driven to distraction

Liam Byrne 34. Twin. Cormac Auto Owner. "Nobody can say for certain if maybe it's all just a game. When I open my eyes to the future I can hear you say my name."

[tvandfilm]

Abbott Elementary (2021-present) Development Day (S02E01)

[gabrielaxruiz]

gabriela felt a smile grow on her lips at the sight of liam. there had always been small interactions with declan's family without them realising what she meant to him. when her truck broke down, which was more regular lately, she would bring it to him to fix. she glances down at the two glasses of champagne in her hands. "i promised myself i'd be on my best behaviour." not that she was rowdy by nature, but there had been incidents where she could become protective of those that mattered to her. "is there something i can get you to drink?"

[liamxbyrne]

"I am not sure most hold that notion. It always seems trouble usually is lurking around with these events." It didn't make the man paranoid, but he wouldn't be surprised at all given the history this town had. "Well, I won't tell if you don't. Or I will just look the other way." Though Liam wasn't positive he was referencing trouble or just the idea of her downing the two drinks in her hand. "Thanks but no thanks. I am trying to save the strong stuff for later." Though, what he was referencing came inside a flask which was tucked in contently into the pocket of his suit's jacket.

[gabrielaxruiz]

location: the strata - love is in the air who: open to all

wandering around the hotel venue, she had to remind herself numerous times to not intervene when it came to the food and wait staff. this wasn't her catering job, but there was still a part of her that wanted to help.

a waiter walked by with a tray of champagne, plucking two of them off, it would keep her hands busy. not wanting to look as one who indulged too much, she held a glass out for the person who came up to her side.

"this is for you. happy valentine's day." the most pathetic way to start a conversation. "how bad did that sound?" gabriela gives a short laugh at herself.

[liamxbyrne]

Liam was sure he stood out like a sore thumb. He owned maybe two suits and one was always designated for these types of events. The man would forever be blue collar, no matter what kind of sophistication or classy his last name should mean. Or even power. He always thought owning an expensive suit was a waste. Unless it was like layered with armor or something, but that was just for John Wick movies. "I mean, I'm not really much of a champagne person. But hey I won't judge you for holding two drinks at one time. Might as well get your money's worth." He offered a small smile.

[lawunabiding]

LOVE IS IN THE AIR LOCATION OPTIONS

001. lingering by the bar & listening to the live music 002. watching patrons get temporary tattoos applied 003. outdoors by the carriages and hot chocolate

part of maeve wanted to call this entire event a joke - an expensive show of goodwill, perfectly timed when tensions were ready to rupture. the business association somehow even managed to get both families to participate in order to make the peace more believable. but the uncertainty was still there, simmering, waiting for one wrong move to turn this lovely valentine's gala into yet another battle waged in this never ending feud.

still...there was another part of maeve who grew up alongside most of these people, knew their stories and held memories with them. to see them gathered together in good spirits brought a small smile to her lips that refused to disappear. this camaraderie was what it meant to live in oxbow - what a shame her family damned them all, just the same as the walkers.

" maybe this wasn't such a bad idea, after all. " maeve smiled, something genuine but small, as if she wouldn't let herself completely give in to the merriment. " we might even be able to make it through the night in one piece for once. "

[liamxbyrne]

Liam had to remind himself that he was a business owner and this concept was solicited by the Oxbow Ridge Business Association. The man always despised wearing ties and he always wanted to choke himself with it whenever he was forced to wear one. Maybe if he passed out he could skip this event and not feel shameful from it. But that was just wishful thinking at best. Thought relief washed over him when he saw his twin. He had been lingering by the bar, it serving as his own comfort. "Such an optimist tonight." He joked but pulled out a silver flask out of his pocket then handing it over to his sister. "If we don't - this will certainly help. And don't worry it's not the cheap shit I promise."

