joey huang

25. ballet dancer/teacher by day, moonlit by night.

[jude-astor]

After finishing an intense game of pool, Jackson stumbled out of the bar and into the street, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. He pulled a cigarette from his flattened pack and brought it to his lips, holding it there and he fumbled around looking for his lighter. “Shit”, he murmured, realizing that he had lost it. A stranger passed and Jackson held his hand out. “Hey man. You got a light?”, he mumbled, raising a brow.

[joeyxxhuang]

Joey was on a rare night off from performing and rehearsal, so he found himself heading out to one of the bars near his apartment, just for a quick drink. He’d thought about calling Mark, but he was still trying not to push too hard too fast with the handsome man. Joey came to a halt in front of the blond and thought for a moment. “Yeah, actually, I do,” he said, digging in his pocket for a moment before producing a lighter, handing it over. “Is it crazy in there?” he asked, nodding towards the bar behind them.

[themarkvaldez]

joeyxxhuang:.

God how her mamas would bother her until she married this man. The thought was always a daunting one but… maybe it wouldn’t be so scary if she had a partner like Mark. Everything suddenly seemed so much more achievable - so much more possible with this man by her side. Luna bit the inside of her lip again, though this time it was to keep her smile under control. “No, I like that plan.” She giggled as she stroked his fingers, wishing she could be closer to him than the table allowed. “How long have you been buying me drinks anyway? And why didn’t you ever let me know it was you?”

“I’ve been coming here since I heard about the place about six months or so after moving to Chicago,” Mark admitted. He squirmed in his seat at adding up all the times he’d bought her a drink and ran away. “Then, this one night, the emcee introduced a new Queen, a singer and dancer, one who was wearing this gorgeous dark green dress with sequins making a mermaid tail. She had red hair that I realized later was a wig and I think she was a little nervous because she stopped her first song to start talking and she asked for a Greyhound so I bought her one.” Mark chuckled as his cheeks flared and he looked at their hands. “I keep coming back for her. Her name is Luna.”

[joeyxxhuang]

Her smile grew. She remembered that night. She’d redone her makeup numerous times. She’d wavered over her outfit. And Shira gave her a dressing down over FaceTime until she dressed up like Ariel and belted her heart out onstage. “Thank you. You... that made my night. I was considering not coming back until the bartender told me some handsome man bought me a drink. Just think... we could have met so much earlier if you hadn’t chickened out,” she teased gently.

[themarkvaldez]

joeyxxhuang:

Her eyes were bright as she looked at him, those sweet, incredible words falling from his lips. The kiss to her palm made her shiver, but the kiss to her lips ushered a soft moan from her throat. Starry eyed was probably the best way to describe her expression, and she squeezed his fingers, indescribably grateful for whatever force brought this man into her life. “So does that mean you’ll be back to see me again?” she asked teasingly, playfully nudging one of her feet against his under the table.

How Luna looked at Mark made him see shades of Joey. It was that starry eyed expression that had caught Mark’s attention that first day when Joey had grabbed onto him to keep himself upright. He could hardly believe that Joey and Luna combined to make his partner. He felt… sated but also full of ideas and life. Oh, what things were to come for him and his lovely Luna, for him and his beautiful Joey. Mark laughed lightly at her teasing and he tilted his hand as he gently chased her foot with his. “That was the plan, unless you have another in mind,” he replied and bit his lower lip for a moment. “I promise not to run away when I buy you a drink from now on,” he added with a chuckle.

[joeyxxhuang]

God how her mamas would bother her until she married this man. The thought was always a daunting one but... maybe it wouldn’t be so scary if she had a partner like Mark. Everything suddenly seemed so much more achievable - so much more possible with this man by her side. Luna bit the inside of her lip again, though this time it was to keep her smile under control. “No, I like that plan.” She giggled as she stroked his fingers, wishing she could be closer to him than the table allowed. “How long have you been buying me drinks anyway? And why didn’t you ever let me know it was you?”

