melodrama.

we pull our boots on with both hands but we can't punch ourselves awake and all i can do is stand on the curb and say, "sorry about the blood the blood in your mouth, i wish it was mine." i couldn't get the boy to kill me, but i wore his jacket for the longest time.

[planetsorbit]

it's been 3 years since they last spoke. the circumstances were stranger then, the funereal invite sudden and out of left field. jiwoo herself had been every shade of blue, stormy-eyed and hollowed in speech. but where her voice was trim and thin, she appeared stifled with feeling, overwhelmed with it, and yewon was misguided enough to think her interjections kind, if not helpful. ('if anyone says the cliche thing of: everything happens for a reason and she is happier now — i think you're legally allowed to gun them down with an m85.') morbid, considering the procession before them, and though yewon regrets her attempt at sympathy, jiwoo had still graced her with a smile. it's that exact look she remembers best, the gesture of it as selfless as she'd long believed jiwoo to be. it's simultaneously why yewon finds the red lipstick and borderline flirtatious teasing, flustering on reception. things are arguably different here, not formal nor casual, and yewon smiles a little wide-eyed when jiwoo tips back a shot, easy. she doesn't drink much herself (she's a bit of a lightweight, thankfully) but she follows suit, competitive and empathetic all the same. it's bitter and it burns, the less than preferable sting of it showing in the scrunch of her face. grimacing, she responds, "i didn't know that. i thought i've only ever stuck my foot in my mouth around you." then, because she's desperate to empty the glasses like medicine, yewon hands jiwoo a 2nd shot, before taking a 2nd of her own. she makes another face. "...hm. these are bad."

[tragedyrich]

jiwoo has always had to keep her cards close to her chest, too much of a reaction or visible vulnerability can make a person like her feel burning hot with barely suppressed rage that needed to be consistently tempered, an ant under a magnifying glass trying to survive the heatwave. it may have been one day out of a year to people who didn't know the innerworkings of their family, jiwoo obstinate and unwilling to console herself with naively false reassurances when she felt like such a failure, too sensitive and private of a person to forget yewon's kind lack of pretense so quickly on a day as hard as that. sometimes, you can hear the ambulance sirens miles away, years before it ever actually arrives and it's still a shock to the nervous system. if her family doctors ordered an mri scan for jiwoo's brain after seeing yewon again, she'd be curious to see the findings. all of this to say, yewon was a difficult person to forget even amongst a sea of people dressed in their figurative sunday finest. jiwoo wants to laugh, because the sight of hyewon's face contorting when the shot doesn't go down smooth is beyond endearing, but she just shakes her head and bites her bottom lip instead. "you're silly. but you wouldn't be the first to think that. silverspooned frigid bitch, remember?" she says it with a tone that's steeped in as much pride as bitterness. something softer and a little more vulnerable breaks through, meeting yewon's gaze again. "you're the only one whose ever talked to me like a normal person, as far as i remember. same here, anyway, i was going to tease you about putting on a few more pounds — of muscle than when i saw you last." now she understands the complaints of being made the drink courier though, when it seemed like yewon wasn't the best at drinking. she looks like she could carry a few bottles without breaking much of a sweat, so it figures that it was something else. "don't feel pressured to drink if it's not your thing. i promise i don't bite," jiwoo reassures, the corners of her lips subtly quirking up as if that might not be the full truth.

[tragedyrich]

@planetsorbit: i said one drink, and now i'm holding four. ( yewon & jiwoo / in which they're sat at the shared table of the 10th yr high school reunion and perhaps . the other 3 people at their table went to mingle w other tables so . yewon's breaking the ice with a joke abt the 4 drinks at the table (including hers)... )

it's not really much of a surprise that jiwoo had zoned out on her phone as soon as the more cunning and insecure girls she'd attended with had left, the herd thinning and socially circling the room. jiwoo hadn't been too ecstatic at the idea of attending with the risk of seeing the girls that'd made her already turbulent adolescence even more inconvenient. not that she saw them as a threat, really, but they say even poor company is better than no company. and god, she wishes she meant that in a classist way — but at least a quarter of the girls at school had been catty bitches regardless of their financial circumstances. at the recognition of a faintly familiar voice, jiwoo raises her gaze from her phone to meet yewon's, taking a moment to process the somewhat comical sight of yewon holding four shots of soju and a smile begins to bloom on her face. "oh, that's quite the conundrum. suppose we'll have to have an extra, then?" they barely knew each other aside from a few encounters, always within proximity but never best friends. yewon had always seemed different than the other girls, uncompromising on her principles and more confident in her skin. "let me help you out with those. but in my opinion, this is the opposite of a problem now that they're preoccupied. you've always been much more pleasant to talk to," jiwoo teases, tone a bit sultry as she reaches out to help yewon free up her hands as she sets them down on the table, then sitting back down to toss back hers. it looks like this reunion had the opportunity of becoming something more fun than a mere social obligation.

[zachrp]

ᝰ🚬 𝚉𝙰𝙲𝙷𝚁𝙿 .ᐟ RANDOM ALL-OUT PARTY PROMPTS. CHANGE ANY PRONOUNS IF NECESSARY. SOME MATURE THEMES MAY BE PRESENT.

THE PREGAME

i promised myself i'd behave, and then i showed up here.

why does every bad decision start with music this loud?

don't babysit me, just refill my cup.

someone hid the water on purpose, i swear.

if this ends with pizza, it was worth it.

i'm already texting people i shouldn't.

this feels like the calm before something stupid.

i didn't dress like this to sit down.

we're definitely not remembering everything tomorrow.

hand me that bottle like you mean it.

who invited you, and why are you already this drunk?

if i take one more shot, it's your fault.

don't tell me to pace myself, tell me to hydrate later.

is this vodka, or did someone lie to me aggressively?

i have not eaten, and i regret nothing.

let's not even go out.. let's stay in and have our own party!

why is the music already this loud?

we're starting strong tonight, huh.

you're smiling like you're about to make bad choices.

i said one drink, and now i'm holding four.

if i die tonight, delete my texts.

who's house is this again?

i swear i was sober five minutes ago.

don't look at me like that unless you're pouring another shot.

this is either going to be legendary or embarrassing.

i already lost my dignity, so cheers.

