VOICE INSIDE ,

William slumped his shoulders in defeat. All of it just seemed like a wild chase. He he had been looking for three days straight all over Queens and came up empty handed. He was only disappointing himself more and more. Maybe he should just give up altogether. Maybe Noah did not want to be found. William was just trying to reconcile and help him. He knew how emotionally fickle his former brother was. He was afraid the world would chew him as well. “Shit…” He then muttered under his breath with his head lowering down to the table. He was tired and maybe it was time to go back to his hometown. He sighed then finally ordering a pint. “Sorry. It just feels like I’m going nowhere…” He whined. 

He looked drowned in distress. It’s a good thing Clayton is no longer the person he used to be. The snob that wouldn’t even lift a finger to help anyone. But he was on the road of redemption now by being here and exiling himself from the society which had made him a brat. Being here had taught him many things. Empathy was clearly one of those things. He understood now the world doesn’t always have to spin for him. He understood people’s pain and he would help if he could. He considered that a good improve although he still whined about the lack of wealth during rainy days. “Why are you looking for him if I may ask?” Clayton asked, raising a skinny eyebrow. The male tried to search his face. “I’ll help if you let me.” 

William slumped his shoulders in defeat. All of it just seemed like a wild chase. He he had been looking for three days straight all over Queens and came up empty handed. He was only disappointing himself more and more. Maybe he should just give up altogether. Maybe Noah did not want to be found. William was just trying to reconcile and help him. He knew how emotionally fickle his former brother was. He was afraid the world would chew him as well. “Shit…” He then muttered under his breath with his head lowering down to the table. He was tired and maybe it was time to go back to his hometown. He sighed then finally ordering a pint. “Sorry. It just feels like I’m going nowhere…” He whined. 

Clayton was fine with people pouring their feelings. Most others wouldn’t be but it made him feel as if they could trust him enough and there was a sense of pride in that. For the longest time he had felt like he didn’t belong in this city. He hated living with the rich folk, but they knew him better than anyone else here. “You should keep asking around. Maybe the bartender knows something. You know bartenders can be your most useful informant.” He said casually. His stress waned just a little, glad to have found some companion to keep him preoccupied. He didn’t think he was all too ready to face his family members soon. “We could walk around and look together if you’d like. It’s not like I have much to do after this anyway.” 

William pushed the entrance to his new favorite bar with a sigh. He came to the city three days ago and so far he still had zero luck in finding his former foster brother. He’d been missing their time spent together. Being best friends and talking about taking over the world. William sat down on one of the stools. He looked to his side and noticed his companion. He paused before deciding to give it another try. He pulled up a picture from his coat showing it to the stranger. “Hi. I hope I’m not disturbing you but have you ever seen this man around here?” He asked as he displayed the picture of him and Noah grinning together without a care in the world. “He’s an old friend…… I have been looking for him everywhere.” 

Clayton was relaxing. He was a little anxious since some of his long-distance relatives basically just told him they would be visiting. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to meet them yet. So far he hadn’t succeeded in shaping the empire he had promised just yet. He didn’t know if what he had now would be enough to impress his father and convince him not to take him back to his old lifestyle where he had to pretend to be this rich goldenboy without a brain. Clayton was on his third glass when he heard someone ask him a question. He glanced at the picture then shook his head. “Not really. He doesn’t look familiar to me.” He replied, almost coolly. 

Roland watched him a bit before quickly looking down at the paintings on the table, eyes trying to scan. He already knew which one he was gonna say, though the conversation with such a handsome man had him blushing. He needed to work better on his self control. “This one, I think.” He’d pointed to a nude portrait of his ex, one he had sketched with a glance and it ingrained there forever. “Thank you, though. I appreciate the compliment.” It was nice to think about for once, that it paid off to put himself out there and to not be met with a negative reaction. “Are you enjoying the event?”

Clayton wasn’t surprised to see the lewd potrait. He had met many artists in his life and most definitely when he had been wealthy enough to attend public demonstrations like these. One thing he had learned is that the quieter the artist is the more lecherous their art becomes. It’ was quite fascinating, frankly. “It looks very raw. And I meant that positively.” He flashed a charming smile to the boy. He could tell he wasn’t having the most relaxing day. “You’re a great artist. It’s an honour.” Clayton said, grinning. “I am. This is my first Pride so everything still feels so fresh but I’m not complaining at all. I’m Clayton. Call me Clay if you want.” He extended his hand.

“Well, I can’t wait to meet him” she smiled. Patience wasn’t really something she had anymore when it came to using but she figured she could just sneak off to the bathroom once they were a drink in and help herself. She giggled and linked arms with her old friend. “Okay, fine. But only if I can treat you next time!” She chuckled at his question and said “Well, you know how I like to keep myself busy. I finished up my junior year and I have been celebrating ever since which I’m sure is no surprise. I’ve also been spending time with someone lately.. It started out as an agreement, but now.. I don’t know, I’m trying to figure it all out. But she’s fantastic, you’d love her. What about you? I’ve missed you so much, where the hell have you been and what have you been doing?”

