That's not important. [He turns away - as good as Johnny looks, and Taryon cannot deny this fact, they're here to listen to music, not to flirt. Besides, he doesn't have to look for a date. He already has one whose interests align with his own.
He drops onto his bed and leans back, his hands behind him and supporting him.]
It gives you a certain impression, wearing all black. Although it's tricky to balance looking cool and mysterious with [He holds up a hand and waggles it as he seeks a polite way to phrase it.] looking like you don't care about self-grooming. Which you don't.
But enough of that. We both look good. Are you already performing in public?
[He can't help but roll his eyes as he props open the guitar case. Inside is his pride and joy, the Deluze Orphean, a state-of-the-art expensive guitar that he has fucked up more than he can count. While it bears the war scars of each show on its smooth laminated surface, Johnny takes surprisingly good care of it...sometimes.]
Not yet. [He places the guitar upon his lap so he can tune it properly.] The game plan is to start playing at clubs again in hopes of building a name for myself.
That's pretty much how I rose to fame in Night City.
[There's a swift, sharp knock on Taryon's door, and without waiting for any sort of answer it opens, Astarion gliding in. He carries a bottled drink in one hand, and a medium-sized faux leather kit in the other that contains his sewing and embroidery supplies, but the outside doesn't hint to anything obvious. Cheerfully, he coos:]
Taryon, darling, I'm done and I brought you a gift~
[And as soon as he enters the main room and sees a stranger there, the grin slips from his face and walls are up. A new smile appears on his face, with a decidedly different feel, like a polite cat that hates you're in their space.]
Oh? You have a guest?
[He steps around Johnny toward Taryon, but his eyes never leave him, studying him.]
Oh, wow. [Taryon leans over the guitar.] That's some craftmanship! I've never seen one of these electronic guitars up close.
[Taryon startles at the second knock on the door, though this was less threatening than the previous. A familar voice calls, and Taryon tears his eyes away from Johnny and his beautiful instrument.]
Yes, I invited him over to chat. Astarion, this is Johnny. [He looks at the other man, not focusing on the tight smile on Astarion's face.] He's a musician - a famous one where he's from. I hope you don't mind if the two of us listened to your performance.
[He couldn't help but smirk as Taryon leaned over to get a better look at his guitar. It's a little scuffed up and covered in anti-corpo stickers, but it's still a gorgeous instrument.]
The DeLuze Orphean is a rare breed, unlike most guitars. It was all the rage in the 2020s, but it's a vintage classic these days—
[Johnny trails off when someone suddenly barges through the door. He gives the new guy a quick once-over, his dark gaze settling on that fake, insincere smile. This choom looks pissed. Is he Tary's new input or something?
He arches his brow a little.]
I'm more a rock star than just a musician, but I'll let it slide.
[He's not necessarily pissed as he is wary. He doesn't recognize the man, nor the name for the moment, and he highly doubts Taryon would be the sort to try and cheat on him--at least so brazenly. Taryon can be dumb but not that dumb. That doesn't mean this man doesn't have a motive for being here though, so Astarion obviously has to be on guard.
He is a little hurt Taryon doesn't keep looking at him or acknowledges his declaration of a gift, however. But he tries not to dwell on it as he steps up and leans down to kiss the man on the top of his head before sitting beside him.]
Did I take too long with my little embroidery project and you got so bored you had to call in some entertainment? I'm sorry, darling. [A playful pout.] Here, I brought you this. You like this one, right? [He hands him the bottle, a thing of peach tea from the vending machines.
And he supposes he must turn his attention to the guest, so he does. With very very practiced ease he slips into a conversational tone, there may be a sarcastic edge in there, but all the same.]
[Johnny nearly rolls his eyes again once this new guy starts laying on the theatrics. That definitely wins a side-eye from Johnny, along with that 'entertainment' comment. Something about being referred to as 'entertainment' doesn't jibe with him. That's why Johnny gives Astarion his bitchiest smirk and says the following.]
If I'm the 'entertainment,' then I guess that makes you the bottle service, huh? [He asks with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.] Too bad you were late, though.
