UPPER ECHELON.

most people are other people. their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.

[theoblum-blog]

emilymartinelli:

“The first Emily? Now that is a first.” She mused, intending to stay rather neutral, but the delight was far too evident in her eyes as he played along with her game. It was clear in the minutes that were burning between them that he was already better company than whoever Kennedy had set her up with; she didn’t even know him but was confident enough to make that assumption – that Theo, whoever he may be at the end of the night, was a gift in the rather dragging day she’d had. The honest conversation was almost as refreshing as the white wine she drank, barely letting the glass leave her lips before taking another sip whilst conversation flowed.

Finally taking a break from her drink, Emily shifted in her seat, leaning back more comfortably; nothing like a queen in her throne but more like an enigmatic and alluring criminal, as if she was getting ready to profile Theo by look alone. “Maybe he didn’t – and that would probably be better because there’s zero expectations for a reschedule. He wouldn’t be able to recover from this or even attempt to improve.” Emily quipped, one shoulder shrugging gently before continuing after his probe. “Yes, I can get the tab at the end of the night, don’t worry. Order whatever you want.” Cheekiness glinted in her hues then as ivories flashed with a quick smile, recovered elegantly as she continued; this was the Emily Martinelli that had been prepped for publicity at a young age, ready to conquer the business world – rather than be a trainwreck of grief, which was the Emily most saw.  

“No, she didn’t say much, besides the fact that he had money and good taste in alcohol. I filled in the gaps myself by assuming he sits behind a desk and tells people what to do; he thinks he has all of these genius ideas but he’s replaceable and his arrogance will be his downfall, almost like the tale of Icarus. I was psychologically preparing myself for conversation where I’d have to just smile and nod while he talked about all of his accomplishments, which was probably not a very long list…” Emily trailed off, realising the snap of bitterness that had influenced her response. “Not sure how much money I’m hypothetically putting on that, but… you never know.”

As he sat back in his seat, glass resting on the table once again, Theo lifted his now freed hand to rub at the stubble along his chin. The side of his index finger pressed against his bottom lip just as his eyebrows perked, doing his best to restrain the amused smile that was threatening to stretch across his lips while he listened to Emily. It was a difficult task to accomplish, but he did fairly well as he chose to ask, “Not a fan of giving second chances?” His head tipped, tempted to play the devil’s advocate, but whoever this Mark was, Theo didn’t think that he necessarily wanted to waste his time vouching for the guy. He was just as content to keep the free drinks flowing and continue to play along with his newfound companion, using the brunette as the perfect excuse to continue to ignore work.

“Money’s good,” he cut-in, tossing in his two cents before she continued to share what little she knew about her blind date. Money was a necessity as far as Theo was concerned, but it didn’t seem like any amount of rich taste could’ve made this date work for the other -- whether or not Mark had shown up at all. She had many oddly detailed assumptions about the man who wasn’t there, but even so, Theo could relate when it came to nodding along with mind-numbingly boring dates. He’d long since lost count of how many duds he’d been matched up with, either by family or friends. “So, you think he would’ve been less a self-made man and more just dropped into a lucky position, all thanks to privilege?” He reached for his wine glass again, a single shoulder lifting along with the movement. “What about you?” Theo asked, abruptly taking the conversation in a different direction. His gaze lifted, glancing back towards Emily as he took a nursing sip of wine. “I’m guessing that you don’t sit behind a desk all day, so... What do you do that made you so late tonight?”

[theoblum-blog]

jongillum:

“I didn’t realize the women you date and don’t date are all neatly grouped into categories in your head,” he pointed out, a silent tease perched over the curve of his lips. “Well, when you say it like that, I suppose it does sound… unpleasant.” He glanced at the number again. “I just don’t know how to let her down gently, alright? Not that it would be that big of a loss on her part. Honestly, you’re sitting right there, I don’t know why she didn’t just give you this.” He waved the napkin in his hand.