ON THE DANCE FLOOR

you keep pulling me back every time i drift away.

if you pull me any closer, i'm not pretending to resist.

keep your hands there. i dare you.

you feel really good this close.

if the lights were on, this would be dangerous.

you move like you know exactly what you're doing.

you keep brushing against me on purpose, don't lie.

this song is doing us no favors.

if you keep staring, i'm going to do something about it.

you're making it hard to pretend we're just friends.

i can't tell if we're dancing or negotiating.

why are you looking at my mouth like that?

you always dance like you're trying to start trouble.

dance with me or move, you're blocking my view.

tell me this isn't flirting. i dare you.

you're way too confident for someone this close to me.

stop grinding on me like that if you're not serious.

i can feel your heartbeat through your chest.

your hands are saying things your mouth won't.

you move like you want to be noticed.

if i turn around, you better not stop.

you're sweating, and somehow it's hot.

don't pretend you didn't come over here for me.

DRUNK CONFESSIONS AND MESSY, JEALOUS ENERGY

i don't usually trust people this fast.

you didn't deny it, that's interesting.

i don't like watching you smile at them.

you know exactly what you're doing to me.

i tried not to care, and failed.

don't test how patient i am tonight.

you came back, so don't play dumb.

i saw the way they touched you.

you don't get this reaction from everyone.

i hate how much i notice.

you belong right here, not over there.

you feel familiar in a way that scares me.

i don't hate this version of myself with you.

i was hoping you'd talk to me tonight.

you make me forget why i'm guarded.

i'm bad at this, so be patient.

i don't open up, and yet here i am.

you make the noise in my head quieter.

i didn't expect you to matter this much.

i'm saying too much, but i don't want to stop.

who was that you were dancing with?

you didn't look at them the way you look at me.

don't pretend you didn't notice me watching.

are you trying to make me jealous, or is it natural?

i don't like sharing your attention.

you disappeared, and i didn't like it.

you're mine tonight, right?

don't flirt with them in front of me.

i know i don't get to say that, but still.

you came back to me for a reason.

i've wanted to kiss you since the first drink.

i don't say this sober, but you make me nervous.

i think about you more than i should.

i'm not usually this honest, so don't make it weird.

i kind of want you to ruin my night.

you're my favorite bad idea.

i tell myself not to want you, and then i drink.

you're the reason i showed up tonight.

i don't trust myself around you when i'm drunk.

if i say something stupid, blame the alcohol.

i think you know exactly how hot you are.

i'd choose you over everyone in this room.

i'm way too drunk to lie to you.

i don't want to go home alone.

PURE FLIRTATIOUS/SUGGESTIVE/DIRTY TALK

you're testing me on purpose, admit it.

that look should come with a warning.

don't act shy now, it doesn't suit you.

if i lean in, it's mutual.

you're way too calm for someone stirring this much trouble.

tell me to stop, or don't.

you always push just enough.

i like how bold you get after a few drinks.

i want you focused on me.

you're all i can think about right now.

if i start something, i won't half-ass it.

you look like you want to be handled.

i don't need subtle from you tonight.

you're making promises without saying a word.

i'm losing patience, fair warning.

you're not being gentle with my self-control.

i want your attention, fully.

keep looking at me like that.

are you always this tempting, or am i just drunk?

you're looking at me like you want something.

if you keep leaning in, i'm kissing you.

don't tease me unless you plan to follow through.

you smell really good, and it's distracting.

i'm trying to behave, but you're not helping.

that smile should be illegal.

tell me what you're thinking. i know it's dirty.

you're playing innocent badly.

if we leave together, no one would be surprised.

you keep touching me like it's an accident.

i'm not stopping you.

say my name again like that.

you look even better up close.

i want you somewhere quieter.

i've been imagining this all night.

you're driving me insane.

i don't care who sees us.

you feel way too good for a public place.

keep your voice down, or don't..

i'm losing my self-control with every drink.

you're going to be the reason i make a scene.

touch me again and see what happens.

i want your mouth on me, now.

you're trouble, and i'm leaning in.

i'm done pretending i don't want you.

if you pull me away, i won't fight it.

i want to go somewhere we can be louder.

THE SMOKING-AREA SECTION

this feels like a secret we're keeping together..

you look good when you're plotting something.

i like this side of you, a little reckless.

don't pretend the tension isn't real.

you're leaning closer every sentence.

i could stay out here with you all night.

the air feels charged, doesn't it?

you always corner me when you want something.

this is getting harder to ignore.

say it. whatever you're thinking.

why is it always hotter out here?

you followed me outside on purpose.

this is where the real conversations happen.

you look dangerous under this light.

don't stand that close unless you mean it.

i like you better away from the crowd.

you always flirt harder when no one's watching.

you're making it hard to focus on anything else.

if i kiss you right now, would you stop me?

this night just got interesting.

you taste like alcohol and bad ideas.

stay out here with me a minute longer.

you're trouble in a very specific way.

i could drag you back inside, or somewhere else.

don't look at me like that unless you're ready.

THE END OF THE NIGHT

i don't think i'm sober enough to say goodbye.

you coming with me, or am i begging?

i don't want this night to end yet.

my place is closer than yours.

let's not think about tomorrow.

i'll regret this, but i'll regret not doing it more.

stay. please.

i don't want to overthink this.

you're already halfway convinced.

nah, you know we can't do this..

we can deal with consequences later.

this feels like a yes waiting to happen.

i don't want to say goodnight yet.

stay close, just like this.

i'll walk you, or you can come with me.

this night doesn't feel finished.

i want more time with you.

let's not make this complicated.

you're already halfway in my arms.

we can pretend this was planned.

i don't trust myself to sleep alone.

if you leave now, i'll be mad at you forever.

i like you like this. honest and reckless.

come home with me.

i don't need another drink. i need you.

this feels like the start of something messy.

THE MORNING AFTER

tell me we didn't imagine that.

my head hurts, but i'm smiling.

so.. last night happened, right?

i regret nothing except the tequila.

we should probably talk about that.

how'd you even get me home?

about last night..

my phone is judging me, but i'm not.

i woke up smiling and annoyed about it.

please tell me you're not ghosting me.

we need coffee and a conversation.

i'm embarrassed, but also curious.

are we talking about this?

hey, thanks for taking care of me last night.

did i leave my underwear at your place?

i keep replaying last night.

whatever happened last night should've never happened.

that wasn't nothing, right?

i hope you got home safe.

i kind of want to do it again, sober or not.

