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[cementcornfield]

Ja'Marr checking in on Tee's Stream 🙂

[twokinkybeans]

Stark On Ice: Starker Figure Skating AU Chapter 1

Summary: Six months ago, the broadcasters asked Tony to participate in Celebrity Spin-Off; an annual TV series where celebrities get paired up with a professional figure skater and compete against each other. Well, he’d laughed in their faces, wondering why they’d even ask. Were they really that stupid? He had better things to do. “If you can find me a male skater who lets me lead, I’m in,” he’d scoffed sarcastically to brush them off.

He didn't expect them to take his answer seriously.

Masterpost (to be posted) Find On AO3

---

Chapter One: Let Me Entertain You Tony readjusts his jacket as he walks into the large building that is the Midtown Ice Arena. It’s a few minutes before 7 AM, and he already downed a triple espresso on his way here - amusedly ignoring Happy’s complaints about it being so damn early. He will give the man a raise soon. Tony can’t say he’s a morning person, but having to get up this early every single day for three months in a row helps to get used to it. Today is different, though. He feels jittery and on-edge just thinking about today’s events. It’s the final rehearsal. Tonight he’s going to skate in front of the entirety of the States. He knows many people won’t even bother to watch the TV series, but the idea has him slightly nauseous anyway. His first live show…

Live show.

Tony chuckles sarcastically at himself as he sits down on one of the benches in the changing room. Live show. Six months ago, the broadcasters asked him to participate in Celebrity Spin-Off; an annual TV series where celebrities get paired up with a professional figure skater and compete against each other. Well, he’d laughed in their faces, wondering why they’d even ask. Were they really that stupid? He had better things to do. “If you can find me a male skater who lets me lead, I’m in,” he’d scoffed sarcastically to brush them off. 

He’s still not sure why they took his answer seriously, but they had. Tony Stark doesn’t back out of a promise, though. So, here he is, lacing up his skates after three months of intensive training, ready to work through his choreo together with his assigned partner Peter Parker. From what Tony’s heard, Peter is a pretty big deal in the skating world. He’s a sweet, enthusiastic 21-year-old who has enough talent and skill in pair skating to participate in the Olympics, yet he’d chosen not to. Instead, he tours across the US with Stars On Ice, coaches young kids at Midtown, and has a YouTube channel where he and his partner MJ post routines with traditional gender roles reversed.  Tony admires Peter’s passion. The man doesn’t like other people very fast, but Peter was something else entirely. He’s endearing in a way. It’s easy to like him. Which, thank god, is a positive thing. They’ve had to train together for a minimum of eighteen hours for the past three months - both on ice and off. Tony had been surprised to see that the theory classes and off-rink practice were just as important.

When Tony finishes lacing up his skates he walks towards the rink, finally knowing how to do that without looking like a waddling duck. A smile creeps onto his face when he spots his partner on the ice already. The boy moves around ever so graciously, practicing his triple axel. A few days prior, Peter told him he hadn’t done it in a while, and he and MJ intend to use it in their new YouTube tutorial, so he’s been wanting to perfect his landing. It’s not like he pops it, but the boy isn’t content very easily. Tony enjoys watching him rehearse no matter how he lands. He’s so beautiful out there. Like he was born to skate. After landing perfectly three times, Peter slows down to give himself a short break, and that’s when he spots Tony at the entrance. The man waves awkwardly and Peter grins. “Mornin’, grumpy-head!” Peter laughs as he skates towards him.  “Well, look at you. Always a beaming ray of sunshine, aren’t ya?” “You know me too well, Mr. Stark. Hope you didn’t forget to apply your sunscreen today!” Peter jokes, jumping off the ice to give Tony a short hug. Tony hates to admit he likes that Peter greets him like that every single day. The boy isn’t scared of him, unlike most other people. Another reason why Tony likes him. He grunts as a response to the joke and nudges Peter. “Think it’s time to start training. Steve here yet?” Tony asks, looking around to see if he spots their coach. Peter shakes his head. “No, his car broke down a few blocks from Midtown, he’ll be here soon enough. Let’s start warming up so we can dive right into the sequence when he gets here.” “Yes, coach.”

-

“Why- Why do these outfits have to be so glittery,” Tony jests as he eyes himself in the mirror. He’s wearing a tight and stretchy black button-up with thick, gold seams and shiny gold beads all over it. Thank god his pants are a simple plain black. Peter is adjusting his hair right next to him. The metallic gold tee hugs the boy’s skin so incredibly tight that Tony can’t help his gaze from wandering down a little, peeking at the boy’s gorgeous abs. Peter grins as he follows Tony’s gaze. “Well, I guess that’s why,” Peter retorts, and Tony blushes. He sniffs, staring at his own reflection again. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Says the man who asked for a male partner. I still don’t-” “Oh shush,” Tony cuts him off playfully and waves his hand in the air. Peter simply chuckles and finishes styling his curls. They’re silent for a moment and Tony’s thoughts wander. He hadn’t meant to stare like that. Yes, he was bisexual but that doesn’t mean he liked Peter like that. They were already making headlines on entertainment websites. He can’t even imagine what’d happen if they’d actually feel something for each other. That’d be insane and highly unprofessional. The kid is too young, and- No. Tony doesn’t even have to make excuses for himself. Peter is nice. That’s it. 

Thinking about them making the news doesn’t exactly settle his nerves. People are interested in them. Tony Stark on skates must be high-end entertainment for many people in itself, but the fact that they’re a male couple… He knows the public’s eye is on them tonight. “So tell me, kid. How does one contain nerves for a show, uh?” Tony asks, trying to keep it casual but failing massively. A gentle smile tugs on Peter’s lips. “Experience. Trusting yourself,” he starts. “You know, Tony. You won’t be flawless tonight. But that’s okay, remember? No one will be. Flawless is not what we aim for. Chemistry. Engaging the public, and-” “-just having fun on the ice,” Tony finishes for him with a nod. Peter has told him this many times before, but the reminder does settle his nerves. Tony’s a beginner, but he’s got the name and his charm. And Peter... They’ve got a pretty good shot. “Exactly. Now, tell me- what are you most nervous about?” “Honestly?” “Well, yes.” “Dropping you.” Peter sighs and takes a step closer to Tony.  “You won’t. You’ve only dropped me once, and I wasn’t even hurt. Even if it were to happen, I know how to take a fall. We’ll be alright. You’re one of the best skaters in this competition. You’re gonna ace this.” “Thank you, Pete. Hey, for what it counts, I’m glad you’re my skating partner.” “And I’m glad you’re mine.”

