lyceius | open post;

[ a wry smile. he's aware he's being watched and obviously revels in it, by the way he makes a little show of tossing his hair, letting it ripple and bounce. ]

An affectionate term for a child's doll. I mean nothing by it, of course.

[ his smile widens as he gestures to the hanging outfit. ]

Now, do not make me dress you. I must also prepare, then ensure that your fit is correct.

[ a smile tugs at adam's lips as he watches lestat's movements, knowing how much the blond enjoys the attention. it's easy to get lost in him, in the show he puts on whenever he's aware of eyes upon him, and not for the first time adam finds himself wondering how someone could be so effortlessly magnetic.

a doll, huh? it's a little weird, but french people are all weird, so he lets it slide. satisfied with the answer, and not wanting to upset lestat by making him wait, adam lets out a little sigh of capitulation and pushes himself to his feet.

it takes longer than it should for him to wriggle out of his clothing and into what lestat's prepared for him: he starts with the pants, but realizes afterwards he should probably tuck in his shirt, so he has to undo and redo them. the feeling of the lace against his skin is strange, too light and airy for someone who'd much rather drown in yards of fabric.

when the time comes to finally deal with the corset he picks it up, holding it out in front of him and turning it this way and that, before finally just giving up and casting a pathetic look over at lestat. ]

I have no idea how this shit works, man.

[ it's cute how adam takes instruction with a little sigh but otherwise no argument. no need for bickering or enforcing his will onto the mortal - although he does not mind stubbornness, lestat would not and does not wish to force adam in such a way regardless. the sweet way the man just accepts reminds him of one of the mastiffs who snuggled up to him on his bed as a boy, loyal and happy to be loved. blue eyes track the other man in the mirror as he dresses, daydreaming about scratching him behind the ears.

it draws a smile to his face as he begins to dress himself in the pink silks and sheers of the outfit he had picked out. he's just buttoned up the slacks and toed on some dainty white heeled boots as adam asks him for help in a feeble tone.

without question he approaches the other man from behind, unable to help himself from giving adam's waist a squeeze.]

Mm, you would have needed my help regardless. They can be tricky to secure alone.

[ he takes the corset from adam without asking, wrapping it around the other's abdomen. standing close while he begins to latch the hooks and clasps, tugging the garment tighter as he goes. adam's waist easily conforms to the slight cinching, curving in nicely as he had imagined. yes, he would have trouble keeping his hands away from this tonight. and from the pretty swell of his ass now more visible due to the draping and tailoring, he notes with appreciation.

his admiration shows quite plainly on the blonde's face in the mirror, a flicker of lust before he composes himself. latching complete, he lets a hand linger on adam's waist.]

Now layer the belts from top to bottom. I will adjust once I am finished dressing, yes?

[ another little smile - lestat gives him a pat before turning back to resume dressing.]

Good boy.

[ important to reinforce good behaviour, after all.]

[ adam can feel those eyes on him as he gets changed, though he doesn't show off the same way lestat did just a moment ago. it does kindle a warmth in his chest, though; he knows it's pathetic, but he so rarely receives positive attention that it's difficult not to feel good beneath that appraising gaze.

he isn't always this obedient. lestat has yet to see it, but he can be stubborn, can fly off the handle when pushed too far. he doesn't typically enjoy being told what to do, either, especially when it comes to his personal life. but for now, nothing has happened to push him that far. being lestat's little doll is fun, especially when it makes the blond touch him so adoringly.

the squeeze at his waist brings a smile to adam's face, and he feels a little less stupid when lestat tells him he'd need help either way. lifting his arms, he allows the other to affix the corset around him, only making a single soft sound as the fabric tightens around him. in the end it's much less intense than he expected, and he can't help but admit that lestat knew what he was doing when he chose this outfit: adam's body looks incredible.

he catches lestat's eye in the mirror just long enough to see that flicker of desire and it makes him grin, heat creeping up the back of his neck. their height difference always surprises him: the top of adam's head barely reaches lestat's collar. standing like this, with the vampire behind him, adam can't help but think that look like some otherworldly pair: adam dark and soft, lestat bright and sharp.

good boy lestat says and, yep, that heat claws its way up to the tips of adam's ears. he doesn't say anything but, as he goes about getting the belts on, it's clear to see that he's pleased. when he's done he turns to the other once again, his own eyes roving over the pink fabrics lestat has chosen for himself. he looks good - incredible, really - and, as always, it's difficult not to stare. ]

