The World Is Ours

Tyler Van Buren One of the nicest assholes you could ever hope to meet.

[ty-vanburen]

Everyone knows Jade VanderBuren is the wild, dramatic, vain VanderBuren--No, wait, it’s definitely Sapphire. Or...is it Opal VanderBuren? Much to the chagrin of anyone who has ever met them (and poor Tyler who’s stuck with them), the VanderBuren girls seem to have a running bet to see who can out-crazy the others. Whether it be the time Jade was suspiciously involved in that weird thing with the car crash over Memorial Day, or the time Opal raised twenty thousand dollars for a school fundraiser...and then promptly spent it all on a shopping spree, it’s clear that these two are going to do a lot more damage to the UES before their time in the spotlight is over.

Despite the numerous similarities, Opal differs from her sister in two very important ways. One: she gets jealous far, far too easily, and her answer to jealousy is childishly lashing out and then cutting the person off, which has basically never made anyone happy ever. Two: she gets attached far too easily. While Jade’s off making out and breaking up with whoever crosses her line of sight (and no, that’s not shade, it’s just an observation, she loves her sister very much), Opal’s changing her phone background to her newest bff and planning her wedding ten times a day.

She likes to think she’s aloof and above it all, but her idealizations leave her disappointed almost constantly. After all, how could real life possible live up to to fantasy expectations she builds up in her head? Thankfully, she has Jade around to keep her grounded, allowing her to be dramatic and petty and stupid when she needs to be, but helping her through her breakups swiftly when she really shouldn’t be this upset over something.

FACTS:

Sixteen years old

Junior at Constance

Daughter of Sapphire Vandervort and Tyler Van Buren

FC: Ashley Moore

Lives by a ‘school? what’s school? doesn’t exist if I don’t think about it’ philosophy

Owns duplicates of all her shoes in case of emergencies.

CONNECTIONS:

Jade VanderBuren: Opal’s lovely sister and biggest influence--bad or good. They’re sisters who support each other through all the drama teen life on the UES has to offer, and even when they don’t see eye to eye, they still love each other. Until they hate each other again.

[ty-vanburen]

At the #springfling event, Tyler has been chosen by the codeword "Tattoos". What he doesn't know just yet is that his match is also known as: Rose Haven!!

Huh. There’s probably a 50% chance it’s Logan, but at least he won’t expect me to fall in love with him.

[michtheking]

I’ve been here for a minute and still I’ve yet to see someone do karaoke. Do people around here not karaoke?

[ty-vanburen]

I think it’s more about the fear that Angie Hunter will jump up on stage with you and demolish you in a karaoke battle. A warranted fear, but pervasive none-the-less. I’d be surprised if any other than the bravest people here try.

[ty-vanburen]

“The sandcastle building competition is calling to me. I don’t think I’m particularly good at sandcastle building, but let’s be real...how good are the rest of you likely to be, anyway?”

[ty-vanburen]

So... You have a girlfriend. Tell us about that.

“There’s not much to tell. We hang out and do homework together a lot. Sometimes she shows up at my house in the middle of the night and I put her to bed on the couch. Sometimes we go to very uncomfortable family dinners and try to make small-talk. It’s mostly like not having a girlfriend, honestly, except we spend a lot more time kissing than we did before.”

[ty-vanburen]

shinebrightlikea-sapphire :

“Ooh, that’s what that was! Maybe I shouldn’t have tossed it out… At least it was recycled.” Joking about her father. About this of all things- how did he make her feel like that was okay? That she could laugh when she should have been crying. Tyler was perfect. Everything she thought and felt around him, about him was undeniable so why did she spend so much time denying it? Tequila just made everything so much simpler. At this rate Sapphire might have even been inclined to actually voice all of this to him. Although, his smile was awfully distracting. “Well, you’re definitely not a half-asser. You’re like, full ass. Oh, yeah. I forgot that was our thing. You just wanna go to the same Ivy as me so you can keep sitting at the cool lunch table, don’t ya? Ooh. I’d be honoured.” The giggling stopped her from saying more but the blush that crept over her cheeks might have said it better anyways. He believed in her.

