take the west train, just by the side of amsterdam

paul de vries: a dutch man with a knack for sketching and burying problems as far beneath the surface as they can go.

[paul-devries-blog]

WILL YOU BE MY COMFORT? / @sasharuvelle

When Sasha was not answering any of his texts or phone calls, Paul understandably began to grow concerned for his best friend. It was funny, the way he worried about others like a mother, but perhaps that was something his mother had simply instilled in him before her passing. A lot of his traits were thanks to her upbringing, especially the protectiveness and concern over others’ well-being. So he texted Freya to let her know he’d be out of his place and going over to his friend’s before heading out the door.

He rapped quickly on the front door upon arriving at Sasha’s house, waiting. He couldn’t hear anything from inside which made him a little anxious –– surely she was home, wasn’t she? It took a good moment, but eventually the door swung open. Immediately, Paul blurted, “Do you realize how worried sick I’ve been trying to get a hold of you, Sash?”

[mouseremote147863456]

[paul-devries-blog]

@freyamead

[paul-devries-blog]

freyamead‌:

“That sounds like my idea of a great night actually,” she admitted, smiling up at him. She didn’t think twice of taking her clothes off in front of him, that was how comfortable she was around him. “Is that what you’re telling yourself? You do realize I showered last night before going to bed, right?” She hadn’t needed another one so soon, but there she was, standing under the water with him. There were no doubts in her mind that they were about to make up for everything they weren’t able to do in her shitty apartment–at least until his expression turned serious all of a sudden. He wouldn’t have asked her to step in the shower with him to break up with her, was he? “What’s wrong?” She asked him, dreading the answer. It turned out to be the literal opposite of what she feared. “Move in with you? Are you sure that’s something you want? I wouldn’t take over your closet, but I will take over your kitchen.”

“Yeah, well, you can never be too clean, can you?” he vouched, still amused. “But I’m sure, yes. It’s not like we spend much time apart anyway at this point, and like you said, my shower is pretty nice.” He nudged her lightly as if to persuade her with the sheer design of his home. “Okay, we’ll have compromise on the kitchen, you know I love my cooking. But seriously, think about it, please? There’s no rush to make a choice so soon but ... I just think it’s the right move.” 

Having Freya over was always so comfortable and FRANKLY, he felt as if he’d slipped back into married life whenever she was over. The house felt so empty when it was just him and he was tired of that. “Anyway, that’s all that was on my mind, I just thought I’d put it out there.” In all honesty, Paul would probably be devastated if she said no. Understanding, of course, but disappointed nonetheless. He didn’t want to be thinking the relationship was going in one direction while Freya was thinking something entirely different.

[paul-devries-blog]

xvxlet‌:

Exercise was relaxing for Violet. It made her heart pick up but her mind calm down. Hopping off from the chin up bar, she picked up her water bottle. It was on her way to the floor that hse felt a pair of eyes on her. Frowning, she stopped and spun around. Her eyes landed on a male in the process of doing his own work out. “Um, are you alright there?”

Paul snapped out of it immediately, shaking his head. “So sorry, I just thought I recognized you.” He took another moment to analyze her, something beginning to CLICK. “Maybe not personally –– I think I’ve seen you on the television, maybe. On the news?” Something about her was definitely familiar.

[paul-devries-blog]

freyamead‌:

“So did you because of me. You’re a pretty good sport, you know, I don’t know a lot of people that would stay up for hours just to give me feedback on my cupcake sketches,” she said with a grateful smile before sliding her underwear down her legs. She was damn lucky to have him and she knew that. Things just came naturally with him. It was familiar  “Well, I am in need of a shower.” Freya pulled her shirt over her head, dropping it with the pile of clothes already on the floor. “Have I ever told you how conveniently huge I think your shower is? Because I don’t think we could both fit in my tiny shower,” she pointed out, quickly hoping inside and under the warm water. 

“Don’t worry, one of these nights I’ll just keep you up with some of my own sketches so we’ll be even,” Paul teased, watching her undress with a somewhat forced nonchalance. It wasn’t that he was SHY about being naked, or seeing someone else naked –– but it was hard not displaying the ridiculous amount of attraction he held for her body ever since the first time they’d slept together. So he toned it down as best he could, to avoid making things awkward when really they weren’t at all ... he was just completely enamored. “Hey, we’re helping the Earth by taking a shower together, right? And yes, yes you have –– but that’s okay, whatever we can’t do with your tiny shower, we can always make up for in mine.” He grinned at her, reaching for the soap to start running it along her arms, leaving behind white suds. However, his brow crinkled as he braced himself for bringing up what had been on his mind before. “Actually, that’s just the thing,” he began, meeting her gaze. “You don’t need to be stuck with a tiny shower anymore. I was wondering, well ... what if you moved in with me?”