-

Tony’s throat is dry, his heart beating rapidly in his chest when his fingers tangle into Peter’s. The boy is so close to him, just like during practice. It grounds him. The floor manager smiles at them. “Good luck out there, you ready for it?” Tony nods, his lips pressed together in a thin line. Smile. He should smile. Peter squeezes his hands once and Tony takes a deep breath. He’s got this. They’ve got this. The floor manager signals, “-Standing by…” Oh, God. This is it. Tony sniffs. His hands feel sweaty, his stomach knots together once more. As much as he appears to be comfortable in public, the moment right before always has him on edge. Any moment now. His gaze focused on the floor manager. Waiting for her cue.  “And go!”

Tony forces his most charming smile on his face when he skates forward in unison with Peter, the cheers of the audience enveloping him. They stop in the center of the rink and he guides Peter in front of him. The boy’s arms are crossed in front of his chest. Tony puts a hand on Peter’s right shoulder. It’s quiet for a second, but then the familiar tune starts playing and Tony licks his lips. Peter smirks, pushing his skates into the ice to circle around the man, Tony’s gaze tracking him until he’s in front once again.

Hell is gone and heaven’s here There’s nothing left for you to fear Shake your arse come over here Now scream 

Peter twirls and presses into Tony’s side. They grin at each other and skate forward, towards the edge of the rink. Tony’s nerves finally settle when he focuses on just how smooth Peter glides over the ice. The loud music cuts off the sounds of their blades crushing the frozen surface beneath them, but Tony hears it in his mind instead. He knows exactly where to turn, where to move. Peter sends him a little nod right before they go into the crossovers. Tony doesn’t like crossovers all that much, it makes him feel stiff and uncoordinated. Yet, somehow his body seems to do it on autopilot today, simply mimicking Peter’s lead. 

I’m a burning effigy Of everything I used to be You’re my rock of empathy, my dear

Tony feels powerful in a way, his movements loosening up with every passing second. It’s time for their waltz jump. He turns around to transition into backward crosscuts and then shifts his weight from the right outer edge to the left one, throwing his right leg up in front. He gasps when he feels how smoothly he lifts off the ice. He’s flying through the air, weightless, and a quick glance confirms that Peter is too. When his right foot hits the ice again, he bends his right knee and extends his left leg behind him. The applause envelopes him like a warm blanket and the adrenaline coursing through his veins is an exhilarating sensation. He did it. He did it!

So come on let me entertain you Let me entertain you Let me entertain you

Tony turns around again to find Peter skating in his direction with a proud and goofy grin on his face. Tony’s heart leaps out of his chest when he realizes his partner is just as impressed as he is. Their hands find each other as they increase their speed to make it through another set of crossovers. Tony doesn’t even worry about them anymore at this point. Everything is just fucking amazing. 

Let me entertain you Let me entertain you (let me entertain you) So come on let me entertain you (let me entertain you) Let me entertain you (let me entertain you)

Tony takes a deep breath when he realizes it’s time for their lift. He sets off for his continuous three turns and feels how Peter starts leaning into him. The man prepares for the boy to jump up from the ice gracefully. When Peter does so, he easily catches him and they spin into their rotational lift. Tony loves this one - loves to have Peter in his arms bridal style while spinning around and around and around while remembering his words. Don’t be afraid of the speed. Stalling is falling. Tony doesn’t feel like they’re falling. No, it feels like they’re floating, setting off for space.

Come on come on come on come on Come on come on come on come on Come on come on come on come on

Peter moves slightly, indicating it’s time for Tony to help him back down again. They transition into forward strokes toward the center once more and slow down. Their arms are spread wide proudly. Peter then circles Tony just like he did in the beginning, leaning into Tony’s side when the music comes to an end. He can’t help wrapping an arm around him to pull him in closer, bathing in the applause and the cheers that are thrown their way. Oh my god. They pulled it off. He can’t believe they did it. Of course, he doesn’t have Peter’s finesse but fuck. As Peter would say, they aced it. Together. 

---

Next Chapter: To Be Posted

[camillemontespan]

queer eye: the cordonian edition [drake walker] [episode 1, part two]

Part One here if you want to catch up (you probably should). 

This is my last part of Drake’s Walkers episode in my Queer Eye collaboration with the lovely Marie @pug-bitch 

@jovialyouthmusic @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore@sirbeepsalot@moonlightgem7 @katedrakeohd @emceesynonymroll@notoriouscs @dcbbw@drakesensworld @carabeth  @be-still-my-aching-heart@andy-loves-corgis@mariahschoices @thequeenofcronuts @drakewalkerisreal@nikkis1983@simsvetements  @alesana45 @iplaydrake@drakewalkerwhipped@drakxwalker @drakewalkerrosenberg @drakeswalkers@drakelover78@silviasutton1989 @furiousherringoperatortoad @hollygirl1269@ladyangel70  @i-bloody-love-drake-walker @burnsoslow   @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld  @emichelle  @stopforamoment @rainbowsinthestorm   @drakewalkerfics @ibldw-main

************************************************************************************

Jonathan: GROOMING. Owner of luscious locks, self care advocate, is a Kelly Clarkson song.

Tan: FASHION. A style icon, inventor of the French tuck, lover of printed shirts.

Bobby: DESIGN. Unsung hero, man of few words and week-long renovation projects, lover of gray and blue hues.

Karamo: CULTURE. Beautifully manicured beard, inspirational angel, loves to get people to scream about their dreams as a self-confidence exercise.

