[ The music thrums through veins as he moves across the dance floor, hips swaying in a private answer to the beat. The people around him move and dance in a crushing rhythm until it's almost easier to give in than to fight the current. But he wants—needs—a drink, and so fight it he does, pushing and sliding through until finally he breaks free, flush-faced and a little short of breath.
Though that isn't much different to how it's been most of the night. The club scene is new to him after all, something unlike anything he's ever quite lived. The people here are like him, thriving in the dark on their relative anonymity, an unspoken agreement protecting all who are present:
Even if you recognize somebody, say nothing.
For someone working so hard to make his name universally known, it's a perfect rule.
Kaveh slides onto one of the barstools, ordering a rum on the rocks, sipping at its richness as he looks out over the rest of the clubgoers, as the music pulses in his ears.
Mm, he's starting to feel good.
Lazily, he turns his gaze to the person next to him, taking in the shock of white hair, the muscled arms. He thinks he's seen him somewhere before, but... the rule, and so he says nothing to that effect. Instead, he smiles, licks the taste of rum off his lips. ]
[ yingxing isn't unused to being approached - it's part of the gig. with great fame comes great.. popularity, or something, and yingxing knows full well how good looking he is. too well, maybe. it makes him arrogant, makes him flirty, knowing that few enough people could resist his charm, or his body.
so when kaveh slides into the seat beside him and immediately begins conversation, yingxing only grins, resting one arm against the bartop so he can turn to face him a little more. ]
Yeah, great night. Better now.
[ he knows this face. cute. pretty. he's still new to this work, new enough that yingxing doesn't recall ever having seen him here before, but he recognizes him. ]
[ A shy smile forms on Kaveh's lips as he leans on the bar as well, finding it easier to face Yingxing by doing so. He hadn't intended to start flirting, but... well, if the other is, why shouldn't he?
And so he allows a soft laugh to fall, a tilt of his head letting his gaze follow down the length of the other's strong arm, all the way to his glass, half-filled with a clear spirit.
Glossed lips purse, and Kaveh reaches, puts a hand on the other's forearm. ]
Then, when you're done with your drink, would you let me buy the next one for you?
[ Of course, the compliment only makes him smile more in response—
although the expression falters very slightly when he's asked for a name. He could offer his real name, of course, but he hesitates regardless of the fact that the other man across from him is recognizable beyond the moment. He's so new to all of this, and it feels unwise... ]
You can call me Pairidaeza, [ he says after a moment, smile finding his lips once more. ] Pairi, if it's too much.
[ he knows his real name. or at least, his stage name. but while anonymity isn't strictly necessary here if someone chooses to offer their name, it's encouraged and accepted. this kind of place exists so they can get away from the spotlight for awhile.
so, pairi it is. the bartender slides them fresh drinks, and yingxing grins, knocking back the last of his previous one and pushing the empty glass aside. ]
[ Ren is the name the other uses—and it's enough for Kaveh's last little bit of recognition to kick in, brows lifting slightly before he forces them back down. He does know him—the guitarist of the High Cloud Quintet. His playing is unreal, something to envy...
But this isn't the time or the place for that. Kaveh finishes his own drink before reaching for the new one, and laughs, light and friendly, as Ren's flirting continues so shamelessly.
He's certainly not about to complain. ]
Mm, maybe I was looking to meet someone, [ he teases, offering a quick wink, before he shakes his head. ] No, I... this is actually my first time here. Or... at any club, really. The whole thing's kinda new to me.
[ ren is indeed his stage name, but yingxing doesn't mind using it. people still tend to behave just as pairi is - keeping a respectful distance, so everyone can feel comfortable. well. a respectful familiar distance. he's all but inviting physical closeness, ad the moment. ]
First time, huh? Well, that's all right. This place is pretty comfortable.
[ no one will treat you like a celebrity, which is a breath of fresh air. ]
There're a few different venues in this same building, this is one of the quieter areas, but there are more crowded dance floors on the lower levels.
[ Kaveh smiles at that, offering the other a slight nod. ]
Yeah, I was dancing down there before, but it got a little too much for me. I needed a drink anyway, but...
[ Ren seems to know the place well, so Kaveh's sure he'll understand without needing too much explanation... though maybe he's one of those who thrives on the noise. He adds, with a playful lilt in his voice: ]
Besides, I wasn't gonna meet anyone out there in the crush, was I.
[ he chuckles, tapping his fingertips against his glass. ]
Probably not. Not anyone you'd know for more than thirty minutes, at least.
[ yingxing has been down there before, he knows what it's like, how people find one another, grope and touch and find their pleasure, then move in different directions. there's not much room for conversation. he takes another drink, then leans his cheek against his opposite hand, fingers curled. ]
A little too much? Needed a breather, or was it just not your kinda scene?
