who: tj hammond and various what: belated event and date stuff when: backdated to the event where: convention, his room, etc. warnings: drug use, sex talk, flirting, being a mess in general
[TJs not usually such a god damn idiot. Well, he can be. He's known to fuck up on occasion all the time but he didn't know that the colorful powder was going to get him high. He recognizes the symptoms - low-key buzzing euphoria, positive sensitivity to touch, a heightening of desires for intimacy, and a mild lowering of inhibitions - which he doesn't need help with thank you very fucking much.
There goes almost four months of sobriety. He's.. not okay. This place was supposed to be different, a change, and even though he knows he'll always be an addict, he didn't want it to go down like this.
So fuck it.]
option a: [Find TJ when he's just been doused with the color powder and is extra affectionate.]
option b: [A couple hours later he'll have snowballed and sought out alcohol/other drugs and be a complete and total mess.]
option c: [He's coming down from it all and he wants to go home but doesn't know how to get there.]
option d: [Wildcard. He'll be at the convention and other places!]
option d (because going to a kink convention as option "D" is just NECESSARY)
(Dorian had, quite honestly, gone to the kink convention alone on purpose. Something like having a taste for cheap beer, Dorian had a reputation to maintain, and it didn't involve an interest in ropes, handcuffs, or several of the other things to be found at this particular convention, which he was surprised (pleasantly) to learn was apparently an annual occurrence in the Quarantine.
He wasn't anticipating finding others there, not his friends, or many people he'd spoken to at length. Of course, T.J. didn't constitute that group. They'd only spoken the once, and only through text, but he remembered the man's face from the text he'd sent, and he couldn't help but smiling appreciatively when he found himself standing in line near him.)
Serah Hammond? It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. The photo hardly did you justice.
[TJ didn't have a lot of money to spend but he had enough to get a treat or two. Something for himself. To get through the dry times. He'd already made one purchase and come back to stand in line for something when he hears his name. TJ tips his head in the voice's direction. Oh. This guy.]
Dorian, right?
[He smirks, turning around to face him now.]
Pictures hardly do. For either of us. [Because he wasn't the only good looking person standing there right now.] Didn't expect to see anyone here.
[Nobody he knew, anyway. Seemed like most of the people he's met wouldn't come to something like this. He likes being surprised.]
[Dorian spread his arms wide, as though putting himself on display.]
You were expecting any other?
[He accented his response with a confident smirk, moving a hand over his chin and lower jaw, even as his olive eyes moved over TJ's frame appreciatively.]
Too right you are about that. [And his smirk turned a tad mischievous.] A few things, and some I didn't know existed. Quite the spark for the imagination, if you will. And you?
[TJs gaze falls to Dorian's mustache - a fine one, if his opinion counted and it did. He kinda wanted to play with it, see what it felt like beneath his fingertips. TJ was a sucker for a handsome man.]
People sure do get creative.
[At these 'expos', not that he's been to one before. It wasn't easy to get a night out, paparazzi free, anywhere back home, let alone something like this.]
A thing or two. Guess you can say I've been kinda lonely.
[Whether or not that was honest or an exaggeration was anyone's guess, and Dorian certainly wasn't sharing. TJ had the sort of wandering eyes that Dorian adored, though. He found the level of attention, at least surface-wise, comforting, even if he was a tad disturbed by his lack of interest in running off somewhere and exploring just how interested this man was. He'd think about that later, though, when he was alone with a bottle of wine as a crutch. For now? Now there was a rather provocative convention to attend, and a handsome man with which to do it.]
Lonely? Here? Something should certainly be done about that.
[To be honest, TJ didn't struggle for company back home. He'd flip through an app until he got a fuck buddy. They'd come over. Stay a while. Leave. Then he'd go on with whatever shit life was throwing at him. Unfortunately, the option for a random hookup wasn't as easy and most of the people he's met so far, well he doesn't want to have sex with them. He wants their companionship. The others were complicated.]
You know somebody who'd be willing to do something about it?
[ Spoiler alert: it wasn't him. Dorian isn't actually 100% sure when that ended up changing, but somewhere along the way it had, and now there were these annoying little feelings in the way of anything else, and he couldn't shake them.
Worse.
He didn't want to. ]
Well, that is, of course, if women suit your fancy as well. I hear some of us have that luxury.
[TJ frowns, briefly, a flash of unhappiness before his expression smooths back out and is replaced by a wide smile.]
Not usually. I mean. [How to explain it without sounding like a total jackass.] Sometimes I sleep with women if there's a guy there too. [Because as much as he prefers men, he loves breasts.]
[ Dorian is actually a lot more familiar with TJ's struggle than TJ probably realizes. ]
Well, I'm sure there some handsome young man out there waiting for you, and some tavern or other we might find him in, especially in a place like this.
How many times had he said that to himself and to Clary? Complicated didn't even describe things as they were. He had thought once upon a time that Clary was the one. he loved her. That hadn't changed. But he had. If learning things about himself meant he had changed.
If falling in love with your parabatai and being completely attracted to your parabatai's husband...possibly even falling for him, too....this was worse than complicated. This was a Greek tragedy in the making. Clary would stab him or poison him for breaking her heart and he'd die watching Alec and Magnus making out, pointing and laughing at him for being the most foolish Shadowhunter to ever live.
And to make things worse...he told Alec he was bisexual. He told Izzy how he felt about Alec and Magnus. And he hasn't seen or spoken to Clary since the last time he had too many drinks after promising he wouldn't.