[ the only thing lestat truly enjoys more than dressing himself up is dressing others up. claudia, armand, louis, gabrielle - all had to tolerate at some point or another his fussing and coordination with outfits. louis at least brought a collaborative spirit to the affair - the man oft dressed sharper than he did most times, with far less nostalgia for older styles. armand was still by far his favourite and most wretched of playthings, a little demon with the face of an angel who loved to tear up his most vintage items.

adam, in contrast to all, was his most tolerant model. his most visibly pleased too, if he were forced to admit it. the flush of pink heating the back of the mortal's neck was adorable, evidently in response to his praise.

the last of lestat's irritation drains away upon observing this, a content little curl of satisfaction about his mouth. he's finished dressing now and stands a little distance away at another mirror, dabbing dark eyeshadow onto his eyelids. a glance over shows that adam has adorned the belts on properly, evidently having caught onto his vision. the man looks good; perhaps a little too good for a club with many other young attractive patrons.

its a thought that lestat does his best to put out of his mind - adam didn't belong to him. a playmate for now, but there was no point in becoming possessive. the boy could use some confidence, why not let him roam? ]

You look good.

[ he offers, straightening up in front of his reflection, inspecting his face from one angle then another. ]

No doubt you will be popular tonight. Cut loose and relax, yes? It will make the time go easier.

[ the history that adam has found himself a part of remains mostly hidden, shielded behind lestat's eyes and the line of his mouth. often the mortal finds himself wondering how many others there have been before him, how many bodies lestat has toyed with, how many marks left on his twisted heart. adam never mentions these thoughts, of course; why would he? there's no need to inquire about lestat's past, and indeed on the rare occasions he has it's never ended well.

they would both rather focus on the present, it seems, which is just fine.

it also seems that adam has absorbed some of lestat's vanity because, when he's finished with the belts, he stands before the mirror for a long few moments, appraising himself. he's never given much thought to his own appearance, especially not after moving out and living on his own. the few times he's cared have been when some pretty girl or boy caught his attention, and even then he found the people he liked best were not the sort to focus on his face or clothing.

lestat is, in all things, different. it's exciting, discovering these parts of him, and as adam looks over to watch the blond fiddle with his makeup he can't hide the affectionate smile that crosses his face. ]

Popular?

[ his eyebrows knit together momentarily. he hadn't even thought that far ahead, too busy worrying about fitting in with these 'important people'. in truth, he's anticipating a room filled with old guys in suits, silly as that sounds.

shaking off the thought, he steps over to lestat, looking up at him and thinking. after a moment, he points to the trays of makeup spread out across the vanity and asks, ]

Should I wear some of that too?

[ lestat looks over at adam at the question, appraising. he did think that the young man could use some eye-liner, and now he was dressed he still thought this. nodding, he gestures adam over.]

Oui bien, come. Let me - it is an art, to look roguishly effortless. No doubt you would learn it too with as many years practice as I, but we do not have time.

[ without asking he'll tilt adam's face up towards him, wielding a dark black kohl liner. expertly he begins to trace along the waterline of adam's eye, tutting but waiting if the man flinches. if his eyes flicker down to look at the pretty curve of adam's mouth momentarily, it is only for brief glances. otherwise he seems very set on getting his task done quickly and efficiently.]

We must be dressed and leave shortly. After this, make sure that you have everything you need, yes? Your camera, most importantly.

[ that appraising look will never cease to make adam feel self-conscious, though right now he's a little more confident than he typically would be under lestat's powerful gaze. it's an easy enough thing to do as he's told and he moves closer, offering no resistance as lestat takes hold of his chin.

adam has very little experience with makeup, and this becomes plain as soon as that pencil touches his eyes. he does indeed flinch, despite trying his best, and soon enough his eyes start to sting with unshed, watery tears drawn forth by the poking and prodding of lestat's expert hand. ]

I know, [ he replies, a hint of teenage-like sarcasm in his voice. he'd roll his eyes if he weren't so worried it would mess up the eyeliner - no need to provoke lestat this early into their evening together. ] I told you before, I'm a professional.

[ despite his usual appearance, adam does take his job quite seriously. especially so now that he's gotten to know lestat personally. that connection is what fuels him: finding a way to translate it through his photographs, to show the rest of the world the essence of the person he's capturing.

