[sormik] party don't stop till he walk in

[ofseraphim]

[ Sometimes -- just sometimes!! -- Sorey wonders why he’s friends with the likes of Rose.

Except, not really. He loves his friends! All of them! Unconditionally! Even when they drag him off to parties he’s quite sure he has zero business being at. Which, on that note, what is he doing here?? It’s dark, overcrowded, and most of all, loud. As in, this is an apartment and they’re definitely breaking some noise ordinances kind of loud. Arguably worst of all? No sooner than they walked in together, Rose slipped off into the distance, led by the hands and arms of people obviously grateful to see her. ”I’ll be right back! You wait here, I’ll introduce you to everyone!”

Uh-huh. Suuure.

Honestly, Sorey doesn’t fault her. Plus, that’s nothing he can’t take into his own hands, right? Right! He’s friendly enough to have a good time and make conversation with strangers! ...But he can’t even hear himself think with the thump of that bass, let alone chat someone up. Seriously, for a social affair, it’s a pretty impractical setup.

So, after a while he grows tired of being a smartly over-dressed fly on the wall simply smiling amiably at fellow party-goers -- oh, and of not being able to hear himself think, as mentioned above -- and politely squeezes past pairs of tangled bodies and couples in various stages of... things... to the bar. Er, kitchen, but. Mostly a bar, for the moment. Wherein, he can finally breathe out -- without the risk of smelling (or inhaling) something funny.

It’s quieter here, and he fits in alright, doesn’t he? If only for purposes of camouflage, he’s got a drink in his hand: The good ol’ cliché garden variety welcome to the party now here’s your red solo cup of mystery juice special™. And that’s exactly why he’s sniffed it more than swallowed it -- it even smells like an all-nighter in the bathroom. Yikes. No thanks.

So, in summation: He’s here, (wherever here is), he’s tragically sober, and he knows no one in eyeshot. But! At least he can think again. That’s a plus. And, now that he’s a bit more removed from the music, he might be able to actually converse with someone! The possibilities are endless. ]

Comments

[dickleo]

[ in a similar vein, mikleo doesn’t want any part of this.

the worst part? the worst part is that this is his apartment. His roommates, mostly Zaveid, and through suggesting eyebrows and promises of breaking their little third-roommate out of his shell, Edna as well, had insisted this wasn’t normal and good for their College Experience.

the broken glasses, garbage, stains and sights were something out of nightmares and blog posts rather than dreams.

but mikleo sucked it up. ducking out in his room seemed to be useless - the bass pierced through the walls and shook his pencil and desk - and leaving also seemed ridiculous. so he finally forced himself out into the fray, wearing an oversized sweater and dark jeans, his hair a fluffy mess. likely the opposite of put-together.

the red solo cups scream bad decisions but he swipes one anyway. knowing fully well he won’t like it, he takes a sip and immediately coughs, his free arm swinging forward to cover his abrupt fit before he coughs all over someone. ]

Is this grain alcohol?

[ WHO MADE THIS DEATH CUP??? ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Parties, going to parties, hosting parties, blogging and tweeting and snapchatting about parties and making bad and regrettable decisions at them are quintessentially part of the College Experience, most would say. That “most” demographic? Doesn’t include Sorey. But here he is, doing his best, living his best life, however sober and out of place he is.

At least, perhaps he’s not alone?

Someone he’s never seen before, (he thinks?), enters the scene then, looking a little too disheveled to be a guest. So... he lives here? Oh good heavens, this poor soul! Worse, Sorey is a bit too late to warn against the Hangover Special they’ve got here, so he’s about to get a mouthful of regret. Yikes.

(Who made the cup? In Zesty as in Bers: If all else fails, blame Zaveid.)

His body seems to instantaneously revolt, naturally. And in this moment, instinct comes before better judgment -- and Sorey’s instinct is to sweep in and pat-pat the coughing person on the back before better judgment comes in from behind and reminds him that, oh, maaaybe should not be touching a stranger at a college party? No matter how benign the intent. Whoops. But anyway. ]

Honestly? Probably. Sure smells like it.

