theokent

[theokent]

Emma D'Arcy for Arena HOMME+ (Summer/Autumn 2024) Photographed by Fausto Elizalde

[theokent]

It was impossible for Theo to be mean or treat someone unkindly for an assumption. Even if they tried hard to present as androgynous and male leaning as possible, still some people would just put their gender preconceptions onto them. It stung but it was their reality. Besides, the other felt very apologetic so they gave him grace about the whole thing and nodded. "Don't worry about it. I'm Theo by the way. I'm non-binary. My fiancée is a cis-woman and pregnant. If that explains it better? We're a queer couple." A more genuine smile crossed their face at his question. "Only three months left to go, yes! We're excited and this one has been very protective of us all." Theo scratched behind the lab's ear with a soft smile. "I don't have many friends in the city either to be honest. We just moved here. If you were looking to make friends? I promise we're very cool. And we love dogs."

❝ I’m sorry... Your fiancée? ❞ Sebni narrowed his eyes at them, squinting, as his head titled to one side. For a few seconds, he was quiet, just staring at them sternly, trying to make sense of what they just said. When it finally dawned on him, his eyes grew wide, his jaw dropped, and he raised both arms to the air. ❝ Oh, your fiancée’s been pregnant for six months now?! That’s just, like, three months left right? Congratulations! ❞ It was very clear that Sebni was not an expert in pregnancy, or getting someone pregnant, or being told someone was pregnant. But it was also clear that his celebratory joy was genuine. To bring a new life into this world, even if it would never be his thing, was always cause for a celebration. He was ecstatic, excited, and...then it hit him, the cause for the confusion earlier, which immediately twisted his face from delight to horror, ❝ Wait, no, I’m not... I didn’t mean... I just don’t have that many... Friends. ❞

[theokent]

happy birthday to the love of my life. this life and the million next ones. I love you. @imogenrhittrp

[theokent]

[theokent]

"Oh yeah, I've always wanted a rescue. We went to a shelter and he kind of chose us, really." The memory of them first getting Roy brought a warm smile to Theo's face as they looked down at him briefly, then back at Sebni. "He's perfect but I have to admit I have a lot of free time to train him and just be with him which I know it's not the case for a lot of people." Theo couldn't help but look down but looked back up again trying to shake off that feeling twisting in the pit of their stomach now. "Um, my fiancée is pregnant. She's about six months now." They nodded, now a tight lipped smile where the softness used to be.

❝ A rescue for a first dog? That’s so sweet of you folks, ❞ Sebni nodded, grinning. He’s always had respect for those who rescued dogs. He’s always wanted to do the same but had never had the courage, believing himself to be incapable of rescuing dogs. At best, he could only be sufficient enough for pups from other dog owners. ❝ Oh, you’re expecting? ❞ Sebni shifted his attention from the dog to its owner, wide eyes wandering over to her belly before he realized it was most likely rude and had to avert his gaze. The last pregnancy Sebni was aware of was years ago. For one reason or another, he’s never been involved with pregnant friends or family members, and his younger sister had no intention of being pregnant herself. ❝ How far ahead are you folks? ❞

[theokent]

"Born and raised in London. Then moved to Louisiana for a few years, running a restaurant." Theo explained easily, almost forgetting about their walk on the treadmill that had barely any velocity really. "I think we might stay here permanently or, at least for a long time."

They quirked an eyebrow at the question and asked their own, a bit cockily. "Why? Disappointed?" Theo shook their head with a cheeky smile. "A year ago it would definitely not have been platonic but yes, fiancée and very much in love. Sorry mate. Got here a bit late." Theo had always been a flirt which came in handy when they were single but apparently it was a good trait to have if you were looking to make friends as well. "Getting a hobby was high on the list, yeah. I have yet to find a sports bar that shows Premier League matches but hopefully, I will. You don't happen to watch English football, no?"

"huh, no way, me too. you live in brooklyn?" beau was not a new yorker, he was a texan. he had no problem with small talk. granted, not every new yorker fit the stereotype, but there were a few who had made him feel like they would be less disgusted if he whipped it out and pissed in the street in front of them then get to know them. "where are you from, originally?"

