Pleasantries - Chapter 5 - Faking It - Part 2

[genlisae]

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Chapter 4 Part 2 Part 3

Chapter 5 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 interlude Part 6

 

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Advisories from part 1 remain in effect. Specifically Language and Nudity.

*Note* The photoshop fail might really apply here. Work with me it was a really vague concept and I didn't get it. I think I got close though :/ Also, yes Nate does look different. He was supposed to look a little different ... he's a little more different than intended. This would be why.

Oh and remisims? It is still your fault or well I am blaming you anyway. :oP


Pleasantries - Chapter 5 - Faking It - Part 2


12:30 PM Sunday, May 11

Tybalt stood studying the photograph.

It wasn’t completely without merit. The colours were okay, if one liked that sort of odd neon pink glow it had going on. It was still visibly recognizable as a piano, or more specifically a portion of a piano. He wondered though if it might not have worked better if the subject wasn’t so immediately identifiable. He almost thought it might.

Personally, he decided after a moment more of studying the image, he didn’t like it.

“May I help you?”

Turning toward the voice Tybalt put on his best polite smile, “Is Malcolm around?

“I’m sorry, Mr. Landgraab is unavailable. If you would like to set up an appointment …”

Tybalt rolled his eyes. Unavailable. Code word for ‘doesn’t deal with random scum like you’. Fortunately for him he wasn’t just any random scum. He’d also called ahead.

“Tybalt Capp,” he stated extending a hand, “Is he available now?”

“You’re Tybalt Capp?” the boy shook Tybalt’s hand hesitantly.

“Yeah. Are you the one I talked to on the phone?”

“Caelan Falke,” the boy introduced himself before standing back to study Tybalt critically, “I’m sorry, you just don’t look anything like I would have thought. I always figured rich kids would look more …”

“Pompous?” Tybalt suggested.

Caelan grinned at him, “Prissy. I’ll go see if Malcolm has a few minutes spare.”

* * *

12:35 PM Sunday, May 11

Ripp opened his eyes feeling oddly alone. It took him a moment to register where he was and source of the strange, chilly void beside him.

Telesto wasn’t there.

Shivering slightly he sat up, a deep frown furling his brow.

It wasn’t even cold in the room. If anything he would have to say it was comfortable and yet it just felt so …

Empty.

He didn’t like that feeling. He didn’t like it at all. Not here. This was Tel’s room. Tel’s room was good. The air always seemed to wrap around him, warm, welcoming, smelling like velvet.

Tel’s room was safe.

Only now it was unimaginably huge, swallowing the light into the hazy nothingness that lurked in the corners. A chill seeped into him, curling along his spine, spreading out along his limbs, drawing into sharp contrast the remembered warmth of Telesto lying next to him. He could almost still feel the alien’s head resting on his shoulder, a tiny ghost of sensation.

Ghosts.

He had enough of those.

“Fucking get a grip,” he murmured to himself striding purposefully toward the door.

Frowning, Ripp stepped out into the hallway. If his mind was going to screw with him for staying in the room, show him just how weak and pathetic he really was, then he just wouldn’t be in the room anymore.

Telesto was leaning against the table at the end of the hallway talking to Juliet. He looked up as Ripp stepped through the door, smiling brightly.

The light came flooding back into Ripp’s world.

Juliet turned to see what had gotten Telesto’s attention. Seeing Ripp she gave him a half smile, “Hi.”

Ripp smiled back, “Hi.”

“So, anyway,” Juliet turned back, “I should go.”

Telesto’s smile wavered, “You sure?”

She nodded, “Yeah. I’ve got a ton of homework to do.”

“Okay,” Telesto didn’t look happy about it but he didn’t argue further. Instead he leaned in to give her a hug.

She returned the hug only halfheartedly, stepping back at the first opportunity.

“Call me later?” Juliet asked turning toward the door.

“Yeah.”

“Bye, Ripp,” she gave him another of those strange half smiles.

“Bye,” Ripp returned the smile though he almost felt he should be apologizing instead.

Telesto took a slow step away from the table, “I was kind of hoping you’d stay asleep for a while longer.”

Ripp cocked his head, “You were?”

Telesto nodded, “I wanted to wake you up.”

Ripp ducked his head, blushing. Naps at Tel’s were a good thing. He would make sure to take them more often.

“Are you done being stupid now?” Telesto asked reaching out to take hold of Ripp’s hands.

Ripp felt the air wrap around him warm and welcoming.

“Yeah,” he nodded.

“I do get what you were trying to do, but if I wanted easy I would have given up on you weeks ago.”

