SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST

Joshua Blackwell Heir to the Blackwell throne.

[blackwelljosh]

scottxwinters:

“Go big or go home. I’ll be sure to treasure this moment forever.” And not in a sarcastic way. This was indeed the very first time he had another man with him in his room. Drinking or not, it was a first. And who better than the owner of the resort he was currently staying at? Despite the initial intimidation factor and the fact that something about Josh made the hairs of the back of his neck to stand, the man was a decent company. Probably one of the most decent men he had talked to lately. Obviously good enough to come to his room and share a bottle of Scotch with him.

“It’s a different thing from what I’m used to, I’m not going to lie.” Drinks with other guys were only at bars with his friends or during a meeting. Never truly one inside his room. “I usually keep my drinks on a professional level during meetings or when my friends nag me enough to go out with them. Not exactly my most appreciated element.” Scott had no idea why he was sharing all these personal details with Josh Blackwell of all people – but the man had been nothing but nice to him. Kind enough to order a bottle of his finest Scotch for them and going all the way up to his room so that they could drink. Why the hell should they drink in silence? Made no sense.

Walking around to collect a couple of glasses, Scott motioned towards the couch so that he and his guest could sit down and appreciate whatever type of Scotch Josh had picked for them. Definitely not the type of drink he would find in the top shelves of the bar downstairs. Probably part of the other man’s private stash. More expensive than anyone could even imagine. Which… made all this night even better than Scott had firstly anticipated. All he wanted was a drink and now he was getting just that. With none other than Josh Blackwell.

“It is a lovely place, Mr. Blackwell. Definitely what I was needing when I was trying to come up with ideas for a vacation. Being a PR? It’s crazy. Some of my clients are completely stupid and do all sorts of shit and I’m the one who has to clean up after them.” Enough to drive anyone insane with the type of publicity some of his clients got. Like… shaving their head while having a fucking meltdown for instance. “I should probably send a fruit basket to your staff for being this quick to bring the drink here, no? Unless people don’t do that – which then forget I said anything.”

"You go ahead and do that," he laughed as he shook his head, a boyish grin as he watched the client behind him, "and i'll do us BOTH the favor and pretend that wasn't entirely cheesy."  It totally was though Joshua enjoyed it, this man had an attitude that was refreshing, there were glimpses of his past lover that he could see in this others attitude.  Perhaps that's why it'd been so easy to leave the bar with him, because there were instances when Joshua could see his ex-fiance reacting the EXACT same way that Scott had.

"If you'd prefer we could keep this encounter professional, I could ask you questions regarding your stay, interests," if that's the security blanket that Scott needed Joshua would be more than capable of doing that.  Besides, maybe it would be GOOD to talk to more clients and figure out their special interests to make sure Joshua was more than accomodating.  "I would prefer a more casual approach," he insisted as he picked the bottle up and looked it over, quite happy with what his staff member had chosen, "but it's your room so your preference."

He followed Scott's lead to the couch and sat down beside him, opening the bottle as he went and poured them both generous amounts in the glasses.  He accepted his glass as he sat back, getting comfortable as he looked around the room as Scott spoke.  "You and I have something in common then," Joshua speaking from a business owners standpoint where clients AND staff were doing stupid shit on a regular basis it seemed leaving him to pick up the pieces.  "You're a better man if you can pick up everyone else's slack while still keeping yourself together, though i'll be the first to tell you that you've wrapped yourself a bit TOO tightly."  Not that it's a hard fix but one that might take a little TIME, Joshua couldn't expect one encounter with him would change this clients ENTIRE persona.

He burst out laughing as he took a drink, "do not send them anything, it's what they're paid for, and tips are for when staff go ABOVE AND BEYOND, which THIS is not either of those things."  Just another expectation, "was that part of your job as well?  Sending out fruit baskets to influencial people?"  He cocked an eyebrow with a playful tone in his voice, "so tell me more about yourself Scott, OUTSIDE of the business realm.  I want to know the man BEHIND the career."

[blackwelljosh]

chasestormhop:

“Why wouldn’t I want to get to know a fascinating man better?  Especially when I’m going to be around him for the foreseeable future,” Chase said softly.  “Oh, I think that game is a little over played so, yes, let’s avoid it,” he added, chuckling at the man’s joke.  “Different is often fascinating,” he said with a shrug.  “I’ll admit, I have a fondness for powerful men and there is no denying that you’re a powerful man.  It takes a powerful man to run a place like this, to dare to provide such service to other powerful men.  And I for one am glad to have the chance to share a drink and a friendly word or two in comfortable surroundings.”

"That makes two of us then," Joshua agreed when the staff brought up powerful men, in the haus it were the powerful men that interested him more than anything.  He definitely had his tastes, "the Blackwell name in itself is fascinating."  He chuckled as he sat back in his seat taking his drink in his hand for a taste.  "I'm always available to share a drink with my staff," although he wasn't always in the best of moods he'd at least attempt at being social.  Their happiness improved their work performance, and at least by conversing he could find out if there was something wrong.  "Consider yourself off the clock," even if the boys device went off, though that'd be up to Chase if he listened to it or not.

[blackwelljosh]

chasestormhop:

“Not really,” Chase said softly.  “It just seemed like a good starter.  I really came over to give you some company and hopefully to get to know my employer a bit better.  The man who runs a place like this and so successfully has to be a fascinating man.”  He nodded his understanding at the man’s explanation.  “This is a beautiful place with gorgeous sights.  It would be a shame to spend all your time in an office.  I’m sure everyone here is glad to see you out and about.”