Everything was...complicated.
And maybe that was the reason he found himself going to the rave. Not as security for the kids. He needed less complicated and more....Jace. No drinking. No drugs. Just....something. He didn't what that was, but hopefully he'd find it or he would be taking another cold shower tonight.
TJ's exhausted. His first thought is that he's getting old, hah. He felt old some days, but that wasn't it. He genuinely wasn't used to partying like this anymore. A few months off and it was like he'd forgotten how to dance. He steps away to catch his breath, to relax, and figure out if this was actually how he wanted to spend his night or not.
He's got a cigarette between his lips when he sees him. Jace, right? They'd spoken once before. Nothing extensive, something about appearance.
The guy was handsome. And alone. So TJ follows him until he can get close enough to tap him on the shoulder. The music is loud, so he's louder, and there are people bumping into them, but he doesn't care.
"Jace? It's TJ."
Then he steps in really close, just in case he can't hear him over the noise. TJ looks the guy over, sizing him up. Trying to determine why he came here tonight. Looking for someone or looking for someone? It was an important distinction to make and TJ didn't want to get it wrong.
The moment TJ moves in close Jace's eyes light up and he smiles, just a little. The thump-thump of music was making everything buzz with energy and it was nice to get lost in in a room full of people. But it's a nice surprise to see a semi-familiar face. He leans in close to TJ's ear so he doesn't have to yell--or maybe he's testing his reaction.
"I would love to."
Dancing is a lot like friendly sparring. If you know how to move in battle, you can dance. He doesn't dance often, but he can. And he did come here to clear his head, relax, and have a little fun.
TJ doesn't flinch or otherwise show any surprise at the way Jace leans in and speaks so close to him. It's nice but not his first rodeo. He kinda likes the attention and he's always enjoyed this style of dance - if it could be called that.
"Come on then."
Tipping his head to an open space a few feet away, TJ drags his hand down Jace's arm and links their fingers. He tugs him gently and then turns, tossing his arm over his shoulder so he can keep them close and still guide him to a better place to dance.
Once there, he turns back around slowly and keeps Jace's arm over his shoulder. He reaches for the other and hangs it over the other side.
There's a tingling sensation left behind where TJ's hand had been and once he's turned away Jace's lips twitch into a smile. TJ is attractive. Sexy. And after their conversation about attraction Jace suspects he knows how to have a bit of fun.
So he doesn't hesitate to curl his arm around and pull TJ in closer. "Only if you show me yours."
TJ shrugs and dips in a little closer, lining their bodies up the best he can. Jace is built, he can feel it beneath his clothes, and his hands want to wander but he keeps himself in check.
"Nah, lets do it together."
He pushes his hips forward and then slowly starts to move side to side, encouraging Jace to reciprocate.
Jace absolutely reciprocates, moving with TJ as easily as he moves in battle. Being this close to another warm body is exactly what he's been needing. Even if they only dance together. He'd like to give in completely to his impulses, but they tend to get him in trouble so he'll behave. As much as he can when he's pressed up against TJ.
Apparently he has a thing for brunettes.
"Did you find out more about the guy you were looking for?"
It's a friendly conversation starter while he slides his fingers against the nape of TJ's neck and teases the short hairs at the back of his head.
TJ pulls Jace's hips in, controlling the slow circle eights they make together. The pace is easy. Enough to tease but not enough to get anyone off. As much as he likes dancing this way, the heavier stuff has to be in private.
"Yeah, I found out more about him."
It's a simple question, a simple topic. Nothing too intense to ruin the mood.
"Some people don't like him much, from back home. Conflicting political views. That doesn't matter to me."
The teasing feels nice. The beat of the music pulsing slightly under his skin. The warmth of being so close to another body. It all feels like something he's been missing. TJ doesn't seem to mind the touching so Jace lets himself get lost in in the atmosphere, the rhythm of motion and teasing.
That is why they all come to a place like this right? To lose a bit of themselves. Shut down their brains and simply feel.
"What does matter to you?" Simple, curious question.
[There's something about Pierce that TJ can't pin down. Sure, it gives him a mysterious vibe that's hot and the older, handsome guy thing is working in his favor, but it's more than that. He listens. He responds. He doesn't make TJ feel like shit. They had their first date. Chess at Alex's place. It was fun. He'd decided early on to go slower with the flirting and not scare the guy off, but after he was back in his room for the night, he'd wished he'd upped his game.
Time for date number two. TJs place this time. The room isn't as comfortably set up as he'd like or that he's used to but his job here doesn't pay all that much. He doesn't actually mind it. The bed is comfortable, a lot of pillows, and he has a tv/couch/chairs at a table. And it's all his.
When Alex arrives at the time they'd planned out, he has food (that he didn't make) hot and ready on the table, some candles lit, music playing, and he's absolutely going to flirt this time. He opens the door.]
[This whole situation was interesting, and that was likely the only reason he continued to go through with it. TJ was so desperate to be loved, to be accepted that he suspected that both of those aspects had been long denied to the young man. Beneath all the fun outgoing personality was a sad broken child, one left behind on numerous occasions, and the face didn't hurt either.
The fact that they had gone through a first date and nothing physical had happened was surprising. He was at the point where he wasn't so easily interested in the physical, where the intellectual nature of a person or exploring their personality had far more draw for him. And TJ was positively fascinating to listen to.
So he arrived for their second date with six bottles of fine craft beer and a smile on his face. He was dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a collared shirt but no tie. His hair was done neatly as it always way, and he had a smile on his face for when the door was opened to admit him.]
