[conradmaddox]

--SOFT REBOOT--

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Charlie & Tristan

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tristanverdell:

I assure you, I am here because I respect you. I don’t mean to offend, and I’m sure you understand the necessity of assuring the friends I chose to have are worthwhile. 

Of course I know what you have to offer me, and I intend to be transparent. As with any partnership, I expect to gain from this venture. It’s one of the new money sensibilities you surely can find some common ground with. I like success, and I know you do too. It’s why we’re naturally inclined to either join forces, or ensure mutual destruction. I’m much more interested in the possibilities of the former, oui?

Oui... 

So, you want to be friends? What do you do with your chums, Tristan? I believe you mentioned pool before? Would you rather me list the rest of my terms here, or over a friendly game?

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Charlie & Tristan

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tristanverdell:

You realize it doesn’t matter to me at all if you take my help or not, right? I’m happy to keep fighting for Bri’s affections. I hardly think you could destroy me, Charlie. I’m ridiculously popular. I took down the principal. I’d like to see you try.

In all seriousness, and as amusing as it is, you didn’t come here for me to fuck with you. I get that. But I have to make sure you’re serious… And worth the help. You understand, right? What sort of friend would I be if I didn’t make sure your intellectual reflexes were as quick as mine? See, in the long run I’m good for you, Charlie. Cheers.

Alright. Cute... Pour me another. 

You’ve had your fun and run your little test, so now that that’s over with, my first term on our little agreement will be that there will be no more games between us. You understand, right? I expect you to be sharp and on your toes but I hardly think two gentlemen of our...classes...need to be flexing our wits in that specific way. As much as I enjoy verbal sparring and despite the fact that I don’t expect you to trust me, I won’t accept any more of these tests. It’s childish and wastes time, and insults me. You may be choosing to use this as proof to yourself that I’m your intellectual equal, but in doing so... you’re hardly convincing me of the same. Tread carefully. 

You may not need my help, but I know you want it. You know what I can offer you, and you’d hate to lose that opportunity. And you hate that I don’t like you. So change my opinion. You’ll be rewarded if you help me. Handsomely. And if you don’t...? I know you say you don’t think I can destroy you, but I can assure you, I would. Cheers.

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Charlie & Tristan

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tristanverdell:

If you want to leave loveless and alone that’s your problem. At the end of the day your old-ass money can’t keep you warm at night. Bri can. And I can help you get her.

So you have your own agenda. What is it? Because before it just seemed you were begging for my friendship and alliance, and that wasn’t as easy as you hoped. Trying to pretend this last minute power play was the plan all along is a rather pitiable masquerade. You can’t act old money if you’re new money, Tristan. Like I said, I don’t need your help in winning Brianna’s love. I was just willing to consider your alliance so you’d stop being such a pest.

But you know, now that I think about it, the way you’ve tried to fuck with me just doesn’t sit right with me. And now I have a new proposition for you: You help me, on my terms, or I’ll destroy you.

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Charlie & Tristan

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tristanverdell:

Oh I have a feeling we’re far from done here.

You’d like to think so. You new money types are so pathetic with your grovelling. First you’re obsequious and then you think you’re cunning with your reverse psychology and attempts at role reversal. Hardly. You forget: those who are from old money, those like me? We don’t have to try like you do. We revel in the spoils without the reaping.

Now, unless you want to kiss my Armani-clad ass for a taste of luxury, arrivederci. 

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Charlie & Tristan

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tristanverdell:

I can see you’re a bit thrown.

Don’t flatter yourself. I’m annoyed. I happen to be a busy man. Despite my poor opinion of you, I at least thought you’d have the sense to use a man of my status’s time for discussing business, not having a playdate. Disappointing, even for a petty fool like you. Then again, you’ve never had class, so pity on me for hoping to see a higher standard in my peers.

That’ll be all. Have your mommy call my mommy next time you want to play house.

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Charlie & Tristan

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tristanverdell:

I can. I guess the question is will I?

I’m not here to play games like little boys. It was you who extended the olive branch and asked for an alliance.

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Charlie & Tristan

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tristanverdell:

Please your lordship, while scotch is typically a bit too English  for my goûts, I know how to serve it. Any respectable man does, and any respectable Frenchman knows how to best  the English at their own game.

You are English, correct? There’s something about you that strikes me in a way that only ancient rivalry can. Though I could easily see something Italian about you. I think it’s the pants.

It is. They’re Armani. 

Enough pleasantries, Verdell. We’re here to discuss my terms. You say you can help me with Brianna?

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Charlie & Tristan

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tristanverdell:

God, what kind of neanderthal do you think I am? Of course I have respectable scotch. I have a 25 year old Highland Park that went for $360. But maybe Dewars would be more suitable to your tastes? I’m sure I can spare a glass.

Ah, so you’ve passed your first test. But I’m no fool, Tristan, and you’d do well to mind your manners. Dewars? You insult me. I’m not a vavasour. The Highland Park will do just fine... Certainly not the finest I’ve had but not too shabby. 

And make it neat. 

In a goblet.

...I know it’s unconventional but it’s more suitable to my tastes. I wouldn’t say I trust... but I hope you have the sense to have been keeping it at its most desirable and fortifiable temperature.

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averatrix:

I’m a high school senior, not small business counsel. 

And I was just an accomplished cellist, expert brooder, poetry aficionado and high school billionaire until I bought a small business. I’m ‘as old as the world now... This morning I was eighteen...’

... Alright, I have that important appointment to attend to. Adiós.

[muttering, with fervour, under his breath as he leaves: “’But I have a better secret than that in my heart. Let me go now. The night outside grows impatient...’”]

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Charlie & Tristan

Hello Tristan. I appreciate you having me over to discuss things, considering I don’t trust you in my home. Do you have any respectable scotch?

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averatrix:

I was gonna say Second Circle but now I can’t cos it’s a Hell thing.

I was leaning towards She Grinds in Beauty but come to think of it, Byron's first volume of poetry was entitled “Hours of Idleness”, which seems apt. I think I’ll go with that.

Thanks for your help. Not.

[an--existential--crisis-deactiv]

I can barely conceive of a type of beauty in which there is no Melancholy.

Charles Baudelaire. (via an–existential–crisis)

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Text: Charlie > Tristan

Charlie: Hello.

Charlie: I've considered your offer.

Charlie: You'll invite me over now to discuss the matter and my terms.

[philosophies-of-life-deactivate]

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[🌹]

I’ve exhausted my ideas... Sent expensive gifts, rented space for my throne, sat at said throne and brooded, watched, listened, learned... Wrote poetry, composed songs, bought a coffee establishment, made generous offers... And still, I am loveless. Still, I am empty.

Maybe there truly is... No other option...

This is not a forfeit. This is strategy. I will still be in control. I am merely bringing in other resources to use to my advantage, and therefore, through this civil masquerade, will manipulate and truly gain the upper hand, and win her love. Not to mention properly shield her from him.

Keep your enemies closest...

But will I sink to this depth? Associate with him? 

I would do anything for her...

Exitus acta probat.