duttonrem

[duttonrem]

Jay Halstead + so done.

[duttonrem]

"Sharing in these circumstances? Afraid you're talking to the wrong guy." Desperate times called for desperate measures and they were living in a world where it was survival of the fittest. Christmas was definitely at the bottom of the favorite holiday barrel. Though, he found himself wondering or critiquing his own self in making an appearance every year. "You don't have to be supportive just because Christmas is a time to be jolly. I think that is just a bunch of bullshit. They suck at singing. No need to give them a pass."

Addison was admiring the carolers as someone had said something and when she looked at who was speaking, the brunette couldn't help but let out a laugh. It was true, these people should have not been picked to sing. She couldn't sing if her life depended on it so Addison wasn't one to speak but this was pretty bad. This was rough and if she had to sit five more minutes through it then so be it, Addison raised her eyebrows at the young man "You sharing? Is there any more of that? These people are horrible. I'm trying to enjoy it and be supportive but it's awful."

[duttonrem]

"I suppose so." He nodded, not exactly applauding the pun but Remington did listen enough to acknowledge. "Anything with the holidays usually includes large amounts of booze depending on the crowd." And with this one, that seemed like a necessity. It kept him entertained enough. "I imagine it will only get worse as the night progresses. Probably best for all of us sane ones to dip out early." Remington figured he would leave earlier then expected if this kind of out of tune singing continued. It was like the voices got worse and worse as each year passed. They were just too damn oblivious. "I will just be ready for when this month is over."

It felt like the night was just beginning to get into the swing of things but Felipe's cup of holiday merriment was just about filled, signaling it was time to head home soon. But much like an accident you can't turn away from, he stuck around to watch the carolers for a little while longer. Catching his comment, Felipe nodded understandingly as the other man brought out his flask. "You're really getting into the Christmas spirits now." He had to admit, the pun was too easy but he really only said it for his own amusement. Laughing to himself, he raised his cup in a mock toast, "Salud." He took a drink from his own hot chocolate, clearing his throat as he motioned to the carolers, "At least we've been spared from the Twelve days of Christmas so far. Talk about a brutal one to sit through."

[duttonrem]

"Wouldn't leave home without it." He shrugged. Remington had taken note of the teasing, but it didn't make her any less then right. By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail. He even went as far as having a survival bag in his truck with necessities. He would rather not be taken off guard. But, don't get it twisted he wasn't like some idiot doomsday preppers who would lock themselves in some kind of bunker. Probably the same kind of people who believed in some kind of zombie apocalypse. Those kinds just should be admitted to the loony bin and have the key thrown away. Though, the man found himself nodding upon her comment. "Better safe then sorry." His agreement showing with the words. "I definitely wouldn't be the better person." He wouldn't be running, though those carolers would by the end of it. "But ya. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

"Don't poke the hornet's nest. I am way too sober to be listening to anyone singing. Try your efforts for when the bars offer those karaoke nights. At least you probably could get some free drinks from some exaggerated fan." Remington assumed those types stuck together, or there was always the desperate male at a bar trying to win over any female that gave them a single glance. "I am not trying to charm anyone. Most people suck. I stay in my own lane, now that is far more appealing." Remington wasn't about any kind of stereotype. Or tried to abide by any sort of look like a rebel without a cause or was attracted to some kind of aesthetic. "I can drink to that. Surviving the chaos it is. " Then raising the flask he held in a cheers. Taking a sizeable gulp after.

Maeve smirked, an amused glint sparking in her eyes as she gave him a once-over. “Prepared and broody. You really do come with the full survival kit, huh?” She teased, though there was an edge of approval in her tone. “I can’t blame you. Navigating these things without a little strategy is like walking into a snowstorm without a coat.” At the mention of the nightmare scenario—neighbors banding together and making unannounced visits—Maeve pulled a face, her lips quirking with mock horror. “That sounds like a plot straight out of a holiday horror flick. ‘They’re caroling… and they know where you live.’” She shivered dramatically, though her laugh was soft, genuine. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. I think we’d both be heading for the hills.”