Good evening, TJ. You're looking handsome, as always. [He offered the bottles of beer. It was polite to bring something in his experience.]
[Good evening. All prim and proper. Fuck. There's something to seeing Alex in jeans and a nice shirt. Not quite as fancy as the guy usually seems to dress. Casual. Relaxed. For TJ. His smirk blossoms into a smile, genuine at the edges. A little nervous, maybe, because Alexander Pierce is way out of his normal go to.]
Yeah, yeah. I know. You too, by the way.
[He takes the beers and steps aside, shutting the door behind Alex.]
I'm not much of a cook, so I ordered in. Hope you're alright with Italian.
[TJ takes a few of the beers out and puts them on the table by each of their plates. Paper, the finest of chinas.]
Figured we could hang out here.
[Rather than go out somewhere that TJ couldn't afford. Then it'd feel more like a Sugar Daddy situation and even though Alex was always a thousand steps ahead of him, TJ wanted to try to keep them level.]
[He nodded his head and stepped in as he passed over the drinks, looking around TJ's quaint little abode. He kept his own apartment simple and sparse, nothing like the riches he had previously own and kept. There was no point of material's like that here, so he found this little place as cozy as his own.
And the plates, Alexander found himself smiling at them. The finest and easiest to maintain of china, indeed.]
You know I would have appreciated anything you put together. This is nice, and it smells good. Italian is one of my favourites, as well. Lucky for us both yes?
[He seated himself, taking the next casual step of rolling up the sleeves of his collared shirt to mid-forearm, folding his fingers together.]
Are you going to be a gentleman and serve us both?
[Right. Alex was a nice guy. Paper plates didn't bother him. Neither did eating in, apparently. TJ smiles and slides into the chair opposite Alex, leaning forward so that he can dish out the food.]
Tell me when.
[He stops when he gets the signal and then serves himself. TJs not much of an eater, though his appetite has increased now that he's been here so long. Been clean.]
So while we eat, lets get to know each other better. Tell me what you like and don't like.
[TJ takes a bite, chews it slowly, brows pinched together as he thoroughly considers what he's going to say next.]
Then when we're done. We can sit over there and watch something.
[So that TJ can slide up real nice and cozy, make a move if the mood is right.]
[He indicated with a hand when there was enough food on his plate and waited until TJ had served himself as well. He wasn't much of an eater either, though his reasons for that were more age-related than anything personal.
He had noted that TJ was putting on a bit of weight since he had met the young man. TJ had better colour as well. That was good in his opinion.
He smiled and picked up his fork to begin eating as well, considering the request for information and deciding which was worth divulging at this point. This kind of question and answer period was something that he was used to.]
Let's see, I'm willing to try most things at least once. I've already told you that I like chess and crossword puzzles before. What else? I enjoy sailing, and I learned to fly old planes, but I'm dreadfully rusty. It was still very enjoyable. I enjoy collecting artifacts and reading. Murder mystery novels are my guilty pleasure. [Or creating a murder mystery.] As for dislikes... I hate polishing silverware. I don't like eggplant, and I don't care for swimming much.
[He considered again between bites, deciding that was enough new information for now. He watched TJ eat and offered his most charming smile, the corner of his eyes crinkling with affection.]
[TJ listens, he really does. He wants that consideration from other people in return so he does his best, but there's a point towards the end where he zones out a little. Pierce is just that god damn handsome. Sighing softly, he blinks a few times and looks up.]
I like sex and parties, though those usually get me into trouble. [His mouth quirks.] The piano. I really enjoy the piano but I don't play it all that much anymore. Not for pleasure.
I don't like getting out of bed before noon and I hate politics.
[It wasn't super specific, but he guessed that Alex could understand why.]
I hate that I've never met anyone that really understands me. [Doug tried. That was as close as he got. He shrugs.] Have I ever mentioned that I'm a romantic? I like doing all the sweet stuff. Dates. Staying in. This.
[Pierce couldn't help but chuckle at TJ's likes. They were in very different aspects of their lives; he was fine with high-class dinner parties where people sniffed wine and talked about the boring useless scandals of their lives. He liked picking those people apart gently and with a kindness that left them even more upset than they had started.
He had a feeling that they would never be exclusive, which was fine by him. TJ was going to need the physical affection of others. It generally was not a priority anymore.]
Why don't you play the piano for pleasure anymore? I would very much like to hear you play.
[He took a pause to take another bite of his food, savouring the flavour before smiling.] Do you hate politics because of your family being involved in it or because it destroyed your family in the usual scandals that seem to follow around those who aren't quite careful?
[Now there was an interesting comment.] I enjoy this as well, but I'm concerned when you say that no one understands you. Would you care to elaborate?
[If they continued to date and Pierce asked for exclusivity, if he implied that he still wanted something like that.. TJ would do it. He's a romantic at heart. Wants love from one person and a real relationship. He doesn't think he deserves it and knows that a good guy won't offer that to him, so he doesn't assume that Alex is going to.]
Uh, I dunno. Guess there isn't one around for me to play.
[It was a lame excuse.]
The latter. If they weren't careful it was front page news and even when we were, it still sometimes got out.
[Ah, but that's a downer and he wants to keep their conversation somewhere pleasant. If he can.]
Guess it just feels that way sometimes?
[He shrugs, shakily smiles and tries to brush the comment he shouldn't have made to the side. TJ doesn't want to fuck their date up.]