"You want to get to know me better," not many cared to know all that much about the Blackwell heir, as long as he was signing their checks they couldn't be bothered to try to actually make sense of him.  "As long as this doesn't turn into a childish game of twenty one questions," because once the boy started getting TOO carried away Joshua would CERTAINLY send him on his way.  He didn't need that added stress right now, "i'm SOMETHING, alright, not sure if it's FASCINATING, but sure as hell's different."  He honestly wasn't even sure what he would peg himself ass, other than a literal and figurative mess that at least could HOLD UP appearances that he wasn't a wreck.  "Ah, you're probably right, they do prefer to see me out and about instead of stuck in the office, that is until they get to know me a little better and realize that MAYBE the office isn't such a bad place for me," like an animal perhaps it was best to cage Joshua instead of letting him roam free.

[blackwelljosh]

scottxwinters:

A part of his brain was still trying to process the fact that Josh Blackwell ( none other than the owner ) was intending of spending time with him over drinks. Didn’t he had someone more interesting to spend his night with? A man like that… he could have whoever he wanted with a mere snap of his fingers. And yet, they were making his way to his room where he would experience the flavor of the Blackwell’s special stash. Scott had to give himself some credit and he knew that. Maybe he wasn’t that bad of a company is Josh wanted to spend time with him, drinking and talking.

“I wish I could explain that to you, Mr. Blackwell… but chances are that you would find me even more pathetic than you did a couple of minutes ago.” Maybe after a couple of drinks. Scotch had a tendency to get his tongue somewhat looser when he was in the company of someone easy to talk to. And despite the whole intimidating factor that the Blackwell had going on… he was someone easy to talk to. Enough to bring a smile to Scott’s face as they left the elevator and slowly made their way to his room door. Definitely not the worst of ways to spend the night. He could be all alone in his room with some ice cream and watching pay-per-view. Now that would be really freaking pathetic.

“I am perfectly ok with ‘roleplaying’ the stabbing victim assuming that you won’t reach for something sharp enough to actually stab me with. That includes all the white blades, pens and something with pointy ends.” Not that Josh would actually stab him, would he? Maybe not the stabbing they were talking about but then again, they were just having drinks. No stabbing of any kind involved as far as they knew. They were just two guys who seemed to enjoy a nice conversation. Scott could do that.

“Oh. Right. I’m sorry.” With a flourish bow, Scott unlocked the door to his room and pushed open the door before signaling the owner to step inside. It was Josh’s room as much as it was his own. “Mi casa es su casa, Mr. Blackwell. Please… make yourself comfortable.” That was first even for him. Having another man in his room, even if it was merely for drinks? “I never brought a man to my room before.” When he had sex, it was usually on a dark alley, the back seat of the car or some motel where he could sneak away once the deed was done. “Even just for drinks. I guess I am stepping out of my comfort zone in the end.”

"What makes you think that's even possible?"  He pointed out with a teasing look, OF COURSE only joking with the other man.  He was DECENT company and offered Joshua a drinking partner without having to stay down at the bar.  That was a great thing as far as he was concerned because it meant he wouldn't be approached - so many times people approached him thinking he'd fuck them, and so many times they were disappointed when he (not even a little politely) turned them down.  He had his STANDARDS, and whether he was the boss here or not he wouldn't lose them, not just to get his dick sucked (because that seemed to be the offer thrown on the table the most).

"Do I look THAT sadistic?"  He was genuinely curious, of course a smirk growing on his face as the blonde told him point blank that he'd have no qualms being the 'victim'.  "Relax, Mr. Winters, there's no REAL harm coming your way tonight, unless you consider my laughing at your folly's to be HARMFUL."  Joshua COULD be a decent human being and throw in some of HIS OWN to at least even up the score, but where would the fun in that be?  He did have stories though, so many stories, most that'd make even the naughtiest of men BLUSH - he just wasn't entirely sure how much Scotch he really needed to get THAT loose-lipped.  

Joshua waited for the door to open and stepped inside once invited, taking a quick look around to see if there'd been any personal effects that the client had brought with him.  Joshua always loved looking around the rooms - saying that you could tell a LOT about a man just by how he decorates.  Plus, if he'd brought personal effects it meant that he was planning on an extended stay - more money in the Blackwell pocket if that were the case (and who would EVER complain about more money in the bank).  "You aimed high if i'm the first man who's even been past the threshold," because it was actually harder than one thought to get Joshua into any room alone with you.  This client was lucky, Joshua was in a drinking mood and wanted company, he just hoped he'd continue to be decent - even once the Scotch REALLY did a number on him. 

"That's the whole point of the Haus," Joshua looked to the table beside the Client's bed and saw the Scotch he'd ordered, grinning like a madman as he walked over and picked it up.  "See how fast my boys are here?  I send one message out and within MINUTES," they must have taken the damn stairs to be in and out so quick, "there's a delivery."  Of course staff having all the rooms keys so it made sense that could make things like this happen.  "No glasses though, here's hoping you've got some in here."  Although he knew that the rooms were stocked he couldn't necessarily remember what they were stocked WITH.