[tragedyrich]

@planetsorbit: what are you still doing here? go home. ( charlie x yohan ; legal assistant au in which charlie notices yohan working past usual clock out time for reasons ? and is promptly being Amicable and a Good Boss abt it ? :eyes: )

the thing is, yohan has two functions. he either works really slowly at his own pace, completely immersed, on the verge of shutdown mode and until he's good again can get into an interrupted workflow to play catch up from when he was doing quite bad. it's easier for him to focus when he can blare music and shut himself off from the rest of the world, hyperfocusing on one task while he drowns everything else out. yohan probably would've shot up into the air when charlie entered if he didn't have his headphones half off already, turning to blink at his superior with tired and red-rimmed eyes. there's an abandoned raspberry jam powdered donut that yohan had taken one bite out of and forgotten about on the left of his desk. unbeknownst to yohan, there's still white powder clinging to his lips. his eyes dart to the time on his monitor and then back to charlie, belated recognition blooming on his face. "oh, shit. i didn't realize how long i'd been sitting here. no wonder i'm so stiff," he laughs, sheepishly rubbing at the back of his neck. then, his brows furrow and his gaze narrows at charlie. "hey, wait a sec. what are you still doing here? i'm not leaving until you leave, and i'm almost done with this, so." it was bad form to leave before the boss, right? plus, yohan really is almost done organizing all of the case files. he didn't have any grandiose plans for his friday night aside from ordering in chinese food and watching something on netflix, which is something yohan does on most days of the week anyway. "i'll go home as soon as you do, i promise," yohan reassures, a grin tugging at his lips.

[tragedyrich]

@planetsorbit: what happens if i can't redeem myself? ( charlie x yohan *or minseo depending on what suits the vibe best* ; in which charlie's experience in the legal industry has made him all too wary of the seedy underbelly of the world and/or his family's wealthy involvement in all of it . feeling drained . feeling melancholic and irritable about this golden fork he's been handed since birth . )

minseo feels like it's a bad time to mention that if charlie was a cop or worked for any other government agency, he would be considerably less infatuated with him. minseo's only concern is that charlie is talking as if he's already done something that he can't come back from, and his breath hitches before giving charlie's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. he's known charlie to be private, but not deceitful. "i've been a little worried about you lately. you've been drinking a lot," he admits, gnawing at the inside of his cheek. minseo isn't sure if anyone has ever said these words to charlie before, but he feels the need to say it anyway. "i think you take on too much. you can't blame yourself for trying to make a flawed system work. can't win 'em all, you know?" minseo asserts, his hand reluctantly retreating from charlie's shoulder to settle at the small of his back. he's not trying to be dismissive — minseo knows how often charlie has been undermined, overlooked, and neglected. he's fortunate enough that his parents felt their filial duty wasn't to try to make him the next fucking johnnie cochrane. those are ridiculous standards for charlie, someone inherently talented, much less anyone to meet. he huffs, narrowing his gaze at charlie with a teasing lilt to the corners of his mouth. "in my eyes, i don't think there's anything you could do that you couldn't come back from. i kind of think you're the shit, in case you haven't caught on," minseo politely reminds him. he stares at charlie as if he's trying to look through him, brows then furrowing because he recalls charlie's brother snubbing him at a recent dinner party and minseo had to use all of his willpower not to make a scene. he hates seeing charlie disrespected but at the same time he knows how tricky family can be — and there's no diplomatic way to tell someone to go fuck themselves, although he's seen charlie manage something close to it a couple of times. always witty and too smart for his own good. sometimes, it was easier to be a fool and turn the other cheek.

[planetsorbit]

when teddy returns, they're settled so stark in contrast that charlie can't help the smirk that follows. he's bunched the sleeves of his dress shirt up to his elbows, and poured them both a wine glass each of deep red, socks haphazardly abandoned by the living room rug. he's comfortable to a degree, but far from the level before him. "yup. opened easy." charlie makes a scene of it, pointedly dropping his eyes to teddy's bared legs, before handing him the glass directly. with the wine, and in hindsight, with teddy too — he gives up on the patient process, tipping back a sip or two of merlot (fuck aeration and the swishing process) with confident gulps. he sets the glass half empty atop the counter, then approaching teddy — handsome and well-mussed from the undressing — charlie responds. "if you spill something, i'll need to get it washed. and you'll lose clothing privileges," he mirrors teddy in tone, teasing and comical and almost vague with intention. except he continues, impatient like he often is: "honestly, i wouldn't mind. — would you be uncomfortable with that? if i wanted to undress you?" it's like a bottle of ink tipped over in the blacks of charlie's eyes, the sudden stretch of it wide and reaching and bold. he feels near certain of teddy's newly shared attraction, but he resists groping until he gets proper confirmation. until teddy asks for it shy and explicit.

[tragedyrich]

teddy's cheeks heat, too sobered up for it to be from the wine that's yet to hit his palate — more so the unsubtle glance at his bare legs. pale and devoid of hair, and teddy doesn't expect for that to get past charlie's observation. he clears his throat, then sputters a laugh, reaching for the stem of the glass. "oh, bossy, are we? i'll be oh-so careful, i promise," teddy murmurs, tipping the glass back to take a few mouthfuls, a pleasant burn in his throat as he swallows. teddy blinks, mouth parted in mild surprise at the bluntness — but the desire is so visible, potent and shared. he swallows thickly. "no — no, i wouldn't be uncomfortable with that. i was waiting for you to slip up and try kissing me, at the han," teddy confides, licking wine-stained lips clean. he takes one last gulp, throat working — before setting the wine glass down, focus directed on charlie. they'd wasted time musing over pointless hypotheticals. teddy wants something real, even if it's just for the night. his fingers squeeze at the dip of charlie's waist, inching the slightest bit closer until they're almost sharing breath, looking down at him through sooty lashes. "what else would you not mind? i want to know. or if that's too much, i can tell you what i wouldn't mind," teddy chirps, flirtatious and light, as if he'd been giving the matter much consideration himself.

