* DANGER ZONE.

Hardly took more than a god damned second to have their knees knocking about, turned in like elder lovers that have experienced life beside one another. That love was born years ago for our brazen, young artist..and Curt cannot even begin to understand the depth of his amorous yearning. But he will. Will come to see those icy fixtures hold nothing but warmth for him, and the desire to know him more intimately than he’s ever allowed anyone else the leisure of. 

He thinks nothing of mentioning his wife for the moment, mindful that it could very well send him off running– but that hope remains there that he won’t give a damn. Most don’t. Hell, either does Mandy, for that matter; their love is one of companionship– supportive and open. He adores the girl, but there’s something to be said for that word, isn’t there? Love? Because who is to say that one can’t feel a different kind for multiple people? A magnetic pull that consumes. One that, when felt at it’s peak, could render Jerry and that driver fucking invisible? The world around them falls black and tired, while stars burst like fireworks in the air between these two, backseat poets.

His youth hadn’t been one so misguided as his elder, knowing this by word of mouth– the tall tales of Michigan’s carnivore and his shock treatments, sprung tight by wicked guitars and licks of glitter. Brian’s beginnings were compromised of theatre, flamboyant figures in frocks and feathers. And playing a peeping tom backstage. His confusion, his searching, is innocently endearing, with Brian framing an attentive stare on the pondering, blue eyes of his beautiful prey. His cigarette is finally tossed out that window in one, fluid flick, feeling the tug of leather-shielded knees pull at the teal fabric of his trousers as they ride on, wishing for nothing more than privacy with him. “That you ‘ave.. We never lose that truly, do we? That primitive show of character.. Remains long after the drugs leave, darling. I’ll take you in any form you choose to show me.” Curt may have cleaned up his act, but that wild man still lives within a sinewy frame, just as a pompous showman always lives within our flashy Brit.

As those shoulders visibly relax in his view, he’ll offer a kitten smile, something sweeter than these full, vampiric features typically allow. “Much more, but it doesn’t hurt none to own one, does it?” A wink responds to his, as a hand reaches playfully for his chin, giving it a soft tilt up, as though he means to study it. “My first time. Much less reserved here…I’m approached without caution for fear I’d turnabout on heel..–I like it. The hands, reaching.. I see now why the Michigan wolf was drawn the coast. Will you miss it, after I’ve swept you away, then? London will croon like hummingbirds over a baby face.”

curt could care less about the two cronies in the front seat . he already had formed his opinion about jerry , the so - called manager who spoke in a language curt didn’t understand . for someone who used so many words , it was strange how he really said  NOTHING . at least nothing that could be considered even close to resembling the english language , that’s for sure . eyes glazed over as he got lost in the mumbo - jumbo of big words . trying his best , but unable to comprehend exactly what was being offered to , or if anything was . but then came brian to translate it into english ------ his SAVIOUR IN A TEAL SUIT . and it was in that moment that he realized that he could get along with brian sans jerry . after all , they were on the SAME PAGE in a world where everyone wanted a piece . which is why he angled himself towards now , wanting to get to know more about the demon who threw the world into a frenzy .

“   yeah ? well , i’ll keep that in mind .  ”     there it is again , the lopsided smile that can’t seem to hide away , one which causes eyes to avoid the other’s gaze momentarily as fingers drop to leather pants . he runs his palms gently over the fabric , FULLY AWAKE now despite the splitting headache that causes temples to throb heavily . but all that was able to be ignored whenever the man beside him spoke . why ? he didn’t know exactly . maybe it was the fact that he offered him as SECOND CHANCE where everyone else seemed to turn away from the junkie rock star . not like he could blame them , he never thought he’d last past thirty . guys like him died in their prime , it wouldn’t be anything new . even still , he couldn’t help but be excited . and the more he thought about it , the more he realized he didn’t want to FUCK IT UP  this time , or blow it before he even got a chance to cut another record . 