[themarkvaldez]

joeyxxhuang:

Her shoulders visibly relaxed once he spoke, her hand turning under his to wind their fingers together. “You didn’t know I worked here, so that’s not really something to apologize for,” Luna pointed out. Her gaze lifted to meet his, a small, sweet smile curling her painted lips. “I have plenty of fear. I just… don’t let it get to me. Especially when I’m like this. My armor is just makeup and glitter, but it’s strong as hell.”

“You’re right, I didn’t,” Mark replied with a soft sigh. He then raised Luna’s hand to his lips and gave the palm a kiss. “But I do, now,” he added as he lowered their hands back down, “and you now have a number one fan, in every way.” He smiled when Luna said she had fear. “You’re strong under the make-up and glitter,” Mark insisted. He leaned in and kissed her. “I’m so proud to be part of your life,” he told her with a sweet smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

[joeyxxhuang]

Her eyes were bright as she looked at him, those sweet, incredible words falling from his lips. The kiss to her palm made her shiver, but the kiss to her lips ushered a soft moan from her throat. Starry eyed was probably the best way to describe her expression, and she squeezed his fingers, indescribably grateful for whatever force brought this man into her life. “So does that mean you’ll be back to see me again?” she asked teasingly, playfully nudging one of her feet against his under the table.

[themarkvaldez]

joeyxxhuang:

Her heart thudded as she waited for his reaction. Would he be upset with her for lying? For deceiving him? Luna wouldn’t blame him, she hadn’t exactly been honest. She bit the inside of her lip nervously, though the way he spoke had a shiver running through her. Her heart jumped into her throat again when Mark drew her into his arms. Luna swallowed hard and returned the hug, clinging to the man that had come to mean a lot to her in such a short amount of time.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she said softly, her eyes downcast when she sat back in her chair. “I wasn’t sure how you’d take everything… and if you’re upset about what I did tonight, I completely understand.”

Mark could see the worry on Luna’s face and how it amplified after he hugged her. He put a hand on top of hers and squeezed gently, a reassuring gesture. “After everything you’ve been through, how could I hold this against you? I wouldn’t even call it a lie. It’s just… you weren’t comfortable enough yet to tell me. I’m glad you did, though, and I’m sorry for just showing up here, where you work, without warning.” He shook his head. “You’re brave,” he added with another squeeze of her hand. “I can see why your mamas took to you. You’re fearless, babe, even if you don’t realize it.”

[joeyxxhuang]

Her shoulders visibly relaxed once he spoke, her hand turning under his to wind their fingers together. “You didn’t know I worked here, so that’s not really something to apologize for,” Luna pointed out. Her gaze lifted to meet his, a small, sweet smile curling her painted lips. “I have plenty of fear. I just... don’t let it get to me. Especially when I’m like this. My armor is just makeup and glitter, but it’s strong as hell.”

[themarkvaldez]

joeyxxhuang:

He was rejecting her, yes, but Luna didn’t feel rejected. He really was a good guy. She let out a soft sigh, a bright smile on her lips. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to sing one for you,” she promised. It wasn’t hard to see he was uncomfortable, and she knew she had to come clean - to ease that discomfort. To assure him that he was truly the best guy anyone could ever think of. Her name was called, and she twiddled her fingers in a little wave at Mark before strutting up to the stage.

Luna put everything into her first number, unable to stop smiling at the realization that Mark was just… perfect. She slipped backstage once she was finished, changing into a different dress - one that kept her arms uncovered, putting the tattoo on her forearm on display, something he rarely did. The tiger, rose and canary tattoo was unique, and Mark knew the meaning behind it. He’d have to know when he saw it, right?

Inhaling deeply, she got a drink for him at the bar, bringing it over to his table. “So… consider this my apology. Please,” she said softly, setting the glass down, making sure her arm was turned so he could see her ink.

