duttonrem

[duttonrem]

He shrugged at her stereotype. Not completely disagreeing. "At least we can agree on that. Look at that, some common ground." He remarked, his own tone light. "They're all stressing on taking everything down and putting all those decorations back into storage. The real winners are the ones who don't have anything to take down and if they're getting the cheery bug a little too late- most stores are selling their leftovers for 50 percent off." Or perhaps anyone with a smart planned out mind would do their holiday decoration shopping after Christmas. Now that is budget shopping. "Maybe. These colder months are my favorite. Less crowds." But seemed like he wasn't alone in this thinking, well at least in the sense that she was outside in the cold as well. "What's your excuse? Not the type to be home and nestled up by some kind of fire?" There was sarcasm but it was friendly enough.

Maeve’s lips curled into a faint smirk as she crossed her arms, "Event planning? Please. The only thing I’m planning is how to avoid everyone else’s post-holiday existential crises. Besides, if I ever did plan an event, you’d be the last to know. You’d scare everyone off with that whole ‘bah humbug but make it sarcastic’ thing you’ve got going on.” She tilted her head slightly, letting the teasing tone linger as she smiled. "And don’t worry, Remington, your secret resolution to not have resolutions is safe with me. Honestly, it’s the most sensible thing I’ve heard all week. But let me guess—deep down, you’re just here enjoying the silence before humanity inevitably ruins it again." Her gaze softened slightly, a flicker of understanding in her expression. "Can’t blame you for that. Sometimes the quiet is the only thing that makes sense."

[duttonrem]

"Always have to keep going. Once you stop, that's where it all goes downhill." Which was Remington's own way of saying he was a workaholic and in this business, you had to be competitive. Plus, given his own history on how he landed a role in this company - he had something to prove. And would continue to do so. "But at least you know we thrive to be successful." And the man would continue that sort of relationship no matter the project. Any business was a brand and you definitely had to master that. It was all about presentation. "Aren't we all. I think half of us would be failures if there wasn't any caffeine." A faint chuckle left his mouth. Definitely on the long nights they were tasked with sometimes. Coffee and energy drinks were the dinner and breakfast . The fuel to spark one's soul. "The basics but I have a feeling I would like to get your own insight. Give me all the details and visuals as you see fit." Remington proposed. He would listen and also be precise enough to make note out of anything or make of any new changes of ideas. Before too long he grabbed a pen and a notepad ready for anything that might be thrown his way.

"No, not at all." Dylan’s voice was light, but his gaze lingered on the array of photographs and accolades that decorated the walls. "I was just admiring your wall of accomplishments," he added quietly. "How many of them have you worked on?" In his brief career as an architect, Dylan had worked alongside a spectrum of personalities—some memorable, others forgettable. Despite being young for his role, his résumé was impressive enough to earn him assignments on some of the most significant and prestigious projects. All he cared about was ensuring that the projects he worked on were successful during the time he spent there.

"I’ll have to pass," he said, offering a grin. "My fiancée had me squared away before I headed out. She knows I’m a bit of a grump without my caffeine." The smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, but there was affection there—a flicker of something deeper that he was quick to bury. “So… the expansion project," he began, his voice steady and masking a hint of anticipation. "What do you know about it so far?"

[duttonrem]

Architects design structures, while construction managers oversee the construction process and ensure the construction suite projects get completed according to the owner's requirements. Meetings were common for both sides. Within any community - business had to expand and new buildings had to be completed for growth. Without it in his mind both would be out of jobs so he was thankful and appreciative with anything new like this opportunity. "Same for you, hope you weren't waiting long." Then shaking the other's hand. Releasing after a moment. Business Remington was different. They all held roles and he liked to keep professionalism at an all time high. "Do you want some coffee or anything? I can't promise it's any good but least it's still hot."

WHO: @duttonrem

WHERE: Construction Co Office

Dylan sat in the office, lightly tapping his fingers on the edge of his notepad as he waited for Remington to arrive. As an architect, he was accustomed to meetings like this, but this one felt different. The project at hand was significant—not just for its design, but for the potential to establish long-term connections within the community. Woodside had a unique perspective, and Dylan needed Remington to see him as more than just another architect with plans; he wanted to convey that he valued collaboration and understood the realities of the construction process. When Remington finally entered, Dylan stood up, extending his hand with a warm smile. "Remington, it's good to finally meet you in person," he said, maintaining a friendly yet professional tone. "You've got a nice place. Been here long?"

