All These Things That I've Done

♔ Oliver, 27, lawyer from Paris. Bien faire et laisser dire. ♔

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

I feel like attempting to cook something...

[oliver-avignon]

Come ooon, man, not true! I’m sure being a bartender gives you special perks with the ladies. Or at least with meeting new people!

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

Ah, soooooo true it’s not even funny! My ‘special perks with the ladies’ include pointing to the bathroom and escorting the rambunctiously drunk ones out the door. And because I’m essentially half-nocturnal, I don’t get a chance to meet local women. It’s a vicious cycle.

But yes, I do meet new people, and that’s nice. A chance to re-use old jokes and get new ones!

[oliver-avignon]

Well, hey, I know a few nice girls around here! I've got my eye on one in particular, so she's out of the picture, but I could try to hook you up with another good one! What are you looking for, if you don't mind my asking? Hitch is here to help.

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

I feel like attempting to cook something...

[oliver-avignon]

Oh man, I could swim in steaks. They complete me.. I am one with a nice, big, juicy filet. Okay, how about I cook the steaks and you cook the potatoes? Where are the women to cook and slave for us when we need them?

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

It’s a deal! And as to that, my only answer is: earning more money in a day than I do in a year, and also finding everyone but me worth dating.

[oliver-avignon]

Come ooon, man, not true! I'm sure being a bartender gives you special perks with the ladies. Or at least with meeting new people!

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

Today, I learned an exciting new fact.

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

Ah, non, non, not at all! And I wasn’t insinuating anything, je vous assure! It just… seemed like the appropriate thing to say at the time. In retrospect, I probably shouldn’t have.

I collect only the finest bad jokes, my friend. Lie, for example: Why couldn’t Dracula’s wife fall asleep?

[oliver-avignon]

Hey, don't worry about it man! I thought I might've given the wrong impression..It's all good.

Oh, very nice. Why - because.. vampires don't sleep?

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

I feel like attempting to cook something...

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

I don’t know… steak sounds awfully fraught with peril to me. Too easy to overcook or catch the grease on fire. Not that I speak from experience.

Mais a potato we could probably do, I agree! We just have to remember to poke holes in it first, so they don’t explode.

[oliver-avignon]

Oh man, I could swim in steaks. They complete me.. I am one with a nice, big, juicy filet. Okay, how about I cook the steaks and you cook the potatoes? Where are the women to cook and slave for us when we need them?

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

Today, I learned an exciting new fact.

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

Well, I’m flattered by your entertaining of the thought that I could be one. I think.

Eh, an interesting combination there… I feel like I have a joke for that. I probably have a joke for that, knowing me. But I can’t seem to bring one to mind… but I don’t blame you - from what I remember of Paris, it was an insanely busy place. Too many serious people, if you ask me.

[oliver-avignon]

Uhh.. I hope that didn't make me sound like a poof or anything. Nothing against gays - you know, live and let live, but I'm not into that, so don't worry!

Haha, yeah? Well if you think of one, let me know - I love jokes! Got any good ones?

[daviefavreau-blog]

lilac shrieks and scarlet bellowings {avignon et favreau}

[daviefavreau-blog]

Davie’s eyebrows raised in surprise and happiness. “A chef? Oh, how lovely.” He said. “I considered becoming one, but you know, it was more of a dream for me than a reality. Not because I couldn’t do it, but I like to move at my own pace and that’s a job that requires quite a lot of self-discipline. I’m not sure I have that kind of ability to move in that way, nor am I sure that I’d be able to tell others what to do.” He smiled nervously. “That was another thing I was terrible at. Am terrible at. I’m getting better. But with my patients, I never tell them to do anything. Release and growth must happen at their pace, not mine. We are worlds apart.”

He paused, following Oliver’s gaze to the lights above. “No matter how close two people are, there’s a great divide. No two souls are the same. We travel like the cosmos; in a circular fashion, crossing over and over, but never truly intersecting. So, we must respect the differences and distances. They are what allow us all to… Um… To grow. To become ourselves.” He smiled at Oliver, ducking his head as Oliver held the door for him.

“Thank you.” he said. He followed behind the other as they found a table. As he sat across from the other man, and noticed the little things about him, about them, about their intersections and seperations, he realised something; for the first time since his theatre days, he felt entirly at ease. He felt a warm glow all over him, like the spotlight of the aforementioned stage, and he straightened his back and folded his hands in his lap. He was here, he was happy, and he had wonderful friends. How lucky he was.

[oliver-avignon]

When Davie mentioned the responsibilities that came along with learning how to be a chef, Oliver's lower lip couldn't help but turn up in disgust as he furrowed his eyebrows. Such expressions were tell-tale signs of the more histrionic side to Oliver that he often denied having - a bit shy when it came to his love for theatrics. "Responsibilities? Such a word should be banned from the dictionary. Hell, that word is expelled from our vocabulary tonight, man", He said in a more imperative manner than declarative before slapping a hand down on Davie's thin shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "If I don't get something in my system soon, I won't be standing for much longer. Whether that be dinner, dessert or beer", he added. 