[blackwelljosh]

scottxwinters:

Scott had to admit that he was starting to get more at ease with the resort owner. At first, Josh Blackwell was no short of intimidating and now they were capable of having a nice conversation without him trying to find the first rat hole to crawl into. There was still a latent level of intimidation ( which was not a bad thing ). It made Scott look up towards the Blackwell, wondering how it would feel to possess that level of confidence and bravado. To know what he wanted, when he wanted. To know how to put his needs above everyone else’s. Was Josh Blackwell intimidating? Hell yes. But he was also someone Scott could stick around to. Maybe learn a couple of things from.

“I’m a bit over the pity party we are throwing regarding myself but…” Fingers ran over his golden hair and Scott couldn’t help but to shake his head. Somewhere along the way, he had lost the ability to want something for himself. It was always the needs of others. His parents were a constant and it was for them that he clawed and bite his way up life. To take care of them the same way they had taken care of him while growing up. Family was important. He didn’t had a fancy ass name and some family history that would fill pages out of books. “I want to remember how it feels to want something for myself.” That did make him pitiful, didn’t it? “I’ve always looking after my parents. I’m not one of those guys that comes around and flaunts his name and his influence just because he very well can do so. But I want to find a middle ground. Still be able to look after those I care about and yet be able to want something for myself without feeling guilty for wanting it.”

Isn’t that why he came to the Haus to begin with? To learn how to be selfish? To put his needs above the needs of others even if for just a bit? His eyes sought Josh’s equally blue hues and Scott couldn’t help but to smile. Go to his room with the owner of the resort, share an expensive bottle of Scotch and get stupidly drunk – so wasted that he would pass out on his own bed without knowing which day it was. It was almost like college all over again. “You actually invited yourself to tag along, Mr. Blackwell but I don’t see issues with that.” The other man’s company was slowly becoming one of his favorite interactions around the Haus. Mostly due to the fact that Josh Blackwell was capable of maintaining a conversation while looking good doing it. “Although, I am afraid I must disappoint you on the whole getting drunk part. I sort of developed a degree of immunity to booze when I was in college.”

He could drink and drink and drink and still feel nothing more than a slight buzz. A tingling sensation in the back of his mind that would spread all over his body. Stepping into the elevator, Scott folded his arms over his chest – his muscles testing the resistance of the fabric to its limits – and leaned against the wall as he gazed upwards towards the shiny digits that showed the floor they were in. “I don’t usually bring men to my room. Never done that outside the Haus. Guess this will be a first.” And he didn’t seem to mind one bit. The presence of Josh Blackwell, as intimidating as it was, was still a welcoming one. Who wouldn’t want that man in their room? “I’m glad you are not planning on killing me. It would be a shame. I’m still young and there’s so many things I want to do. Like sharing a drink with you. Or… several, all things considering.”

"Oh please, we both know one sentence could send you right back over the edge, party central."  Joshua knew how to make even the most confident men crumble under the right circumstance, not that he was wanting to watch the client fall apart or anything.  That is unless if Scott made it a challenge, telling him he'd rather move on when Joshua knew otherwise, "we all wallow one time or another.  You're getting yours out of the way early in your stay, after that you can focus on the finer things the Haus has to offer."  Though nothing would be as fine as that damn Scotch that he was already thinking about.  That would definitely quench his thirst and make his night worthwhile.

When the elevator chimed it's arrival on Scott's floor Joshua waited for the doors to open before stepping out, glancing back towards the other in the elevator as he only discredited him by shaking his head.  "You've yet to take a glass of my personal stash," so the man had built up an immunity, that's fine, Joshua could see to it that he made Scott well aware that getting drunk was still possible.  Everything was possible under the roof of the Haus, "limits are meant to be broken."  Not that he'd want the man to drink enough that he'd end up with liver failure or anything, but a few more drinks than usual shouldn't hurt right?

"I still don't get where you've lost that need to be selfish," perhaps that was because as a Blackwell Joshua was selfish on a rather regular basis.  He couldn't help it though, it was in his blood, "i'm sure it won't be too hard to dig around until we find that need."  Not that Joshua was saying he would specifically help or not, but he knew it'd happen one way or another.  Whether he was a part of it would be dependent on just how generous he was feeling, though with muscles like that and that damn face of his?  Well, it was safe to say that Joshua was feeling mighty generous tonight.  He always did have a thing for the larger men after all...

Reaching the clients room Joshua looked towards Scott, "i'll let you do the honors.  I'll even wait for you to invite me in," he teased wiggling his eyebrows in a playful manner.  "All things considering, huh?"  He laughed as he looked up and down the other, "is that your way of saying that although murder is out of the question you'd be alright playing stabbing victim?"  Okay, way to make it sound grotesque but Joshua was trying to play along with the whole murder scenario that they'd had going on earlier.  He waited patiently, leaning against the wall as he looked towards the door, "well, you gonna do the honors or are we just going to stand out in the hallway all night?"

[blackwelljosh]

chasestormhop:

“Lemon Drop Martini,” Chase murmured to the server in a low tone.  He turned back to Josh and slid into place across from the man.  “My thanks, Mr. Blackwell,” he said with a bright and friendly yet flirty smile for the man, his tone just as cheerful, but with emphasis on the man’s name.  “I hope you don’t mind my intrusion.  I hate to leave a man as handsome as you to drink alone; it runs contrary to the instincts.  Force of habit from the day job you might say…and the night job,” he said with a slightly cheeky grin.  “It’s been busy it seems.  Your ledgers must be brimming with black ink.”

