ezra belrose

escort nineteen

[brandonmathers-blog]

I cannot believe that it is almost the New Year. I swear, yesterday was actually July and everyone’s caught in some sort of time paradox.

[escortezrabelrose]

Christmas went so quickly. I can't believe it's already gone.

[funnymalemodels]

[escortezrabelrose]

Surprised to have received a Christmas gift at all, Ezra was overjoyed to see the three volumes. One of his favorites. The set was beautiful, and it would certainly join the rest of his collection. Unsure of when the Mistress would arrive home, he left a note with the reception for her, with a box of assorted chocolates and a bottle of wine.

Gabrielle,

Thank you for your lovely Christmas gift! You really shouldn't have. Great Expectations is one of my favorites.

I'm not very good at buying gifts for women -- as my sister has pointed out to me several times -- so I hope you like the chocolates and the wine.

Merry Christmas.

Ezra x

[escortezrabelrose]

[The smile on the escort’s face is small and wavering, and Tate meets it with his own: a little more fixed, steady and warm. He’s a nervous one, and it fills Tate’s head with all kind of question. About what he’s doing here, if he’s happy with it, if he’s coerced. There’s a bruise on his face and something skittish in his demeanor and Tate’s biting his tongue with all the questions he won’t ask.]

Whoops, sorry — client, if you hadn’t figured that out. [He’s taking the stairs slowly, keeping pace with Ezra, leisurely flow to conversation as they walk with his boxes.] I guess so, if you like city streets and apartment buildings. [It’s still smiling, not a true complaint. But while Tate liked the bustle of a city, the way that there was always something to do, aesthetically he was more drawn to sprawling greenery, something more solitary.]

Are you a new face or one of the older ones? [It’s conversational, but it’s a way to couch some of his worries in the flow of casual conversation.] Do you like it here?

[Ezra smiled at the comment, giving a small shrug of frail shoulders.] I don't know.. I quite like the view of the city at night. [He confessed. Perhaps it was just because with so many buildings, and so many lights, the streets packed with cars and people, it was harder to feel alone and much easier to feel safe.]

One of the older ones, I guess you could say. [Ezra chuckled a little, though sometimes he felt just as new as he had the first day he'd arrived at The Apartments. His white, flower-like hands tightened on the boxes, and when they reached the last flight of stairs he used his body to hold open the door for the other man.] Sure. I mean, I haven't been here in a long time.. but I'm hoping my opinions won't have changed much. Do you like it here so far? [He asked, emptying his boxes into one of the large recycling bins]

[escortezrabelrose]

Not really?  I suppose most people are still unpacking and the like, but I’m sure everyone will be out in force at Madam’s party.  [Ezra seemed almost nervous, though of course Gabrielle would say nothing of the sort to him out loud.  A part of her ached to reach out, to comfort and soothe what seemed to be frayed edges - but she didn’t want to overstep.  So instead she contented herself with gathering what was left of the boxes and standing with a small smile.]  Have you run into anyone yet, heart?  Besides um, the obvious.  Me.

There's going to be a party? [Ezra asked, though he supposed he should have known better. Madam had always known how to do things in style. He smiled back at Gabrielle, willing himself not to feel unnecessarily nervous in her presence. Or anyone else's for that matter.] Not yet, no. Though I'm glad I ran into you first. [The boy said warmly. Gabrielle had been the kindest to him upon his first arrival at the Apartments, and she was welcoming him back just the same.]

[escortezrabelrose]

[She chewed her lip, still feeling very much that it wasn’t okay.] I’m just… yeah. Alright. [The word ‘sorry’ had never been easy for her to say, but God, she was feeling it. She was good at guilt.]

Definitely, we should. I really have missed you, cariad. [She smiled encouragingly, nodding.] I’ll get going… I don’t want to keep you from getting rid of those boxes, but I’m on the SMS again, so just… shoot me a text when you’re free, yeah? 

I've missed you too, Lili. [Ezra answered honestly. Lili had been the only person who had ever treated him like she truly cared about whether their friendship survived or not, and despite recent events, Ezra still believed that to be true.] Definitely. [The boy promised with a kind smile.] I'm glad you're back. [He said, holding out his hands to take the remaining boxes from her.]

[escortezrabelrose]

[escortezrabelrose]

Please, don’t apologize. I honestly just wanted to make sure you didn’t hurt yourself, [he saw the way that the young man reacted to the hand on his arm and gently uncurled his fingers even as he pulled away.] And they’re empty, I doubt they could have done much damage. Here, please, let me help you — - [he smiled, and sunk down on one knee beside the small-framed young man and gathered up the ones that had fallen away from him.] Moving in, I take it, [he said with a light smile,] I just finished all of my unpacking myself.