"ah, fiancee. so you weren't checking me out... or maybe you were, in a platonic way?" beau chuckled nervously. he'd never been approached so forwardly about becoming someone's friend. it felt a little weird, but also strangely endearing. "well, the internet is the font of all knowledge, or something to that effect. where else did it suggest to make friends? i could use some. besides you, of course."

[theokent]

There was no doubt in Theo's mind that Imogen wasn't going to love this. Even if they weren't getting married at all, she'd love all of this. As kids, she used to talk about her own wedding to them because she always loved fashion. Her wedding dress changing shapes and styles through the years and then her wedding became their wedding. It was crazy to think that even before the breakup, as soon as they finally got together, it was evident to both of them that they were going to get married some day. It was crazy to think that they were back on track again after so much uncertainty but Theo was just over the moon because they couldn't wait to call Imogen their wife.

"From what I heard, this is exactly like we dipped into wedding heaven, yes." Theo agreed, looking back at her as she looked back at them, so happy to see her excited about this. The pregnancy wasn't easy on Imogen and they knew that because they talked about it constantly. Imogen had her good days and bad days but Theo made sure whichever it was, she was showered with love and support and most importantly understanding. This was one of those times where they wanted her to feel like the bride to be that she was and not just an oven like they both usually joke about. Theo didn't see her like that at all. "Will you hate me if I tell you I don't want to make our wedding cake?" Theo whispered close to her ear as they approached what looked like a bakery that specialized in wedding cake with gorgeous demos and bite size samples, piking one tiny plate to hand to Imogen but first, they smelled it. "Oh look at that, I think this is a vanilla sponge with a cream and pistachio frosting. Made for you." That was a nice coincidence. The vendor seemed surprised that Theo made out the cake with just a whiff.

Imogen was already laughing at the way Theo was pretending that their surprise had been relating to a cult, but her eyes widened when it was followed up by the mention that it wasn’t….not a cult. “Wait what?” Her laugh becoming a little breathy as she allowed herself to be guided through the door because even if they were walking into the jaws of death she’d happily follow Theo there. Plus it had far too much baby pink bunting to be anything that sinister. 

The Wedding Fair. She’d heard tales of these mythical things but never actually been to one herself, even now she was working at Vera Wang she still didn’t really have them on her radar because anyone selling their dresses there would be second party vendors likely selling off old stock from lines that were no longer sold in the flagship stores. No longer anything to do with Vera or her team…one of whom was now Imogen obviously. “Is that what this is? Bloody hell, this is going to be so much fun!” Already giddy as she looked around now they were in the main hall, seeing wedding cakes, flowers, dresses, invitations, thank you cards, honeymoon options…it seemed never ending the hall just stretching as far as they eye could see. “Fun? This is going to be fucking amazing. Best birthday activity ever!!” Turning to look at her fiancee as her voice became a bit of a squeak, grabbing onto on of their hands with both of hers, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “It’s like we’ve been dipped into wedding heaven, oh my god look at those table settings!” Immediately distracted as she pulled them towards a table, only getting half way there before a wedding cake caught her attention from the corner of her eye. “Are those sugar flowers?! They look so real!” @theokent

[theokent]

Character development task 002 - Theo & Imogen.

Stop and wait a sec Oh when you look at me like that my darling What did you expect? I'd probably still adore you with your hands around my neck Or I did last time I checked

@imogenrhittrp

[theokent]

In a crowded room a few short years ago And sometimes there's no proof, you just know You're always gonna be mine We're gonna be I'm gonna love you when our hair is turnin' gray We'll have a cardboard box of photos of the life we've made And you'll say, "Oh my, we really were timeless"

- Timeless (Taylors Version) (From The Vault) - Taylor Swift (2023)

@theokent

[theokent]

Character development task 002 - Theo Kent.

