Name: รdouard Lyam Daucourt.
Nicknames: Teddy (most commonly known as), Ed-weird (throughout middle school).
Birthday: July 4, 1988.
Pronouns: He/him.
Gender/Sex: Cisgender/male.
Sexuality: Bisexual.
Occupation: Oceania Bookstore Owner ("temporary"), adjunct Art History professor at a nearby university.
P E R S O N A L I T Y โ
+ Disciplined, analytical, sensitive. - Inflexible, insecure, tense.
Quite withdrawn. So much of his world happens internally, and he likes it that way. He's very particular about the people he surrounds himself with, though his closest of close friends tend to be a lot wilder and more outspoken than he. He has a weird sense of humor and if you're close enough to hear him tell a joke, there's a chance you won't understand it anyway. He is, though, quite severely a lover, even if he's bland as a board at showing it. This man? Autistic.
A R R I V A L โ ( 2007/2015 )
Officially moved here with his parents when he was fifteen but only stayed until he graduated high school, when he jetted off to the East Coast again to get his studies in. He'd come home for breaks but is a big homebody; his re-arrival in 2015 is when he would've made more of an impact.
E X T R A B I T S โ
โ Huge bird watcher. He's very good at keeping perfectly still, so it's an ideal hobby. He inherited the love of it from his parents, and is insanely jealous that they're spending the next few years visiting all the peak bird-watching spots because um, hello? He wants to see an African blue flycatcher too, mom.
โ Huge into bread baking. Nothing fancy and artful - no canvas of sourdough to paint with olives and peppers - just plain old sandwich bread. Rosemary, thyme, a cracked pepper loaf that made amazing grilled cheeses, you name it. During midterms and finals, he brings in enough fresh bread for every student to have a slice.
โ Loves to go antiquing. It's one of his favorite hobbies, and he often drives 2-3 hours out of town to go and visit shops around there. His entire house is filled with vintage furniture and gold accents.
โ Can play viola, piano, and clarinet, as well as speak fluent French, German, and Hebrew due to many many lessons imposed by his parents as a child/teenager.
C O N N E C T I O N S โ
Finn Brooks: history nerd buds. Met in the bookstore and connected over their love of history (even though Teddy skews more heavily into the art spectrum).
Samuel Kane: burgeoning garden friends. Met when Teddy low-key trespassed and they watched the birds together.
Emerson Cassidy: co-workers & siblings by choice. Teddy's mother has taken special care of Emerson ever since they were both kids, and while Teddy's been gone for much of Emerson's time at the shop, they still found solidarity together.
B A C K G R O U N D โ
written bio coming soon... tw: death of a child, bullying
- teddy's parents had a son two years old who died in his sleep due to unknown heart issues, which means when teddy was born, his parents considered him a miracle and poured a lot of love and time into him. they disciplined him how they needed to, but they've always been very supportive and sought the best education/path for him no matter how much it cost
- moved around a lot as a young child: he was born in france but lived there only two years before spending another three in germany, then two in switzerland. eventually, when he was seven, his parents moved to new york so his mother could continue with her bird research at the center for avian population studies at cornell. when he was fifteen, the family moved again: this time to aurora bay california, where his mother could write her academic papers from home, and his father could preach at temples all around the socal area
- eventually bored with her easy, stay-at-home life, claire daucourt decided to buy oceania bookstore from its previous owner as a way to connect with the community as well as do something she loved: surround herself with books.
- for two years, teddy helped around the shop, but the moment he graduated he was off like a rocket to college, flying all the way back to connecticut to study art history at harvard. another few years went to getting his masters at nyu, another few back at harvard for a phd, and then, filled up on education, he made his way back to aurora bay where he's lived (separately from his parents but still close enough) for 10 years.
- being so quiet as a kid led to a lot of bullying in middle school especially. he often had the shit kicked out of him and would sport huge shiners in his music lessons. this, of course, only made him quieter - weirder. some dedicated oceania patrons may remember a scrawny teenager with fading bruises reading in the back corner of the shop and avoiding any attempt at socialization.
- despite being deeply interested in art his whole life, he's always been bad at executing it. lucky for him he loves history and the why/how more than making art anyway, so he fell into art history studies quite easily.
- he loves to share his knowledge with the world, and teaching in some capacity feels natural in a way he's never quite felt with anything else in his life. he's been teaching a single course at a nearby college for almost 7 years now, and he loves it. even with the shitheads who only take his class for a credit and fall asleep in the back row.