Mm... a little of both? I enjoy dancing, but.. this is nicer. Sitting with someone, drinking and talking... The thrill of the crush, of dancing with strangers, that's one thing. But I guess you could say I prefer a one on one connection.
[ Does he bite his lip a little as he says that? Oh, definitely. Ren is insanely good looking, after all. ]
[ Kaveh can't help but smile at that, a hint of a blush warming his cheeks as he takes another sip of his own drink. For as poor as his self-esteem can be from time to time, he knows when someone is flirting, and Ren is definitely flirting.
So, he puts his drink down again, tilting his head slightly. ]
Do you know what I think is better than getting to know a cute stranger over drinks, Ren? The part where it means they're no longer a stranger.
The last few days have been driving him the worst kind of crazy. It feels like everywhere he turns, he has a fire to put out. They're his songs. He wrote them, he plays them, he sings them. But the record label always has something to say. The producers always have something to say. The fucking publicists always have something to say.
Sometimes, he regrets ever setting foot in this industry.
He's exhausted when he gets home, dolled up in makeup he never planned on wearing for a shoot he never planned on doing. Usually, music calms him down, but right now the only thing he can think about when he sees his guitar in the living room is smashing it into pieces. He wants to cry. Or scream. Or something.
Instead, he reaches for his phone, and texts a now-familiar face. ]
Tell me you're free tonight. I'm going crazy, Ren. I need something. Anything, really.
[ yingxing is surprised to receive the sudden text - didn't kaveh have a photoshoot tonight, last he heard? though it's pretty late now, maybe he's already finished. so he picks up his phone with a thoughtful frown, flicking it on.
ah. he smiles ruefully. kaveh is great at what he does, but he's.. fragile in ways that make working in this industry incredibly difficult. this isn't the first time he's been frustrated. so yingxing sends him back a photograph - one of the drink in his hand as he sits on his couch. ]
[ The photo makes him smile despite his foul mood. In the end, he knows Yingxing won't judge him no matter how he looks, and so he doesn't bother undoing any of the work the photographers did to him, hair still laid through with the same fake golds that match the glitter on his eyelids, his lips in a redder-than-usual pout. It's an interesting look when combined with the casual shirt and pants he wears, but...
Well, knowing the pair of them, he won't be in his clothing for too much longer anyway.
He snags a couple of zippered baggies from a locked drawer in his desk and shoves them in a satchel bag before he leaves, only then getting in his car and heading around to the other's place.
He knocks on the door, and then sends one more text. ]
[ he doesn't check his phone, instead setting it aside as soon as he hears the knock to get to his feet.
yingxing's apartment is what you'd expect. sharp. modern. an open concept loft with tall windows that give an incredible view of the luofu. it's well furnished in silvers and blacks, scattered with artwork, much of it done himself, on his off time. but it's nothing new to kaveh, he's been here plenty of times. ]
Hey, sweetheart. Come in and relax. Sounds like you need it.
[ He stands on tiptoes to press a kiss against Yingxing's cheek, something just friendly in case eyes are on them that shouldn't be. And then he steps inside, waiting until the door is closed behind both of them until he turns, lifting the plastic bags with a small, tired smile. ]
Brought these along too, if you want to.
[ At the very least, he could use it, after the day he's had. ]
[ Despite how drained he is, Kaveh finds a genuine laugh on his lips. Yingxing has always been good at pulling those from him regardless of his mood, and tonight is no exception. And so he's obedient in the way he trots into the living room and flops down on the couch, eyes closed for a moment against the frustration and the pounding of his head.
A drink will help. The drugs will help. Yingxing will help.
They always do. ]
Something strong, [ he calls with a chuckle. ] I need it.
[ kaveh drops down onto the couch as if he belongs there, and yingxing chuckles as he walks past it and toward the liquor cabinet, pulling down a large jug of his favorite aroma baijiu. ]
This'll do it.
[ not only is it his favorite drink, it's also incredibly high proof, so if kaveh wants to get drunk, this will get him there. stacking two shallow cups into his hand as well, he brings it all over and sits beside kaveh's head, setting it all down on the glass coffee table.
then, he's taking one of the baggies, opening it up. ]
So, want to talk about it, or just want to get fucked up instead?
[ Kaveh looks up at Yingxing quietly when he asks if he wants to talk about it. Admittedly, there's a part of him that just very much wants to get fucked up, but... ]
I'm just tired. [ His voice trembles on the words. ] I feel like whatever I do, it's not good enough. Someone always has something to say. And it just... it doesn't make sense, you know? They won't tell me what to do, but when I make my own choices, they're all wrong.
[ With a bitter laugh, he sits up, watching Yingxing set everything up. ]
I kind of wish someone would just tell me what to do. Or. Or at least tell me for once that I did well.