I've still got pictures of friends on the wall I might look as if I'm deep in thought But the truth is I'm probably not If I ever was Oh the dawn won't stop weighing a tonne I've done some things that I shouldn't have done But I haven't stopped loving you once

@brooklynextras

[theokent]

Listening carefully at Sebni, Theo nodded as he heard him talk about the dog park, a bit weary of it themselves, not sure how Roy would handle it. "Technically, he's still a pup?" They said with a bit of doubt in their tone. "He's our first dog and a rescue. We think he's around nine months old to a year so he's grown as big as he's going to be but he's still a pup." Hoping they explained themselves well, they looked back at Sebin. "He's my first dog so we're learning from each other. My fiancée and I always wanted one so we figured, we should get one before our baby is born." They really tried but it just is impossible to them not to mention Imogen or the baby at any point. They always find a way to slip it into conversation.

❝ Truer words were never spoken, ❞ Sebni let out a chuckle. He did give it a quick think, tried to see if he himself could think up a dog breed that wasn't cute, but even if he did come up with something that would traditionally be considered un-cute, just being a dog threw tradition out the window. ❝ I tried to before, but all three of them at the same was just pure chaos. Too loud and noisy. So I just started bringing them one by one. Except for the beagle. She prefers just sleeping at home. ❞ All three of his dogs were definitely talkers, threatened or not, unprompted or not. There were times when they'd be chill, but except for the beagle, both the husky and the shiba were just too big of personalities to ever be considered chill. Sebni turned his attention back to Roy once last time, admiring his gentler personality, ❝ Roy's a good boy. You're lucky, and I'm sure he is, too. He's been with you since he was a pup? ❞

[theokent]

"Good riddance, I'd say." Theo said confidently, after all, she was divorcing a man so, not much lost there in their opinion. Men, better lost than found usually. Especially cheaters. Either way, they took back their phone, giving her account a look so they didn't forget. "Catalina, nice to officially meet you. You already know my name, I guess. No need to introduce myself" They smiled kindly and put their phone away to continue their conversation. "Please do message me. I'm not great with technology and not on my phone so much but I'll see it." The brit chuckled to themselves because they could be such an old person sometimes. Still not very aware they had some sort of a niche following and were low-key famous. It had gotten them in trouble before, in fact. "Wait, did you say event planner?" That called their attention because they had this idea but didn't know exactly how to make it happen. Plus, they'll eventually need one for the wedding as well. "I had a contact here in New York or the pop ups but it fell through. I could really use the help if you're taking in clients?" Their face going from business to complete softness at she congratulated them on the pregnancy. "Yes, we are beyond excited about our daughter. I can't stop bringing it up. Sorry." Theo shook their head but they were smiling. If Immy was there, she'd be laughing at them.

“I don’t blame him, anytime I’m allowed outside I get so excited and run around a lot so…” she gestured to her outfit since she’d literally just been jogging, that’s how she’d been accosted by Roy in the first place. Though she wasn’t really looking at it like that anymore because he was such a little cutie how could he ever attack anyone? Instantly the dog had made her do a one eighty from fear to adoration. 

She was still trying to catch her breath a little when they called her ex a twat, spluttering slightly on the mouthful of water she’d just taken from her bottle a split second before. “You…yes, yes a total twat.” Not a word she normally used but if it wasn’t very fitting in this instance. “Soon to be ex husband, we’re in the middle of getting a divorce.” And Catalina hated the way her voice dipped slightly as she admitted it, swallowing, because she wasn’t finding letting go of her years long marriage easy. Even if he had cheated on her in the most spectacularly…twatish as Theo would put it…fashion. Hold on…had she just been sort of invited to dine at one of Theo Kent’s pop up restaurants personally? God if only she could somehow let her soon to be ex know about that, it would be more payback than cutting his dick off that was for sure, he’d be furious. “Yes, of course, thank you so much, I would love that.” Quickly taking the phone as she typed in her instagram in order to hit follow, showing it to them so they knew which account it was. “I can message you from my account as well so you know it’s me, also if you ever need any help with the events I would be more than thrilled to help. I’m an event planner so …” giving them a smile as she passed the phone back. “She is? Congratulations! That’s so exciting.” And she was not at all jealous, except how come everyone around Catalina got to have kids and she didn’t? She couldn’t help but have that thought pop into her mind which was unfair because it wasn’t the other’s fault. Far from it. @theokent

