@stanislawkowalski || plotted starter
It was unlike Frederich to miss out on a large party. He was not a drinker, a dancer, or a partyer in general, but the bastard did love to network. Somehow, despite his usually stale manner of talking, he came to life and did well at these sorts of events.
As such, Louis had assumed that his weekend was going to be free. He'd be allowed to return to his apartment above ground and do whatever the fuck he wanted rather than attending. Not that he had much planned for it. He wanted to go to the club. Unwind and perhaps over do it at the same time, until he forgot about his stressors for at least a day or two. Such was his usual weekend plan when in the mental headspace he was.
However, Frederich had informed him the night of that he would go in his stead. Why, he wasn't told. Simply that he needed to talk to their usual clients at the event. Louis had to resist the urge to frown at that. Not for the work but...who was there.
Nastka.
He'd avoided that man like the plague when he could. There were times that business brought them in the same vicinity, but Louis did his best not to allow conversation to strike between the two of them. Truthfully, he gruelled the idea of another talk. He really didn't feel like having another thing to stress about ontop of his work--especially something that he anticipated ending in hurt feelings. He'd had enough salt rubbed into a wound. He didn't expect the sensation to improve with more time spent together.
However, he couldn't completely avoid Nastka either tonight. He was on the list of people to talk to. But he thought he'd table it till the very end of the night. Make a quiet conversation before he ducked. Get a glass or two of wine in his system to make it easier. Finish up his other talks then rip the bandage off.
So he networked elsewhere. He spoke with a few of the families, danced with a handful of women, and eventually felt like he could conclude the night...after talking to Nastka...--he made note of where he was in the room. When their eyes met, he quickly avoided the gaze with a frown. He felt his frustration growing.
...he needed a smoke break before that.
Feeling for his vape in his pocket, he dismissed himself to the balcony. It was a bit bittersweet; knowing that he was avoiding Nastka on the balcony of all places. After they had flirted and had some fun there once before. His pen made it to his lips, a large plume of vapor meeting the air as he sighed after his inhale. Fuck. He really didn't want to talk to Nastka. The night had gone so smoothly. A hand ran through his hair to control unruly bangs.
He had to talk to him...what the fuck was he even supposed to say?

















