chasing the original high

Ethan couldn’t hide the smirk that appeared on his lips when he noticed that he’d sparked the other man’s interest. He’d missed this more than anything – the way he was constantly able to feel the deep connection that had built up between them over the past two years, making him settle into their relationship so comfortably in a way he’d never known. Everything just seemed so right now that Ian was back here with him – he’d been dying to share those moments with him again. “I knew you couldn’t say no to my proposition,” Ethan teased playfully, nudging Ian’s leg with his own under the table. His glance wandered for a moment, his eyes focusing on Ian’s pink, freckled lips briefly before they met Ian’s entrancing baby blues. “I love it when our plans align for once,” Ethan told his boyfriend with a warm smile, his voice soft before he chuckled, nodding. “We deserve it more than anyone after all this time. God…I missed you so much I honestly think you’re gonna be so sick of me once this weekend is over and I couldn’t even blame you,” Ethan joked lightheartedly, beaming back at his lover. 

Ethan was quick to pay for their meals and generous as he was, he never left with a bad tip. He looked up at Ian when he stood next to him now and he immediately accepted the invitation. Ethan had always been obsessed with the way their hands just seemed to fit and it was only natural for him to promptly lace their fingers together once he stood – Ian’s perfectly manicured fingers sliding right next to his own, creating a beautiful contrast. Pretending to think for a moment, Ethan tilted his head to the side as he started walking, setting a slow pace for Ian to fall into with him while he kept their hands connected. “I mean…I guess I probably could,” he teased with a broad grin. “Don’t I love the sound of that though. It’s not every day that I get to say that I have the Ian Bennett at my mercy,” Ethan murmured jokingly. “Come on, baby. You love it when I’m being the mysterious one for once, don’t deny it now,” Ethan continued with a small laugh before shaking his head. “No but – if you’re sure you’re up for it, I’d love to take you there right now. It’s not far away, I promise.”

“Sick of you?” Ian repeated with his brows raised in an appalled fashion at the seemingly impossible concept. “I’ve been missing you every single day for over a month -- I’m like, permanently deficient.” He came to the conclusion with a chuckle and his grin matched the brightness of the one Ethan directed at him. 

Their hands joined effortlessly and he couldn’t help smiling to himself at the feeling of Ethan’s long, pale fingers comfortably slotting into the spaces between his own. A simple pleasure Ian didn’t even know he’d been missing until he felt the pang in his chest right in the moment. The younger man didn’t take his eyes off of his boyfriend as they began walking out of the restaurant, allowing Ethan to guide them as he simply listened to him talk and admired the stunning view of his features from a profile view. When Ethan teased him, Ian scoffed and took a slight sidestep to gently knock into the other man’s side on purpose in the spirit of a playful nudge. “Mhm, but baby -- it’s Gemini season. You’re bound to get your way a little more often in the name of the stars.” He pointed out with sparkling eyes before nodding without hesitation, his attention pulled back to the mysterious something Ethan wanted to show him. “I’m totally up for it! I feel good. I took a nap, I’ve got my man, I am unstoppable. Let’s do it.” Ian insisted after sharing his genuine feelings, their arms and joined hands developing a light swing as his excitement grew. “Can you give me any sort of hint as to where you’re taking me? Or what you’re showing me? I need to prepare myself, you know.” 

“You’re so going down!” Spencer giggled as he (rather aggressively) twisted the handles to the foosball table he hovered over. To say Spencer was a competitive person would be a huge understatement; the feisty blonde absolutely refused to accept a loss. He blamed it on the Aries in him in which needed to have the upper hand (at all times). However, it wasn’t that serious in this very moment in time. He was feeling optimistic about the outcome of the game and was overall in a bubbly, playful mood — perhaps in due to the third beer he had downed in the matter of an hour and the craving for a fourth he felt coming on. “Hope you enjoy the taste of defeat, mama’s taking this win to the bank.”