Her grin widened at the jab about a solo. “You’re safe—for now,” Maeve said, holding up her hands in mock surrender. “Even I have my limits. Though, if you keep up with that broody side-eye, I might just break into a ballad to see if I can crack you.” She paused, narrowing her eyes playfully at him. “Fair warning, I’m not above a public scene.” Leaning back just a little, she tilted her head, studying him with a mix of curiosity and amusement. “But hey, if the broody thing’s working for you, don’t mess with success. Who needs charm when you’ve got the ‘man of mystery’ vibe down to a science?” She offered him a small, teasing smile as she raised her glass in his direction. “Here’s to surviving the chaos—broody side-eyes, finger foods, and all. Looks like we’ve both got our methods.”

[duttonrem]

"I would be careful with that. Some people might lack the self control." He shrugged, though there was a hint of deviousness behind his own hues. Not that he would start something like that (the snowball fight), well maybe not right at that very second at least. Boredom is an ugly thing after all. "Pretty sure there are rage rooms for that. But hey, if you start getting that urge to start swinging give me a heads up. Least we can come to some kind of common ground. Should start with someone wearing an Ugly Christmas sweater. That could be their karma for making the rest of us be witness to that kind of dumpster fire."

"We definitely do," Kira said quickly but smiled because in her opinion it wasn't a bad thing. It would be boring if everyone was the same. She did appreciate how straightforward he was. That was an attribute that seemed to be dying. "Right? This could be some stuff affair, a gala with everyone dressed up and uncomfortable. At least here... well, I'm waiting for a snowball fight to break out." The smirk said not with her, though. At least this conversation was getting her mind off of how depressing this time of year was for her. How lonely she was and how it was all she could seem to think about. "That's too bad you didn't... I've got some pent up rage I could've let out," she teased.

[duttonrem]

"Between me and you, you're the real savior here. Now that's bringing joy." Least towards himself. In the offer of sharing the booze if Remington's supply had run dry. Anyone should be stingy when sharing alcohol. "Maybe I'm not a fan of Christmas, but even if I was I couldn't take myself seriously if I covered myself with lights." His own hues showing the other what he was referencing by one of the event-goers passing them. He shook his head before too long and looked back towards Hunter. "And don't get me started on those sweaters that light up. It's just too much." Simple was just better in his own opinion.

───not to say that Hunter is the equivalent of the Grinch, but his face does scrunch up a little at the sound of caroling that, by this point, seemed endless; as if on a constant damn loop. Blue eyes momentarily rested on the group —and to think some people can stand this but not the sound of a bike revving? appalling, at the very least if you ask him. Rem’s words caught him just as his step halted a few phases away and he couldn’t help but laugh a little at the exasperation of the statement; not to say that he disagreed. his gaze shifted from the group to the other male, gaze softening. “if you ran out I believe I have a bit more to spare,” he teased, though in fact he had also come prepared in a similar manner; he fancied a bourbon, but wouldn’t turn down any other whiskey.

[duttonrem]

"You know what - forget I even said anything. Not sure I even want to imagine all of that." Remington mused as he shook his head. A few soft chuckles did leave his mouth though. But nonetheless he picked up on the teasing. "I imagine that is where we will find some." He nodded. There had to be boxes full of Liquor for these events, just maybe not in such plain sight. It wasn't all that uncommon for the heavy drinkers to show themselves for these kinds of events. Well, just holidays in generals. Christmas was always a shit show if you had to deal with the family drama. Remington, fortunately didn't have to. "Oh, so you're backing down depending on who is working the bar? And here I had this assumption you were more charming then me. Damn - I knew I shouldn't have given you that much credit." Now, it was his turn to tease but also challenge the other a bit.

"I do like a little pain in my day to day life. Who knows, maybe I'll like you being a thorn in my side." Camila teased even though she knew that Rem was all talk. But mainly, she believe that she could talk her way out of everything, which was perhaps a deluded reality. The idea of them having bottles was one that caught her attention as she slowly turned around to look at the venue. She hadn't remembered seeing somewhere with large bottles. "I'm sure where they're serving spiked drinks have the larger bottles in the back of the bar." Now the attempt at getting them felt like a challenge and she was never one to back down from those. "We'll see who's working and can decide who'll be the distraction and who'll do the stealing."