Ripp sighed, nodding, “You probably should have. I’m sorry, I just …”

Telesto didn’t let him finish.

Ripp couldn’t breathe and he was surprisingly okay with that. He didn’t need air when Telesto’s was kissing him like that. Soft and warm with a million promises all wrapped up just waiting for him to accept them.

“We’ll figure it out,” Telesto whispered.

Ripp nodded.

Reaching out he pulled Telesto to him, a content sigh escaping him as Telesto rested his head against his shoulder. They would figure it out. Somehow they would make it work and it would be okay.

It had to be. He could smell velvet.

* * *

12:45 PM Sunday, May 11

“Tybalt!”

Tybalt turned at the sound of his name to be greeted by the smiling face of one Malcolm Landgraab IV

“Malcolm” Tybalt returned the smile and handshake.

“You got taller,” Malcolm stated, “It hasn’t been that long since I saw you has it?”

“At least a year I think,” Tybalt mused, “maybe two.”

“Shit.” Malcolm arched a brow, “That long?”

Tybalt nodded.

“So what can I do for you?” Malcolm asked leaning against the counter.

“I have been tasked with learning photography.”

Malcolm cocked his head, “Why?”

“Because I said I wanted to mostly,” Tybalt admitted, “but also because Grandpa’s got a stick up his ass where I am concerned recently.”

“Okay,” Malcolm nodded, “let’s start with why you want to learn photography.”

Tybalt frowned thoughtfully, “I don’t really know. I have always kind of thought it would be cool to do I guess, I mean I can’t draw for shit but to be able to have a picture hanging on a wall and say ‘That’s one of mine’. I like that idea.”

“So the urge to create is there.”

“I guess you could say that,” Tybalt agreed, “It would have to be or I am just wasting my time right? Isn’t that what got you started …”

He trailed off as a very naked model walked by headed for the studio capturing Malcolm’s attention for the moment.

“Among other things,” Malcolm murmured.

Tybalt laughed, “Because chicks flocking to your door for your money were not enough?”

“Money,” Malcolm emphasised the word, “Is not everything. Almost! But not absolutely everything. You do of course realize that I am not the real photographer around here?”

Tybalt nodded, “Yeah, but I also know that you are picking up everything you can. Your ego wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Very true, that,” Malcolm admitted nodding, “Now what did you do to piss Consort off?”

“Oh, come on, Malcolm,” Tybalt smirked, “If anyone read that bit of gossip in the finance column it was you.”

Malcolm held up a hand, “Hang on, let me think: ‘Capp Corp Stock Plummets Amidst Rumours of Heir Shake-up’?”

Tybalt nodded, “That would be the one.”

Malcolm’s brows shot up, “No shit? So the rumours where true?”

“One flaming fairy at your service.”

“Huh,” Malcolm frowned thoughtfully, “How’d that turn out?”

“Well, Grandpa’s still pissed with me, not that he would come right out and say it.”

“’Course not, anything less than supportive would be bad for public image if it got out.”

“Exactly,” Tybalt nodded again, “But everything is now officially Juliet’s, the house, the company, all of it. The board of directors has zero confidence in her abilities, which is just stupid since she is about a million times more capable than I ever will be and she actually gives a damn. Grandpa is desperately seeking a husband for her that he thinks the board will like and he’s found one.”

Tybalt trailed off at the mention of Juliet’s supposed upcoming engagement.

“I’m getting the feeling that isn’t going so well,” Malcolm put in.

Tybalt grinned, “Not even close to well, but he doesn’t know that yet.”

“She doesn’t like the guy?”

“Oh, no,” Tybalt corrected, “They get along great, probably her best friend actually.”

“But …”

“Strictest confidence? You are only the third person to know the whole story and I only found out all of it yesterday so if it gets out I will hunt you down with a team of lawyers in tow …”

Malcolm grinned, “Of course. I really don’t want another run in with your family’s lawyers.”

“He’s gay,” Tybalt stated simply.

Malcolm laughed, “Oh Gods, what I wouldn’t give to see old Consort’s face when he finds that out.”

“You can take my place,” Tybalt chuckled, “I don’t even want to be in the same country when he does find out.”

Sobering up slightly, Malcolm nodded, “I imagine you don’t. I am also guessing that along with everything else you lost your college fund and that is why you are here and not applying at the nearest arts college.”

Tybalt sighed, “Yeah.”

Malcolm seated himself on the counter, nodding, “I think I can help you out.”

“Great,” Tybalt grinned, “I just want to ask a few questions, maybe talk to a couple of your photographers if they have time. It doesn’t have to be today.”