His shoulders lifted before he answered in a tone that spoke volumes to how obvious he thought it was, “It makes life easier to stay organized.” It was probably awful in its own way, but there were plenty of women that Theo was willing to write-off at first glance. Still, he reflected Jon’s curling smile while listening to him continue. “To be honest, I interrupted her the last three times she tried to make small talk, so I don’t think I was ever in the running for getting her number.” With a shake of his head, he pointed at the neatly scribbled on napkin again. “Just use it. Pretend you didn’t notice the digits, wipe your mouth, and leave it on your plate. Then you can at least postpone dealing with Josie until your next visit.”

[theoblum-blog]

taylorwilkinson:

She simply nodded. Sure, it could have been more of an exciting reason but it was valid enough. They both had fairly simple reasons and why should they not? “Oh, I know what it means. People do that here, though? I haven’t seen much proof of that so far but I am new and my social skills have been lacking, I must admit.” She’d made quite a few friends but none that had glommed onto her. Taylor laughed at his admittance to not knowing the knowledge and power of her fellow Taylor. “You know about Starbucks lovers but not Bad Blood? Come on, man!” Leaning forward as if it was a huge secret, she covered the side of her mouth. “Her and Katy Perry were really on the outs, okay. Major drama. Mega drama. There was bad blood, Theo. If anything, watch the music video. That shit is a feature film in itself.”

“I think they do.” He shrugged, hating to admit that despite having lived in Lanford since July, he hadn’t found too many reliable friends. Maybe Theo’s social skills were lacking as well, but that wouldn’t be much of a surprise in his case -- effort put into more than smalltalk had always felt like a mild annoyance for him. “People in small towns seem to act a little more like barnacles than anyone in the city,” he tagged on with a lax smile, trying to shake his own aloof behavior as he actively thought about it. Theo’s smile broke into a more genuine look when he chuckled at the other’s offense, shaking his head. “What can I say? I’m not good with pop culture.” He shrugged, but stayed put, waiting to hear what secret info Taylor had to share on the other Taylor. Which was... suddenly much more in-depth than he could’ve expected. He snorted, resisting the urge to roll his eyes as he asked, “They’ve got beef, huh? Maybe I’ll check it out. I won’t understand a single reference, but if you say the video is good... I’m blaming you if it’s not.”

[theoblum-blog]

hollyxberne:

“Kind of,” came Holly’s response. “Little tips for every day life really. So yeah, I suppose you’re right. How to survive living in Lanford, I might add that in, especially as I had to work on that one.” She laughed, it was certainly something she knew a lot about after moving to the town eleven years ago. “I figured. I probably shouldn’t make a habit of just spouting my thoughts at strangers. Sorry about that,” she chuckled very lightly.

“Didn’t we all?” He echoed in return, letting his own laugh intermingle with hers as he cracked a wider smile. Theo shook his head before suggesting, “Even just one singular chapter on how to live in Lanford would probably help everybody out. I can’t think of anyone who couldn’t use the advice right about now.” He’d have reached a year of living Lanford in the upcoming summer, but Theo still felt at a loss of how to spend his free time more often than not. He shrugged. “It’s alright. It was a harmless question after, and besides, when you verbalize a thought, it’s easier to remember later on, too.”

[theoblum-blog]

taylorwilkinson:

“Why move away then?” She questioned. Taylor never saw the point in moving only a little further away unless money was tight. That was the only reason she could ever think of. Perhaps, she was always a little airheaded when it came to these sorts of topics. “Glom?” She furrowed brows, not able to help the laugh that came from her lips. “Eh, nothing a little Taylor Swift can’t fix.” Hoping he’d get the joke, she giggled. He had a point, though. However, she didn’t concern herself much with enemies. Her personality didn’t clash with most, she typically got along with just about everyone.

Why he’d moved from Manhattan was too long of a story, so he fell into the natural lie that he’d been using since he first started looking at real estate in Lanford: “A new job.” Theo paused and then amended, “Well, more like a job offer with a transfer, I guess, since I’m still in the same field of work.” He shrugged, another moment passing before his brows raised. “Yeah, glom. Like, attach to, you know? -- But now I think I might be a little clueless, because I don’t know a thing about Taylor Swift.” The joke had definitely missed, but Theo still managed a placating smile as he shook his head. Eyebrows furrowing slightly he asked, “I’m guessing a song reference? I’ve only really heard that one everyone confused for having a line about Starbucks in it.

