lucas

head vs. heart lucas dubois. thirty-six. corporate lawyer. burlington native.

[melaniegilbert]

“Not that I was ever allergic to peanut, I just never liked it. This, though?” Skye pointed to the cashew in between the palms of her hands. “I’m drownin’ in this,’’ Admittedly, it was such a random comment but given the fact that she had just discovered them, with all of her thirty-six years of age, it was almost ridiculous. “What– want some?” She was in the middle of her shift at the bar but on a break, and while it was an unusually busy evening, she knew well how to enjoy the break time. Not that she was lazy – she just did not allow to be taken advantage of in any sense of that word. Granted, being 36 and living the way she did was not exactly an ideal goal in life, but she couldn’t complain. She really didn’t need much else out of life. @burlingtonstarters​

[lukcdubois]

Seconds would pass before Luke realized that the woman had spoken in his direction. Admittedly, preoccupation was just in his nature. He never could quite leave the weight of the office behind its doors, carrying it beyond the confines of the business. Letting it bleed into his personal life. Drain him dry until he could offer little else by way of conversation, certainly nothing more. He honestly should be more mindful of it, but most of the time he simply didn’t possess the energy needed to maintain relationships. Not with friends, family, or lovers. 

“Sorry?” brows would knit together, a union of confusion and repentance, before piecing together the context of the exchange. “Oh, no. Thanks,” he’d said, nodding toward the bowl of nuts before letting a heavy sigh escape parted lips, as though he were trying to expel remnants of the work day. “Never cared for them. Pistachios, though?” A nod of approval followed the words, and Luke felt oddly relaxed, sharing words over something as trivial as preferred nuts. “I could eat them all day.” The man tipped his glass back, emptying the last of his whiskey before waving to the bartender on duty. “How much longer you got on break? I’m buying if you’re drinking.” 

[westonxdubois]

@lukcdubois​

Weston found himself out on the back deck of his parents house, that was far too big for just the two of them still. In reality it was far too big when it was the five of them living there, but it wasn’t his to judge. Dinner had gone as it always had, Luke and Emmett talking about the family business with Dad, while everyone pretended like Weston wasn’t there. It was how it had been since he was  little kid. It bothered him then, but now as an adult, he preferred it that way. He stood looking out on the backyard that stretched as far as the eye could see, sipping on his dad’s 20 year scotch when he heard someone come out behind him. “Lucas.” He said to his oldest brother as he joined him on the deck.

[lukcdubois]

“Weston.” Where once Luke would have affectionately regarded his little brother as Wes, those days were long in the past. Years of contention brewing between the two, it was mostly Luke’s own fault. There was a layer of admiration somewhere there, buried deep, underneath the piling resentment and envy that had built up as the days passed them, and most of the time the eldest Dubois brother didn’t have it in him to fish out the remnants of the healthy relationship they’d once shared. “Mom was happy to see you tonight,” he’d say, attempting to break the awkward tension that was cast upon the two. “How lucky for us that you could take a break from playing hero.” Sarcasm coated the words, despite Luke’s active attempt to maintain a semblance of civility that evening. The irony that he’d traded more family dinners for nights at the office than could be counted was not lost on him, but it didn’t matter. 

[lukcdubois]

LOWELL, JULIET. —

With both her sisters occupied, the concept of spending the night at home alone in the deadly quiet of her living room loomed large, casting shadows on Juliet. In the hopes of avoiding such isolation she decided to do something she hadn’t in ages-take herself out to dinner. Perhaps it was silly. Technically she would still be eating alone, but at least there would be people on all sides, the hum of conversation seemed more welcome than silence. The restaurant would be warm in physical condition and in spirit, far less ghostly than solitude. In the hopes it might spark some additional excitement, Juliet raided her closet in search of pieces too formal for the office. She wasn’t much for parties, and as a result some of the finer things in her wardrobe sat unused for long periods. High heels on and hair coiffed exactly into place, the Lowell daughter set out into the night. A quick jaunt later, her cheeks were rosy from the cold as she swung open to the door to The Gryphon. For a moment she stood at the front, waiting to be ushered over to a table. Just as the hostess beckoned her forward with open arms, Juliet heard a voice that stopped her in her tracks. Murmuring a quick apology to the hostess, she strode over to where Lucas stood, like a moth to the flame. “Luke.” The more intimate formation of his name fell from her lips before she had a chance to consider the ramifications. “I’m alright. The business is….surviving. How are you?”

