olivcrfeng-a

[olivcrfeng-a]

Camila​:

        And there she is, jealous as all hell and quietly texting Ben, letting him know she’s found the winner. “Eh, it was okay,” she shrugs, trying not to raise too much suspicion. “So your girlfriend, is she sticking around, or?” Too obvious? Perhaps. “Unfortunately. Born and raised in this hell town,” usually she didn’t speak with such distaste for Mystic, but today she was as all hell pissed. “How long have you been in town? Don’t think I’ve seen you before.. oh, you’re his friend?” Eyeing Oliver with narrowed eyes, Cam couldn’t help but make her distaste for the younger Holder obvious. “Well, Ben is a good friend of mine.“ 

“She is, yeah, looking out for apartments, actually. We’re, you know..figuring things out again.” It was still an entirely foreign concept hearing the mention of Josie as ‘his girlfriend,’ when in reality, she had been much more than that mere title since they’d last parted. Almost wife. “Just when I thought I knew everyone’s faces by now too...” He mused at her response. “I’ve been here about five years now and, yes I am.” Oliver nodded in confirmation, though truthfully he was rendered confused, never understanding how Dean tended to get an incredible amount of flack. “Oh. So that’s another reason for you to hate me now or..?”

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Dean​:

        “I’m not jealous, bro.. what are you on about?” A slight tinge of red colours his cheeks, effectively outing him despite what spilled from his lips. “I’m just worried you’ll be all whipped and I’ll never get to see my dude. That’s all.” Teasing, of course, a grin tugging at his lips. “Well, I think for some people, aka you, things have a funny way of working out the way they’re meant to be. I’m happy for you, truly.” 

“Truly, this is an honor. You can just admit it, you know I’d be the same way.” Oliver of course didn’t let up with his best friend, seeing right through the lie and Dean’s blatant expression. “I don’t care how may times I have to stress this Deanie, that won’t happen, I swear. Josie isn’t like that” He insisted in reassurance. “Well, thank you, you know that means the most coming from you. I won’t give up if you won’t.” 

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Carolyn​:

-

Her grin merely doubled—all but tripled in its attempt to consume her face with that brightness. His words having that affect, one that made her feel bashful, yet at the same time filled to bursting with pride. “Thank you,” she would say first, allowing him to look at the photo for a moment more before swiping to the right to show him another. She had gotten started, and much like anyone that fed into their excitement, Carolyn was hard to stop. “She was really excited about the entire thing, and I was too—if I’m being honest,” she added the last with a little laugh, one more swipe and pause for him to see before looking at that screen herself. A momentary pause—an appreciation before pocketing that device once more. “Avery would love that,” she chimed in then, knowing the little girl to be very social—too much so at times, “You two name the time and the place, and we’ll make it work.” Carolyn meant those additions, knowing the pair would be happy to meet these two new comers into their life. Oliver and Josie. Ken and his Barbie. “Though you’ll have to bring pictures of your costumes, Avery will insist on seeing them,” she smiled then, knowing the words to be true. Her grin remained despite his minor compliment, a small flushing finding her features, as she would manage to shrug. “I think that’s part of the fun of it—not having all the pieces together I mean. It’s stressful don’t get me wrong, but helps to keep things interesting.”

How could anyone not find the photos of the little girl happily immersed in enthusiasm over celebrating the holiday endearing? It was of course already pleasant coming from Carolyn, but there was something special to clearly see that she’d passed it down to her daughter. “Yeah, it’s great to see. They’re really nice, all of them. You can tell where she gets it from too.” He complimented, knowing that for potential children of his own someday, Avery was certainly a glowing example. If only that time of essentially having no worries at that age could entirely remain. Oliver knew how he’d lucked out as of late, exactly why the stakes seemed incredibly high at the same time, but still more than ready to tackle every one. “I don’t blame you, you both are my people. I love holidays, I love celebrating.” He stated with a laugh. Hearing Carolyn say her daughter would love to meet he and Josie too, his bright smile didn’t move from his expression.“Sounds great. I’m going to be seeing her a bit later today actually, so I’ll bring it up, let you know.” Oliver mentioned. “I think her pictures still win, but I will make sure to bring some of our Ken and Barbie pictures along for her.” He ensured to promise, already looking forward to Avery’s reactions of seeing them. “Wow and here I am thinking I was the only one who thought that. It’s true, good to know there’s no dull moments in both our lives.”