Antoni: FOOD. Can only make grilled cheese or dips. Pretty to look at, cooking skills questionable. Owner of a million slogan tees and bandanas.

Day 4: A Place at the Table

'Right, food. Since you live in a Palace where you're waited on hand and foot, I'll admit, it was hard to work out how I can help you,' Antoni admitted to Drake the following day. 'But I've managed to get us into the kitchen anyway so that if the opportunity ever came, you could cook yourself something. I imagine that since there's servants and cooks here, you don't know how to do it yourself?'

Drake blinked. 'Uh, I can cook, Antoni.'

Antoni grinned. 'Awesome! So like, grilled cheese? Guacamole?'

Drake stared at Antoni. There was an awkward silence. 'That's not proper food,' he said bluntly. Antoni paled.

'I meant I can cook meat, you know? Like roast pork or roast chicken. I don't just get the chance to do it often but when I lived in Texas, my mom taught me how.'

Antoni was ashen now. His fists were clenched and he could feel panic rising in his stomach. Sure, he'd made roasts before but the Queer Eye job description had said he would be teaching very basic things, which meant Antoni's actual cooking had taken a backseat. Roast chicken was not basic.

'Okayyy...' Antoni said. 'Right, I love how enthusiastic you are. But, um, grilled cheese?'

Drake stared at him.

Yet again, the editing team would have to include the sound of crickets to fill the silence.

'I'll be right back..' Antoni whispered. He scurried away from Drake, who looked incredibly bewildered, and raced back to the suite where his co-star were staying.

Antoni burst into the room and threw himself on the bed beside Bobby. He was so glad the cameras hadn't followed him, for he curled himself into a ball and wailed, 'I HAVE NO PURPOSE IN THIS EPISODE!'

Bobby soothed Antoni by stroking his hair. 'There, there Antoni,' he whispered. 'I know what will cheer you up. Did you know the King has corgis?'

Antoni bolted up from the bed, a huge grin plastered on his face. 'Where?'

                         **********************************************

Drake was in his room, studying the clothes in his wardrobe to work out exactly how much denim he needed to bin when Karamo knocked on his door.

'Hey, Drake. Are you free just now? Thought we could do some things today.'

Drake agreed and the two men headed downstairs to the dining room. They found Antoni at a table with a corgi on his lap. He looked so pleased with himself.

'Hey guys!' he greeted them.

Karamo turned to Drake. 'I've roped Antoni in to help us today because after you gave him an inferiority complex, I figured he might feel better if he joined in.'

Drake shot Antoni an apologetic smile. 'Sorry Antoni.'

Antoni shrugged. 'All good, Drake. Besides, me and Rupert have been getting on so well, haven't we Rupert?!' he cooed at the corgi. Rupert licked Antoni's nose in response.

Karamo clapped his hands. 'Right, Drake. We're in the dining room because the three of us are going to learn about dinner etiquette -'

'Oh fuck no,' Drake interrupted, raising his hands. 'No way. I'm not turning into one of them. I like not knowing the correct fork to use, it makes me normal.'

Karamo and Antoni were silent. Karamo studied Drake before speaking. 'Drake. You live here. You're surrounded by nobles and the King is your best friend. Surely it would only put you at an advantage and feel more like you belong if you learned about this sort of thing? You could prove the naysayers wrong.'

Drake shook his head. 'Fuck the naysayers.'

Karamo closed his eyes. The editing team would have to bleep out half of Drake's vocabulary.

'If you just learned this one skill, it doesn't mean you're any different,' Antoni said quietly. 'It will just make you feel like you've earned a place at the table.'

'Why should I feel like I've earned it?' Drake asked bitterly. 'I don't want to act like being noble is the best thing in the world. I don't want to be grateful for getting the chance to sit beside them at dinner. I hate them. They can all go to hell. In fact, no. They can all suck my-'

'DRAKE,' Karamo raised his voice, pinching the sides of his nose with his fingers. He looked at Drake steadily. 'Okay, we'll abandon this. It was a stupid idea.'

Drake exhaled. 'Thank you.'

Antoni have Karamo a questioning look. It was not a stupid idea. It made sense. But Karamo gave Antoni a sly wink.

'Get some outdoor clothes on,' Karamo instructed. 'We're going on a hike.'

                 *****************************************************

The three of them trekked up the Cordonian Pass which overlooked the ocean and the terracotta tiled roofs of Cordonia. ‘Wow, this country is gorgeous!’ Antoni said, barely breaking a sweat. 

‘I do like hiking so I can see this view,’ Drake admitted. Karamo smiled, pleased his activity was approved of. They stopped at the halfway point to have a water break and surveyed their surroundings. 

‘Do you go hiking a lot?’ Karamo asked. Drake shook his head. ‘Nowhere near enough. Like... once every four months. So not much, no.’ 

‘Why don’t you do it more often?’ Antoni asked, pouring some water over his head so the water ran down his face and down his muscled arms. The camera zoomed in. 

Drake shrugged. ‘I guess I just prefer to stay in my room.’

‘The room that’s bare and full of whiskey bottles?’ Karamo asked bluntly. Drake blinked, his eyes wide as he tried to think of an answer. Antoni winced and quietly sloped off to pretend to look at a tree. This was Karamo’s time now.  

‘I.. uhh..’ Drake stammered. 

Karamo sighed. ‘We saw you had a lot of empty whiskey bottles littered around your room. It was a lot, Drake. Why do you drink so much? No judgement here, I’m just wanting to understand you and help. This is a safe space.’ 

Drake eyed the camera then looked back at Karamo. ‘I guess I use whiskey to self medicate..’ he muttered. ‘It blocks out the thoughts I have.’

‘What thoughts?’ Karamo asked softly. 

‘That I’m a nobody,’ Drake said honestly, clenching his fists and then unclenching them. Karamo could see he was digging his fingernails into his palms; it was a good distraction technique to stop tears. 

‘But you’re not a nobody, Drake,’ Karamo told him. 