[duttonrem]

"I think each year is a competition for whoever organizes these things." Remington nodded in agreement. It was fancy. "Just wait until they have some kind of black tie event. Now, that is fancy." And definitely not his cup of tea. Who comfortably enjoyed wearing that kind of attire? Certainly not him. Those things were always too itchy in his own mind. He owned one suit and it was tucked at the end of his closet. "Though I do wish they had more food. Pretty sure these bite size snacks aren't going to fill anyone up."

Logan continued looking around, half taking it in, half trying to weigh his options. For a moment he thought everyone was having a great time, whether genuinely or putting on a figurative mask for the event. just as he was thought about turning and heading back home he heard someone speak to him. "This is my first time but I have to admit this is the fanciest event I've ever been to but if it gets much larger than this... Still would have been pretty cool to see it grow from the inception."

[duttonrem]

[duttonrem]

"I think we may have different definitions of fun." He mused, clearly noting that this was not something he was into. But with Remington, those kinds of things weren't hard to tell. He was pretty forward with his moods and facial expressions. "I suppose you're right. At least this is a lot more casual." Something positive. He cocked a brow though at her next words. "I think if I were to ever show up in one of those things I give full range for someone to punch me in the face. I must have already have some head trauma. Perhaps that would knock me back into reality."

"So, you don't think it's fun?" The answer was pretty obvious and therefore her question was somewhat rhetorical. "They're kind of funny. What some people come up with. It's a nice break from all the fancy gatherings coming up." Kira didn't know much about how people celebrated Christmas. Her experience was minimal but to her knowledge people dressed up for the big dinner, for church, for the big family gathering. "I think you'd look great in one..." The soccer star teased. "You've got a face for it." Meaning he would easily show his displeasure.

[duttonrem]

He shrugged. "It never hurts to come prepared." Judging by the finger foods - everything seemed scarce. Not that he expected anything differently or was hungry in a sense. Something to take the edge off in these kinds of scenarios was always something Remington planned for. "You got that right. I just hope they don't band together after this and start going around to all our houses. That just seems like something out of a nightmare." Remington wouldn't be so calm either. "I have tried to just drown everything out. Seems like the only way to get through it. But to each their own I guess." He paused and rose a brow. "You're not going to start your own solo right -cause I would certainly appreciate a heads up." His tone was easy. He didn't expect her to. "I don't know about poker face. Though the whole broody thing and side eyes seems to have scared off some so I can't complain too much."

Maeve, standing nearby and pretending not to eavesdrop, couldn’t help but smirk as she caught Remington’s muttered complaint. "Bold move," she said lightly, her eyes flicking to the flask as he poured. "But I have to admit, you might be onto something. A little liquid courage is probably the only way to survive that level of… enthusiasm." She stepped a little closer, her own mug cradled in her hands, steam curling up from the rim. "Though, to be fair, they’re not all bad. There was that one group earlier—remember them? The ones who sang Silent Night? Okay, maybe that was just less painful because it was quieter," she teased with a wry grin. Maeve’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before softening. "You don’t strike me as the caroling type," she added, tilting her head slightly. "Though I bet you’ve got a killer poker face when they make eye contact or do you not try and hide it?."

[duttonrem]

"---Not judging but I think someone may if you start bleeding on them." Remington shook his head at the other. They were all stubborn or at least that seemed like the best indication. "I think I have some duct tape in the truck. If not, no sweat off my back. You just have one hell of a pain tolerance. Looks kind of deep not going to lie."

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 !

LOCATION ⸻ maybe not too far from the hospital.

capping at four: 0 / 4.

"What's that?" It took Elijah a moment before he looked down at his side where the other was pointing. "Oh, yeah, don't worry about that. It's not as bad as it looks." Normally he would stitch the injury himself and would have if he weren't out of supplies at home. Instincts knew that he was capable of using whatever means to patch himself up, the hospital wasn't too far away though.

[duttonrem]

These events usually consisted of people projecting all the cheeriness. In Remington's own perspective, it was done so by a false narrative. Life was hell sometimes but if they wanted to pretend like everything was fine and dandy just because Christmas was fast approaching - who was he to judge? Well, least he wouldn't be too outspoken about it. Instead, just making an appearance and trying to distance himself from all the caroling. However one can usually pick up on the people who like their own solitude. Hues eyed the other not too far from him. "Yeah, seems like it gets more detailed every year. Though that just means larger crowds." Which judging by the other, he too shared that in common with Remington. Most likely not being the biggest fan of them.