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—  @josie-marseille​

“So get this, apparently we have enemies out to get us now.” Oliver mused while placing his jacket over the back of his chair at the table he and Josie had just been seated at. “A lot of people still want that car apparently. Ridiculous, huh? They all were just joking but some of them  took that game a bit too far i think.” He shook his head with a laugh over the account of the latest run-ins he’d had with some fellow game contestants. Turning back towards Josie, he  took a moment, ensuing this was reality. After thinking he’d never have a dinner, or even time like this with her again.

They hadn’t had a chance to speak much further on Josie’s revelation on Halloween, considering playing the Mystery competition had interrupted the important conversation, but Oliver was more than anticipating hearing how the official move was going, knowing Josie had primarily busied herself during the day with apartment hunting. But most importantly, have a tranquil evening with the slew of new developments. There were select places he frequented when it came to food in Mystic, and he purposely chose a quaint Wharf restaurant with a view of the water. “I hope you like it here. They’ve got a pretty good selection too.” Oliver nodded, a smile beaming upon his expression.

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Sawyer​:

STARTER: OPEN. TIME: EVENING. LOCATION: SUGAR DADDY BAKERY.

sawyer is in the middle of flipping the sign from “open” to “closed” when he catches sight of the person walking down the street. he hopes they’re not planning on ruining his early close - he hadn’t had a customer in the building in more than a half hour, and he wanted to pick up his daughter and go home, “please don’t tell me you need baked goods. we literally just closed, sorry.” 

@mysticstarter​

He always had a habit of this, running to the bakery right before closing to ensure placed orders were in. And with it getting closer and closer to Christmas, events at City Hall were starting to ramp up and he always ensured to bring in desserts for his fellow co-workers. “Sorry. Sorry, I know Sawyer. I just like to get my requests in early to you guys…not too close to actual deadlines and all..”

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Dylan:

       “You’re just about one of my favourite people, Oliver Feng. Mostly because you lie to me to make me feel better, and I think the world of you because of it,” she smirks in a teasing manner, although her words bear the weight of the truth. She genuinely adored him and was ever so thankful to have him as a friend. “If you love her, I know I will too. You have pretty good taste in people,” Dylan can’t help but grin. “I think you’re both very deserving of this second chance, and I truly believe that whatever is meant to be, will be. —Ah, Halloween. I heard there’s a lot of disappointed losers ‘round town? Just through word of mouth. You know we hear everything at the diner. But uh, things have been.. surprisingly good. My dad’s doing well, and Arya asked me to move in with her, when I’m ready.. and I’m really considering it. I feel like.. I need my own space now, you know? It’s a lot being at home with the two Everly men.” 

“I know you’re saying ‘just about’ because of me also being friends with Dean Holder, you can just say it, Dyl.” Oliver jested. “I don’t know what else I can say that will make you believe that I’m telling you the truth either, but I will figure it out.” He stated determinedly. “But thank you. It means the world you want her to feel welcome here too.” There were major steps being made in his life, and he knew well that Dylan always spoke with whole-hearted intent. “I always take your word for it, you know. But actually yeah..” He laughed at the mention of the ‘enemies’ they’d gained since Halloween. “I’ve run into a few of the sore losers from that night. Some are really…not taking it well.” Oliver shook his head, having been baffled with amusement over the encounters.  “It’s great your Dad’s doing better now. — No way, that’s awesome, Dyl! Jose is going to be looking for a place soon too, you guys might end up being close by anyway.”

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@deanholdcr

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Carolyn:

-

She laughed at his question, shaking her head despite the warmth that all but engulfed her features. A motherly pride. “Although I wouldn’t put it past me not to do that, I did have a companion,” she teased herself mostly, “My daughter had the pleasure of hanging out with me—Avery, she’s ten and was every inch the best Steve Rogers you’ve ever seen.” Her hand itched to reach for her phone then, so that she could show him some pictures, to gush over how sweat and excited her little girl had been. It was a minor hesitation—that want not to annoy him, though eventually she would give in and excitedly reached into her bag. “She had a shield and everything,” she would say then, amused by just how much she sounded like Avery then. Pulling up one of the many photographs she had taken that evening, Carolyn turned her cell phone to face him, smiling brightly. “I would love too,” she told him honestly then, meaning every word for she would have loved to meet the Barbie to his Ken. As Oliver went further still, Carolyn couldn’t help the soft pink flush that found her cheeks—a near compliment too much, even if it had been subtle. “I like to think that sort of thing is more undercover than rare,” she told him, deflecting—though very much believing in those words. “Seems to me, that people are trying so hard to be strong, that we don’t often get to see the squishy stuff. And me—well I’m all squishy bits,” she teased. 