—

Tongue quickly darted his lower lip as gaze traveled to the hostess standing awkwardly between the pair now standing in middle of the walkway. Luke would offer her an easy smile and a nod. “I’ll join Ms. Lowell tonight. If,” eyes trailed to the woman he knew all too well. “she’ll have me, that is.” He was not entirely sure his company was welcome. Or, perhaps, if Juliet was meeting someone. His stomach twisted at the thought — the familiar thrum of jealousy he often felt when it came to the woman before him. A woman in which he had no right to feel anything over. Not anymore. Not after he pushed her away time and time again. How arrogant was he to assume that she would always be waiting around for him? The eldest Dubois to wise up, to stop being such a damned fool. A humorless chuckle escaped parted lips, his attention turning back to the other. “No pressure, Jules. Just thought we could catch up.” I’ve missed you. The words died on his tongue, not dared to be breathed into existence. “Like old times.” 

[taminoe]

JAMIE DORNAN Hugo Boss F/W (2011)

[lukcdubois]

AT THE GRYPHON with @juliet-lowell​

Push and pull. It wasn’t a concept unfamiliar to the man who spent most of his days pushing bargains, managing accounts. Making money. Push and pull. It was expected in business. He enjoyed the thrill of closing an account, securing a new client, negotiating, attempting to make his father proud. Even if at 37-years-old he wasn’t sure why he still chased the approval of a man who never so much as offered a pat on the back for a job well done. But, there he was. It was just past dark, the Burlington night air chilly but alive and Luke was wasting away at yet another client dinner. On Dubois Enterprises’ dime, of course, as he schmoozed and joked, his warm laughter filling the space. It was only after the meal had wrapped and he was about to leave that blonde tresses caught his eye, leading him to wave goodbye to his company before approaching. “Juliet,” he’d say, her name leaving his tongue as it had a million times before. Push and pull. He and Juliet were the epitome of the concept. But, that was lost on him as he stood before her, noting the warmth that colored her cheeks. Once upon a time he’d have sworn she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes upon. Sometimes he still felt like that. Sometimes he went to devastating lengths to steer clear of her. But, not tonight. “How’ve you been?” 

[lukcdubois]

Angels & Devils ➜ The Old Holmes House with @scarlettxmontgomery​

It had practically been ingrained as a child. Navigating a crowd. Smiling and making idle conversation, knowing exactly when to sprinkle in a dash of business talk. Luke Dubois was no stranger to the art of a deal. He was sure, however, that any deals made tonight would be with the devil, not the Dubois family. He took some comfort in knowing that he could simple try and enjoy himself, for once. Rounding the room, dark hues landed upon a familiar figure and an easy smile tugged its way onto the man’s face. “I hardly recognize you without the bar in front of you,” he’d comment, leaning forward to brush a quick kiss upon the woman’s cheek. “You look great, Scar.” 

[lukcdubois]

I swore I just saw [ JAMIE DORNAN ] though it has been a long time now hasn’t it? So maybe it was just [ LUCAS DUBOIS ], and everyone knows they’re [ THIRTY-SEVEN & CFO OF DUBOIS ENTERPRISES ] though they’ve been in town for [ HIS WHOLE LIFE ]. Funny how everyone seems to come home at some point, though dare we say we are excited to see them again.

Lucas Dubois often felt as if the weight of the Dubois family rested entirely on his shoulders. He was the first born and, in turn, expected to follow in his father’s footstep, although the man had often remarked he wished for all three Dubois children to study business. Lucas never diverted from the path, unwaveringly loyal to his family even if times when he really didn’t want to be. He studied business, just as his father had asked . Leaving home to attend Harvard University, Luke found a life outside of his family. Opportunities were never sparse, especially for an esteemed Dubois and he reveled in his own selfish desires. Of course, duty called and the eldest son, MBA in hand, went where he was told. This time taking a position within Dubois Enterprises.

He started at the bottom. His father insisted he knew the company inside and out, but promotions came quickly nevertheless. It seemed he was the first one in and the last one out of the office every day, spending hours working by a single lamplight in the corner office. Eventually, he was promoted to CFO of Dubois Enterprises. His commitment to his family and their business has definitely taken a toll on his practically non-existent personal life, and only now is resentment starting to rear its ugly head. For once, Luke Dubois doesn’t want to do exactly as he’s told.

[leto-atreiides]

Endless pics of Jamie: [8??]