‘Ha!’ Drake scoffed bitterly. ‘Believe me, I am. In this court, I may as well be the shit on their shoes. The nobles all look at me like I’m worthless. They accuse me of riding on Liam’s coat tails. They ask why I’m at court. They forget about my dad’s loyalty and bravery-’

‘Your dad?’ 

Drake went silent and cast his eyes down to the ground. Karamo moved forward and placed his hand on Drake’s shoulder. ‘Drake? Your dad? Safe space here, remember.’

Drake let out a shaky breath. ‘My father was part of of the Guard. He protected the King but was killed in service. He died an honourable death - he always said if he had to die, he would prefer to die protecting his king and country, which he did.’

‘He sounds like a great man,’ Karamo whispered. Drake nodded fiercely. ‘He was. He was.. he was my favourite person. It always felt like it was us versus the world. When he was gone, I felt lost.. like I had no place here anymore, regardless of how much Liam tried to tell me that I was his best friend and I deserved to be at court. His family took me in after dad died, so he became like a brother to me. But it made no difference to everyone else.’

Karamo sighed. ‘Why should it matter what everyone thinks of you? Drake, from the short time I’ve known you, you’ve proven that you’re a good guy. A bit rough around the edges, sure, but in a way that’s quite endearing. You’re kind. You’re your own person. You stick by your values and you refuse to conform. You’re one of a kind. So why should the opinion of some stuffy nobles bring you down?’

‘Because in a way, I guess I want to be accepted,’ Drake said, his breath hitching. ‘I’m sick of being treated like crap but I also don’t want to turn into those nobles who treat everyone badly. I just want one day where I can go about my business without someone making a snarky comment. Because soon, all the comments and insults start collecting in your head and you begin to see them as truth.’

‘But they’re not the truth,’ Karamo said fiercely. ‘Those people do not have permission to make you feel inferior, okay? Besides, fuck them! Everyone has got their own baggage and I can guarantee that they all have their own insecurities, some people just take it out on others. You just have to rise above it. As the beautiful Michelle Obama says, when they go low, we go high.’ 

‘She is pretty beautiful..’ Drake muttered, smiling slightly. Karamo chuckled then turned serious again. 

‘Look, Drake. I bet your dad, if he was here, he would tell you to just do you. go your own path, screw everyone else, right?’

Drake nodded. 

‘Okay. So I bet he wouldn’t want you to be sat in your room all day drinking to block out the negative thoughts, am I right?’ Drake nodded. Karamo smiled and continued. ‘He would want you to live your best life. He would want you to smile and just be happy and secure in yourself. He would also be so proud of you.’

‘He would?’

‘Yes! Drake, look. You’ve survived this long in court without him and you’ve built up a thick skin but we’re all human, there’s gonna be some cracks where negative stuff gets in. That’s okay. What matters is how you deal with the negative stuff. So, instead of sitting in your room drinking yourself into oblivion, I want you to do something else. Maybe, say.. hike?’ 

Drake smirked. ‘Was this meant to be a lesson?’

Karamo shrugged.’ View it how you want but I’m telling you, hiking, getting outside, this is what’s going to help you. It takes you out of your head. Tell me, how do you feel?’

‘I guess I feel lighter.. I mean, I’ve never told anyone about how I feel about court,’ Drake admitted. ‘Plus I suppose hiking gives me a purpose, it makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.’

‘Exactly!’ Karamo cried. ‘I tell you, when we reach the top, you’re going to feel on top of the world - literally and figuratively. This can be your self care. I know you hate that phrase but it is. It’s therapeutic. It gets you out of your head, gets you active and hey, out of the palace.’ 

Drake grinned. ‘I should do this more, huh?’

‘You’re getting it! Now, come on, let’s get to the top. Antoni, baby, come on!’ 

Antoni, who had been studying the tree for the whole time, skipped over and gave Drake a wide smile. ‘Let’s hike, buddy.’ 

They trekked further up the mountain until they reached the top twenty minutes later. The whole of Cordonia lay out before them and Karamo whistled. 

‘What a view.’

He felt Drake nudge him. Karamo looked at him and saw that his project was smiling. ‘Thank you, Karamo,’ Drake said. ‘I feel.. good.’ 

Antoni clapped his hands. ‘Awwwww, group hug!’

‘Oh no.’ Drake groaned. Karamo and Antoni jumped up and down. ‘Come on, honey!’ Karamo shouted. ‘Bring it in!’

Drake laughed and joined the two of them, throwing his arms around them as they shared a hug, laughing and celebrating. 

   ******************************************************************************

They got back to the palace and as they passed the dining room, Drake stopped them.  ‘I may regret this but since this is a good day, let’s continue,’ he said. Karamo and Antoni frowned, waiting. 

‘Teach me about table etiquette,’ Drake sighed. ‘Give me a skill I can use to feel better in this place and maybe shut up those nobles who judge my dinner habits.’

Antoni and Karamo began screaming, jumping up and down. ‘Oh my God!’ Antoni squealed. ‘Yes! Let’s do it!’

They dragged Drake into the dining room, which was still empty, and sat him down at a table that was laid out with plates, bowls and cutlery. Drake swallowed nervously.

Karamo and Antoni sat down opposite him and poured three glasses of water. 

‘So’, Karamo began. ‘We’ll start with the spoons and knives which are always on your right.’ 

Drake nodded, listening intently. 

‘You start with the spoon on the far right,’ Antoni continued. ‘This is your soup soon. As you work your way in, you will find your first course knife and then once that’s used, you have your second course knife.’

‘So ridiculous,’ Drake commented. ‘Why all the fanciness?’

‘You live in a palace, Drake,’ Karamo said dryly. ‘Fanciness comes with the territory.’

Antoni cleared his throat. ‘On the left are your forks and the same applies to them. Work your way in from the outside. Above your plate, you will find your dessert spoon and fork.’

The three of them practiced for the next thirty minutes until it was ingrained in Drake’s mind. ‘I always just picked a random fork to use..’ Drake said quietly.

‘Well, now you won’t do that,’ Antoni assured him. ‘You can now sit down, have a meal and not feel like you’re doing that wrong. You have a place at the table.’ 