...and, okay, maybe he wants lestat to see them and tell him what a good job he's done. is that so wrong? ]

May I remind you that you're the one who always forgets something?

[ many a time some crew member, or christine, or even adam himself has needed to run after lestat to give him some small object: a guitar pick, a pair of sunglasses, his shoes. ]

[ admittedly lestat becomes a touch distracted by the glossy quality to adam's eyes as the eye-liner irritates them. such a shame that the man looked so beautiful with watery eyes, especially when lestat was trying to remind himself of keeping a respectful distance. it was going so well so far.

he finishes the liner but his grasp on adam lingers as he looks him over. the other man's comment doesn't seem to affect him, or perhaps he wasn't listening, or neither. far more preoccupied with licking a thumb and correcting a smudge at the corner of adam's eye like an overly meddlesome parent.

satisfied, he steps back and gives the other man a small smile.]

I have nothing to bring but myself, and so I will be forgetting nothing. But so kind of you to remind me.

[ a sniff and he turns, demeanour suddenly back to icy cold. it had been happening more and more since their not-argument - lestat acting normally, growing unfocused and distant, then the eventual wall going up of either outright snark or icy politeness. no outburst at all, that would be too honest for the type of emotional distance he was attempting to set.

who knew how this evening would end up going at this rate. with some luck, lestat at least hoped that he would see adam enjoying himself and feel nothing at all. that would perhaps be the best resolution to whatever this relationship was.

christine pokes her head into the dressing room shortly afterwards, alerting them both to the limo departing soon. genial to her, lestat greets her and gestures to adam to follow suit, suddenly friendly as if nothing had occurred at all. he may be like this for the rest of the night, it seemed.]

[ adam hadn't meant any of what he said to be cruel, nor condescending - but as soon as lestat responded with that icy tone he found himself wondering if perhaps he'd done so unintentionally. it's happened a few times now, this sudden switch from warm, smiling lestat with his gentle touches and flirtatious winks to the king of cruelty, seemingly detached from anything the mortal was feeling or thinking.

it's stupid of adam to feel hurt by it. he knows it's stupid. more than likely he was simply a temporary amusement, one of many who have experienced this same thing: the interest, the excitement, the downfall as that interest turned to ash, as his very presence became little more than an annoyance to the rock star.

that's his theory, anyway - that lestat is growing tired of him. he holds onto the thought like a lifeline, because he doesn't have any other answer as to why he's suddenly being treated like this. the not knowing makes him frustrated, and the frustration makes him angry; he does not want to be angry.

so he pretends as though it doesn't bother him when lestat speaks to christine more kindly, when he moves with the assumption that adam will follow along obedient - which adam does, of course. he does exactly as he's bid, two steps behind lestat as they walk down the hall, exit into the parking lot, slide into the limo. he sits across from the blond and tries not to look at him, fiddling instead with the strap of his camera, adjusting it to hang around his neck more comfortably. tonight, it feels more like a noose. ]

[ painful, painful. was this how louis felt, or was it far more effortless for him? lestat had never been one to give out the cold shoulder for long, preferring brutal honesty and passion as his weapon of choice. his feigned disinterest was always a clumsy thing, feeble and likely to crumble with the first offer of affection given.

with adam, it feels like kicking a dog. he can feel the gloom settling about the young man through the parking lot, into the limo and lingering like a malaise as they make their way to the club. not for the first time lestat wonders if he is being too cruel, if he should soften back up again and offer more sweetness. but was that not worse? didn't he know this first hand?

with christine debriefing him in a quiet voice, it's not long at all until they pull up to the venue. once more lestat beckons the two of them along, exiting the vehicle and slinking along to the VIP entrance. already the club is thrumming with people, the exterior decorated with people in wait for entry, dolled up and chattering excitedly. bass and synth boom from within, a vibration underneath each footstep. despite it being well past sundown, lestat takes a moment to slip on sunglasses to shield his eyes from the intense neon blues and reds peeking out from every opened door.

the bouncer doesn't need much introduction before allowing their little party to pass through; one look at lestat's flat expression seems enough. christine for her part, nods in acknowledgement as they pass, receiving nothing in response. typical, is the word that lestat skims from her thoughts with some amusement. he doesn't dare to probe adam's thoughts, not wanting to indulge himself further into a bad habit. no, what he needed was alcohol immediately and maybe something else to keep his mind off things. maybe even someone else to keep his mind off things, if they had ingested the right type of drug cocktail.