[theoblum-blog]

charliecowen:

“Nah, it just helps,” he said, finding some humor in the other man’s bluntness. He had also been known to be quite blunt with people, usually not sparing for colorful language or useless talk. Of course, when he had to, he was able to turn it on quite easily. But he also had his very short time in art school to thank for that. “Definitely the full experience. He’s always the last one to leave the fuckin’ openings. Weird that you know him, you don’t seem like that type.” He looked at the gallery inside when Theo did, once again dreading taking a step in. A part of him wondered how long he would keep the job, already considering quitting after the end of his fourth month there. He looked back at him when he mentioned going back inside, “Great. See you in there. Catch me with my manager trying to mooch some money off of your friend.” He winked before turning around and making a beeline through the crowd to his manager.

“First to arrive and the last to leave,” he echoed with a knowing nod, having already felt like he was at the gallery for a century too long. This definitely would be the last art opening he attended in Lanford without an actual date. Theo finally pulled his gaze away from the building to mix in a loose shrug, given that the other’s assessment of himself wasn’t entirely wrong. “It pays to have connections at every level,” he explained away. With his steps already propelling him back towards the gallery, he chuckled and lifted a hand in a slight wave. “Hopefully I’ll be out of here before the end of it all, but I’ll try to put in a good word for you.”

[theoblum-blog]

gracemckenziex:

“You should have.” Grace smirked, shrugging her shoulders. “I like to keep everything to myself, remember?” Which was true, after all she was an only child, she hated sharing — whether it’s a toy or a scheme. She leaned back as he started, pursing her lips together. “New York is fine. Paris is a lot better though.” It’s not like she expected him to visit because Grace knew they both weren’t the type who would be in a long distance relationship. It would be a nice surprise if he visited of course but when was the last time Theo has done something nice for Grace? She couldn’t recall. It was fine though, Grace wasn’t any different either. Her expression changed at the mention of his twin sister, she raised her brow in curiosity. “Did you? How is she doing?” Grace asked, her tone sounded curious. She never understood why people wanted to work in slower pace, Grace loved to keep herself busy as much as possible. “You know how I feel about the change,” She started with a sigh, reaching for her glass. “I hate it. I wish everything stayed the same.” Taking a sip from her water, she said and waved at the waitress. “I am not going to lie, I’d always rather hear about all your failures. Like how many cheap hookers you’ve been involved with, how much money you’ve lost while you were gambling – you know, all the bad decisions you’ve made. Wouldn’t you want to hear about my failures too if I had any? I think you would.”

“You’d be one to think that,” he murmured in reply, eyebrows lifting just enough so he could shoot a glance across the table. Paris was nice for a vacation, but Theo would never understand how she endured living there for three years. Just the thought of living outside of Manhattan made his skin itch whenever he remembered how many months he’d been in Lanford for. At least, though, it was an easier subject to dwell on than his sister. “She’s fine,” he answered plainly, slipping back into a monotone cadence as he recalled his last conversation with Theresa. “Still married. Still a teacher. She... -- They had a baby. Adopted or something, I don’t know. I didn’t ask.” That was a new development within the last year and Theo had kept it to himself, much like the wedding from a decade ago that he’d never mentioned to his parents but also didn’t attend. His shoulders lifted, hunching up in the start of a shrug, but he didn’t bother to drop them as he focused on Grace again. An honest, but slightly sour smile curled at his lips again before he shook his head and sunk back into his seat. “Don’t worry, I’ve given up on that dream long ago.” Had he ever actually seen Grace try for something and not get the end result she desired? He didn’t think so. When the waitress reached their table, Theo rattled off his dinner order first, flashing similarly polite smile from when she’d first filled their water glasses. He waited until Grace had ordered to look back across to his ex, eyebrows raising. “So, were you hinting at something?” Theo asked, continuing their conversation. “Or were you just trying to get my hopes up before telling me how spectacular you’ve been doing?”