[cannibalchicken]

[kercsene]

Olivia couldn’t help but laugh at his words. “There’s a reason you were the test subject and not me.” She did try the first few ones but she quickly gave up and instead enlisted Liam to be the tester. If he didn’t seem to physically recoil at it, then she would also try her newest drink. Turns out, he had became not so bad at pretending her creations were passable only to see her drink the horror. They would wash it off with something better, cheap beer or some Jack. Working there and not going back to these days was hard at times and Olivia wondered if Liam ever felt the same at the garage. “Was I now? And here I thought it was a mutual bad influence. I was such a good girl before you,” Olivia said teasingly. She had never been the good girl type, always more the kind to march to her own beat. It wasn’t always bad, but she tended to do her own thing and follow what she thought was best or what she wanted at a young age.

Every easiness that was between them vanished at his words. Olivia couldn’t blame him, she couldn’t even be mad or annoyed about it. “I hurt you,” she simply said. She hurt everyone, herself included. “I hate it. Your the last person I ever wanted to hurt.” All these words and still not a sorry for what she did in them, at least not clearly. Every one of her words was meant as an apology but she could never make up for what she did, could never apologize enough. “Something happened and I didn’t know how to deal or what to do. Logan took charge because someone needed to and I followed.” There was not much else she could do at the time. It was all too much and a part of her shut down. She barely recalled how they got to the bus station or how the trip to her aunt went. She barely recalled the visit to the clinic her aunt arranged once she got there and how she was at high risk of infection. If she was honest, it didn’t occur to her what she was doing to Liam until a few days later, how she had just ran from everything, him included. The absence of him was not registered until her mind cleared a little and then she tried to shut it all away. Because going back to him meant facing what happened and she wasn’t ready for that, didn’t have the means to do it. Or so she thought. But maybe all this time, he had been the answer. Olivia knew he would have been there for her back then, just like he had been now. And now that she was listening to him, she couldn’t let herself let go of him that easy, not a second time.

“It hasn’t been fun, it’s been everything.” There was no plan when she found herself at his doorstep a year ago. At least no plans other than not running away again. She could have done it, her father was dead and Logan would not have held it against her. No one would expect anything else of her but she did and she went to the only place she could think of. “I don’t know if there’s an us, I don’t know what we are. But I never wanted anyone else. I never stopped wanting only you.” And she had tried or at least fooled herself into thinking she had. “There’s only one thing in my life that I regret and I know I’ll never right that mistake. But whatever this is, whatever sort of us we’ve been having, I don’t want it to end. And I’m not going to let some feud between two men long gone be the reason I don’t fight to keep the only thing I’ve ever been sure of.” She wasn’t a child anymore, like she had been back then. She knew herself better and she understand those around her more. Olivia knew what she didn’t want to loose and what she was ready to give in exchange. “I’m not going anywhere, not this time. And you’ll have to push me away harder than that.” Maybe not tonight, Olivia was feeling the pain of what he wanted to do slowly creep in, the reality of all the feelings she had dumped on him. She had a lot to process and so do it. All she wanted to do was reach for him, to nestled herself into his arms, even if it was the last time before all hell broke loose. At least this time, they’d know it was their last but she wouldn’t push it. If he reached for her, she would allow herself to believe but she would also understand if he didn’t.

[liamxbyrne]

"I should get more praise for that very reason. Practice makes perfect right? Or at least you knew what was awful and what not to make ever again. I had the hard part." He shook his head from side to side. But there were a few chuckles. Sometimes free was not always worth how great it sounded. The chuckles became slightly louder at the idea she was good and not as devious as he had made it sound. "And that's a damn lie. But hey if you have to tell yourself to sleep better at night, then do what you have to do." He raised a brow almost mocking and teasingly. "Don't make me recall all the times where we partners in crime wreaking havoc." The amount of trouble teenagers could get into should alarm anyone. But it was always memories like those where Liam would guard gracefully. That level of being carefree was something that no one should take for granted.