[He watched with somewhat trained eyes the way that thoughts flickered across his face, obviously thinking on the comment that Brandon had made about his injury. It bothered him somewhat, but that wasn’t his place — - not to pry.] I’m glad you are alright, [he replied in kind, gentle eyed smile and an out of place American accent,] It’s lovely to meet you Ezra, [he extended a hand towards him,] and please, you can call me Brandon if you’d prefer. Can I help you with any more of these boxes?

[Ezra gave a somewhat timid smile. He wasn't used to gentleman. At least, he wasn't used to genuine gentleman. He was used to men who pretended to be all kindness and charm and then turned out to be something else entirely. Boxes collected, he gave a little nod and straightened up, though somehow he still managed to look small] Yeah... I've been away for a long time. I'm kinda still deciding whether it feels good to be back or not. [He admitted.] Oh, really? How are you finding it here so far? [Ezra continued to ask, brushing a lock of soft ebony hair out of his eyes.]

[He noticed the American accent. It was different. Kind. But Ezra cleared his throat, as if it would clear his mind, too. He felt guilty for his thoughts. Even if it was only enjoying the lilt of someones accent.] Brandon. [He repeated with a little smile and took the mans hand in a delicate one of his own, shaking it,] If you want to.. but I'm afraid I'm only taking them down to the recycling. Nothing exciting.

[escortezrabelrose]

[Lili opened her mouth to speak— to apologize, to say that she hadn’t meant to abandon him— before shaking her head, looking away. For years, her first priority had been taking care of her sister, protecting her, even when she had moved out of their parents’ home. That instinct had transferred to Ezra somehow— maybe just because he had always seemed so fragile to her. Like he needed that extra protection. Still, she had left him abruptly, before the renovations had ever even been announced, and with no way for him to find her again. She had told herself that she didn’t need to do it any differently, that he wasn’t her responsibility, but really, she had been trying to save her own ass. She had been afraid of letting herself get hurt, so she had done it to herself before anyone else could, and maybe Ezra had been collateral damage.

She thought that it might have been the first truly selfish thing that she had ever done in her life.]

Well, I’m back now. [She let go of his shoulders as he drew back, biting her lip.] I should have— I got a new phone when I left, one without the SMS from here on it, but I should have given you the new number. I just— would’ve had to come back, and I didn’t… well, that wasn’t something I wanted to do at the time. [She sighed.] Still. I should’ve done it anyway.

It's fine, Lili.. [Ezra said honestly, because truthfully he was used to the feeling of being left behind, and even more honestly, he wasn't sure that he would have wanted to be in contact with her, merely because that would have meant explanations. He would have had to tell her all about Daniel, and he was ashamed of himself for that, more than any of the other things he'd done. But he supposed he was going to have to explain anyway, sooner or later.]

I get it.. Besides, I didn't get a goodbye from anyone, really. [He reassured and flashed her a small but gentle smile.] I-- I have to get these boxes down before they collect the recycling but maybe we should.. catch up? I mean, if you want to. [Ezra shrugged. He didn't want to explain to her, but that didn't mean he didn't care about her anymore. That didn't mean she wasn't still his friend.]

[escortezrabelrose]

[“You don’t have to waste your time,” and the self-deprecation eats into him, a boy with a bruise on his face who’s apologizing for the space that he takes up. A lack of self-esteem had been his problem once (a creeping voice tells him it still is) but it hadn’t manifested like this. He’d known plenty that had: younger siblings, broken homes. It’s a familiar refrain.]

Got nothing better to do. [He says lightly, making a joke of it as he turns to look at him sidelong, a grin tugging at his features.] So I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, Ezra.

[The question takes him a bit aback and, if his hands weren’t full of boxes, he’d be rubbing a hand across the back of his neck. As it is, he just lets out a brief laugh, shrugging his shoulders.]

Sex? [It’s a vague answer, though it feels loaded, but he’s not sure what else the answer is, or at least what else the question was asking.] But that’s what we’re all here for, isn’t it? I, uh, live up on the tenth floor.

Alright... well, if you insist. [The boy gave a faint chuckle and a smile began to tug at his lips. Sometimes he felt guilty for allowing himself to smile, especially when it was caused by another man, because he knew despite the fact that Daniel had encouraged him back into all of this, he would quickly grow jealous and angry all over again, and somehow it would be Ezra's fault. The boy swallowed the thick lump in his throat and once again pushed those thoughts out of his mind.]

[Ezra gripped the boxes and once again started to walk, but at a more casual pace now. He couldn't be dealing with dropping any more boxes or un-expecting passers by. He laughed softly at Tate's words.] I meant to ask if you were a client or an escort.. but I suppose you're right, most people are here for sex. [He said light-heartedly.] Nice. Good view I bet?

[escortezrabelrose]

I’m more than happy to, heart.  It may not be glamorous, but it still needs to be done.  [Gabrielle’s smile was warm in return, trying to shake off the feeling that was trying to haunt her by the fading bruise.]  Oh, this place will always have its call to most, I’m not surprised that quite a few returned.

