cxspians-blog

[cxspians-blog]

it’s not where he’s usually found on a saturday night, but there he still is – standing in the middle of the club, no sway in his body, drink in his hands and perched over the side of the railing like he would back home over his balcony with a glass of wine between his fingers instead. he sighs for the umpteenth time, a soft huff escaping his lips as he curses the person who dragged him here again.

a waitress steps on his heel as she walks by and apologizes, caspian waving it off with a small smile, though he follows her path to another girl, presented a drink identical to the one still idle in his hands. he watches in amusement as the girl takes a sip before making a face, walking up to her with a grin on his face.

“I couldn’t help but notice – “ caspian nods to the same drink in his hands, knowing smile on his lips “ – really not as good as menu made it sound. but I’ve tried, and after much experimentation, if you drink it with some toffee it really isn’t that bad.”  

Though under most circumstances Tasha preferred to blend into the pulsing crowd, the view from the V.I.P section in 100K was perfect for people watching. At the railing she was perched, eyes scanning the masses as their bodies swayed to the thumping music. Some were simply talking, others avoiding, and for some she could feel the electricity between them. A contact high was achievable from the sheer amount of passion radiating off of those present. It was addicting in the best way possible, and that’s why Tasha found herself here most Saturday nights.

A slight smile was given to the waitress who approached, handing the singer a dark drink before walking away. Truthfully Tasha had forgotten what exactly she ordered, but it couldn’t be that bad, right? One sip is all it took to prove her theory wrong.

“Oh okay nope, no that’s terrible”, she sputtered with a laugh, frowning at the glass before throwing a knowing glance to the person who witnessed misstep.

[cxspians-blog]

pcrkjinee:

“But you see, old people toffee is endearing,” Ji Nee said with a pointed smile, "Carrying a needle and thread isn’t nearly as sweet.” She gently turned his wrist over to line up the rip. Before, she could lean forward she reached up and yanked her mask off. It was too dim to have its shadow falling over what she was trying to fix. With a light squint, Ji Nee began to sew. At his answer she nodded lightly. “Rhinestones will do it. That are just flashy cufflinks. At the Blue Moon Event my dress on the first night got caught on one. We couldn’t save it,” she explained with a light shake of her head. 

To Jett’s credit and her own, they did try to save that dress, though. It was just bad luck that had them intertwined like a bird caught on a wire. The fragile netting never even had a chance. She made a mental note to pay for someone to mend it. While she had no intention of wearing it again Marcel wanted to repurpose it for an outfit, and whaetever the hair stylist wanted he got. At the mention of the designer, Ji Nee paused. 

“Who’s the designer?” she asked with a tilt of her head. Then, she squinted at Persephone. They were a little familiar now that they were sitting down and not in the middle of the crowds. Ji Nee returned to the seam. “You sound like you model – did the designer loan this to you? Or did they give it to you after a shoot?" 

“carrying a needle and thread is pretty sweet to someone who has their cuff torn.” caspian smiles back, laughing a little to himself. it stops almost abruptly when the girl takes off her mask, the lilting voice and the helpful hand making sense now.

ji nee park. he should’ve guessed, really. his gaze turns shy, red at his cheeks with how she saves him yet again.

(she doesn’t know it’s him, no, and he’s not sure if she’d even remember him from so many weeks ago, but still – he’s still at least a little embarrassed at how she somehow always swoops in with what he needs when he’s helpless at best)

he shrinks a little behind his mask, though he tries to keep his voice as light as it was before.

“oh no!” he winces a little upon hearing about the fate of her last dress. “I’m sorry to hear about your dress – I’m sure it was beautiful on you, though. it died honorably.” caspian grins, a little more reserved now but lopsided all the same.

“do i? most people say I look more like a model than sound like one.” he teases lightly. “but it’s pyer moss. I walked for a show wearing it and I just knew it was perfect for tonight.” his smile is sheepish as his other hand ruffles his hair absentmindedly. “ah… technically, he let me borrow it for the night. I guessed he liked me enough – that and my next shoot’s free.”

[cxspians-blog]

pcrkjinee:

The nervous energy radiating from the young model made Ji Nee keep her eyes on the pedestrians below. It was not often that people in New York were uncomfortable just standing next to her. Usually, she had to work to get them to the point that the begrudingly respected her. This included women like Rowena. They all underestimated her, and to some degree always would, the difference was she made them hand over some scrap of respect. She did it through her demeanor. With smiles that never met the eyes and carefully picked compliments. It was not like that with the models, though, or so she thought. 