[theoblum-blog]

hollyxberne:

Holly had to laugh at his question, shaking her head for a moment before she spoke. She realised that it probably did look a little insane to others around her, but she’d never been what you’d call normal anyway — something she was actually quite proud of. “I’m working on a lifestyle book, it has a baking section. Trying to come up with a couple of different things for it, really,” she answered. “I swear I’m not completely insane.”

“A lifestyle book...” he repeated, more to himself than anything else, his words fading out as he thought. “Those are sort of like self-help tools, right? How to declutter, how to meet new people -- how to survive living in Lanford.” The beginning curl of a smile finally touched Theo’s lips and he huffed a very near chuckle. “I was starting to get insane vibes,” he said with a shake of his head, confirming the blonde’s worries. “But at least your insanity has a purpose. That’s more than most people have going on.”

[zeroenthusiasm]

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[theoblum-blog]

lizkent:

“At this rate, it’d be safer to stay indoors, wouldn’t it?” She didn’t like the idea of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or being accused falsely. It seemed like they were only mentioning residents of North End thus far, but who knew when it would end. “But at the same time, I’m bored stiff and I need to be out doing something. What the hell.” 

“Considering that it was houses that were robbed, you’re probably worse off staying at home,” he answered without much thought, realizing a few seconds too late that that really wasn’t reassuring at all. Theo shook his head, deciding to stick with an honest outlook. “But really, I mean, it’s been a month and even though no suspect has actually been charged, I think Lanford is fine. I’d stay suspicious, but I wouldn’t let myself die of boredom in the meantime.” He shrugged. “Take up a solitary hobby, maybe.”

[theoblum-blog]

charliecowen:

Charlie watched him finish his cigarette, still being careful to make his last for as long as possible so he didn’t have to go back inside. He knew that if he told his boss he was only smoking with a client, she wouldn’t be mad at him. So long as he was selling the art he was okay. He laughed and then nodded at his question, remembering some exhibits that he had been forced to endure for months before finally being able to take down the pieces that didn’t sell. His favorite exhibits were always the ones that ended after a few weeks, then were passed on to another gallery. “It happens sometimes. It really depends. But I went to art school so…basically have a degree in bullshitting an opinion on a piece of art.” He took the one final drag he could take before flicking the cigarette on the ground. “Yeah, I saw that guy. I think I saw him talking to my boss…not sure. He comes to every opening but only buys if you sweet talk him. Which is honestly most of my job.” He looked inside, then back at Theo. “Are you gonna go back in? Or are you gonna continue mourning your stolen shit while you get pissed at your insurance company?”

“No kidding? I had no clue you needed an actual degree to sell art.” And Theo didn’t necessarily mean any offense by that comment, either, because he was genuinely surprised. Maybe if he’d gone into a more subjective field, he would’ve been better suited at both giving and taking critiques, but as things stood, he was just as blunt as ever. His lax smile stayed put as he shook his head, glancing down at the sidewalk to toe out his dropped cigarette butt. “Yeah, that sounds like him exactly. I guess if you’re about to drop a ton of cash on interior design, you want the full experience with it, too.” When Theo looked back up, his own gaze strayed to the gallery in consideration. Really, he just wanted to head home, but he’d checked his jacket and after not only the robberies but a brief encounter with a pick-pocket the weeks before, he wasn’t about to ditch his things. “I’m heading back in,” he answered with a shrug, lips quirking upwards as he started to take a few steps in that direction. “If only to wallow inside and spread my bad mood around.”

[theoblum-blog]

hollyxberne:

“Of course…” Holly answered with a nod of her head, reaching for her drink. “I was mostly just thinking aloud anyway.” She shrugged her shoulders a moment later, realising asking strangers questions like this probably wasn’t the best thing to be doing, especially when she noticed his expression. “Trying to distract myself from everything that’s going on around here lately. Pretty sure I’ll go insane if I don’t.” It was no word of a lie, while she’d been gone, some asshole had put one of her best friends here into the hospital — she thought about that too much and she was likely to kill someone herself.