[Sass aside, he responds to the following question with a hint of pride in his tone.]
Yes, I am, but "Andrew Lee" appears to be a "popstar" rather than a new-age rock star with a chip on his shoulder.
[Once he's finished tuning his guitar, Johnny quickly plays a little tune to set the mood, attempting to chase away any of the bad vibes that floated in here. It's a lighthearted riff that unintentionally reveals Johnny's more whimsical nature when it comes to music. His fingers skillfully brush against the strings of his guitar with such ease, proving he's not a novice. It all seems so effortless, so easy, but looks are deceiving. It took years, decades for Johnny to get this good.
Too bad his love for alcohol, drugs, and wild sex limited his greatness in the past. Thankfully, this is the longest Johnny has been without any narcotics in his system.]
[The kiss is successful enough to distract Taryon from the guitar, and he allows the two to introduce themselves to each other...which appears to consist of them sniping at one another.]
Yes. [He plucks the vending machine drink from Astarion's hand.] You know just what to get for me.
[Wow, two friends with gifts, he would usually think, but he has to admit, inviting someone over when Astarion usually visits every day might have offended him. Or should he just accept that this is Taryon's room? Either way, the comment on waiting for the embroidery project stings.
He frowns.] It's fine, Astarion. I didn't think you'd be done so fast with it. [An apologetic smile for Johnny, the guest.] This is my...well, I guess it's safe to call him my boyfriend now. Astarion and I often visit each other.
[He puts his hand on Astarion's and squeezes it — he wants to listen to the song before their bizarre social combat escalates, and his eyes are glues to Johnny's fingers. They move gracefully, as befitting a bard, and as if with mete touches, he elicits a living tune from the strings.
It's magical. Taryon sometimes wishes he had this sort of talent in thr performing arts.]
["Boyfriend" is such an odd term to hear, and he thought it was rather inelegant whenever he heard the younger generation of Baldur's Gate say it, but hearing it come from Taryon's mouth about him makes his brain melt happily. The hand hold only soothes him further, even if he could tell that was a warning squeeze and not a fond squeeze, it was still a joining of their hands.
So like a sus cat being pet by its Person, Astarion's disposition turns more calm. He nods to Johnny after the introduction, saying a well-practiced:]
Pleasure.
[He gestures toward the guitar.]
Go on, then, who am I to turn down a free musical performance?
[And as Johnny does, he listens. He can tell the man does have talent, so perhaps he wasn't lying of being popular, but the style isn't quite Astarion's taste. Or rather maybe it was more the instrument. His ear was not trained for the electric, almost tinny sounds of these type of instruments.
But then again, neither was Taryon's, right? And as he glances at him, he seems to be entranced with this Johnny's song--
--wait, Johnny? Wasn't...
If it was possible, he would be paler, and he leans in. Releasing Taryon's hand, he brings it up to his ear to hide his mouth as he whispers in a rushed breath:]
Wait, is this the man you...at the Valentine's party??
[Taryon can rest easily knowing that this beautiful song will not be interrupted. Astarion has calmed down, and they all can be friends. It's wonderful when Taryon doesn't stumble into messy drama, unlike several instances back home.
He closes his eyes and attempts to "lose himself" in the flow of the song, as some would say. One can dance to this. Perhaps he could try here and ask Astation if—]
Hm? [He leans sideways to better listen without looking away from the performance, and despite Astarion's attempt at being discrete, Taryon's eyes shoot wide open.
He forgot he mentioned the result of the Valentine speed date to Astarion. The confession (a rather forceful one) came because Tary boldly spoke of their time without even realizing that Astarion, too, was flirting with him back then. And Astarion was furious.
Now here was the man that Taryon admitted he was attracted to not so long ago, and his current boyfriend knows, and he prays that there is no magical vision that reveals to Astarion that just minutes ago, Tary was appraising Johnny's appearance.
His neck feels as if it's gone stiff. He manages to lower his head and inch, then slowly raise it in a fear-filled nod.]
