Log: Warren/Kevin: Marriage...
Aug. 5th, 2023 08:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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xp_logsWarren runs into Kevin in the lounge and it goes... maddingly.
Kevin was spending the afternoon off for once. He'd made himself comfortable in the unearthed lounge and bar in the mansion, door closed so the specialty HVAC could handle his cigar smoke, a drink at his elbow and a stack of physical newspapers at his elbow which he was proceeding to demolish at a steady rate. Nothing could go wrong, or so he thought as he heard one of the frosted glass double doors open.
Part of Warren's wanderings meant he wanted to make sure everything was how it was before he left. Even spaces he almost never used, he wanted to explore and check on because he could. If a door was locked, then he would move on but if it was open? Fair game.
The frosted doors piqued his interest. He couldn't remember them being there before, so naturally, he wanted in. Curiousity may have killed the cat, but it hadn't hurt this angel...yet. Glancing around the room, he almost stopped when he saw who was in there. Kevin Sydney. The last time he'd seen the man, he'd had to swallow his pride, give profuse thanks, all the while wanting to completely walk away and never say a word again. And here he was.
"Are you even allowed to smoke on school grounds? I know you're a bad example in general, but that feels like a whole other level."
"Lounge is specially outfitted. So long as the door is closed... and close the door, please. So long as it is, it cycles the air in here through a separate filtration system. It was very modern when it was installed, and sat basically inactive for fifty years when Xavier converted the mansion to a school and locked up the bar. Imagine having interiors by Arnold Constable and just... locking them away?" He mused before taking a long pull from his cigar. It had largely been his discussions with Xavier that had gotten permission to reopen the lounge after Kevin had hunted it down on the plans and gotten the filters re-fitted. "So, just having a little visit to the mansion?"
Kevin was always so goddamn smug and unflappable. It bothered Warren that he could never get a rise out of him. "Didn't you hear? I'm back. I did so well in Switzerland, the father figure stated I was allowed back to run things here. I paid my dues and have appropriately bent the knee to the almighty Worthington tit. So, I suppose we'll be seeing each other around."
And then yes, he closed the door and walked into the lounge. "This is your private space then? Did people finally catch on to your many charge accounts and ban you from the local clubs?"
"God no. I'm a professional, Worthington. Even if I somehow screwed up enough to get recognized, I'd just go in with your face next time." Kevin got up and walked over to the bar, picking up a crystal decanter older than even him. "Would you like a drink? I think we can be polite long enough for one, at least."
Warren thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Let's. I don't see what could possibly go wrong."
spoiler: he could think of plenty, but he wasn't going to worry about that right now.
"Is this the part where we chit chat, catch up, and play social niceties until one of us tires of it and leaves?"
"We could. I could cut to the chase and just sock you one in the jaw and spare us both some time." Kevin poured a second drink and slid it over to him on the gorgeous black walnut bartop older than even him. "Or, maybe you come in and shock me with how much you've changed. How you took some life experiences to heart and Richie Rich finally decided to grow up."
Kevin shrugged, the same unreadable expression on his face as he took a sip from the excellent bourbon. "Who knows what we find?"
This was not what Warren expected, really. Kevin was so hard to read and it always threw Warren off how unshakeable the older man was.
Annoying.
He took the drink and leaned on the bar, not wanting to sit. This was a courtesy visit, nothing more. He didn't want to get comfortable really. "I was never Richie Rich, thank you. He was at least loved and cared for by his parents. Mine are drinking themselves into oblivion and hoping that I don't exist." He drank slowly, just a mouthful really. This kind of alcohol didn't deserve to be chugged. "And I'll have you know that my life is going very well right now. Bobbi and I are deliriously happy, my career is going well, and I felt it was time to come back to New York and reacquaint myself with everyone." He raised a brow. "And yourself? Do you even change mentally while you change physically?"
"Function always follows form to some extent." He sidestepped the inquiry with the ease of a professional. "But I'm glad to know everything is going well, especially your career at a company with your family name on the letterhead. It would be a little embarrassing if you fucked up at being a Worthington. However, I heard about the engagement and congratulations. Marriage can be an incredible journey." He said, the last with what seemed to be honest sincerity.