"Did you really come over here to talk BUSINESS?"  He asked, glancing across the table at the man who'd nestled in across from him after placing his order.  His eyes cast quickly towards the server who was hustling back behind the bar to get the drinks, knowing it was never a wise choice to leave the BOSS as well as any of his guests waiting.  "No INTRUSION," he offered with a shrug of his shoulders, "just got sick of the same four walls of my office, thought the change of scenery would do me good."  

[blackwelljosh]

scottxwinters:

Intimidating was one word to define the resort owner. There were several others that Scott was not truly capable of voicing out loud – at least not while he was still in a sober state. Just to stand there next to Josh and talking to him was intimidating. He wasn’t like all the guys he picked at bars. To use the dog allusion, Josh was a pure breed when all he had going for him were strays. Pure breed dogs didn’t get along with strays. That’s what he was deep down, wasn’t he? A stray dog? Coming from a poor background that scratched borderline misery? It didn’t matter how much he fought to gain what he had today. His power and influence, connections and money. Some people would always see him as a stray mutt.

“Is it possible to find something that you’re not sure you had?” Confidence, that was. One thing was to be devoted to his work and bend over backwards to make things happen. That was his job. He could be as cutthroat as the next guy in his day-to-day work but in his own personal life, he couldn’t be that determined and ruthless because it wasn’t who he was. Kindness and worrying about the next had been values that he was raised with. Never to judge a book by its cover since one does not know how bad their life was before that stage. Just like him. He came from nothing and now had plenty. But not all the riches and influence of the world would erase the fact that he was a stray dog. Only with shiny fur and a pretty diamond collar.

One eyebrow moved up, surprise on his face as Josh told him to follow him. Was he that pathetic that the resort owner didn’t want to be seen in public with him? Maybe he should stop drinking. It would make him less miserable and more of a stand-up person rather than the pitiful mess he was right now. But when standing next to a man like Josh Blackwell, there was no man on earth that wouldn’t feel small in comparison. “Where we going?” Finishing his drink and placing a couple of bills on the table ( they could keep the change ), Scott stumbled from his stool and followed the other man towards… wherever Josh would want to go. “You’re not going to take me to an empty room and murder me, are you?”

"It's possible you could pick something up along the way," he nodded giving the male a genuine smile, if the client wanted so desperately to find himself Joshua felt he was in the PERFECT place to do just that.  "We're finding new sides to ourselves all the time," Joshua insisted, "that's what growth is measured by.  If you're not finding anything new than are you even really EXPERIENCING life?"  A cocked eyebrow as he asked the question, as though it were as simple as 2+2.  

How a man could be built like Scott and still have so many questions was beyond him, most men of that stature were CONFIDENT and knew EXACTLY what they wanted / how to get it.  Scott though, he was so beyond TIMID, Joshua wasn't sure if he should feel bad for the man or find it an ENDEARING trait.  Sometimes confident men thought too highly of themselves, which was a major TURN OFF to Joshua, but at the same time the same could be said about men who thought too LOW of themselves.  There had to be some sort of HAPPY MEDIUM, and the man was gorgeous enough that Joshua wouldn't mind putting in a LITTLE extra effort.  

"The best place for a mood like yours," Joshua stopped walking long enough to turn to face the client, "i'm bringing you up to your room."  He pulled out his phone, punched a few numbers in to send a message, and stuffed it back in his pocket when he was done.  "I've messaged my assistant to bring up one of my personal bottles of Scotch," grinning as he continued to walk towards the elevator.  "I'll get you good and lacquered, and come the end of the night I won't need to call security to roll you up to your room."  The man was BIG, certainly if he were going to get drunk it'd be wise to do it in close vacinity to his bed.  "Not that I don't have faith in my men that they'd be able to do the job, just who needs that extra stress right?"  He chuckled, thankful that he'd gone to the bar to forget his troubles for some time and this client was DEFINITELY doing the job of helping him forget.

"Unless of course you don't wish to invite me back to your room?"  It's not like Joshua had his hands all over him, he wasn't hitting on him constantly like the man before, so he hoped the client could see that he was worth being TRUSTED.  "What's the worst that could happen?"  Ah right, bringing him back there to murder him, "i'm trying to spare my men the trouble of lugging your ass up the stairs when you're nothing more than dead weight," because once you were drunk enough you were basically LEAD WEIGHT.  "Granted, rolling you DOWN the stairs WOULD be easier than up..."  He turned towards the other, bursting out laughter as he shook his head.  "Believe me, if I were to get blood on my hands I certainly wouldn't do it on the Haus grounds."  

[blackwelljosh]

chasestormhop:

@blackwelljosh​

 Chase finished off the drink he was pouring and tossed the bottle to the normal bartender who’d just slipped out of the men’s room, his shirt untucked and a well satisfied client walking out behind him.  “All yours again, watch that smile of yours, gets them every time,” he said with a laugh as he winked at both bartender and client.  He walked out from behind the bar where he’d been filling in for the length of the quickie and grinned as he caught sight of Joshua.  He sauntered over to the man’s table and leaned against the side of the booth.  “Hey Boss, buy a boy a drink on his mostly night off?”