Mark brightened up when Luna said she’d sing a song for him. He gave her a little wave of his own and as soon as her back was turn, collapsed on his table to breathe because he couldn’t believe all of that had just happened. By the time she was on stage, though, he was sitting back up and rapt with attention. She had such a beautiful voice. Honestly, it reminded him of Joey’s voice when they’d sang on their road trip to Wisconsin. She had the same lovely tone that sent shivers through him that Joey did.

Looking at his phone, considering texting Joey, Mark didn’t see Luna come down from the stage to bring him a drink. He perked up though when someone was at his table and he looked to them to speak, but instead dropped his phone as his eyes boggled at the sight of the tattoo. He looked quickly between the ink and Luna’s face. It was a tattoo Joey – and Luna – had for his mamas in New York because his family had turned their back on Joey for wanting to pursue a dance career.

“I’m an idiot,” Mark finally said after several seconds. “I recognized your eyes, your voice even, but I never thought… I shouldn’t have doubted…” he stopped and took a breath. He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I’m so proud of you,” he finally said before reaching out to hug Luna.

[joeyxxhuang]

Her heart thudded as she waited for his reaction. Would he be upset with her for lying? For deceiving him? Luna wouldn’t blame him, she hadn’t exactly been honest. She bit the inside of her lip nervously, though the way he spoke had a shiver running through her. Her heart jumped into her throat again when Mark drew her into his arms. Luna swallowed hard and returned the hug, clinging to the man that had come to mean a lot to her in such a short amount of time.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she said softly, her eyes downcast when she sat back in her chair. “I wasn’t sure how you’d take everything... and if you’re upset about what I did tonight, I completely understand.”

[themarkvaldez]

joeyxxhuang:

God he was cute. She knew he was cute before but god he was cute. “You’re right. There’s really nothing but love in here.” Luna leaned in a little, her heart jumping into her throat as he spoke. Maybe he was the perfect man after all. Sweet and sexy and understanding… she couldn’t help but lean in, her hand cupping Mark’s jaw as she feathered a soft kiss to his mouth. “Thank you for saying that, handsome,” she whispered, fingertips stroking his cheek. “That means… more than you know.”

Mark was talking and then, he was getting kissed. His brow shot up and he pulled back in shock. Luna thanked him and he nodded, but then he swallowed hard and shook his head, eyes still wide. “I always wanted you to do that, but not now. You can’t do it, again. I have a boyfriend. I told you.” He reached out and took Luna’s hand. “You’re welcome. I’m glad I could say the right words for once in my life, but really, I have a boyfriend.” He realized he was still shaking her hand and pulled away sheepishly. “Sorry. Thank you for your appreciation. I hope you do good – well, I hope you do well on stage, tonight,” he added before clearing his throat and putting his hands in his lap, now more cautious around her.

[joeyxxhuang]

He was rejecting her, yes, but Luna didn’t feel rejected. He really was a good guy. She let out a soft sigh, a bright smile on her lips. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to sing one for you,” she promised. It wasn’t hard to see he was uncomfortable, and she knew she had to come clean - to ease that discomfort. To assure him that he was truly the best guy anyone could ever think of. Her name was called, and she twiddled her fingers in a little wave at Mark before strutting up to the stage.

Luna put everything into her first number, unable to stop smiling at the realization that Mark was just... perfect. She slipped backstage once she was finished, changing into a different dress - one that kept her arms uncovered, putting the tattoo on her forearm on display, something he rarely did. The tiger, rose and canary tattoo was unique, and Mark knew the meaning behind it. He’d have to know when he saw it, right?

Inhaling deeply, she got a drink for him at the bar, bringing it over to his table. “So... consider this my apology. Please,” she said softly, setting the glass down, making sure her arm was turned so he could see her ink.