[ the expectations on their shoulders are heavy as lead weights, and kaveh is tenderhearted. he's great at what he does, but he's also sensitive, and that makes this sort of work difficult. carefully, yingxing tips the contents of the bag out onto the glass tabletop, then pulls his wallet from his pocket to find a card to split it with. ]
You know.. I could do that for you. If you trust me.
[ they've been kinky enough before. maybe not with bdsm mechanics, but.. ]
[ While Yingxing works with the bag and its contents, Kaveh reaches for the jug the other brought out, pouring each of them a healthy cup of the baijiu.
He pauses, though, when the other makes his offer. A frown creases his brows, and his head tilts. ]
I don't... huh? You're not... I mean, of course I trust you, but you don't work for the record company, so...
[ He may have missed the point. Ever so slightly. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
indigently) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sempiternals2025-11-08 05:37 pm
no subject
Though that isn't much different to how it's been most of the night. The club scene is new to him after all, something unlike anything he's ever quite lived. The people here are like him, thriving in the dark on their relative anonymity, an unspoken agreement protecting all who are present:
Even if you recognize somebody, say nothing.
For someone working so hard to make his name universally known, it's a perfect rule.
Kaveh slides onto one of the barstools, ordering a rum on the rocks, sipping at its richness as he looks out over the rest of the clubgoers, as the music pulses in his ears.
Mm, he's starting to feel good.
Lazily, he turns his gaze to the person next to him, taking in the shock of white hair, the muscled arms. He thinks he's seen him somewhere before, but... the rule, and so he says nothing to that effect. Instead, he smiles, licks the taste of rum off his lips. ]
Having a good night?
no subject
so when kaveh slides into the seat beside him and immediately begins conversation, yingxing only grins, resting one arm against the bartop so he can turn to face him a little more. ]
Yeah, great night. Better now.
[ he knows this face. cute. pretty. he's still new to this work, new enough that yingxing doesn't recall ever having seen him here before, but he recognizes him. ]
no subject
And so he allows a soft laugh to fall, a tilt of his head letting his gaze follow down the length of the other's strong arm, all the way to his glass, half-filled with a clear spirit.
Glossed lips purse, and Kaveh reaches, puts a hand on the other's forearm. ]
Then, when you're done with your drink, would you let me buy the next one for you?
no subject
How could I say no to such a pretty face?
[ and what a pretty face it is, indeed. yingxing would have to be out of his mind not to chase it. ]
What should I call you tonight?
no subject
although the expression falters very slightly when he's asked for a name. He could offer his real name, of course, but he hesitates regardless of the fact that the other man across from him is recognizable beyond the moment. He's so new to all of this, and it feels unwise... ]
You can call me Pairidaeza, [ he says after a moment, smile finding his lips once more. ] Pairi, if it's too much.
[ He lifts a hand to call the bartender over. ]
Another for me, please. And my companion here.
no subject
[ he knows his real name. or at least, his stage name. but while anonymity isn't strictly necessary here if someone chooses to offer their name, it's encouraged and accepted. this kind of place exists so they can get away from the spotlight for awhile.
so, pairi it is. the bartender slides them fresh drinks, and yingxing grins, knocking back the last of his previous one and pushing the empty glass aside. ]
So, Pairi. You're here all alone? That's crazy.
no subject
But this isn't the time or the place for that. Kaveh finishes his own drink before reaching for the new one, and laughs, light and friendly, as Ren's flirting continues so shamelessly.
He's certainly not about to complain. ]
Mm, maybe I was looking to meet someone, [ he teases, offering a quick wink, before he shakes his head. ] No, I... this is actually my first time here. Or... at any club, really. The whole thing's kinda new to me.
no subject
First time, huh? Well, that's all right. This place is pretty comfortable.
[ no one will treat you like a celebrity, which is a breath of fresh air. ]
There're a few different venues in this same building, this is one of the quieter areas, but there are more crowded dance floors on the lower levels.
no subject
Yeah, I was dancing down there before, but it got a little too much for me. I needed a drink anyway, but...
[ Ren seems to know the place well, so Kaveh's sure he'll understand without needing too much explanation... though maybe he's one of those who thrives on the noise. He adds, with a playful lilt in his voice: ]
Besides, I wasn't gonna meet anyone out there in the crush, was I.
no subject
Probably not. Not anyone you'd know for more than thirty minutes, at least.
[ yingxing has been down there before, he knows what it's like, how people find one another, grope and touch and find their pleasure, then move in different directions. there's not much room for conversation. he takes another drink, then leans his cheek against his opposite hand, fingers curled. ]
A little too much? Needed a breather, or was it just not your kinda scene?
no subject
Mm... a little of both? I enjoy dancing, but.. this is nicer. Sitting with someone, drinking and talking... The thrill of the crush, of dancing with strangers, that's one thing. But I guess you could say I prefer a one on one connection.