There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds. Liam wasn't sure if there was relief in hearing her admit that she hurt him. It wasn't like he conjured up that she didn't believe such, though it wasn't like they talked about that particular instance either. No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. Liam just tried to put it to the side. Especially when she came to him a year ago. Any kind of grudge disappeared. What else could he do when the only thing he ever wanted was to have her back in his life, even if it wasn't for the long haul. Maybe that was the thing about first love's. The first love is like a spark that can never be extinguished. Liam's brows furrowed. This was the first time there was a speckle of explanation, even if it made him in turn want all the answers. He knew right now wasn't the time. But he would be lying if he hadn't analyzed all the different scenarios and reasoning upon her departure. "I don't expect any kind of answer. I gave up on that long ago." He sighed. The concept of closure seemed impossible. If they hadn't talked about that now, then they would most likely never. He still was there for her without judgement. He still would be. That was Liam and his unconditional love for the woman in front of him. She might have not cared about leaving him behind or put herself in a situation to, but that wasn't something he could do. "Just answer this. Throw me a little bone - for my own sanity. Was it because you cheated or found someone else?" Liam wasn't sure that possibility weighed on him heavily. Or if he had been paranoid about it. But it was a common fear for some. He always thought they were so open about those kinds of things, that at least she would have had the decency to be upfront. Though he never thought in a million years she would leave him with no explanation. Not that it mattered now or would change his outlook on caring for her. Nonetheless it seemed as if he wouldn't get the chance again to ask that fleeting question so he took it.

She was saying all the right things. A part of him wished she wasn't because this was how easily she had a hold on him. No one should have that kind of control. He remembered the heartbreak. He remembered all the sleepless and drunk nights from her departure. He remembered the anger, how for awhile he was in destruction mode. She had destroyed him and the whole necessary thing to do was destroy himself more so at least he could have that kind of control. Trying to control everything that happens to you is unavailing to life's vulnerability--You're scared of what you can't control. And he couldn't control what she made him feel every time he saw her or especially now with the words of hope she was offering. She was fighting this time for him. "I don't think either of us are prepared for what's to come." Liam mused. "I don't want to be a part of the feud either. That hasn't changed. But we shouldn't pretend that it's easy for us to ignore it. Or how it won't always fall back into that." Naivety is bliss, but it can become dangerous when it’s blindly followed without questioning or understanding the consequences. Grudge were just like holding an anchor and jumping blindly into the sea with it. "Each of our families are trying to be better then the last generation. To show their worth." And to go to great lengths to have the upper hand. Now, it was their generations turn. They would be the ones effected even if they didn't want to be involved. They would be strapped to that anchor just from the name they were given. By association. "We are each of our weaknesses." She had been his but by the words she was musing, least he had the confidence now to say it was mirrored with the way she was not letting him go this time. "And to be honest, with our past - it's one of the most easiest for the picking." They might have tried to keep whatever was currently going on a secret but it didn't take any sort of genius to note their chemistry. At least from Liam's point of view. "The safest thing we could do right now is distance ourselves from being that chess piece used against our families. Or each other." Liam started as he sighed and moved towards her but not in front. To her side like he was about to walk past her. But he stopped before it could be done. "As much as that choice of walking away would be the better choice in the long run I don't have it in me to do it. I'm stronger with you. You bring calm to my storm." Liam admitted as he looked off in the distance, as if he was calling for some kind of sign to tell him something differently. But within him, his mind and heart he knew he wouldn't get any. She was his answer for most things. His hand slowly reached for her own. Gently squeezing it. "Come on. Let's get out of here."

[itallbyrnesdown]

The news of David Walker's death put Declan on edge. Not outwardly of course, but inwardly he was already preparing for accusations and hasty revenge. The assault at Lady Luck had taught him the Walker camp would not wait long to lash out. While he was confident no one could touch him directly, he worried for his family. It was fortuitous then that he spotted his little brother smoking outside of The Last Call. Leaning against the wall next to Liam Declan removed a cigar from the case he kept in his jacket. "I prefer cigars little brother, but I would appreciate a light."