he turns briefly to give a nod to adam and christine, then soon disappears into the hazy maze of bodies and hallways, seeking distraction. it may be some time before he reemerges again. ]

[ the ride to the club is short, but the weight of adam's worry increases tenfold by the time they arrive, to the point where he's beginning to wonder if there's much point at all in him being there. obviously he's working, and being paid for that work, so he's not about to mention his misgivings - but lestat's lack of attention doesn't exactly make him feel better about how the evening will unfold.

the VIP entrance seems strange and frightening, especially since adam has never attended an event where he was allowed into such a high-profile area. being backstage at concerts is one thing; being allowed into a room where even men like lestat must pass through a checkpoint is another matter entirely. if the vampire were to read his thoughts, adam's growing anxiety would be clear - then again, it's an easy enough thing to read based on his body language alone.

as they enter the club proper and lestat turns, adam wonders if he should say something, maybe ask to take lestat's drink order - anything to ease this strange tension that grows like a rift between them. but the man doesn't give him a chance, offering the barest of acknowledgement before heading off to do whatever he so pleases.

christine says something to adam and then she's gone too, trailing at a distance after lestat, most likely planning to ensure he doesn't do anything too illegal. adam is left behind, floating in a sea of uncertainty, with no one to guide him.

his shirt suddenly feels itchy, the belts looped around his waist too extravagant. without lestat next to him there is no shadow to fall into and he becomes immediately aware of the many many eyes darting his way. how many are actually judging him, he can't say for certain; all he knows is that he doesn't like how it feels.

so he tries, instead, to focus on what he came here for. sinking into the crowd, he attempts to seek out some spot with slightly higher elevation, knowing it will be difficult to get any decent photos at his usual height. there are a few platforms here and there where scantily-clad men and women dance, their smiles wide and eyes unfocused; there is also, off to one side, a staircase leading up to a small balcony, with only a few partygoers gathered at the top.

he manages to squeeze through the crush of bodies on the dancefloor, though it reuires him to hold his camera high overhead in order to avoid damaging it, and he silently curses lestat for abandoning him. if the blond were here it would be easy to part this particular sea. nonetheless, the photographer makes it to the stairs and clambers his way to the top, arriving only a little out of breath.

it immediately becomes obvious why this area is so much less busy: it's dark, and the music seems to fade somewhat, likely absorbed by the surrounding walls. the balcony isn't very large, either, hosting only a couple of small, round couches and tables to set drinks on. in total, there are about seven other people up there, all dressed well, all young and beautiful.

ignoring how out of place he feels, adam refocuses on his camera, pointing it down at the crowd below and beginning to take some preliminary shots. from this height it should be easy to spot lestat - but, then again, the vampire may have chosen to disappear into one of the many private areas located deeper inside the venue. ]

[ the thudding of the music was relentless, a ongoing mix of disco sliding into deeper, darker beats. red neon illuminated pockets amidst the deep shadows, the colour of this particular corner of the club drenching fair complexions and teeth alike the colour of blood.

it's not too long until another body drapes over the balcony railing beside the photographer, cradling a drink. a clean shaven older man of about 35, with a well coiffed honey blonde puff of hair atop his head, clipped tight around the back and sides. he's wearing a plain blue button up, nothing too wild in comparison to a lot of his fellow patrons, but its obvious from the fit that the material was expensive. a classy, understated watch adorns his wrist, the muscles of his forearm well toned and solid. he eyes adam with obvious interest, though whether he was regarding the camera or the slivers of pale skin visible through the lace mesh - who could say?

there's seemingly little hesitation before the man clears his throat and leans in to speak closer to adam over the music. ]

Bit of a voyeur, are you mate?

[ there's a notable accent to his voice - british, central london. the type of accent spoken by the upper class, or those who wanted to appear well off. that explained the confidence and the drink of choice - a light ale, apparently.

he's handsome enough and tall, doubling down to lean on the railing and peer at the dark haired photographer. the easy smile he gives adam seems effortless, if not a bit insincere - not quite meeting the reddened hue of his eyes in the crimson lights. ]

Looks like thirsty work. Can I buy you a drink?