The bar, Joshua should have just brought a blanket and pillow down and spent the night considering that's where he'd been spending ALL of his time lately.  He couldn't help himself though, when his work was done (because even throughout the breakup and all of his feelings giving him hell he'd still managed to stay true to his work ethics) he found himself at the bar to unwind.  It beat going up to the penthouse to wallow alone, though his thoughts were shaken when he heard a voice near him.  Having not even seen the boy saunter over he gave a surprised acknowledgement, immediately recognizing the male as a member of the staff.  Hell, he was PRETTY CERTAIN he'd just been served by him not too long ago at the bar.  "Your BOSS has a name," he quipped though there wasn't any animosity in the words as he looked up.  "Mr. Blackwell will suffice," a name he used to HATE as it'd made him feel too much like his father, but after destroying his future with Chase (his ex-fiance) he felt more like the old vulture - unfortunately.  He ushered over a server and looked between the two, "our staff here is PARCHED, be a doll and get him something to QUENCH his THIRST?"

[blackwelljosh]

scottxwinters:

Who would have guessed that the man with the most intakes regarding his circumstances ( and the wisest ones at that ) would be the owner of the resort? Scott tapped his fingers against his glass and considered all the words. Every word, every syllable. It made sense to him in more ways than he would probably admit. The issue was probably just that. Confidence. A part of him knew he was attractive but he didn’t flaunt it. He was too busy being a decent human being the majority of the time to even contemplate what other people thought about him. They probably just saw someone who was perpetually in the friendzone. Not that he would mind that. Friends were important. Even a golden retriever liked having friends.

“I guess I lost myself somewhere along the way.” To that, he could admit. Thinking back to where he came from as he moved the Scotch glass, seeing the drink dance against the surface. He had started from nowhere and now he was a successful PR. He could have any guy he wanted with a mere snap of his fingers – and yet he didn’t. For some unknown reason, he wasn’t capable of pulling the bravado some man did. Walking around like they were Gods amongst men. That sort of confidence was arousing in a way but would he be able to? Someone from such humble origins, who had nothing and had to fight and claw his way to the top. Damn – he was so fucked up in the head. How incredible was that?

“You are an intimidating man, Mr. Blackwell. You scared the living bejesus out of me when we met. You’re the type of man that guys like me only fantasize about and lack the proper pair to approach. Mostly because they know they will be shut down on the spot. Can you imagine me, with clear confidence issues approaching you for something more than a drink? I’d go back crawling under my rock.” Bringing his glass to his lips once more, Scott shook his head as the burning sensation continued to spread down his throat and into his stomach. “Maybe it’s a big bad wolf that lurks inside rather than a little bitch. I guess we will never know. All my one night stands are rather plain. Get in, get off, see you later, alligator. Not enough time or wits to explore more than the considered basic. Once again… I’m bloody pathetic.”

"You know how many men in this room have lost themselves at one point in their life or another?  Clients, staff, even i've gone and lost my purpose for a while," it was the truth too, after his older brother Titus died and Joshua had been THRUST into his life without even a chance to turn it down?  He'd forgotten who he WAS as a person instead focusing on who his father needed him to BE.  "What's good about something that's lost is that EVENTUALLY it turns up, nothing stays lost FOREVER."

Hearing himself called INTIMIDATING, oh didn't that just bring up the most devious of grins as he nodded in agreement.  He knew that he was hard to approach by any means, though to toy with the golden retriever (because now that's all Joshua could think about - how ADORABLE it was) a little he leaned forward just a fraction to draw their faces closer.  "Does that mean you FANTASIZE about me?"  He quirked an eyebrow, having heard EVERYTHING that the other had said, "you're right though, I don't go after men who lack confidence, you would have been shot down....GENTLY of course, not to bruise your already fractured ego," because Joshua knew whatever ego this man had was SMALL at best and severely injured.

"You ever hear of the saying that you've got to fake it until you make it?"  He asked, an amused expression playing over his face, "any man can APPEAR confident, but even that facade only gets you so far."  Could Joshua afford to take on a PROJECT right now?  He thought about it while Scott finished, once again putting himself down and Joshua actually felt BAD for the man.  "You're kind of a downer, you know that?"  He laughed giving the other a pat on his shoulder as he stood up from the stool.  "Come with me," Joshua figured they could move their pity party upstairs to the clients suite, at least there the blonde could continue to be so damn depressing without everyone around hearing.

After all, Joshua was still contemplating if he was worth trying to fix, and considering he'd had a LOT of extra time on his hands - well perhaps picking up the broken pieces of this mans life was easier than picking up the broken pieces of his own?

[blackwelljosh]

scottxwinters:

Too nice. Focus on himself rather than what others wanted. Be bold to please himself in the process. All things that Scott knew but didn’t exactly perform any actions to change. Even the resort owner could read him like a bloody book. Was he that transparent that made him look that fucking approachable? Maybe even someone trying to pat him in the head and take the good dog home? “Not saying that I am incapable of biting. Even being polite and educated has limits, Mr. Blackwell.” He had yet to reach his own but wasn’t why he was there? To learn how to focus on himself first and be a selfish little prick line so many other clients were?