[For now, he was content with what they had. He hadn't considered dating since his wife had passed, too intent on his work and all the time that sucked out. Now that he only had a single company to manage, there seemed to always be time to meet with other people and TJ filled some of that time nicely. He was a curious young man and the similarities between him and the Soldier were rather uncanny.
He raised his eyebrows at that excuse, aware that it was one.]
No? I can arrange for that situation to change. I can even offer you someone who greatly wants to hear you play as well.
[Pierce knew that situation very well. In the political circus, life was stamping out scandal to be used against them in the media. He leaned back in his chair, smiling knowingly.]
That's quite the stress to live under. It must be so nice to be away from all that here, yes? I too value some of the anonymity with the freedom that it gives me to simply be myself.
[He reached across the table a moment later to touch TJ's hand, stroking his thumb over soft knuckles.] Don't do that, TJ. Don't shut me out. I want to provide for you what you need, and I can only do that if you tell me what that is. It won't ruin anything we have here. I'm happy you are willing to open yourself up like that.
[Yes let him in. Surely nothing bad could happen.]
[TJ hasn't admitted to many people that he can play the piano. It felt personal, somehow, when he hardly played anymore and when he did, it was because someone was making him. That wasn't the case with Alex and he knew he'd really consider doing it for a guy like him.]
Yeah, it's nice that people don't recognize me. I can be whoever I want here.
[Nothing attached to his name. No cameras in his face following his every move and catching every damn mistake he makes. His gaze snaps up at the contact, drops down to watch the way Alex's thumb moves across his knuckles. It was nice.]
I'm not doing it on purpose. [TJ looks away, biting his lower lip.] I'm not good for other people. You'll figure that out eventually and you'll leave.
[If Alex lets him, he'll pull his hand away.]
Then I'll be heartbroken and you won't even think twice about me.
[He had made certain that his own children had been musically inclined when they were young, and his one daughter had taken to the piano. They no longer played, of course, but he always had an appreciation to the classics. If he had to get his hands on a piano through the portal to hear TJ play, one could be certain that he would do that.]
I'm curious to know who you plan on being now that the pressures of the political front are no longer on your back with gross expectations. Of course, the media is also decidedly missing, so your options are wide and easy.
[His expression remained open and compassionate, and he also made no move to keep the hand in his grasp if TJ wanted it back. He left his own still out there on the table, waiting to see if the younger man would return if that carrot was left available for the taking.]
Before my wife passed, I was married for over fifty years. Does that make me sound like someone who leaves easily? [He looked fondly at his dinner partner.] Having not previously found the right person for you doesn't make you bad for other people. I've been through war, the American political system and I've raised two teenage girls, and if that hasn't turned me off of being part of family, I don't know what you can do to escalate that.
[Oh. He's an idiot. Thinking about it, he wouldn't mind playing the piano for Alex. The man would appreciate the music, TJs talent for it. He might even compliment him and TJ was a sucker for sweet, genuine praise.]
I don't know. Haven't really thought about it.
[Who was TJ Hammond? He couldn't answer that. It meant looking deep inside himself and that usually ended with him halfway through a bottle of tequila. After a few seconds, he puts his hand back out to lay it over Alex's. Then.. because he can't help it, he's tactile, he links their fingers together.]
Fifty years is a long time. Did you - ever cheat on her?
[It's personal. Sort of a test. TJ doesn't know if Alex will answer. If he'll get pissed or if he'll tell TJ a truth he won't want to hear. He's slept around but he's sentimental. He'd want his partner to be faithful to him.]
[ Don't worry TJ. Shigeru will help you get home! He's just been...wandering in thought for awhile now. It helps him relax to clear his head so that's what he's been doing. It's no real surprise that they'll run into each other at some point during the night though.
Except this wasn't how he figured it was going to happen?! Shigeru looks at TJ a little worried when he comes over to the other. ]
[Yeah, TJ can recognize him through the haze. His only god damn friend. Anywhere. Here or back home. He extends a hand blindly, trying to grab onto the guy. He manages it, barely, laying his weight across Shigeru heavily.]
No, it's not okay. [He tucks his face into the crook of Shigeru's neck. Affectionate. Needy. Desperate.] They did something. I'm high.
And I've been so good here. H-haven't touched anything.
[The tears are flowing now, dripping to soak Shigeru's collar.]
I wanna go home. I don't want to feel like this.
[It felt too good. The addict in him was celebrating, reveling in the euphoria and freedom that came from being drunk or high.]
W-Wait, TJ! [ Oh. No. This is bad. Shigeru is definitely not okay with the sudden contact. There's a little yelp of surprise from him and his body stiffens in what can only be surmised as fear as he tries to pull away a little. There's a a soft 'ah' as he feels his body go stiff, wanting nothing more than to push TJ away and run to the nearest bathroom and wash his hands. It wasn't supposed to be like this. He doesn't like this at all. It was different with other people still. Shigeru could handle it rather easily with Genji and Dodger. But someone he's only met...it was, it was bad. He felt...gross, like he needed to take a shower right now.
But he'll force the thoughts and the panic down long enough to respond. He'll swallow thickly and take a deep breath before he responds. ]
Let me help you. I-I can get rid of those drugs in your system. [ He might be pulling away now, his voice a little shaky as he looks at TJ before averting his eyes once more. His face is so red and Shigeru feels a bit silly for that but he's not used to affectionate gestures from random people still. ]
My-my powers can help you. Once it's out of your system we should get you home so you can rest, okay?