After listening to Davie's quick statement on such serious issues, he was slightly awestruck. How did he phrase his thoughts so perfectly, at such a rapid pace? The simple idea just about made Oliver green with envy - he had such an eloquent friend, a gift that came at such ease for the young man. He always got so tongue-tied with his words when it came to speaking his mind regarding such beautiful, deep topics. He wished he could speak his mind and actually be proud of what came out, without having to be careful. "Wow, Davie... You should really be a writer. You've got a great gift", he spoke in awe, struck by the pictures Davie painted in his mind. "You know... I can really see you as a chef, it's quite a social job for a sociable person such as yourself. Do you cook a lot?" The image of Davie in a big chef hat couldn't help but bring a grin to Oliver's face. Although flipping crepes and making creme brulee wasn't the young man's specialty, he thought about how fun it would be to create wonderfully delicious dishes that would blow his friends away.

Suddenly, a young female waitress, probably young enough to be a student, approached the table. She had her hair tied up into a loose bun, and was obviously exhausted from a long day’s work. On her face was a blunt, bored expression - made even more evident after she dropped the menus on the table with a lackluster smile. "Welcome, what can I get you two?" she asked in a thick Parisian accent, tapping a pen on a small pad that she yanked out of her apron. She cocked her seemingly heavy head to the side as Oliver dazzled the girl with his typical cheeky grin and sparkling eyes, sending shivers up her slumped spine. Of course, his intentions were pure - he was just a naturally very flirty and friendly man. "I'll have a water for now, Mademoiselle. How are you this evening?" he asked, looking up at the young girl. "Fine.. thank you", she said, beaming as she nervously tucked a lock of dark brown hair behind her ear, blushing a bit. "And what for you, Monsieur?" She asked as she glanced over to Davie,

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

I feel like attempting to cook something...

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

Bonsior à vous aussi! Oui, water is my speciality as well. But if all goes well, I can do ramen and warm up pre-made meals…

Normally it doesn’t go well, though. Which is why I need to buy a new fire extinguisher.

[oliver-avignon]

Maybe we should just peruse the shelves and freezers at the grocery store and see what we can come up with. Surely we could cook a steak and a potato? 

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

Today, I learned an exciting new fact.

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

Eh, non, not a stripper. Don’t have the right abs…

I’m a waiter at the pub downtown - mostly for tourists, but you do get the drunks and such when they get kicked out of the other bars. And what do you do?

[oliver-avignon]

Hah, well that's good news. I'm not going to lie - I was a bit worried as to what your reply would be. I didn't want to offend you if you were, you know? It's just hard to know what to expect these days!

I'm a lawyer - slash - farmer. Just working for my grandpapa and taking a break from the hectic Parisian life. I grew up there, so I should probably be used to it by now; although I'm from Passy, so we never got a whole lot of the annoying activity you find in the more commercial areas of Paris where my father's firm is; and also where I went to school.

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

I feel like attempting to cook something...

Does anyone have a fire extinguisher I could borrow?

[oliver-avignon]

Bonsior, Monseiur! I'm pretty horrible with cooking of any kind. Do you know how to cook? I can do water, and...ehh, water. 

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

Today, I learned an exciting new fact.

[francis-baudin-deactivated20130]

They’re all over the place, but normally it’s from about three in the afternoon to midnight, and longer if it’s tourist season. I love it, though - you get to make so many people laugh!

[oliver-avignon]

Now, what is it that you do? From the description of your hours - I'd guess bartender or waiter? Or stripper... But here's to hoping it's not that.

[stylesyonce]

[oliver-avignon]

Headcanon 3

Oliver's mother - a dancer - tried to get her son involved in a wide variety of artistic outlets as a child to support the interest; although the young boy picked sports over the arts at a very early age. However, he does have an appreciation for the arts; and is a naturally talented dancer, although he's never pursued anything serious in the profession. He's never even taken lessons, aside from the ones his mother gave him long ago. He also enjoys acting and singing, even if it is for his own amusement.

[enjolrasthechief]

[cniehauses]

[kieljamespatrick]

[oliver-avignon]

Something in the Way She Moves || Oliver, Melissa and Charlotte

[melissa-geppeto-blog]

Watching with awe, Melissa observed how the two adults were acting. They were stealing glances at each other, occasionally smiling, and trying to impress the other. She looked at Oliver and how he was trying too hard with Charlotte, resting his elbow so he could subtly show his biceps. Then she looked towards Charlotte, who tried to keep her focus on the teenager, but was quickly glancing to Oliver at times. Melissa quietly spoke to Oliver in a low tone, “M-Monsiuer, I don’t believe that you sh-should greet Madam Charlotte like that. It’s a g-good joke, I admit. B-but try something… je ne sais pas… n-nicer?”

Looking over to Charlotte, the teenager smiled brightly at the woman and started conversing with her. “B-bonjour, Mademoiselle,” Melissa greeted. “How are you t-today? I saw a-all the new pastries on display outside, they are s-so lovely.” Scanning through the store and the displays, the brunette tried to find something that she was sure she would like. Charmant pastries made her hungry and indecisive. It was like she wanted everything in the shop. “But m-may I have the plain old b-blueberry éclair please? A-and I’ll allow Monsieur here to d-decide for himself.” She smiled and turned to look at all the other pastries, allowing the two adults to talk.