[themarkvaldez]

joeyxxhuang:

She frowned a little, the expression playful. “So you come here because you like queens but you don’t come to pick someone up? You are a rare breed, honey,” Luna teased. Her cheeks flushed, though the color probably wasn’t visible under all the makeup she had on. “Little old me? You’ll send my knees weak, honey. But good for you. I.. well, I do, we just started dating. He just doesn’t quite know this part of me yet. He only knows me without the wig.”

Mark gave Luna a shy look. “I come here because I like the people. No one judges each other and it’s a good atmosphere.” It was true because take him to a club where guys were hitting on him and he clammed up, but take him to the Baton Lounge where everyone was having a good time and just being themselves? He liked that. Mark listened and nodded in thought. “I can understand wanting to protect yourself,” he said before continuing, leaning forward slightly. “But if he has a problem with this side of you? He doesn’t deserve the whole package.” He then smiled weakly and drifted back away on his seat. “Sorry, I get protective, too, because people shouldn’t have to hide their soul, you know? You’re amazing. You deserve the best. That’s that.”

[joeyxxhuang]

God he was cute. She knew he was cute before but god he was cute. “You’re right. There’s really nothing but love in here.” Luna leaned in a little, her heart jumping into her throat as he spoke. Maybe he was the perfect man after all. Sweet and sexy and understanding... she couldn’t help but lean in, her hand cupping Mark’s jaw as she feathered a soft kiss to his mouth. “Thank you for saying that, handsome,” she whispered, fingertips stroking his cheek. “That means... more than you know.”

[themarkvaldez]

joeyxxhuang:

“Come on, I doubt a handsome guy like you is always alone,” she insisted, trying to act like her normal, flirty, confident self and not show how she was having a panic attack behind her makeup and lashes. Hearing Mark refer to his boyfriend made her heart skip a beat - they hadn’t exactly used or discussed the title together but it was definitely acceptable - and she felt a smile crawling across her lips. “So you’re the one always trying to get me drunk. Why didn’t you ever stick around? I don’t bite unless you ask,” Luna promised. “Though I have a feeling your boyfriend wouldn’t be too happy if I did.” Her stomach jumped at the thought of it, and she wondered - Mark had been a perfect gentleman, sweet and considerate. Was he truly one of the last nice guys around or would he give in to temptation?

Mark laughed as he felt his face warm up with more flush. “I mean, I always come here alone. Not everyone understands the… attractions I have, though I definitely don’t come here to pick up someone and I wouldn’t think you’d ever give me the time of day.” He paused and then sighed. “I’m sorry, this is like a dream, talking to you, but also… not dreamy because the reality is that I like my partner. We just started dating, but he means a lot to me already. Plus, I’m sure you have someone of your own to bite.”

[joeyxxhuang]

She frowned a little, the expression playful. “So you come here because you like queens but you don’t come to pick someone up? You are a rare breed, honey,” Luna teased. Her cheeks flushed, though the color probably wasn’t visible under all the makeup she had on. “Little old me? You’ll send my knees weak, honey. But good for you. I.. well, I do, we just started dating. He just doesn’t quite know this part of me yet. He only knows me without the wig.”

[themarkvaldez]

joeyxxhuang:

It was a fantastic night. Luna peered into the mirror, putting the finishing touches on her lipstick and making sure her wig was perched just right. She was more than ready for the first of three numbers she had planned for the evening. But first, the necessary sweep through the club. She sighed and got up, strutting out to the main room of the club - only to stop short at the man sitting in the corner. Her heart tripped into overtime. Mark. Mark was here, and he didn’t know about her. Didn’t know his boyfriend spent most evenings dressed to the nines and singing for his rent. Swallowing hard, she shook off the shock and stepped forward, hoping he wouldn’t notice the tremor as she teased her fingers over his table. “All alone tonight, handsome?” she asked, proud that her voice didn’t quiver.