“Definitely, it’s tempting.” Oliver nodded in agreement of heading out for trick-or-treating regardless, though as she explained, his expression brightened. He liked kids, not giving up on and still looking forward to maybe being a father one day, and of course, her daughter sounded like a great one, easy to tell she’d be fine in the future from how pleasant and kind her mother was. “That’s exciting. I’m sure she loved it and her Steve Rogers costume sounds like it would definitely have beat us all out.” Much to his elated surprise, Oliver instantly glanced over at the phone screen Carolyn held up with pictures to show of her daughter’s costume. “Yeah, I knew I was right, she would have won the whole night. That is really awesome, adorable kid.” He complimented as she agreed to meeting Josie at some point. “Great, I’ll have a talk with her about it. I’m sure she won’t mind and would really like to meet you too, you can even bring Avery if you like.” Oliver further offered before shaking his head with a light laugh. “I agree. It’s refreshing, trust me, we all don’t have everything together, that’s for sure.”

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Dean:

       “Married? Holy hell, and here I thought we were,” he grins, teasing; although his features soften, knowing the situation didn’t beg for jokes. Oliver had been through his own fair share of heartbreak, and all Dean wanted was to be there for him and celebrate the good in his life. “Wow. Oli, that’s massive. I mean, you almost got married. And what happened? She wasn’t ready to move with you?” 

‘It’s too good when you’re jealous, Deanie.” Oliver wasted no time countering in jest. After so long figuring that explaining would only significantly intensify his guilt, sharing the full story to Dean especially was alleviating. “Crazy, huh? She traveled a lot before we re-connected, got together..so yeah, it came down to another uproot after everything was supposed to be said and done..”

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Rose​:

-

She gave a nod, mind committing the name and the face to memory. Cross-referencing it with the information, she had gathered on the council over those years her father had been in office. Although not in her area of responsibility, or truly within the realm of her own work, Rose had always made it a point to know who was on council along with her father. Who worked with him, around him—or against him on a regular basis. She had a knack for names and faces—especially when her brother’s were involved. Perhaps it was due to her protective nature, though the brunette had never seemed to question it. “How do you find your work on the council?” she asked, though the question served a different purpose than simply asking him about his job. She wanted to get a better idea on who the man was—open a door to his politics perhaps or his ideas of City Hall in general. Another nod would follow his comment on the people that had attended, though a smirk would find the corner of her mouth as he went on. “Did it take long to find a shirt and board shorts?” she asked him, wondering how he could have spent most of his Halloween getting his costume in order. “It was fine, I spent most of my night at the Haunted House,” she added in answer to his question, “Did you see it this year?”

Oliver blinked for a moment, unsure how to accurately answer Rose’s question, or what might be expecting from his answer. He definitely wasn’t expecting to ever speak with another Holder member about his work at City Hall, even with Dean, that had been kept separate. Oliver knew his friend had divulged certain information with him when it came to his family frustrations, especially when it came to his father and eldest brother, though being casual currently with her didn’t seem right in the fact he hardly knew any of the others within the family well. “It’s good, I moved here for the job actually, been working on it for about five years actually.” He nodded, going with as simple of an answer as he could gather without overstepping any boundaries. “I mean, it didn’t take me that long to find those, but had to get in gear for the game too.” Besides, Josie had wanted to venture out on her own to get a feel for the town’s Halloween festivities and he’d respected that.  “Oh cool. I didn’t get to see it this year, but I helped with set-up and saw some of the prop pieces, looked like another good turn-out?”

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Camila​:

       “What is there to challenge? It’s rigged.” Camila shrugs, taking a steady sip of her coffee as she arches her brows at him. “I appreciate your candor, but no need to apologise. After all, it was all a tease. Uh—” Once. She’d been once, and the mere thought of it triggered something inside of her she couldn’t bare the thought of dealing with. And so, as always, she shoves it right back down and presses her lips together, maintaining the same facade she always has. “Who hasn’t? Point is… wait—you know him? Ben Holder? Well, at least you newcomers actually know a thing or two about this town.” 