[planetsorbit]

"warming up," he mutters, doubtful that a response is even necessary. they're clearly of same mind at this point, wading with anticipation and gawking in the build-up. charlie keys into his apartment and taps open an additional lock before shouldering in — back conveniently holding the door ajar for teddy to slip past. "sure. got a vintage merlot last month from a client. haven't tried it but it's expensive, if that's any indicator." the entrance isn't small per se, but it's conveniently crowded when there're shoes lazed about, and charlie utilizes the squeeze by bracing teddy by the waist and sliding round. he lets the mess linger and toes off another pair, the drape of his suede jacket then shrugged off and over a dining chair. he's loosening the collar of his dress shirt, relaxed in familiar privacy, pressing in hums. "wanna change into something more comfortable? — i'll get the bottle open in the meantime." the formal wear is unlikely to fit teddy in length, but charlie's lounge wear range in size, from swamping hoodies to thinly hung sweatshirts. he's only ever pressured to look neat in public, or when he's forced to hold a gathering of drab cause.

[tragedyrich]

teddy flushes, letting out an indignant squeak when charlie squeezes his waist and he stares daggers into the back of charlie's head, before huffing a laugh. a brow raises inquisitively when charlie suggests he gets changed, so curious, after toeing off his shoes he pads into charlie's bedroom to see what's on offer. teddy unknots his tie, slackening it until he can unbutton his dress shirt and gingerly folding them both on the foot of charlie's bed. next, he unfastens his belt and tugs his slacks down, now completely bare in nothing but red briefs and socks. frowning, teddy palms through charlie's closet until he finds a navy blue hoodie that seems to at least be a double or triple XL. curious, he slides it on over his head. it's oversized and undoubtedly hanging off of him, but teddy has to admit it is more comfortable. the hem barely covers his briefs, but steeling himself, teddy heads back out anyway to sit in the chair charlie had laid his jacket over. he crosses his legs, trying to catch charlie's eyes. absentmindedly, teddy licks his lips. "any luck getting that bottle open? i borrowed one of your hoodies," teddy informs him, stating the obvious as it barely seems to fit him, sliding down enough to expose his collarbones when he extends an arm in anticipation of a wine glass. "what happens if, uh, i spill something on this?" he tilts his head to the side, demure and teasing. teddy hadn't had the foresight to check whether it was from an expensive brand or not. ignorance is bliss, or so they say.

[planetsorbit]

he shakes his head, opting instead for the heater. (call it toxic masculinity or internalized misogyny, but charlie fits too neatly in the venn diagram of being both a homosexual and a shorter than average east asian man. neither of which are inherently feminine nor is being perceived feminine negative by trait, but charlie's habits are born of teaching, his knee jerk responses a symptom of his father's grand speeches. and though he's certain he'll learn to undo all he's been taught in time, he's reactive at present, settling quick for something empty of connotation.) teddy doesn't press at it anyway — he's thoughtful and quiet, the warm air a strange and sobering balm to a complicated evening. he glances over on occasion, swift bites to be remembered, to savor in private. when they arrive, charlie's uncomfortably sober, and he means to share this sentiment, until teddy speaks, eyes big and brown and searching. he looks bashful, maybe nervous in an apologetic way, and it's so gentle and cute that the corner of charlie's mouth lifts into a smirk. he's half tempted to knead at the offer, to tease him with some quip about a preferred body type or if teddy means to tuck him in — but he knows the moment is tentative. it's flaky and soft and prone to snapping, so charlie steels the grin into a line, and communicates partially with the drag of his eyes. he eats him head to toe, scanning quiet and knowing, before tipping his head. "sure. come in for a night cap."

[tragedyrich]

despite himself, teddy colors further under the weight of charlie's assessing gaze, swallowing thickly around nothing when he gets the impression the subtle suggestion was received as intended. he nods, leaving the car in park as he unfastens his seatbelt and exits the drivers seat. teddy follows charlie's lead, trailing after him and keeping a respectful distance until they reach the elevator. "a night cap sounds nice. still feeling cold?" teddy questions, hooking his arms around charlie's torso before slipping his hands into the pockets of his slacks. he hums, breath ghosting against the shell of charlie's ear — and teddy has to lean forward to do it, considering it charlie's a head shorter than himself. thick thighs, teddy notes, stroking absentmindedly through the fabric before he pulls his hands away, a sheepish smile on his lips. the elevator dings, and teddy startles, the doors opening once they've reached charlie's floor. feeling somewhat anxious, he gnaws on his bottom lip and follows charlie to the threshold. "do you have any wine? red, specifically?" teddy's gaze sweeps over charlie's form, fixed on his pouty mouth and then lower to take in his sturdy, compact physique. he's almost certain all of his thoughts are near visible on his face, gaze unfocused and half-lidded as he takes generous peaks through his lashes.

[planetsorbit]

"thanks." he cups the mug like a heat seeking missile, thumbing across the ceramic as he listens to the summary, barren of explicit detail but moody with discomfort nevertheless. even if he hadn't been acquainted with the park family, he'd recognize the weariness from prior encounters and the selfless way teddy tends to jump in and out of hurt, if only to lessen the blow. and though he'd like for teddy to be comfortable enough to disassociate and exist and be a subjectively 'bad house guest' — he doesn't want to tell teddy how to feel. (kangdae imagines he's been told that plenty.) so he smiles, head twisting left then right, comically wide-eyed when his gaze fixes on nothing out of the ordinary. "what's wrong with it? — i ate the mandarin oranges last night." alongside two packets of neoguri he refuses to disclose. if teddy saunters any closer, he may smell it lingering to the fabric of his sleep wear. "plus," effectively, kangdae yawns, readjusting the bridge of his glasses, "it's late. we'll go later in the afternoon, or in the evening. are you hungry? — staying up without rest tends to do that." he gestures, vague and lazy towards the barstools just opposite the kitchen sink, before adding, "sit — i bought these mixed nuts last week. they're salted and a good snack at night if you want some. and you can tell me everything else in between. big or small."

