The Blue Hour

Part 8

Prompt:
What are some things that Julian might do outside of this encounter to try and get his mind off something he feels is probably fleeting and may never happen again? (he hasn't seen Vivi In nearly 15 years). Also, I have not yet decided whether he will also have an internal dialogue/ pov in this story. For now it is just Vivi's pov, but if I were to add his, in the time they are at the bar (suggestions of a bar name would be great), what might be going through his head when he sees Vivi again, a girl he had resigned to probably never seeing again (they both moved away from their college town long ago). For reference, Vivi takes care of herself and looks quite beautiful and timeless for approaching middle age. She looks quite like she did in college. And she happened to (without knowing) put extra care into her dress and appearance this night, just for fun because she was having a long anticipated night out with her friend. Julian's appearance is classic tall, dark hair, handsome and slightly broody but more stoic than broody. He is actually quite friendly when not in states of torment.

Response:
If Julian were trying to get his mind off of the encounter with Vivi, he might turn to familiar activities that provide a sense of control or routine. Since he's someone who leans toward stoicism, his coping mechanisms would likely be subtle and inward-focused. Here are some ideas:

What Julian Might Do to Get Vivi Off His Mind:
1. Physical Activity: He might hit the gym or go for long runs, using physical exertion as an outlet to clear his head. This could be his way of grounding himself in the present, trying to focus on something tangible and controllable.
  
2. Workaholism: Julian might throw himself into his career or projects, staying late at the office or taking on extra responsibilities. He convinces himself that he's just being responsible, but deep down, he's avoiding the emotional upheaval of seeing Vivi again.

3. Retreat into Family Life: Even though his relationship with Amelia might be strained, he could devote more time to his children or household matters, hoping that the structure of family life will drown out thoughts of what might have been.

4. Reading or Intellectual Pursuits: Julian might retreat into books, particularly something dense or complex that requires concentration. This gives him the mental space to focus on something besides Vivi without confronting his feelings directly.

5. Alcohol or Socializing: He might meet up with friends for a drink, but he wouldn't let himself get too deep into alcohol or partying. Instead, he'd engage in social banter, using the noise of the crowd to distract himself from his inner thoughts.

Internal Dialogue if You Include Julian's POV:
If you decide to write from Julian's perspective during the bar encounter, his internal conflict would be very powerful. Some thoughts that might run through his head could include:

- Shock and Surprise: At first, he might not fully believe it's her. "That can't be her. Not here. Not after all this time. It's impossible."
 
- Resignation Collides with Desire: Julian could wrestle with the idea that he had let go of the possibility of ever seeing her again. "I told myself it was over, that we were just a fleeting moment. But here she is—looking like time hasn't touched her at all."

- Conflicting Loyalties: He might think about his commitment to his family, especially with Amelia sitting nearby. "Amelia's here. I can't... I shouldn't even be thinking like this." But then his eyes keep drifting back to Vivi, and his emotions betray him.

- Self-Restraint: Julian might be debating internally about whether to approach her. "What would I even say? What could I say that wouldn't unravel everything? Better to stay quiet. Keep your distance. Don't ruin what's already settled." And yet, his body betrays him by glancing over again and again.

- Undercurrent of Torment: There's a subtle emotional pain running through his mind. "Why does she have to be here now? Why, when I've spent so many years burying this, has she appeared out of nowhere? It's like fate is playing some cruel joke on me."

Bar Name Suggestions:
For a bar where the encounter takes place, you'll want something that evokes a nostalgic or timeless feel, as this moment is heavy with emotional weight and connection to the past. Some options might include:

- The Idle Hour: Reflecting the idea of passing time and the fleeting nature of their connection.
- The Hollow Oak: Suggesting something old and sturdy, but with a sense of emptiness or something hidden beneath the surface.
- Blue Hour Tavern: "Blue hour" is the period just after sunset when the sky is still faintly lit—perfect for a moment tinged with emotional twilight.
- The Lantern Room: Evokes warmth and light in the darkness, which could mirror the rekindling of their connection.

Julian's inner conflict could be quietly intense, mirroring the tension between the desire to stay loyal to his current life and the pull of a connection he thought had long since passed. His restraint and self-control would be the key to making his perspective feel real.