"Thank you. I'm only doing this because I am fairly certain that it won't change things as they are. Bobbi and I have been together for almost 6 years at this point ... it seems fitting to take that next step." He swirled his drink. "At least in this way, I am not 'fucking up' being a Worthington, because to do that, i'd have to loathe my wife, and instead, I love her very much." He smiled at Kevin, an actual smile, not a guarded one. "So I'm excited for this. Did you ever marry? I don't think I actually know anything about you, although you seem to know plenty about me."
"Part of my job is knowing as much as possible about everyone. Turns out I've gotten pretty good at that over the last sixty years or so." He refilled his drink and took another sip. "And yes, I was married once. Seventeen years together before our divorce in 1980." He said, looking out over Warren's shoulder for a moment with the recall before burying it behind another pull from the cut crystal tumbler.
Warren looked at Kevin in surprise. "How many years have I known you, and this is the first piece of personal information you've shared." Warren hesitated. "Thank you. I appreciate that."
"It's the first personal question you've ever asked me." Kevin said, leaning back against the bar. "I don't hide much of my past, but I also don't volunteer much unprompted. This whole 'share all your feelings all the time' trend is one I'm never likely to get onboard with."
Warren almost protested out of habit that of course he'd asked Kevin questions before.... but that would be a lie. Instead, he wisely finished his drink, looking away while he did it. "Well, I suppose you're justified in your feelings towards me if I'm this self-centered." It was said in a very matter of fact tone. Warren wasn't upset, it was more that it made sense. He was self-centered. "I'm sorry to hear you got divorced... seventeen years though. Wow. I'm at six with Bobbi and I find that to be an accomplishment. Longest relationship I've ever had...."
"Warren, you'll be shocked to know that I have very few feelings about you. Last time we crossed paths, you were a privileged self-obsessed fool set on self-destruction. My distaste for you was no different than I have for anyone of your class who uses all their advantages to wallow in their own crapulence. " Kevin said with a nod. "Yet, there are people I actually care about, who seem to feel you're worthwhile, and I trust them enough to give you the mental space that you may have changed. Or, at least, the parts of you that they see worth in have gained dominance over the contemptible parts you previously let run wild."
"But about marriage, let me give you a word to the wise. It's a party, a ring and some paperwork, and you'll think nothing really changes from your relationship right now. But trust me, it does change things. Ultimately, for a few reasons outside of my control and an awful lot in my control, my marriage ended because I was not a good husband to my wife. I loved her, more than anything, but my actions- my decisions created enough of a distance that when the parts out of my control came into play, that distance couldn't be bridged." He drained the glass and refilled it automatically. "My wife deserved a better person than I was. Being that was simply hard work that I didn't want to do and thought just loving her was enough. So, a bit of very hard earned advice from an old man. Take a long hard look at the man Morse deserves, and an even harder look inside to make sure you can be that man. Otherwise, you're just counting time until it breaks down."
There was nothing Warren could say back so he simply gave Kevin a sharp nod. "Understood." There wasn't anything wrong that Kevin was saying -- it just hit a bit different knowing that the man really didn't have a vested interest in how Warren did things. And for Bobbi -- well, Warren always wanted to be the best for her, knowing full well how badly he failed. "At the end of the day, Bobbi's happiness means the world to me....even if that happiness comes from not being with me."
"That's exactly why my marriage ended. And let me tell you, it's a pretty cold comfort when it happens." Kevin took a deep breath. "But she died peacefully, surrounded by the children she always wanted so... I guess I did at least one thing right."
Another nod. Warren swirled his now empty cup in hand before placing it on the bar. "Well. I don't quite know how to respond to that. I'm glad she had the life she wanted in the end, although I'm sure she didn't hate it with you. We all make sacrifices for those we love."
"This is all water long long under the bridge, Warren. Just a bit of advice from someone who didn't do it the right way." He drained the last glass and set it down. "And I should get back to work. Nations aren't going to topple themselves and all that."