“I come from a poor background, Mr. Blackwell. My parents always told me to be humble.” If he was going to talk about his fucking past – he was about to need a lot more booze to keep that up. “When the opportunity came for me to take care of my family, I took it without thinking twice. That’s all I know how to do since I was a kid. Take care of others. In the process, I forgot to take care of me.” With a loud whistle, Scott called the attention of the bartender and pointed to his own glass and Josh’s. If they were going to talk, they might as well drink. “Maybe that’s why I came here, y’know? To finally find who I am as a person other than a bloody doormat that is always helping someone else.”

He wanted to be more like… hell, like Josh Blackwell. Take what he wanted and don’t give two flying fucks about anything else. His needs should come first and then perhaps he could help others if he had the time. “I’m fucking capable of doing one night stands, so why can’t I just see someone I like here and do whatever the bloody I like? Any bolder guy would approach you and say they would want to get you naked and make you howl their name. I’m not that bold.” Not sober anyway. “I think I skipped a rebellious phase during my adolescence. I guess I’m trying to find… the little bitch inside me that is clawing to get out. Quite pathetic, don’t you think? We should cheer to that. To having no idea who I am. Cheers, mate.”

"Even the FRIENDLIEST of dogs is capable of biting," he remarked glancing in the others direction with a soft chuckle escaping from his lips.  "BIG boy like you i'd say NOBODY would expect any less."  Scott wasn't a SMALL man by any means, standing out in a crowd given his stature, "it's funny to think you're actually ADMITTING that your bark is worse than your bite.  I'll keep your SECRET safe," he teased knowing it wasn't much of a secret when the blonde was basically telling the ENTIRE bar about his mishaps.  "Believe me, you don't have to explain LIMITS to me," Joshua Blackwell had limits himself, though his were kept to himself.  When staff and clients DARED tread his boundary line he made damn certain they KNEW when they'd overstepped.  

Joshua could appreciate a man of humble beginnings who pushed through life to end up where he was today.  It showed that Scott had not only HEART but also DEDICATION.  Although Joshua couldn't sympathize, NEVER one who lacked wealth growing up, he could see where it'd be a struggle.  He couldn't IMAGINE life without money, but this man had made the best of it, "and look where you are now..."  Quite literally considering the PRETTY PENNY it cost to even check-in, but also that Joshua would have NEVER guessed that Scott's background was one of poor beginnings.  "Being humble only gets you so far," though Joshua would NEVER tell Scott that his parents raised him wrong.  "You're a rare breed around these parts," he teased, bringing up their little dog conversation from before as he couldn't help but laugh.  SOMETIMES he cracked himself up, though almost EVERYTHING that Scott was saying made sense to Joshua.  "You're preaching to the choir when it comes to doing ANYTHING to help your family."  Joshua had been in the same boat, hell he had lost the 'love of his life' because he held his family in higher regard, "but in all of that you should have never let yourself get lost along the way.  LUCKILY, from the sounds of things, you ONCE knew the man you were...so it shouldn't be TOO hard to follow the breadcrumbs back to your prime."

Joshua couldn't tell if that was an actual question he wanted an answer to, or if he was more just making a personal statement.  Still, Joshua couldn't help but shrug his shoulder offering the other NO HELP in the question.  "You'd be surprised the number of men who approach me, it's not as high as you'd think," though Joshua was more than alright with that.  "I'm okay with that though," Joshua didn't need propositions all the fucking time, knowing that nine times out of ten he'd turn them down point fucking blank.  "Being bold doesn't necessarily make you REBELLIOUS," he offered him with a half smile, "what you're lacking is CONFIDENCE, plain and simple, and that has NOTHING to do with being any sort of rebel."  He took a drink after the bartender had refilled them, the scotch going down rather smoothly the more he talked to the other.  "What makes you so sure it's a little bitch that's inside of you?"  He cocked an eyebrow as Scott went so far as to cheers to his own fucked up life, "Cheers."

[blackwelljosh]

scottxwinters:

Learning how to take care of him first and only then others was something that was proving be more difficult than Scott would have expected. The place he was in, this Haus of Perses – it was supposed to care to his every indulgence and desire no matter how kinky and decadent that they could be. Yet, the blond lacked interest. His mind was always elsewhere, thinking about people that didn’t deserve his time of day. He was too good of a person. That’s what others usually told him. That he would always put the needs of others above his own and that he would be the one who would end up getting fucked… and not the good type of fucked. So instead of dwelling and conversing with past ghosts that haunted his memory like persistent vermins, Scott found himself on the bar. Drinking himself into a stupor so that he could finally ( and hopefully ) start thinking about his own needs first rather than being the good boy that always wanted to help people. Good boys finished last. That was why he was alone and had no one by his side while all of his friends had that special someone in their lives. Always the fucking bridesmaid and never the bride. Not that he was looking for true love in a place like that. True love was a fairy tale that mothers told their daughters to make them through the day and justify that not all guys were pigs. How could he love someone if he wasn’t capable of loving himself in the first place? Of being selfish and knowing what he wanted?