[ Does he bite his lip a little as he says that? Oh, definitely. Ren is insanely good looking, after all. ]
no subject
Mm. Me too. When I was younger, I was more into that sort of thing, but now?
[ he chuckles, takes another drink. ]
Now, that's what I prefer, too. One on one. [ he winks. ] Getting to know a cute stranger over drinks.
no subject
So, he puts his drink down again, tilting his head slightly. ]
Do you know what I think is better than getting to know a cute stranger over drinks, Ren? The part where it means they're no longer a stranger.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
something unholy
The last few days have been driving him the worst kind of crazy. It feels like everywhere he turns, he has a fire to put out. They're his songs. He wrote them, he plays them, he sings them. But the record label always has something to say. The producers always have something to say. The fucking publicists always have something to say.
Sometimes, he regrets ever setting foot in this industry.
He's exhausted when he gets home, dolled up in makeup he never planned on wearing for a shoot he never planned on doing. Usually, music calms him down, but right now the only thing he can think about when he sees his guitar in the living room is smashing it into pieces. He wants to cry. Or scream. Or something.
Instead, he reaches for his phone, and texts a now-familiar face. ]
Tell me you're free tonight.
I'm going crazy, Ren. I need something.
Anything, really.
no subject
ah. he smiles ruefully. kaveh is great at what he does, but he's.. fragile in ways that make working in this industry incredibly difficult. this isn't the first time he's been frustrated. so yingxing sends him back a photograph - one of the drink in his hand as he sits on his couch. ]
Come over. I'm here.
no subject
Well, knowing the pair of them, he won't be in his clothing for too much longer anyway.
He snags a couple of zippered baggies from a locked drawer in his desk and shoves them in a satchel bag before he leaves, only then getting in his car and heading around to the other's place.
He knocks on the door, and then sends one more text. ]
It's me.
no subject
yingxing's apartment is what you'd expect. sharp. modern. an open concept loft with tall windows that give an incredible view of the luofu. it's well furnished in silvers and blacks, scattered with artwork, much of it done himself, on his off time. but it's nothing new to kaveh, he's been here plenty of times. ]
Hey, sweetheart. Come in and relax. Sounds like you need it.
no subject
[ He stands on tiptoes to press a kiss against Yingxing's cheek, something just friendly in case eyes are on them that shouldn't be. And then he steps inside, waiting until the door is closed behind both of them until he turns, lifting the plastic bags with a small, tired smile. ]
Brought these along too, if you want to.
[ At the very least, he could use it, after the day he's had. ]
no subject
then he turns, and grins, stepping forward, plucking one of the baggies from kaveh's hand. ]
Almost as beautiful as you are.
[ he says, then laughs. ]
Go on and sit down, I'll get us some drinks.
no subject
A drink will help. The drugs will help. Yingxing will help.
They always do. ]
Something strong, [ he calls with a chuckle. ] I need it.
no subject
This'll do it.
[ not only is it his favorite drink, it's also incredibly high proof, so if kaveh wants to get drunk, this will get him there. stacking two shallow cups into his hand as well, he brings it all over and sits beside kaveh's head, setting it all down on the glass coffee table.
then, he's taking one of the baggies, opening it up. ]
So, want to talk about it, or just want to get fucked up instead?
no subject
I'm just tired. [ His voice trembles on the words. ] I feel like whatever I do, it's not good enough. Someone always has something to say. And it just... it doesn't make sense, you know? They won't tell me what to do, but when I make my own choices, they're all wrong.
[ With a bitter laugh, he sits up, watching Yingxing set everything up. ]
I kind of wish someone would just tell me what to do. Or. Or at least tell me for once that I did well.
no subject
Yeah. I get it.
[ the expectations on their shoulders are heavy as lead weights, and kaveh is tenderhearted. he's great at what he does, but he's also sensitive, and that makes this sort of work difficult. carefully, yingxing tips the contents of the bag out onto the glass tabletop, then pulls his wallet from his pocket to find a card to split it with. ]
You know.. I could do that for you. If you trust me.
[ they've been kinky enough before. maybe not with bdsm mechanics, but.. ]
no subject
He pauses, though, when the other makes his offer. A frown creases his brows, and his head tilts. ]
I don't... huh? You're not... I mean, of course I trust you, but you don't work for the record company, so...
[ He may have missed the point. Ever so slightly. ]
no subject
That's not what I meant.
[ he says, then taps the card clean and sets it aside, before pulling a bill from his wallet to begin rolling into a tight tube. ]
You into BDSM?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)