Karamo smiled softly, his eyes meeting Drake’s. ‘You have always had a place at the table,’ he corrected. ‘You just needed to know that.’ 

Drake grinned, his smile crinkling the corners of his eyes; a genuine smile. For once, he looked lighter and happier. 

      ***************************************************************************

Day 5: I’m Drake Walker

It was the final day of their project and the morning of the ball which would host Liam’s suitors. The Fab Five, excluding Bobby, stood in the palace corridor with Drake, waiting for Bobby to let them in to show off Drake’s new room. 

‘You are glowing!’ Jonathan squealed when he saw Drake. ‘Have you been using my face mask?!’

Drake blushed. ‘Maybe..’

‘Oh my God, yaaaaaas kweeen!’ Jonathan cried, pulling him into a hug. ‘I’m so proud of you!’ 

Tan knocked on the door. ‘Bobby, come on, open up!’

‘I’m just doing the final touches!’ Bobby called. ‘I’m sorting out the cushions!’

‘Cushions?’ Drake murmured, his eyes wide. He had never owned cushions. 

The door opened and Bobby eyed Drake, smiling mischeviously. ‘Welcome home, Mr Walker.’

He let them inside and Drake stopped dead. 

The room, which had been so white and bare, looked like a completely different space. Forest green walls, blue curtains, orange cushions and copper lamps decorated the room. The driftwood shelves Drake had liked had been put up on the walls and they held candles, books and framed pictures. 

Drake moved towards them, silent, and picked up a framed picture. ‘This is me and my dad..’ he whispered. He turned to Bobby. ‘Where did you get this?’

‘I was emptying out your drawers and found it in an envelope,’ Bobby explained. ‘Sorry if it was private, I just thought that a gorgeous picture like that deserves to be framed. Was that on 4th July?’

Drake nodded. ‘We always had 4th July at the ranch,’ he said quietly, his eyes fixed on the photograph. ‘He loved that holiday. It’s one of my favourite memories.’ 

His eyes glistened and Jonathan let out a whimper when he saw that Drake was going to cry. ‘Oh honey,’ he whispered, coming forward to give Drake a tight hug. ‘It’s okay.’ 

Karamo patted Drake on the back. Drake squeezed his eyes shut and rubbed them, laughing shakily. ‘Sorry, didn’t mean to get all.. emotional.’

‘It’s your dad, we get it,’ Tan said. Karamo and Antoni had told the others about Drake’s dad privately and the group now felt like they knew another side of Drake that had previously been hidden. 

Drake put the photograph back and looked around the room. ‘I love this,’ he said to Bobby. ‘It’s cosy. Like, I actually want to stay in here. Don’t worry, I won’t drink whiskey,’ he joked, shooting a look at Karamo. ‘It’s just a relaxing space.’ 

‘Come outside,’ Bobby said, guiding him. He opened the French doors out to the balcony and Drake let out a gasp. The once untouched balcony that overlooked the harbour had been decorated. Fairylights were strung up, casting a warm glow, and there was a table and chairs with the table laid out with purple and blue glasses and a bottle of wine. ‘This can be a space for any lady friends who come over,’ Bobby said. ‘Because face it, you need to get laid, Drake.’

Drake burst out laughing and clapped Bobby on the back. ‘That I do, my friend. That I do.’

    *********************************************************************************

‘Right, let’s get you dressed up!’ Tan cried, dragging him to the closet. The others sat down on the bed and waited as Drake got ready in the en-suite. ‘So this is his off duty model look,’ Tan explained. ‘He is on his way to an underground gig and he had a model girlfriend called Ianthe.’

‘Oooh, Ianthe!’ the others called. They waited with bated breath when the door opened. 

‘Holy shit..’ Antoni breathed. Drake stood at the door wearing the henley shirt, jeans and brown boots with the leather jacket on top. 

‘Drake, you are serving me gorge vibes!’ Jonathan screamed. ‘Like I just want to lick you all over! Can I lick you all over?’

Drake chuckled. ‘If you want, sure.’ 

He came out and gave a twirl. The Fab Five screamed at this sudden flamboyance. ‘How do you feel?’ Tan asked. 

‘I feel like a bit of babe, actually,’ Drake admitted, blushing. ‘I love this outfit.’

‘I may have to divorce my husband,’ Karamo said bluntly. 

Tan clapped his hands. ‘Last look!’ 

He hurried Drake back into the bathroom and the Fab Five waited. Jonathan was fanning himself, overcome with lust. 

The door opened and Jonathan let out a high pitched scream. ‘Okay, fuck me now!’

Drake was wearing a suit. An actual suit. It was tailored perfectly to him; it was a simple black with a blue pocket square. The suit jacket emphasised his broad shoulders and Drake was standing taller, more confidently. 

‘Do you like?’ he asked weakly. 

‘You are on fire,’ Bobby told him. ‘You honestly look incredible.’

‘Do you feel good?’ Karamo asked. Drake looked in the mirror and grinned. ‘I do. I look smart.’

‘You look like my new boyfriend,’ Jonathan quipped. ‘Wait till I introduce you to my mom.’

Drake ran his hands down the lapels, smoothing the jacket. ‘This is good. I feel good.’ 

‘You look good,’ Antoni said. ‘You feeling ready for tonight?’

‘I am,’ Drake said. ‘For once in my life, I’m not dreading a ball.’ 

‘Good,’ Karamo smiled. ‘Then our work is done.’ 

****************************************************************************************

The Fab Five convened in their loft to watch the short of film of Drake after they left him. They all settled down on the sofa with glasses of wine in hand and Bobby switched on the TV. 

Drake appeared on their screen. He was in his bathroom using the face cleanser Jonathan had got him and even better, he was topless with a towel around his waist. He had clearly just gotten out of the shower as his hair was slicked back. 

‘OH MY GOD, HE’S SUCH A BEEFCAKE!’ Tan screamed, jumping up and spilling his wine. 

Jonathan’s mouth had dropped open.  ‘Oh come to mama...’ he breathed, his eyes widening as he took in Drake’s muscled arms and torso. 

