setting his cup down. “Oh!" Leonette would be lying to say that she wasn’t a bit surprised, but she was more proud than anything. There were many sayings about pride being an unattractive quality, but she couldn’t help the wide smile that tugged at her lips. 

Feeling a bit more comfortable now that she knew it wasn’t something that she did wrong, Leonette took a hesitant seat on the chair opposite him, crossing her ankles just so she could feel her legs. It was all right numbing, her headache and Garlan being so nice, she needed a bit of an anchor to remind her that this was real and that bumbling like an idiot was not advisable, so the slight strain she had to make to cross her ankles properly was helpful, if not slightly irritating. “Oh, it’s not a big deal, really. After being spoon fed for most of my life, it’s rather nice to be treated like everyone else for a change. I’m glad that my work is satisfactory though, I’m trying very hard." she said softly.

[garlandtyrell]

He took up his coffee as she spoke in return, it was pleasantly warm, but after a brief breath at his lips, he knew it would most likely burn his mouth. So he set it down again, and smoothed out a stack of papers, looking up at her again. She was unapologetically blunt, saying she was practically spoon-fed. A stark admission, but it levels the playing field. Garlan had that life too, still has it if he's honest. Of course he's had to work to get to where he is now with confidence, but the name Tyrell will always precede him.

Garlan is surprisingly okay with that, content with presenting his family on his back as he's done all of these years. Though as she continued in her train of words, that one word....satisfactory stuck out to him. It didn't fit, she wasn't just satisfactory, she was working above and beyond what he had ever expected her to. He had honestly expected her to just come in here and take it as little more than a joke. Obviously that was damn wrong, and he felt a little guilty not using her to her full advantage. She was obviously talented at this type of work, but there was something else. Was it that she didn't exactly fit? Partially yes. When he first saw her, he saw someone being a boss, not taking orders from one. 

Perhaps that's why he's so comfortable leaving her to her devices. She's responsible, and in these past months, she's proved herself mildly trustworthy. "I wouldn't call it satisfactory, but your work does show. I can tell you take this very seriously, and I really do appreciate that." He doesn't exactly know what else to say. What else can he say without crossing an invisible line that could shift at any moment? 

[nadiaramone]

[garlandtyrell]

it's a terrible life | leonette and garlan [september 2009]

[leonettefossoways]

It did take her a moment to realize that he meant the statement as a compliment, mingled with a playfulness that she should have caught on earlier, instead of ducking her head down in partial embarrassment. Feeling a bit silly, she glanced up from the thin book in her hands (that had dates and meetings and post-its stuck between pages) and smiled at him, faint amusement twinkling at the corners of his eyes. At least she didn’t have to worry about him disliking her or anything of that sort. “Your father’s PA," she says the words with playful distaste, though she does not quite like the woman either way, “was quite cross with me." 

Leonette had been rather rude in return, but it didn’t verge into name calling. She was more professional than that, even though she wanted to stalk away and sulk like a child. Working for Garlan meant facing rather displeased people sometimes. It had been difficult at first, since Leonette never really had to deal with such things when she worked for her family, but she was managing fine so far. “Yes, of course, sir." she said obligingly, nodding her head before scurrying out of the room, setting the book down on her desk before glancing around for the pot of coffee she had made earlier.

It was sitting on a stack of papers, leaving a bit of a stain behind, but thankfully those papers were supposed to be keyed into the computer and thrown away later. Mixing the coffee with enough sugar and creamer and whatever else Garlan liked in his drink (she made sure to write it down at first, but making his coffee was like making her own now, she could do it without blinking), she walked back into his office, coffee in tow and smiled shyly, setting the cup down in front of him. “I’m not in trouble, am I?" she asked softly, hands clasped in front of her.

[garlandtyrell]

Even though he hadn't let it show, he was rather annoyed that his father's PA had been rude to his. "If that happens again, tell them to call me. I'm the one mucking it up, not you." 

Garlan relaxed in his office chair, setting up the day's work. Gathering some papers from one drawer, starting up his computer and logging in. It was all very monotonous, and Garlan still found it rather boring. Still, it was a job, and it was to help his family so he was happy to do it. 