The urgency that he detects from these men aren’t entirely matched; Jerry longs to build their connection to overwhelming heights before the media, while Brian had quickly found himself incapable of living without Curt– both personally and professionally. What he fails to see now is that the two will come to twine, brewing a challenging concoction that threatens to crumble them. That carefree spirit that wailed and stripped for his audience was not the same man he became acquainted with the other night, burned out and run down from black betty’s kiss. But now that those eyes are bright and anew with hope for a future, the Demon can’t help but desire to fulfill it.

A crooked, toothy grin inspires Brian, just the same; a hunch alone foretells the passion that would soon burst into fruition– both in the studio, and in bed. A wry, knowing look overcomes naturally arrogant fixtures as the other leans into him, pulling a harsh inhale of smoke with a deep hollow of his cheeks, answering a yes with a flirtatious flick of his brows. That gaze reflects the ice of a glacier, and yet, it’s brimming warmth for the other lingers closely behind it, responding with cruelly inviting coquetry. “No where to go from here, but up. I wager that’s the stars, pet.” And with a curl that twitches that upper lip, our predator will take the lead, towards that car, where their cosmic dream will soon begin.

It is true, the young man hates to loiter about, both in public where he’ll be hounded, and in business where others use words like therefore and possibly –no time for a lag, when the Demon’s already earned the rights to his horns. He’ll keep you off the heroin darling, but he can’t promise expensive spirits and toot won’t be at your disposal. Brian keeps his cigarette handy, using it’s promise to animate and allure perfect lips to the other’s eye. They’ve already pulled from their parking spot when the first sign of confusion sweeps his company’s features, and he will look on with lidded, amused eyes as Curt seems to search for the memory. Assuming that he’s made a show of himself on plenty more occasions than that night, Brian decides to linger in smitten silence, playfully biting at the filter in his mouth once Curt’s shifted to face him. He wouldn’t dare mention his own performance, too bothered by the response to his music back then to even ignite the slightest sign of insecurity for Curt to see. Not now, maybe not ever.

“I was..” —– “And right, you did. Fuckin’ gits, the lot of ‘em. I saw something brilliant there, beyond what they were willing to recognize. Still do.” The latter is expressed far more sensually than the rest, fixing his stare as the cigarette is inhaled from, angling his body in further now, as Curt had. “I never forgot what I saw that night, love..and that’s what brought us here today. My appreciation for your originality, your image. A man is his image.” —– “That bum is nothin’ to slag about, either. A proper tart, you are.” Lighthearted, playful snickering follows, his likeness for the other completely exposed within the gaze that regards him.

they’re close now , and it’s in that moment that curt gets his first whiff of the demon standing before . smelling of a mixture of something sweet and cigarette smoke that’s almost as alluring as the bottle of METHADONE in his pocket .  gaze drifts down over high cheekbones to lips that form delicately around the end of the cigarette , completely transfixed by the image until blue hues flicker upwards and another laugh escapes his lips ------ he likes the way that sounds . all too often , the feral man found himself teetering on the BRINKS OF HELL --- the stars sounded much more SEDUCTIVE , he wanted to drink in all they had to offer . body pulls back  so he can take in the full sight of his new producer once more , a crooked - tooth smile still evident upon his lips .     “  we’re the way of the future , man .  ”

the intimate way of seating is initiated by curt , but within seconds is matched by brian . the ATTRACTION is there , that much is evident in the way curt angles himself towards , leather - cladden knees bumping against those of blue fabric whenever the car hits a particularly deep bump in the road . but while brians arm still rests on the back of the seat , curt’s shoulder leans against , body still TIRED from the bender the night before . that’s not to say he isn’t excited though , eyes bright and focused as gaze drifts between brian and the two men seated up front . but a mask retains composure , he knew better than to wear his heart on his sleeve anymore . he had no intentions of getting FUCKED - OVER again . 

but confusion is quick to take over . his short term memory had been WIPED CLEAN from the electroshock , leaving him with only the painful memories of the past . so he did what any smart - minded individual would do , he used substances to blur those out as well . which left curt in quite the predicament , barely remembering the now , and striving to wipe clean all those from his PREVIOUS LIFE . this , of course , left his brain in a puddle of mush . but on most occasions , he could search his brain ( like he was doing now ) and remember what had transpired ------ it only took him a LITTLE LONGER than most people . and he shifts again , albeit uncomfortably this time . lips press into a thin line , only to support his body language , before eyes finds brian’s once more .     “  anyway , i’ve cleaned up a bit since then --- got my act together , you know .  ” 