Mark nearly fell off his stool when he heard the voice and turned to see Luna standing there looking as beautiful as the sun. “Y-yeah,” he said with a breathy chuckle. “Like I always am.” He shied away his eyes as to not openly stare at Luna, but he had a thing for her eyes and smile. They made him feel good. Like Joey made him feel good. Oh God, Joey. “I mean, I have a boyfriend, but I just…don’t know how he’d react to me being here.” Mark shrugged and played with his stirring stick. “I always come to see you and then run away before the waiter can deliver the drinks I buy you.” He was blushing now, because Luna was actually talking to him. He’d have to tell Joey, at some point.

[joeyxxhuang]

“Come on, I doubt a handsome guy like you is always alone,” she insisted, trying to act like her normal, flirty, confident self and not show how she was having a panic attack behind her makeup and lashes. Hearing Mark refer to his boyfriend made her heart skip a beat - they hadn’t exactly used or discussed the title together but it was definitely acceptable - and she felt a smile crawling across her lips. “So you’re the one always trying to get me drunk. Why didn’t you ever stick around? I don’t bite unless you ask,” Luna promised. “Though I have a feeling your boyfriend wouldn’t be too happy if I did.” Her stomach jumped at the thought of it, and she wondered - Mark had been a perfect gentleman, sweet and considerate. Was he truly one of the last nice guys around or would he give in to temptation?

[themarkvaldez]

Mark was at his usual spot on Thursday night – at the Baton Lounge, watching drag queens serve up high-quality entertainment. Tonight was different, though. Now that he had a boyfriend, he didn’t allow other men to buy him drinks or food or serenades. Sometimes, guys just didn’t want to take no for an answer and he play the boyfriend card to a hard degree. “I’m not interested,” Mark was saying to a man as he backed away, ready to retreat to his table. “I have a boyfriend and you’re not him. I’m just here to watch the ladies sing. Now, if you’ll excuse me…” With that, he was going back to his table in a corner to watch. He hoped Luna was performing tonight. She was his favorite.

[joeyxxhuang]

It was a fantastic night. Luna peered into the mirror, putting the finishing touches on her lipstick and making sure her wig was perched just right. She was more than ready for the first of three numbers she had planned for the evening. But first, the necessary sweep through the club. She sighed and got up, strutting out to the main room of the club - only to stop short at the man sitting in the corner. Her heart tripped into overtime. Mark. Mark was here, and he didn’t know about her. Didn’t know his boyfriend spent most evenings dressed to the nines and singing for his rent. Swallowing hard, she shook off the shock and stepped forward, hoping he wouldn’t notice the tremor as she teased her fingers over his table. “All alone tonight, handsome?” she asked, proud that her voice didn’t quiver.

[joeyxxhuang]

markteague:

“I have never been to New York or anywhere East of Chicago, really,” Mark admitted. “I think it would be cool to go, though, and you definitely need to go with me to be a tourist in Chicago.” He chuckled but then paused at the last thing Joey said. His brow raised and a wide smile spread on his face before he glanced at his passenger and then back to the road. “You have moms? That’s so awesome.”

“I love New York. I grew up not far from the city, but I only lived there for a year. Still the most amazing city ever - sorry, Chicago,” he said, looking around as if some manifestation of the city was going to attack him. “I totally will take you up on that.” Joey’s smile faded a little, and he bit his bottom lip. “Uh... kind of? When I moved to New York I had a gaggle of drag queens take me under their wing and they called themselves my mamas after a while. So... I have three adopted mamas.”

[joeyxxhuang]

markteague:

Mark was paying close attention to driving in the madness that was Downtown Chicago so he didn’t pick up on the letdown of taking his hand away. “I actually haven’t seen it since I was four or five,” he noted before pulling onto a fast, busy freeway to head even further North. Eventually, they would be on Lakeshore, but not now. They’d never get out of the city if he took it now. “Um,” Mark hummed and tapped his pointer fingers on the wheel. “Moved here for my first real job after college and just never left, which was about six years ago. So, it’s been a while and sad that I’ve never done something like this.”