[liamxbyrne]

"Well, aren't you classy." It was a small hint of humor. Least he could not be so on edge with his brother's presence looming. Even, if Liam always felt there were sold differences between the two. Though that was due to each of their roles he assumed. He paved the way for their family. While Liam at times just wanted peace, his own quiet with no feuds lingering or at one's door. "Suppose you're in luck then." He mused before pulling out the familiar Zippo out of his pocket. It had been their Fathers. "I'm sure it probably looks familiar." He would have said be careful but those words just sounded weird, since Declan was the oldest. Nonetheless he handed it over. "So, what's your excuse? Unless you smoke like me to ease being a little uneasy."

[kercsene]

“All the free drinks must have been really painful,” Olivia teased. There was some old bartender book behind the counter that Olivia had fun going through. Once that was done, she was conceived she could come up with some sort of signature drink for the bar. All Olivia had done was realized she was better at serving beer and shooters than making up her own things. “You question it? I thought our lack of sanity back then had been well established. Remember when I almost convinced you doing that polar bear thing on New Year once?” Olivia had read about it somewhere and became convinced that they could do it. She backed out the second she opened the door without a coat on. Impulse control was not her best quality back then and it was a wonder she didn’t jump into the very cold snow without thinking.

Once again she was reminded of how different things would be for them, how closer to it Liam was. Olivia already had a head start, her closeness to the one responsible for holding on to this conflict being inexistent. And Olivia was linked to Liam forever, even if he had no idea of it. What she felt, what she went through, knowing it came out of love, it left a mark. She would never be able to shake him away and she had come to accept it. Caving to it was somewhat knew and the more she allowed herself that weakness, the more she wanted it, needed it. And before her uncle’s accident, at least there was no outside pressure in whatever they were doing. But Liam was right, they would be pushed one way or the other, no matter what they wanted. Olivia wasn’t as certain as him that it had to be in opposite directions. If she stood still, the distance between them would be lesser than if she moved in an opposite way. “Why does it feel like you keep trying to push me away,” she said with half a smile. He had every rights to do so and she had none to question it. “It can be about want.” The words were soft and true. “Liam, it doesn’t have to define us. Not that there’s an us,” she added quickly, realizing that her words could be taken a certain way. “You can be there for your family and I can be here.” She was starting to sound desperate, something she would mind if it wasn’t Liam. What she wanted to say what that she needed him, had never stopped loving him and wanted to be there for him, that she would always be. But saying all that required far more courage than she had.

“When am I not in a fighting mood?” While it was rare that Olivia was the one starting them, she did not shy away from a punch either. “Mostly I was hoping to hustle someone in a game of pool. What do you say? Want to help me take a few bucks from some poor schmuck?” Taking a small step closer to him she smiled before speaking again. “Or we could go somewhere quieter, away from prying eyes.”

[liamxbyrne]

"Let's not pretend like you didn't squirm at some of them too." He quipped, raising a brow in her general direction. Practice makes perfect but she had a point. They were young and the notion of free drinks was always preferred. Though, getting caught was half the fun when you were that age. The risk wasn't there now. But hell he would definitely not make himself free to try some of those things. Age brought him the knowledge of knowing what he liked and sticking with it. Which included usually beer or Whiskey. There really wasn't anything else that he would mix into that sort of routine. Liam laughed at she brought up another memory that he hadn't thought about in quite some time. "I am surprised you didn't get mad at me for not going through with it either. In all honesty I almost did just so I could hold it over your head that you chickened out. But - I'm not sure that frigidness was worth it." He would have miked it for all it's worth though. Obviously, after seeking solace by a warm fire for a few days or so he imagined. "I swear you were always the devil on my shoulder -if only people knew." The man grinned. Not that he didn't have his own reckless moments but he would down play that for the current state of time.