[duttonrem]

It seems like everything sleeps in winter, but it's really a time of renewal and reflection. Perhaps that is why he enjoyed it so much. Less people definitely was a comfort for him. There was too much bullshit usually when everyone was out and about in the warmer months. But right now, this was the man's own peace. The holidays were over and it was back to normalcy. Not that he had been stressed about decorations or anything related - more so of everyone else's cheerfulness. He couldn't fathom some of the over-exaggeration. A voice broke him out of his own head with his thoughts. "Don't tell me you're trying your hand at some post holiday event planning. If so, I think my time here is going to be drastically cut short." His tone matching her own. Though maybe a little more with sarcasm. "Also I hope you're not going to be cliche enough to ask me what my New Year's resolutions are." With this comment, his tone more teasing as a brow raised. Remington never quite understood that hype either. His motto on how to make a New Year's resolution was as follows: Make a resolution that you won't make any New Year's resolutions. Then you'll always keep it.

closed starter for remington dutton ( @duttonrem ) at beachwood park

The crisp winter air bit at Maeve’s cheeks as she strolled through the park, her boots crunching against the frost-covered grass. She wasn’t usually one for midday walks, but the rare burst of sunlight had drawn her out of her apartment like a moth to a flame. Besides, she liked the park in winter—there was a certain peace to it, a quietness that seemed to settle over everything, even the usually chaotic playground. She was mid-sip of her coffee, savoring the warmth against her hands, when she spotted a familiar figure sitting on one of the benches near the frozen pond. Remington. Maeve hesitated for a moment, watching him from a distance. He looked a little lost in thought, the contemplative expression she recognized from their conversation at the Holiday Mingle. She debated whether to interrupt but decided to go for it—after all, they’d shared enough laughs during that night to justify a casual hello. “Remington,” she called out as she approached, her voice warm but teasing. “You’re not hiding out from more holiday small talk, are you? I thought we had a truce.” She stopped a few feet away, her lips curling into a smirk as she raised her coffee cup in a mock toast. “Or did the park just seem like the perfect place for some post-mingle reflection?”

[duttonrem]

"That's an understatement." The words were whispered. They say abandonment is never personal; it’s a reflection of the person who walked away, not the one who was left behind. But that statement was way easier when you were one the other end. And not the shit end of the stick. Remington was just disappointed more in himself in allowing himself to forget those worries when meeting new people and allowing them into his life. Hard lesson learned of course. "That apology is way over due, too late to even be muttered. So you can have it back. " In the moment, it seemed so childish the comment. Remington should have been the bigger person but he wasn't in the present. Though, perhaps he could take a small victory in having his words be not as harsh as they could have been.

"A lot of people are cowards, guess I shouldn't have expected more. Now that's on me." He never understood leaving one hanging or not speaking his mind. Life happens, people come and go but Remington was never that much of an asshole to completely ghost someone. It can feel like a haunting, but one should remember that the past only has power over you if you let it. However unfortunately for him he must have forgotten that memo. As here he was still standing when he should have just let her leave, as old habits never die. "People don't change. You're feeling stuck, I don't need some kind words to get me through my day. We're strangers. We were long before today." Cruel words uttered from being hurt. Their dynamic had shifted drastically those years ago. He wouldn't be so quick to forgive even if in the long run it was only hurting himself more.

Monica stood there, her stomach twisting with every word Remington spoke. His coldness hit her like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't believe how distant he had become. But as she stood there, she realized just how much she had deserved it. She had left without a word, without an explanation, and the pain and bitterness in his voice were all too justified. She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her actions from years ago. "I know," she whispered, her voice thick with regret. "I know I can't take back what I did. I was selfish."

Her thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind. She couldn't tell him the full truth—the real reason she left. She couldn't bear the thought of his reaction when he found out about her marriage. It was a truth she couldn’t even face herself, let alone put on him.

"I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m sorry for disappearing like that. It was wrong." She paused, taking a deep breath before she spoke again. "I’m back now because I got a job here. It’s nothing big, but it’s something new, and I need to start over." She hesitated, glancing up at him. "I hope... I hope we can both be here without all the bad feelings. I don’t expect things to go back to how they were, but I don’t want to keep pretending like you and I never happened."

As she spoke, her mind wandered to Lily, to the life she had built without Remington. She wasn’t ready to share that part of her life just yet, but the thought of it haunted her. How would he react if he found out? What would he think when he learned she had a daughter? The guilt weighed her down. She had made so many mistakes, not just for herself, but for Lily too. She couldn’t undo the damage her decisions had caused in their lives, but she hoped that someday, somehow, they could both find peace with the past.

[duttonrem]

Remington always took his painful memories and placed them in a box. The box is their coffin and one where he set them to rest with the same reverence as a beloved one who passed on. It was his defense mechanism. Not to say that it was impossible to think about that hurt but at least it made the male have control. Now, in the present it was like they both had seen a ghost. But to him, she didn't have to manage through the pain as she was the one who caused it. Things end and that wasn't something the male was upset over. It was just all the unanswered questions echoed within his mind as to why she ripped him out of her life like some old band aidwithout even giving him a heads up. "I think you're a little late for an apology." His coldness was very much present. It was only right in his mind. Well, maybe even better then what she had done since he was showing some kind of response. Perhaps he should have put his pride aside and ignored her like she was just the next random stranger one came across on the street. "You can save your excuses just because you feel backed into a corner." They wouldn't change that resentment he held over her. Or the notion of how she followed in the same tracks as his own family had. At least they have given him the decency of leaving him a note. "You should have stayed gone if you felt so lost here." Or around him he thought. "What are you even doing back here?"

