Implementing The Plan - Tyler, tag Bree, Tina

[Tyler Durnham]

It was about time to start putting into place his plans to ‘integrate’ Christina into the school. She was a Durnham, by name at least, even if she seemed rather different to the rest of the family so far, so it was about time she started fitting in. And Tyler’s definition of his sister fitting in, of course, was her standing out. They were meant to be noticed, the Durnham’s, treated differently. Oh, the privilege being rich earned you.

He needed his half sister to start socialising with the right sort of people, and luckily, Tyler knew just the woman to help him with that. Bree had the right sort of breeding, and social standing, and to sweeten the deal, was a cheerleader to boot. Also helpful was the fact that he wouldn’t have to worry about her hitting on his sister, something that would concern him with Sloane. He didn’t think Tina would go for it, and it could even be a confidence boost for her, which he felt she needed. But for now, Bree was perfect.

“Bree.” he greeted the girl warmly when he found her outside of the cafeteria, leaning in to press a soft kiss to her cheek. “Any plans for lunch? I want to introduce you to my half-sister. I was kind of hoping you could help her join the cheerleading squad.” He grinned sheepishly at her, planning on charming his close friend if needed.

[Bree Marcus]

Bree was surprised to see Tyler waiting for her, especially when she heard why he wished her company. Ready to make a sarcastic remark about him only coming to see her when he needed something, it melted on her tongue when he kissed her cheek. Feeling her knees weaken, her cheeks flushed as she looked up into his eyes. “Well can she cheer? The next tryouts aren’t until fall so we could woek out a routine I suppose. Oh, I have no plans, just taking up space on the fountain.,” ahe said knowing he would understand that it was just a prestige thing. That was her place and it represented her place on the social ladder. Going out to lunch wouldn’t effect it nor would sitting with a boy, but sitting in the cafeteria alone risked someone taking her place, physical and symbolic.

“So… you have a sister?I thought you were an only child like me? What’s she like?”Bree asked, her curiosity aroused and touched that Tyler was bringing his mysterious sibling to her for molding. That implied a trust, she hadn’t realized he felt before. “I will do my best for her. Oh… I know! I chose my first minion as we discussed. I haven’t talked to her yet, but I want Fallon Cotton. I could take on your sister at the same time. What do you think?”

[Christina Durnham-Chang]

Tina had spent the morning getting escorted around by a classmate who had similar schedule. They hadn't really hit it off though. Tina Waved good bye to her though when she saw Tyler standing with a fashionably dressed red head and ran up to join them. "Hey Ty, man this place sucks, why didn't you get Marcus to find you a private school," she asked, smiling a bit when the other girl looked slightly shocked. "Hi... I'm Tina, the less appropriate Durnham. You must be Bree, the wonder worker who can make me acceptable to the important people."

Bree's smile widened and she nodded, holding out a long slender hand with an elegant manicure in berry. Each nail had a gold crescent moon glued to it. She was dressed more casual than she had ever remembered being. Cut off jeans carefully treated to look ancient, a white gauze sleeveless top with pin tucks and lots of small ruffles and a navy jacket along with distressed slouch suede boots, her only accessories were a denim purse and a chunky gold bracelet. She planned on offering her help to the Edwards after school so she was dressed for the possibility of rain. Her dress for the evening was in the boot of her car.

“Hi Tina, you’re right I am Bree, but I am not sure I can claim to be a wonder worker. I just know everyone and can help to introduce you around. Starting tonight. Tyler you will bring Tina to the auction and We will introduce her around. Yes you too Tyler. Not to be insulting, but at the moment the most fascinating thing about Tina right now is her relationship to you. It will make the girls be nice to her and perk the interest of the boys. It is not too soon to introduce her to a cute athlete or society gigolo. She needs an arm to grace for Haley’s party. You don’t want her to go attended to that. Maybe Nolan now that he and Sloane are no more. He is handsome, well-mannered and not so big that you can’t intimidate him.” Bree’s mind was like a computer as she started organizing Tina’s life and Tyler’s along with it.