It wasn't too much longer when Leonette peaked into his office. He smiled as she came forward with his coffee. He would've made it himself, but that's what she's here to do...might as well. He noticed she was rather nervous-looking, to him anyway. He didn't actually know if she was, but there was a certain doe-eyed scared look she had to her.

"No, no, I'm sorry." He pulled his chair closer to his desk. That would make sense, he had been rather...serious when he came in this morning. Though he didn't want her fearing for her job. "No you're not, at all. Opposite, actually." He grinned, shaking his head. "You've been doing quite well here these past months, Leonette. I don't want that to go unnoticed, or think I'm taking you for granted, because I'd really be lost in this schedule business without your help." He was humble in his admission, but sure to throw in a good laugh every so often. 

[garlandtyrell]

the song remains the same | renly and garlan [september 24]

[ren-baratheon]

It had always bothered Renly that the sibling Loras was closest with was so cold to him.  He honestly didn’t know what else he was supposed to do to prove himself to Garlan.  He loved his brother unconditionally.  He supported him through all of their rough times.  He had made Loras a better man through his love.  Was there something more he wanted from him?  Was there even anything more he could offer Loras?  He’d given up his job, his home, even his name.  He’d given him everything, and he would continue to do so for the rest of his life.  

Renly knew he was good for Loras.  Margaery knew it.  Willas knew it.  Mace fucking loved him.  Even Olenna was convinced the two worked well together.  And above all of them, Loras knew they belonged together.  But somehow that wasn’t enough to convince Garlan.

Still, he could never just come out and ask him, so he put on a smile and tried to once again prove his worth as a man.  "Of course she means well.  I’d be nowhere without Margaery’s constant driving force." he meant that both politically and personally.  Her visit three months ago had been the catalyst for his recovery, even if it had also sparked his lowest moment, it also brought about his eventual peak.  His relationship was stronger than ever as a result of the struggles they had been through.

"At work…I’ve been settling in fine.  It’s still early, and I imagine it will take some time to get back to where I was.  A lot of things have changed around here.  A new regime always brings about differences, but it seems much more pronounced this time.  The entire country is very different, and it’s very evident in Parliament.  I’m still finding my feet, but I’m confident we’ll get there soon."

He sighed, leaning back into his chair, his frustration with the snail’s pace government seemed to be moving these days getting to him.  "At home, the transition back to work has been a little difficult.  I can’t deny that it came at a less than opportune time.  Loras is still a little fragile.  He’s recovering, and he’s made great strides in just the week or so he’s been out of Nights Watch custody.  But whatever it was they did to him in there had a profound effect.  We’re working through it, it is just stressful that I can’t be there with him as much as I’d like to."

[garlandtyrell]

Garlan relaxed in the chair, and regarded Renly friendly enough. Sure, in the beginning, he had given him a fair bit of coldness, but that was to be expected. He did the same with his sister as well. There was an obligation, to protect them, and to make sure their partners understood what they were getting into when they paired up with a Tyrell. Though Garlan always did it with finesse; barbed words behind a welcoming smile.

Though after his conversation with Loras, Garlan didn't much like where their relationship was going. Not that he expected he could do anything about it, or as if he could change anything. It just seemed as if there was a lot of pain, coming from Renly's accident that it seemed like even Renly didn't know how much his brother was hurting. Of course, it wasn't like Renly knew what having brothers was like. No, he turned his back on his as easy as one would stomp on an ant. Someone who gave up so easily on his family, for whatever reason, wasn't in favourable standing in Garlan's book. Family was most important to him, so naturally, he wanted that quality, in his sibling's partners. And naturally, Garlan would be the only one providing any resistance, someone had to. 

Loras is still a little fragile, and he has no idea, does he? He can't, Loras wouldn't tell him that Renly was the primary reason for all of this, his fears, his paranoia. If Renly knew how much damage he had done to his brother, surely he would understand where Garlan was coming from. "Loras actually came over a couple days ago, I think he's doing fine." He didn't like the way that Renly described his brother's state, as if he were a prisoner of war or something of the like. HIs brother was fine, he wasn't....fragile, and there was nothing wrong with him. He just needed to get his mind straight, see that these fears were nonsense. 

"I hope you aren't holding his hand through this. He needs to get better of his own volition, and he can do it. He needs your support, but he has to get better on his own." He can be independent  and has been in the past. Besides, he wasn't sure it was entirely healthy that the person who had inflicted these fears and worries should be the one also helping him through it. Though he didn't come here to talk about his brother, if he wanted to, he'd talk to Loras himself. 