[ despite the worries floating around inside his head, adam manages to sink into focused concentration within just a few moments. the camera always does that: narrows his view, helps him forget the monkey on his back. through the lens he can see the kinds of details most people overlook - the way the dj clearly loves what he does, the glance of one girl at another who is dancing with someone else, the bored-looking boy in the corner nursing his drink. he reminds adam a bit too much of himself, and that discomfort from before returns.

thankfully, it's at that moment he feels the sudden presence of another, hears the friendly accent directed towards him. he lowers his camera and looks over at this stranger; his first impression is that he seems altogether far too normal to be in a place like this.

but lestat's words echo in his head: important people. maybe this man is some sort of executive, someone he should try to impress? his clothing is clearly well-tailored, reminding adam a bit of some of lestat's more toned-down looks, the ones he wears when he goes off to meetings in tall office towers.

being called a voyeur isn't exactly adam's favourite thing, but he brushes it off, figuring it wasn't meant in poor taste. the way this man is smiling at him lifts his spirits, lighting up a small spark in his chest. it makes him nervous, but he isn't about to show it. ]

I'd like that,

[ he hears himself reply, shouting a bit over the music. ]

[ the man nods twice, seemingly to himself as well as to adam. he leans in closer, raising his voice to ask: ]

What's your poison of choice?

[ he gestures at the camera and the crowd below, over exaggerating the movements. ducks back in to speak loudly over the music. there's a masculine scent about him - tom ford cologne or david beckham, one of the very popular men's colognes. fresh but sharp. ]

I'll fetch 'em from the bar, you uh- stay here and do your thing. [ a beat - his eyes drop down to the slim curve of adam's waist, taking it in for a moment. when he draws back, he immediately drains the rest of his beer. ]

I like your belts, by the way. Very - this. [ another large gesture at the club around them. truly a way with words, this guy. ]

[ something about the clear confidence in this man's movements set adam more at ease - reminded, maybe of lestat when he is in a good mood, or simply happy to be distracted by someone with no idea of what's going through the smaller man's mind. ]

Oh, uh - just a beer is fine!

[ he hasn't really had many people buy him drinks, and the kind who did never had money for fancy cocktails. so the only drink he knows he likes is plain old beer, for better or worse.

he doesn't miss the way the man's eyes dip to his waist, and a shiver of heat curls up through his stomach. he hadn't come here seeking attention, but clearly lestat's choice of outfit was working. ]

Thanks, [ he says, lips tugging up into a shy smile. this guy might not be very eloquent but it's charming, a startling difference to adam's ears now that he's grown used to speaking with someone much more articulate. he wants to say more but figures he should wait, figuring it'll be easier once he drinks a bit. ]

[ a nudge of his elbow into adam's side, the older man cozying up and giving him a wink momentarily. ]

's a good choice. A classic choice! Nothing too fruity or complicated, aye?

[ he points at the brunette, grinning. ]

Knew I liked you, mate. I'll bee-arr-bee. [ so hip, so with the times. he spins on his heel and ambles to the bar tucked close to the staircase. seemingly he's friends with the other younger people lounging beautifully nearby, as he greets them as he passes. a few hop up and follow him to the bar, a younger man and woman tailing him and chatting as they go.

when he returns, its with two full beers. the man is already beginning to sip from the foamy head at the top of the glass as he hands adam his, dripping from a couple of bumps along the way. ]

Ned! I'm Ned.

[ another whiff of cologne as he leans in to speak loud enough to hear. ]

You're cute. Are you here with someone, or just working?

[ across the venue, there's a bustle of activity around one of the back bathroom entrances as a familiar blonde makes an appearance, slinking his way through the crowds to a set of low tables and chairs on the lower floor. immediately he's joined by a few beautiful young things eagerly sidling up to him and a severe looking older gentleman, who pours him a drink. lestat's eyes are hard to see, still covered by the dark shades inside of all places. between the alcohol, the warm bodies beside him and the faint trace of powder around his nose - he's not thinking much. whether he's aware of adam or not, he does not show it. ]

[ the nudge, the wink - it puts adam bit off-balance, though not necessarily in a bad way. he returns the grin, eyes following the man's back as he heads off to get the drinks. it's obvious that he's popular with the easy way he speaks to others, the confident body language he has as they follow in his wake. maybe he comes here often - he certainly seems to know the place well enough.

