Kingkirbey‌:

monty-santos‌:

“I’ve been back since the day after Freya’s funeral, I couldn’t be a ticket back in time,” Monty sighed, a shadow passing over his face as he had yet another reminder of all the death that had decided to come for his family this year.  And while he tried to push the unexpected pangs of grief back tot he back of his head, Monty knew that it was still probably written all over his face.  “I actually don’t really drink anymore, to be honest. I mean, I’m still working on completely stopping, but I actually converted to Buddhism and it’s greatly looked down upon since you’re supposed to abstain from things that can cloud the mind. But I will take any other recommendations that you’ve got.  Are you planning on going to France at some point soon?” he asked, mostly out of curiosity.  “I’ve gotten the word out and a few people have.  Sheridan, I don’t know if you’ve met her yet, actually donated what I’m pretty sure was about half a Target.  So it helps, there’s just also need for more.”

He had heard things, heard about people dying but they could’ve been just rumors. Unfortunately, they weren’t. “Shit, you’re really a Buddhist now? What do you do if you don’t drink now?” He asked, thoroughly confused. “I don’t know if I can recommend anything else since that counts out everything else,” Ben was always into clouding his judgment, “I’m not sure when we’re going to go back. I have some things to do here and then hopefully that’ll be one of the first stops.” He was optimistic that they wouldn’t be here for too long. “Nope, I haven’t met her yet,” He actually didn’t mind being out of the loop abroad but now that he was home, he was curious about everything. “At least someone’s helping out that’s got the money.”

oatanas‌:

Finally, O looked up from her phone and at Ben. “Look, I appreciate that you’re trying but at this point it’s a waste of breath,” she leveled with him. She wasn’t trying to be harsh and brush him off, she was just trying to be honest. “You’ve gotta know that being in King’s dog house automatically puts you in mine too, right?” King was the only thing that really held them together, after all. A few weeks ago O had been willing to get to know Ben as a person rather than just an extension of King but right now? It was back burnered. “Not that I think you need reminding, but you really hurt her.” 

He didn’t need another lecture. He didn’t need to be reminded about how much he hurt his wife. He knew that, and it hurt him thinking about how badly he hurt King. “I know what I did.” He stated, “But I’m trying to make things right. It can’t be like this for forever.” He knew her cooperation wasn’t going to happen. However, he appreciated how there she was for King. He wished he had a friend like that. He did actually until he fucked it up. “Do you know how hard it is to get the silent treatment from the one person you love? It sucks. I thought food would be a common thing to bring us all together.” 

text @ everyone (wren's entire contact list)

Wren: https://66.media.tumblr.com/2fa9e3cfa39b79f0cc3f8f34deaefe90/tumblr_pkbc48jjna1wrvxqxo1_540.jpg

Ben: what the hell is this??

kirbcy‌:

The sound of his voice drew a slow look from Bishop. It was hard to not recognize him, despite the fact that the man had aged some. This was the man that his sister decided to marry. It seemed to fit, just in that moment, that they were together. Granted, Bishop didn’t know Ben and he didn’t know King anymore either. Bishop stiffened against the smooth tone Ben had, like they had known each other all their lives, like he had been invited to the wedding, or even knew about it when it happened. Bishop had to bite his tongue as to not let fly a completely scathing remark. “Why does that even matter to you? You’re an in-law by title only.” 

He heard about what happened, Bishop had been through a lot recently. The least Ben could do was cheer him up. And if King cared about him so much, that meant Ben cared about him as well. “I’m not just talking to you because you’re my brother-in-law now,” He stated. “This party’s supposed to be a fun time. Can I get you another drink? Or two?” Ben offered. 

wrenabernathy‌:

Wren felt like an outsider - and it felt strange. He’d mostly been observing the other people, laughing and drinking in the atmosphere of the holidays, and Wren was usually a sucker for events like that, but everything had been clouded with misery the last few days. Still, he’d resolved himself to get over it, to make himself happy without Quinn waiting for him somewhere, because if he wanted his relationship with Nathalie to work that’s what it would take. Didn’t mean it was easy, though. “I would guess that if Santa has the ability to visit all homes across the world in a single night, he also has the ability to not get drunk,” he replied dryly as he faced Ben. 

He wished that Wren at least entertained his comment. “Or maybe that makes him work even faster. You’d be surprised what others think they can do when they’re that inebriated,” When he was abroad and that drunk, he felt invincible. Maybe a fictional character would feel the same. “It’s just interesting to think that children are very adamant about putting out beer. And here we’re all about milk.” He said with a shrug. “Would you rather have beer or milk?”

taterodriguez‌:

Tate sipped at their vodka soda, crossing their legs as they allowed their self to get comfortable in their current location, knowing full well it would take a lot to pry Tate from the kitchen.  It was quiet, it was away from the typical crowd that swarmed Upper East Side parties, and there was free alcohol.  As Ben Vanderbilt came into their view, it had been like seeing a ghost.  It took a lot out of Tate to offer pleasantries but they had been unsure if Ben had been fully aware of Tate’s knowledge on his situation with Quinn.