Why did she have to say it though? Wasn’t this enough? Wasn’t it already everything? It was definitely more than she’d ever given to anyone before. They hadn’t even… And it was still more. Besides, what was the difference between what they were doing now and actually dating? They spent time together, they laughed and teased and the kissing was definitely a welcome addition to their previous quote-unquote “relationship”. Still, maybe he needed to know. Maybe he needed to hear her say it. “Queen of cotillion. I showed up at least. You know Emmeline didn’t even make it to the steps, they couldn’t make her do it. If anyone deserves an award… No, it’s still you. You can take all the awards for your super cool bow-tie and endless supply of Lucky Charms. Side note: the marshmallows are the best part, do not fight me,” she giggled which kind of took away from the adorably stern look she was trying to give him.

When he spoke again though her laughter died down and her grin and happily sore, blushing cheeks relaxed as her grin settled to a smaller smile. Everything was complicated. Her feelings were terrifying at worst and confusing at best. Sapphire knew that she was a mess, she knew that her head was a messy, murky place to be and that there could never be room for someone else there. She wouldn’t allow it. Shouldn’t. She was scared. She liked him so much and he was good. Good for her. Too good for her but looking at him now she couldn’t bring herself to care about that- about any of the million reasons that had stopped her from telling him how she really felt. Sapphire’s eyes hadn’t left his the whole time they’d been dancing and by this point she’d all but forgotten where they were, who they were surrounded by. It was just them.

“Ty…” 

“That’s my girl, always thinking about saving the environment, one recycled threat at a time.” She wasn’t. His girl. But it was nice saying it, if only for a minute. He could almost believe it when she smiled at him like that. “A full-asser. Why does that make me sound like a stripper? Well obviously. That’s been my goal this whole time, but you weren’t supposed to know.” Wink. “That takes all the fun out of it.” She was beautiful when she wasn’t so focused on being sad, when someone was telling her she deserved to be happy. Tyler just wasn’t sure why no one had told her that sooner.

“You’re right, you’re right, you should get an MVP trophy for managing to do more right at a social event than Emmeline Fairchild did.” She always did this, made him laugh at the smallest, silliest of things, and he loved it. He’d always been great with people, had always been able to instantly click with them and get along--jokes and banter and witty comments were just a plus--but something with her was different. He’d never had such instant chemistry with anyone. “And now I’m getting an award for my cool bow-tie, this night just gets better and better. You’re like, a good luck charm, or something. Ah, okay. You’re one of those people. Well, I know who to buy one of those special edition marshmallow only boxes for.”

He wanted to say something to her, something big, just to round out the moment. It felt like a big moment kind of night. She was wonderful, and he thought she deserved the world, and he wanted her to know that. It wasn’t complicated. Well, it was complicated, because things on the Upper East Side always were, but they didn’t have to be. “Hey, Saph, I--”

But it was too late. The music was changing, and partners were exchanging, and the moment was gone--big or not.

[ty-vanburen]

hunky-huntzberger :

In typical William Huntzberger style, he had emerged from pretty much nowhere at this exact moment to throw in his unwanted two cents. Or two…hundred dollar bills because he wasn’t the sort to jingle. Either way, he was definitely wearing essence of shady. 

“You know, if you play your cards right that could turn into a fairly profitable business venture. I’d be happy to give you some tips.”

“That’s...An appealing offer.” It wasn’t. “How could I say no to that?” How could he say no to that in a way that didn’t put him on the bad side of William Huntzberger. “But I should probably say no anyway. I’ve got enough going on without the impending threat of someone not getting accepted to their A school and coming after me for revenge. Glad to know all it takes to get you back in town is the promise of an up-and-coming business, though.”

[ty-vanburen]

samuelswatts :

“Did you say yes to any of them? I mean, to actually doing it. Just wondering like… It’s not as if you need the money- basically no one wearing a St. Jude’s get-up does- but offering up your first born or whatever is just weird so. You look fine.”

“Uh, not yet. I’m considering a couple of the more desperate cases, but I haven’t actually agreed to anything yet. Why, you know someone who needs the help? Also, just FYI, I accept visa and mastercard, but not firstborns. Too unreliable a payment method.”

[ty-vanburen]

shinebrightlikea-sapphire :

“Ty, please. You know for a fact that you always look like the smartest guy in every room and the bonus is just that you like, actually are the smartest guy. In every room. I’m actually going to make my college essay about you but as a twist, I’m going to really focus in on your star sign and particular choice of DVDs to have bought and actually own.”

“You know that, and I know that, but maybe I just like hearing you say it? Every room might be a stretch, Saph. Nah, you’re right, it is every room. Oh really? About me? I’m flattered. And concerned. Only the good things, right? My...star sign. Do you know my star sign, Saph? I’m pretty sure I don’t know my star sign. Oh no, my DVD collection is a little sci-fi heavy, you want to throw in some foreign films to make me sound interesting?”