‘I know I said I was divorcing my husband as a sort of joke,’ Karamo said, ‘but I mean it.’

‘His towel is so low..’ Antoni whispered.

‘Does he do manscaping?’ Bobby asked, bewildered. ‘Jonathan, I think he manscapes.’

‘I could have given him more tips!’ Jonathan wailed, heartbroken. 

Tan sniggered. ‘Okay, let’s keep watching.’

They watched as Drake applied moisturiser -’good boy,’ Jonathan said- and Drake then shut the door to the camera so he could get dressed. 

‘Damn it!’ they all chorused. 

When he reappeared, he was wearing the suit and adjusting his cuff links. ‘He genuinely looks like he should be in perfume commercial,’ Tan said. ‘Am I right?’

‘Gucci by Gucci,’ Jonathan purred, before descending into cackles. 

Drake studied himself in the mirror and smirked. The Fab Five squealed. ‘He’s so feeling himself!’ Antoni shouted. ‘Yes, Drake!’ 

The camera followed him as he left the room, walking tall with his chest out. The Fab Five gasped when the camera showed the ballroom with its glittering chandeliers.  People were dancing already. Liam came forward as soon as he saw Drake enter. 

‘Drake! Oh my God, you’re wearing a suit!’ he cried, beaming. ‘You look incredible!’

‘Awwwwww!’ Jonathan said, his eyes filling with tears. ‘They’re such besties!’ 

Drake hugged Liam and gave him a smile. ‘I know, right?’

‘Oh my God, I’m in love with self assured, confident Drake Walker,’ Karamo announced. ‘Seriously, where are my divorce papers?’

Liam guided Drake further into the ballroom, the camera following. Some of the nobles turned to look, curious as to why they were being filmed. A blonde haired woman with blue eyes and a scowl on her face. She studied Drake. 

‘So, the runt wore a suit.’

The Fab Five straightened up, all laughter and joy gone. ‘Who the hell is this bitch?’ Jonathan demanded. ‘Who the hell-’

‘Madeleine,’ Drake drawled. He bowed, which made Liam’s eyes widen and Madeleine step back, confused. ‘How nice to see you again.’

Madeleine frowned. ‘Why are you being polite?’

Drake shrugged. ‘You go low, I go high, right?’

Karamo let out a whoop and jumped up, dancing around. ‘Yes, Drake! Yes!’ 

Drake gave Madeline a smirk and watched as she backed away. Liam stared at Drake. ‘What did they do to you?’ he asked, bewildered. Drake laughed. ‘A lot, Liam. They’re brilliant.’

‘Awwwwwww!’ the Fab Five cried. ‘He loves us!’

‘Come see my suitors,’ Liam whispered. Drake nodded and followed Liam to a line of women who were dressed in their finery, all trying their best to look regal and like a future Queen. 

The camera watched Drake as his eyes slid over the Duchesses before landing on a dark haired woman. He studied her body, his eyes going up and down.

‘Holy shit, is Drake checking out one of Liam’s suitors?’ Bobby asked. ‘I don’t think he’s allowed to do that..’

The girl in question looked at Drake and curtseyed. ‘Hi, I’m-’

‘Oh my God, she’s American!’ Tan squealed. ‘Ahhhh, get her out of the competition and be with her, Drake!’

‘Shhh, we missed her name!’ Jonathan scolded. ‘She’s so pretty.’

Drake cleared his throat and bowed to her, as etiquette dictated.

‘I’m Drake Walker.’ 

[andersonlovers-blog]

Levi and Jason, Starter 1

Levi pushed himself up from the floor of the bar then reached down a hand for his friend pulling him up, a grin on his face. “Told you I’d smoke your ass doing push-ups even after two shots.”

“Not my fault you’re half-Irish and you can handle your liquor?”

“Irish drink beer, not rum. Besides, aren’t you half-Russian? Shouldn’t you be able to handle hard stuff better?”

“Fuck you,” Dylan said shoving him playfully.

“Oh sugar, I know you wish I would,” he winked at his friend and ran his hand under his jaw.

“Okay lovebirds, hate to break up the party, but I’ve got news. Somebody’s got their eye on you,” Becky said walking over to them.

“Wait, me or Levi.”

“Levi, you dick wad,” she said, reaching up and smacking Dylan on the back of the head, “because, you know, I would absolutely tell my boyfriend if someone was checking him out.”

“Hey, I don’t know, you might be into taking someone else home, you never know.”

“We tried that once. I didn’t like it. So yes, you do know.”

“Woah, okay,” Levi said laughing, “I’ll file that one right under ‘things I didn’t need to know about you sick fucks.’ Now come on, spill Bec, who is it?”

Becky smiled, and pointed over toward the bar. “The one on the corner. Leather jacket, dark hair, blue eyes, looks a little like Superman. He wouldn’t stop staring at your ass the whole time you clowns were having your little competition.”

“Really, no shit?” Levi said turning to look at the man who blushed when their eyes met. He was attractive and the Superman comparison wasn’t far off, he had to give him that much at least.

“Wasn’t Clark Kent like your first crush or something when we were kids?”

“He’s Superman but nerdy, who wouldn’t like Clark Kent?”

“Okay. Well this conversation has taken a weird turn, I was promised drinks, and Levi has way better things to do rather than debate the sexiness of cartoon characters.”

“It’s comics not cartoons and for the record Ivy is way hotter than Catwoman, no matter what anybody says!” Dylan yelled as Becky hauled him off.

Levi just laughed and shook his head as his roommates walked away. His eyes flicked over to the man at the bar with a small smile. Bec wasn’t far off. Slip him in a suit and add a pair of spec, he could pull off Clark Kent pretty well. Though with the way he was dress right now, he could much more easily pull off Nightwing-era Dick Grayson. Not that Levi minded. Not that he minded at all.

A small smirk crossed Levi’s lips and he grabbed his beer bottle. Maybe Becky was right. Maybe he had something better to do with his time. He’d felt the demons whispering a little louder lately, maybe this would quite them for a little bit. Even a night would do and the guy seemed nice enough. And the looks certainly didn’t do him any harm. Maybe this could even be a good thing. He wasn’t exactly looking for a relationship, but it could be nice, not that he would keep his hopes up.

