there is a wait so long

i know the nervous walking / i know the dirty beard hangs / out by the box car waiting / take me away to nowhere plains  

[peytonclarke-s]

roseglvss·:

Thomas noticed her nerves but made no comment, figuring she must dislike the party scene even more than he did. Not that he disliked parties or dances all together, he just preferred to have a few more familiar faces around and a more important reason to celebrate. “Well that’s good and no worries, I pretty much speak on tangents all the time.” He chuckled, waving away her apologies. “I’m doing pretty well, actually.” Well enough given the circumstances, he added in his own head. “But dances like this aren’t really my idea of fun even though my sister loves to tell me how amazing they are.” He rolled his eyes at the notion, shaking his head. “What about you? What do you think of everything?”

If Thomas could tell that she was nervous, he didn't let on. Peyton was grateful for that; it gave her the necessary time to compose herself. "About this whole party--reception, whichever--I'm not so crazy about it myself," she said, laughing quietly. "I'd much rather be . . . well, somewhere with less people. A book. All that. As for the program--" Peyton bit the inside of her cheek thoughtfully, eventually shrugging nonchalantly. "It'd make for a good story, if we manage to outlive it." She smiled up at Thomas, still rather flustered that she was talking to him. "And you? How's this whole class been treating you?"

[peytonclarke-s]

whichwaylulu·:

lulu looked over at the woman with a soft expression and sighed. “it’s complicated and i’m making it more complicated then it should be.” she felt like she was making a mountain out of a molehill but she wasn’t able to process all her feelings yet. “i’m not sure if it it’s a secret more then me saying it out loud is harder then i’ll ever admit.”

While Peyton couldn't exactly make sense of what Lulu was saying, she could understand a gist of it--and she knew better than to prod. "That's fair," she responded, fiddling with the ring that the program had given her. "Well--if you'd prefer--we could talk about anything else to get your mind off of things." She paused. "I'm Peyton, by the way."

[peytonclarke-s]

whichwaylulu·:

lulu played with her hands and tried to smile but it was forced and empty. “overwhelming is one word for it.” she wasn’t overwhelmed by the class she was overwhelmed by her feels that were bubbling up inside of her. she nodded, “yeah, i’m find, really fine. it was just busy in there. and i–i needed to get away….that’s all….”

While Peyton usually considered herself capable of empathy, it was a little bit harder with people she didn't know. "If it's worth anything," she said softly. "I heard that ranting to complete strangers usually helps things. We don't have to act like we know each other on campus, and--your secrets will be safe with me." She smiled encouragingly.

[peytonclarke-s]

charliescott·:

“Hi, hi.” He closed the flask and put it away. “it’s that i’m not enjoying, I keep losing my partner. and with my partner i know this is going to be an uphill battle and ya know what, i needed something to at least get me through this night.” he offered her a charming smile. “but it’s only the beginning, hopefully we find some common ground again. have i taken over your spot?”

Her curiosity getting the best of her, Peyton found herself asking, " 'Uphill battle? ' How's that?" She realized, of course, that this entailed the start of a conversation--internally, she groaned for putting herself in this situation. "I take that the two of you don't see eye to eye a lot then," she said after he commented on hopefully finding common ground. "Most partners have the same fate. And, oh--it's. . . not my spot. Although if you'd prefer to be alone, I can take a hike."

[peytonclarke-s]

innocxntly·:

Allison understood why she wasn’t bringing Laurie up more than that sentence because if someone had brought up someone else to Allison the amount of times Allie brought up Laurie, she’d get annoyed. But he was just so frustrating to her and she had no one else to really vent to. Caroline would get it sometimes but Peyton was the one who got it the most. So when they moved on to talk about her thesis, Allison decided to just drop the Laurie conversation. “Hopefully.” Allison said and decided to hop up on the table to sit on it, deciding that Laurie would not be arriving in the next few minutes. “I’ll be your muse.” She teased and flipped her hair jokingly. “I think it would be a good idea. Surely a lot of made up outcomes as well as ones so real that they almost seem made up.” 

I'll be your muse, Allison offered, making Peyton chuckle. "I really should've learned a long time ago to stop turnin' people in to writing prompts, but I can't help it." The older girl said, sighing heavily for dramatic effect. "I'll end up writing you in to an enemies to lovers trope. Be careful what you let me do," Peyton warned with her eyes twinkling mischeviously. They'd just left the topic of Laurie, but Allison rarely ever moved on from one conversation to another, anyway. "Do you REALLY think that there's no shot of . . . friendship? Civility? Do you intend to be rivals forever?"