[ He doesn’t mean to be rude -- or to look a gift drink in the mouth, so to speak -- but no way is he touching it. Then again, wine and beer are kind of where Sorey taps out. Grain alcohol? That’s leagues out of his depth, and he knows it. So, on that note, please award one (1) gold star to Mikleo for at least trying. There was an attempt.

In any case, a friendly face painted in hues of mild concern, (and definitely not amusement, no way did he find that response funny, absolutely not), will appear in the other’s periphery, lips quirked into a small smile, eyes gentle, brows raised. ]

You alright?

[dickleo]

[ of course he’s not okay!

mikleo’s gaze flicks up and over immediately. of course there had been other people in the kitchen, but there were people everywhere so it hadn’t occurred to him that speaking aloud to himself would be taken as a conversation starter to anyone in the vicinity.

he lowers the cup and sighs, this time shaking his head. ]

I’m fine. Unlike anyone willing to drink whatever this is.

[ a pause. ]

No offense.

[ it sounds insincere as he sets it down, reaching for an empty cup so he can draw himself a glass of water instead. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Shrugging somewhat sidewardly, Sorey puts a free hand up. ]

None taken! Just felt the need to try to fit in, that’s all.

[ He's stone sober; and smart enough to stay that way, unless there are other offerings on the table somewhere he's not aware of yet. But, appearance is everything -- this is college, remember? His expression turns a bit sheepish about 1.5 moments later. ]

...Or at least, not stand out quite so much.

[ That’s more accurate.

Now that he’s within earshot of a person -- an actual person, who can hear him! Le gasp!! -- he’s preparing his finest conversation starter, when--

Crash!

This, followed by: “Dude, party foul!”

Sorey has absolutely no concept of what happened and almost definitely no association with whomever the cause was, and even he shrinks and grimaces somewhat. ]

Jeez... [ RIP your apartment, Mikleo. ] I’m almost tempted to stay and help you clean up...

[dickleo]

[ he’s going to strangle these people.

his shoulders grow tense and he nearly drops his glass of water. he swallows thickly, hard, and then presses his hand to his forehead. ]

As long as my computer stays in my room I don’t care.

[ he groans and then heads around to the fridge where he takes out what looks to be a chilled wine cooler. ]

...Edna bought a few of these. I haven’t had any but they don’t smell like poison.

[ maybe it’s because this kid wants to fit in that he feels compelled to even stand here longer than a minute. and to offer up edna’s Girly Drinks. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Yikes. Yeah, uh... he’d lock his door, if he were you. ]

I’m sure they’re much better than... that. [ Whatever “that” is.

But for funsies, he checks the label. Ah, now that’s much tamer! Much more his speed. He’ll accept the gracious offer with a note of thanks, and -- is it a twist-off? Yeah, it’s a twist-off -- crack open the beverage with a single maneuver of his fingers. Extending a hand, he offers up a bit of trade for the drink: ]

I can open yours, too, if you want.

[ Nothing personal! He just... looks like he has delicate hands, that’s all.

...Wait, why is Sorey noticing his hands?

A handshake! That's why! He needs to offer a handshake!! Where are his manners?! ]

Sorry -- guess I should introduce myself, huh?

I’m Sorey. [ And for all the noise and hubbub going on around them, he still tries to offer the gentlest and most serene of smiles. He’ll take that drink now, by the way. Or a hand. Or one, then the other. Or none, if his gracious host so chooses! Y’know. Whatever works. He's easy to please. ]

[dickleo]

[ that was a lot to process.

mikleo is oddly amused, a glitter to his eyes that wasn’t there before. this poor guy seems way too pure and sweet to be caught up at a house-party like this.

he offers his bottle for sorey to open, despite it all.

a small smile, a half-smirk, creeps up. ]

Mikleo. I’m guessing you came here with someone?

[ NOT ROMANTICALLY. OR MAYBE ROMANTICALLY. but it seems like such a weird event for someone as saccharine as sorey to attend.

either way he will totally take his bottle back whenever opened to take a very long sip. ] I’m way too sober for this.