"I am only trying to be smart." Or the best he could. Acknowledging it head on. Pressure was going to come and he just wanted to prepare his own self. Like ripping a band aid off. As much as he craved her, in every which way - that just wouldn't be enough. If that made him a pessimist then so be it. "I am sure you will be fine with coping with that outcome. It's not like you haven't done it before." With abandoning him and skipping town. It was a back handed comment. But he couldn't help the whispered comment that followed. "Will be easier for you then me." He added. The most painful goodbyes are the ones that are never said and never said and never explained. Perhaps it was that lack of closure that still made him live in fear, or at least toying with the constant idea it would happen again. It wasn't about if, only a matter of when. More reality set in when she said that there wasn't an us. "There's no use in fighting when there isn't an us. You said it not me." Liam remarked back, sighing as he began to get defensive. A cage around his own heart. "At least it was fun while it lasted." Sometimes the only reason why you won't let go of what's making you sad is because it was the only thing that made you happy. "I think it's best if we just cool things down. At least it can't be held against us." By each of their families. He would have fought against that idea but to him, he had already poisoned his own thoughts into believing that she was just needing a distraction and he was an easy diversion for her. He exhaled quietly to himself in his own act of preparing for what was to come. Liam had to remain stoic. "I will have to sit this one out. Though, just know I will always be rooting for you." His words showed his true colors, the deep care he had for her. But as she stepped closer he distanced himself. Taking a few steps back. Liam just hoped she wouldn't push it because if anyone could make his resolve crumble it would be her.

[kercsene]

There was a part of her that was somewhat relieved he confirmer her thoughts, that he wasn't a frequent smoker. Olivia knew she would have smell it on him in the past year, their closeness being renewed, in a way. But still, hearing her assumptions being confirmed was validating her when it came to Liam, that she still knew him. "I'm too familiar with that," she said with a chuckle at the mention of the Tequila. "Remember when I started working at the bar and I was spilling half the drinks? I feel like my clothes smelled like booze even after being washed." Memory lane with Liam was always a slippery slope, one she couldn't stop falling down. The woman softly nodded at his mention of quiet. Their lives were about to become everything but that. It made Olivia want to run away from it, or at least hide from the reality of her life. Her brows furrowed at his words, Liam once again that being seen together should not be something she wanted. He had reassured her that it was for her the last time, but she couldn't help but wonder if a part of him wasn't saying it to push her away. Olivia didn't want to impose, she had caused him enough harm already, but she wasn't the same one as before, the same kid who left town quickly. She wasn't someone who could just be pushed away, even less when it came to him. "Or maybe we should be seen together and not let anyone else decide what we should do." They had history, too much of it, and most people knew that. "You know I don't care about all this stuff so if you're saying that on my account, don't. But if that's something you want for yourself, then I'm not going to insist. I really don't care what anyone else but you want on this." Part of her wanted to find herself alone with him, so these preoccupations would not cross his mind, so that they could be just Liam and Olivia, not a Byrne and a Walker. "I gave up trying to make the bar what it isn't a long time ago. I find it sort of relaxing not being the one responsible. If I'm out drinking here and a fight break, I can continue my drink without a care. Or be the one starting the fight," she said with a devious smile.

[liamxbyrne]

"I'm not sure what was worst - that or you making me be a guinea pig from all the different drink variations you made me try after work. I swear I still question the sanity of whoever came up with some of those names." A chuckle leaving his lips at the memory nonetheless though. Underage drinking at it's best, if only to be catapulted into those times once more. One never genuinely realized how quickly they can be swept out from under you. Nonetheless -some of those drink choices were just immaturely named. He still never understood them even now. The key to success is proactive action. Not reactive excuses. Liam had a routine and lately when he had that down time, away from work when he was in the comfort of his own home he planned, thought and prepared. A common theme was determining the best course of action of protecting the ones that mattered to him. And Olivia of course was at the top of his list. So, did he play with the idea that perhaps distance was the best solution? A part of him could agree. He wasn't sure what her reasoning were all those years ago but maybe she had the right one then. At least in the long haul of things. But there was another battle that had been brewing apart from their families back and forth fight. The battle within himself if he had it in him to push her completely away. Even if she was out of sight, she would still be all he saw. "I think we both know it's a bit more complicated then that. I have this eerie feeling that things are going to become worse then they have ever been. Especially now that there's another death." It was an unsettling feeling, one that had made for some restless nights for the man. "Sides are going to be have to be drawn. Or pushed with force. We are older now, we can't skate by." Age came with more responsibilities. As much as he despised what he was saying, he was tying to be logical. Even if the words made his stomach ill. "It's not about want---" The man trailed off, his words barely above a whisper. He sighed, the stiffness holding him hostage again. That uneasiness was back. Liam took one long drag of the cigarette he was sporting and then put it out into the lone cigarette receptacle that was near by. "Oh, so you're in one those moods then?" He quipped back with a sort of slyness at the mention of a possible fight. "I won't judge whatever it is." A genuine smile taking place. He knew the words from earlier were serious in nature, but if time taught him anything - it was to enjoy the small moments. Like the ones now where there was a level of playfulness casting into the air. Because at the end of the day all good things will come to an end.