“I can do better than that,” Malcolm smiled, “How about a job?”

* * *

9:00 AM Monday, May 12

Anto started up the stairs into the station when a hand reached out to snag his arm.

“Your fuckin’ mother, Anto?”

With a sigh Anto shook the hand off and turned around.

“You sent me to your mother?” Nate demanded, climbing the stairs after him, “Are you nuts?”

“You got the job then?”

“More like I showed up, she took one look at me, force fed me more food than I ever seen in my life and told me I was working there,” Nate frowned, “Your mom is fuckin’ scary for a little old lady man.”

“That little old lady has a nasty right hook so behave yourself,” Anto warned, “and watch your mouth too. You aren’t too old for her to wash your mouth out with soap if she catches you cussing around the customers.”

“Yeah,” Nate scowled, “I already learned that last one.”

Anto studied him carefully for a few moments. Nate looked a lot different than he had just a few weeks ago.

“You look good,” Anto nodded approvingly, “Better.”

“I didn’t know street walking fairies were your type, Anto,” came a snide voice from the base of the stairs.

Anto turned a glare on the man who had spoken, “Officer Preston, don’t you have somewhere else to be?”

Preston’s smile vanished.

The younger officer beside Preston looked ready to flee.

“Uh, yeah I guess,” Preston nodded starting up the stairs.

Anto and Nate stood silently waiting for the officers to pass.

“Who is that?” the younger officer asked once he thought they were out of earshot.

“Name’s Nakai,” Preston replied, “Promoted a few weeks back. He’s with Homicide. Bit of a stickler for procedure and appearances but he’s alright.”

“Who’s the kid then?”

“Faggot junkie mostly. Turns tricks to support the habit …” the rest of Preston’s words were cut off by the closing door.

Nate stared down at the step beneath his feet, “Hear that? You’re alright.”

“Yeah,” Anto snorted, “and Preston is an asshole.”

Nate shrugged, “Can’t argue that but he ain’t wrong either.”

Anto levelled a calculating look at the blond, “I guess that depends doesn’t it? You clean?”

“After scaring the shit out of your Mom and then six days in the hospital thinkin’ I was gonna die,” Nate commented over his shoulder turning toward the wall, “Yeah. Got meetings and a counsellor and everything.”

“Good. Keep it that way.”

Folding his arms, Nate grinned leaning back against the wall.

“What?” Anto asked hesitantly.

“You standin’ there all superior.”

“I’m not being superior …”

“Oh, yes you are,” Nate’s grin widened, “All law abiding and good, never done a damn thing wrong …”

“Fine, whatever,” Anto sighed, “What about it?”

“Why don’t you call your mother?”

Anto groaned, “Not you too.”

“I’m supposed to tell you next time you get a promotion she would like to hear about it from you not have to read about in the paper at the bottom of an article about some dead chicks.”

Anto rolled his eyes, “You’re paraphrasing. My mother did not use the word ‘chicks’.”

Nate dismissed the objection, “Nope, she didn’t but you get the point. Also, you are coming over for dinner on Sunday. She will not take no for an answer and no, your sister won’t be there.”

Nate paused for a moment thinking, “You don’t like your sister?”

“Not that it is any of your business, but no, I do not like my sister. We disagree on what I should be doing with my life.”

“Huh,” Nate shrugged, “Sounds like a nosey bitch.”

“Anyway, dinner. Sunday. Be there,” Nate continued setting off down the stairs, “Oh, I almost forgot, she also said to bring Xoe. Who in hell is Xoe?”

Anto’s shoulder’s slumped, “My dog.”

Nate stopped at the bottom of the stairs, “Your dog?”

“Yeah, my dog.”

“Well bring her,” Nate’s face split into a wide grin, “cause your Mom says Xoe is probably as close to having grandbabies as she is ever gonna get from you.”

Anto stood on the stairs for a long time after Nate walked away laughing, reminding himself of all the reasons he loved his job and why it would be a really bad career move to strangle his mother.

* * *

9:55 AM Monday, May 12

Ripp read back over the line of notes he had just written for the fourth time, his thumbnail picking at a loose chip of paint near the pencil’s eraser. For the fourth time his brain failed to register the words.

Dropping his pencil on the table he looked up at the clock. Still two hours to go. Two hours until lunch. Two hours until he could see Telesto. Why did the clock pick today of all days to move so slowly? Maybe time had started going in reverse? That would explain why this had felt like the longest morning ever!

“Should the text book not have more in it than this?” Dirk scowled from his seat further down the table, “Why does the book that is supposed to teach not answer any of the questions?”