as adam waits for the man's return he picks his camera back up, focusing on the area around the bar now. it's a central, circular-shaped thing, with gorgeous young people flair bartending and picking up tips left and right. their dexterity is mesmerizing: adam could never be that good with his hands.

he's snapped a few half-decent shots by the time ned returns. letting his camera hang down around his neck, he reaches out to take the offered glass, not minding the moisture that immediately coats his fingers. the scent floats up into his nose and just one sip is enough to put him in a better mood, his body's sense memory kicking in. drinking is something he only really does socially, not because he wants to but because he has to split the cost most of the time - and most of those times happened when he was hanging around with scott and his bandmates, or sitting on the grass at a music festival. rare snippets of happiness dotted amidst his generally bleak life.

ned, the man says. a funny sounding name, especially compared to the dramatic sound of lestat. it makes adam grin. this guy is so normal - just a young, handsome man having a good time, without some scary vampiric aura or tragic past to contend with. the red light thankfully hides the blush that graces his cheeks when ned calls him cute, and that same feeling from before stirs in his stomach once again. excitement. ]

Well, I...

[ his eyes look out over the dancefloor and pause as a certain head of blond hair comes into view. he's half-hidden by other bodies, but there's no mistaking lestat, sprawled out with his sunglasses and looking every bit like the rock star he is.

adam's stomach lurches momentarily. but then he thinks about what lestat told him, about the way he'd so easily brushed the human off, and that's enough to make adam give this new person his full attention. ]

Just working, [ he replies, leaning in a bit closer - ostensibly so it's easier to talk, but also because he really likes whatever cologne ned is wearing. he lets his own eyes wander now, taking in the well-muscled arms hiding beneath his shirt, the difference in their heights, that wide smile. ]

I'm Adam. [ he raises his glass in cheers, his body relaxing as he settles into the conversation. ] Do you come here often? It seems like a lot of people know you.

[ ned lingers close, leaning his back against the railing within speaking proximity of the other man. his eyes don't stray from adam as he speaks, seemingly aware of how the other man takes him in and has his eyes roam in return.

a shrug at adam's question, smile not fading. ]

Nah, only when I'm really desperate. Then I chat up the cutest guy who isn't here looking to hook up.

[ a snicker at his own line. he sips at his beer before continuing, gesturing for a moment.]

They're old uni mates, come from across the pond to check out whatever bleak American hole I've dug myself into. Knobs, the lot of them.

[ he glances over to the table of people and waves cheerily, immediately earning boos and rude gestures in response. a few of the girls cackle behind their hands though, indicating it was all friendly ribbing.]

See? They're just envious that they don't get to buy you a drink.

[ his attention wafts back to adam, offering him a sheepish grin.]

Are you here often? I could stop by more often if you're here. Sorry - [ a laugh, wincing at himself.] I'm coming on a bit strong. It's been a while.

[ as he listens to ned speak, adam takes a few more sips of his beer and lets the atmosphere wash over him: the warmth of the other's body so close to his own, the pounding music in the background, the pleasant way ned's accent winds through his words. he's charismatic but in a plain sort of way, just a normal guy trying to flirt with someone he thinks is cute; it's refreshing, and adam feels himself relax further as they talk.

he laughs in unison with the group as they heckle the other man, before ducking his head as a fresh wave of butterflies makes its way through his body. getting attention like this is new and exciting, and he isn't quite sure what to do with himself.

even when ned stumbles a bit, it's so charming that adam can't fault him for it. when he looks up again he's grinning, clearly please, a sparkle in his eye. ]

Don't worry about it.

[ he swallows; then, summoning his courage, he reaches out to brush his fingers over ned's elbow - a gesture that, while simple, clearly communicates the fact that he likes the attention. ]

It's actually my first time here. [ he tilts his head towards the dancefloor but doesn't look away, not wanting to be reminded of lestat right now. a hint of mischief enters his expression and he adds playfully, ]

What makes you think I'm not looking to hook up?

[ ned's eyebrows raise in response, grin gaining in confidence as he eyes adam again. taking in the playful lilt to his tone, the brush of fingers. ]

Yeah? Oh, you said that you were working, so - [ a shrug. he takes another big gulp of beer, leans a little closer. ]

I mean, shit - hooking up while you're on the clock is pretty hot, yeah? You've got plenty of time to take photos.