[theokent]

Theo pretended to look disappointed when she said she didn't want to join a cult, face falling and all as they clicked their tongue. "Well, I guess that's it about my surprise then." The brit rolled their eyes, pretending to be annoyed and shaking their head before their smile started to show. Moving from in front of her to next to her, Theo threw an arm around her shoulders, something they been doing a lot lately as it allowed them to place a hand on the bump if they wanted to, and started guiding her through the door.

"It's not a cult but it's not not a cult now that you mention it." Theo chuckled. They knew how crazy people could get about their wedding. Imogen had made them watch enough realities revolving around weddings growing up and they've seen bride wars together. It wasn't fun. But they think they're going to be more relaxed about theirs. "During one my recons around the city, I've found out there's something called, the wedding fair." They explained as they walked in, showing their phone with their tickets at the entrances and thanking the person scanning it. The place decorated like a wedding venue from the get go, lots of flowers everywhere. "I know we're not getting married any time soon but I thought it'd be fun to start looking at things? And it was just on your birthday week. They only do it once a year and it was today! How perfect is that? I had to bring you here." Theo was keeping Immy close, practically whispering all of these into her ear as they looked around. The place seemed filled almost entirely with posh twats but well, Theo could not care less.

Imogen had complained no end when Theo had told her they were leaving the house, mainly because she wanted to vegetate in bed all day. However, since that was what they’d done yesterday as well the woman figured it was only fair to do something for her fiancee instead - balance was one of the keys to a positive relationship she knew that much. So they’d stopped to grab a coffee which the redhead now had in her hand, sipping every so often now it was a little cooler, her almond croissant having been demolished in a few bites upon purchasing.  

Frowning a little as they headed towards the entrance of what looked like a convention centre she tried to work out what was going on, but her powers of deductive reasoning seemed to be on holiday. So as Theo started speaking she looked over at them hoping for some kind of clues, eyebrows popping up. “A surprise for me, for my birthday?” Okay well that made her excited, not expecting anything birthday related yet since they still had another couple of days to go. “Do I need to wait until we’re inside to know what it is or are you going to tell me now?” She chuckled, glancing at all the couples heading inside. “Oh god, Theo we’re not joining a cult are we? I mean I know I love those shows on Netflix but I don’t actually want to be in one. I was kidding when I said the one from The Following looked like fun.” Pretending to be scared, but her mouth was twitching in a smirk. @theokent

[theokent]

"Oh shit." Opening their eyes wider, Theo realized this person wasn't the vendor of the stall. They brought a hand to their chest shaking their head, a little mortified. This always happened to them, they were always too in their own head. "I'm so sorry. I was so distracted I didn't even see you weren't the person in charge." They apologized quickly and went back to look at the pieces there. "They do, yeah. Honestly these are so good I wouldn't even care if they're legit or not but my fiancée might. She knows more about these things." Theo commented, giving the other a small smile.

Ben had been completely absorbed in what he'd been doing ( which was mostly debating on whether to add something new to his jewellery collection ) when he heard a voice address him. Returning to standing, he glanced over his shoulder to the owner of the voice and offered a small smile to them. "I think so," he answered. "The guy who owns this store ran off for coffee —- at least, I think that's where he was going." A pause, and then he mused, conversationally, "There's some pretty cool stuff on here, right?"

[theokent]

Sometimes after walking their fiancée to the tube, or rather subway station as they call it in America, Theo likes to go for a coffee at Beanz. Just sit down and people watch for a bit. They sometimes take their little blue book to make notes on the couple of projects they have in mind for the future while they enjoy being a stay at home partner.