Fen chuckled, “Because it is a research project. We are supposed to be researching. There wouldn’t be any point if they gave you all the answers would there?”

Dirk made a face, “Great, more books, just what I wanted. Watch my excitement as I rush off and get those.”

“Grab a bunch,” Fen suggested not bothering to look up from his notebook, “big thick ones, anything you can find on the topic. I think we are still gonna be a couple pages short on the written section and we need to find stuff to fill it with.”

“Of course,” Dirk pushed his chair back, “Because I love digging through the stacks looking for books that are never where they should be and probably won’t help anyway.”

“I’ll go,” Ripp offered. Digging through the stacks sounded better than sitting in a chair watching seconds trickle by like frozen molasses. Maybe the seconds would tick by faster if he was busy? If only he could be that lucky.

“Thank you!” Dirk exclaimed gratefully, “There is every possibility I love you man.”

Starting to turn back to his notebook Dirk’s eyes went wide, “I mean that in a strictly platonic way,” he added hurriedly, “Nothing weird. Just friends. Love for a friend. You know that right?”

Tybalt stared at him, “Wanna drive that point home a little more? ‘Cause it doesn’t at all sound like you are trying to hide something yet.”

Fen and Damon both ducked their heads further over their books snickering quietly.

Ripp stood up from the table, “I am just going to go get those books now.”

“Fuck you, Capp,” Dirk sneered.

“Well, okay,” Tybalt shrugged, turning a page in his book, “if it will help you work through your denial, I am happy to help. You know, for a friend.”

Dirk made a rude gesture.

Muted laughter erupted from the other occupants of the table earning them several curious glances and a stern glare from the librarian.

Ripp ducked his head and made a hasty retreat toward the back of the library. Weird friends, he had an abundance of those.

Several minutes later Ripp was frowning in concentration while scanning book titles when he heard footsteps approach behind him.

“Hey you.”

It was an interesting sensation when your heart stopped beating while trying to pound its way out of your chest all at the same time.

Rising to his feet he turned around doing his best to look casual and sure he wasn’t managing at all. If he was smiling half as much as it felt like he was, he looked like an idiot too. Funny how right at that moment he didn’t care.

“Hi.”

“What are you looking for?” Telesto asked wearing a wide grin of his own.

“Not really sure” Ripp admitted.

Telesto arched a brow at him, “You’re looking for books but you don’t know what books you are looking for?”

Ripp blushed ducking his head, “I do. I mean I know the subject, but I didn’t ask if they were looking for anything specific …”

Telesto’s grin widened.

“Okay,” Ripp shifted uncomfortably, “Really I only volunteered to go get more books because I wasn’t doing anything else but sitting there staring at the clock.”

Telesto nodded, “The clocks do seem to be broken today don’t they?”

“Really broken,” Ripp agreed.

“I think they are moving backwards sometimes if I am not watching them,” Telesto added.

“You know, I thought that too.”

“I think I saw a book on strange occurrences way in the back corner.”

“Did you?”

“Pretty sure. I bet we could find a solution there.”

“Solutions are good …”

“What in hell takes so long to find a damn book?” Damon grumbled nearly ten minutes later, “I’m sure this part is wrong but I can’t find anything about it in the text book.”

Tybalt shrugged, “Maybe most of the ones we need are checked out.”

Damon grunted and went back to flipping through the pages of the text book.

A few minutes later, Ripp set a stack of books on the table before sliding into his chair.

“Finally!” Damon looked up at him, “We are so going to be late with this project.”

“Sorry,” Ripp mumbled, “they were in the wrong section.”

Ripp grabbed his own book attempting to make it look like he was reading. The words still weren’t making sense, now though it was for other reasons

All around him his companions wore various expressions of concentration and frustration. He almost felt bad about not helping them.

Almost.

“So much misery,” Telesto commented, pulling up the chair at the end of the table, “It is times like this I am glad I am younger than you guys and not stuck slogging through group projects with your unorganized asses.”

Dirk scowled, “At least we are out of here next year. You still have three more years of this crap.”

“True,” Telesto acknowledged, “that part does kind of suck.”

“What do you want anyway?” Tybalt asked glancing up to shoot Telesto a glare, “some of us are busy …”

He paused, eyes narrowing as he leaned over to get a closer look at the alien, “What the hell is that on your neck?”

Ripp hunched further over his book.

“I wanted,” Telesto smirked, pointedly ignoring Tybalt’s second question and the interested stares from the rest of the table, “to ask Ripp if he felt like hanging out tonight.”