[kercsene]

Sometimes, Olivia needed a place to drink that was not her own. Maybe part of it had to do with wanting to see people that did not often come to her own bar, or not having the worry of the patrons around her. Not that there were many places in town but The Last Call was a solid second choice. "Haven't seen you smoke in a while," she said softly. It was uncommon behaviour for him and Olivia couldn't help but wonder if it had anything to do with everything going on recently. She couldn't remember the last time she smell it on him and Olivia was usually keenly aware of Liam, of everything that had to do with him, scent included. "Don't worry, I'm not looking to stink all night, I'll leave that to you." The smell of dry tobacco was one she always liked, one associated with her father when he rolled cigarettes in the living room but he always went outside to smoke. "Penny for your thoughts? If you're smoking, something is going on."

[liamxbyrne]

"It still doesn't happen often. Been saving this one for awhile." Liam noted. He supposed maybe she was speaking truth with their past conversation at the shop. With her remembering everything. "Better then one the guys in there I suppose. I think he bathed in Tequila. Sure some could get drunk off that smell alone." He almost scowled. Tequila and him were not friendly. But that wasn't why he decided to get some fresh air. She was right again though. Him smoking wasn't exactly because he missed or craved it. "Guess I am just enjoying the little quiet while I can." Liam was half shocked the town wasn't rioting or something similar in the chaos spectrum. But he was sure someone would do something reckless in no time, a counter act from the blame he assumed was going to be put on to the Byrne name from a death of a Walker. "You shouldn't be seen with me. Especially with what has happened." All Liam ever wanted was to protect her and keeping her at a distance with the events that transpired seemed like the best idea. But, he was still at her mercy. Just as the cigarette brought him calmness, her sudden presence was as much as consistent. "What brings you here anyways, spying on the competition?" His tone playful.

[remysterling]

"Then I'm at a disadvantage because I hated it to begin with," Remy admitted, his gaze dropping down to stare at his shoe, scraping on the ground. He only had one pair of shoes that weren't well-worn cowboy boots and he was wearing them now. He barely recognized his own foot.

He offered a curt nod, his typical way of agreeing with something anyone else said. No need to issue agreement in words if he could do it in any other way.

His agreement turned to a sigh and he glanced over at Liam. He didn't feel obliged to offer his reasons, anonymity or something like it, but it was probably fair of the other to point out the oddity of being here. And he didn't have anything against Liam specifically. While he was absolutely loyal to the Walkers, obviously, there was only fire behind it when necessary. Liam had more or less done nothing to him directly as far as he knew. "Less people talk to me here," he summed up. "Probably the same reason you're not over at the Buckle." Yeah... he still refused to call that place by its whole name. More than anything, he couldn't imagine himself uttering the word bunny in any context.

[liamxbyrne]

Liam couldn't disagree there either. "Yeah, best to just avoid it all together. For your own peace of mind." Peace was a journey though and with all the distractions it was hard to come by. "At least with your line of work - least the animals don't talk back." There was comfort in that. Liam assumed you might get trampled or kicked but all jobs have their set backs. Minor inconvenience in comparison he was sure. "Less drunks to deal with too." Cowboys or so he assumed anyways. Taking on the role of being in charge came with a price if someone acted out. Responsibility. "No, actually. That's just not my scene." The vibes that place represented weren't Liam's. "I will leave that to Siobhan. We all have our niches." Obviously, the auto shop was his own. There were still a few times he found himself sleeping in his office. It brought up old memories of times with his Father. Where the world was his oyster. Things were simpler then.