[ty-vanburen]

aimeemorrigan :

                           ‘  ——-racism abounds? or maybe you just have the smart vibe? i - i feel like that’s not a question for me to answer, really–  ‘

“Hey, that’s always a good answer around here. I’d like to think I have a smart vibe, but somehow I think most people would only agree with that if I were wearing glasses. Which is exactly why I’m not wearing them, mind you.”

[notsolovely-lili]

Keep the change.

[ty-vanburen]

[In line behind her, not-so-subtly trying to eavesdrop on her purchase. What? They’ve got a lot of choices and he needs to know what’s popular] It’s nice to see people supporting local businesses around here. And not just the trendy little boutique’s, either. Not that there’s anything wrong with a trendy boutique, but I’ve never been in one that I didn’t immediately want to leave.

But this? This is nice. Authentic. I sound like a grandpa when I say that, but it’s been happening a lot lately, so I may need to just embrace it. Do you have any suggestions for an old man looking for some guidance? What do they do best here?

[ty-vanburen]

michelle2kings :

“Hey, poor people can look rich too, but for half the price and less of the stress. Well, more than half the price, rich people just- Personally, you just look smart. That’s what I would have thought. And since smart screams getting into college, it also just screams good at college apps.”

“Poor people can definitely look rich for half the price, but I have doubts about the stress part. This is a crazy world to belong to when you have the money to keep up with the trends and go on all the vacations. It can’t be easier when you don’t. Well hey, I’ll take smart-looking. That’s a good compliment. Actually would you mind if I called my--” There’s the slightest hesitation on the word girlfriend, but Sapphire started this, so he won’t be the one to back down. “--girlfriend and had you tell her that yourself? She’s never going to believe me otherwise.” He chuckled. “Kidding. I’m doing her college apps, so she better believe it already.”

[ty-vanburen]

isabella-oftheball :

What are you— [ Oh. Of all the people Bella had expected to attempt to sit anywhere near her, Tyler Van Buren had not topped the list. Luckily she managed to hide her surprise and paint on a pleasant enough smile. It’s not weird. They’re friends, right? ] Oh. Tyler, hey. You should really announce yourself before arriving on the scene tray first, you may have just narrowly missed a stiletto to the head. Do you mean the waltzing or the Archibald disaster? Either way, I’m sorry to hear I missed that. Maybe next time. Or is this next time?

Yeah, hey. [grimaces a little, only now realizing that his abrupt arrival might have been slightly rude] Okay, note taken and appreciated. Next time I’ll hire some guy to play a horn when I walk in or something, sound good? I really don’t want to risk a traumatic brain injury this close to finals. Plus we’ve already filled our tragic injury quota for the term, so it’s not worth it. Uh, well, I guess both. It can be a little hard to come up with compelling conversation points while you’re focused on trying not to step on your partners feet. But I did mean The Archibald Disaster, as I hear we’re referring to it now. That’s entirely up to you, how interested are you in my terrible attempts to get myself and other people into a good college? I could always stick to knock knock jokes instead.

[ty-vanburen]

archibaldgoldenboy :

[ laughs ] Don’t worry about it, Ty. Just, please don’t turn me into that guy who actually says stuff like ’I’m seventeen now, I’m not a little kid anymore’. I don’t wanna star in that Lifetime movie, real life is bad enough. Thanks though, for saying that. Uh, no. Not since Mrs van der Woodsen had room service make me and my mom up a hamper to take home. I know he’s still alive but do you think people’ll start sending casseroles and stuff? Either way, a smoothie sounds good.

Alright, alright, that’ll be my new mission. ‘Keep Nate from turning into a bratty teen for as long as possible.’ There are bound to be a few hiccups, but that’s how it is every time someone grows up. At least in a lifetime movie they’d probably get someone really ridiculously attractive to play you, like Ryan Gosling or something. Well it’s true. And anyone who believes otherwise is wrong. How long ago was that? Yesterday? We’re definitely getting you something right now. Huh, good question. I can ask my mom to send over a lasagna or something, but you may need to make one of those sad Facebook posts to get other people into it. Alright, great, come with me. But you’ve gotta get a protein boost in it or something.

[ty-vanburen]

“Four people have offered to pay me to write their essays for their college applications just today. Is there something about me that screams good at college apps, or do I just look really poor?”