To any bystander who happened to take in the sight of Ian and Spencer’s game of foosball, it would be stupidly obvious that one half was far more into it than the other. Ian’s brows were furrowed partly due to his concentration and partly due to his lack of amusement in the activity. He turned the knobs with much less enthusiasm than Spencer did and the younger man earned a roll of Ian’s eyes with his cocky remark, he hadn’t had enough to drink for this. “I’m letting you win at this point, Mary. This game is ridiculous. I’m about to send you a venmo just so the torture can be over.” Ian couldn’t refrain from allowing the corner of his lips to curve into a smirk, giving away that he wasn’t entirely miserable. “Why the fuck did you make me come here anyway?”

It had already been a highly emotional day for Ethan to say the least. After having to let his man go on a national tour for six painfully long weeks, Ian had finally returned home to him, only two days after their official two year anniversary which they’d had to spend apart – much to their dismay. Even though Ethan was prouder than he could ever be of his boyfriend’s success, he’d missed Ian with all his heart, feeling almost selfish with how badly he’d wished for him to be there all along, but to him there’d never be anything more special than getting to be the one to pick him up from the airport at an ungodly hour to take him home after a long stretch of time of not seeing each other and that alone made up for it. Ian’s place had long become their safe space, their harbor where they’d make up for their lack of intimacy and simply spend some time enjoying each other’s company now that they could again. After a well deserved sleep in and a much needed shower, Ethan had invited Ian out for a late breakfast at their favorite spot in the Village to share meals and countless stories, laughter and loving glances until it was time to pay and get going again – it was safe to say that they’d spent what felt like hours talking. 

A small smile played on Ethan’s lips as he tilted his head, looking back at Ian for a moment, merely taking in and admiring his features before speaking up gently. “Do you have anything planned for the day or are you up for a little surprise?” He asked randomly, the playful smile still tugging on his lips as his soft blue eyes looked back at the other male and a cheeky eyebrow raised. “There’s something I wanted to show you. If you let me that is,” he teased with a wink before averting his focus for a second to call over a waiter. 

@ianbennett·

Tour life was everything Ian had ever dreamed of and more, the only thing he never imagined about it was how painful it would be to leave your love behind. Just like he’d never imagined finding a love like the one he shared with Ethan. He was tired in every sense of the word when making his way through the airport but the vocalist was thrilled to be back in New York, even more to be back with his boyfriend who picked him up and spent an intimate morning with him before they both indulged in a much needed nap and the comfort of each other’s arms.

A late breakfast date was the cherry on top of their morning, refueling Ian’s energy all the more to prepare him for the rest of the day. He could feel Ethan’s eyes on him while he sipped from the straw of his fresh pressed juice and he was reminded of just how comfortable it was, and how much he’d missed the sickeningly adoring glances that lingered between them constantly. Ian’s clear blue eyes lifted from the nearly empty glass to look back at the handsome man across from him when he spoke, the arch of his strong brow quirking in intrigue. “A surprise...? Well even if I did have plans, I’d be way too curious not to cancel them now.” The younger man’s lips slowly spread into a full on, gleaming white smile as Ethan teased it further. “My only plan for today was spending as much time as possible with you -- we deserve that, don’t you think?” Once the bill was paid and the waiter generously tipped, Ian wasted no time in getting up from the booth to stand by the side where Ethan sat, offering his hand. “Can you take me to this something now? I’m at your mercy for the day but I have zero patience when you’re being all mysterious.”

“Hm, I like the sound of that way better actually but hey now! You know that’s how it usually goes. I only ever wanna come back to your place after a day like this - it’s what I do. I don’t think I could ever regret spending time with you…unless you’re feeling a little feisty for some reason. That sounds like a pretty productive day you had there though. Could you make some progress with that? I mean with the planning, not the arguing. You’re a tough nut to crack when you got an idea in that thick head of yours…I should know so bless your publicist’s heart. No but you’re anything but dull that’s true…which is probably why I keep coming back. It’s not like I love you or anything and wanna spend time with you, tsk. As for my day? I’m probably just exaggerating because I’m tired but I checked out that space again that I told you about - the huge loft space with the ceiling high windows. There’s so much to be done still, Ian…I’m going crazy. By the time this project done you’re probably gonna have to check me into some kind of clinic just to help me get my sanity back again.”