- teddy's been running the bookstore for about eight months now because his parents have gone on their retirement journey. he's not actually a huge reader unless the book is non-fiction and has something to do with what he's interested in, so he feels a little lost running the store currently.
- he's been in two long term relationships. one was with a woman in college who he met freshman year and then dated until halfway through his phd program at harvard (6 years). she wanted to get married, and he still considered them to be casual. ouch. the other was a brief, heated, six month romance with another professor when he first started at aurora bay college that fizzled out because said professor was married. yikes!
" I think someone has been trying to sneak their self-published works onto our shelves, " Teddy says, sliding up behind the counter beside Travis. " My reasoning and evidence for believing this is that I found a self-published book on the shelf. Several, actually. The same book in different genre sections. "
He sets the small stack of soft-cover printed books on the wood between them. " The print job is amateur. I haven't bothered to read them, but I'd guess the work is, too. "
Emerson's smile turned a bit bashful when he made a face at the category. "Hey, I didn't come up with it." She teased, even raising her hands up in mock-surrender. "Regardless of your distaste for it too, that is what it's referred to as, and....it's quite popular right now. A girl came in here the other day fawning over fae and wingspan jokes and at least three others immediately jumped into conversation. So...it's definitely something we should focus on." maybe even something she'd try out and read herself one day, see what all the fuss is about.
"I'd love that!" She agreed when the conversation went back to her idea of a book club. "The Bronte sisters are some of my favorites. Second only to Jane Austen." Emerson's smile softened as she said it, expression near-wistful. "I can come up with a list of books to choose from, and once decided, we can put out advertisements around town? I have a...connection, to the coffee shop in town. Could maybe have them work with us to supply drinks for meetings? Maybe even the bakery too?"
Confusion swarms over Teddy's face, drawing his features together as though they'd been chased by the horrendous concepts of fairies and, god forbid, wingspan as a sexual enticement. It does draw at his curiosity too, but he decides to hold his questions for his computer later. There's nothing he'd like less than having Emerson explain this particular subject - embarrassment already nips at the frays of their conversation.
" I'll leave the romantasy display to you as well until I can get a firm grasp of what it is these people are so attracted to. "
Teddy nods along with Emerson's ideas, happy to have her in his corner while maman is away. He does notice the way she hesitates when mentioning her connection to the coffee shop, but flipping through his mental file of things he knows about Emerson, he comes up relatively blank in that direction.
" Coffee and snacks could become a messy danger, but I trust you can figure out a method to keep the books and the floor as safe as possible - the books, of course, being the priority. " He worries his lower lip between his lip for a moment before he nods with finality. " Right. Go ahead and make up the fliers for dispersal, and I'll get into contact with the bakery; I'm in there often enough. Who is it you'll be speaking with from the coffee shop? "
"Oh, no, I agree," Theo nodded, agreeing with him. "I kind of more meant like, galentines, or palentines. Joke was the wrong word." He was quick to clarify, the last thing he wanted to do was look like a complete asshole, he already sorta did not knowing much about Claudia. Things between them had been...complicated, which was why it had taken them so long to get together, but he knew realistically there was no excuse not to know the little things. He knew better than to trauma dump all that.
"Things have been complicated, but it's no excuse," he told him, with a nod. "But yeah, you're right, roses are always safe." @inflexiblle
Clarity certainly lifts some of the tension from the conversation; to know the man wasn't suggesting hurting someone's feelings for fun is enough to ease the tightness between Teddy's shoulders. "I suppose I don't have a reason to send one of those either," he says honestly. His parents do enjoy written letters, though he can't imagine either of them care much for Valentine's Day, and either way, they're off traveling and only able to be reached by phone or email.
Teddy makes a mental note to send a ' palentine ' (ugh, portmanteau, cringe) to his parents via email later this evening.
" At the end of the day, you should do whatever you feel is the best. I don't know this person, and I certainly am no expert on romance. I believe the synopsis of most romance novels is to follow your heart. "
Although Julian is in earshot of the conversation, he is only half-listening. His mind running through various scenarios as he debates reading the script before him. This new agent that he'd hired was different from his last; bolder and willing to take risks, quote unquote. The actor wasn't necessarily against this, it was more than any risks he'd taken so far hadn't panned out.