"I am glad you're settling in rather well. What are you planning to do, now that you're back?" He asked innocently enough, but he was at the least bit curious. It must've taken a lot for the man to decide to come back.

[garlandtyrell]

jump the shark | margaery and garlan [july 2009]

[margy-tyrell]

Margaery had only joined the company a few weeks previously. She had all but grown up in the building but only ever as a visitor, an outsider. Now she was part of the team and everything felt a little different as though some of the shine had worn away. It had not come as a shock to anyone at TMC when Mace Tyrell had employed his youngest child. He had finally completed the set, all of his children working for TMC in one capacity or another. 

At the sound of her brother’s voice she pushed the door open and greeted him with a bright grin. Lifting her salad she waved it at him, “Figured I was allowed to come and eat lunch with my brother at least once in my career.” She joked as she closed the door softly behind her and made her way towards him. Standing on her tip toes she wrapped her arms around his frame closing her eyes as she felt his arms wrap around her and hold her close. Dropping her arms she made her way towards the visitor chair and sat down pulling the lid from her salad. Arching a brow as she saw the state of his desk she looked over her shoulder towards him, “How can you work like that, Garlan?” The thought of her own desk looking so chaotic causing a shiver to run down her spine.

[garlandtyrell]

"At least once?" Garlan remarked incredulously. Margaery was always welcome in his office, not to mention any of his other family members. He saw her salad and his stomach grumbles. Garlan usually got sidetracked, pushing off thoughts of lunch, but at the sight of it, it immediately called back his hunger. Even if he had breakfast, that was a sheer seven hours ago, or so.

After, he told himself as he embraced his sister. His arms wrapped around her tightly, but not too tight. It was a different hug than the ones he gave his brothers, all strength in their core. When Garlan hugged Margaery there was a fragile sense, or he just didn't want to squeeze the living life out of her.

Garlan sat down as Margaery took the seat on the other side of his desk, and gave her a shake of the head and a smirk. It wasn't so bad, his desk, Garlan thought. It was...disorderly, yes, but he knew exactly what he had to do, and what he had done already. Though Garlan knew how orderly and organized his sister was, so seeing the state of his desk must alarm her. 

"What? This is nothing, it's...I just work like this. It might look a mess, I mean, it is a mess," He gave a gruff laugh as she prepared her salad, "Everything is in order, though. How about you, you settling in nicely here?" He leaned back, relaxing a bit in his chair and focused on his sister, and his messy desk and not his growing hunger.

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

Post and Lintel | Garlan and Loras | September 19th

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

 ”I’d rather be boring than… this.” He waves his hand around, a bit at a loss on how to describe what he currently was— whatever ‘this’ was. He used to be so good at explaining things, making them simpler than they actually were, both for the sake of his readers, but also to keep himself sane as he navigated the twists and turns of UK politics. But since he’d been fired, he hadn’t written much beyond inflammatory blog articles. He was getting rusty, and that scared him a little. He needed something new to occupy himself with; preferably something to do with writing things that did not get him arrested.

 He follows Garlan’s lead and grabs his bowl, suddenly feeling hungry again. Taking a large bite, he shrugs as Garlan asks if he needs anything else. “A new job,” he says over his food. Swallowing, he shrugs. “I’m kidding, by the way. I know I can’t go back to TMC— unless as a janitor or something. And me— cleaning for a living? Parish the thought.”

 Grinning, he heads over to the table and sits down. He doesn’t feel much like talking about himself anymore. He’s going to be doing a lot of it in the future, and whilst Loras loves himself (perhaps a little too much), he doesn’t want to go over every little detail of what has happened if he can help it. He’ll save it for the therapist. “So how are you really doing? I mean really doing.”

[garlandtyrell]

When Loras speaks of how he'd rather be boring, or different than himself, Garlan feels his spine stiffen. It's just wrong that his brother should have to feel so shit about himself, to think himself not right in more ways than one. Boring, isn't who Loras Tyrell is, or was, he's never been that, or even wanted to be like that, Garlan thinks. 