[ofseraphim]

[ Yeah it probably was. Whoops.

Know what else is? Mikleo. He’s not even properly put together at the moment, and--...

--wait. There was a question that came after his name. And he needs to hand that drink back still. Let him just. Do that. Real quick. ]

Yeah, actually; she’s... [ He hasn’t seen Rose since he walked in. Is this a bad time to point that out? ] ...somewhere around here.

[ With that is a brief scan around, and, ultimately a helpless sort of shrug, as if to say ‘Meh. She’ll turn up!’ So, take that as you will, Mikleo. He’s either very trusting, their relationship is in complete shambles, or they’re not attached. Which one is it?

Surely it’s not that hard to figure out. ]

I bet. [ Speaking of, he’ll have a sip, himself. ] So, which one of your roommates put you up to it?

[ It’s very, very obvious Mikleo didn’t bring this punishment upon himself. ]

[dickleo]

[ mikleo isn’t oblivious. either they’re dating and sorey is the most trusting boy in the world or she’s a friend and he is just being the protective older brother type. either way, it’s a charming look to have. not bad at all. ]

Zaveid, mostly. Edna said yes because I said no. I was out-voted.

[ he shakes his head again, fluffy bangs falling in his face as he takes another sip. ]

She found out I hadn’t gone to a party before, so she made it impossible to avoid breaking that streak.

[ he isn’t sure why he’s telling a stranger so much. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Hey now, he’ll have you know, Sorey is the state’s five-time voted Most Trusting Boy, for the past five years. Can’t seem to make it past regionals, though. Such a shame.

But no, she’s a friend. And he’s failing at his job of being the protective older brother at present, even though she told him specifically not to “cramp her style” tonight. She’ll be proud of him later on for listening to her when he... kiiinda lowkey didn’t intend to. Honestly, he should really go find her, on that note, but--

--Mikleo shakes his head, and his bangs fall in his face and Sorey is... strangely and fleetingly tempted to sweep them away? Good. ness. What’s in this drink??

Not much, honestly; and a sip hardly counts as drunk, so...

Welp. ]

Sounds like your roommates are. [ How should he put this? ] Interesting.

[ That’ll do. He hopes. ]

You’d really never been to one?

[ Even he’s been dragged (by the feathered earcuffs) to a college party before! Mikleo must be really, really opposed. ]

[dickleo]

[ the fact that this boy is still lingering in their kitchen is kind of adorable. sorey seems to be a mystery and mikleo isn’t exactly opposed to that.

the descriptor makes him chuckle near-smoothly under his breath.

but ah. he’s asking a question. ]

I’ve been busy studying and with exams. I don’t really drink.

[ or socialize. he shrugs again and nervously takes another drink. ]

I guess this is my payback for that. [ since you know edna’s evil plan is working and his face is a soft pink ]

[ofseraphim]

[ To be fair, everywhere else is either (incredibly) occupied, or a disaster, or both. The kitchen, somehow, appears to be a relatively Safe Zone where neither the thumping bass nor the party fouls can enter. So, here’s good. Here works.

Sorey gets a glimpse of that flattering pastel pink, and

yeah. Here is beautiful.

Fingers slip into the wayward, errant brown hair at the back of his head, fluffing idly as he chuckles just a bit. ]

Awful steep consequences for just a small offense, don’t you think?

[ And from here, it seems so easy to just... throw a line out to sea, so to speak. With something like, Let me take you out sometime; it’ll be quieter, at least, or something similar.

But, what is he thinking? Time to take another drink. ]

[dickleo]

[ asking a stranger back to his room to avoid the noise seems like an awkward encounter. some social foul. so mikleo doesn’t, and instead focuses on how amusing sorey is and how damn bright his green eyes are. ]

Yeah, I know.

[ he finishes that cooler and sets it down, feeling a lot less stressed even if the alcohol hasn’t quite hit him yet. ]

I’d much rather be reading. The music’s making that difficult.