With the way this one kept looking away, like she was a pit viper poised to strike, Ji Nee wasn’t sure what to do. At the moment, she was merely existing. She watched a yellow cab zig-zagged through traffic. The bright yellow was a flash of color among the black and silver cars. 

From the corner of her eyes, Ji Nee noticed him perk up. She looked over as he talked about shoes. Particularly, the trends. This was something Ji Nee could work with.  “I like the aesthetic of a pointed toe, just not the reality.” Ji Nee said. As his eyes widened she laughed lightly. “You’re allowed to have an opinion, I didn’t design these shoes,” she said, “And I’m a half-baked designer as is, so." 

Ji Nee trailed off with a flippant shrug. Many people thought of her as a designer, which was flattering. She would never correct them. Ji Nee just considered herself someone that designed. Usually alongside someone, or for Threads. She was no Alexander Wang or Valentin Yudashkin. Not yet at least. “Caspian,” Ji Nee said, liking how the name felt on her tongue. She returned his lopsided smile with a grin. “Like the Sea." 

“I’ve been told once you walk at one big show the doors open if you look for them,” she said, taking his hand in hers. At the mention of Rowena, Ji Nee arched her brows. "Does she?” she hid the surprise from her voice with a practiced coolness. Ji Nee could imagine what Rowena would do had she been present at that moment. “It’s nice to meet you, too. If you’re in LA, you should reach out. We’re always looking for new faces." 

his eyes widen at her reply, and even more so at her statement towards herself as a designer. “that’s not true!” caspian says, mouth parted slightly in shock at how she could see herself as something half-baked. “I’ve followed your work for some time – ever since I started modelling. I mean, rowena showed me your work when I first signed, but your collections have always been some of my favourites.” he argues. “no one who makes what you do could be considered half-baked at all.”

he’s always thought of her as cool, collected, composed – all the things his agency tried to embed into him, actually – and it shocks him to hear at how she speaks so loosely towards herself when it’s what he’s been pushed to achieve. his ears are a little red at the outburst, but he doesn’t take any of the words back, mouth curved into the beginnings of a stubborn pout.

he cocks his head a little at her comparison, the smile on his face slow as he thinks about it; likes the new take on his name. “like the sea.” he agrees, eyes glinting off the city lights.

“hopefully.” caspian says, wistful. “if i was good tonight then maybe I’ll get some new calls, but we’ll see about that.” he shrugs, hair falling into his eyes. her sudden touch has him startling, jumping slightly at her hands suddenly holding his, an apologetic smile as he calms his shaking, as his hands warm in his. “I’d say she’s almost a fangirl of yours.” he bites back a smile that’s only partial mischief. “but you didn’t hear it from me.”

the hope that shines in his eyes, that spreads in his grin is almost impossible to hide, to hold back – and he doesn’t try. “really?” his eyes are crinkled, knowing that maybe the designer was just saying it for the sake of politeness, but willing to pretend, willing to hope all the same. “I will! I mean, I know a handful of us are being relocated to LA, but if not – “ a pause, smile dimming just a touch “ – well, then I’ll still be here. and maybe I’ll see you at next season’s show?”

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irinaakovaleva:

Irina had to admit to herself that his vision and opinion did resonate a lot with what she was trying to convey. Irina preferred art that was deeper, had more feeling and sentiment - this also were the pieces that had most value. And that meant more money for her pocket. “Accurate,” she noted, acknowledging his words. “It’s also sad that they don’t generate half of the impression that other pieces do.” And by impressions she meant money.

Resuming her wine, she took another sip and fought against downing it completely. She was bored out of her mind but she couldn’t afford having someone see her drunk. “Which one is the saddest here?” Irina offered, finding the person besides her interesting - which was something that didn’t happen often with her. 

he hums lightly, smiling a little at her affirmation. “sad, indeed.” he grins, crooked. “impression towards art has always been a little bit disproportionate anyways – that’s why they always say art sells better once the artist is dead, isn’t it?”

caspian sips on his wine, letting his eyes wander across the stranger, making a quick sketch of her in his mind before his gaze flits to the rest of the gallery at her question. “that one.” he tips his glass slightly to one of the larger exhibits in the middle, small spotlights trained on it. “sloppy. cheap canvas. all heavy brushstrokes and clashing colours. could be considered abstract after a couple of drinks, but it leans more towards being a mess to me.” his words aren’t the kindest, but his voice is more thoughtful than harsh. 