He leaned against the counter on one arm, grinning at the blue-eyed guy. “So, uh, did your mother just never tell you it’s rude to stare or what?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jason rarely opted to hang out in pubs but he couldn’t bear the thought of spending another night in his flat moping about. So when his best mate Oliver asked him to spend a bit of time at his favorite spot, he eagerly accepted. A night out with his mate was just what he needed to get over the small slump he had been in. it was just what he needed to feel good again. Or at least he had hoped it would be.

It took hardly any time at all for Oliver to find a girl to chat up and he looked toward Jason for permission to see where it went. Jason nodded even though he would rather not be left alone because that’s what friends did. He would probably spend a few more minutes drinking the beer he got himself and then maybe curl up with a good book in his bed as soon as he walked back to his flat. He should have known that Oliver would do this and he shouldn’t have gone out, he thought gloomily. Little did he know that Oliver had planned all this to try and get his mate to go out and maybe meet someone new. He knew his friend well enough to know if left to his own devices, chances were good that he would find someone to speak to or rather someone would find him. After all Jason was incredibly fit and it seemed to Oliver that gay males were able to pick out other gay males quite easily.

Jason was about to pick up and leave when someone caused him to pause and go for another beer. At first, he thought the two guys that were doing pushups on the floor were quite silly but then he noticed how handsome one of them was. He was first drawn to a sculpted jawline that had a lot of stubble that seemed to complement his face. He then noticed hair that was a lovely shade of red which went perfectly with a pale complexion.

His eyes then went to his shoulders which moved with ease, the muscles rippling under his tee. Finally, he found himself drawn to his backside which was firm and nicely rounded. He couldn’t help but think that it would probably feel nice underneath his fingertips and he felt a slight twitch in his groin. It had been so long since he had felt a man’s touch and perhaps he missed it more than he cared to admit.

He watched as the two boys got up and started to talk amongst themselves. He knew he should look away but there was something that kept his eyes on him. It had been so long that a man had caught his eyes, lately he had thrown himself full force into his studies so he didn’t have to think about his lost love. With his head in his books or toward the ground, he didn’t see much. It was scary to have his eyes on someone now but it felt nice at the same time. He was debating in his head about going to speak with him when their eyes met and he felt his face grow warm.

Quickly he ducked down to look at his beer. He hoped that the bloke didn’t think him odd. He thought maybe he should go over and have a chat now that they had made eye contact but he wasn’t sure that he should, especially because he was in a conversation. It wasn’t a good idea at all, he knew that much. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to move on even. Time had taken the edge off of the pain of loss but it wasn’t exactly healed.

He was still debating when the bloke came up to him and Jason looked up in surprise. “Right, yeah of course she did. He muttered to him. He used to be so confided and the words came easily to him, but no longer. He had to pause for a moment to formulate an adequate response. “It’s just that it’s difficult not to stare when a fit bloke is doing pushups in front of your face. I hope I’m correct in assuming you like males?” he said boldly. “If not, I do apologize but I daresay you wouldn’t have come over here if that wasn’t true.” He smiled and put out his hand. “I’m Jason. Would you like a drink?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Levi was almost always confident with guys. He was fit and ex-military and attractive and he’d never had any complaints in bed. Honestly that was enough for most guys. Sure, there were times he had to flirt a little harder and there were times he struck out and times the guy was just straight. But he knew he did well with guys and even if he didn’t, he didn’t let it bother him. There were enough things for him to worry about. He didn’t want his sex life to be one more.

Up close, honestly, the man was even more attractive. His jaw was so perfectly chiseled Greek statutes were surely jealous. His dark hair was cut short but it somehow only better accentuated his gorgeous features. His bright blue eyes stood out so different from his dark hair and drew him in even closer. His smile was so perfect it looked like it had been photoshopped onto his face. And under the thick jacket, he saw the curved suggestion of strong muscles. Levi loved guys who could go toe to toe with him physically and this guy certainly seemed to fit the bill.

The flush on his cheeks certainly didn’t hurt him. Most guys that ridiculously attractive were painfully full of themselves. Seeing one who seemed a bit more shy only drew Levi to him more. In honesty, he was already imagining going home with him and sliding his hands under those far too present clothes and finding out just how muscular he was. He cleared his throat trying to refocus himself.

“Definitely like males,” he said sliding into the seat next to the brunette, waving to the bartender to bring over two fresh beers. “‘I do apologize,’ ‘assuming,’ ‘daresay.’ Fancy vocabulary. Not the kind I usually hear. Kind of sexy to be honest.”

“Levi,” he said shaking Jason’s hand. Idiot number one over there,” he said turning in his seat, “is Dylan. Pretty girl number twenty-five beside him is Becky. They’re my best friends and this is our usual haunt, so I don’t have to ask how often you come here. I’d remember seeing a face life yours around here.”

It was bold, even by Levi’s standards. He hoped his confidence didn’t push him away. There was something about the beautiful blue-eyed boy beside him. He was painfully attractive, adorably shy, and from the very little bit that they’d already spoken, he could tell he was intelligent as well. He seemed like quite a catch, even if it only lasted a night or two like most of his flings.

He gave a softer smile, moving a little closer. “Anyway. Harry’ll put it on my tab even if you tried to pay, so drinks are on me. Although, if you don’t come here often, what brought you in tonight? Just heard two tossers would be having a push-up contest and decided to come in hoping one of them played for your team?” He chuckled, taking a slow sip from his beer.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jason laughed and shook his head as the man mentioned his vocabulary. He was still feeling rather excited that this gorgeous man was in face gay and seemed somewhat interesting in him. He had even called his manner of speaking sexy, a word his ex wouldn’t use in a million years. Nor was it a word Jason would use with him. He felt almost self-conscious when he realized it had been years since he had actually properly flirted with a person. He had with Will at first but then things changed and he got cautious about it. He was a bit worried that he wouldn’t know how anymore but he was willing to at least attempt to, after all he had very little to lose. He looked up at the ginger and grinned.  “It’s my University vocabulary actually, I’m studying to be a lawyer,” he said. “We are a pretentious lot.” He joked although he believed it to be true. He hated law so far. “I wouldn’t say assuming is all that smart of a word though,” he said hoping that he wasn’t coming off as rude.