[paul-devries-blog]

freyamead:

It wasn’t unusual for Freya to wake up to an empty bed, she knew Paul liked his morning runs almost as much as she hated going on them. By the time she woke up, he was either in the kitchen getting ready for his day or in the shower. The latter was always a nice surprise and it seemed like today would be one of those days. She forced herself out of bed when she heard the water running, dragging her feet to the bathroom and quietly opening the door to let herself in. Her lips curled up into an appreciative smirk as she scanned his body through the glass, only clearing her throat when she got a good look at him. “Enjoyed your run?” She asked, walking to lean against the wall next to the shower door. “I don’t know how you do it, I could barely get out of bed.” 

Paul’s eyes opened when he heard the soft tones of Freya’s voice in the bathroom, and he slicked his wet hair back. “I did,” he replied with a smirk tugging at his lips upon seeing the way her eyes raked his body through the glass. “It’s become a habit I can’t quit. You had a late night, though, you needed the rest.” She’d been up working on designs for an event she was catering coming up and Paul had been up as well to give his opinion when needed. “Will you going to be joining me in here?” He watched her with a suggestive gaze, though he did intend to bring up something to her so he figured now was as good a time as any for them to talk ... and of course, after that was done he wouldn’t be opposed to doing a few things that required a little less talking.

[paul-devries-blog]

Paul generally didn’t pay much attention to his surroundings while working out –– he entered his own solemn zone and focused on his body and how it was feeling. But in the middle of his rep he couldn’t help but do a double take at a passing face, STARING as he waited to see if he could make out the person and put a name to the almost viewable face.

[paul-devries-blog]

text ; marilyn

Marilyn: wow!!! that's great Paul! just make sure that i'm the one planning the big day 😉

Marilyn: you keep saying that, but have you even tried to let someone in publishing have a look at them? i can help with that. i know someone who knows someone.

Paul: You know I wouldn't have anyone else

Paul: Well ... no. Not yet.

Paul: Do you really think I should try that?

[paul-devries-blog]

@freyamead

Paul had quietly slipped out of bed that morning and left Freya sleeping soundly to go on a jog to wake his body up and give him alone time to simply meditate on different things on his mind. The jog itself had been exhilarating and the morning air in London was actually somewhat cool and refreshing. But during his route he found himself mainly thinking about the brunette he’d left in his bed and their current relationship. They had been dating for a few weeks now and things were going great. FANTASTIC, actually –– they got along better than Paul had even initially thought before they were really serious and not once had he thought back on his past failed relationships. Though the relationship had been sudden, neither could have perhaps expected the level of attraction that had grown between them so quickly. Paul almost felt as if they’d been together for months, years even, that was how much they’d connected. One thing in particular on his mind was their living situations though, and he continued to ponder that concept even as he undressed and stepped into the steaming hot shower he’d started for himself. 

[paul-devries-blog]

eloise-royce:

“What do you mean? See–it’s because I’m too stuffy. I think that this could be the year that could all change! I mean, I just care so much about rules, and procedures and work and…I feel like I’m not really getting the whole joie de vivre or whatever the french say.” She sighed lightly, shaking her head. Elle, somewhere in the back of her alcohol clouded mind, could sense his apprehension. she also knew that none of this was like her and she had never been the kind of girl to get piss drunk for any reason. but she didn’t feel any other option at this point. part of her wanted, desperately, to get back into the bar and do another 5 shots. But Paul was her friend, and he seemed worried–and a cup of tea did sound nice. “Home is boring, Paul. Home is where boring 31 year olds with no life sit for days, only watching reruns of The Office and eating cookie dough.” Not that she spoke from experience, but maybe she had been doing that for the last few weeks. 

“Well, to be fair, isn’t your job all about rules and procedures? They’re what keep you alive in what you do, so maybe they’re at least a little important. It is possible to enjoy life without putting yourself in danger, Elle.” This impulsive, reckless attitude could cause a lot more trouble than he thought Elle was realizing –– after all, she’d recently been shot, what was next? The thought of her ending up dead TERRIFIED Paul. “Honestly, I thought you might be doing that tonight rather than getting this inebriated.” He grinned, hoping slipping back into their usual banter would keep her distracted and get her to follow along. “We don’t have to watch The Office if that’s what boring people watch then –– you can pick another programme to watch while having your tea. How about that?” A hand on her back, he began guiding her along the pavement towards his place. 

[paul-devries-blog]

DOING THE RIGHT THING / @traintobequeen

It had been a very late night in the office –– Paul could have easily brought work home with him hours ago, but knew he wouldn’t have gotten anything accomplished at his house when sketches of stories tempted him on his desk. The streets were fairly quite around this time and it was eerily EMPTY –– as a pretty fit male, Paul rarely worried much about anything happening, though he remained alert always because you never know what might occur. 

As he casually strolled along, he was certain he began to hear voices –– two, maybe. A woman’s voice certainly stood out with it’s bell-like tones, and there was a male’s. As he neared what seemed to be an alley that lead behind some establishments, he heard the voices louder. Frowning, he paused near the alley’s entrance, wondering if he was hearing distress in the female’s voice. Looking around and seeing no one, the Dutch man set his bag down at the corner, walking further into the damp alleyway. 