[ straightening up again, he glances back over to the table of young people, the others lingering at the bar. ]

The way some of my mates are eying you, I'd say they're pretty pissed at me for snagging your attention. You got the pick of the litter up here, and it's only your first time.

[ the red wash of neon makes his eyes look big and dark as he looks back to adam, gaze obviously set on the smaller man's mouth. then lower, at the lace only just obscuring creamy skin, the shadow of his nipples. ]

Hell, you could pick up all of us tonight if you wanted. Fuck your boss.

[ right - working. taking photos of pretty people doing pretty things. what meaning is there in that? suddenly adam feels like he wants to forget why he's here, why he's got a camera hanging from his neck, weighing him down. why should he care about any of that when he's got a handsome man standing in front of him, clearly interested? telling him that not only does he want adam but other people do too - to the point where they're jealous, even?

adam takes a long drink, gulping the beer down and feeling its cold heat wash over his insides. maybe he should be more like lestat. ignore the consequences, do what he wants. it's not as though trying to live a decent life has ever gotten him anywhere.

rise and shine, adam.

a visible shiver runs through him as those words ghost through his skull; thankfully, it happens at the same time ned's eyes wander over his body, so it seems less like a trauma response and more like a reaction to being ogled so obviously.

fuck your boss ned says and it makes adam laugh. if only he knew how true that was. ]

Let's go somewhere else,

[ he hears himself say, eyes wide and dark as he looks up at ned. ]

[ mimicking adam, ned tosses back his beer immediately in one, two large gulps. residual foam coats his lips and he licks them a tad nervously, sets his empty glass aside.]

Fuck, sure. Can I give you an escorted tour of the bathroom, Adam?

[ he offers adam an elbow, a tad sheepish but willing to commit to the corniness. once he's sure adam will follow, he'll lead the other man to the men's bathroom on the upper floor. his friends from the nearby table hoot and holler at the two of them as they pass, some with stares that linger longer than others.

from across the room, despite the hand of a tanned gentleman venturing a hand inside his shirt, sharp eyes watch the two depart from the balcony. further attempts to caress the blonde are blatantly ignored, even after straddling his lap to get his attention. all it earns is a snap of irritation for blocking his eye line before there's a flash of fangs and he seals his mouth onto the man's neck, earning a moan swallowed by both the music and lestat himself. it's a small mouthful, enough to wet his mouth and send his nerves tingling.

music pulsing and head spinning, the handsy patron does not seem to register being lifted and placed aside like he weighed nothing. likewise, no one in the VIP section seems to notice that lestat has slipped away until he's vanished into the cluster of gyrating bodies. absolutely not keeping a close eye on adam and his new friend eagerly leading to the bathroom.]

[ other people might notice ned's nervousness and be turned off by it, especially in comparison to the confidence he'd displayed upon first approach - but, to adam, it's nice. refreshing. being around someone with seemingly endless amounts of charisma and pride is tough; this is a real person, not a rock star. someone adam feels a human connection with.

so he chugs the rest of his beer, then sets his glass aside. the grin on his face reaches all the way to his eyes as he playfully takes ned's elbow, chuckling a little at how cute it is. ]

You're quite the gentleman, [ he remarks, looking up at the taller man. as they pass the group at the table Adam glances back over this shoulder at them and, sure enough, a few are staring at him. it brings a fresh flush to his face and he tries not to feel too excited by the attention, knowing most of it can be chalked up to his clothing. he's learned from lestat that showing a little skin is the perfect way to get eyes pointed in your direction.

but - that's enough thoughts about lestat. it doesn't take long to reach the bathroom; once they're there, it becomes pretty obvious that some other men have had a similar idea. soft moans and grunts echo from the farthest stall, and there's a small group gathered by the sinks eyeing each other up in between snorting lines of coke. adam does his best to focus on Ned but the truth is that he himself has started to get a little nervous - he doesn't exactly know what he should do next. his grip on the other's arm tightens as a result, communicating his feelings without words. ]

Edited 2025-11-28 23:37 (UTC)

[ even under the desaturated blue neon of the bathroom lights, it's obvious what the other occupants are up to. from the farthest stall, a pair of knees can be seen as if in prayer at an altar, the hymn played being soft sighs and groans. a few men lingering at the urinals glance at the pair who enter, relaxing as they note the way ned is scanning for an empty stall. once again, some stares linger, trailing adam while ned tugs him to the side wall, impatient. there doesn't seem to be any stalls that lock available. ned compensates by crowding adam against the wall, amongst the numerous stickers and graffiti plastered there.

no time is wasted now that he has the smaller man where he can reach him. ned leans heavily against the tile, swooping down to press his mouth to adam's. his hands grasp at his chest over the lace, thumb purposefully stroking over the shadow of the nipple underneath. evidently he's very interested, his hips pressing against the others eliciting a groan that mirrors the others echoing in the bathroom.]