[ no fantasy adventures for him. not tonight anyway, and not on paper. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ insert Luci gif here: Do iiiiiit. Doitdoitdoit

Sorey brightens visibly at the mention of reading. Another bookworm? Could it be?? ]

Honestly? Same. [ But, it’s Saturday night, and who sits at home and reads on a Saturday night?! At least, that’s Rose’s logic. ]

But, that... [ sigh ] ...wasn’t going to be an option.

Something about being her ‘wingman’...?

[ Welp. That clears up the earlier question, now doesn’t it. ]

[dickleo]

[ mikleo is downright entertained.

his brows lift and he takes a deliberate step closer, eyes appraisingly sweeping over sorey. reading is suddenly the furthest thing from his mind. sorey is a refreshing breath of air. a cold drink of water. ]

You’re not doing a very good job.

[ hah!! his lips twist into an even more noticeably playful smirk. ]

You aren’t even in the same room.

[ofseraphim]

[ ...Either the alcohol is beginning to kick in, or this conversation just took a sharp, sharp turn.

Or. Maybe it’s both?

Either way, Sorey is now definitely being sized up by this extremely attractive person whom he just met. It’s obvious. And now that they’ve exchanged pleasantries, it seems they’re going to match wits. The step forward brings about a noticeable uptick in his heartrate, and though he swallows unconsciously, he doesn’t back down.

Not. One. Inch. ]

Says the host of the party, holing up in the kitchen.

[ You’re not in the same room as 99.9% of your guests either, Mikleo. But Sorey is delighted -- thrilled, maybe -- to be that lucky .01%.

And then, he has the most outlandish of wild ideas. ]

...Think they’ll notice if we sneak out?

[dickleo]

[ now that’s a wonderful idea.

it’s stupid and young and delightful. it’s just stupid enough to work. excitement pounds through his veins and it has to be the booze talking. he wouldn’t think of sneaking out of his own apartment (he’s an adult!!) and this is so absurd! ]

The fire escape is through my window.

[ so, about not inviting a complete stranger to his bedroom. but here he is, hand on his hip, lips twisted up, and he turns partly to the right to gesture towards the hall. ]

I’m in.

[ofseraphim]

[ It’s probably the wildest thing Sorey’s suggested on a whim, at least in a good long while. Yet, here they are: Heart pounding excitement, all at the thought of leaving a party, rather than going.

But! He’ll also be leaving with the belle of the ball, no doubt -- fluffy hair, oversized sweater, jeans and all -- and that’s enough to make him feel like he’s won at life.

Okay. Okay. He’s got to calm down. More accurately, he has to stop smiling like the absolute nerd he absolutely is long enough to finish his drink, (waste not, want not!!), in one fell swoop and gently set the bottle in... what he thinks is a glass recycling bin? It looks it. Close enough.

He manages that just quickly enough to follow after Mikleo to his--

--bedroom.

His bedroom.

Now Rose would be proud of him for many more, very different reasons. But it’s not what she thinks!! It’s nothing like what any of them think -- he swears!! He doesn’t even glance around, (despite temptation), while he’s there, and instead lets Mikleo lead him out and down the fire escape. ]

[dickleo]

[ once they’re safely on the ground, mikleo brushes off the nonexistent dirt that’s gathered on his pant legs. his eyes dart over to sorey and mikleo can’t help the short laugh. ]

This isn’t exactly what I expected from tonight.

[ a smooth chuckle and he leads them towards the enteance of the street so they can exit the alley. ]

At least it isn’t freezing.

[ it’s a little cold. ]

[ofseraphim]

Me neither. [ And that's what makes it so great, isn't it? The best things in life are unplanned. ]

It is a little chilly, but--[ a small shrug ]--nothing either of us can't handle... maybe with a mug of hot cocoa to help?

[ He's got Plans now, this one. Tossing his head in vague directional gesture, then: ] There's a cafe not far from here. It's open 24 hours, if I remember right.

[ Definitely not how he thought tonight would go. ]

[dickleo]

[ he had a ridiculously charming and cute boy in his room for less than two minutes and he’s somehow ended up in the streets rather than the sheets. remarkable. ]

Sure. That sounds fine.