[tragedyrich]

teddy hums, glaze flitting over kangdae's form with a scrutinizing gaze, a brow raising playfully. he shakes his head, biting back a smile. "nothing. nothing at all," he lies through his teeth, amused that kangdae cares that much about what teddy's opinion of his diet is. the fact that he's eating some non-processed foods is a relief, for however much that's worth. teddy blinks, following kangdae's line of sight to the barstools. he raises up, mug in hand and takes a seat there instead, placing it down on a napkin in lieu of a coaster. "salted nuts?" teddy repeats, opening the bag and picking out some cashews. healthy fats. he chews with an approving nod, offering kangdae a thumbs up. for the moment, it's enough to take his mind off of things, licking away the salt that clings to his lips. "it's tasty. i like honey roasted, too. for future reference," teddy murmurs, avoiding eye contact for a moment because it's such a miniscule thing that he thinks kangdae is likely to forget about it within a day's time. "if it's all the same to you, i'd like to take a break from talking about it. realistically, the situation isn't going to change anytime soon, and i'm, well. less likely to feel any less salty about it anytime soon either," teddy explains, lips curving up into a half smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes. he feels comfortable here, though, not judged and at least kangdae doesn't seem in a rush to get him back out the door. teddy nods, grabbing another handful of cashews to pick at. "we can go tomorrow afternoon, or evening. ah, speaking of which — do you have a futon? if not, i'll take the couch."

[planetsorbit]

he doesn't argue even if he'd like to sit there still, pants staining green with a hand over teddy's pulse. he only hesitates when he's offered a lift, lips dipping into something tired and solemn, before grasping it reluctant and needy. (the confusion is constant, the wanting so minimal then larger than life.) they discard the cans by the nearest bin, shoulders hiked through the evening chill. he wants to bicker over something plain and unimportant, but his head is muddled from the day, so he focuses on batting away the cold, fingers digging into the pockets of his expensive slacks. his lashes are long, and hovering against windchill and in teddy's direction. "where'd you park? it's stupidly cold all of a sudden." (the lack of beers and body heat may play a role.)

[tragedyrich]

teddy giggles, eyeing the flush on charlie's cheeks — either from the wind beating against them or a telltale sign of asian flush, he isn't sure. but charlie is cute like this, so he falls into step in front of him to block the wind as they walk north to where teddy parked his SUV. he opens the passenger side door before retreating to the driver's side, sliding in and punching in charlie's address on the navigation touchscreen. the luxury car was a consolation prize gifted him to by his father, which is to say it's an abhorrent white tesla — but teddy's not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. the least his father can do, considering. "here, go ahead and turn on the heater. or i can give you my jacket," teddy offers, glancing at charlie's side profile. the age gap wasn't exactly huge, but teddy can't help but note that charlie looks younger. teddy shakes it off, checking the sideview mirrors for blindspots before he pulls out of the parking spot and shifts gears into drive. charlie is very picky in regards to whether or not he follows up with a response to something teddy's said, so for now he turns on some easy listening music — the playlist he typically drives through, anticipating he wouldn't like his ear chatted off. the traffic isn't too terrible for this time of day, idly tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. twenty minutes or so later, they pull up to the address of charlie's apartment and the car pulls to a stop. teddy sucks the swell of his bottom lip between his teeth, undoing his seatbelt. "i'll escort you up," he offers, gaze flitting over charlie's face to give ample opportunity for him to shoot the suggestion down.

[planetsorbit]

"meet your needs? what're your needs?" he quips, interrupting and buzzed and high off the argument. they bicker like divorcees in a sardonic play, enthusiastic and mocking and delighted all the same. "let him pop a viagra, and he might do a good job. and if the equipment doesn't work down south, he's got hands, lips —or —fuck, why am i trying to convince you? what i mean is: don't." he says it laughing, says it surprisingly blunt with teddy still cradled in his hands, red-eared and blushing and warming further. he's flustered because it's true, squawking with a hand to his face because the assumption hits square, and charlie finds it both amusing and terrible. if not for their generic descriptors (being forcibly closeted queer sons of a wealthy empire) — they could be viewed as inherently contrasting people. their preferences and roles differ, their habitual defences vary, and save for cheap beer, they tend to spend their privacy in diverse (albeit not exactly opposing) ways. so teddy's interest in men, presumably unlike charlie in figure and in countenance, is so endearingly him, yet disappointingly so. charlie isn't unfeeling after all — he only pretends to be. the palm cradling teddy's chin slips to his adam's apple then, not threatening nor weighed with pressure, only curious when lithe fingers snake over the tender skin. "like in reality? — some socialite, probably. i doubt my father cares much about status, as long as i marry a woman. ideally one without a criminal record."

[tragedyrich]

teddy's mouth pops open, and then as if thinking better of it, his lips pinch into a downturned pout. his needs were none of charlie's business, especially if he intended only to joke about it were teddy to tell him. he's raising a quizzical brow, before bursting out into laughter along with charlie, shaking his head. "yeah, why were you trying to convince me? need to get rid of me that badly? jerk," teddy teases, letting out an incredulous huff. it's not escaped his notice that charlie's hands — which are delicate but strong, seem to be traversing everywhere. teddy can't think of any logical reason his hand needs to be stroking over teddy's throat as they're having this conversation, and he shivers. swallowing thickly around nothing, teddy's brows furrow. "were we speaking about reality when you said i might get married off to some guy twice my age with a bad hairline? exactly. i already know what your father expects of you," teddy reminds him politely, the 'and my own, of me' going unsaid. gently prying charlie's fingers away from his throat, he moves to sit up abruptly, turning towards charlie as he's sat on his knees. sighing, teddy licks his lips. "do you want me to drive you home? i'm sobering up, i'll be fine to drive soon." if the suggestion comes as a bit sudden — it's because teddy would rather not discuss such "realities". nothing would sour his mood further. he stands up, extending a hand out to charlie to pull him to his feet, a small smile tugging at his lips. "c'mon. let hyung take care of you."

[planetsorbit]

it's toeing romantic until it isn't. and it isn't so much a spark as it is a buzzing, a low vibration rumbling beneath the curve of charlie's ribs like a bottled laugh or a beaming grin. it's funny because it's horribly sad, and he thinks that if he wasn't prematurely numbed out, he could cry, nose running over teddy's mussed hair. he doesn't, but charlie's free hand combs through his fringe, an all-too intimate stroke over forehead and temple and the bridge of one's nose. his index finger runs to the tip, and scoffing, charlie pinches teddy's nostrils closed. "even in this fictional scenario, the divorce is inevitable? — how high are your standards?" he sets the empty can to his right, the hollow weight tipping lazy into the grass, as his palm — cold with condensation — cups teddy round the underside of his chin. he's framing him like he would a dog getting his canines brushed, relenting (eventually) on teddy's nose to cup the top of his head. "you can't afford to be picky in this pretend scenario. what if they marry you off to another rich man twice your age — hairline halfway up his skull, with a constant god awful coffee breath?" charlie's teasing because the contact is nice; because teddy's uniquely positioned and uniquely familiar and in this fragile moment in time, charlie doesn't second guess the affection shared. he exists for a few breaths, toys with a smirk, young in mood and energy. "as your unofficial but licensed defence lawyer, sometimes you settle. sometimes you cannot marry the tall and broad otter of your dreams."