[Just as Johnny was beginning to get into the groove, Taryon drops details about him and this Astarion guy. So that's his new 'input' after all, huh? Definitely not the kind of guy Johnny would ever consider. He doesn't like how pale he looks or how red his eyes appear. There's something unsettling about that guy, possessive, even. Not that Johnny is one to talk, considering how possessive he was over his old outputs. His mind strays to Kerry and Alt for a second. He hates thinking about either one of them.
They look good together since they both have a strange, old-timey vibe to them. Watching them interact is like watching a poorly written medieval soap opera. They're so ridiculously dramatic and over-the-top that it's genuinely funny. However, the novelty of it all vanishes once Johnny realizes what's going on.
He abruptly stops playing and stares that stupid-looking elf in the eyes with a look of sheer defiance.]
[It's hard to tell what all emotions just swarmed through Astarion's brain like angry bees. Most definitely anger, the one feeling he is most familiar with; a fury not at Taryon but Johnny, and every bit of his vampiric being tells him to attack. But that is, fortunately, tempered by everything else he feels that stuns him. Hurt. Confusion. But also logic, reason, tries to contain the emotions: Taryon had said he hadn't seen him since then. (Had he been lying?) No, Taryon is a terrible liar! (Why did he invite him to his room now?) It's his room, he's allowed to invite whomever he wishes! (He should have told you he was thinking about it!) Should he have??
His expression is mostly slack as he goes through all that, eyes wide as if to match Taryon's. Then the quickest flash of angry brows. Then settling on stoic, but tense. Like a statue trying hard not to shatter.
His hand curls around Taryon's in an effort to ground himself, (and, yes, maybe possessively). Astarion breathes in sharply, then out, and obviously lies:]
[He just wanted to say hello to an acquaintance he hadn't spoken to in months, and instead he's introduced two cats that hate each other despite his wildest hopes that they would get along.
He turns to Astarion, who is clearly lying. He looks at Johnny, glaring. He could let them sit in silence and risk something worse, or he can distract them.
So, he slaps his hand on his knee and attempts to stand, but Astarion is hold his hand too tightly that Tary won't risk breaking their contact. He remains seated.] Now that we've met each other, how about we play a game of cards? Or a board game? We can even bring in Doty if we need a fourth player!
[Johnny Silverhand despises liars. Yes, sure. He had to utter a few white lies to get out of some difficult circumstances, some of which were potentially fatal, but he wasn't a blatant liar like this pale-ass elf. Astarion's fury is practically palpable at this point. It's a lot to process, especially because Taryon doesn't appear to know what to make of it.
Poor guy. Taryon looks like a deer in headlights right now. Johnny can't help but roll his eyes. He's losing his patience with this bullshit and it shows. One part of him wants to scorch earth and lay into the both of them about this whole nonsense, but that would be boring.
So why not make a game of it? A smirk curls onto his lips when Taryon mentions playing cards.]
How about Strip Poker? [He asks with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.] That way we know exactly who's workin' with what.
[He is offended, though maybe not how Johnny was aiming for. He has been naked in front of all sorts of men, so Johnny is absolutely no threat to his modesty nor his beauty. However, his mind went right to how Taryon couldn't even soak in a Jacuzzi bath with Astarion without being anxious and putting on a swimsuit. If this odd, sudden challenge was going to disconcert anyone it would be him.]
With such a childish suggestion you might as well play music so Taryon and I can play musical chairs.
Childish? [He bristles visibly after that little comment. Once again, Johnny is giving this gaudy pale elf another pointed glare.]
So says the bitchy input who's surprised his new boytoy has "friends."
[He gives Astarion one of his best alligator-esque grins before returning his beautiful guitar to its case. To be honest, he is no longer interested in playing for either of them. The mood has faded, and the vibes have been killed.]
[Taryon stiffens at the horrendous idea of Strip Poker.] No, I'm not—
[Games of a sexual nature were not designed for nerdy Roch boys. Though it's not a suggestion he anticipated, Tary can brush it off as a joke made in poor taste. After all, most of Vox Machina could be as bad as Johnny.
But Astarion. Astrion, who had to undress for others' needs and will. With scars on his back that will surely draw questions. Taryon doesn't care about the bad idea, he's worried how this will upset his boyfriend, who does not sound happy at all.