Logan rarely ever got out of his apartment if it wasn't for work or maybe a trip to the local library but after much internal debate he had decided to go to the country club for the holiday mingle event that had flyers advertised all over town for what felt like forever. As he walked into the country club he looked around, gobsmacked. It was absolutely gorgeous. He hadn't felt very christmas-y in some years but at that moment that was as close as he felt to an older version of himself. "This looks incredible," he mumbled to himself before sliding his hands into his pockets and stepping into the room a little more. As he began to walk toward the group of people he sucked in a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. For a moment he looked back at the door and thought to head out but instead slipped his left hand out of his pocket and placed it just below his sternum trying to keep his anxiety at bay. Thankfully someone walked past him with a tray of drinks. Grabbing a class of whiskey he took a sip, more trying to keep his hands busy rather than drinking to drink.

[duttonrem]

JAY HALSTEAD in WHITE KNUCKLE (8x02)

[duttonrem]

"If it does - I will just be that thorn in your side until you come to your senses." He mused while slightly smirking. Annoying would be an understatement. When there was a will, there was a way. Especially when alcohol was involved in a desperate time like this where it seemed that was the only cure to make himself feel more at ease. And to help his lack of patience with this off key caroling. It was like going into a bar where they offered karaoke. There really should be a warning label on such establishments. "I shared. That was my lifeline in keeping me entertained for this event. Don't push it." Another cocked brow. "Though better yet - do you think they actually have like a bottle or something somewhere we can snag? You could be the lookout." Desperate times called for desperate measures. "Isn't like there a guy named Krampus that is supposed to be Santa's evil counter part?"

Camila frowned when he began to move the flask back in the security of his jacket, not above reaching inside to pull it out herself, but luckily he came to his senses. "We're going to see how good it is and whether or not my amnesia syndrome comes back." Cam teased as she extended her hand, fingers flaying about like a child. "So you don't care for me? I'm going to remember that when you bring this event back up. I might not care enough to remember." It was easily said now that she had the flask in hand and was tipping its contents into her mug. "We can start one. What's the opposite of santa?" The grinch seemed like it was the opposite but the holidays had even stolen him. "We get together and come with a stolen item rather than one to gift."

[duttonrem]

"Oh, is that so ---" The man mused but started to move the flask away, back in the safety of his jacket. Though the familiarity pulled him from completing the action though. "Suppose misery loves company. And also you owe me for this. Don't think my memory is shit or something. I'll remember." He added while arching a brow in her direction for an extra measure but passed the flask over. "Sharing is not caring by the way. Consider yourself lucky." Then taking a sip from the contents of his mug. Swallowing before continuing to speak again. "I wonder if there is an event that is anti-holidays - now that sounds way more appealing. Yeah they would have better booze too so I wouldn't have to dive into my own stash."

Camila spotted him from across the masses while she searched for the nearest exit. It had been half an hour and despite promising an hour, she was already settled with the fact that she'd done, seen, and listened to enough. The alcohol wasn't what she was promised and the lines were too much for it to be worth it. While she may have stopped to say hello to her friend, it was the shiny flask in hand that made her pick up the speed and beeline for him. "You're going to share that." Her hand pointed towards it as she rose her hot chocolate towards him. "The migraine that's coming on because of that old man who sounds like a dying horse needs to be remedied by alcohol." She flashed him a smile. "Sharing is caring, right? What better way to celebrate the holidays." Even as she said it, she couldn't help but grimace.

[duttonrem]

location: lakeshore country club (holiday mingle)

who: anyone

Remington wasn't much of a decorator but he had to give credit to whoever set these kinds of things up. It must have taken a lot of planning and setting up. A lot of hours for sure. There was respect there. However- there was no respect for people in masses who should not be allowed to sing, caroling their hearts out. Were his ears bleeding? On the verge. "I knew I should have brought more if this keeps up." He more so mumbled to himself as a group of carolers had just finished their horrid rendition of the Jingle Bells song. After the words though were spoken, Remington grabbed the flask out of his coat pocket and poured the contents of the Irish Whiskey into the mug of coffee he currently was sporting.