“Keep them coming.” He didn’t care how drunk he needed to be to get through this. Truth be told, Jason was OFTEN drunk. He may not consider himself an alcoholic, but he definitely gained his mother’s ability to drink herself into oblivion. Being here wasn’t such a big deal, but bringing someone else with him probably was. His date was sitting next to him, trying to gain his attention and FAILING. He just had no interest. He never had. Any time he went out with a girl in public, it was for an image. It wasn’t for love. It wasn’t for SEX. He did it because it was expected of him. His mother and father didn’t talk about his sexuality, but they also didn’t want him out there FLAUNTING the fact he was gay. The idea of them never having any grandchildren was probably an issue, but that wasn’t his problem. His brother could continue the bloodline, and if Jason REALLY felt the need to have a heir, fucking someone to create a spawn wouldn’t be the worst idea he’s ever had.
It took him a moment to realize there wasn’t even really a bartender. Just someone standing with a drink tray. “Doesn’t change what I said.” He grumbled, downing the liquid in the glass in one shot. As much as he wanted to remain sober and be here, he didn’t think it was possible. Not when he had to deal with the bitch next to him. He loved girls - don’t get him wrong - but he didn’t liked the ones that were clingy after the first date. His eyes were still locked on the entrance of the building, somewhat hopeful someone walked through the door that he wanted to see.
Just like that. THERE HE WAS.
Jason’s pretty sure he’s never felt his heart pound faster than it was, but he wasn’t entirely sure if it’s because Leo just walked in or if the alcohol was finally starting to get to him. That had been his fourth of the night, maybe. He raised his finger, stopping his date from opening her mouth before he moved away from her. He wasn’t sure what he was expected from Leo. It wasn’t like they could be seen in public and Jason was the reason it was like that. Even if he thought he could get them into the Red Room, the idea of someone SEEING was enough to make him want to re-plan it.
“You look…” Nice. He wanted to say. But he couldn’t. “Better than you normally do.” GOOD ONE. If he hadn’t wanted to mentally kick himself, he certainly wanted to do it now. When Lauren appeared at his side, wrapping her arm around him, Jason forced a smile. He had been trying to avoid her since he brought her here, now he felt the need to use her. “Leo, Lauren. Lauren, Leo.” She seemed to press herself closer to Jason, but she smiled weakly at the taller boy. “Why don’t you go get me another drink, Lauren?” He gave her a gentle shove in the direction of the man still standing with the drink tray. “You aren’t here with someone?” There was a hint of jealously in his tone.
@leolangston
Leo wished he were a better friend, but lately all of his actions seemed to come with a set of ulterior motives. He would be lying if he said he had come with Phoenix and Selena purely for their protection. True, he was here to make sure they were safe tonight and he wouldn’t hesitate to fulfill that promise, but they were helping him too whether they knew it or not. They had inadvertently formed a human shield; keeping everyone at arm’s length and allowing him to navigate the event on his own terms. With a girl on either side he was able to scan the crowd, looking for a certain blonde and purposely charting a course as far away from him as humanly possible.
He’d done fairly well so far, managing to give his heart and head enough space to function properly and actually enjoy the event. Unfortunately, his strategy had a fatal flaw. Both of his dates had been swooped up by their sorority sisters before he even knew what was happening and escorted to the nearest bathroom among hushed whispers. “We’ll be right back!” was the last thing he heard before the door closed behind them.
If there was a single moment in Leo’s life where he regretted being sober the most, this was probably it. He felt like a sitting duck, anxiety pressing against his chest and stealing the air from his lungs. Please, God, do me a solid. Don’t let him find me. I’m begging. He did his best to seem small, blending with the crowd as best he could, but it was no use. Jason seemed to have a sixth sense for catching him when he was most vulnerable.
If there was any air left in his lungs it was knocked out of him the moment they made eye contact. Jason was always handsome, but seeing him in his suit made Leo’s heart ache with longing to do something stupidly domestic like run his hand through his hair or touch his face. He dug his fingernails deep into the flesh of his palm to remind himself. Not here. Not now.
“Better than I normally do, huh? Gee, thanks. I’m flattered.” Years of interacting with Jason in front of other coven members had helped him practice schooling his features, keeping his voice low and monotone even when there was nothing he’d rather do than just scream. But all that practice never made it any easier. Especially when Jason kept throwing wrenches in the god damn works, like Lauren.
Lauren was pretty and soft, and Leo wanted nothing more than to set her beautiful gown on fire. He felt the rage boil through him like hot tar and he had the sudden desire to grab a champagne flute from the nearest waiter and smash it against the wall. Anything to make this painful jealousy go away. He was glad when she was gone, but as soon as she left he realized he had to calm down.
Jason wanted him to be jealous? Fine. Two could play at that game. He drew himself up to his full height so he could look down at the blonde. “Yeah, actually I’m here with two people. Turns out girls can’t keep their hands off me. Must be one of those ‘want what you can’t have’ kind of things.” He gave Jason a pointed look before grabbing a random drink from one of the waiters passing by and downing it in one gulp. Fuck sobriety.