(Bree's outfit i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh184/iriestor/shorts.jpg )

[Tyler Durnham]

“I’m not too sure, to be honest.” Tyler openly admitted, not at all phased that he hadn’t considered that factor. He knew that looks paid as much a part in being a cheerleader as did talent. Besides, Tina wasn’t a stranger to physical activity, he was sure that if she wasn’t up to scratch, it wouldn’t take her long to be. “But that would be great, working on a routine. I could watch you and give you feedback, if you like.” he offered with a grin, not opposed to flirting with Bree. Just a bit of harmless fun between friends. Besides, Bree knew him too well, she wouldn’t make the same mistake as others did, such as Sandy Meyers, after he spoke a few words. Her mention of the fountain made him grin, glad to see that she was taking control of the school. Her, Sloane and himself, they made an interesting little trio, he believed.

“Half-sister. On my mother’s side. I knew her more when we were younger, but it had been a while since we last saw each other. I was raised as an only child, so it’s been a bit of an adjustment, rather quickly, as you can imagine. But, it’s not unbearable.” he decided, not sure how to word it. “It’s good, having her around. She’s, well, you’ll see soon enough. Something tells me you’ll get on fine.”

She understood just why Tyler wanted Tina in the cheer squad without him needing to explain, and for that, he was grateful to Bree. Then even more so with what she next offered. “Fallon Cotton? Interesting.” The girl was cute, and she might possibly be fun to flirt with, but she was far from Tyler’s type. If Bree took her under her wing and worked wonders with her, perhaps, but Tyler couldn’t see himself interesting in pursuing anything with the Cotton girl anytime soon. He wondered if Bree realised that when she chose the girl. “Smart choice. And I think Tina would suit your needs perfectly.” With the right sort of influence, he could even see her taking over the mantle when Bree graduated. She was a Durnham after all, it would suit her.

Just as his mind started to wander on where he could find his sister, the girl in question approached, and he flashed her an easy grin. “I wouldn’t say it sucks.” he commented with a chuckle, his eyes glancing briefly towards Bree. “It has its appeal. Just give things time.” But before he could make the introductions, the ‘less appropriate Durnham’ beat him too it, leaving him to laugh at her self-dubbed titled, and the one she gave Bree.

“I told you she was something.” The footballer grinned at Tina, as soon as Bree finished making plans for them both. He chose well, Bree knew exactly what she was talking about. “Of course, we can...the auction. I forgot.” he sighed, glancing at both women, as if unsure of how to phrase what he was about to say. And he was, just a little. “I have a thing, already planned, I’m sorry, but I can’t make it to the auction.” The looks both girls gave him quickly told Tyler that he wouldn’t be getting out of it that easy. “I’m having dinner with Maggy. And Phillip Lim. And her parents. And none of you even think about commenting on the fact that I’m meeting a girl’s parents. It’s for her birthday, no big deal.” he stressed, before changing the subject from himself.

“Bree, if you could still take Tina, I’d really appreciate it. I know it’s going to be a big event. And I think you’ll enjoy yourself Tina. Bree has great taste in a lot of things, including people. I’m sure you’ll find it interesting.” He hoped that was enough to make both not focus on the fact that he couldn’t attend. “And when you introduce her around Bree, make sure you use her full name. I’m certain that’s enough to make people take notice.”

The mention of boys was something he would prefer not to focus on himself, but it had to be addressed. “No, I’m not sure that Nolan’s a good idea. I appreciate your thoughts on me being able to intimidating him,” he laughed, “But even though it looks likely that he and Sloane are over, I think Sloane still cares for the guy, she might not be thrilled with any of us if we set that up. Someone else.” he decided. Preferably, someone he could also intimidate. “Maybe Greg Meyers? He seems to run in decent circles.” And could easily be pushed around. “Or maybe someone on my team. Let’s see, Ivan, Cole, Casper, any of them would be appropriate, I think.” And after a quick word from him, would be more than happy to be a complete gentleman to their fellow teammate’s sister.

[Bree Marcus]

Bree frowned at Tyler, thinking it was better for Tina to be introduced by her brother. That he handed her off to Bree could be viewed as a sign that he didn’t want to be bothered with the welfare of his sister. She understood about Maggie’s birthday and it was a good thing that he was starting to show consideration for his ‘girl friend’s’ feelings. Maybe he was gaining some maturity. “Greg Meyers would be good except I thought I heard he is gay. Tina should not start out as someone’s beard. Cole is a player and I am not sure he would have enough cache to bring Tina up. Ivan or Casper… yes I can see them as being good for her,” she evaluated out loud. “As for tonight, you can join us after dinner.”

