As she looked at their reflection on the chromium-plated wall she gladly aquitted they probably were the most attractive guests in the entire place. They looked incredibly similar - same light brown curls, same faceshapes, same brown eyes and same - and excellent - sense of fashion. They couldn't deny they were siblings.
Margaery sighed as she took another sip of prosecco. Spending the night with her brother turned to be actually pretty entertaining. She and Thirrin moved out from Highgarden after they had started going to university but Loras has been still living at home, so he could share with her every family news and gossips. During their big and spicy dinner she learnt how their elder brothers had been doing (one has already worked in the family company and another one was apparently in Paris doing his masters degree in Economic and Commercial) and what happened to their three cousins lately who worked as models and who were in London only for few weeks every year.
"I cannot say thank you enough time. I owe you, Margaery." - he said while sipping fine French chardonnay.
"Don't overdramatize the situation, Loras. I just called you if you wanted to hang out with me, because I would have spent all of the night alone."
"Seriously, I didn't feel like I could abide the blondes who only can talk about numbers, sells and all that boring stuff. Luckily I have the best boyfriend ever who understands if I skip a business dinner because I want to see my little sister and my favorite cousin instead. Where is Thirrin anyway?"
"Thirrin is having fun in the Northern Zone if you know what I mean. But she said she'd join us later."
"Is Lady Thirrin back on track?"
"Kind of. She's found some guy last weekend and they're now… Friends with benefits I guess. I'm sure she will tell you the whole story, she hasn't been so fond of anyone for a long time."
"But you aren't okay with this whole situation." - Loras said looking at his sister's not-that-joyful face.
"I'm sorry what?" - she raised her eyebrows.
"It's written on your face, sis. Are you jealous of Thirrin?"
"No… Maybe. We look quite the same, and still... She walks into a bar and gets a bootycall instantly! I walk into a bar and what do I
get? A prosecco which I pay for!"
"But your prosecco won't suck you in. Besides, she deserves some fun after that…"
"I know, I know - she interrupted him. - But I'm getting tired that everyone I like is either taken, lunatic or gay. No offense."
"Of course. Don't be upset sweetie, your time will come soon!"
"Don't give me these clichés just because you're in a well-working relationship."
"Then what are you waiting for? The night is still young, I'm sure you can get someone."
"I don't want to leave my favorite brother alone" - she smiled gracefully.
"I wouldn't be left alone, our Snowflake is arrived! - Loras said waving back to Thirrin who was walking to their table with happy smile on her face. - Wow baby, you're literally sparkling! I absolutely love this dress!" - he said when she reached their table.
Thirrin gave both of them two kisses on their cheeks - it was a tradition between them.
"Thank you Loras, I love it too. I found it in a lovely small store a couple blocks away from my school."
"It's beautiful but you make it even more amazing! You're shining!"
"Yeah, I had a great warm-up for the night - Thirrin smirked. - I get something to drink, I'll be back in a minute!"
She walked away to the bar and some moments later she returned with a glass of Martini.
"So, where have you left your boyfriend?" - she asked and sit on the free bar chair.
"He had to go to some business dinner. I didn't want to stare at the blondes all night but Margaery saved me."
"Yeah, I called him if he wanted to go out with me - Margaery said. - We had dinner at the Sunspear. It reminded me of the ones we had back in Andalusia and in Morocco, I like the Martells' restaurants… Anyway, after Loras suggested to go to the Tower of Joy…"
"The shisha bar they have re-opened recently?"
"Yes, but I didn't want to, so we ended up here in the Red Keep."
"Sounds great. Hey, if you want I'll go with you some time to the Tower of Joy, I haven't smoked shisha for a long time."
"Okay, honey, we'll talk about it! How has been your night so far?"
"Very… Satisfying. Sex, Freakshow, pizza, beer, cuddling, sex again. It was awesome. We were awesome."
"More exactly? Please, I'm dying to know who is he!"