“My default mood is a little feisty, so I think you’re a liar and you enjoy it. Progress was made -- we were trying to iron out the travel schedule, not to toot my own horn but just about every radio station in the northeast is trying to book me for this tour. Toot. Well you wouldn’t love me or wanna spend time with me if I was dull, it all goes hand in hand. You? Exaggerating? I had no idea this was even a possibility, it’s totally unlike you to be dramatic... You went back?! Does that mean it’s a top contender after all? I mean, I may be biased when it comes to ceiling high windows, look around you. But all the natural lighting it’ll pull in? That’s perfect for makeup. How's the price point? Above, below, in your range? You know I would love to be a generous sponsor to your dream if you’d frickin’ let me. Everything is gonna be fine, baby. Perfection takes time...just ask my mom, I was born almost a week after my due date.”

Things had been rough for a while, between the move cross country and the loss of nearly all of his friends, Chris had just been a mess. But he was feeling better, he’d been able to stay in contact with people from their L.A. group, and he’d just found Ian - so how much could he really complain? It sucked, sure, but things seemed to be getting better and he couldn’t be more happy about it. “God, yeah, it’s really different - same kinda of people as L.A., though, when it comes to plastic surgery and shit - that’s why daddy wanted to make the move.” Better business, better opportunities for himself, he hadn’t even asked Chris if he wanted to move - only told him that they were moving, or he could stay in California and try to make it on his own. That wasn’t happening, so the move wasn’t negotiable for him. “That sounds nice, I’m starvin’,” Chris flashed Ian a grin and reached down, taking one of his hands and squeezing gently. “I’ll call daddy and tell him I can’t come back in, yeah? Then we won’t have to rush or anything.”

“Hey, just because I said people here are more grounded doesn’t mean I’m not fully aware of the reasons behind extended absences and vacations.” Ian suggested with an exaggerated wink. “And Greenwich Village is crawling with celebrities, mostly the more settled ones, which are probably some of your best customers with all the little lifts or tucks they could use. Hell, even I’ve been thinking a little botox refresher couldn’t hurt these tired eyes.” The taller man admitted with a chuckle and a lazy shrug of a single shoulder. “That would be absolutely fabulous, so I vote yes.” Ian encouraged Chris with a grin, holding the other’s more petite hand securely in his own. “He won’t mind, will he? I don’t want you getting in trouble because of me.” Decided to be responsible, Ian had to ask. Chris’s father had odd ways of inflicting punishment when he wasn’t happy with him, ways that made it go completely over his son’s head most of the time. Ian was used to pulling Chris away from it as often as possible, but not if it would come down on Chris later on.

“Ugh, I’ve honestly been waiting for this all day. I got out of bed this morning and all I could think about was getting back home to see you…is that cheesy? In my defense, you’re comfy and warm and it’s been a long, long day. I wanna hear about yours though…what have you been up to, baby? I barely even had time to text you, it’s just been that crazy.”

@ianbennett

“Some might say cheesy, but I’ll go with flattering. Being the only thing you wanted to see after a long day? That sure is a lot to live up to buuuut I’m honored and will do my best to make sure you don’t regret it. What have I been up to? Oh god, well...you know. Attempted to make more plans surrounding my scheduled radio station appearances with my team, argued with my publicist a little, daydreamed about outfit ideas. Never a dull moment with me. How can I not be curious about yours when you made it sound so hectic?”

Chris had missed the feeling of Ian’s embrace - it was something different than hugs you got from people you’d only known for a year. This was something that was special, something that only happened between people who had been friends for a long time, people who were like family, and it was important. “Hey, I never forgot about you, I’ve just been doin’ shit!” He snorted out a laugh and reached up, slipping his arms around Ian’s neck loosely. “Well, thank you,” The blonde loved to be complimented, he always had, but it was nice to hear it from Ian - it just meant more coming from a friend. “I’ve been okay.” Chris paused, licking his lips before smiling. “Working, mostly, partying here and there, y’know, normal stuff - nothing too different from usual. Daddy moved us out here ‘cause the business is better, it’s a nice change.”