[ there’s a tiny smile sprawling across his face. ]

Are you offering to treat me?

[ofseraphim]

[ A wonderful opportunity, squandered. Woe and alas. But, if they both play their cards right tonight, there'll be a chance for a do-over at some point, so fear not!

Typically, Sorey would take the opportunity to joke about this, but--]

...Actually, yeah.

[ It's a strikingly earnest answer. There's not a shred of humor to his tone.

There is, however, a buttload of tenuousness, as though he knows he's rolling the dice right now with these words of his. But. Welp. Here goes nothing...! ]

That's... usually how dates work, isn't it?

[ Please don't reject him he's come so far--!

He went down your fire escape he's a very brave boy!! ]

[dickleo]

[ that’s —

mikleo’s face changes expressions. it actually cycles through at least five before settling on surprise. his ears tint red and it takes his mind embarrassingly long to catch up.

a date. ]

I would think so. Though we started the night in reverse.

[ it’s a teasing jab, and mikleo’s face is bright red as he shuffled his hands into his pockets and walks all the more closer to sorey.

date accepted. ]

[ofseraphim]

[ Sorey can see each and every shift on Mikleo’s face in that one eternal moment, like the changing of seasons.

A date, yes. That is what he’s proposing. And he may or may not be waiting with breath held for the reply, (though honestly, a ‘no’ here wouldn’t ruin the evening; he’s still found good company in this new companion of his, platonic or otherwise). Yet, he’s so relieved, that when the news comes down that he’s been accepted, he nearly breathes out like breaking the surface after a long swim, a small chuckle escaping in the process. ]

Things just work like that, sometimes.

[ Look at him -- he hasn’t been this excited for a date in forever, and this one came clear out of nowhere. A discreet, roundabout ‘yes’ to his question, and all of a sudden he’s ten feet tall, lighter than air, brighter than the sun, over the moon...

The gap between their walking distance closes, and Sorey offers a gentle, playful bump of shoulders. Slight, but deliberate. ]

Don’t worry -- we can always circle back around to it later, if you feel like it.

[ The night is still young, after all. Meaning, Mikleo’s apartment isn’t going to be clear and quiet for a good, long while yet. Nothing saying they can’t go back to the place they started from, polish off a couple more of those Girly Drinks and head back to his bedroom for some uncensored, hot--

--book critique action. Aww yiss. So lewd.

But no matter what, you’d better believe Sorey is going to walk him back to his own front door, (not the fire escape!!), and offer a hug and/or a peck on the cheek and tell him he had a great time, all the same. ]

[dickleo]

[ mikleo, thankfully, doesn’t take the inevitable trip down the gutter that sorey’s words are nearly begging for. no, he’s a refined young scholar who certainly doesn’t invite very handsome boys back to his bed after a single date. he has better taste than that.

that and he’s holistically Bad at relationships and people in general. but he’s putting on a good front for now.

the bump make his lips twitch up into another microscopic smile. even if they’ve just met, sorey is comfortable. mikleo doesn’t feel on edge or as if he has to watch every word.

it’s a nice change. ]

The party probably won’t be done until two or three. [ his words trail off into a mild groan, coupled with a huff. ] I have to finish my paper on Epicureanism in the morning. [ ON ZERO SLEEP THANKS PARTY??? ]

[ofseraphim]

[ But wait if it’s “inevitable”, then--

Anyway. To tell the complete and utter truth, he’d likely decline a night in a Mikleo’s bed this soon into things, no matter how warm and inviting it might be. Rushing into things has, historically, only proved to do him disservices.

...Nnnot that he’s rushed into this kind of thing before--! He’s merely aware that he’s what many consider to be a Handsome Boy™ and has had many fly-by kisses from less-than-sober friends and acquaintances as a result, that’s all. Nothing lasting. Nothing meaningful.

And now, someday soon, he might have a chance to change all that. What a concept! ]

Wow. [ He’s wincing on Mikleo’s behalf already. ] Sounds like you might wanna make that hot cocoa a coffee instead.