So drinking proved to be a good escape. Often some guys would sit down with him but either they were not his type whatsoever ( I’m sorry, mate. I like guys, not hobbits ) or they simply couldn’t keep an interesting enough conversation to spark his interest. Even intoxicated he couldn’t find himself the bone in his body that would allow him to be selfish. But there was this one guy he was talking with that was actually being an interesting company. Even the hand on his leg, gently squeezing his muscle while trying to go forward to more private locations. Thank God for the sudden appearance of Josh Blackwell that in a quick and rather impressive act – sent the touchy feelsy buffoon away before he would have to say no. “Mr. Blackwell.” Scott rose his Scotch glass and presented the owner with his best smile. Not because it was the owner but due to the fact that he was who he was. Just a nice guy that didn’t know how to fucking be selfish. “You’re keepin’ me company now? I feel flattered.” And he knew he should be. Josh was probably one of the best looking guys around the place and he was a man… unlike some of the little boys walking around. “I’m drinking something with alcohol. Perverse amounts of it. Enough to make me drunk so that I can stop being such a bloody boy scout. At least that’s what my friends say. That I’m a fucking Golden Retriever always seeking to make other people happy besides myself. Rather pathetic, right? Hence… I drink!”

"What kind of man would I be if I sat back and just LET that other man HIT on you like that?"  Sure, the Haus was all about sexual relations, but it didn't take a genious to see that SOMETIMES men were barking up the wrong tree.  "You're TOO nice a guy to get out of your own way," not that it was TERRIBLE, but it did help men like that other client THINK he stood a chance.  "I saw it going downhill FAST, so I got you both out of the situation," a charming smile offered as he had the bartender top the glass of Scotch off, getting one for himself while he was at it.  "A man of good taste," he complimented the other as he scanned the crowd to see the smiling faces of clients and staff.

"A bloody BOY SCOUT?"  He chuckled as he settled comfortably next to the other on the stool, figuring he'd be there for a little while and might as well be comfortable.  "You don't look the boy scout TYPE to me," not that there was necessarily a type, though the more the blonde beside him explained the situation all Joshua could do was laugh.  NOW it made sense, "i'd keep it down around here, anyone catches wind that you're a Golden Retriever and they'll try to COLLAR you, and you don't look the type to want to be collared do you?"  That was his brothers kink, not his, though he'd tried his hand at it a few times in the past.  "Is that how you see yourself?"  He asked, making conversation as he took his FIRST (of more than likely MANY) drinks of the night.  

"Wanting to please isn't TERRIBLE, but you should be so bold as to want to please YOURSELF in the process, and no, i'm not talking about SELF SATISFACTION."  He smirked towards the other taking a second drink, "i'm talking along the lines of finding OTHERS to please you in the way you WANT them to.  Isn't that WHY you're here?"  He could have been wrong, it wouldn't be the first time that he'd met someone who was here for something OTHER than sex (though those men always had him BEWILDERED).  "Not my place, but I would at least HOPE you've at least used the haus to your benefit since checking in."  He wouldn't pry though, like he'd said, it was NOT his place in the least - so long as this client was HAPPY Joshua didn't care his vice.

[blackwelljosh]

Breakups weren't SUPPOSED to be difficult for someone like Joshua Blackwell.  He wasn't the type to DWELL and yet here he was, his fifth night in a row at the bar unable to do anything but WALLOW in his own remorse.  Chase had been THE ONE, or so Joshua had thought until their lives took two separate turns, Joshua in the end choosing FAMILY over love.  He had to, he was a Blackwell after all, and with his fathers approval FINALLY Joshua would do nothing to tarnish it.  Saying goodbye was hard but it was all he could do, and luckily he found the MORE he drank the less he remembered - until of course he became sober the next morning and all those CRIPPLING emotions took hold once more of him.  He'd made it a point to not let himself get that way, he'd risk a liver shutdown if it meant not having to sober up, and sure enough his binge was still going strong on day five.  He kept himself LEVELED, not drunk but nowhere near sober either, just MELLOW.  Most who tried to approach him were shot down with as little as a LOOK that signified he was NOT INTERESTED, but there were few he'd humor and actually converse with.  Scott being one of them, seeing the man at the bar actually ENJOYING himself in a conversation with a different client?  Well that just WOULDN'T do, not when Joshua was keen on some peer contact for once, so the boss walked over to the two, slipped between them with an apologetic smile (faked - but oh so well received usually) to order something from the bar.  In his DEFENSE, the bar WAS crowded so he'd have to squeeze in SOMEWHERE.  "Why don't you get yourself the nicest bottle of champagne here, help yourself to one of my VERY talented staff members, and call it a night handsome?"  Joshua threw the charm at the man who'd been in conversation with Scott, "consider it my treat."  He gave the man a pat on the shoulder as the bartender offered a bottle of the bubbly from the top shelf, Joshua urging him to move along to find his nights companion.  "As for you," he turned to face Scott not apologetic at all for what he'd just done, "what are you drinking?  Let me get you a refill." @scottxwinters

[blackwelljosh]

tristanesasphodels:

Tristane was supposed to be on a high. He had a round of extremely satisfying sex just a few hours ago, then headed to the gym. So he was supposed to be absolutely buzzing with endorphins. Except his real life responsibilities were trickling him. His assistant had called twice telling him that there were some shortcomings with the deal coming through at the office. So he’d had to spend the majority of the day sorting it out. By the end of the day he was bogged down by bureaucracy. His high was gone and because he didn’t want to buzzkill, he headed to the bar. Tristane sat down at the bar ordering a scotch. ‘ keep them coming, I can use it ‘ he told the bartender. he looked over at the man sitting next to him who had let out a sigh. ‘ so what’s your story? ‘ he asked, ‘ I bet I can beat it. I just spent the last six hours arguing with four old men with their heads up their asses ‘ he finished off the scotch stamping the bar. 