“Mhm,” he hummed and nodding, the pieces falling into place when the other admitted to trying to distract herself. That was fair, he guessed. After the events of Valentine’s Day, it seemed that the entire town had been left on red alert and with no sign of anyone being arrested for the robberies, no one would have a chance to calm down anytime soon, either. “So, you’ve been quizzing random people about their cookie preferences?” Theo asked, head tilting as he really looked towards the blonde. He waited a second before adding, “Or have you gone insane with the baking to keep yourself busy, so now you can’t help but ask? -- I guess right now would be a good a time as ever to pick up a new hobby, especially considering that no one’s going out quite as much.”

[theoblum-blog]

taylorwilkinson:

“Guess I’m just trying to figure out my life. It doesn’t really matter where I am to be able to do that. I just needed a little home away from home kind of vacation.” She used the word vacation lightly because this certainly wasn’t a vacation and it was more stress than relaxation. “Are you still homesick?” She asked curiously. Taylor wasn’t a stranger to forcing herself out on a limb but when it came to moving and being in a new place, it was a little different. “Honestly, I’m not sure if I can take more years alone.” She stated, honestly. “I mean, in California I had my brother and parents but I never really had true friends. So, I thought maybe moving would change that but… I’m not sure that’s the case.”

Theo’s eyebrows plucked upwards, looking genuinely surprised for a few seconds when the other said that it didn’t really matter where she lived. Even living in Lanford now, he still held the sentiment that location was key and nowhere could beat Manhattan -- he’d always thought that everyone had that clingy, desperate love for their hometowns. “I am, yeah,” he admitted a beat later, nodding slightly. “But I’m only from the city. It doesn’t take much to plan a weekend away in Manhattan if I really need it.” But moving across country... Theo never could’ve committed to a decision like that. He hummed and then shrugged, choosing to attempt reassurance as he answered, “Give it some time. Lanford some odd people, but if you live here long enough, I’m sure that one or two of them will... glom onto you. I’d worry more about creating bad blood in a town this close-knit.”

[theoblum-blog]

charliecowen:

“I work at the gallery,” he said, stalling before he had to go back inside. “We have events once every few months for openings or whatever. But this one I think is…gonna be hard to sell on the phone.” He shrugged. “I don’t really like the pieces. But I guess it’s part of my job to act like I do.” He looked over at him as the corner of his lip curled up in a half smile. “Guess I’m not doing a great job of selling it to you.”

He realized that he was probably keeping the other man for too long, especially given that his own cigarette was nearly halfway burned out as well, but Theo didn’t particularly care. If something brought him a moment of peace, then he was willing to be greedy about it -- and in this case, anything that distracted him from the hassle of his insurance claim was worthwhile. “Does that happen a lot?” He asked, with a rare tinge of true curiosity. “That you don’t enjoy the art, I mean, but you’ve gotta sell it anyway. You must be a real artist at bullshitting people, then.” Theo’s lips tugged into a wider smile, verging on a grin now. He glanced towards the gallery, taking a long, final drag from his cigarette before adding, “If it helps at all, I can point you in the direction of someone who might actually buy. An older guy with salt and pepper hair, freakishly tall -- he’s a sucker for the whole artist’s perspective thing. You could probably pawn a piece or two off on him.”

[theoblum-blog]

kaiascott:

“Dramas can be nice but I can never watch them for long bouts of time. Life can be shit enough without wallowing in it on television.” Kaia replied, agreeing. “Comedies though, easy to get lost in. Or shitty reality tv if i’m feeling particularly wallow-y. Real housewives, my kind of Law and Order.” Her laughter continued, even as it was tinted in mirth at the circumstance. “I mean that’s the best part, even if she wanted to she can’t. My place is too trashed to let me live there let alone anyone else and I know she’s not stubborn enough to try and stay with my brother so…i’ve been given a reprieve of sorts for now.”