[charlottecharmant-blog]

It was a great challenge for Charlotte to stay focused on her sales when Oliver was just a few inches away, sporting that endearing smile, which simply made her heart bubble inside her chest. Inconspicuously pressing a hand to her flustered face, she grinned softly at the charmer before her, scanning her brain for a reply. “Je suis très bein, merci,” the blonde fumbled for words while trying to tame her blushing cheekbones. Raising her eyebrows, she pressed a hand to her quivering lips as she chuckled quietly beneath her soft skin. His line took Charlotte completely by surprise and the only answer her mind gave her came out in a fit of giggles. “Non, non, I do believe it worked quite well the first time,” she fumbled, fully aware her reply made no sense. Her embarrassment didn’t stop her, though, from glancing every so often from his dashing face to his muscular arm resting against her counter top. “Oh, mon cher,” she mumbled to herself, blinking in and out of focus. Were her cupcakes burning, or did it just get incredibly hot?

Covertly fanning herself, the baker tried to avert her attention back to the mademoiselle, which proved to be quite the task indeed. “I’m doing quite well, merci beaucoup! Et toi? Oh, I’m very happy they appeased you, mademoiselle Melissa! Thank you again!” While the brunette gazed at the many pastries, Charlotte took the opportunity to let her eyes flicker back to Oliver. Her grin spread immediately, as did the beat of her heart. “It was very sweet of you to bring her to my shop, Ollie.” As she singsonged the words, her dainty hand found his arm and gently gave him a loving pat. Trying to ignore the sparks flaring beneath her fingertips. “Oui, ma chère! One blueberry éclair coming right up!” It didn’t take Charlotte long to locate and deliver the treat, for which she was very thankful. Oliver’s eyes were burning holes in her and she didn’t think she could take much more of being unable to return his stare.

[oliver-avignon]

Once he felt Charlotte's gentle touch grazing his arm, Oliver kept his eyes trained on her soft blue eyes. He wore an impossibly confident smile, even in the face of the younger girl's disapproving glances. He cocked his head to the side, listening to what he thought he heard Melissa advise him about saying something nicer. He caught Charlotte blushing, a light pink that danced across her cheeks until it spread entirely across her face. His body, as did his ego, seemed to deflate a bit before he let out a heavy sigh. “Don't worry Mel, I've got this," Oliver spoke with a smug tone to his deep voice, though something in it hadn't been as strong as he knew it should have been. Something in the smooth chords of his tone disclosed a certain doubt, maybe even a bit of pleading hopefulness. 

Oliver had always been an audacious flirt, charismatic and confident - somewhat cocky. He was in love with the idea of love - or rather, the art of seduction. He was entranced by the attention it brought him, and pleased by the happiness that spreading the love and affection seemed to bring others. Often was the young man one quip away from charming his way into another woman's heart, and something about that made his heart race. However, there was something different about Charlotte that made Oliver tone it down, maybe even made him consider abandoning the arrogance all together in exchange for some sincere conversation.

"You look lovely, mon cheri. I missed you," he spoke softer to the young lady standing before him, as it was now his and the younger girl's turn at the counter. He pulled out his leather wallet, counting the Euros and passing a bill to Charlotte, a bit of nervous trepidation coursing through the ends of his fingertips. "You look lovely as always, Charlotte. How are you today?" he asked as the edge of his mouth flicked up into a smile. Oliver couldn't help but do so as he looked over the girl's small frame, admiring her beauty. He turned his head to Melissa, who stood to his right. She seemed to be agreeing with what he was doing so far, encouraging him to pursue this relationship. When Charlotte wasn't looking, he nudged Melissa lightly, motioning a thumbs up with one hand and a thumbs down with the other - raising them up and down evenly in a seesaw motion as he raised an eyebrow. He was begging the question, subtly asking how he was doing without Charlotte being able to notice as he held his hands far below the counter. "Better?" he whispered softly.

[genevievealembert]

226.

[genevievealembert]

No, I’m completely kidding. Yes, I’m dead serious. Fixing you two up will bring some massive karma my way, now lets get down to business to defeat the huns.. or to win Char’s heart, and shush she deserves to be a little bit careful after the mess at my party.

So, what do you think of pulling out your prince charming moves? I’m thinking we should completely sweep her off her feet, and plan a secluded dinner for you two. 

First thing is location, do you know of any place isolated and magical? There’s Lavender fields by your farm right? We could set up a table, string up fairy lights and dress you in a hot tux.

I’ll invite her over to mine, for a girls night, make up some excuse and lead her to your meeting place. As soon as she spots you standing there with a rose and romantic dinner for two, her heart will be yours.

[oliver-avignon]

Dayyum, Gen, how'd you come up with an idea like this? You're a genius, kid - it's perfect! You really think she'll go for it?