“Honestly, never thought I’d see your face again after you left.”  Tate tried to remain civil, because it was clear he didn’t have bad intentions.  “You’re staying here with O?  Why?  I didn’t know you guys were that close,” Tate gave a raise of their brow.  O hadn’t mentioned that Ben Vanderbilt had been staying in their home.  “Honestly,” Tate chuckled before admitting.  “Hiding.  I came for the free booze and to see O because I feel like I haven’t seen her in ages.”  Tate sipped their vodka soda again.  “I mean, it’s a free world.  I’m not one to stop you.”

He was a runner. If something wasn’t going his way, he’d leave. If he was on the verge of getting in major trouble, he’d board the next flight to Europe. It just who he was. “Yeah, well, I had to come. Not because I wanted to,” He wanted to make sure that was clear, “But because I had to. I guess I just have some unfinished business. How about you? What have you been up to?” He asked in an effort to make small talk. 

Ben then nodded at them, “You’re not wrong, we really aren’t close. My wife’s pretty close to her so she’s letting us stay here for a bit. This place is pretty nice compared to where I’ve been living these past few years,” He admitted. “O’s not in here if that narrows down your rooms to find her in,” There was a bit of joking in his voice. “This is the part where you’re supposed to tell me, of course, you wouldn’t mind. But, uh, I get it.”

He felt like human wrapping paper wearing his festive suit. If he was put under the tree, he could probably have passed as a present. When he was younger, he loved Christmas. Well, until his father told him that Santa wasn’t real. He was still trying to adjust back into the Upper East Side party manner. At least he had alcohol as a social lubricant. “You know kids in England leave Santa some beer. Do they not think he could get drunk?” He asked, “Imagine consuming that much alcohol in a minimal amount of time. He wouldn’t legally be allowed to fly that sleigh.”

arlovasquez‌:

chessieabernathy‌:

The shot was exactly how he’d described – Chessie took it without missing a beat, and with how drunk she was already, the burning in the back of her through didn’t bother her too much. She couldn’t help but laugh at his reasoning, nodding as he spoke. Before she had a chance to respond, he was leaning in closer, and the topic had taken a much more interesting turn. Even while drunk, Chessie knew exactly what he was referring to – And while it may be a concerning realization in the morning, she couldn’t stop the excitement that found her. “I brought plenty to share,” her tone makes her sound like a child who snuck in candy, a smile at her lips. “Lets go to your room –” she suggested, beginning her way there, even though she wasn’t sure which way to go. “I don’t want to risk getting caught again.”

“Follow me, then,” Arlo said to Chessie, turning to lead the way to a nearby hallway. “My room is back here so it’s away from prying eyes and nosy individuals.” 

There was a familiar knot in his stomach starting to form - it was his anxiety beginning to take root but Arlo shook his head a little bit. There was nothing wrong with trying something just once; it’s not like he’ll get hooked on it after one time, or anything.

“Here we are,” he said, once they reached the door. “It’s a bit of a mess so… forgive me,” he chuckled. Grabbing the doorknob, he opened his room to Chessie.

@benvanderbilt

Ben had entered the bedroom for some quietness, there was only so much social activity he could take. He wasn’t used to these events again yet, which is why he wandered off in the first place. Not to mention that he was a little drunk. At first, he missed the bed and sat on the floor as he looked around. And then he got up once again and attempted to sit on the bed, in which he was successful. He swirled his bottle around as he looked at it.

His attention then turned towards the door as he saw it open. He was a bit delayed as he looked at both Arlo and Chessie, it took a moment to register that they had walked in. “You two aren’t gonna hook up right? Cause I don’t feel like moving right now.” He admitted as he looked at the pair. “Or are you guys here for some beer?”

oatanas‌:

“Tiger doesn’t change it’s stripes, Vanderbilt,” O shrugged, “you’re still an American.” Truly she wasn’t trying to be confrontational. O did like Ben even if the only reason she gave him a second thought was King, and for the most part she didn’t comment on his Europe obsession. But sometimes she just couldn’t help herself. “Vodka sodas,” she finished off her drink before holding up the bottle she had brought and giving Ben a grin. “Wanna put away the cultured traveler look for a minute and do a shot like the rest of us?”

She was right, however, that didn’t stop him from trying to prove her wrong, “But it can change it’s eating habits.” That probably sounded grosser than he intended. Ben was trying to come up with a clever comeback but he couldn’t think of anything better than that. His thoughts were already a bit cloudy. “I’m a lot different than I was two years ago.” Okay, that probably sounded better. “Shots aren’t just an American thing,” He pointed out before giving her a nod, “Do you think Arlo’s got some Fireball or?” He asked, “I’d be down for some vodka shots but I’m gonna need a chaser.”