A tingle went up Jason’s arm and found its way to his stomach when Levi’s hand met his. It was a simple gesture but it wasn’t without meaning. The swooping feeling in his stomach intensified when Levi mentioned his face. It felt bold to Jason, so full of confidence that it was intimidating to him, but he like the attention at the same time. He hadn’t realized how much he missed being wanted in a sexual way. Or at least he thought it sexual. Then again, he had thought Will had wanted sex as well and that had gone poorly. He silently chastised himself for his thoughts and tried to redirect his attention. He felt like a sexual deviant sometimes and he didn’t want this person to know what was wrong with him. All he wanted was company.

“I’m actually with my mate,” he said in reply to Levi’s question. “Or I was. He’s found himself a girl.” He looked around the room until he spotted him and pointed him out. “He pleads with me to come out then ditches me as soon as he could. All that was left for me to do was watch a couple of tossers have a push up contest. You did well by the way,” he said shyly. “It was nice form. I would have had you on my team when I was rugby captain,” he said in hopes that he liked sports. It certainly seemed like he would if his build was any indication, but lately it felt like he couldn’t assume anything. “But we needn’t talk about that,” he said, “that was ages ago. Soon I’ll be a boring lawyer who uses a lot of pretentious words.”

“Enough about me though,” he said. Truth be told he wished he hadn’t brought himself up at all. The pleasant swooping sensation in his stomach was replaced with what felt like a lead weight. He hated his life now, hated that he allowed his father to lead him back to a life he never wanted. He knew Will would have been so very disappointed in him and he didn’t blame him at all. He had given up on his dreams because he had lost the person who encouraged him to follow them. He just couldn’t see himself doing it without him.

“Tell me about yourself,” he said after a bit of a pause. He took a sip of beer before continuing. “what do you do when you aren’t doing pushups at pubs?” He tried to keep his eyes on his handsome features but they kept drifting downward to his muscular frame. “I would hazard a guess that you do something active,” he said before he could stop himself. At this rathe he would run him off in no time, just as he had run Will off. “Oh and thanks for the beer,” he said realizing he hadn’t properly thanked him. “Now I’ll stop prattling on.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You’re studying law?” Levi couldn’t keep his thick eyebrows from raising. He certainly wasn’t the bar’s typical clientele and in honesty, above the typical grade of men he took home, not that he much minded. It only made the gorgeous man that much more interesting. “Should I just assume if we keep talking there’ll be plenty of ‘therebys’ and ‘aforetomentioneds’?” he grinned and gave him a playful wink to let him know he was teasing. Knowing he was intelligent enough for law school only made him more attractive. They’d only just started talking and already Levi was desperate to at least bring him home for the night. Or, more likely considering how flirty Dylan and Bec were being earlier, go home with him as he did most of the men he bedded these days. “So tell me, where’ a fit bloke like you go to study law? Because if the rest of your class is so attractive, I’ll have to find a way to enroll.”

It was bold to say the least, but Levi didn’t see the sense in not being direct. Wasting time had cost him any chance he’d had with Vic. He wouldn’t let that happen again. Besides, there were so few things in his life where he could simply see what he wanted, go after it, and get it. He had control over his sexuality and his sex life. It was one of few things he could control when he had such shaky mental health. So more often than not, he found his guns and stuck to them. Hopefully it wouldn’t send the beautiful brunette running.

Not that it seemed to be between the blushes and the smiling. It was endearing in a way actually. Most guys were so full of themselves they were complete assholes or so nervous in their sexuality that they became awkward when flirtation was sent their way. This man—Jason—seemed to fit into a good middle ground. He let his fingers linger perhaps a second too long in their handshake just liking the feeling of his warm skin under his own. His heart clinched and he felt the blood begin to rush lower at the thought of more of his bare skin underneath (or even on top) of him.

“They always do that don’t they,” Levi said with a chuckled when Jason mentioned his friend. “Beg you to come out and then leave you alone when they find someone to hook up with. I’ll let you in on a secret.” He glanced around conspiratorially then leaned in and lowered his voice like he had an earnest secret to share. “It’s even worse when you’re a third wheel. I literally live with that shit. Not an exaggeration to say it’s my life.” When he went to sit back up he noticed how close they were, how easy it would be to simply lean in and kiss him. His heart beat harder and he hesitated, staying there, an inch from those perfect lips for a few moments than he had planned. When he sat up this time it was his cheeks that were flushed.

“Rugby eh?” He said straightening his shirt and clearing his throat. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you? A rugby playing law student. Unarguably sexy.” He let his eyes wonder up to Jason’s. he hoped he was making himself clear. Usually he didn’t take striking out particularly personally but he had the feeling he’d be rather disappointed if he left alone tonight.

Tell me about yourself. That one phrase had his shoulder tightening rather than his heart. Maybe there had been a time when he didn’t mind talking about himself, but that had certainly changed since he returned home. He liked training the conversation on the other person because, really, what did he have to talk about? I don’t exactly live with Dylan and Becky as much as I crash there. I sleep on a shitty old couch every night so my mom and brother don’t find out how fucked the war left me. Oh and because of that I can’t pin down a decent fucking job—I mean even the military basically fucking fired me for being crazy—so I’m not going to be able to move off that couch any time soon. It was a far cry from ‘I’m an ex-rugby captain currently studying to be a lawyer.’ He was clearly out of his depth here. Maybe he should quit while he was ahead.

He ran a hand through his hair and took a long drink from his beer. “Used to,” he said nodding, trying to play cool and not let this amazing man see how much he hated his life right now. “I’m ex-military. Royal Marines.” He hoped perhaps that would be enough to satisfy him and they could change the topic again.