Right behind, her chair pressed to the back of theirs, sat someone that seemed eager to have a conversation to whoever wanted to hear her and they had nothing better to do. "Okay, I don't know much about sea turtles, sadly. But I do know a lot about soulmates. I have one and I strongly believe in them so if you know about sea turtles and I know about soulmates, you can tell me about your dream and we might come to an educated conclusion, no?" Theo suggested, seriously, taking a sip of their coffee after they did, half turned on the sit towards the woman.

who:  open  !

where:  beanz

fiadh  flanagan  bursts  into  beanz  like  the  front  door  owes  her  money—windblown,  wide-eyed,  and  already  talking  before  she  even  properly  steps  inside.

“you’d  never  believe  the  morning  i’ve  had—two  subway  delays,  one  very  rude  man  in  a  scarf,  and  i’m  fairly  certain  the  octopus  at  work  is  plotting  my  downfall,”  she  announces  cheerfully  to  no  one  in  particular,  though  the  barista  gives  her  a  knowing  look  like  this  is  not  their  first  rodeo.

she’s  carrying  three  bags—only  one  of  which  makes  sense—and  drops  into  the  seat  near  the  window  with  the  kind  of  exhausted  flair  that  suggests  she’s  either  been  up  since  5am  or  just  hasn’t  slept.  her  cardigan  is  inside  out,  her  hair’s  doing  its  own  thing,  and  she’s  already  pulling  out  a  crumpled  napkin  with  some  kind  of  fish  diagram  on  it.  for  later.

“right,”  she  says  to  whoever’s  nearest—stranger,  friend,  unfortunate  soul  sitting  nearby—“what’s  your  take  on  sea  turtles  and  soulmates?  because  i  had  a  dream  about  one  last  night,  and  i  think  it  might’ve  been  prophetic.  or  maybe  i  just  shouldn’t  eat  cheese  before bed.  either  way,  i’m  opening  it  up  for  discussion.”

she  sips  her  tea  like  that  was  the  most  natural  conversation  starter  in  the  world.

[theokent]

starter: closed for @imogenrhittrp

where: Brooklyn wedding fair @ green boutique (April 27th)

Walking around Brooklyn hand in hand, Theo dragged Immy out of the house under the false pretense that they needed to get a few things for dinner and they wanted her to come with because she's been working so much. Technically, it wasn't all a lie. She had been working a lot, trying to get everything organized for when she had no choice but to take her maternity leave but it wasn't why they were out and about this time at least.

Immy's birthday was coming up and they knew she didn't want to do much so this was going to be a nice pre-birthday surprise that they were both going to enjoy. Standing outside Green Boutique, Theo stood in front of her a few steps away from the entrance where a lot of couples were going in and held both her hands. "I know it's not your birthday yet but I have a surprise for you that I think you are going to love." They were no where near close to getting married yet but they were both so excited about that day to come and Theo thought that stepping away from baby planning and do some wedding planning was something Imogen was going to enjoy a lot for her birthday.

[theokent]

"Oh those are cute! But well, all dogs are cute." Theo chuckled. They really did think so. Even if they always wanted a black lab and was so lucky they got it, they didn't care one bit about dog breeds. Their next one could be a mutt and they'll be fine. As long as they were rescues, that was important to them. "Roy is a talker when he feels threatened. Otherwise not much? He's very chill actually, aren't you baby?" They lent down a little to scratch behind his ear and give the top of his head a kiss. "He's my dream dog." Caught by surprise at the stretched hand, they stood up straight and shook it. "Oh um, I'm Theo, like wise. Dog people are the best. Do you take yours to the dog park? How do they like it?"

“ A shiba, a husky, and a beagle, ” Sebni beamed with pride as he turned his attention to the dog's human. While there was nothing wrong with calling them the dog's owner, as he, too, was a dog owner, especially in his head, he just felt at the moment that it was just appropriate. As the human of three different dogs, each with their unique personalities, he barely felt like he owned anything, if not simply the roommate who takes care of everything else. “ Is Roy a talker? Or is he more mindful of being noisy? ” His husky wasn't, which would definitely make Roy more of a dream dog. He chuckled at that thought before realizing he was being rude. Sebni extended his hand toward the other person as a way of introducing himself, “ I'm Sebni, by the way. Always a nice day meeting fellow dog people. ”