“maybe there’s potential under the three layers of paint there, but maybe there isn’t. maybe that’s why there’s three layers of paint. it’s trying.” he shrugs slightly. “it’s sad because I think the artist knows. I think they look at it under all those lights and their heart aches. they hope someone’s naïve enough to spend money on something that’s a fluke of talent.” he stops for a moment, a pause where he taps the rim of the wine glass to his lips lightly. “again, perhaps an unintentional metaphor.” a soft smile.

“and you? what do you think is the saddest one here?”

[cxspians-blog]

ofindiana:

@cxspians

[cxspians-blog]

titanstime:

titan was thankful for the mask covering majority of his face; that would no one could see how appealing that idea sounded. not one to idealize about relaxing, laid-back nights, titan often opted into the more high paced side of l.a.; parties, concerts, the like. and yet… he could picture himself, unwinding with this pleasant stranger. 

“not too bad, actually.” he finally concedes, shrugging. who was this person? 

though titan stopped himself from asking; if their identities were revealed, everything that he had worked for will come crumbling. “except for the documentaries, i’m not the biggest fan.” he finally said, anything to keep the conversation going.

there’s a pause after the stranger’s words, a moment of consideration. of hesitation. 

caspian smiles, chin perched on hands, elbows rested on bar counters. it’s a smile that says i have a secret, glimmering underneath his mask. it’s one that says ask me about it.

the grin that widened at the stranger’s confirmation turns into an exaggerated pout at their confession, bottom lip jutted out almost childishly. 

“not a fan of documentaries?” caspian says, all puppy-eyed sadness. “you just haven’t watched the right ones yet - but i’ll let it slide, just because i like you so much. i’m willing to make a compromise - romcoms or sitcoms instead.”

[cxspians-blog]

“it is LA after all.” caspian arches an eyebrow, amusement in his eyes as he peers at the girl from over his own glass of wine, attention diverted from the work to the girl’s ringing voice. “it should be expected that some things here are a little - superficial.” 

he turns back to the artwork, looking at it with curious eyes, tapping the rim of his glass to his lips as he does. “it’s still art in its own way, though. represents the city, kinda - even if it doesn’t mean to.”

“it’s a little sad, i think.” he says simply.

“The artistic scene in LA has turned so… Hipster, is what you all call it?” Irina said from behind a glass of wine while she looked at some art hung in a wall from the gallery opening she had been invited to. “Where are the real artists? The ones who poured their feelings and ideas into strokes of a brush and made them come to life with paint? Now all we get is splatters and toilets called ‘installations’.” 

[cxspians-blog]

✌️

[cxspians-blog]

pcrkjinee:

Rowena’s models were always so afraid of her. It was half the reason why Ji Nee always kept in touch with the woman. She liked to stay in the manager’s good graces so that she was able to do things like this. For everything in fashion that Ji Nee liked there were parts of it she could do without. The main one being the focus on thinness and the dieting and the restricting. It was one thing to want talent to eat healthy. It was another to force their bodies into shapes they were not naturally. 

This boy was a new one. She hadn’t seen him before. In any case, Rowena managed to sink her claws into him. Ji Nee could tell by the way he held himself around her. This isn’t a trick, Ji Nee almost said. Instead, she looked over the balcony and down to the traffic below. As cars zipped by and pedestrian’s darted by, she wondered what it was like to be out there all the time. New York and LA were two different sides of a coin. Similar but very dissimilar all at once. 

At the sound of his voice, Ji Nee looked down at her shoes. They were a little scuffed. She tilted one of her feet this way and that way. They were expensive, but they weren’t ruined. “It’s okay"  she said with a light smile “You don’t need to clean them or replace them.“ 

She didn’t want to say that she had more. It sounded arrogant. 

“ They’ve been pinching my toes anyways,” she said with a conspiratorial grin. “What’s your name? Rowena didn’t introduce you to me.”

he bites his lips nervously as the woman looks over the balcony - he doesn’t know what she wants from him, can’t guess what she could possibly have to say to him and have to take him to the side to do so - caspian’s heard whispers of her in new york and in los angeles and he doesn’t know what to make of her just yet. 

he’s never been one to believe in gossip or rumours, but he’s not naive to the big city or the fashion industry anymore either. 

he tries for a small smile to return hers, though his eyes avert quickly afterwards. 

at her next words, however, he perks up almost instantly. “i completely understand.” he sympathises, voice brighter than the meek tones he’s been using. “i’m not really a fan of the whole pointed-toe thing for guys or girls, really. personally, i had to invest in a good pair of fluffy slippers after the first couple of times my toes bruised.” he nods to himself before catching himself, eyes widening for a split second in panic over letting his mouth slip - again - and in front of an influential person in the industry such as her, no less. 

his words are more cautious when he speaks now, smile almost apologetic. “caspian. i’m - “ he pauses. new isn’t the right word for it, not when he’s left home to do this years ago, not when he can’t even remember home that well now over all the flashing lights that he’s seen in the years since he’s left. 