“I never spend much time watching TV at all,” he admitted with a slow shake of his head. “But when I do catch a few shows here and there, I definitely don’t want to watch anything dramatic. Maybe I’ll have to put a Real Housewives one on my list of possibles,” Theo relented with a growing smile, listening to the other’s laughter. “As it is, I’m usually getting stuck in a loop of 2AM infomercials.” It was a miracle that he hadn’t been brainwashed into buying eight different types of blenders yet. Theo nodded along, glad to hear that she was managing to find at least a small silver lining in this whole mess of a situation. He was, however, thrown by the mention of not even being able to stay in her own home as it was. “Where are you living right now then? I mean -- if you don’t mind me asking.” For Theo, all he’d done was hire a cleaning service and watch with a close eye to figure out what was damaged versus stolen completely. He couldn’t imagine his apartment being wrecked to an unlivable point.

[theoblum-blog]

gracemckenziex:

“You should.” She nodded, reaching for her glass. His next words made Grace roll her eyes, she scoffed. “No.” She said dismissively, taking a sip from her drink. “I don’t need to do that because they know I have cameras in the house.” Putting her glass down, she rested her hands on the table. It was almost impossible for her to trust people, even if she said she did, a part of her was always doubtful. That’s because she knew what people were capable of, not because she went through a tragic betrayal, it’s because herself was capable of doing anything. “Unlike your house, this place is big. I have a room to breathe.” She sighed before giving him a smirk. “Well I don’t want to spoil, that’s why. Not because I don’t have any plans to dismember you.” She chuckled. “So,” Grace started, leaning slightly forward. “What have you been up to while I was in Paris? I’d guess but you know, I always assume the worst, so it’d be better if you told me.”

It was one unexpectedly good point after the next and Theo was starting to wonder if Grace really did have it all figured out with her security system. It was no doubt that she was just as extreme with it in Lanford as she had been in Manhattan, if not more now, so he knew he wouldn’t be installing anything to same level that she did. Still, it was something to honestly consider. Theo relaxed back into his seat as he watched Grace, listening to her chuckle with a familiarized smile of his own. “No, I should’ve guess that,” he agreed. “You’ve always liked to keep the best schemes to yourself, right up until the end.” He let his gaze wander, considering the option of flagging down a waiter, but a moment later Grace’s actual interest in his life drew him back in. Theo only wished that he actually had something impressive to to tell her. “I’ve been working, mostly,” he told her, starting with what he could say honestly. “Not travelling much, but I’ve always liked life in New York best.” They both knew that, too, because he could never make the long-distance thing work -- not when she’d been in California and certainly not in France. Theo paused for a thoughtful beat, keeping his gaze steadily locked with Grace’s before he admitted, “I talked to Theresa a little.” But there was no more positive information to offer on that front, so Theo dropped the subject quickly with a jerking shift forward in his seat as he diverted attention, reaching for his glass. “But I got a job offer here in Lanford last summer, at a private practice, and I took it. Slower pace for more money... I thought the change would be good." But was it really? “But you’d rather hear about all my failures, right?”  

[theoblum-blog]

hollyxberne:

“How do you feel about white chocolate and pistachio cupcakes? Or cookies?” For several moments Holly had been staring out into space, but then she’d had a thought, one she’d felt the need to ask about immediately. Since returning to Lanford following a couple of weeks back home, she’d found nothing much had changed in regards to what had happened on Valentine’s, so instead of dwelling on it, she’d thrown herself back into work for her book. “I’m a fan, I just don’t know how others feel about it. I’l trade you free samples for your opinion, you know, if you’re into that and don’t have a nut allergy anyway…”

“I’ve never tried them,” Theo answered without much thought, not even glancing towards the other as his thumb swiped across the screen of his phone. “Either one of those, actually,” he clarified, taking a few more finger-tapping seconds before he looked at the blonde who had both odd questions and a weird proposition. Theo looked nearly wary, blue-eyed gaze narrowing slightly before he replied, “I like pistachios, but I’m not really into chocolate. I don’t know how nuts and white chocolate would go together...” He took a moment, trying to imagine the flavors combined before he simply shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m alright. You’re better off saving them for someone who actually likes baked goods.”