"Until next time, Sydney." Which Warren hoped wouldn't be for a while. Kevin had an unnerving ability to unsettle him and it always took a while to sort himself out.
Kevin was spending the afternoon off for once. He'd made himself comfortable in the unearthed lounge and bar in the mansion, door closed so the specialty HVAC could handle his cigar smoke, a drink at his elbow and a stack of physical newspapers at his elbow which he was proceeding to demolish at a steady rate. Nothing could go wrong, or so he thought as he heard one of the frosted glass double doors open.
Part of Warren's wanderings meant he wanted to make sure everything was how it was before he left. Even spaces he almost never used, he wanted to explore and check on because he could. If a door was locked, then he would move on but if it was open? Fair game.
The frosted doors piqued his interest. He couldn't remember them being there before, so naturally, he wanted in. Curiousity may have killed the cat, but it hadn't hurt this angel...yet. Glancing around the room, he almost stopped when he saw who was in there. Kevin Sydney. The last time he'd seen the man, he'd had to swallow his pride, give profuse thanks, all the while wanting to completely walk away and never say a word again. And here he was.
"Are you even allowed to smoke on school grounds? I know you're a bad example in general, but that feels like a whole other level."
"Lounge is specially outfitted. So long as the door is closed... and close the door, please. So long as it is, it cycles the air in here through a separate filtration system. It was very modern when it was installed, and sat basically inactive for fifty years when Xavier converted the mansion to a school and locked up the bar. Imagine having interiors by Arnold Constable and just... locking them away?" He mused before taking a long pull from his cigar. It had largely been his discussions with Xavier that had gotten permission to reopen the lounge after Kevin had hunted it down on the plans and gotten the filters re-fitted. "So, just having a little visit to the mansion?"
Kevin was always so goddamn smug and unflappable. It bothered Warren that he could never get a rise out of him. "Didn't you hear? I'm back. I did so well in Switzerland, the father figure stated I was allowed back to run things here. I paid my dues and have appropriately bent the knee to the almighty Worthington tit. So, I suppose we'll be seeing each other around."
And then yes, he closed the door and walked into the lounge. "This is your private space then? Did people finally catch on to your many charge accounts and ban you from the local clubs?"
"God no. I'm a professional, Worthington. Even if I somehow screwed up enough to get recognized, I'd just go in with your face next time." Kevin got up and walked over to the bar, picking up a crystal decanter older than even him. "Would you like a drink? I think we can be polite long enough for one, at least."
Warren thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Let's. I don't see what could possibly go wrong."
spoiler: he could think of plenty, but he wasn't going to worry about that right now.
"Is this the part where we chit chat, catch up, and play social niceties until one of us tires of it and leaves?"
"We could. I could cut to the chase and just sock you one in the jaw and spare us both some time." Kevin poured a second drink and slid it over to him on the gorgeous black walnut bartop older than even him. "Or, maybe you come in and shock me with how much you've changed. How you took some life experiences to heart and Richie Rich finally decided to grow up."
Kevin shrugged, the same unreadable expression on his face as he took a sip from the excellent bourbon. "Who knows what we find?"
This was not what Warren expected, really. Kevin was so hard to read and it always threw Warren off how unshakeable the older man was.
Annoying.
He took the drink and leaned on the bar, not wanting to sit. This was a courtesy visit, nothing more. He didn't want to get comfortable really. "I was never Richie Rich, thank you. He was at least loved and cared for by his parents. Mine are drinking themselves into oblivion and hoping that I don't exist." He drank slowly, just a mouthful really. This kind of alcohol didn't deserve to be chugged. "And I'll have you know that my life is going very well right now. Bobbi and I are deliriously happy, my career is going well, and I felt it was time to come back to New York and reacquaint myself with everyone." He raised a brow. "And yourself? Do you even change mentally while you change physically?"
"Function always follows form to some extent." He sidestepped the inquiry with the ease of a professional. "But I'm glad to know everything is going well, especially your career at a company with your family name on the letterhead. It would be a little embarrassing if you fucked up at being a Worthington. However, I heard about the engagement and congratulations. Marriage can be an incredible journey." He said, the last with what seemed to be honest sincerity.