[TJ doesn't notice the way Shigeru goes stiff, trying to pull away from the physical contact that TJ really doesn't mean to offer up so freely.]
Can you do that?
[He leans back, expression incredulous. Not because Shigeru can do magic, though that's fucking awesome too, but that he'd be willing to do it for a guy like him. He's desperate for the help, for that little bit of kindness, but he can't ask for it. He can't admit that he needs someone else. Every time he does it comes back to bite him in the ass.]
At least take me home. Please. Wanna go home.
[While he won't put anymore space between them unless Shigeru tells him to or makes him, TJ does loosen the grip he has on his shirt.]
O-Of course I can. My powers let me do that. [ Just keep talking to keep his mind off of how gross he feels right now. Sorry TJ he's just not used to having this much contact so suddenly. ]
We can go right now. I'll get us a taxi and-and I can help you there.
[ Shigeru will pull away, trying not to look pale or sick right now. He doesn't like the contact but he feels bad telling the other man to let him go. He'll tolerate it for now, but he's definitely going to scrub his hands when they get to TJ's place. After pausing to collect himself Shigeru will call a taxi and get TJ in it before they head back to his place. It's a strange sense of deja vu that he's getting with TJ. He reminds Shigeru a lot of Dodger and it makes him want to help the other man. ]
You just need to rest. We're almost there. Do you...want to talk about what happened? [ He'll ask in the back seat, rubbing his hands a little on his pants leg. ]
[He had to put his trust on somebody and that trust was Shigeru right now. There was nobody else to help him. Nobody that he had a platonic relationship with that he knew wouldn't try to mess with him in this state. TJ stumbles to get into the taxi, squeezing his eyes shut as his head hits the seat, hands fisted at his sides.]
I promised my Nana I'd stay sober.
[TJs lip shakes so he sucks it into his mouth. A few deep breaths before he says anything else.]
And I have been this whole damn time. Until tonight. I didn't know that it was laced with anything. I did stuff. Danced, kissed, maybe more. I don't really remember it all.
O-Okay. Hang on. [ Shigeru will close his eyes as he takes a deep breath before he lightly touches TJ's wrist. His powers will start working immediately there and then. TJ will feel himself losing that high and whatever other side effects the drugs might have caused. The haze of it all will dissipate and he'll eventually find himself feeling better then he had a moment ago, probably even better than he's felt in a long time. Shigeru will open his eyes again and give TJ a sympathetic look. ]
It's not your fault if it was-was laced with something. I think you're...being a little too hard on yourself.
[ Says the man who is also way too hard on himself. ]
[TJ shivers and wraps his arms around himself, his expression slowly softening as his mind clears and Shigeru's magic pulls the drugs from his system.]
No, maybe it wasn't. Doesn't change the fact that it only takes a little to remind me how much I love it.
[He opens his eyes and glances over.]
Yeah, it's better. [TJ doesn't ask how Shigeru could do it. It doesn't matter.] Thanks for, you know. All of this.
[Taking him home. Getting him better. Not taking advantage.]
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open - cw; drug use
all the timebut he didn't know that the colorful powder was going to get him high. He recognizes the symptoms - low-key buzzing euphoria, positive sensitivity to touch, a heightening of desires for intimacy, and a mild lowering of inhibitions - which he doesn't need help with thank you very fucking much.There goes almost four months of sobriety. He's.. not okay. This place was supposed to be different, a change, and even though he knows he'll always be an addict, he didn't want it to go down like this.
So fuck it.]
option a: [Find TJ when he's just been doused with the color powder and is extra affectionate.]
option b: [A couple hours later he'll have snowballed and sought out alcohol/other drugs and be a complete and total mess.]
option c: [He's coming down from it all and he wants to go home but doesn't know how to get there.]
option d: [Wildcard. He'll be at the convention and other places!]
option d (because going to a kink convention as option "D" is just NECESSARY)
He wasn't anticipating finding others there, not his friends, or many people he'd spoken to at length. Of course, T.J. didn't constitute that group. They'd only spoken the once, and only through text, but he remembered the man's face from the text he'd sent, and he couldn't help but smiling appreciatively when he found himself standing in line near him.)
Serah Hammond? It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. The photo hardly did you justice.
no subject
Dorian, right?
[He smirks, turning around to face him now.]
Pictures hardly do. For either of us. [Because he wasn't the only good looking person standing there right now.] Didn't expect to see anyone here.
[Nobody he knew, anyway. Seemed like most of the people he's met wouldn't come to something like this. He likes being surprised.]
Find something you like?
no subject
You were expecting any other?
[He accented his response with a confident smirk, moving a hand over his chin and lower jaw, even as his olive eyes moved over TJ's frame appreciatively.]
Too right you are about that. [And his smirk turned a tad mischievous.] A few things, and some I didn't know existed. Quite the spark for the imagination, if you will. And you?
no subject
People sure do get creative.
[At these 'expos', not that he's been to one before. It wasn't easy to get a night out, paparazzi free, anywhere back home, let alone something like this.]
A thing or two. Guess you can say I've been kinda lonely.
[He shrugs, completely unashamed.]
Figured I'd take care of that.
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[Whether or not that was honest or an exaggeration was anyone's guess, and Dorian certainly wasn't sharing. TJ had the sort of wandering eyes that Dorian adored, though. He found the level of attention, at least surface-wise, comforting, even if he was a tad disturbed by his lack of interest in running off somewhere and exploring just how interested this man was. He'd think about that later, though, when he was alone with a bottle of wine as a crutch. For now? Now there was a rather provocative convention to attend, and a handsome man with which to do it.]