“I know, I know.” Ian responded with an understanding nod but not without giving a roll of his eyes, though a smile was quick to follow and sweet enough to make one forget that he had been a little sour. It was all in good fun, Ian knew that Chris would never forget about him. Just like Chris knew that Ian would never forget about him. He’d thought about him many, many times between their visits since moving away from Los Angeles. Chris held a special place in his heart, their entire group back in La La Land did, but their bond was something different and especially strong. Ian tilted his head while listening to the blonde attentively, he fought off the urge to scowl at the mention of Chris’s father and a pleasant smile remained.·“Isn’t it? It’s so different here, in a good way. Everyone’s got their head in the clouds in LA, people are a lot more grounded here.” It had been a nice change for Ian too when he moved here, a much needed one.·“Now-- if I heard correctly you were looking to get something to eat, right? Let me take you to lunch.” Ian insisted rather than asking, the excited sparkle of his bright blue eyes indicating that he was not going to take no for an answer.

Violet chuckled. “I couldn’t do that, what type of friend would I be if I did?” Smiling softly, she found herself perking up just a little bit in his presence. Instead of just numbness, there was a little bit of joy. She clung to it, not wanting to let it go.” Stepping inside, she didn’t even get time to answer before she was being lead over to a stool. To be quite honest, Violet wasn’t overly hungry at all. Yet, she was well aware that just because she was hungry, it didn’t mean that she didn’t need to it. So maybe it was good that he was giving her some food, god knows she barely had the energy to make anything herself these days. “Sounds perfect.” Taking a seat, she straightened up a little. “So, what have you been up to lately love?”

“A resourceful one?” Ian suggested with a shrug, knowing without a doubt that Violet was the furthest thing from the type of person who would do such a thing. She was always kind and honest with him, for someone like Ian, those were highly important qualities considering he was the ‘no BS’ type of guy. He often took over the role of overbearing (but fabulous) grandmother whenever someone he cared for was feeling down or unlike themselves, and despite Violet appearing to be just fine, it was obvious that something was on her mind. Ian always operated under the impression that if someone didn’t want to talk about it, the least he could do was distract them from it to the best of his ability. “Oh, this and that,” he dismissed with a smile and roll of his eyes while he tended to the various ingredients all spread out over his counter. “I’ve been arguing with my team about which song to focus on as the next single, I’m doing a tour of radio stations all around the state of New York soon, planning outfits accordingly. Ya know, normal stuff." Ian chuckled, looking up at Violet. "And you, honey?"

Georgia could see right away that he didn’t  like the sound of at least some of the things she’d read out, grabbing a menu she looks at the menu quickly unsure of what she should have. “ I think I am going to have their avocado salad, with bacon. I have had it before and it’s pretty filling.”

Listening to Georgia’s decision, he nodded his head approvingly at her choice. Ian had thought about going for the avocado salad himself but he ate a ton of greens all the time and decided he deserved a little break away from the salads, if only to consume more veggies in the tofu scramble he decided to go with instead. “It sounds fantastic. I think I’m gonna behave badly today and go for dessert as a little treat to myself. The whole not dancing all the time anymore has scared me into being so strict but sometimes, you just gotta have chocolate, you know?” He chuckled, closing the menu and setting it aside. 

Chris jumped a little when the hand landed on his shoulder, even though it was a gentle touch - he just couldn’t help it, he’d always been easily spooked if he wasn’t paying much attention. But as he turned his head, the mere sight of the jewelry made something click in his mind, and Ian’s scent - he’d never been able to figure out if it was cologne or something else - was what made him turn all the way around. A wide grin spread across his lips and he dropped his cigarette, pushing himself up from the bench and throwing his arms around Ian’s neck. “He’s tried to teach me a lotta things but me and you both know that I’m not that good of a listener,” He laughed, leaning in to press a wet kiss to the other’s cheek. “Fuck, how’ve you been, fucker? I’ve missed you, I’ve been meaning to call you!”