[healingxinxhell]

"that seems to be where you always are Liam, in a hole." she snaps back at him. bethany didn't care for the rivalry that fuelled the two families. she had always been lost in her own world growing up, thinking about what her next move would be when she finished high school. which became evident to all when she ditched oxbow ridge. it was the emotions that she was refusing to acknowledge and deal with that led to her outburst. the bryne name floated around behind the cause of the accident, and despite how much her father infuriated her, he was still her father. "why would I avoid this place if you are here?" she would never allow anyone, or any name, to keep her out of places. "i'll even prove that your gigantic," her hands waving up the length of his height. "will not keep me from consuming copious amounts of alcohol tonight." her eyes glance to the door. "next round is on me."

[liamxbyrne]

The opinion which other people have of you is their problem, not yours. Liam didn't counter her comment. No use really. Tension filled was the common denominator and it wouldn't change. The man stopped trying to shed his image or trying to reveal his true self ages ago. They were on two ends of a battle that honestly would never be won, all would loose. "Suit yourself." He shrugged. It had only been a suggestion. "Sounds like the owner will get more then a generous amount from your business then. Can't imagine I'm good for your animosity." Ever so observing, given the current events it was easy to push anger on to someone else. And his family had a bullseye on their backs. "More drinks for you then. I don't need anyone to buy me a round." It wasn't animosity from him, just a safer route. Nothing that could be potentially owed.

[illusoryfury-deactivated2024041]

○

"that may be so, but any brave cowboy sees you, we'll probably watch history repeating itself." logan hinted at the last time he and liam interacted, but this time the cowboy's target would be a byrne instead of a walker. "thank heavens you're not like your brother, tirelessly plotting in the shadows to end our ancient blood feud with more drama than a prime-time soap opera." or so was logan led to believe the last time he interacted with declan. logan's face was a study in reluctant acceptance, a silent battleground where pride meets undeniable truth. his eyebrows knitted together, not quite in anger but in a sort of exasperated resignation. there's a stubbornness that clings to him like a second skin. even as evidence mounts that highlight the good nature of olivia's whatever, to admit out loud that he was wrong about liam would be a blow to his ego, a concession he was not ready to make, even in the face of overwhelming evidence. "does that apply everywhere?" logan wasn't stupid, with olivia considering liam and maeve family, she was bound to seek liam out, or maybe the other way around. and in logan's eyes, that's a welcome liam had overstayed for a very long time.

[liamxbyrne]

"I have spent most of my life fighting, I don't expect that to change anytime soon." Perhaps he didn't want any kind of unwanted attention on himself but Liam wasn't about to take defeat either. He wouldn't start a fight, but the man sure would finish one. Liam wasn't like Declan. They all had their own personalities but Declan had bigger shoes to fill. He was fortunate it just wasn't him, no matter how chaotic some of those choices had to be. "Let's face it this feud is never ending. Years and generations have shown it just continues to boil." Not with each side trying to come for the other. Ego is just a small three letter word, which can destroy a big twelve letter word called relationship. There would be no positive relationships between both families as a whole because of it. "If you're wanting to ask me something just go for it instead of being passive aggressive." Maybe it was being a brother himself in which Liam picked up on some of cues he felt like the other was resonating. Most likely it had to deal with Olivia he was for sure almost certain.

[televisiongifs]

The Bear (2022-present) Ceres (S01E06)

[healingxinxhell]

bethany could feel the tension within the town. the news about her father's passing spread like wildfire, waiting for what might come next, would more fuel be added. a mixture of emotions bombarded her, being tugged in one direction to catch the next flight out and another, needing to know the truth. there had always been tension between the two families for all she could remember and there was this part of her that wanted to believe the rumours and blame them all; then at the same time, she reminded herself that this wasn't home. all that was left was to help plan the funeral, listen to what the will said, and get out. her life was back in la. she left the bar, a few drinks consumed, continuing to neglect dealing with her emotions, that the voice pulled her attention in their direction, and there stood another bryne. "why would i want anything from you?" she scoffs.