Lonely? Here? Something should certainly be done about that.
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[To be honest, TJ didn't struggle for company back home. He'd flip through an app until he got a fuck buddy. They'd come over. Stay a while. Leave. Then he'd go on with whatever shit life was throwing at him. Unfortunately, the option for a random hookup wasn't as easy and most of the people he's met so far, well he doesn't want to have sex with them. He wants their companionship. The others were complicated.]
You know somebody who'd be willing to do something about it?
[He tips his head and raises a brow.]
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[ Spoiler alert: it wasn't him. Dorian isn't actually 100% sure when that ended up changing, but somewhere along the way it had, and now there were these annoying little feelings in the way of anything else, and he couldn't shake them.
Worse.
He didn't want to. ]
Well, that is, of course, if women suit your fancy as well. I hear some of us have that luxury.
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Not usually. I mean. [How to explain it without sounding like a total jackass.] Sometimes I sleep with women if there's a guy there too. [Because as much as he prefers men, he loves breasts.]
I like guys.
[And Ava. Exceptions could be made, he supposed.]
It's not as complicated as I'm making it sound.
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[ Dorian is actually a lot more familiar with TJ's struggle than TJ probably realizes. ]
Well, I'm sure there some handsome young man out there waiting for you, and some tavern or other we might find him in, especially in a place like this.
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[TJ had no hard preferences with age. Usually close to his own or above.]
I don't go to taverns much. Or clubs. Or bars. [They were too tempting.] What about a grocery store?
[He shrugs while smiling, he's teasing. Sort of.]
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[ Because some old men are rather energetic, and some young men are boring beyond comprehension. ]
...are you looking to meet an old hen? I took you for a man who knew how to have fun. Was I mistaken?
option d | convention | Jace Wayland
How many times had he said that to himself and to Clary? Complicated didn't even describe things as they were. He had thought once upon a time that Clary was the one. he loved her. That hadn't changed. But he had. If learning things about himself meant he had changed.
If falling in love with your parabatai and being completely attracted to your parabatai's husband...possibly even falling for him, too....this was worse than complicated. This was a Greek tragedy in the making. Clary would stab him or poison him for breaking her heart and he'd die watching Alec and Magnus making out, pointing and laughing at him for being the most foolish Shadowhunter to ever live.
And to make things worse...he told Alec he was bisexual. He told Izzy how he felt about Alec and Magnus. And he hasn't seen or spoken to Clary since the last time he had too many drinks after promising he wouldn't.
Everything was...complicated.
And maybe that was the reason he found himself going to the rave. Not as security for the kids. He needed less complicated and more....Jace. No drinking. No drugs. Just....something. He didn't what that was, but hopefully he'd find it or he would be taking another cold shower tonight.
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He's got a cigarette between his lips when he sees him. Jace, right? They'd spoken once before. Nothing extensive, something about appearance.
The guy was handsome. And alone. So TJ follows him until he can get close enough to tap him on the shoulder. The music is loud, so he's louder, and there are people bumping into them, but he doesn't care.
"Jace? It's TJ."
Then he steps in really close, just in case he can't hear him over the noise. TJ looks the guy over, sizing him up. Trying to determine why he came here tonight. Looking for someone or looking for someone? It was an important distinction to make and TJ didn't want to get it wrong.
"Wanna dance?"
With him, obviously.
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"I would love to."
Dancing is a lot like friendly sparring. If you know how to move in battle, you can dance. He doesn't dance often, but he can. And he did come here to clear his head, relax, and have a little fun.
Perhaps what he was looking for had found him?
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"Come on then."
Tipping his head to an open space a few feet away, TJ drags his hand down Jace's arm and links their fingers. He tugs him gently and then turns, tossing his arm over his shoulder so he can keep them close and still guide him to a better place to dance.
Once there, he turns back around slowly and keeps Jace's arm over his shoulder. He reaches for the other and hangs it over the other side.
"Alright, gorgeous. Show me your moves."
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So he doesn't hesitate to curl his arm around and pull TJ in closer. "Only if you show me yours."
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"Nah, lets do it together."
He pushes his hips forward and then slowly starts to move side to side, encouraging Jace to reciprocate.
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Apparently he has a thing for brunettes.
"Did you find out more about the guy you were looking for?"
It's a friendly conversation starter while he slides his fingers against the nape of TJ's neck and teases the short hairs at the back of his head.
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"Yeah, I found out more about him."
It's a simple question, a simple topic. Nothing too intense to ruin the mood.
"Some people don't like him much, from back home. Conflicting political views. That doesn't matter to me."
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That is why they all come to a place like this right? To lose a bit of themselves. Shut down their brains and simply feel.
"What does matter to you?" Simple, curious question.
closed - pierce
Maybe something could've happened. Maybe not. Oh well.
Time for date number two. TJs place this time. The room isn't as comfortably set up as he'd like or that he's used to but his job here doesn't pay all that much. He doesn't actually mind it. The bed is comfortable, a lot of pillows, and he has a tv/couch/chairs at a table. And it's all his.
When Alex arrives at the time they'd planned out, he has food (that he didn't make) hot and ready on the table, some candles lit, music playing, and he's absolutely going to flirt this time. He opens the door.]
Hey.
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The fact that they had gone through a first date and nothing physical had happened was surprising. He was at the point where he wasn't so easily interested in the physical, where the intellectual nature of a person or exploring their personality had far more draw for him. And TJ was positively fascinating to listen to.