“ - i’ve been around, sort of.” caspian quirks his mouth into a lopsided smile. “i haven’t really been in any big shows until lately, though.” 

he trails off, unsure if that was appropriate before he remembers his manners, shaking his head slightly as he extends a hand towards her. “it’s an honour to meet you, though! rowena sings your praise like no other.” 

(he probably shouldn’t have said that)

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larsonjett:

“Sure…” It wasn’t that strange of a habit, Jett guessed, considering his best friend had a habit of nicknaming anyone within a five-foot radius, but he’d never had a stranger nickname his iPad. “Whatever makes you happy, mate.” Smiling slightly, he nodded and turned back to his notebook, intent on getting some work done while the barista figured out what was wrong with his iPad. He’d probably leave a tip for him anyways, anything to pay him back for taking a chance on Jett’s iPad.

“surprisingly, not a lot of things.” he says voice solemn. “though i guess you have to take what you can get. small happinesses, right?” he he tucks the ipad underneath his arm, turning his full attention back to the stranger again. “thanks for letting me help out! is there anything i can get you while you wait? another coffee or a cookie or something?” 

[cxspians-blog]

Titan and Caspian look so cute together. I would like to see more of them in the future!

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ofindiana:

“You weren’t going to die! I wouldn’t have let it happen, you dumbass. I controlled my momentum when I jumped over you, okay? I had the whole thing under control.” It was an old argument by now but they never seemed to get past it; it was too much fun. At least for Indiana. It seemed that Caspian wasn’t getting past it simply out of joy of holding something against her.

Maybe he should have been the one to dress as Hades but then again, his dramatic streak seemed more resonant of Persephone.

“Um. I knew enough,” Indiana argued, not seeing why her ignorance regarding mythology was such a big deal. “Hades is king of the underworld and Persephone is his wife and the goddess of flowers and girly shit. I’d kidnap you out of love and you’re into girly shit; we embody their personalities perfectly and that’s all that matters.”

Indiana snorted and rolled her eyes fondly at his dramatic antics before she let go of one of his wands so they can walk side by side. As they entered the tunnel, Indiana snorted again at the wash of pinks, purples and indigos that abruptly engulfed them. “Well, then. They definitely had you in mind when they built this thing.”

She started swinging their intertwined hands as they walked, the walls surrounding them covered in different forms of writing that held one romantic meaning or another and far into the hall they were in, there seemed to be a boat and what looked like a pool, stretching deep into the tunnel. It reminded her of a similar tunnel she’d entered once in a funfair.

“This is the cheesiest place I’ve ever been to,” She said then she pulled on Caspian’s hand as she led him to the boat, smiling at the man who seemed to be manning it. She turned to whisper to her friend excitedly, “Let’s do it! It’ll be the perfect environment for our livestream. Just floating in a makeshift river of love and annoying everyone on Instagram, it’ll be great, Cas!”

“was it really controlled indiana? was it? ‘cause one wrong move - “ he slides a finger across his throat “ - and i’d be dead. dead! you wouldn’t have to explain it to my parents still, but - but you’d have to explain it to my agency!” he argues, voice rising. he’s been over it a thousand times with indiana, and in all honesty, he isn’t as harmed or offended as he sounds when the topic is brought up - though he’d rather actually die than tell indiana that. 

he gapes at her, mouth open and eyes blinking at her attempt at explain hades and persephone, obliviousness in her eyes and quickly brushing it aside. caspian stops in his tracks immediately, tugging her back to stand next to her. he pulls at her hand so that she takes a couple steps towards him, close enough for him to stand over her, faces an inch apart and unblinking now. “you,” caspian says slowly, “are ridiculous.” 

he lets it go, of course, leaving indiana with nothing but a roll of his eyes and a small grin on his lips, walking into the tunnel behind her. “well, considering that it is the love tunnel, i’m not surprised.” caspian sighs dramatically. “i am an inspiration for love. what can i say?” 

their hands swing haphazardly as they walk, caspian unable to keep the grin off his face at their disjointed walk, momentum all off from the swing of their entwined hands but still perfect in all its misstep glory, much like them. his eyes wander at the declarations of love on the wall and the soft colours that engulfed them, arched eyebrows at the sheer overload of valentine’s day surrounding him, half curious and half skeptical at the same time. 