"Thank you. I'm only doing this because I am fairly certain that it won't change things as they are. Bobbi and I have been together for almost 6 years at this point ... it seems fitting to take that next step." He swirled his drink. "At least in this way, I am not 'fucking up' being a Worthington, because to do that, i'd have to loathe my wife, and instead, I love her very much." He smiled at Kevin, an actual smile, not a guarded one. "So I'm excited for this. Did you ever marry? I don't think I actually know anything about you, although you seem to know plenty about me."
"Part of my job is knowing as much as possible about everyone. Turns out I've gotten pretty good at that over the last sixty years or so." He refilled his drink and took another sip. "And yes, I was married once. Seventeen years together before our divorce in 1980." He said, looking out over Warren's shoulder for a moment with the recall before burying it behind another pull from the cut crystal tumbler.
Warren looked at Kevin in surprise. "How many years have I known you, and this is the first piece of personal information you've shared." Warren hesitated. "Thank you. I appreciate that."
"It's the first personal question you've ever asked me." Kevin said, leaning back against the bar. "I don't hide much of my past, but I also don't volunteer much unprompted. This whole 'share all your feelings all the time' trend is one I'm never likely to get onboard with."
Warren almost protested out of habit that of course he'd asked Kevin questions before.... but that would be a lie. Instead, he wisely finished his drink, looking away while he did it. "Well, I suppose you're justified in your feelings towards me if I'm this self-centered." It was said in a very matter of fact tone. Warren wasn't upset, it was more that it made sense. He was self-centered. "I'm sorry to hear you got divorced... seventeen years though. Wow. I'm at six with Bobbi and I find that to be an accomplishment. Longest relationship I've ever had...."
"Warren, you'll be shocked to know that I have very few feelings about you. Last time we crossed paths, you were a privileged self-obsessed fool set on self-destruction. My distaste for you was no different than I have for anyone of your class who uses all their advantages to wallow in their own crapulence. " Kevin said with a nod. "Yet, there are people I actually care about, who seem to feel you're worthwhile, and I trust them enough to give you the mental space that you may have changed. Or, at least, the parts of you that they see worth in have gained dominance over the contemptible parts you previously let run wild."
"But about marriage, let me give you a word to the wise. It's a party, a ring and some paperwork, and you'll think nothing really changes from your relationship right now. But trust me, it does change things. Ultimately, for a few reasons outside of my control and an awful lot in my control, my marriage ended because I was not a good husband to my wife. I loved her, more than anything, but my actions- my decisions created enough of a distance that when the parts out of my control came into play, that distance couldn't be bridged." He drained the glass and refilled it automatically. "My wife deserved a better person than I was. Being that was simply hard work that I didn't want to do and thought just loving her was enough. So, a bit of very hard earned advice from an old man. Take a long hard look at the man Morse deserves, and an even harder look inside to make sure you can be that man. Otherwise, you're just counting time until it breaks down."
There was nothing Warren could say back so he simply gave Kevin a sharp nod. "Understood." There wasn't anything wrong that Kevin was saying -- it just hit a bit different knowing that the man really didn't have a vested interest in how Warren did things. And for Bobbi -- well, Warren always wanted to be the best for her, knowing full well how badly he failed. "At the end of the day, Bobbi's happiness means the world to me....even if that happiness comes from not being with me."
"That's exactly why my marriage ended. And let me tell you, it's a pretty cold comfort when it happens." Kevin took a deep breath. "But she died peacefully, surrounded by the children she always wanted so... I guess I did at least one thing right."
Another nod. Warren swirled his now empty cup in hand before placing it on the bar. "Well. I don't quite know how to respond to that. I'm glad she had the life she wanted in the end, although I'm sure she didn't hate it with you. We all make sacrifices for those we love."
"This is all water long long under the bridge, Warren. Just a bit of advice from someone who didn't do it the right way." He drained the last glass and set it down. "And I should get back to work. Nations aren't going to topple themselves and all that."
"Until next time, Sydney." Which Warren hoped wouldn't be for a while. Kevin had an unnerving ability to unsettle him and it always took a while to sort himself out.