So he arrived for their second date with six bottles of fine craft beer and a smile on his face. He was dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a collared shirt but no tie. His hair was done neatly as it always way, and he had a smile on his face for when the door was opened to admit him.]
Good evening, TJ. You're looking handsome, as always. [He offered the bottles of beer. It was polite to bring something in his experience.]
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Yeah, yeah. I know. You too, by the way.
[He takes the beers and steps aside, shutting the door behind Alex.]
I'm not much of a cook, so I ordered in. Hope you're alright with Italian.
[TJ takes a few of the beers out and puts them on the table by each of their plates. Paper, the finest of chinas.]
Figured we could hang out here.
[Rather than go out somewhere that TJ couldn't afford. Then it'd feel more like a Sugar Daddy situation and even though Alex was always a thousand steps ahead of him, TJ wanted to try to keep them level.]
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And the plates, Alexander found himself smiling at them. The finest and easiest to maintain of china, indeed.]
You know I would have appreciated anything you put together. This is nice, and it smells good. Italian is one of my favourites, as well. Lucky for us both yes?
[He seated himself, taking the next casual step of rolling up the sleeves of his collared shirt to mid-forearm, folding his fingers together.]
Are you going to be a gentleman and serve us both?
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Tell me when.
[He stops when he gets the signal and then serves himself. TJs not much of an eater, though his appetite has increased now that he's been here so long. Been clean.]
So while we eat, lets get to know each other better. Tell me what you like and don't like.
[TJ takes a bite, chews it slowly, brows pinched together as he thoroughly considers what he's going to say next.]
Then when we're done. We can sit over there and watch something.
[So that TJ can slide up real nice and cozy, make a move if the mood is right.]
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He had noted that TJ was putting on a bit of weight since he had met the young man. TJ had better colour as well. That was good in his opinion.
He smiled and picked up his fork to begin eating as well, considering the request for information and deciding which was worth divulging at this point. This kind of question and answer period was something that he was used to.]
Let's see, I'm willing to try most things at least once. I've already told you that I like chess and crossword puzzles before. What else? I enjoy sailing, and I learned to fly old planes, but I'm dreadfully rusty. It was still very enjoyable. I enjoy collecting artifacts and reading. Murder mystery novels are my guilty pleasure. [Or creating a murder mystery.] As for dislikes... I hate polishing silverware. I don't like eggplant, and I don't care for swimming much.
[He considered again between bites, deciding that was enough new information for now. He watched TJ eat and offered his most charming smile, the corner of his eyes crinkling with affection.]
What about you? Likes and dislikes?
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I like sex and parties, though those usually get me into trouble. [His mouth quirks.] The piano. I really enjoy the piano but I don't play it all that much anymore. Not for pleasure.
I don't like getting out of bed before noon and I hate politics.
[It wasn't super specific, but he guessed that Alex could understand why.]
I hate that I've never met anyone that really understands me. [Doug tried. That was as close as he got. He shrugs.] Have I ever mentioned that I'm a romantic? I like doing all the sweet stuff. Dates. Staying in. This.
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He had a feeling that they would never be exclusive, which was fine by him. TJ was going to need the physical affection of others. It generally was not a priority anymore.]
Why don't you play the piano for pleasure anymore? I would very much like to hear you play.
[He took a pause to take another bite of his food, savouring the flavour before smiling.] Do you hate politics because of your family being involved in it or because it destroyed your family in the usual scandals that seem to follow around those who aren't quite careful?
[Now there was an interesting comment.] I enjoy this as well, but I'm concerned when you say that no one understands you. Would you care to elaborate?
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Uh, I dunno. Guess there isn't one around for me to play.
[It was a lame excuse.]
The latter. If they weren't careful it was front page news and even when we were, it still sometimes got out.
[Ah, but that's a downer and he wants to keep their conversation somewhere pleasant. If he can.]
Guess it just feels that way sometimes?
[He shrugs, shakily smiles and tries to brush the comment he shouldn't have made to the side. TJ doesn't want to fuck their date up.]
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He raised his eyebrows at that excuse, aware that it was one.]
No? I can arrange for that situation to change. I can even offer you someone who greatly wants to hear you play as well.
[Pierce knew that situation very well. In the political circus, life was stamping out scandal to be used against them in the media. He leaned back in his chair, smiling knowingly.]
That's quite the stress to live under. It must be so nice to be away from all that here, yes? I too value some of the anonymity with the freedom that it gives me to simply be myself.
[He reached across the table a moment later to touch TJ's hand, stroking his thumb over soft knuckles.] Don't do that, TJ. Don't shut me out. I want to provide for you what you need, and I can only do that if you tell me what that is. It won't ruin anything we have here. I'm happy you are willing to open yourself up like that.
[Yes let him in. Surely nothing bad could happen.]
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[TJ hasn't admitted to many people that he can play the piano. It felt personal, somehow, when he hardly played anymore and when he did, it was because someone was making him. That wasn't the case with Alex and he knew he'd really consider doing it for a guy like him.]
Yeah, it's nice that people don't recognize me. I can be whoever I want here.
[Nothing attached to his name. No cameras in his face following his every move and catching every damn mistake he makes. His gaze snaps up at the contact, drops down to watch the way Alex's thumb moves across his knuckles. It was nice.]
I'm not doing it on purpose. [TJ looks away, biting his lower lip.] I'm not good for other people. You'll figure that out eventually and you'll leave.
[If Alex lets him, he'll pull his hand away.]