Monica froze, her heart pounding as Remington’s words hit her. She hadn’t expected to see him, not like this, and now that he was standing in front of her, she didn’t know what to say. The years between them felt heavy, like they were pressing down on her chest, and finding the right words felt impossible.

"Remington," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn’t expect this... Didn’t expect you to be here." She shifted uncomfortably, glancing toward the door before quickly looking back at him, her fingers tightening around the door handle.

“I’m sorry for... disappearing like I did,” she continued, her words faltering slightly. “It wasn’t about you, I promise. It was just... I don’t know, I was just... lost. I didn’t know how to face things. I don’t even know how to explain it.” She winced at how weak her words sounded, frustration building at how inadequate her apology felt.

Her thoughts were a whirlwind, mostly circling around the one thing she wasn’t ready to bring up—the one secret she wasn’t prepared to share. Lily... It was a weight she couldn’t carry into this conversation, not yet. “I’m really sorry for how everything went down, Remington,” she added, her voice softer now, full of regret. “It wasn’t my plan to just... disappear. I never wanted it to end like that.” She offered him a brief, nervous smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

[duttonrem]

He nodded, before maneuvering himself into the booth on the opposite end. Relief washing over him as the cushioned booth was like his favorite recliner or something. His stomach definitely took a cheer of appreciation. "Thanks. I am pretty sure hangry is definitely a thing. I wasn't past elbowing those clowns in order to get a seat." Desperate times called for desperate measures. "The banana pancakes here are worth the trouble." Not that the other cared or Remington assumed but he just voiced himself regardless. "Breakfast is important. Also coffee. Tough to find something open around this time."

It took a second for it to register but the voice that was talking to him ripped Levi right out of his daydream and straight back to reality at am alarming rate, causing him to almost whiplash at the speed he looked up at Remington. As he looked around he noticed the diner was far busier than when he had entered. The sun had barely crested over the horizon when he had stepping in. It had been just him and a trucker that had stopped for a cup of coffee, but now the sun was shining in a blue sky and the amount of people that were eating breakfast was enough to prove it. "Yeah, sure. Of course." He spoke as he began closing up the rest of the folders and putting them beside himself, with the other one he had closed a moment ago, to make more space. "I didn't even notice how busy it is."

[duttonrem]

Remington was working, surveying the shop for a remodel they had tasked the construction company he worked for and managed. He was just taking the last measurements and coordinating what needed to be done in stages so he could write it up in his tasks. He was off in his own work minded brain, not paying too much attention towards the customers coming in and out. Until he did. Her shadow was barely seen as he looked up, watching as she scurried away. Which honestly triggered him back to when she left all those years ago. Except he had expectations then. Unrealistic expectations especially when she threw him to the side like his family. He sighed and before he could rethink it he walked after her. "I could say the same thing. You are the last person I thought that would be back here again. Would have thought this place was a distant memory for you." Himself included though. Resentment and bitterness and old grudges were dead things, which rotted the hands that grasped them. He was bitter and the words he spoke were obvious, but he was also taken off guard. As the years passed he hadn't ever expect her to be back. So when he saw her trying to exit it added fuel to that old fire.

@duttonrem

Monica stepped into the bakery, the comforting scent of fresh pastries offering a brief escape from the chaos of her day. She’d been lost in the quiet, thinking only of the warm croissant she was about to devour, when she saw a familiar face.

Standing behind the counter, looking just as she remembered, was Remington. Her heart sank. The memories flooded her all at once—intense, complicated, and full of things she had never said. She quickly turned, trying to make a quick exit, but just as she reached the door, someone stepped in, blocking her path. She was trapped. Her breath caught in her throat as she reluctantly faced him.

"Remington," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I didn’t expect... to see you here." She shifted awkwardly, glancing at the door, but it felt like the only way out was past him.

[duttonrem]

Diners always provided staple food. It was really a comfort for some. Usually, this place was packed and this time was no different. For once there were no empty booths, and the male wasn't about to exit since he had a craving for their Banana pancakes for like a week straight. Hues looked over and saw one empty seat in a booth just occupied by one other person. Before too long - he walked over to the other. "I'm all for personal space but do you mind if I take this seat? My appetite is larger then my pride right now. My patience will thank me later since it was either you or the group of frat rats trying to nurse their hangover from hours before." The stench of cheap Tequila was like some pungent cologne a few booths back.

Levi was sitting in a booth in Stacks looking over papers on a job he was doing. He had a cup of coffee that was now cold and half a stack of pancakes that had mostly been forgotten about. The more he stared at the words and photos on the pages the more they all just seemed to merge together, making him rub his temples trying to push away the oncoming headache. His usual cases were mostly along the lines of I think my spouse is cheating can you get proof but this one was different and although it was more intriguing than the usual it was doing his head in just that much more too. He was missing something but he just couldn't figure out what. It just seemed too far away for him to reach. Closing the folder, a bit more forcefully than he meant Levi took a second before he took his hat off and sat it on the table beside the cup of coffee as he looked up at the ceiling with a deep sigh.

[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."