“you’re right.” he nods solemnly, eyes sweeping over the boat bobbing softly on the water. he lets go of indiana’s hand to hold out two slim fingers at the man standing in the boat, smiling at him when he nods his affirmation at his request, head tilted for them to get in. caspian steps aside, holding out his hand to indiana in a grand flourish as he bows deeply. 

“after you, milday. i mean, my hades.” he grins, hand outstretched towards hers once again. 

[cxspians-blog]

Xavier and Caspian make a cute couple.

[cxspians-blog]

pcrkjinee:

As Persephone spun around, Ji Nee took a step back. She smiled for the first time that night at the excitement in their voice. The brightness in eyes shone despite the mask meant to cover them in shadows. As they tried to backtrack, Ji Nee shook her head. Of course she would be able to and she wanted to. The whole situation in New York left her feeling powerless. A torn cufflink was nothing, but it was something she could help. 

“I insist,” Ji Nee said in the middle of the light protests. She laughed lightly at the mention of drinks. The last thing Ji Nee wanted was to get trashed while here by herself. “It’ll only take me a few minutes, so don’t worry about it. I’m sure you want to get back to Hades, too.”

She looked for an empty table and nodded in the direction of the chairs. Once there, Ji Nee rifled through her clutch for a needle and thread. “I swear, I’m not usually this much of an old person. I was just worried something would fall off my mask,” she explained as she pushed the thread through. 

- “How did this happen?“ she asked, gently poking at the dangling cuff. "I only saw it like this, I didn’t actually see what caught it." 

he smiles in relief at the other’s response, eyes already singing his thanks at his new saviour. “take your time with it, really. i’m honestly in no rush to get back to my hades.” his voice is dipped in the playful scorn that only close friends pull off, though he returns to his usual lilt when he speaks again. “besides, i’m sure she’s off with some other god by now. probably won’t find her ‘till the night ends.” 

caspian follows the girl to the empty table, sitting down and eyeing her with amusement as she pulls out a needle and thread from her bag. “there’s no shame in old people tendencies.” he laughs lightly. “i, for one, always carry those old people toffees on me at all times. probably have some on me right now.” he holds his arm out for her, careful to keep it steady as she begins to work on the fabric. “though i’m definitely thankful for your preparedness.” 

he hums quietly as she works, trying to think of the answer to her question. “i think it might’ve caught on one of the rhinestones or something on her sleeve.” caspian frowns slightly. “i’m not too sure - i just hope the designer won’t be too mad with it when i return it - i can’t really afford to pay for this in full.” 

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titanstime:

“is it obvious that i’m moping?” titan’s question was accompanied with a grin. yeah, maybe it was obvious but if anyone knew him, they would know why. his love life hasn’t exactly been up to par as a late, so a whole event dedicated to love-y dove-y feelings and hearts and all that shit? not titan’s cup of tea. 

his interest was piqued at the idea of real romance - especially because he knew what tonight was about, at least for him. there was no romance for titan tonight, he didn’t even really have a desire to be romanced but there was no harm in playing along with the stranger’s game.

“and what kind of real romance should i be looking forward to?”

he scrunches his nose lightly, eyes sparkling from behind his mask as he answers. “a little.” caspian admits, smile sheepish. “but understandable. the night’s really a hit or miss for most people.” he cocks his head to the side eyeing him, grin playful. “’sides, it’s better this way, isn’t it? with all the couples all moony-eyed at each other, that just means more drinks for me and more chances to talk to strangers at the bar while i drink them.” he winks cheekily, taking a sip of his drink to emphasize his point. 

his mouth morphs into a small pout at the other’s words, pursing his lips together lightly as if deep in thought at his question. 

“pizza on balconies overlooking the city.” he announces, grin wide. “meat lovers, of course. and documentaries with tea. or coffee. i’m flexible on that.” 

“how does that sound, stranger?” caspian asks, eyes glinting.

[cxspians-blog]

Caspian has such a nice smile. I love getting coffee from him.