He makes a small noise, a premature attempt to speak. His head swivels between the two men.]
Really, I'm not angry. I don't like either od those ideas, so maybe we can try something else...?
[His eyes widen again as this man calls Taryon a...a boytoy? Oh, his instincts are burning inside of him, but he just calmly, if in a very biting tone, replies:]
I'm sorry, of course we can try something else, since Taryon obviously can have as many friends as he pleases and have them over to play games or listen to music. [He looks at Taryon, an eyebrow raised.] Tell me, my dear, do you have many friends that call you a "boytoy"?
[Johnny is literally dripping with sarcasm at this moment. Astarion's entire demeanor is a red flag. This guy seems as controlling and narcissistic as some of his exes. Johnny avoids relationships like the plague because people always think they own him. It's one of the reasons why Johnny typically avoids having a relationship with others, especially with manipulative fucks like Astarion.
After fighting tooth and nail for his freedom from the military and then the record labels, Johnny isn't about to do it all over again thanks to some clingy fucker with an attitude problem. Fortunately, he doesn't have to worry about that, but Taryon should start thinking for himself.]
That is until you find some way to start a problem because you're jealous.
[He searches his jacket's pockets for a cigarette. These two irritate him so much that he needs to smoke.]
[There are some serious conversations he must have with both of these guys, but that has to wait until they're separated. One of them has to leave first, or Taryon has to tell both of them to leave his room and he'll spend the night alone. Then, he has to figure out how to confront his friends without wishing to be swallowed by the ground.
Like Johnny, he needs something in his mouth to handle all this. He twists the top of the bottle of peach tea and takes a big swig of the subtle, sweet drink.]
...I have be called a pretty boy by my friends. I thinks that's close enough. [A forced grin directed at Astarion. Gods, it feels like he's on the verge of slapping Johnny. When did he get so jealous? He used to think that the only issue was being oblivious to Astarion's flirting back then.]
I'm sorry for...[shit, who should he apologize for?] All this. I thought this would be a fun time to get to know each other, but...
[Putting him on thr spot with no warning ears that he doesn't have hours to prepare a speech. He has no argument that can calm both of them, and now they're arguing about his feelings while he's sitting right there. Maybe not out of malice, this isn't his father planning an arranged marriage purely for financial gain behind his back, but Taryon is being flung back to the not so distant past when his thoughts were irrelevant. He was the heir, a thing to show off to other families like the expensive furniture. Or he was the intruder to an established mercenary group who was both a figure of ire and of entertainment.
He's not someone filling the role of a naive damsel about to be swept away by a rogue. He takes another large gulp of the tea.] You know, you don't have to fight over me. I am literally an adult and I'm fine with dating who I want and having friends over. I think that's normal? Inviting people over? [A side glance at Astarion, then a questioning looking at Johnny. He surely must have had a more normal childhood to better answer this.]
I'm sorry, was I out of line for finding it startling that the guest my boyfriend had over was someone that he fooled around with at a party? [Was he not allowed to have any sort of feeling about that? Yes, he had been eying Johnny when he saw him in the room before he even remembered who he was, but it wasn't as if he had laid in with the cattiness or secretly mouthing death threats to the man behind Taryon's back.
He stands, gathering up his kit.]
If I'm the problem here, I'll take my leave. It's not my home, after all, and far be it for me to dictate myself Taryon's keeper. [He looks at Taryon.] I have no reason not to trust you.
[And it's true, Astarion doesn't. Taryon liesexaggerates his tales, but he isn't, well, he's not like Astarion.]
Boyfriend, this. And boyfriend, that. [Johnny sighs with frustration as he places the cigarette in his mouth. He takes a second to light it before continuing.] I didn't even know you existed.
[Which is rather telling, especially since Taryon seemed to omit that information. That's why Johnny gives the blond such a withering glare. Why the hell didn't he mention Astarion before? Like, what is his angle here? Johnny doesn't like getting dragged into bullshit, unless it's his own creation, so he's a little surprised by this turn of events.
Anyways, back to the drama.]