Tina listened, a bit resentful at being parceled out to boys that she had never met before. “What if I don’t like Ivan or Casper or they don’t like me?” she asked, a hint of fire in her dark eyes. “What if I like the player or the gay guy better? It’s not like you’re arranging a marriage here.”

Bree sighed, seeing that this wasn’t going to be so easy after all. “Haley’s party will be your first important event. It is true that first impressions are important. Your date will be your most impressive accessory. Nothing you wear will say as much about you as the man on your arm,” she said, wondering if she would even have a date. By then Mew might have completely faded away.

[Tyler Durnham]

“He is? Well, I can’t say I’m surprised, if that is true. Soap opera actor, after all.” Tyler reasoned, agreeing with Bree. Tina had to make a good impression, he knew just as well as Bree how important that was. “Greg’s out then. And Cole. Good point. I don’t think I like the idea of him taking Tina.” The awkward grin on his face made it obvious just where his thoughts lay. The man wasn’t altogether different from himself after all, and the last thing he wanted was his sister seeing someone like him. No, they needed someone not so willing to stray. It didn’t have to be anything serious, all they needed was an escort for Tina for the party. But still, Cole’s reputation might not be the most advantageous for them. Bree was right.

“Well, in that case, I’ll try to have a word to either Ivan or Casper when I get the chance, see if they have any plans. Or maybe Tina should just speak to one of them herself. I always like it when a woman makes the first move.” he admitted. So he would have to remember to point out both guys to his half sister. Before he could address the issue further, Bree continued to make more plans for him, and he had to grin at her...bossiness. “I’ll try to make it tonight, after the dinner, but no promises.” he agreed.

“I know Ivan and Casper. They’re good guys, I’m sure you would like both of them. And I can’t see anyone not liking you.” Tyler grinned, trying to charm and calm his sister down. He supposed it did seem unfair, if you didn’t understand, Bree and himself planning all this out for her. But there was a proper way to do these sorts of things after all, and they were just looking out for her welfare. He let Bree explain that to Tina, nodding his agreement.

“You’re right, it’s not a marriage. But as Bree said, it is important who you’re seen with, especially at this party. You know I only want what’s best for you.” he smiled, reaching over to press an affectionate kiss to Tina’s temple. He knew how to treat women, no one could say otherwise. “I just really think you would like Ivan and Casper. But I understand if you’d rather not go with them, if you have someone else in mind.”

He wondered himself about going with someone, then decided against it. He would have considered Maggy, it might have been amusing to turn up at a cheerleader’s party with the band girl on his arm, but he doubted that she would want to go. He supposed he should ask though. And if he was right in the assumption, Tyler was more than happy to go stag, there would be plenty of women there more than happy to make sure he wasn’t alone for long. Besides, he was hoping to get to know Haley a bit more intimately. Or, if she really was faithful to Cam, there was always Sarah Brody, who he was more than interested to get to know more.

[Christina Durnham-Chang]

Bree hoped that Tina would come to understand quickly as the though of dragging the girl through the school's social structure was not appealing at all. "You will also need a costume. Tasteful, attractive, but not sleazy. Greek & Roman goddesses are bound to be overdone as they are easy. i am going Egyptian which you can do also if you want or you might want to choose an Asian deity.

Tina took a deep breath and lowered her head in defeat. This was clearly no dance with all the boys on one side of the cafeteria and all the girls on the other. It would be easier to give in to their expertise. A costume party would be fun too. "I will do my best to make you both proud of me," she said, trying to appear meek. It only partially worked. "I have never asked a boy out before though."

