#gccdwitch (solo and james)

[likeswallowstosea]

@gccdwitch

A couple months ago, James would have known exactly where to sit during the town hall meeting. He’d be right next to Ches, his fingers intertwined with hers as they discussed what was going on between themselves. Now? Well, this was yet another thing he felt aimless with since he’d pressed the self-destruct button on his engagement. Life never seemed to cease reminding him of his errors, be it waking up to an empty bed or the hostility of Ches’s social circle. The only one who wasn’t outwardly hostile was Solomon; possibly because, out of everyone, Solo might be the only one who understood based on what James could piece together about his breakup with Amber. 

Maybe that was why, despite being well aware that Solo was close to his ex, James had no hesitation walking up to him when he spotted him in the crowd. “Hello Solomon; it’s great to see you. You look well.” He greeted him with a smile, a bit softer than his signature smirk. This certainly would be the least headache inducing place to sit, unless he’d already had plans with Ches. Lucielle had a point during their last run in that he only had a limited amount of people in Arcadia willing to tolerate him at the moment that weren’t related to him. While he’d certainly never give her the satisfaction of admitting it, he’d rather avoid making that list smaller tonight. “Would it be okay if I join you tonight?” The worst case was that Solomon said no, he apologized for imposing like his uncle would encourage him to do because a town hall meeting certainly was considered polite society to the Branwells, and he texted Serissa to get down here and suffer with him to preserve what little reputation he had left. 

Of course, he’d rather avoid that embarrassment, but he supposed it wasn’t the worst situation he could get himself into tonight.

[likeswallowstosea]

@gccdwitch asked: “i was just standing here, minding my own business.” from lucy to james or zander

“Bullshit.” James shot back immediately, rolling his eyes at the concept of Lucy ever minding her own business. Most likely she was trying to dig up some dirt to shit-talk him with Zander later, it wasn't like he was unaware of the fact that Ches's best friends hated his guts. And sure, it was warranted all things considered, but he wasn't about to admit to that out loud. “So what's this really about? I haven't spoken to Ches, so if she's upset it's not my fault this time.” Well, that wasn't entirely a lie. He hadn't spoken to her since she kissed him and ran out the door, at least. “Did you ask Theo or Zander what they did? Gods know she spends way too much 'quality time' with those two if you catch my drift.” Okay, was he a bit bitter that Ches had kissed him and ran out the door? Yes. Was this fair? No. Was he going to continue being angry about Theo and Zander being close to his ex when he couldn't even get her to sit down and try to talk things through? Yes. He was a child of Ares, when wasn't he angry?

[likeswallowstosea]

Well, he hadn’t expected Solomon to be this excited to see him, but it wasn't in his best interest to comment on it. Instead, James hugs his friend back, giving Solo a brief pat on the shoulder as he pulls away. He chuckles, holding his hands up as if they were a peace offering. “Well, I think you look great given the circumstances.” Certainly better than James himself felt he did at the moment. Although an uncomfortable chuckle escapes his mouth when Solo mentions he looked good. “You should tell that to Serissa, she tells me I look miserable every time I see her lately.” Although, he certainly wouldn’t protest if Solomon didn’t. Serissa and France commenting on his misery was hard enough. It was easier when people didn’t notice. When people judged him for doing too well after his breakup with Ches, or focused on how he’d ended things, that was easier. He knew what to do with the anger; it was warranted. Pity cut a lot sharper.

“I doubt anyone who attends these find any enjoyment in the,. But your secret is safe with me, as long as you promise you won’t tell my uncle I find them insufferable as well.” He winks. Not that he thought Alistair would care all that much, but appearances were important. Although if it wasn’t for the chance to possibly sneak a quick peek at Ches, would he be in attendance? No matter how much he’d swear up and down his attendance was unrelated if he ended up seeing her tonight, there was a reason he’d pulled a dress shirt out of the closet when his alarm to get ready for tonight went off. He shrugs when Solo asks him how he’s doing. “It could be worse.” He said. Was it worth the risk of Ches turning Solomon against him if he heard they’d discussed her. “I know Ches would rather you were kept out of the middle of our breakup as much as possible, and I certainly don’t disagree with her decision, but it hasn’t gotten any easier for any of us. I’m in the process of arranging visitation with her so the dogs can spend time with her again, though, so hopefully that’ll make this easier on them.” He sighs, allowing his shoulders to slump from the weight of the emotions momentarily as he slipped his hands into his pockets. “How have you been holding up, though?”

Ever since Solomon had come back “home”, the town hall meetings had been pure agony. They’d never been pleasant but they’d somehow gotten a hundred times worse. If he had to guess, he’d say it’s probably because he doesn’t want to be anywhere near Arcadia right now. Still, because his mom has a pretty large role in it all, he’s not allowed to skip it; Solo’s pretty sure she’d drag him there even if he was on his deathbed just to keep up the appearance of a united, wholesome family. At least Cece is in the same boat, suffering almost as much as he is.

Though having the company of his sister always makes things at least a little more bearable, having some variety in the people he talks to during these things is always nice and his face practically lights up when he sees James. “You’re a filthy liar,” he says, humor slipping into his tone as he brings his friend in for a hug and pats his back. “But I appreciate the compliment anyway so I’m going to pretend I believe you for a second.” Solo grins at him, looking him up and down. “But you’re looking really good.” The question prompts him to look around, search for his mother’s cold, disapproving gaze, the one only he and Cece would know actually means a firm no. He doesn’t spot it; he doesn’t spot her, at all. Which surely means that James is welcome to join them. He doesn’t see why she would mind that, at least. “Of course, you can. You’d be doing me a favor really. These things are awfully boring. Just… don’t tell anyone I said that. My mother isn’t going to be happy with me.” He places his hands in his pockets, trying to play it off as if he’s much more casual and relaxed than he actually is. “How are you doing? How are the puppies?”