Also, the term "fooled around" is quite broad in this context. Maybe a few flirty jokes and some kissing—that's it.
[He gives Taryon another menacing look. Yeah, he's pissed. Beyond pissed. It's a miracle that Johnny didn't just pick up his guitar case and smash it into someone's head at this point.]
You didn't even get to first base, choom!
[When Astarion begins to gather his belongings, he blows a puff of smoke into the air. Johnny doesn't care who leaves at this time. He's tired of everyone and everything associated with this "lover's quarrel." Johnny fucked supermodels and celebrities back in the day. He was a literal sex icon in the 2020s. So he already had his fun, so all of this just feels meaningless to him. Taryon is a nice guy and all, but he doesn't even hold a candle to Alt.]
You know what? Fuck you both, I'm out.
[With that said, he gets up and reaches for his guitar case.]
[With each word, Taryon winces. At each farewell, he grits his teeth. He fucked up. He made a horrible mistake. He should have told Johnny right away that his boyfriend might stop by. He should have told Astarion that he was inviting someone over.
But did he have to? Why couldn't they stop sniping at each other? Or technically, they have. They just learned that someone else is to blame.
He stands up, unplugs his music player, tucks it into his drawer, puts away his deck of cards, and plants the bottle onto his nightstand.]
Alright. You two can leave my room. [His voice is not raised, nor is he making himself quiet. It's the gentle tone he uses when he's not trying to brag or impress others.] I can spend the day with Doty.
[Johnny's unimpressed expression suggests that he no longer wants to speak. Fuck, he doesn't want to be around people anymore. However, the change in Astarion's tone, combined with the inquiry, catches him off guard.]
What?
[He places his distinctive sunglasses back on his face. These are his "fuck off" sunglasses. They are pretty stylish.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2025-05-29 08:17 pm (UTC)He drops onto his bed and leans back, his hands behind him and supporting him.]
It gives you a certain impression, wearing all black. Although it's tricky to balance looking cool and mysterious with [He holds up a hand and waggles it as he seeks a polite way to phrase it.] looking like you don't care about self-grooming. Which you don't.
But enough of that. We both look good. Are you already performing in public?
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Date: 2025-05-29 08:37 pm (UTC)[He can't help but roll his eyes as he props open the guitar case. Inside is his pride and joy, the Deluze Orphean, a state-of-the-art expensive guitar that he has fucked up more than he can count. While it bears the war scars of each show on its smooth laminated surface, Johnny takes surprisingly good care of it...sometimes.]
Not yet. [He places the guitar upon his lap so he can tune it properly.] The game plan is to start playing at clubs again in hopes of building a name for myself.
That's pretty much how I rose to fame in Night City.
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Date: 2025-05-29 08:52 pm (UTC)Taryon, darling, I'm done and I brought you a gift~
[And as soon as he enters the main room and sees a stranger there, the grin slips from his face and walls are up. A new smile appears on his face, with a decidedly different feel, like a polite cat that hates you're in their space.]
Oh? You have a guest?
[He steps around Johnny toward Taryon, but his eyes never leave him, studying him.]
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Date: 2025-05-29 09:00 pm (UTC)[Taryon startles at the second knock on the door, though this was less threatening than the previous. A familar voice calls, and Taryon tears his eyes away from Johnny and his beautiful instrument.]
Yes, I invited him over to chat. Astarion, this is Johnny. [He looks at the other man, not focusing on the tight smile on Astarion's face.] He's a musician - a famous one where he's from. I hope you don't mind if the two of us listened to your performance.
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Date: 2025-05-29 10:12 pm (UTC)The DeLuze Orphean is a rare breed, unlike most guitars. It was all the rage in the 2020s, but it's a vintage classic these days—
[Johnny trails off when someone suddenly barges through the door. He gives the new guy a quick once-over, his dark gaze settling on that fake, insincere smile. This choom looks pissed. Is he Tary's new input or something?
He arches his brow a little.]
I'm more a rock star than just a musician, but I'll let it slide.