[peytonclarke-s]

charliescott·:

charlie lost ari. an uphill battle on day one and he kept rolling down and down. this was going to be difficult. letting out a sigh he walked around the event, until he sat outside away from people. sitting down he pulled out his flask from his jacket pocket and took a quick sip, he let the alcohol burn as and groaned unsure of what to do. they were friends once upon a time, and he almost wondered where it went wrong. but he realized their lives just moved in different directions. but he never understood the hate she had for him, mostly because he never had a dislike of her. he took another sip. he heard footsteps approach and he looked over, “hello?” he called out.

Peyton had been wandering the perimeters of the venue--hoping to find Harry, or anyone she knew--when she ended up finding Charlie. With her eyes still adjusting in the dark, she'd thought he was someone she knew; she realized a little too late that he was a stranger, though, and it was by the time he'd greeted her. "Hello," Peyton said back hesitantly, warily eyeing the flask in his hand. "I presume you're not enjoying the event so much?"

[peytonclarke-s]

innocxntly·:

“You’ve heard the name from me.” Allison pointed out. “And probably his older brother. His older brother is the one who is the president of the student body, the one who cheated on all those girls.” Allison pointed out. “But Laurie and I have hated each other since we were kids, so you’ve probably heard me talk about him from time and time again,” Allison said and rolled her eyes. The fact that she even had to bring him up in college was annoying. She had hoped that when they graduated, they could get far away from each other. She laughed at Peyton’s quickness to protect and she just shook her head. “You’re fine, I appreciate it but it’s something I’ve dealt with my entire life. It would take a book to write about the things he’s done to me so I’ll just say that’s he’s the worst.” Allison explained. “Oh well that’s…awkward.” Allison said and let her eyebrows knit together. “I’m sorry you have to go through with that but maybe it’ll be a good thing?” she asked. Allison was glad when they moved onto the thesis though, having something else to talk about. “Well, maybe you need to rethink it. Get a different muse?” she asked. 

When the realization hit Peyton, she couldn't help but let out a small giggle. "Oh, that Laurie," she said thoughtfully. Though Peyton loved Allie to death, the amount of time that hte younger girl had spent ranting about this--sworn enemy of hers--had pretty much blurred together in Peyton's mind. At one point, she just resolved that the two would end up as one of those enemies to lovers tropes. She knew better than to bring it up; Allie would deny it instantly, and she wasn't in the business of vexing her any further. Instead, she let Allie babble on a bit about her husband before realizing she'd mentioned her relationship with Harry. "Oh, no, I'm sure we'll be alright," Peyton said, the uncertainty in her voice betraying her words. "Really, it's just a matter of talking things out. And as for my thesis--" Peyton paused to think of Allie's advice. "The muse has always been my problem," she admitted. "Don't go telling anyone, but I've been trying to draw inspiration from Tie-the-Knot. The reactions are so dynamic, and the setting's quite unique. If I can spin the story right, it'd be one hell of a . . . fiction, inspired by true events."

[peytonclarke-s]

whichwaylulu·:

lulu felt overwhelmed. she excused herself from jameson and went outside to grab some fresh air. she was sat on the ground, knees up to her chest and trying to calm herself down. she was trying not to cry, she had no reason, she couldn’t describe the feelings bubbling up inside of her but they were there. she tried so hard to calm herself down, but their was always a lingering paranoia. she was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of a woman and lulu blinked away the tears and let out breath trying to hide what happened. “a conga line. glad i’m out here then. you’re fine. i was just taking breather, so i won’t be here for much longer.”

It never took Peyton rocket science to pick up on when somebody was upset, and this stranger was obviously going through something. Having been acknowledged, she knew that it was too late now to try and give her the space she possibly wanted. Peyton shuffled awkwardly. "I know this might all be overwhelming," she said slowly. "And I know you don't know me but--ah--are you okay?"

[peytonclarke-s]

innocxntly·:

Allison couldn’t help but laugh at the other. She was such a breath of fresh air compared to half the people in this school and things were always so easy and bright with her around. “I’m happy to see you too!” she said. Their families, both being insanely rich, had known each other for a long time and Allison had taken to Peyton the minute they met. They were completely different personalities but Peyton was like a sister to her and she just didn’t know if she could live without her. “School has been good, for the week or two I’ve been here,” Allie said with a grin. “I’ve been okay. This program is a mess and they paired me with that absolute demon Laurie Wilson, who is late by the way. That’s why I’m out here,” Allison said and rolled her eyes. “He’s the absolute worst and treats me terrible and it’s not fair at all but I’ll power through it,” Allison said. “What about you? How’s the program for you, how’s school, who’s your husband…I wanna hear it all.”

