The Blue Hour

Part 17

Does this actually happen with real people?? It seems plausible. Suppose this is how Julian is, what would happen if on one occasion he was at an event or gathering with Amelia and had a little too much to drink?

Yes, this kind of behavior can happen with real people, especially those who are more introspective, emotionally guarded, and prone to intense private thoughts—like someone with Julian's Scorpio placements. His quiet obsession could absolutely manifest in subtle but powerful ways beneath the surface, without others ever realizing the full depth of his internal struggle. It's especially true for those who suppress their emotions in public but have deep, unresolved feelings privately.

If Julian were at an event or gathering with Amelia and had a little too much to drink, that could be a moment where his emotional walls start to crack. Alcohol could lower his inhibitions, making it harder for him to maintain his stoic, controlled demeanor. Here are a few ways he might act:

1. **Letting His Guard Down:** Julian might begin to act unusually affectionate or nostalgic. He could bring up moments from the past that he usually wouldn't talk about—perhaps hinting at his unresolved feelings for Vivi, though never explicitly mentioning her. His behavior might seem out of character to Amelia, who knows him as calm and reserved.

2. **Subtle Slips:** If he's really drunk, Julian could accidentally slip into talking about someone or something from the past that Amelia might recognize as related to Vivi. For instance, he might say something vague like, "Do you ever wonder what would have happened if life had gone differently?" or make a passing reference to "a missed opportunity."

3. **Increased Tension with Amelia:** Alcohol might also make him more irritable or impatient, especially if there's tension already simmering between him and Amelia. Small disagreements could escalate, and Julian might unintentionally let some of his deeper frustrations show, though he would likely regret it later.

4. **Gazing or Distraction:** If Vivi or someone who reminds him of her were present at the event, Julian might find himself unable to stop looking in that direction, even if he knows it's not appropriate. If Amelia noticed, it could trigger a confrontation or further strain in their relationship. His obsessive thoughts about Vivi might seep into his behavior, leading him to zone out or seem distant.

5. **Emotional Vulnerability:** Alcohol could lower his defenses to the point where he becomes emotionally vulnerable. Julian might speak to Amelia in a way that reveals his dissatisfaction or longing for something more, even if he doesn't explicitly mention Vivi. He could unintentionally reveal how unfulfilled he feels, which could catch Amelia off guard.

6. **Jealousy or Possessiveness:** If Amelia were interacting with other men at the event, Julian might become uncharacteristically jealous or possessive, a reflection of his internal turmoil. He might misdirect his feelings of longing for Vivi into overreacting about Amelia's interactions, even though that's not typically his nature.

7. **Melancholy or Withdrawal:** Alternatively, Julian could become withdrawn and quiet. Rather than becoming overtly emotional, he might retreat inward even more, sitting silently or gazing off into the distance, lost in his thoughts. If anyone asked him what was wrong, he might brush it off, but the melancholy would be evident in his demeanor.

In this scenario, alcohol would loosen the control Julian usually exercises over his emotions, giving a glimpse into his internal struggle without fully revealing it. The event could serve as a catalyst for deeper problems in his marriage with Amelia or set the stage for further complications down the line. Amelia might start questioning his behavior more or sense that something important is missing between them, even if she can't quite put her finger on what it is.