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Date: 2025-05-29 10:27 pm (UTC)He is a little hurt Taryon doesn't keep looking at him or acknowledges his declaration of a gift, however. But he tries not to dwell on it as he steps up and leans down to kiss the man on the top of his head before sitting beside him.]
Did I take too long with my little embroidery project and you got so bored you had to call in some entertainment? I'm sorry, darling. [A playful pout.] Here, I brought you this. You like this one, right? [He hands him the bottle, a thing of peach tea from the vending machines.
And he supposes he must turn his attention to the guest, so he does. With very very practiced ease he slips into a conversational tone, there may be a sarcastic edge in there, but all the same.]
A star are you? In this world, or...?
/sneaks this in real quick
Date: 2025-05-29 11:48 pm (UTC)If I'm the 'entertainment,' then I guess that makes you the bottle service, huh? [He asks with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.] Too bad you were late, though.
[Sass aside, he responds to the following question with a hint of pride in his tone.]
Yes, I am, but "Andrew Lee" appears to be a "popstar" rather than a new-age rock star with a chip on his shoulder.
[Once he's finished tuning his guitar, Johnny quickly plays a little tune to set the mood, attempting to chase away any of the bad vibes that floated in here. It's a lighthearted riff that unintentionally reveals Johnny's more whimsical nature when it comes to music. His fingers skillfully brush against the strings of his guitar with such ease, proving he's not a novice. It all seems so effortless, so easy, but looks are deceiving. It took years, decades for Johnny to get this good.
Too bad his love for alcohol, drugs, and wild sex limited his greatness in the past. Thankfully, this is the longest Johnny has been without any narcotics in his system.]
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Date: 2025-05-30 01:48 am (UTC)Yes. [He plucks the vending machine drink from Astarion's hand.] You know just what to get for me.
[Wow, two friends with gifts, he would usually think, but he has to admit, inviting someone over when Astarion usually visits every day might have offended him. Or should he just accept that this is Taryon's room? Either way, the comment on waiting for the embroidery project stings.
He frowns.] It's fine, Astarion. I didn't think you'd be done so fast with it. [An apologetic smile for Johnny, the guest.] This is my...well, I guess it's safe to call him my boyfriend now. Astarion and I often visit each other.
[He puts his hand on Astarion's and squeezes it — he wants to listen to the song before their bizarre social combat escalates, and his eyes are glues to Johnny's fingers. They move gracefully, as befitting a bard, and as if with mete touches, he elicits a living tune from the strings.
It's magical. Taryon sometimes wishes he had this sort of talent in thr performing arts.]
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Date: 2025-05-30 02:32 am (UTC)So like a sus cat being pet by its Person, Astarion's disposition turns more calm. He nods to Johnny after the introduction, saying a well-practiced:]
Pleasure.
[He gestures toward the guitar.]
Go on, then, who am I to turn down a free musical performance?
[And as Johnny does, he listens. He can tell the man does have talent, so perhaps he wasn't lying of being popular, but the style isn't quite Astarion's taste. Or rather maybe it was more the instrument. His ear was not trained for the electric, almost tinny sounds of these type of instruments.
But then again, neither was Taryon's, right? And as he glances at him, he seems to be entranced with this Johnny's song--
--wait, Johnny? Wasn't...
If it was possible, he would be paler, and he leans in. Releasing Taryon's hand, he brings it up to his ear to hide his mouth as he whispers in a rushed breath:]
Wait, is this the man you...at the Valentine's party??
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Date: 2025-05-30 03:05 am (UTC)He closes his eyes and attempts to "lose himself" in the flow of the song, as some would say. One can dance to this. Perhaps he could try here and ask Astation if—]
Hm? [He leans sideways to better listen without looking away from the performance, and despite Astarion's attempt at being discrete, Taryon's eyes shoot wide open.
He forgot he mentioned the result of the Valentine speed date to Astarion. The confession (a rather forceful one) came because Tary boldly spoke of their time without even realizing that Astarion, too, was flirting with him back then. And Astarion was furious.
Now here was the man that Taryon admitted he was attracted to not so long ago, and his current boyfriend knows, and he prays that there is no magical vision that reveals to Astarion that just minutes ago, Tary was appraising Johnny's appearance.