Peyton hung on to Allison every word, ever so enthusiastic to catch up with her. She'd never had any siblings of her own, and so she reveled in getting to be like one with Allison. Their families were quite please about it, actually, so Peyton often got to hang out with her in their down time--it just so happened that Peyton hadn't really gotten much ' down time ' since the whole program started. "Laurie Wilson." Peyton repeated thoughtfully. "I've heard the name, but I can't say I know him. Although I'm docking him points for being late," she joked. At Allison's description of Laurie, Peyton went on instant defense mode. "Treating you terribly? How so? You know I can't FIGHT for the life of me, but I'm ready to come at this kid," she said sternly. At the question of how she was doing, though, Peyton found herself shrugging a bit. "You remember when I told you about my first boyfriend, Harry? We're actually paired together," she divulged. "We haven't seen much of each other, though--not sure if he's around--but I suppose we're . . . well, we'll figure it out." Pause. "As for school, I'm still trying to get through my thesis. I'm always reminded that this novel's not going to write itself, but I can barely get past the first few chapters without wanting to rewrite."

[peytonclarke-s]

roseglvss·:

Seeing the mess the drunk was causing, he blamed no one, certainly not Peyton for wanting no part of it. He helped steady her as somebody else helped the drunk get outside, most likely to relieve their system of some of the alcohol in it. “No worries,” he assured her with a soft smile. “Are you okay?” He asked as he moved with her to a less crowded area of the room since it seemed like she disliked the noisiness all together. Not that he blamed her, if he was on his own crowds were a nightmare, but thankfully he been safely tucked into a group of his peers before the drunk barged in.

It didn't really register in Peyton who she'd bumped in to until Thomas started leading her to a quieter part of the venue. Instantly, she flushed red, a string of curses unfurling in her head. This was the boy who spent a lot of time in the library's science section. . . the last thing he checked out was something on biochemistry, which Peyton only knew because of how often she volunteered as a librarry assistant. For a moment, she wondered if he recognized her--it took her a minute to process that he was talking to her and oh my God, smiling at her. "Oh! No, I'm fine! I'm doing great!" she squeaked. Clearing her throat, she tried to adapt a much calmer tone. "I'm good, thank you! A-and you? I'm sorry for the sudden--for just--for bumping--ah, yikes. I'm babbling. I'm sorry for that too."

[peytonclarke-s]

cosmiiclux·:

the dance had landed on a rather clear night, one that typically would’ve found elliot in the planetarium for use of the telescope. as it was, all campus activity had come to a halt save for the ‘wedding reception,’ thus leading the young woman outside to simply stare at the stars. not quite the same, but it would suffice. eyes shifted towards the voice, finding the other’s face and offering up a smile. “company would be great,” she answered, patting the spot beside her.

Relief flooded Peyton at the stranger's kindness. "I hope I'm not bothering," she said shyly, taking a seat next to Elliot anyways. Peyton was supposed to introduce herself, but she found herself distracted by the brightness of the sky above. "The constellations look so nice tonight," she observed, speaking mostly to herself. "I'd imagine this is what Shakespeare was talking about whenever he'd reference the stars."

[peytonclarke-s]

innocxntly·:

Allison had decided to wait outside of the dance for Laurie, since he was running late and she was getting more and more annoyed by the second. But seeing Peyton come out and hearing her voice was a great solution. Somehow the girl always calmed her down and Allison wasn’t surprised they were meeting out here now. Peyton had never been one for huge events. She turned and grinned at the other, smiling as she leaned against the table. “From you? Always.” she said. “The reception too much for you?”

Once her eyes had sufficiently adjusted to the darkness, Peyton got to see better who the person across from her was. "Allie!" she said laughingly, instantly comforted at the sight of the blonde. She reached out to hug Allie briefly. "I'm so happy to see you here." Pulling away, Peyton went on to a full-on barrage of questions--she hadn't seen the younger girl in a while, after all, so this was a pleasant surprise. "How has school been? How have you been? Oh--and the program--how are you holding up? How's your husband--no, WHO'S your husband?" she paused to take her breath, smiling widely. "Sorry, sorry. You know how I can talk your ear off."