“We can watch a movie or something,” Telesto turned his attention to Ripp.

“Sure,” Ripp nodded not looking up from the page before him.

“Awesome,” Telesto got to his feet, “I’ll see you later then.”

Ripp watched him go, smiling to himself. He felt slightly conflicted. If there was a way he could see that view more often without Tel leaving when he did see it life would be perfect.

Turning back to the table as Telesto rounded the corner Ripp noticed his companions staring at him incredulously.

“What?”

“Books were in the wrong section, huh?” Tybalt asked with a knowing grin.

“Yeah,” Ripp nodded dropping his eyes to the page still open before him.

“Sure it wasn’t you that was in the wrong section?”

“Nope,” Ripp couldn’t help the small smile that curled his lips, “I was definitely in the right place.”

* * *

On to Part 3

Comments

[just-jasper.livejournal.com]

That was a great update :D I really like Malcolm's characterisations... I feel like everyone always makes him a 2-dimensional jerkwad.

And I'm glad to see Nate back, even if he does looks a little different ;)

[genlisae.livejournal.com]

Oh he's still a jerk! lol Just not in the "out to ruin everyone and everything" way. While writing that scene I was really regretting having cut all of the back story from Malcolm's side of things ... except then there would be twice as many sims to keep track of we probably wouldn't be out of the events in chapter 1 yet! One of these days ...

[ritaxis.livejournal.com]

Still no bad Anto. Nate looks good. You know, I'm thinking the shape of a person's face would change anyway once they were eating regularly and not strung out.

I think I like Tybalt a lot now too.

[genlisae.livejournal.com]

Bad Anto is part 4 *nod* So say the notes anyway. The image count might have other things to say (I so hope this doesn't get pushed to a part 5! *headdesk*).

I think you're right, his face would have filled out more at the very least. From here on out I am going with that explanation! :D Thank you!

[amochan8878.livejournal.com]

I think this is the first time I've ever seen Malcolm like this. He still seems, looks, as though he's a particularly ruthless person, but ruthless in the non "I will ruin you" sort of way. Driven I suppose is the better word for it.

Yeah, I think I'd want to hang out with your Malcolm. Or at the very least....do him or something. XD

[genlisae.livejournal.com]

Driven, determined and really just doesn't give a damn because no matter what you do someone isn't going to like it. He kind of strikes me as what Tybalt could be if it wasn't for ... a whole host of stuff!

[katee412.livejournal.com]

I really adored this chapter, I laughed a lot, which is a nice change from Ripp's angst (not that it doesn't have it's place!). I too loved the interaction between Malcolm and Tybalt :)

[genlisae.livejournal.com]

:D Laughing is good!

[shadow-herald.livejournal.com]

Ripp and Tel in the library with the hickey, (ok so that sounded way too much like Cluedo) I loved it, so cute, they deserve a little time without angst.

Malcom is shown so well here, I really liked how you portrayed him, especially him laughing his arse off over Consort's reaction when he finds out about Tel.

And Anto, I love Anto, I'm looking forward way too much to seeing bad Anto. And him sending Nate to his mum was just brilliant; they make a good double act him and Nate.

[genlisae.livejournal.com]

ROFL! I wanna play that version of the game!

I am so glad Malcolm is working for everyone :D and Anto *sigh*, bad, bad Anto. I'm a little nervous about that really.

[remisims.livejournal.com]

~accepts blame~

I think the photoshopping worked brilliantly. It added that edginess to the scene, and made that contrast just that bit more substantial.

I really love your take on Malcolm. He seems very down-to-earth, but still has that influential power.. Thing.. ~Remi's vocab goes bye bye.. -_-~ I'm gonna go with 'driven', too.

Hehe, the whole library scene was wonderful! I've probably already said how much I adore your awkward Dirk, but if not, I adore him. Him, and your Tybalt. :D I giggled at his reaction to Tel's neck. XP

I'm agreeing with ritaxis about Nate's appearance, and the whole 'getting healthy' side (as well as being 'cared for' by Anto's mom). That Officer Preston needs a good slap up the side of the head..

Is it wrong that I'm looking forward to bad!Anto?

[genlisae.livejournal.com]

That is what I was trying for with the photoshopping and even though they aren't quite what I was looking for I did think they got the point across which is what counts. It's good to hear it worked!

I have fun with Dirk and Tybalt. :D I am glad you enjoyed the library scene. I had so much fun with it.

I would totally be looking forward to bad!Anto if I didn't already know what it was. I though so instead I am going to keep being nervous and jittery about it lol.