[archibaldgoldenboy]

This has got to be the longest day ever.

[ty-vanburen]

I’m sorry, kid. You don’t deserve this. Ah, wow, and you also don’t deserve to have me call you kid ever again. That sounded awful, why did I do that? C’mon Nate. Let’s get a smoothie or something. You probably haven’t eaten yet, have you?

[ty-vanburen]

shinebrightlikea-sapphire :

“Mhm, I keep waiting for the secret Vandervort to make an appearance. Whoever they might be… Might as well throw more gasoline on the fire,” she grinned and she was joking but only because it distracted from the hurt underneath every thinly veiled insult directed at her father. Not that she was sparing him any thought, especially when she could be thinking about Tyler Van Buren instead. She laughed at his words though. Even now, even about that dinner, he was being unfairly kind. Sapphire didn’t have a lot of experience with Tyler’s parents but not once had they ever stepped in to kick her off the sofa or deny her breakfast when she’d stumbled to his door on nights when everything seemed like it would never be quiet. They must have shown him how to be so kind. Before she could think too hard about it, she was laughing again. Too loud, too drunk but it felt good. That in itself had become a rarity for her.

“No one ever said that you weren’t dedicated then, Mr. Van Buren. I suppose I’m just a pawn in an elaborate scheme to run off with whole the Brady Bunch, huh? You woo and romance me so that when the time comes, I support it. Well… Congratulations. You’ve made it,” she winked before letting out a series of giggles. Scarlett would love him too if she had any idea how good he’d been or how she actually felt about him. Might have felt. Did feel. A grin spread over her face though as he poked fun at her for cotillion. How had they spent so much time so close to each other’s lives and never….? Maybe things would have been different. Better. Different.

“I was very preoccupied with being the most graceful and ladylike dancer there, thank you very much.” Although she couldn’t say that without laughing. If Sapphire had been less drunk right now, she might have thought more about what he’d said. Jealously was a tricky emotion… Sapphire had never defined her relationships- fake or otherwise- and so she’d never had to feel like that. Did her past bother him? No, of course not. But what about Jake? The only other boy she’d ever been close to… She didn’t know. But then she was back to smiling at him before she could say anything honest and regretful. “Mhm, I’m happy to inform. I can only imagine what you’ve got hidden on all the top shelves in all the world. You should, you absolutely should. You… Oh psh. Bow-ties are not cool even if they’re making a big Fairchild Ball comeback,” she teased, her fingertips tugging at his, “But maybe I should have, noticed. Then.”

“You know, with your family, I almost wouldn’t doubt that there is a secret Vandervort out there. Do they send you vaguely threatening messages made from cut up newspapers pasted on cardstock for the holidays?” Okay, so her life wasn’t really that much like a movie, but it was close enough. Certainly closer than most people he’d met. And that honestly said a lot, considering where they’d grown up. He laughed, enjoying the simplicity of just making her smile like he used to, before....things got complicated and she started showing up at his house drunk more often than not. “I have to be thorough, you know, nobody respects a half-asser. Plus I do still have to help somebody here get into all the best colleges, and that would be tough if you couldn’t stand to be in the same room as me. Hey, maybe I’ll even ask you to be Maid of Honor at the group wedding we’re planning.”

When he was with Sapphire like this, he almost didn’t mind the reasoning, could almost pretend everything between them was normal and not confusing and that it was enough. Which it was. Mostly. He was just conditioned to chronically over-think things, and....there was no point getting sidetracked again. They were enough right now, and that was what mattered. “Right....right...that’s exactly how I remember it, too. Shame they don’t hand out awards at those things, you would have been winning them all.” He briefly wondered what it would have been like to take her, but those things were stuffy and pretentious and there were so many expectations that went along with taking someone to cotillion. The whole coming-of-age thing really made it feel like an engagement to be engaged. “Maybe you’ll get a step-stool and find out one day. It definitely includes several boxes of Lucky Charms, I can promise that.” She was stilling grinning, so he grinned back, adjusting his bow-tie with a wink. “But, Saph. I’m cool, and I’m wearing one. Therefore they must be cool. Foolproof logic right there.” He would have been content to stay there laughing about his bow-tie for the rest of the night.

“It isn’t all on you, you know.” He told her in what was supposed to be a joking tone, but came out more fondly amused. “I could have paid a little more attention. Not that what you have going on isn’t distracting in every way.”