Looking up from the unread script before hi, Julian's attention was brought over to the man beside him and his eyebrows raised as he processed the proposal. "Are you doing the tasting?" He asks. "They'll pour you a little bit and if you don't like them, they'll not pour you anymore and try something else. It's not a big deal, it happens all the time." He explains with the nonchalantness of someone with experience. "But if you're still not into it, then yes - I'll drink it. Waste not, want not."
The explanation eases some of Teddy's worries about the whole process. His relationship with alcohol is inexperienced at best, the most notable of his consumption coming from a few late nights with close friends where amaretto sours flowed freely alongside some boxed Franzia. He nods to show his understanding and, curiosity peaked by the stranger, his gaze flicks to the stack of papers in front of him.
" Is that your entertainment for the afternoon? I wasn't aware I should bring reading material. Surely it isn't that boring of an experience, " he jokes. There is a book in his car, but running back to grab it once he's already been seated seems a bit much.
Sam doesnโt catch the brown one at first, his attention is drawn to the apparent male. Itโs interesting in some ways, even if he doesnโt get it, but he knows he doesnโt have to in order to appreciate someoneโs passion. His is plants, probably in the same way this manโs is birds.
โDo I?โ he repeats, pulling his attention from the pair to the community garden intruder. โNo, not much. I have a pair of lovebirds in my apartment, but thatโs about where my knowledge begins and ends.โ
Honey Dew and Agave are his everything, and he does everything to not think about the day he thought he lost them.
( Thank Dallas for their lives. )
โIโm Sam, by the way." He introduces himself cautiously, still in a whisper, hoping desperately to not alert the birds to their presence too soon. "One of the folks who got this whole community garden thing going.โ
" Lovebirds? " Teddy asks, a spark of enthusiasm in his voice. He's about to ask for pictures when the finch begins to sing and his attention is lost. The male is hopping around anxiously, a flighty thing. Teddy suspects their time in the garden is dwindling.
Sam introduces himself in a soft, pleasant voice, and Teddy nods in quiet comprehension. " I am รdouard, " he murmurs back. " Teddy. The trespasser. Your garden is lovely. "
They're honored with another few moments of playful dancing from the birds before both finches take off into the sky, likely bringing their harvested findings back to their nest. At their departure, Teddy stands; his walk wasn't supposed to turn into such an adventure. A laundry list of to-do items awaits his return to his home, and he's never been one to go off-schedule.
" Thank you for your time, Sam. I appreciate your allowance of me to explore the garden. And your company, as well. " Teddy nods politely, a smile behind his stilted words. " Perhaps I will see you around. "
Then he waves, a small, barely-there acknowledgement, and he's gone.
He canโt help the way he frowns, not at Teddyโs offer for him to take a book, but for the neglect of the history section. He isnโt sure if itโs his penchant for learning, his sponge-like mind soaking up every bit of information it can, or the environment he grew up in, but the lack of desire to know where they all have come from, and overcome, saddens him.
โMaybe Iโll close my eyes and pick two books at random. I tend to lean toward dark history, the renaissance and European history, because itโs such a nightmare that itโs a wonder they didnโt wipe themselves out, but I could stand to branch out.โ He does, from time to time, and this is as good an opportunity as any to do so again.ย
He does laugh and waves off the notion, โIโm as smart as I was before. Not to say the college failed me in any way, I did learn, but academic courses are limited in what they teach. I did use our topics as jumping off points, and I did, uhโฆโ Finn winces and bites on his bottom lip.
โ... let my grade in Art History dip a little, by accident. Flipside, I brought up my girlfriendโs grade with it.โ
Teddy pauses in his steps, only briefly, before looking at Finn with a mixture of shock and shame. " Surely not, " he says woefully. " Please, anything but Art History! It's as though you've forgotten that you are friends with a professor of the subject. "
Finn is a grown man, and can handle himself and his studies just fine, and Teddy knows as well that in the grand scheme of things an Art History credit isn't going to be drawing any attention, but he can't help but feel as though he's failed his friend. At least, as Finn says, his girlfriend's scores went up.
" As it is, the Europeans did wipe a large portion of themselves out. Humans have a funny way of being idiotic and deathly impulsive, though they also have a way of being exceedingly resilient. Depending on your overarching views of humanity, that can be either a good or a bad thing. "
Ripley was still getting used to teaching and all the events that came along with teaching. So far, grading assignments was one of his least favorite tasks. Although he could give them to his student teachers, Ripley liked getting to know his students and their work. When it came to tasks that he didn't like, Ripley preferred to be somewhere that could potentially be distracted. While he didn't like coffee, he did like a good tea and grading papers in a comfy coffee shop seemed to be great way to spend his afternoon.