"He's not your type. No magical blue eyes, no national publishing company… Hey, I'm just joking! Anyway, for some reason he looks hot for me but I can't tell you why. Strawberry blonde messy hair, green eyes, kinda skinny, you know, the one with lean muscles… I don't know how he does it, being so attractive. Maybe because of his smile, but I really don't know."
"Interesting… So now are you ready for a new relationship?"
"Worst question ever" - Margaery said trying not to laugh out loud. Loras looked in her eyes questioningly, and Thirrin gave the answer with calm yet very glacial voice.
"Relationship sucks. It's all about bounds and stupid rules and you end up crying all day, eating ice cream with chocolate bars, listening to sad music and watching trash on TV. But I have certain needs just like everyone else including him, therefore Theon is my permanent bootycall. End of story."
It was obvious she didn't want to share more, so Margaery decided it was enough about Thirrin's evening. She quickly changed the subject instead:
"You haven't told me yet, what have you been doing lately, bro? - she asked her brother. - Is there any interesting project going on?"
"Honestly, no. I'm trying to work on my portfolio, but I've ran out of inspiration. I guess I need more new influence… - he sighed. - But a few days ago I designed my own logo during an especially boring lesson."
"Wow, you still want to have an own brand?" - Thirrin asked wonderingly.
"Sweetheart, I'm getting more and more sure that if I had to design only golden jewerly all of my life I would go insane. I know I'm supposed to be the next creative director and I love what our family represents but I want more… Clothes, haute couture gowns, bags, shoes, even perfumes… - Loras said with dreamy face. - We've talked about it with Renly several times and he said I could handle both: the Golden Rose Inc and my own brand as well. And since dad doesn't have any intention to retire yet, I have time to build my own empire and Renly could easily help me realize it."
"It makes sense… He has connections, so do you, if you work hard on this project and take it serious, you'll get your first store when you'll graduate. Anyway, we're cheering for you." - Thirrin smiled.
"Yes, just make sure we'll sit in the front row all of your fashion shows. Oh, and name something about us!" - Margaery added.
"Of course I'll name something about you, you girls are my best inspiration!"
"Thank you, Loras! Cheers for our charming appearance and personality!" - Thirrin laught raising her glass.
"I rather say manipulative but cheers anyway."
"This is what will make us excellent business women, my dear brother!"
"No doubt! Another round, ladies?"
It was already 2.30 AM, the two girls were walking home slowly. The city was still vibrant with its crowded streets and flashing billboards. Thirrin was smoking a cigarette, Margaery was lost in her thoughts while trying to get away from the way of the smoke in the air. Finally she broke the silence:
"Erm… Thirrin, I've been thinking… More specifically, Loras has just opened up my eyes."
"About what?" - Thirrin asked.
"Our plan! It's time to realize it!"
"What do you want, finance our own brother? Okay, he's only your brother, but still. If he wants capital for his brand, he'll ask
Grandma, plus he's surrounded by influental business people, he doesn't need us in this case, but for the promotion. Front row, free bags, you know the deal."
"Of course not, I'm not stupid! But we could ground our company as soon as we find a young designer that's talented enough to invest."
"Margaery, I really want to have you as a business partner, but neither of us has a degree! Besides, I constantly look for potential designers but I haven't found anyone interesting yet. Let's be realistic, our time hasn't arrived yet. And unfortunately neither of us has a boyfriend who works for the Lannister-Baratheon Cooperation."
"That's the point, Thirrin! I'm being realistic. I love the Golden Rose Inc with all of my heart but I totally get my brother's point - she continued with passion in her eyes. - We aren't specially needed in the family company. The boys will continue the legacy! Loras will be the creative director, Willas will be the owner, Garlan will be in charge of the commercial and that's it! I only could be Garlan's personal assistant, you may could take over your dad's place at the national selling department and I know you don't want this, neither do I. We are meant to be leaders, not employees! Please, at least write a business plan and start the formal process until the end of this year! I have a feeling we'll run into someone very interesting soon."