[liamxbyrne]

Perhaps this bar wasn't neutral at all or someone was throwing him a curve ball given the Walker presence. Liam would make a note to himself to just grab a bottle at the liquor store so he would save himself any kind of awkward fueled encounters like this. "So, you have never said a general comment? I thought I was saving myself some trouble but most likely dug myself into another hole." Liam sighed shaking his head. He didn't want trouble to begin with. "But at least you know now that I come here so if you want to avoid this place like a plague can't say I would blame you." Of course buying into the whole rivalry even though it was a bit childish, the whole avoiding places where the opposing side should frequent. Nonetheless, it was his own version of a peace offering.

[gvnshy]

❝You really take me for the kind to ask something out of one of you,❞ Sawyer said, voice hard. As if she would do such a thing, even more now. ❝You look awfully sad for someone who shouldn't be grieving.❞ Of course, her brother had all these thoughts that Declan was behind it and by association, Liam. Truthfully, Sawyer didn't think the man was smart enough to pull something like this. Siobhan, probably, but Declan? He never had been one to impress her. She understood why Cooper needed to blame someone, a simple accident killing their father? Not when he had always been larger than life. It was tempting, really, to blame someone. Maybe tonight she would do that and pretend she believed Cooper. ❝Why aren't you celebrating with the rest of your family? They must be so happy.❞ Liam had never been the enemy but tonight, he could be.

[liamxbyrne]

"No, not really - I heard footsteps. Should have been more aware." It was too late to take back the comment, in this little interaction there was bound to be animosity. Feuds are never about hate, more about pain or so he believed. The generations feud just continued to take though. Endless amounts of pain but Liam also realized without that sort of hate, one might have to deal with the pain and some just could not bear that. He honestly remained neutral or tried to. But, there was no trying to get someone else to share that ideology. Definitely not to someone who was grieving. "Afraid that's just my new look. You know, the broody type." There was some sarcasm but he wasn't exactly a push over either. Liam didn't want to argue. He wanted calmness. "Celebrating what exactly? You're forgetting I am a part of the dead Father's club too." The man sighed then taking a long drag from the cigarette in his hand. Then finishing. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal so no if you're hoping I would be some sort of jackass and rub that in, you might want to try your luck elsewhere."

[remysterling]

Remy usually tried to maintain a little distance between himself and the rest of the cowboys when they weren't on the ranch or working; it helped him maintain authority if he wasn't generally buddy/buddy with them. Plus, the group hang wasn't his thing. He spent most of his time alone, and that was how he preferred it. He was shitty enough company with the too-near future weighing on his mind. For now, nothing was happening. But it was only a matter of time, and he had no idea what kind of action he'd be pressed into this time.

So he'd come for a beer and for thinking, but had barely finished it before his skin was crawling with the need to leave. It was just too crowded inside Last Call for his comfort.

That didn't mean he wanted to see Liam Byrne outside, but he wasn't exactly shocked. This town wasn't that big.

"Mostly just wanted air," Remy countered, leaning against the wall anyway. "Why is that place so full on a fuckin' Wednesday?"

[liamxbyrne]

"I get it, think its some unwritten rule of aging - patience with crowds seems to be diminishing by the second." Liam was biased but maybe there was some kind of agreement. Stranger things had happened. Though he probably would have just stayed silent if he knew who was in his presence. He wasn't trying to ruffle anyone's feathers, more like just keeping a low profile. But Liam sought after peace more then anything. However that didn't mean he was naive enough. He should be preparing for the worst. In the back of his mind, he already was. And had been his whole life. One had to be ready. "I don't think many people need a reason to drink these days." Anything to take the edge off he guessed. "I'm honestly surprised your first choice wouldn't be Wild Horses." That wasn't some slight dig or act of malice. Hell, he had no ill will of the bar in question due to the owner clearly. But, Liam understand their stances and what place would be better for the affiliation in question.