“Right. And good to know, I figured there was going to be a few angry contestants out there anyway, it was a big prize.” Oliver nodded, though a brow raised. That definitely wasn’t how most reacted when he asked about New York. “Ok, you have a point there. I can’t believe how many faces from there I’ve ran into since I’ve moved here.” Could he even count how many on both hands anymore? “You’re from here, then? I mean, being around a while now, I like to think I know a thing or two about Mystic. — Uh..sort of? It’s more that..I know of Ben. I work for Mayor Holder, and am good friends with his brother, Dean.”

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Camila​:

       “I bet.” Clear resentment fuelled the air, particularly on her end, as she analysed the man before her. Her excuse for her lack of warmth was that anyone would be upset over the loss of such an amazing prize.. particularly with her devout love of cars. Or, rather, ruining cars. “Oh, I bet you highly doubt it since you practically won.” Narrowing her eyes some, she folds her arms across her chest. “Hmph.. New Yorkers,” she replies with clear distaste in her tone of voice. “Oh, it was a hell of a party. But I suggest you watch your back, Ken doll. This mouse, and that random Ben Holder, we’re coming from you.” 

“I didn’t say you couldn’t challenge the game results, just that you’d have to take it up with our host, not Josie.” Oliver nodded, probably doing nothing to help from the blatant disappointment from her tone and written upon her expression. “I do get it that any of us would have been disappointed not to win. It was a huge prize. So…I’m sorry that you..didn’t? — You’ve been? To New York I mean?” Though his brows remained raised at the further warnings. “See? You still had fun? And wait, Holder? I know of him. He’d the oldest sibling isn’t he?” At least from what he gathered working for the mayor, and being best friends with Dean.

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Dean​:

         Dean listened intently, learning far more about his best friend than he realised, as he began to put the puzzle pieces together. It was hard to imagine a world where he didn’t know Oliver, one where they hadn’t been mates in one another’s lives. He was ultimately grateful that the guy had rocked up in Mystic; and even more so, that he wasn’t one of his dad’s sheep followers. “Right.. being.. you broke up? What happened between you two?” 

Oliver found he halted at this spot when explaining he and Josie’s history, it was a stark reminder within himself of how ignorant, blind he’d been to have had essentially no other choice. “Right. We were close to getting married…real close..when I got a call for a job here at City Hall..I knew I wanted to give it a shot..we were settled you know? And..I wasn’t going to have her pick up her life again if she didn’t want to..it was horrible..” He slowly nodded.

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Carolyn:

-

Carolyn smiled a little further at the man’s agreement, his appreciation and care for the other woman easily seen. So much so that she couldn’t help but root for the couple, want them to succeed and to be happy. In fact, she all but swooned for their relationship—growing far too invested without knowing much of their history. “Of course, it takes two for a couple’s costume,” she reassured him, made happy when he allowed the compliment and seemingly took it to heart. Agreeing with her in a way, at least in the fact that he had managed to find the right clothes for his Ken outfit. “The good old days,” she chimed in at his sentiment, remembering those days when it had been her and not Avery that had gone off sprinting down the street with a pillowcase clutched within her hands. There had been an excitement shared by both memories, one that clung to the holiday itself, transcending through the years—or so she believed. “Carolyn,” she offered then in return, hand extended should he wish to shake it, “I have hope for you two, probably way to much considering I don’t know ether of your—though you could just chalk that up to my romantic heart.” She laughed at that, at herself.

“That is true.” Oliver grinned, more than proud to have been one half of Josie’s Barbie and Ken idea. Her mind always came up with the most imaginative, creative ideas, one of the things he could easily list off of what he always truly admired of her. “And definitely. I’m guessing you didn’t go around house to house alone for free candy then?” He had to jest at her following remark, especially being someone who earnestly enjoyed celebrating holidays to the fullest. Why not have the most amount of fun with them? “Not that I would blame you at all in the slightest for that.” Oliver insisted and nodded as she introduced herself, taking her hand in return for a shake. “Carolyn. Good to meet you.” He truly did mean that, always interested in meeting new people, probably one of things that had made his big move to Mystic slightly easier. Besides, hearing the support for him and Josie even from someone he barely knew? How could that not drive that sense of hope within him further? “Seriously, I can’t thank you enough. You know me now, and I’m sure you can meet her sometime soon. And you know, that’s a really good thing, don’t lose that, especially since..it seems too rare nowadays.”