[ A couple steps closer toward the door of the corner café, he continues--]

Epicureanism... [ Thoughtfully. Then, sympathetically: ] ...you don’t have Professor Black, do you? [ If so, RIP you, apparently?

Anyway, he’ll hold the door open for Mikleo, (since this is a proper date now and Sorey is nothing if not gentlemanly, thank you very much), before following him in. The hostess behind the podium looks entirely stunned to see human(oid?) lifeforms at this hour, for some reason, but grants them a clean, but well-worn booth to themselves and a menu each. ]

SORRY IM SO SLOW

[dickleo]

[ mikleo easily slides into the booth.

his head lolls back and he acutely becomes aware of how many water stains and dots are on the ceiling. ]

I do, actually. I can’t figure him out.

[ which is rare, given how easy all the other professors are with that sort of thing. either way, he reaches for the menu and idly peruses it, fingertips gliding down each and every item. it’s what one could expect from a place like this.

a slight smile creeps up on his face. ]

What are you getting, then, Sorey Savior?

WHO'S SLOW NOW BINCH (sorry, was at con!)

[ofseraphim]

[ It's worse than he expected. Oof. Yikes. ]

I had him for another class last semester. [ There's a bit of a pinched expression on his face as he recalls that. ] He's fair, but he's not easy, that's for sure.

[ A shake of his head, briefly, before he too cracks open that vaguely-sticky menu, himself, and begins to browse. Peering from over the top of it, then: ] We must have similar majors, if we've both had him. [ He's just going to... throw that out there. Into the ether.

And back to selecting from his list of options. This place serves breakfast all day, doesn't it? Perfect. It isn't until Mikleo makes his next remark that the menu temporarily goes down once more. ]

'Savior'? [ Sorey blinks first, grins second. ] What, because I snuck you out of your own party to take you on a surprise date?

[ Recalling that back in his head the moment after he says it, it stands to question whether or not he's dreaming. He's not, right? Please say he's not. ]

np np! i hope it was fantastic!!!

[dickleo]

[ he pauses.

it was a humorous situation, to say the least, thanking someone for practically absconding with you in the midst of apartment debauchery. add in an impromptu date and it was an instant knee-slapper.

but mikleo didn’t laugh. ]

I am saying that. And my major is Classics. My Uncle is an architect so I’ve been taking a few Anthropology classes as well. They’ve been... far more interesting than I thought.

[ because of all the COOL HISTORY. he clears his throat, thumb dragging along the edge of the menu almost shyly. ]

IT WAS! our sorey and mikleo cosplays took best overall craftsmanship, i'm stoked

[ofseraphim]

[ Right? It's hilarious!

But, someone must've failed to cue the laugh track that should normally be playing here, because instead of raucous amusement, there's only silence. Continued, sustained silence.

...o-oh. Well, he guesses... he's a real, bonafide hero, then. Is he blushing? His face feels hot. Good time to hide it behind the menu, for no real reason in particular, and pretend to keep browsing. It peeks back up in just a moment anyway because DID SOMEONE SAY COOL HISTORY??? ]

Makes sense! I'm an Anthropology major, so that explains us having a professor in common. [ A beat. ] Kinda hard to believe I haven't seen you around on campus, actually.

[ I'd remember you, if I had. Not just because Sorey is pretty good with faces, either.

But, that goes unspoken, because saying it right now would be creepy, and Sorey is on his bestest-best, tip-top gentlemanly behavior. More so than usual, that is; because Mikleo deserves that kind of treatment. Plus, now that he's mentioned history, oh man. Sorey had never bothered with labels; never pinned himself as gay, straight, or otherwise. But if he's ever had a "type"... ]

So! [ Time to take a breath, because his heart is a big bass drum in his chest. (Though to be fair, he can't tell if that's the mention of history, the fact that it's been brought up by this very attractive person across from him, or both.) ] What are some of your favorite topics?

[ Left plural because, if he's anything like Sorey, he'll have to list a few. (Low-key litmus test, here.) ]