Clayton made a certain mental note of convincing her to do otherwise next time but that was for another day. He liked feeling some sense of control despite his endeavours to gain a humbler lifestyle. It was a trait he didn’t think he could nor would get rid of. “Damn. You’ve been partying all summer? Atta girl.” Clayton himself had applied for a clerk position. He wanted something mundane to fit his agenda just fine. He would never run out of money anyway. “And hm.. who’s this lucky someone? Please do share the details. Is little Romi finally getting a taste of love?” He was teasing her but he did want to know. “She must be something else then. Aw, I missed you too. I’ve been applying going around trying to score a summer job. I got one last week at Barnes and Noble’s. Pays pretty okay.”

Roland flicked his eyes around, nervous and unsure of every person that walked by. Despite everyone’s rainbow attire and clear support, his art felt too much for the general population. Nude bodies, particularly gay men, painting in vibrant reds and pinks which showed a blurry depiction of intercourse. Paintings were acrylic, ranging anywhere in size from prices from $50 to $100.  “Hello -” He tried greeting the person who was walking by though it felt rather awkward and forced. He needed someones help, he shouldn’t have been trusted to try to do this alone. “See anything you like? All made by yours truly.” It was the first time in years that Roland displayed some of his own paintings. 

Growing up, Clay’s upbringing had been tainted by pretentious snobs and unveiled homophobia. He used to be so terrified of exposing his preferences, keeping them as a skeleton in his closet. He did love the money but he hated how close minded the people around him were. Now that he was no longer living in that hellhole he could express himself however he liked. The blonde ran his fingers through his hair. Smiling at the cute boy who was selling his art. “Really? You’re very talented.” He complimented with a huge smile. “I’d like to browse around a little bit more. Do you have a favorite?” He asked curiously.

“Okay, okay, fine,” she said, lifting her hands up in surrender. She smiled when he wrapped his arm around her and placed her hand on his, glad to be with a friend. “Shit, really? That’s awesome,” she smiled. “Oh, no, are you sure? You don’t have to do that.”

“It is.. You’ll just have to be patient for it but he’s actually a very generous guy.” He laughed softly. Clayton didn’t want to confess he had once assisted the barkeep pick up his life using parent’s wasted wealth. Back then he had asked for a lot in return but he didn’t want too think too much of his problematic past now. “Please. I’ve missed you tons, Rom. I’m obliged to make sure you have a good time. Alright?” He smiled. “Though. You gotta tell me how you’ve been. What have you been up these days, you little wild cat?” 

“Oh, come on. Just do one bump, you’ll totally be fine. You can’t let me have fun all by myself. Besides, have I ever let you down before?” she chuckled. Maybe she’d be able to talk him into it later–but even if she couldn’t, it’d be fine. “Hmm… How about we start with Amadeus? It’s always a party there.”

“Oh no please. I think I’ll just stick with the booze, milady.” The tall male grinned as he wrapped his muscular arm around his friend. Despite refusing to take the drugs, he knew he would still be enjoying his time with her. He had not gone out in such a long time afterall. He needed to take a lot of breather. “Amadeus sounds great. I’m buddies with the barkeep. He’ll give you discount if you’re willing to listen to him whine until dawn.” He laughed. “Drinks are on me though. Let me spoil you tonight, Rem.” 

What’s up everyone? Adriana here to grace your life. I suck at introductions but I need drinking buddies in NYC - ASAP

“Well.. someone seems.. excited.” Clayton replied to the girl with a smug amused look on his face. The once wealthy boy never had any issues finding a drinking buddy even when he was poor now. His good looks garnered the attention of many. “I could be your drinking buddy. That is if you can handle seeing my fratboy arse gun down those beers like a champ.” 

the brunette boy sprawls across the ground ungracefully, two boxes either side of him. he gives up. gravity is a spiteful bitch. “why the hell are these so h e a v y?” lysander whines petulantly, an arm slung over his eyes. in reality they aren’t that heavy at all- but his family would always tell him how he had the disposition of a hummingbird, frighteningly fragile and able to get knocked out by a gust of wind. the pale boy looks up as he hears footsteps approach, squinting slightly to try and make out who it is. “ uh- i-i-’m sorry am i in the way? “

Clayton laughed as he stood beside the boy. Growing up his parents had never failed to pamper him and make sure he would only do the bare minimum when he had to do his chores. He would always have someone next to him when he unpacked but Clayton had changed his ways a year ago or at least he had been trying his hardest. He missed being a mama’s boy but he wanted to learn independence. As he saw the boy struggle, the blonde haired male crouched. “Not really. But do you need any help?” He asked with a charming smile.