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Dylan​:

       “Yeah, that’s pretty true,” Dylan grins, amusement reaching her eyes. Of course, she thought the absolute world of Oliver, and she could just tell Josie was absolutely lovely. They were literally a match made in heaven.. if anyone even believed in such things, of course. There were people who were unlucky in love, and then.. there were soulmates. “You’re being way too nice to me.. but she sure is kind and smart. I can’t wait to get to know her.. I’m sure I’ll love her just as much as you do. Oh, and to have someone to complain to about you, ‘cause you’re just such hard work..” she sighs, a smirk appearing on her features. “Really? That’s.. honestly, you have no idea how happy I am for you. I don’t think I’ve seen you this ecstatic in a… well, actually, since I’ve known you. You just light up when you speak about her.” 

“How can I not? It is the truth.” For the genuine person he’d known Dylan to be since they became friends, she deserved the praise, and he couldn’t thank her enough for the support she’d provided him, regardless of the situation. “You have no idea how good it is to hear you say that. I know you’ll be amazing, make her feel welcome.” His grin was practically beaming from his features, knowing that she and Josie would easily be able to relate from the get-go. “I know, don’t know how you handle it. I’m sure she won’t mind ragging on me either.” He shook his head with a light laugh. “No lie, she’s staying. But thanks, Dyl. It’s nice of you to notice that. She definitely makes me happy, I know that hasn’t changed. I’m..really lucky for this chance.. — So, this has been all about me. How’ve you been since helping us out with the Halloween victory?”

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Josie​:

            For the one who felt like she’d never truly felt like she’d belonged anywhere, Oliver’s words came as a shock to the system. A bath of ice to scorched skin. Things haven’t been the same without you. It wasn’t that she hadn’t expected him to miss her, but rather she hadn’t expected that to have such a profound impact on his life and its daily occurrences. And Oliver was kind, but not so kind that he’d tell a lie, even a small one, to keep the peace, to keep her here.

            As her eyes tracked his movements, Josie could sense his unease, his anxiety. He truly had no idea how she was going to respond. And, frankly, neither did she. She felt too much like a raw edge. Too much like a butcher knife against a block of butter. Frayed. Of course she missed him, of course she’d longed to hear the very words he’d spoken just then. But their time apart had hardened some of those soft edges and made her leary of his kind words. Her battered heart now needed protecting, where he’d once seen every corner of it. 

                                    Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Josie breathed out a small sigh of a laugh, an exhale of nerves. “Well, I’m glad to be here now.” It was as honest as she could manage to be for the time being. There was a lot happening for her, within her, all of a sudden. 

            She wanted to go, and fought against that instinct, every moment she remained on Oliver’s couch.

Oliver glanced down at his hands as a manner of distracting himself momentarily, giving her time to answer his admittance. If she even wanted to..one sentence wasn’t going to make everything alright all of a sudden, he realized that much. His peripheral attempted glancing at her current expression, letting certain confessions go on a whim likely wasn’t the greatest idea for the moment. Not that Oliver could help it, certainly another unwavering sentiment when around her. And just as he held onto threads of who they’d been together himself, Josie couldn’t have come here just for nothing. Her response seemingly solidified the notion, gaze instantly lifting to meet hers again, a relieved sense of a grin crossing his features, the statement sinking in. That still sounded more promising than anything. 

“Me too. I’m glad you’re here too. Really glad.” Oliver wasted no time remarking in return with a nod. He shifted upward on the couch, composing his stance a bit. “I..uh..I know words probably aren’t enough right now. But..I do want to put in the effort, Jose.” Anything to work towards easing her own understandable, lingering concerns, transparent doubt that wasn’t lost on him either, and at the same time, a signal she did of course still care, and had been enduring, grappling with as much stinging hurt and pain as he had.  They’d long reached the point of second-handedly reading one another like the back of their hands, surely time couldn’t dissipate that entirely as much as it could try? “Uhm, you need help getting settled at all?” Oliver found himself continuing in hopes of steering himself from any further potential mortification. 

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Henry Golding photographed by Dennis Leupold by Attitude Magazine (October 2020)