Give it a moment and I'll bend you over in the stall, yeah? [ ned's voice is gravelly now, just quiet enough for adam to hear.]

've got poppers in my back pocket just for eager little faggots like you. Guess it's my lucky day.

[ another few men enter the bathroom, one that ned glances up at and nods tightly to. there's another warm pressure against adam's waist now, attempting in vain to dig under the corset and many belts in order to find the bottom hem of the lace shirt. another whiff of cologne too, a hard body pressing in from the other side. one of ned's friends evidently, helping himself to a feel of adam's waist.

ned says something to him, muffled by the thrum of the music. a short laugh in response before a hand slips down to grasp at adam's ass, thick fingers feeling for the cleft of his cheeks and pressing in insistently.

then, a snap. the sound evokes especially dry twigs, a clean sharp break. it's audible over the music from this close, as is the feeble whimper of ned's companion. the pressure on adam's rear is immediately lifted, though the man slumps forward a little, doubling over and clutching his hand to his chest.

there's a sudden tension in the air prickling ned's skin into goosebumps that he notes far too late. despite his friend making a girly moan, he was not distracted away from pressing his tongue into the mouth of the pretty young thing he had secured. he tasted like summer, the light coating of beer still on his lips, and ned intended to compare the taste of him after having his fun. perhaps there would still be remnants of the same taste after, too.

distantly, he's aware of his body operating as if by an invisible puppeteer. it's not an unfamiliar sensation, but one his mind skips on like a scratch in a disk, revisiting a couple of times before the movements sink in. he's kissing adam, grasping for a feel of his sides, his chest, the side of his neck. feeling the other man swallow under his hands, the surge of excitement at the power held there. then he's reaching back into his pocket for the little vial tucked there. at some point he's broken off the kiss and has leant back to uncap the vial and snort from it, a potent whiff of pure chemical that makes his head blank out pleasantly and his muscles loosen.

there's the scent of ozone in the air beyond the chemicals, a tension like before lightning strikes. if ned focuses, he distantly recalls the scent lingering just before his friend had made the strangled sound.
then, far too soon, another deep sniff. this whites out his vision for a heartbeat, has the man stagger on his feet. dazed, he begins to frown deeply at himself. his eyes focus and unfocus. his weight leans heavily against the tile wall, mind struggling to make sense of what was happening before his arm raises again. another deep snort and he slumps, though held taut before he can collapse.

there's tight pressure around his chest, strong arms keeping him upright. a brush of hair against his crisp shirt, then cold ice through his veins. ned gasps wetly, eyes fluttering and knees buckling as lestat drinks deep and quick. the colour drains from him, as does the little twitches of life. in a few seconds, the man is close to death with a new jagged gash in the side of his neck.

somehow all of this goes unnoticed by the other patrons of the bathroom. a stall empties of its occupants, allowing lestat to smoothly escort a swaying ned inside, shortly followed by his barely conscious friend.

when the stall door is closed and the blonde returns, there's a dark liquid discoloured by the neon lights coating his fingertips, dripping from his claws. this he licks from his fingers idly, eyes large and dark as he looks adam over. a moment of hesitation - a glance at the door. but he drifts back to adam, jaw clenched and the line of his body tight.]

Chèri. Tout va bien? [ tone soft, despite the blood around his mouth. then his eyes flatten, sharp and predatory.]

That vermin will not bother you any longer.

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icons just embodying lestats potential opinion about this convo i guess

asljshdjkfh IM DYING he's judging so hard "this is really the sort of man you like, mon cher?"

hes so normal and fine actually!!!

not bothered in the slightest by his lil human plaything meeting other people who appreciate him!!!

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tw asshole behaviour ft my essay