After he finishes his bite, he puts his fork in his bowl. Garlan looks at Loras, a stern focus in his eyes. "There's nothing wrong with...this, Loras. You don't need to change who you are, there are just things in your mind, that need managing. Other than that, you're fine." He wishes he could make his brother see that fact,. There seems to be nothing Garlan can do to detract from the self depreciating scope Loras has seemed to fallen in. 

Garlan wishes his brother could come back to TMC, it's where he belongs, but he also knows that Loras has messed up. It's difficult, but TMC is his now, and he doesn't want to continue the trend that his father had set in. That didn't completely close the doors for Loras, though. It is just...complicated, Garlan tells himself. And despite family being his biggest priority, he won't fail here, because then it's solely on him.

He tries not to give his brother a cocky grin and shrug off the question, detracting from the fact that beneath it all, he's stressed and overworked. It's never been a problem, for Garlan. He's always done everything he's told with precision. Everything is on him now, he's calling the shots at TMC and while it's empowering, Garlan isn't as confident as he used to be. He just doesn't see why he should worry his brother, because Garlan himself isn't worried. He isn't dangerously stressed, or overworked, it's just there; nothing wrong with that, either. "I'm really, really, fine, Loras." And there's that cocky grin and a shrug as he picks his beer and takes a generous swallow. 

"Work, is fine. Life, is fine." He shrugs again, putting his bottle down and picking up his fork. He's not very interesting, is he? No, he is, quite, he tells himself. Though he imagines the most interesting thing that's happened to him in recent days is him taking Leonette to the Gala. They're friends, of course. Just friends, not even friends, associates. He's her boss, and Garlan knows that is a line too dangerous to cross, even if he wants to. He values her help too much, and then just her, as a person.

Though Loras has always been one for gossip, hasn't he? "I went to that Gala the Martells held, I saw Margaery, and I don't remember seeing you there." Though he wouldn't have been, would he? 

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

Post and Lintel | Garlan and Loras | September 19th

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

 Loras has tried to stay strong the last few days since he’d broken down in his flat shortly after his release. He’s told everyone he needs help, but not much else, wanting to keep his own troubles away from them as they went back into the battlefield. But it feels good to get it out, and as Garlan wraps his arms around him Loras can’t help but lean on him, his face stuffed against his shoulder, as if to hide from the world.

 Standing like this and feeling finally focused and centered reminds Loras of when he was six, and had been caught in a thundershower. He’d been brash and foolish not to listen to his mother’s warnings about the ominous black clouds that collected in the sky just before he’d gone out to play. He’d thought he’d have plenty of time to run through the hedge maze and make it back before the rain started.

 He was wrong.

 He’d been stuck in the bloody maze when the storm hit, cold rain pelting down on his small frame, soaking through his football shirt and shorts, whilst large thunderclaps smacked the sky, lighting it up along with the twists and turns of the maze. He couldn’t find his way out, despite having run through the entirety of the maze for years. Afraid and in tears, he thought he’d be left to die, common sense a thing of the past in favour of blind panic. But then Garlan found him. He’d run out in his rain kit in the middle of the storm and found Loras in the maze. Loras still remembers how it felt to see his brother come round that corner and grab him, his hand warm over top his own smaller one. He felt safe— he felt sheltered and safe. Like nothing could ever go wrong because Garlan would be there to save him. Garlan the Gallant.

 He feels the same way now. Like a little six year old boy who tempted the gods and got struck for it, only to have his brother come and shelter him from the storm. He just holds on to him, closing his eyes, trying to soak in his strength and take it for his own. Eventually he has to stand on his own two-feet, though.

 Pulling away after what seems like an eternity, he runs a hand through his curls, a shaky smile on his lips. “I mean, I’m not that bad, yeah? Maybe this woman’s worked with… I dunno, serial killers or something. If she can make them high functioning members of society, she can help me with my morbid obsession with losing loved ones, yeah?”

[garlandtyrell]

It's always been like this. Garlan is protective of his family, but there's a certain bond he feels with Loras, something akin to how Willas treated him when they were growing up. Willas instilled the protection impulse, to take all his sibling's burdens away, if only little by little. He doesn't feel required, he wants to, because in the end, all Garlan has, is family. That's all they each have, no matter what connections they've made, family will be there no matter what.