Then I'll be heartbroken and you won't even think twice about me.
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[He had made certain that his own children had been musically inclined when they were young, and his one daughter had taken to the piano. They no longer played, of course, but he always had an appreciation to the classics. If he had to get his hands on a piano through the portal to hear TJ play, one could be certain that he would do that.]
I'm curious to know who you plan on being now that the pressures of the political front are no longer on your back with gross expectations. Of course, the media is also decidedly missing, so your options are wide and easy.
[His expression remained open and compassionate, and he also made no move to keep the hand in his grasp if TJ wanted it back. He left his own still out there on the table, waiting to see if the younger man would return if that carrot was left available for the taking.]
Before my wife passed, I was married for over fifty years. Does that make me sound like someone who leaves easily? [He looked fondly at his dinner partner.] Having not previously found the right person for you doesn't make you bad for other people. I've been through war, the American political system and I've raised two teenage girls, and if that hasn't turned me off of being part of family, I don't know what you can do to escalate that.
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I don't know. Haven't really thought about it.
[Who was TJ Hammond? He couldn't answer that. It meant looking deep inside himself and that usually ended with him halfway through a bottle of tequila. After a few seconds, he puts his hand back out to lay it over Alex's. Then.. because he can't help it, he's tactile, he links their fingers together.]
Fifty years is a long time. Did you - ever cheat on her?
[It's personal. Sort of a test. TJ doesn't know if Alex will answer. If he'll get pissed or if he'll tell TJ a truth he won't want to hear. He's slept around but he's sentimental. He'd want his partner to be faithful to him.]
Option C!
Except this wasn't how he figured it was going to happen?! Shigeru looks at TJ a little worried when he comes over to the other. ]
Is everything okay?
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[Yeah, TJ can recognize him through the haze. His only god damn friend. Anywhere. Here or back home. He extends a hand blindly, trying to grab onto the guy. He manages it, barely, laying his weight across Shigeru heavily.]
No, it's not okay. [He tucks his face into the crook of Shigeru's neck. Affectionate. Needy. Desperate.] They did something. I'm high.
And I've been so good here. H-haven't touched anything.
[The tears are flowing now, dripping to soak Shigeru's collar.]
I wanna go home. I don't want to feel like this.
[It felt too good. The addict in him was celebrating, reveling in the euphoria and freedom that came from being drunk or high.]
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But he'll force the thoughts and the panic down long enough to respond. He'll swallow thickly and take a deep breath before he responds. ]
Let me help you. I-I can get rid of those drugs in your system. [ He might be pulling away now, his voice a little shaky as he looks at TJ before averting his eyes once more. His face is so red and Shigeru feels a bit silly for that but he's not used to affectionate gestures from random people still. ]
My-my powers can help you. Once it's out of your system we should get you home so you can rest, okay?
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Can you do that?
[He leans back, expression incredulous. Not because Shigeru can do magic, though that's fucking awesome too, but that he'd be willing to do it for a guy like him. He's desperate for the help, for that little bit of kindness, but he can't ask for it. He can't admit that he needs someone else. Every time he does it comes back to bite him in the ass.]
At least take me home. Please. Wanna go home.
[While he won't put anymore space between them unless Shigeru tells him to or makes him, TJ does loosen the grip he has on his shirt.]
I'll do whatever you want.
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We can go right now. I'll get us a taxi and-and I can help you there.
[ Shigeru will pull away, trying not to look pale or sick right now. He doesn't like the contact but he feels bad telling the other man to let him go. He'll tolerate it for now, but he's definitely going to scrub his hands when they get to TJ's place. After pausing to collect himself Shigeru will call a taxi and get TJ in it before they head back to his place. It's a strange sense of deja vu that he's getting with TJ. He reminds Shigeru a lot of Dodger and it makes him want to help the other man. ]
You just need to rest. We're almost there. Do you...want to talk about what happened? [ He'll ask in the back seat, rubbing his hands a little on his pants leg. ]
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[He had to put his trust on somebody and that trust was Shigeru right now. There was nobody else to help him. Nobody that he had a platonic relationship with that he knew wouldn't try to mess with him in this state. TJ stumbles to get into the taxi, squeezing his eyes shut as his head hits the seat, hands fisted at his sides.]
I promised my Nana I'd stay sober.
[TJs lip shakes so he sucks it into his mouth. A few deep breaths before he says anything else.]
And I have been this whole damn time. Until tonight. I didn't know that it was laced with anything. I did stuff. Danced, kissed, maybe more. I don't really remember it all.
[Maybe he would later. Maybe he wouldn't.]
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It's not your fault if it was-was laced with something. I think you're...being a little too hard on yourself.
[ Says the man who is also way too hard on himself. ]
But how do you feel? Is that better?
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No, maybe it wasn't. Doesn't change the fact that it only takes a little to remind me how much I love it.
[He opens his eyes and glances over.]
Yeah, it's better. [TJ doesn't ask how Shigeru could do it. It doesn't matter.] Thanks for, you know. All of this.
[Taking him home. Getting him better. Not taking advantage.]
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[ Who knows what would have happened if he had? ]
We're almost back at the apartment building. Are you okay to get upstairs?
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[Then others would take photos. He appreciates Shigeru doing the right thing, even if it's something that comes natural to him.]
Yeah, I'll get upstairs on my own.
Let me pay you back for this somehow.
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[ Shigeru would never want for TJ to be taken advantage of in that state. ]
Oh! You-you don't have to do that! I would never want you to pay me back for something like this.