[tragedyrich]

teddy sighs under charlie's ministrations, the attention as well as the contact welcome against his alcohol flushed skin. his eyes widen, brows furrowing when charlie pinches his nose closed. he wants to squawk out a flimsy defense, deny that his standards are in fact, reasonable — but teddy knows his mouth voice will sound ridiculous. he huffs, eyes half-lidded when charlie relents and instead cradles his chin and the top of his head, the cooling touch a balm to his flushed skin. "i was saying inevitable divorce for your sake, i wasn't going to sit here and assume i was your first choice either even in this hypothetical," teddy explains, lips downturned into a moue. he's well aware he's conventionally attractive, but that doesn't necessarily mean teddy is everyone's type. he's pragmatic with high self-esteem, not an ego the size of planet jupiter. teddy gasps at this, glancing back up at charlie's face. "twice my age? by gods, he's a decade or two away from being at death's doorstep. no way he's healthy enough to meet my needs. in that case, it'd just be a matter of waiting it out," teddy muses, huffing an incredulous laugh as he gnaws at the swell of his bottom lip. what charlie says next is less funny, a little too accurate. teddy clears his throat, cheeks and extremities flushing red with embarrassment. "settle? who says — what, what makes you think i like otters?" it's not a denial. regardless, teddy would hardly be settling in this scenario. he pats his heated cheeks with the back of a hand, ears equally flushed. then he narrows his gaze at charlie. "anyone whose convinced you that they're "settling" for you is a complete and utter fool," teddy says, prim but sincerely, even if he finds he has to break eye contact with charlie at this moment, lest he gives too much away. regaining his composure, teddy swallows. "what would you be settling for, then? that's outside of your normal type?"

[planetsorbit]

it's arguably early in charlie's life when words lose all meaning. call him paranoid, call him sensitive, call him opposingly numb or cold — but he catches disappointment in the presence of sweet descriptors, eyes judgment in the silence, disgust in every tilted chin and tensing brow. and it's an exhausting way to live, sure, tiresome and viciously stubborn too — but it allows him then the freedom of bluntness. it allows teddy a seat to settle in, space never once occupied to linger. and if he's feeling particularly busy underneath the ribs, he thinks the affection almost unconditional. they don't have to be here, is the thing. he gulps back the last few drops. "because the snark is unattractive, like you said." petulant, predictably. "and because i keep doing this shit — fucking off to drink, and bitching at you when you're around." this isn't their first joint rebellion; in fact, if their parents could overlook their own bigotry, they'd have quite the economical marriage opportunity splayed out before them. both sons of an influential korean family, both at an age to be wed, both queer and a little sick to boot. they could disappear, secure their long rusted over trust fund, and scrub away like oil stains on a clean white shirt. he's clearly getting buzzed, because it sounds more pleasant in theory than it ought to be. loose-lipped and expectantly bold however, charlie interjects: "do you think they'd ever consider this? — accepting our fucked ways if it meant being over and done with?"

[tragedyrich]

teddy isn't surprised that charlie foregoes acknowledging his previous statement, he's spent enough time in charlie's company by now to know he prefers actions over reassuring words. he doesn't even remember their first meeting very well, the roisin group had been working with a corporate litigator from the song family because their in-house general counsel didn't know enough about zoning laws for the amusement park the roisin group wanted to build. there'd been a gathering once the place successfully opened. not exactly pre-ordained or written in the stars, but teddy wouldn't know much about what is. teddy watches him for a moment, gaze flitting over charlie's features for signs of a tell-tale flush — but he hardly seems off his face, about as inebriated as teddy is. "consider what? marrying off their queer sons who are more of a burden to them than an asset? it'd be quite the spectacle," he murmurs, holding charlie's gaze as he takes a generous gulp, the column of his throat still exposed as teddy puts the beer back down to look up at the night sky. too much noise pollution, but the han was a calming enough sight regardless. he's reluctant to remind charlie that as convenient as it would be, both of their fathers didn't exactly prioritize the happiness of their sons, and no matter the pedigree — their fathers have been taught to believe that a man with another man is wrong. teddy stretches his arms above his head with a soft sigh, gaze fixed back on charlie's face. "i'd marry you tomorrow if by some miracle, your father could overlook the fact that i'm a man and instead focus on the whole, 'rich, handsome, successful' part of the package. as long as you don't try to take my company shares in the inevitable divorce, that is," teddy teases, a wry grin tugging at his lips. he crawls over to lay flat on his back, putting his head in charlie's lap without acknowledgement, languishing like a cat. idly, he wonders if charlie is colorblind. most men are. his head tilts back to look up at charlie's face through his lashes, mouth slick with malt liquor. he waits for a beat. "hey, if my vision were any better i could count your nose hairs from down here."

[planetsorbit]

exhaustion clings to his periphery, eyes dry but steadying in slow bats. "sorry, your house." he rectifies the comment without pause, then taking in teddy's expression alongside a stiffening posture, kangdae toes back into a dining room chair, slouched torso near melting into the table. he isn't bothered by the interruption, only adjusting slow and sleepy, catching glimpses of discomfort in the shadows of teddy's face. it's an ache he recognizes, a disappointment jarring against often relaxed features as all attempts at rekindling a warmth shared are effectively doused. kangdae too, though carefully sweet and generally sympathizing, struggles to meet teddy's family with more grace. they're a difficult company. still, he nods, short but friendly - as he scrubs the sleep from a long-stretched pajama sleeve. "sure. the green tea is in the cupboard right of the fridge. cups in the following." (a speck of normalcy in the middle of the night, some noise in the quiet.) his glasses fog briefly from a wrangled yawn. "i'll stay up. — were you guys fighting until now?"