[Ezra gave a soft smile at Gabrielle's words. Clearly she hadn't changed much in the past year. However her next words made him feel a little nervous. He wasn't sure how many people he wanted to see him like this.] Oh, really? Have you seen anyone yet? [He asked, trying to keep his voice casual.]

[escortezrabelrose]

[Lili knew as soon as she looked up at him. She had worn the same little signs all through her childhood— bruises under sleeves, bruises under makeup, bruises circling her wrist when she tried not to go to church. Stitches on her back, only once and never again, when she fell into a vase and her father cried while he drove her to the hospital.

She swallowed, guilt over Ezra worsening, because when she had left, she had assumed that he would still have someone looking after him— Dmitri, probably, although she hadn’t liked to think much about it. But clearly, he had been on his own. She couldn’t think of any other reason for him to end up back in the situation that she had watched him sob over.

Lili could have at least left a phone number.

She didn’t say anything about it. Not yet, not today. She had a feeling that it was going to be rough enough for the both of them as it was.]

Don’t worry about it, really. [She took his hand and stood up, bending down to join him in picking up the scattered books and DVDs.] I’m alright. It’s good to see you again. [Things back in the box, which was balanced carefully on the stairs, Lili shifted carefully to give him a gentle hug, movements slow and deliberate to avoid startling him.]

[Ezra knew that she could tell. She had been one of the only people he had told about Daniel, and as always, Ezra was transparent. His vulnerability was always there for everyone to see, even when he didn't want it to be. People could see right through him, and he didn't know how to stop it. He swallowed thickly and was glad when she didn't question the bruise.]

[He didn't know why, but he hadn't expected the hug. However that didn't mean that he didn't want it. He gently embraced her and gave her a small squeeze.] I wasn't sure if I was going to see you again.. or anyone. [Ezra admitted, pulling back a little] I thought maybe everyone had gone for good.

[escortezrabelrose]

[Leave it to Red to pick the latest time to move back in, he knew that he shouldn’t have listened to her. He should learn to put his foot down and demand a vote, damnit. Well then they wouldn’t really get anywhere because it was only two of them, but it was in the principle that count. ANYWAYS. Since he chose to listen to that walking blueberry, he was stuck moving at the last moment but after four damn hours, he finally finished. This was the last time he volunteered to lift the heavy things by himself, her being a female be damned. She was the strongest girl he knew, she could lift the whole television by herself if she put her heart into it.

Still, as much as he complained, it was a bit nostalgic to be walking through the halls of the first floor again. Not a whole bunch as happened since he first arrived here, but looking at the fresh paint and different pictures that scattered the wall, it feels like a whole lifetime since he’s been at the Apartments. So, it’s not his fault when he found himself strolling down the first floor, twirling the new key in his hand. He had a bit of exploring to do. However, at the echoed curse from further down the corridor, he finally notices the other person on the level.

Christ, it looked like the guy was struggling and needed help. It didn’t take long for Taz to rush over to the bloke and try and carry a box. However, by the time he got there, the boxes were already dropping on the floor. Shite] Christ, that’s a lot of stuff. Here, at least let me help. [He grabs a nearby box, hoping that there wasn’t anything glass in the container before looking up at the person that he was helping.] Ezra! Hi mate, s’been a while, yeah? [He smiles brightly at the familiar face, sure they didn’t talk much before but he was good at faces and names.] 

[Ezra looked up at the sound of a voice. He recognized the man, they had met a long time ago when Ezra had first arrived at the apartments, and although they hadn't had the chance to talk much after that one meeting, Ezra recalled him as being a nice person. He gave a warm smile.]

Hi! Yeah -- Yeah it has been a long time. [He agreed with a faint chuckle,] I wasn't sure how many familiar faces I was going to see coming back here. [He admitted, and knelt down to gather some of his belongings that had spilled out of the boxes, and shoved them back in -- thankfully there was nothing embarrassing in the boxes, just things he wanted to throw out and hadn't had time to organize before moving back in.] Sorry about this.. I'm far to clumsy to be trusted with transporting boxes... 

[escortezrabelrose]

Oh, heart, you don’t have to apologize.  [Her smile is warm, tamping down the concern for the apparent injury even as internal alarms threaten to go off.  Perhaps it was innocuous and she’s reading too much into it.  And so she attempts to shake off that pervasive feeling and her grin turns a bit more genuine.]  I can help you, if you’d like?  Not that my coordination is much better but … I’m well, thank you love.  It’s nice to see another familiar face.

Oh-- only if you want to! It's not exactly a glamorous duty.. I'm just taking these things down to the trash. [Ezra said with a small smile.] You too.. I wasn't sure anyone was going to come back. [He admitted, and knelt down to gather his things back into boxes before scooping them up into his arms.]