Joshua turned his attention somewhat to the man who sat beside him, seemingly to have had just as rough a time as Joshua himself had, a sliver of a smile appearing on Blackwell's lips as he took another drink from his glass.  The boldness of the other, coming right out and asking him his story, well fuck Joshua was not expecting that at all so he stayed silent for a moment.  What was nice about it was that Tristane didn't make things awkward, instead going on to tell him about his own issues and reason to be drinking.  "I was dumped," plain and cut right to the chase, "we were engaged, but he finally realized I was already married to my work, and he didn't feel there was enough space for him as well."  Might as well be honest with the man right?  It's not like Joshua had anything to hide, "you seem like a man who understands all about being married to your job, even in the lap of luxury and you're stuck dealing with business handlings."  A man after his own heart, Joshua wanted to warn him that he was setting himself up for failure but he just couldn't.

[blackwelljosh]

chancexmatthews:

Chance recognized the man in charge of the whole house at the bar. He was terrified of the other as he should be considering the man basically held Chance’s future in his hands. But at the same time, he looked so sad. Even Chance could tell something was wrong. He took a seat next to the man as he heard the sigh and offered a small smile. “You know, I’ve heard the best way to get something off your mind is to do something else. And with Christmas around the corner, maybe you’d be interested in some holiday baking? I’m actually decent at gingerbread and sugar cookies.”

Did this kid just offer to bake Christmas cookies with him?  He burst out laughing, shaking his head as he took another drink, "do I look like the Christmas spirit type who wants to bake cookies?"  His words rolling out slurred with sarcasm.  He honestly couldn't even think of the last time he'd done something like that.  "Besides, with what's on my mind I could bake enough for everyone under this roof and it still wouldn't be off my mind."  He shook his head, Chase and his breakup much larger than some flour and sugar.  "Thanks for the suggestion though, but I think you're barking up the wrong tree."

[blackwelljosh]

jemthefox:

Jem was feeling pretty settled in the Haus finally. He was in a pretty good mood. He didn’t have any competitions or publicity events for a solid week which meant he was free to relax and start to explore his sexuality. Which also included flirting with people that obviously had all signs being pointed to not flirting with him. Like the dark-haired man sitting at the bar, sighing. “Care if I join you?” He questioned as he took a seat next to the other. “You know, they say that you’re naturally attracted to people that look like you but I think blondes are a bit terrifying. You on the other hand, are the hottest man in here.” It was obvious Jem was new to the flirting game. “That was awful and probably the most roundabout way of complimenting someone. I’m Jem and I apologize.”

Joshua was confused when this man started talking, what was he even trying to say right now?  "Blondes are intimidating?"  He cocked an eyebrow shaking his head, having not found a blonde around that was all that intimidating, but when you had Blackwell blood coursing through your veins very little intimidating you.  It probably wasn't for the best though, when you weren't easily shaken you had a way of walking yourself into some of the worst situations.  Hearing that last part of the compliment though, that he was the hottest man in here, "at least you've got good eyesight," he motioned for him to sit if that's what he wanted.  Joshua wasn't the best company but he wasn't entirely miserable, "Joshua," he introduced himself as well taking another drink as he cast a sidewards glance in the blondes direction.  "You been here long?"

[blackwelljosh]

christiancarrhop:

Christian hadn’t seen himself at the Haus of Perses, or rather his mother and father didn’t see him there. The place was not only in America, but it offered lavish entertainment that was unfit for a young and unmarried royal. There was a driving need to visit though, to stake his claim at the haus and defy his parents for a bit longer- they were old and dying, and for one reason or the next forgot what it was to have fun, something Christian desperately wanted to cling to. His eyes spotted Joshua Blackwell at the bar, the man who had extended the invitation to him. His family had known the Blackwell’s for quite some time, and even though they agreed with them for the most part, that didn’t mean the found themselves enjoying what they did for a living. “Joshua Blackwell- you wouldn’t be drinking your life away my first day in the states? Please tell me you at least still want me here.”

"Don't take my drinking as not wanting you here," he laughed when he noticed Christian settle beside him, offering him a smile as he extended a hand to give him a casual pat on the back in salutations.  "Didn't know you'd already gotten here, trying to sneak in on me?"  At least he'd came and said hello before going off on his merry way with one of the staff, "my family should be proud, your first day in the states and you're already here."  He grinned, "what are you drinking?"  Motioning for the bartender to come over to take his order, wanting to at least extend the first drink offer to his friend.

[blackwelljosh]

hausjudge:

There were a lot of men around the Haus that Alexander considered a friend, but the one he held in the highest regard was Joshua. While it may have been partially because the man was the son of the man that owned the very resort that became a second home to him, it was also because Joshua shared similar tastes as him and the two quickly bonded all those years ago. “Maybe just a little,” the older male said with a chuckle, moving to dry himself off despite the younger one being in the room. “But it’s okay. It just means you have more time to tell me more about the new arrivals. Anyone interesting?”

"They're all interesting," he countered with a mischievous smile, "in one way or another.  We've got a lot of tastes to satisfy around here, I need to make sure i've got a wide variety of men."  He thought about what he'd known the judge to like, "our scouts are finding younger men, boys practically, I swear they're thinking there's going to be this crazy run of age difference, daddy kink clients around or something."  Not that Joshua minded, as long as it satisfied, "haven't really caught a feisty newbie yet though, i've been watching."