His neck feels as if it's gone stiff. He manages to lower his head and inch, then slowly raise it in a fear-filled nod.]
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Date: 2025-05-30 04:35 am (UTC)They look good together since they both have a strange, old-timey vibe to them. Watching them interact is like watching a poorly written medieval soap opera. They're so ridiculously dramatic and over-the-top that it's genuinely funny. However, the novelty of it all vanishes once Johnny realizes what's going on.
He abruptly stops playing and stares that stupid-looking elf in the eyes with a look of sheer defiance.]
Is there a problem?
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Date: 2025-05-30 05:07 am (UTC)His expression is mostly slack as he goes through all that, eyes wide as if to match Taryon's. Then the quickest flash of angry brows. Then settling on stoic, but tense. Like a statue trying hard not to shatter.
His hand curls around Taryon's in an effort to ground himself, (and, yes, maybe possessively). Astarion breathes in sharply, then out, and obviously lies:]
No.
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Date: 2025-05-30 02:34 pm (UTC)He turns to Astarion, who is clearly lying. He looks at Johnny, glaring. He could let them sit in silence and risk something worse, or he can distract them.
So, he slaps his hand on his knee and attempts to stand, but Astarion is hold his hand too tightly that Tary won't risk breaking their contact. He remains seated.] Now that we've met each other, how about we play a game of cards? Or a board game? We can even bring in Doty if we need a fourth player!
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Date: 2025-05-30 04:01 pm (UTC)Poor guy. Taryon looks like a deer in headlights right now. Johnny can't help but roll his eyes. He's losing his patience with this bullshit and it shows. One part of him wants to scorch earth and lay into the both of them about this whole nonsense, but that would be boring.
So why not make a game of it? A smirk curls onto his lips when Taryon mentions playing cards.]
How about Strip Poker? [He asks with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.] That way we know exactly who's workin' with what.
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Date: 2025-05-30 09:27 pm (UTC)[He is offended, though maybe not how Johnny was aiming for. He has been naked in front of all sorts of men, so Johnny is absolutely no threat to his modesty nor his beauty. However, his mind went right to how Taryon couldn't even soak in a Jacuzzi bath with Astarion without being anxious and putting on a swimsuit. If this odd, sudden challenge was going to disconcert anyone it would be him.]
With such a childish suggestion you might as well play music so Taryon and I can play musical chairs.
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Date: 2025-05-30 11:04 pm (UTC)So says the bitchy input who's surprised his new boytoy has "friends."
[He gives Astarion one of his best alligator-esque grins before returning his beautiful guitar to its case. To be honest, he is no longer interested in playing for either of them. The mood has faded, and the vibes have been killed.]
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Date: 2025-05-31 03:59 am (UTC)[Games of a sexual nature were not designed for nerdy Roch boys. Though it's not a suggestion he anticipated, Tary can brush it off as a joke made in poor taste. After all, most of Vox Machina could be as bad as Johnny.
But Astarion. Astrion, who had to undress for others' needs and will. With scars on his back that will surely draw questions. Taryon doesn't care about the bad idea, he's worried how this will upset his boyfriend, who does not sound happy at all.
He makes a small noise, a premature attempt to speak. His head swivels between the two men.]
Really, I'm not angry. I don't like either od those ideas, so maybe we can try something else...?
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Date: 2025-05-31 04:17 am (UTC)I'm sorry, of course we can try something else, since Taryon obviously can have as many friends as he pleases and have them over to play games or listen to music. [He looks at Taryon, an eyebrow raised.] Tell me, my dear, do you have many friends that call you a "boytoy"?
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Date: 2025-05-31 04:41 am (UTC)[Johnny is literally dripping with sarcasm at this moment. Astarion's entire demeanor is a red flag. This guy seems as controlling and narcissistic as some of his exes. Johnny avoids relationships like the plague because people always think they own him. It's one of the reasons why Johnny typically avoids having a relationship with others, especially with manipulative fucks like Astarion.
After fighting tooth and nail for his freedom from the military and then the record labels, Johnny isn't about to do it all over again thanks to some clingy fucker with an attitude problem. Fortunately, he doesn't have to worry about that, but Taryon should start thinking for himself.]