She looked at her cousin victoriously. She knew she won the battle. Thirrin was staring at the road with her blue eyes narrowed.
"T&M Business Assistance…" - she said after some minutes in thoughtful voice.
"I'm sorry what?"
"It could be our name. I don't think we should use the Tyrell, I prefer the complete distinction from the Golden Rose Inc. We could use my name, but it's as much your idea as mine."
Margaery smiled. Convincing Thirrin about anything was actually pretty hard as their personalities were way too similar.
"Yes, and honestly it sounds great! I'm so full of ideas, would you like to have some brainstorming now?"
"Why not? - Thirrin smiled back. - My mind functions better at night anyway."
They went to the nearest 24/7 Starbucks, ordered some chocolate chip cookies (alcohol made them forget everything about healthy diet), Margaery got a soy milk hot chocolate and Thirrin got a pumpkin spice latte (although Margaery couldn't understand how she could drink anything caffeinated in the middle of the night). Once sat at a table she started the discussion:
"Okay, first let's make clear what we want."
"Supporting as many small brands as possible owning significant part of their proprietary rights" - Thirrin said crunching her cookie.
"Exactly. We'd give them money and connections, we'd organize the campaigns and the advertising, we'd keep in touch with the buyers and the press, their only task would be the actual designing but as co-owners we could influence what would be introduced every season."
"What about the actual producing process? If they have every necessary employees, like taylors, semstrees and the others, it's fine, but if they don't, we should look for these people. Thank the Gods and the globalisation that London is full of skilled migrants who accept basically any kind of job."
"You're right, and I think at first we don't need like an actual factory just few but well - skilled workers who can realize the sketches."
"Perfect. How many parts would we buy?"
"I thought of about 40%"
"That's a lot! Do you think we find someone who'll accept our terms?"
"Sure. Don't forget about one thing, sweetie, these young designers usually don't know anything about business stuff, therefore they accept everything we say! Think of Loras, he gets sick of everything what is connected to rational decisions, logical thinking and maths."
"Agree. And ultimately, we are Tyrell women, we can influence and handle people easier than cooking a proper dinner."
"Actually it's kinda sad but true - Margaery said while making some notes into her phone. - I've quickly looked up what we need to do to launch out on an enterprise. It doesn't seem that complicated."
"If you want, I can ask Dad for a little bit of help - Thirrin suggested. - I'm meeting him on Thursday for lunch."
"Oh, that would be amazing, thank you! I remember when we first came out with our idea, everyone thought we had lost our mind except Uncle D and Grandma."
"My dad is the best, I know - Thirin smiled. - Okay, that's nice so far. Capital, checked. Business plan, I think we'll have to complete it with some other things, but checked. Additional help, checked. Determination and power?"
"Checked. All we need is at least one small brand with a talented designer. But we'll find him or her - she placed her dainty hands on her cousin's pale hands. - We'll grow strong, just like our family says. I believe in us."
"I believe in us, too. I'm so lucky to have you as my cousin, Margaery. Without you I couldn't have got over mom's death or even… You know - she sighed and shook her head. - We'll build an empire together, I know." - she stood up and gave her a warm big hug. Margaery hugged her back, smiling.
"We are more than cousins. Roommates, best friends, sisters, soulmates. I'm lucky too to have you Thirrin."
"Thank you. Speaking of roommates… I think we should go home soon, it's 3.10 AM."
"Okay, let's go! I'll have Pilates tomorrow!"
Fortunately their house were situated just a couple blocks away. Once got home, they went to bed almost right away - both were pretty exhausted but very delighted.
Before she fell asleep, colorful pictures of her fantasy appeared in her mind - most successful new enterprise in the UK lead by two intelligent young women, both beautiful, powerful and dangerous, one is warm like sun, other is cold as ice, both having the gift of easy raising to heaven and destroying to earth. The living proofs you don't need to do what your family expects you to.
A/N: Did you like it? Please review!