[Tyler Durnham]

“That reminds me, I forgot about a costume myself.” Tyler chuckled, supposing that was an important thing to remember. Being that the party was in fact a costume party. So, Bree and now Tina were going to stand out, it seemed. As long as his sister wasn’t dressed too skimpily, or sleazy, as Bree brought up, he would be fine with that. Sleazy when it came to him though, wasn’t an entirely bad idea. “Well, I originally planned in just going in a toga. But something tells me Bree, that with your taste, you won’t think that’s a good costume idea.” He didn’t mind this of course, the girl really did have impeccable taste, and if it helped him be noticed more, all the better. But really, he didn’t need much help at all in being noticed. Girls tended to have a hard time not looking at him, if anything.

“Tina. I clearly haven’t been a good brother so far.” he smiled, affectionately wrapping his arm around her lithe waist. “You’re my little sister. I’m already proud of you. If you don’t want to go to the party, that’s fine. I don’t want you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.” Tyler prided himself on being good with his words, and being able to subtly talk people into what he wanted. Though, he meant what he said, he wasn’t going to boss her around. He was just certain he knew what was best for her.

“I just know you would love it, it’s going to be great fun, all of us hanging out on Thursday night. And trust me, it’s easy to ask a guy out. We’re all just usually flattered to be asked. We love having our ego stroked.” he laughed. “So, how about it, do you still want to go? And what about you Bree, will you be going with Mew?”

[Bree Marcus]

Tina punched Tyler in the shoulder and she didn’t hold back so he definitely felt it. “Of course I want to go. I just don’t want to have to ask a guy. Girls should be asked, so they know they are wanted,” she said, giggling at his expression. I think I would like to go as one of those Indian Goddesses with the extra arms. That would be really cool and I like Saris, the fabric is so pretty.

Bree nodded. Tina would be exquisite as one of the Hindu goddesses, though she wasn’t sure about the extra arms. They could either be really great or corny depending on how well they were done. “I’m definitely going. Fallon is going to make my costume. It’s very exciting, but I may end up alone. Mew is becoming more and more elusive.” She turned her head to watch a girl do a series of cartwheels down the lobby, hiding her expression at the same time. It bothered her a lot that a Mew ignored her and she was beginning to wonder if she had chosen him because she hoped he would be so grateful to date her that he would worship her. Well it wasn’t working out that way at all. And he didn’t seem to want to go beyond hand holding so it wasn’t helping her original problem either.

[Tyler Durnham]

“Ah, you girls, just wanting us guys to do all the work.” Tyler laughed, holding a hand up to his arm, pretending to shoot a wounded look at Tina. For the size of her, she really could pack a punch. He wasn’t surprised, after all, he knew the girl was a fighter, which was good. It would come in handy if any guy tried to get a bit too friendly with her. Though to Tyler, if a guy so much as thought about kissing his younger sister, that would be too friendly.

Still, he knew she had to go with someone to Haley’s party, and she wanted to be asked, so he couldn’t leave it up to chance and have someone undesirable ask her. Plus, he needed to make sure it was someone he could influence some form of control over, as he believed he could with Casper and Ivan. He would have to talk to whoever he ran into first then, get him to invite Tina. It shouldn’t be too hard to accomplish, it wasn’t just with women that Tyler had a way with words. Besides, Tina was pretty, and a Durnham, so that was sure to help.

“An Indian goddess, that’s different. I’m sure you’ll stand out dressed like that. Perfect. Though, I’m still probably going to go in just a toga. It’s easy, I don’t want to have to put more effort in than draping a sheet over myself.” Tyler laughed. He knew he would stand out anyway, regardless of what he wore.

“Fallon? Well, that’s nice of her.” he smirked lightly, impressed by how quickly Bree already got the girl under her thumb. “I’m looking forward to seeing how she does with it. I’m sure you’ll look as beautiful as always.” he complimented, resting against the wall. “Going alone isn’t all that bad, I understand it’s important for Tina not to, as you said. I’m going stag myself. My preferable way of entry.” he laughed. “Though, I don’t see why Mew wouldn’t want to come with you. I know it’s not for me to interfere, but to be honest, I don’t know what you see in him. You can easily do much better.” Maybe he would have to speak to both Casper and Ivan about both women. He was a good friend and brother. Of course, it was partially for his benefit as well, if both women were already occupied at that party, it would give him more time to be occupied as well.

“So Tina, I asked Bree about the cheerleading squad, and if you’re still interested, she’s just the woman to help you.”