That is until you find some way to start a problem because you're jealous.
[He searches his jacket's pockets for a cigarette. These two irritate him so much that he needs to smoke.]
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Date: 2025-05-31 05:04 am (UTC)Like Johnny, he needs something in his mouth to handle all this. He twists the top of the bottle of peach tea and takes a big swig of the subtle, sweet drink.]
...I have be called a pretty boy by my friends. I thinks that's close enough. [A forced grin directed at Astarion. Gods, it feels like he's on the verge of slapping Johnny. When did he get so jealous? He used to think that the only issue was being oblivious to Astarion's flirting back then.]
I'm sorry for...[shit, who should he apologize for?] All this. I thought this would be a fun time to get to know each other, but...
[Putting him on thr spot with no warning ears that he doesn't have hours to prepare a speech. He has no argument that can calm both of them, and now they're arguing about his feelings while he's sitting right there. Maybe not out of malice, this isn't his father planning an arranged marriage purely for financial gain behind his back, but Taryon is being flung back to the not so distant past when his thoughts were irrelevant. He was the heir, a thing to show off to other families like the expensive furniture. Or he was the intruder to an established mercenary group who was both a figure of ire and of entertainment.
He's not someone filling the role of a naive damsel about to be swept away by a rogue. He takes another large gulp of the tea.] You know, you don't have to fight over me. I am literally an adult and I'm fine with dating who I want and having friends over. I think that's normal? Inviting people over? [A side glance at Astarion, then a questioning looking at Johnny. He surely must have had a more normal childhood to better answer this.]
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Date: 2025-05-31 05:30 am (UTC)He stands, gathering up his kit.]
If I'm the problem here, I'll take my leave. It's not my home, after all, and far be it for me to dictate myself Taryon's keeper. [He looks at Taryon.] I have no reason not to trust you.
[And it's true, Astarion doesn't. Taryon
liesexaggerates his tales, but he isn't, well, he's not like Astarion.]Goodbye.
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Date: 2025-05-31 02:54 pm (UTC)[Which is rather telling, especially since Taryon seemed to omit that information. That's why Johnny gives the blond such a withering glare. Why the hell didn't he mention Astarion before? Like, what is his angle here? Johnny doesn't like getting dragged into bullshit, unless it's his own creation, so he's a little surprised by this turn of events.
Anyways, back to the drama.]
Also, the term "fooled around" is quite broad in this context. Maybe a few flirty jokes and some kissing—that's it.
[He gives Taryon another menacing look. Yeah, he's pissed. Beyond pissed. It's a miracle that Johnny didn't just pick up his guitar case and smash it into someone's head at this point.]
You didn't even get to first base, choom!
[When Astarion begins to gather his belongings, he blows a puff of smoke into the air. Johnny doesn't care who leaves at this time. He's tired of everyone and everything associated with this "lover's quarrel." Johnny fucked supermodels and celebrities back in the day. He was a literal sex icon in the 2020s. So he already had his fun, so all of this just feels meaningless to him. Taryon is a nice guy and all, but he doesn't even hold a candle to Alt.]
You know what? Fuck you both, I'm out.
[With that said, he gets up and reaches for his guitar case.]
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Date: 2025-05-31 05:07 pm (UTC)But did he have to? Why couldn't they stop sniping at each other? Or technically, they have. They just learned that someone else is to blame.
He stands up, unplugs his music player, tucks it into his drawer, puts away his deck of cards, and plants the bottle onto his nightstand.]
Alright. You two can leave my room. [His voice is not raised, nor is he making himself quiet. It's the gentle tone he uses when he's not trying to brag or impress others.] I can spend the day with Doty.
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Date: 2025-05-31 05:10 pm (UTC)[Astarion holds up his arms as if telling everyone to hold still because he heard something.]
All you did was kiss?
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Date: 2025-05-31 05:38 pm (UTC)What?
[He places his distinctive sunglasses back on his face. These are his "fuck off" sunglasses. They are pretty stylish.]
He told you something different?
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