Taking in the look on his friend’s face when Chris realized it was Ian made the already vibrantly beaming grin on his face grow, his eyes crinkling with the size of it as a loud, utterly joyful laugh escaped him as he welcomed the smaller male into his arms. “That is true, we’ve always had that in common.” Ian commented and his nose scrunched at the kiss placed on his cheek, too ecstatic to think about the possible lipstick mark left behind. “Meaning to call me, huh? That is a crock of shit and what they all say when they’ve forgotten somebody!” The taller man joked, pulling away from the hug but keeping his hands on Chris’s slender waist, giving him a once over while he spoke. “I’m good! Fucking great, honestly. How are you?! You look fucking gorgeous -- as always. What have you been up to, bitch? Definitely not hitting me up...,” Ian accused, poking his tongue out between his teeth to express his playfulness.

Chris had just gotten out from work for lunch; there were days when he went into the office in drag, and some days out of drag, it just depended on how he felt that morning upon rolling out of bed - and today had been one of the rare days that he wanted to go to work in drag. Most of his father’s clients already knew the blonde, they had for the last two years, so seeing him dressed differently from day to day was no surprise to anyone. As he walked down the sidewalk, Chris pulled his pack of cigarettes out of his purse and lit one, allowing it to sit perched between red-painted lips as he took a drag. He needed something to eat, but still wasn’t quite sure what he wanted, so he sat down on a nearby bench next to someone, blowing out a slow cloud of smoke. “Do you know somewhere around here that’s good to eat? I wanna try something different.”

Much of Ian’s free time was typically spent outside of his loft apartment, he wasn’t the relaxing type unless he was in dire need of a break, otherwise he enjoyed being out and about. Especially now that the weather had been merciful as of late with the temperatures reaching the low fifties and making his little California heart sing cheerfully in the wake of the grueling winter months. He had a few small bags on his arm after partaking in some retail therapy and the vocalist was on his way back home when he decided a scenic route through one of the village’s many small park areas, recognizing a delightfully familiar face in the blur of New Yorkers and tourists around. Ian approached Chris from behind, catching his question to the stranger on the bench beside him just as he reached out to set his hands on his dear friend’s shoulders delicately so he didn’t spook him, knowing that he was instantly recognizable by his statement rings and his usual black manicured nails. “Didn’t your daddy ever teach you not to talk to strangers?” Ian teased after surprising him, leaning over to bring his face and bright grin into view as he gave Chris’s shoulders a gentle squeeze.

“Guilty. Can you blame me? He’s fucking pretty and anyone who knows me, knows that I love pretty things. Seeing him around is like a kid window shopping Dylan’s Candy Bar without going in -- a tease. I probably sound thirsty as fuck but I’m just being honest. What would I like to do to him? A little too far for me, seeing as I can look but I can’t touch. I would love to buy him a drink, sit too close to him, listen to him talk about whatever. Maybe dance a little, I don’t really know what he’s into.” @stuntpiloted

Seeing Ian come in Georgia laughed as she rolled her eyes before looking at Ian sat who was now sat across from her.  “ There specials are their homemade mac cheese, bacon pancakes, and their avocado salad.” She replied as he handed him a menu.  “ Everything you may want is in this little box here.” She replied pointing to it.

Ian’s face held a slight grimace at the mention of mac and cheese, his expression growing more foul when she uttered the words bacon pancakes. This was one of the many, many things wrong with America. Thoughts of an avocado salad gave him hope again, he reached out to take the menu Georgia handed to him and flipped through it, his eyes finding the section she was talking about. “Ah -- tofu scramble with spinach, mushrooms, peppers, and a side of fakin’” Ian read from the menu, glancing back up at her. “Now we’re talking. Anything catch your eye yet? What are you in the mood for today?”