[tragedyrich]

kangdae corrects his phrasing without much fanfare, the quiet kind of sympathy and high emotional intelligence teddy has come to expect from him. teddy can't help but bite back a smile, the saltiness of the situation eased by the sweetness of kangdae's gentle presence. he doesn't have to be hypervigilant here, teddy reminds himself. his gaze flits over kangdae's sleepy form and he has to resist the urge into shoving him back into bed, a wrinkle forming between his brows before he nods in agreement. "i'll have some green tea and make chamomile for you. unless you want something else," teddy asserts, stubborn as he often is and choosing to ignore the fact that kangdae is offering to stay up to listen to his woes. teddy's not used to that, the selfless offering of kangdae's presence has to be contested before he'll relent. he busies himself with the task of getting out the aforementioned teabags and mugs from the cabinets kangdae had been considerate enough to point out to him, getting out the teakettle to heat up. teddy waits for it to boil and then lets it steep, going through the motions like he's on auto-pilot before he pivots back to kangdae, the pretense that he doesn't want to talk about it slipping. teddy doesn't have to be professional, doesn't have to be perfect — at least for the moment. "yeah. i've been in contact with my hyung, albeit with barriers in the way — he's ignored my calls about the lawsuit multiple times. naturally, the atmosphere when we sat down to hash things out became tense. we talked like brothers instead of co-workers or peers, which i think was the catalyst," teddy says diplomatically, albeit a scoff escapes his lips with a bemused expression. the lawyers weren't present, which was definitely a good thing because there were plenty of personal attacks slung around throughout the meeting, the kind that cut deep the way only family can. if teddy was the successor and his escapades with other men came into light, for some strange reason the world has decided on, it'd be a worse look than his hyung's entanglements with his call-girls while having a pregnant wife. this wasn't said verbatim, his father and brother were too silver-tongued for that, but teddy was good at reading between the lines. he picked up one younger guy infatuated with him at the gym in his mid-twenties and it'd become a headline, salacious enough in the public's eyes to follow him around even now. teddy remains silent, his gaze fixed on kangdae like he's looking through him — then something whirrs back to life and shaken out of his reverie, pads to the kitchen to return to kangdae's side. he holds both mugs in slender pale hands, pursing his lips to blow on kangdae's mug before handing it over. "i don't want to keep you up, so drink that. or we should start pre-gaming so this becomes more fun as opposed to depressing," teddy muses, a smirk tugging at his lips. "by the way, i'm going grocery shopping tomorrow. this place is truly suited for a bachelor, and not in a cute way." so far he's seen a lot of ramen and very little produce.

[tragedyrich]

@planetsorbit: ❛ i'm only cryptic & Machiavellian cause i care , ❜ ( charlie x teddy ; just 2 wealthy sons by the han river , drinking beers after escaping a truly exasperating socialite dinner and sympathizing with each other in their own teasing way ... )

teddy can't help but roll his eyes at this, though it's lacking in heat and he's too buzzed to take it with any grain of sincerity. charlie has always had a dark sense of humor that teddy enjoyed, because something about acknowledging uncomfortable truths out loud, no gossamer or pretty veneer — felt cathartic and was almost enough to take the sting out of it. this laidback outing suited him more than their previous schedule, primly buttoned up to the collar until they reached the han with their cans of hite and cass beer clanging together in a plastic convenience store bag. "aish, you're full of it. you're cryptic because you don't want your words cherry-picked to appear in an article for a narrative you don't agree with, and you're machiavellian because you have to be," teddy surmises, thinking of all the time he'd wanted to lead with emotion in their family disputes, but that's a losing game. they want the reaction, to make you look like you're incapable of handling your emotions, the weak link. teddy doesn't even have to lay it all out like that for charlie to get it, and he supposes that's why their mutual licking of wounds has become a comfort as well as a habit. teddy hums, taking another deep pull of his beer before running his fingertips over the condensation of the aluminum in thought, a conceited little smile tugging at his lips. "so you care about me, is what you're trying to say," he muses, because the opportunity to tease charlie and break up the serious mood surrounding them is too good to pass up. it's an easy segue, a fun game teddy likes to play when he wants to see charlie prickle and curl in on himself with that unwavering ego of his. yet it was a healthy amount of ego, and teddy can attest to what's a good amount of self-esteem versus clinical undiagnosed narcissism. "you're so sweet and loyal underneath all that unattractive snark. how have the halmonis not set you up with anyone successfully yet?" teddy tilts his head, coy and unassuming — except that they both know why such arrangements have failed, but coaxing charlie into being blunt about it was another win and feather in his cap if it proved successful. they're used to the psychological warfare, teddy trusts that charlie knows he's well equipped enough to play the game but not so far gone without a conscience to hold anything personal like sexuality against a man. it's a common, knee-jerk question that is often parroted at teddy himself. why would a successful man with the world at his fingertips, prioritizing male and fatherly validation continue to be a bachelor?wonders never cease.

[tragedyrich]

@planetsorbit: ❛ did you leave their house in the middle of the night ? ❜ ( kangdae x teddy ; kangdae rents out a shoddy apartment but boy is his place Much safer and more comforting than teddy's family's home ... perhaps getting woken up at 3am or smth by the doorbell / knocking ... or a text saying teddy's arrived .. )