[escortezrabelrose]

[He’s a shy little slip of a thing, bruise on his cheek and and something flighty in his eyes and Tate feels the low tug of a familiar urge. He’s been a caretaker, always had been, would plop his foster siblings on the countertop next to the sink, dab arnica and bruises and clean out cuts from thrown bottles, wedding rings, trying to get a smile while he worked. Even if it was watery, tear-stained.

He hadn’t grown out of it, he’d grown into it. The tug’s settled somewhere lower in his gut: to protect and to provide.]

Apology accepted, no hard feelings. [He grins, fingers tightening around the cardboard boxes in his hands because it’s not his place to thumb over a bruise, to ask who did it. Uncalled for and unasked for heroics.

So he’s just going to help him recycle some boxes.]

Well then, looks like you’ve picked up a helping hand, lucky you. [It’s light, and he’s grinning.] My name’s Tate, by the way, just moved in today.

Honestly, you don't have to waste your time helping me move some boxes into bins. So I won't be offended if you change your mind halfway down. [The ebony hair boy chuckled and he blew some hair out of his face from the corner of his mouth and tightened his grip on the boxes.]

Well, it's nice to meet you... I'm Ezra. [He gave a soft, polite little smile.]

[Ezra had always found it difficult to distinguish the clients from his fellow escorts. Sometimes it was obvious. Sometimes the escorts had their obvious fake names, and their personalities and looks that gave it all away instantly, but sometimes the people you were 100% sure were clients, turned out to be escorts living a couple doors down from you.]

So, um.. what are you here for? If I'm allowed to ask?

[escortezrabelrose]

[The hallway was wide enough that many people could have crossed the paths of each other without so much as brushing a shoulder, but that wasn’t the way apparently. Brandon found himself hovering just out of the mouth of the elevator as he spotted a lithe figure holding many — what he hoped were — empty boxes.

So, a new tenant, an escort obviously given the floor he was currently on. He’d already moved to offer his assistance when the young man moved to open the door to the — - stairwell? (That couldn’t be right, that was dangerous.) And then he saw the boxes fly and he was half way down the hall with an large wrapped firmly around the young mans upper arm;] be careful, young man, [he said gently, releasing his arm now that he knew the young one,] a few more steps and you would have had yourself a rather painful fall.

[Bending to pick up a few of the scattered boxes, handing using his hands to dismantle them without destroying them for future use. As his eyes flicked up to the delicate, pale features (though sharp and almost model like with a wide mouth and pouty lips that should have been overtly feminine but actually put nice touch on his face, and eyes - so lovely, but shadowed by a bruise that was obviously not self inflicted;] but something tells me that you have already had an injury. Are you alright? — - And forgive me, for encroaching on your personal space, I just didn’t want you to hurt yourself, and, also forgive me for not introducing myself, Dr. Brandon Mathers.

[Ezra flinched instinctively when someone grabbed his arm. He twirled around, dropping the remainder of his -- thankfully, small -- boxes. He blinked at the man, somewhat wide eyed and startled for a moment, like a baby rabbit in headlights, before shrugging his arm gently out his grasp.]

I-I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to drop these on your feet. [Ezra said quietly, as if he weren't the phased by the idea of falling down a flight of stairs. He swallowed thickly and knelt down to pick up the boxes, before straightening up. His deep blue orbs flickered briefly over the man. He didn't recognize him, and a part of Ezra was glad. He looked away. It was literally his job to sleep with people, and yet he still knew that Daniel would later feel the jealously again, and take it out on him.]

[Ezra pushed that thought away.] It's fine... thank you for helping me. [The ebony haired boy said in a small voice.] I'm okay. A bruise is just a bruise. I'm Ezra... it's nice to meet you, Doctor.

[escortezrabelrose]

[The calamity from a few floors below easily caught Gabrielle’s attention, peeking over the stairwell to see boxes and a certain raven-haired escort that she recalled quite well.  Her mouth fell open to call out to Ezra, but she couldn’t be sure it was him, of course.  There had been a flood of new faces and she couldn’t be certain this wasn’t another one.

And so she didn’t call out, but still carefully made her way downstairs to help in her traditional heels, fingers moving to help pluck up boxes where she could.  Her smile was wide as soon as she approached the lithe escort, though it fell quickly at the sight of the bruise.]  Ezra?

[Ezra made his way quickly downstairs after the boxes, meeting with a pair of heels before he glanced up to see the familiar face. Gabrielle hadn't changed a bit in the passing months, it seemed. He smiled and straightened up, though his own smile fell slightly when he realized that she had noticed his bruise.] Hi. [He said brightly, trying not to draw an extra attention to it] How are you? I'm.. I'm sorry about the boxes.. clumsy people shouldn't be trusted to move flats.