When he said something, he had zero idea that he'd even spoken out loud. He looked up when he heard someone speak to him and tilted his head to the side in confusion. Maybe he should use something more professional to grade papers, but he'd use these pens when he worked at NASA and no one complained. Well, maybe they did complain, he just didn't care.
"I meant the assignments." The glitter pens were not the best, but they weren't garbage either. "Um, they aren't low quality. They were pretty pricey."
Callum narrows his eyes as he tries to comprehend why a professor would choose such a childish method of grading papers. How are students supposed to take him seriously if all of his remarks come in glittered font? And why on Earth would he spend more than a few dollars on such a tacky item?
" May I ask why you choose to use these on academic papers? "
It's more of an answer than Sam expects, so it takes it without trying to throw the whole sales pitch at Teddy. Bird watching is one thing, but trying to convince someone who might not have a green thumb to garden is another.
"Oh, yeah? Even if you were, I wouldn't have minded." He wouldn't have put much thought into it other than the chocolate and heart sprinkles look too good to pass up. The coincidence has Sam light up, and he is even more excited to try them. There wouldn't be a reason to indulge on them year round if they weren't any good. "I never would've thought about the hazelnut spread though, I'll have to give it a try."
He'll ask Keo to grab some when he gives him cash to grab new conditioner and body wash.
"There's busier times, but the early morning and evenings it's fairly quiet. I might be there. I keep to myself, though."
He pauses for a moment of consideration, briefly directing his attention to other patrons lining up at the bake sale table. His gaze filters back on Teddy with the added suggestion, "Are you busy after this? We can chat more about that, or if you have any other questions. If you want, I don't want to be overbearing."
Teddy finds himself smiling - an activity that is usually manual when he realizes he's been conducting his social situations neutral-faced. This smile, however, is completely natural, brought on by nothing more than the kindred spirit he's finding in Samuel.
" Ah. The quiet times I can handle. Perhaps we can keep to ourselves next to each other. " That is, if Teddy can handle the atmosphere. A casual bird watching chance meet is different than a planned socialization outing.
Seeing Samuel look back makes Teddy avert his attention as well, and nerves begin to swell at the way the line is starting to build. Right. He steps out of the way, careful not to go too far when Samuel starts up again.
" Now? We... " Teddy looks down at his croissant, then back to Samuel, then back to his croissant. He really would like to eat this now, but it requires a stove to be able to properly heat up. Waffling back and forth on his decision begins to show physically; he switches his weight back and forth between his legs, a gentle rocking soothing his internal debate. " Well... I would like to eat this. I would also like to chat, " he assures quickly, " But I have been thinking about this croissant all morning. If you were so inclined, you could join me for pastries on my deck. I don't know how far you are from Fisher's Cove, or if the chat is worth the drive, but I would be remiss if I didn't meet your offer with one of my own. "
Freyja did not know if she found it amusing or offended. So she was silently judging which option he would fit, maybe it wasn't his jam? However, the following words shut her thoughts, despite her expression was very stoic, not showing what she truly thinks. โ I'm an international DJ. I played in the biggest parties known in the world so, it is a bit shocking to hear, you are not a music person. I thought you didn't like the genre, which is understandable, buuut not enjoying much music? Please tell me you're joking! โ ( @inflexiblle )
International DJ may have struck a chord in other, more pop-culture inclined conversationalists; to Teddy, it sounds like a yawn personified. Biggest parties in the world? Right. Bet she hasn't seen an ash-throated flycatcher in person.
" I prefer the company of my own thoughts to loud melodies. " Teddy shrugs, his eyes catching on the book titles on the shelves around him instead of bothering to attempt eye contact. He isn't much good at the social aspect of being a salesman. " I am a classical fan, though I doubt you are spinning any Vivaldi at your big parties. "
"Not even as a joke?" Theo let out a chuckle, he couldn't exactly blame the other male for not wanting to send flowers to anyone. Usually he'd be cynical and in the same boat but this was his first valentines day with a partner so he wanted to make the most of it.