[peytonclarke-s]

Peyton wasn't too big on jewelry, but she quite liked rings. They stayed in place and they weren't too flashy--the rings for the Tie-the-Knot program fit the bill perfectly, she thought as she fiddled with the one given to her as a ' wedding gift. ' She'd stepped out of the venue to take a breather, wandering over to a quiet corner; she'd hoped to find a moment alone, only to find someone already hanging around the spot she'd been eyeing. "Oh, hello," she greeted awkwardly, not wanting to be rude. "Would you mind some company? They've started this conga line inside, and I'm not quite sure that I want to be part of it . . ."

[peytonclarke-s]

roseglvss·:

     Thomas was talking to a group of STEM majors, they were all talking about a big mutual chemistry project that was due at the end of month. Not a typical conversation topic for a dance but not many of them actually cared to be there. He loved social events since he rarely got to participate in many before college but he still preferred events that had more practical purposes behind them. He and everyone else knew this dance was just a bandage for the disgruntled students.

“The TA for Dr. Hills actually told me that he wants to see—” The conversation was suddenly interrupted by a very inebriated student stumbling into the middle of their group, spouting words that probably only made sense in their own drunken mind. “Wow, you okay?”

It was partly Peyton's fault, to not be looking where she was going. She figured she'd kill time until it was socially acceptable enough to leave the reception--as if she wasn't already the one who left all parties earliest--and so she was trying ( and failing ) to read an e-book on her phone. It was a mammoth task, with the blaring music and the students constantly jostling her back and forth, but she was doing pretty well at tuning everyone out until someone slammed in to her back, throwing her in to a complete stranger.

"Hi!" she squeaked, instantly hating herself for how unnecessarily high-pitched her voice was. Clearing her throat, Peyton tried to straighten herself up, only to have the intoxicated student shove past her again. "Christ," she cursed under her breath, side-stepping to avoid the drunk from completely barelling in to her. It took her a moment to realize how she'd practically pressed herself against Thomas for protection; pulling herself of him, Peyton's face flushed at the terrible first impression she wasa making of herself. "Sorry," she said quietly. "I'm not a . . . big fan of drunk people."

[peytonclarke-s]

"Oh--were we supposed to wear a dress? They said formal wear, right? I didn't want to think too hard about it. . . I'd personally be at home studying, really, but I suppose a reception would be a nice change of pace. I haven't seen my partner Harry in a while--though everyone is supposed to be here, aren't they? ( God, what a nightmare. . . ) Oh, nothing. I didn't say anything. I'll just see how the night turns out."

[peytonclarke-s]

carolinv·:

earbuds placed perfectly in her ear, caroline sat in a little field in the middle of campus, surrounded by wild flowers and her art supplies, using this little spot to sketch in her sketchbook. she had been there for awhile, ignoring the people around her until eventually, one person caught her attention, finally removing one of her earphones and looking up in the directions. “can i, uh, help with anything?” she said softly, a soft smile left on her lips.

Peyton had mostly been minding her own business, but the girl sitting a few paces away from her seemed so serene. While Peyton was constantly stuck when looking for inspiration, this stranger didn't seem to have an issue with it; Peyton didn't realize how often she might have been staring until she was spoken to. "Oh, uh, hi! I'm so sorry," she stammered, flustered at the prospect of being CAUGHT. "It's just. . . You seem to have no issue with creating. Which is really. . . rare. For creatives. Oh my God, I'm so sorry for staring--and babbling--"

[peytonclarke-s]

practcritus·:

harry was determined that this year, the tabletop society was going to take off. they had a few regular players (fewer, now a few had graduated) and he’d taken over the reins of recruitment and organisation, which was why he was standing in the middle of the courtyard with a bunch of self-made flyers in his hands, still warm from printing. it wasn’t the most popular pastime, he knew, but he was certain he could turn on the charm and if he could just get a couple of new players, the year could run smoothly. two or three games running, people organised based on their circumstances… yeah. harry had this. he heard the footsteps before he saw the person and slapped on his friendliest smile. 

“hi there,” he greeted, turning, flyer held out for the person to take.

Peyton was late. She was late a lot these days, actually--she'd grown a lot more lax, being a senior, but she still felt pretty bad for her lack of punctuality. She was half-jogging, prepared to weave past the people with their promotional costumes and posters--when HARRY turned to face her, flyer in hand. Instinctively, she stopped dead in her tracks. It had been a while since she'd seen him. ( He looked good. Happy. ) "I--well--hello," she stammered, reaching out hesitantly for his flyer. It was for a tabletop society. . . of course Harry would be in one. In an effort to be polite, Peyton asked, "Well, Harry. . . pitch this to me, won't you?"