He also feels better, doing his job and assuring Loras, and alleviating any worries he has. And yes, Garlan thinks it's his job. He'd die for the kid, honestly as he feels his brother hug him back, arms weak but still a spark of strength wraps around him. He wishes symbiosis were a thing, so he could transfer his strength, his health to his brother. He needs it more than Garlan himself does.

When Loras pulls away, Garlan lets him go, and looks at his face again. He's smiling, but it's faltering, though it's a smile. Garlan gives a strong, but still light in tone, laugh. Because it's going to be okay, he can't say that to his brother though for risk of sounding like everyone else. Though Garlan fiercely believes it's going to be, and that if anyone can be okay again after what he's been through it's his brother. He's always had a sort of strength, different from Garlan's stoic, but warm nature, and different from Willas' as well.

"Bad, no. She'll probably take one look at you, listen to your story and then...Well I dunno, make you yet another high functioning member of society. Though those types are always rather boring, I think. You'll be fine, Loras. Really." He claps his brother's shoulder lightly and pulls back more, picking up his bowl, "Let's not let this food go to waste now." He takes a rather small bite of his food before asking his brother, "Is there anything else?"

[tomharly-blog]

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

Post and Lintel | Garlan and Loras | September 19th

[ink-and-cigarettes-blog]

 He’s stumped Garlan. Loras watches him, realizing he hasn’t been prepared for this. He doesn’t know what he was expecting, but the silence makes him feel worse— like he’s just revealed something to someone that perhaps he shouldn’t have. But then Garlan is speaking, reassuring him in his familiar even and level tone. He’s heard this before— from everyone he’s talked to about his struggles— but hearing it from Garlan means something else. It means more to Loras than from his parents or Margaery, or even Renly. Garlan gets it— he sees it from Loras’ perspective. Knows his worries before he even has time to voice them, and manages to quell those worries just as quickly as they come up.

 Still, he can’t be completely swayed by what he’s saying. Loras still feels awkward about everything, his notions on therapy and asking for help preventing him from completely submitting to the idea. He’s got an appointment for tomorrow— Mace set it up— but he’s not committed to actually attending. Not yet.

 ”I think not letting it out is what’s caused most of this,” he says, more to himself than anything. “I just bottled it all up and never talked about it. I don’t think… I don’t think I ever moved on from that day Renly was hurt, you know? Sometimes I feel like I’m stuck in that moment— that everything that has happened up to this point revolves around me in front of that telly seeing the big bold letters tell me Renly’s dead…”

 He hasn’t told anyone this— not even Renly. He’s told them all he’s struggling and that he’s afraid to lose them. He’s told them that everything he’s done, from the articles to the sleepless nights to the paranoia, have all been his attempts at protecting them. He’s told them about the tremor in his hand— how it starts whenever he thinks too much about dark things.. But he’s never told anyone that he’s stuck— locked in that moment and completely unable to get out.

 It frightens him. It makes him feel vulnerable and lost— without direction or even a path to get out.

 Labour Leader, Renly Baratheon, 33, dead after pedestrian v. car accident in central London.

 Renly Baratheon, 33, dead.

 Renly. Dead.

 Wash, rinse, repeat. Every day

 ”What if they can’t help me?” he asks, looking up at Garlan, asking for his support even though he knows he shouldn’t. He just keeps piling the rocks on to Garlan’s already strained back. He’s being selfish and he knows it, but he can’t stop.

[garlandtyrell]

Every word that his brother says just drives nails into his chest. His brother has been hurting, for months, not ever since he got released, this has been an ongoing thing and while Garlan tries to focus on Loras and not think about all he's done wrong, but it's inevitable. Garlan is usually so aware, that to hear his brother confessing these things...it's just, what has he been doing?

No, focus on Loras, on Loras. He tells himself, nodding with what his brother's saying. And, he...he's at a loss for words.

What if they can't help me.

Garlan wishes he could make his brother see...make him see that there's nothing wrong with him, it's just the pain and all of it's messing with his head. He's still Loras, still his brother. 

There's nothing wrong with you.

He shakes his head and moves closer to his brother. His arm comes over and he wraps it around Loras, pulling him in. Garlan's face turns to stone, as he tells himself not to break form, not to show how much he's worried, how much he's fearful for his brother, and how much he's hurting inside. It's about Loras, and it's always been about Loras really. He hugs him tight, hoping that it will do all the talking for him.