He did agree with him, but it suddenly dawned on him that he had no idea what Claudia's favorite flowers were. "You're right, what if she hates roses?" It was a joke...kind of. He was clearly focused on making this perfect. "I should probably know what her favorite flowers are, huh? I mean, we've only really been dating since October ish..but, we also have a five year old." Naturally, Theo had done everything backwards. "I can't even say I should've waited until after valentines day to ask her out, then I'd just have to worry about next year." He then looked at the other, letting out a laugh. "Sorry, I know I'm oversharing." @inflexiblle
Teddy stares at Theo, dismayed. " I would never jokingly send a love note. The only outcomes would be leading someone on or, worse, hurting their feelings needlessly. " Though not the number one crusader for attending to other people's emotions, Teddy has never found entertainment in cruelty for the purpose of being cruel.
The oversharing is an uncomfortable weight on Teddy's shoulders and he subconsciously shifts away from Theo while he searches for bouquets. " So... You have a child with this woman, and have been dating her for approximately five months, and you do not know her favorite flower? " Perhaps Theo is looking for some comfort in the traditional male ignorance so popular around this holiday. While Teddy carries that ignorance in other ways, he, at least, knew his previous partners' preferred flower types within a month of dating them.
" Have you considered getting to know her better? " Teddy pauses. " Roses are always safe. "
K : KISS. is your muse a good kisser? why / why not?
" I don't believe I am the one who can answer this question. Who is he that promotes his own success without merit? Speak with my previous partners and I'm sure the answer is somewhere in between theirs. "
" I'm not sure if I have a favorite. My mother always has irises around, so I'm inclined to say that, but truthfully I've never thought about it. Cuphea, perhaps - it's a huge draw for hummingbirds. "
T : TRUE LOVE. does your muse believe in true love?
" For some, maybe not all. My parents certainly seem to have found it, or at least the closest thing to it. I am unsure if I believe I will find anything that rivals their connection, if only because I usually refuse to participate in the activities that might lead me to love. I don't care enough to search. "
Dย ย :ย ย DATE.ย ย what is your museโs ideal date? where / who with / etc?
" Somewhere quiet. I would prefer to avoid dinner dates: I have a... selective palate and don't enjoy eating around strangers. A homemade dinner, perhaps, though I've gotten myself in trouble in previous encounters for sharing how I truly felt about the meal. I enjoy museums, botanical gardens, libraries. Truthfully I am not usually pursuing any sort of dates because I don't usually enjoy anyone enough to fall into something romantic; I am quite a particular person. "
" I liked Kimmy. She's a very intelligent woman - a very thoughtful person as well. I am embarrassed for how things ended, though, I admit, I should have seen the signs. Kimmy worked hard at understanding me, which I appreciate; she always had an ear for my needs, and often tried to jump in and support me before I'd asked. I think, ultimately, that was the downfall. I knew three years in that we were not going to last forever, but I enjoyed our conversations too much to end things. I thought, perhaps, she'd see us the same way. Ultimately, that was not the case. I hope she is well. I hope... I hope she has found a partner who can meet her level of warmth. Oh, and I hope she is still making that carrot cake of hers. Delightful. "
Sam canโt help the stifled chuckle at Teddyโs word choice, deliberation being a word that might be too academic for the usual vernacular of this little beach town. It would be Teddy to utilize such a word in casual conversation, and Sam finds he can appreciate it. His own thing โ the unique diction in which he speaks.
Maybe he thinks too much into it.
โWasnโt a problem,โ he assures, splitting his attention then. Heโs still got Teddy in her peripheral vision when he selects a couple of powdered chocolate stuffed croissants. โYou should come by again. When the garden is full of life, we get a lot of birds.โ
He hands over his cash for the baked goods and steps aside for Teddy to take his turn. โItโs an idea.โ
The idea of a nature sanctuary filled with ample spots to sit and observe birds for as long as he so pleased is an enticing concept, Teddy has to admit. However, the idea of sharing said oasis with the general public..? Not so enticing. Yes, he's gotten along with Samuel, but who's to say he'd enjoy the other members? Teddy sifts the idea around and decides finally on a rather wishy-washy " I might do that, yes. "
Chocolate croissants? Teddy's eyebrows draw together. Excellent taste, he thinks, smiling at Samuel's choice, and then when it's his turn he steps up and orders the exact same thing. "I'm not copying you, I promise. These are my favorite - year round, no matter the weather. Sometimes, if it's been a truly rough week, I'll add some hazelnut spread, too." Teddy exchanges the money for his goods and then tucks an extra couple of dollars into the jar before he's giving Samuel all of his attention again.
(Almost. He is very much thinking about his croissant.)
" I would come to the garden if it is not too crowded. I am... better in smaller groups, " he explains. " There is a reason I prefer birds to people. "