teddy knows it's a bit of an imposition, but it's not like kangdae won't benefit from this arrangement either. he wants to snap back instinctively, insist that it was his house too even if it never quite felt like it. these feelings don't come from a place from entitlement either, teddy thinks, but from a lifetime of busting your ass behind the scenes only to be handed a participation prize because his eldest hyung knows how to play the game better. it's fine, teddy wants to say. he hadn't wanted it anyway, except that his initial efforts and loyalty that was expected of him since birth had made him sincere about succeeding and he had in fact begun to want it. for some kind of acknowledgement, some kind of recognition that he'd tried to be a filial son even if he'd left boxes unchecked elsewhere. kangdae looks how teddy expected — that is to say, riddled with dark circles that teddy suspects have been there before his 3 AM arrival and messy bed hair that resembles a bird's nest. teddy himself looks relatively put together, in slacks and a white dress shirt but a rigidness to his gait, lips pinched into a moue. "it's my house too, you know. or it was. he can have it, the company and the russian nesting doll of corruption that comes along with it," teddy mutters under his breath, holding kangdae's gaze with a worried furrow between his brows before he crosses the threshold with one precariously packed bag after toeing off his shoes. teddy sets it down by one of the tables in the kitchen, glancing back over at kangdae, lip worried between his teeth. for reasons beyond his control, teddy feels like an asshole. "did i wake you? you can go back to sleep, i'm not a very high maintenance house guest," he insists primly, certain he can find his way around the kitchen well enough to at least brew them a cup of tea. although teddy thinks it'll need some organizing for the long term benefit of their mutual cohabitation. teddy clears his throat, gaze flitting over kangdae's frazzled and fatigued form, the words he wants to say to kangdae caught in his throat when he feels he's swallowed so much of his pride already. "thank you. for, uh, letting me in. i know it's earlier than we talked about, but i got into another disagreement." something kangdae could've put together himself with context clues, he's sure, but teddy feels it's important to clarify that he respects kangdae's time — even if that's a sentiment that often goes unacknowledged to him unless in a corporate setting. "initially talks of how the company should be managed going forward, and then it devolved into personal attacks. like my brother's mistresses, the embezzling, or my own proclivities. the usual," teddy blathers on, honest and as fatigued as kangdae. he dishes out candor with not much intention to dwell on the bitterness of it all, as he's been there, done that and got the tee-shirt. teddy wants to make both of their lives a little easier, and he licks his lips, fingers anxiously twitching at his sides. "want me to make you a cup of tea?"

[sobblesources]

ALL THE LOVE WE UNRAVEL ,

a collection of sentence starters taken from taylor swift's album midnights . edited to fit rp needs , adjust pronouns as necessary . warnings for swears ,

❛ meet me at midnight , ❜

❛ you don't ever say too much , ❜

❛ i've been under scrutiny , ❜

❛ you handle it beautifully , ❜

❛ i'm damned if i do give a damn what people say , ❜

❛ all they keep asking me is if i'm gonna be your bride , ❜

❛ i find it dizzying , ❜

❛ get it off your chest , ❜

❛ get it off my desk , ❜

❛ we lost track of time again , ❜

❛ how'd we end up on the floor , anyway ? ❜

❛ how the hell did we lose sight of us again ? ❜

❛ ain't that the way shit always ends , ❜

❛ i feel you no matter what , ❜

❛ that's a real fucking legacy to leave , ❜

❛ i have this thing where i get older , but just never wiser , ❜

❛ when my depression works the graveyard shift , all of the people i've ghosted stand there in the room , ❜

❛ i should not be left to my own devices , ❜

❛ it's me , hi ! i'm the problem , it's me , ❜

❛ everybody agrees , ❜

❛ it must be exhausting , always rooting for the anti-hero , ❜

❛ did you hear my covert narcissism i disguise as altruism like some kind of congressman ? ❜

❛ one day i'll watch as you're leaving & life will lose all its meaning , ❜

❛ she's laughing up at us from hell , ❜

❛ life is emotionally abusive , ❜

❛ time can't stop me quite like you did , ❜

❛ my flight was awful , thanks for asking , ❜

❛ weird , but fucking beautiful , ❜

❛ tonight feels impossible , ❜

❛ it's fine to fake it 'til you make it , ❜

❛ can this be a real thing ? ❜

❛ i play it cool with the best of them , ❜

❛ it's okay , we're the best of friends , ❜

❛ you're on your own kid , you always have been , ❜

❛ i gave my blood , sweat , & tears for this , ❜

❛ i hosted parties & starved my body , like i'd be saved by a perfect kiss , ❜

❛ take the moment & taste it , ❜

❛ you've got no reason to be afraid , ❜

❛ i broke his heart cause he was nice , ❜

❛ he wanted it comfortable , i wanted that pain , ❜

❛ sometimes we all get just what we wanted , ❜

❛ he never thinks of me except when i'm on tv , ❜

❛ we all get some kind of haunted , ❜

❛ i don't remember who i was before you painted all my nights , ❜

❛ can i ask you a question ? ❜

❛ did you leave their house in the middle of the night ? ❜

❛ do you wish you could still touch her ? ❜

❛ you did some bad things , but i'm the worst of them , ❜

❛ they say looks can kill , & i might try , ❜

❛ i don't start shit , but i can tell you how it ends , ❜

❛ don't get sad , get even , ❜

❛ she needed cold hard proof , so i gave her some , ❜

❛ picture me , thick as thieves with your ex , ❜

❛ i'm on my vigilante shit again , ❜

❛ i think i've been a little too kind , ❜

❛ putting someone first only works when you're in their top five , ❜

❛ do you have a man ? ❜

❛ i don't remember , ❜

❛ i polish up real nice , ❜

❛ i think it's time to teach some lessons , ❜

❛ you can try to change my mind , but you might have to wait in line , ❜

❛ breathe deep , breathe out , ❜

❛ i'll be getting over you my whole life , ❜

❛ uh oh , i'm falling in love again , ❜

❛ you're talking shit for the hell of it , ❜

❛ you wouldn't know what i mean , ❜

❛ karma's a relaxing thought , aren't you envious that for you it's not ? ❜

❛ me & karma vibe like that , ❜

❛ don't you know that cash ain't the only price ? ❜

❛ ask me what i learned from all those years & all those tears , ❜

❛ they said the end is coming , ❜

❛ i find myself running home to your sweet nothings , ❜

❛ on the way home , i wrote a poem , ❜

❛ what a mind , ❜

❛ this happens all the time , ❜

❛ you should be doing more , ❜

❛ i'm just too soft for all of it , ❜

❛ once upon a time , the planets & the fates & all the stars aligned , ❜

❛ what if i told you none of it was accidental ? ❜

❛ nothing was gonna stop me , ❜

❛ what if i told you i'm a mastermind ? ❜

❛ now you're mine , ❜

❛ if you fail to plan , you plan to fail , ❜

❛ i'm the wind in our free - flowing sails , & the liquor in our cocktails , ❜

❛ the first night that you saw me , i knew i wanted your body , ❜

❛ i've been scheming like a criminal , ❜

❛ this is the first time i've felt the need to confess , ❜

❛ i'm only cryptic & machiavellian cause i care , ❜

❛ you knew the entire time , ❜