His senses heightened and he became hyper aware that something was happening, something not right –– he picked up speed until he saw two figures close to a wall. It seemed as if someone was being CORNERED, and the nearer he got he saw it was the woman he’d heard being harassed by a shadowy figure. “Hey!” Paul shouted with more bravery than he might have actually felt, running at the male perhaps impulsively ( what if he had a weapon ? ) “Get away from her!”

[flawlessgentlemen]

Michiel Huisman photographed by Petrovsky & Ramone for L'Officiel Hommes NL (2014)

[paul-devries-blog]

eloise-royce:

“Oh–Paul!” She grinned and clapped gleefully. Paul was a good friend–she enjoyed her conversations with him and he always had such a content way about him. She sensed the concern in his voice though, and Elle waved her hand. “Seem like myself? Of course I’m myself–this is me. Wild, and carefree and just…me! I think I’ve been too uptight my life, maybe I should just learn to relax a little, y’know? I’m 31 now–I’m old. Maybe I won’t be able to do this much longer.”

Now Paul was even more alarmed –– there was nothing wrong with having fun here and there and Elle wasn’t a prude either, but he sensed more RECKLESSNESS than ever in this moment. He had a feeling it was a result of something, but what that was, he wasn’t sure yet. “No, Elle, I don’t think it is. And thirty-one is hardly old, don’t even think that. Come on now.” He smiled, but it was a little apprehensive as he contemplated how to solve this situation without offending her and driving her off. “Well, since I’ve run into you, why don’t I walk you home? I’ll whip up a cup of tea just how you like it and you can get cozy.” He was also worried about her overexerting herself since her injury was no longer new but not completely healed either.

[paul-devries-blog]

eloise-royce:

Birthdays used to be fun; presents, cake, candy, friends–they were all a child looked forward too. Getting older meant new freedom: cars, voting, rated r movies, drinking–but as Eloise stumbled down the street, all she could think about was how much longer until this goddamn day was over. In all reality, her birthday wasn’t terrible and turning 31 wasn’t like turning 50. In the last month, she had found she had a birth mom, then found out she died, she also left behind a son who happened to be her half brother, she had landed in the hospital and found out she couldn’t have a biological family. The normally responsible and careful Eloise Royce had snapped, leaving her with wild and reckless Elle–drinking and bar hoping to forget all of lifes woes. As she twirled around the street, she found herself bumping into someone. “Oops! I’m so sorry–my bad!” She hiccuped, smiling. 

“Woah, woah there!” Paul caught the blonde by her upper arms to steady her, definitely surprised to find her like this. The Eloise he was used to never got drunk like this –– she didn’t end up wandering around and TWIRLING into people on the streets anyhow. Something was clearly not right, and he was determined to find out what that was because that was what friends did. “I know birthdays call for a little more alcohol but Elle –– you don’t uh, exactly seem like yourself.”

[paul-devries-blog]

mcralcode:

“Hello, dear,” Elizabeth began, announcing her presence to the other person with a smile and a chaste kiss on their cheek. She looped her arm around theirs, continuing on in the direction they had been heading. Eyes both apologetic and asking for support, Beth dared a glance towards a man some feet away. He had slowed down in his tracks now that the two were involved. A hint as to why she had suddenly become this individual’s false partner. “I didn’t realize you’d be here?”

To say Paul was caught off guard was a bit of an understatement–– his eyebrows SHOT up in surprise at the unexpected physical affection and greeting. Did he have a doppelganger walking around London that this woman seemingly knew? But then he began to read the signs and REALIZED he needed to step up to help this woman from the creep eyeing her across the road. “Ah, you caught me, I was just on the way to buy you some chocolates. You know, your favourites. It was meant to be a surprise.” He offered a smile, holding her arm closely, displaying affection for the other male to see.

[paul-devries-blog]

text ; marilyn

Marilyn: gosh, i know that was tough for you. take your time, there's no need to rush to the altar yet!

Marilyn: there you go, that's a much better attitude.

Marilyn: have you been sketching any new side projects? you should really think about publishing some of that stuff

Paul: I honestly feel like I could marry this woman right now that's how amazing she is but I'm pacing myself ha

Paul: I have been. I don't know though...

Paul: I'm not sure if it's the right time. I should perfect my drafts more. They're hardly good enough to be published yet.

[paul-devries-blog]

text ⇢ open

Kate: I'm dumb. I'm the dumbest of the dumb.

Kate: I went to the beach yesterday hoping for some time to chill and I only put sunscreen on once.

Kate: No amount of aloe is going to heal this full body burn.

Paul: I can feel your pain through the phone.

Paul: Now you've learned your lesson though. Reapply every two hours from here on out to avoid becoming a full on lobster.