He chuckled, leaning back into the seat. Most people would probably look out the window - but Joey found it much more interesting to look at the driver. “I mean, I was like that in New York when I lived there. I was there over a year and I never did any of the touristy things. Empire State Building, all that... I did do Coney Island, but only because one of my mamas was dying to go to Freak Night and she insisted I come with her.”

[joeyxxhuang]

markteague:

By the time Mark joined Joey in the car, he was telling himself to breathe because it was just the first date and Joey was just a cute guy that he happened to be crazy about already. Mark squeezed Joey’s hand before gently pulling away so he could start the car. As soon as he had the car started and the air set, though, his hand went right back to Joey’s. “I’ve never actually been up Lakeshore Drive or to Wisconsin,” he admitted with a blush. “But my roommate when I first moved here went and said it was like driving along the ocean, which I haven’t seen since I was a kid, so here’s hoping he was right.” Mark pulled away from the curb and then had to let go of Joey’s hand to pay attention with both hands on the wheel. “So, how long have you lived in Chicago?” Mark asked as he merged into traffic as they headed North.

Joey didn’t even think about taking Mark’s hand. He just did it without thinking, and he licked his lips nervously when the other man pulled away. “I haven’t seen it in a few years either, so this will be nice. It’s always more calming by the water, which... I’ve never figured out why that is. But it works.” He folded his hands in his lap, leaning back against the seat. “I’ve lived here for... gosh. Almost five years now. I moved here just before I turned 21, for school. What about you?” 

[joeyxxhuang]

markteague:

“Hey, beautiful!” Mark called out as he got out of the rental car outside of Joey’s building to greet the man who’d agreed on his sappy date with him. Mark hesitated before giving Joey a hug and then stepped back. “You look great,” he said as he blushed and led Joey by the hand to the car. “Just put your stuff in the back here with the picnic basket. I hope you like sun dried tomato because those are the wraps I picked up for the meat and cheese and veggies.” He was so excited that he nearly forgot to open the car door, but seeing Joey go for it, he reached faster and opened it up to usher Joey in. “I got the luxury sedan so we can have plenty of leg room,” he explained. “I have sunscreen and my camera. Oh, and some bottled water and sparkling wine, so I hope you’re ready for this,” he said as his face flushed and he chuckled. He was so excited to be spending the day with Joey.

@joeyxxhuang

Joey felt color touch his cheeks when he heard the greeting. He didn’t think he would ever get over Mark thinking he was beautiful. “Hi,” he greeted shyly. He leaned into Mark’s embrace, the color in his face only getting worse when he heard the compliment. “You always look great,” he replied without thinking, his hand comfortable in Mark’s. Joey wondered how much more pathetic he would seem if he admitted he’d never been on a date before. “That sounds awesome,” he said. “I’m pretty easy. When it comes to food,” he hurried to clarify. Mark’s adorable babble made him smile, and he slid into the front seat, reaching over the console to take the other man’s hand in his own. “I’m so ready for this. Thank you for suggesting this, I’m pretty excited. I’ve never been to the lakeshore,” he admitted, his thumb lightly rubbing the back of Mark’s hand without thinking.

[joeyxxhuang]

text | Mark & Joey

Mark: Well, I'm still here, so I guess you fell right :)

Mark: Wow we are going to not have a problem making each other laugh if that's your humor haha

Joey: Or I'm still in the process of falling, depending on how you look at it.

Joey: I have my moments. So when are you whisking me away on this first date?

[joeyxxhuang]

text | Mark & Joey

Mark: I doubt I'm that memorable, but that's cute

Mark: Oh good because that's me, super romantic and cheesy and I can't help myself sometimes

Joey: You are. She asked about the handsome man who stopped me from falling.

Joey: I have no problem with dairy. Bring on the cheese ;)