While the other, still unbeknownst to Brian, despised the business aspect of being an artist, we find our sassy crooner seeing it as a necessity. An artist can be just that, but without his management, there would be no guidance– and lord knows that the singer needs to be kept in check. He creates press, all his own..–but who in their right mind wants to endure the tedious bookings? The appointments? His complete freedom is something he gave up long ago. Sold his soul to the other side, harnessing a spotlight and drowning in praise fit for fucking royalty. He’s never wanted anything else. 

Except now, laid bare under that once over, masking features wiith playful arrogance.

Mandy was the support he craved as an amateur, but in the end, nobody could ever live up to the iconic image that was Curt Wild; feral and effortless, he was both the envy of Brian and the apple of his eye, secretly tucked away in the corner of a brazen gaze that sought to find him again when fame hit. And those stars he longed to mirror the brilliance of soon aligned to both their benefits; already love sick and weak beneath leather and pinstripes, a single smirk sealed these fates. “Don’t go takin’ a piss at me before you know where I can take you.” The restraint of that smile he wears is a fucking burden, threatens to split his features into a giddy expression that’s hardly fit for this persona– but it is the innocence in him, something that so few have been able to stoke. It’s brief on the surface, masked swiftly by the filter. 

A thoughtful pause mingles along the indecisive silence of his, faithful that he couldn’t say no to such a perfect face, proposing just the right question that needed to be asked.. Jerry looks on just beside the car, watching the magic flourish between the two; gears begin to turn, flash images of the pair alongside one another at events. Wants to market them like a couple of show dogs, we wager. As that arm is extended, the tip of his tongue coolly peeks out to lick the corner of his mouth, just over where the other’s exhale hit him dead on. “Right then..I’d be gutted, otherwise.” Climbs into that back seat, leaving Jerry to ride passenger beside their driver, a gust of that addictive scent blasting his senses as Curt climbs in after him. His stare is an invasive one, throwing an arm back behind Curt to rest upon the seat’s edge. “I remember you, lovedove..hollering at those wankers some years ago with your glitter and fire.” —- “Brilliant, really.”

sure , curt had heard brian’s name once or twice before . a star born over night , he was someone to watch out for ------ except curt didn’t . what good was it to him , a junkie rockstar who’d been booted from two labels , to worry about someone who hadn’t even come to america yet ? they were WORLDS APART as far as curt was concerned , at least that’s what he had thought until earlier this morning when he found himself within arms reach of the other . 

it’s something he finds hard to process , especially in his current state . but while he still doesn’t understand the urgency for brian and his manger to want him to SIGN HIS NAME on the dotted line so quickly , he isn’t going to complain about it either . after all , the clock was already ticking down to the day he’d finally find himself back in the studio . and mind was already beginning to brim with creativity , filling the newly - signed rocker with a unique form of adrenaline that no drug could ever match .

but it’s becoming difficult to mask the grin that is fighting to be seen at the corners of his lips . a small laugh pushes past the cigarette dangling from his lips , leaning in closer to the other as if hoping to keep the words private and just between the two of them .     “  OH YEAH ?  ”     pulling the cigarette from his lips , he taps the ashes to the pavement before the black - painted fingers of his free hand move up to push through unruly locks , voice lowering ever - so -slightly as blue hues shift over the other’s features  .     “  and where’s that ?  ”   

however , if there’s something curt can appreciate about the man he’s just beginning to know , it’s the realization that brian doesn’t seem to like to loiter around . too many times people wasted his time , leaving him with nothing than lost hours that could have been better spent writing music or GETTING HIGH ------ maybe they’d get along better than he originally thought ! 

one last drag is taken as brian climbs into the car , watching the other CLOSELY as he inhales the toxic substance deep into his lungs before flicking the butt to the curb and twisting his boot upon . he’s quick to join him in the back seat , leather sliding against leather that lets out a small squeak beneath him as he closes the door beside . taken OFF GUARD by the comment , brow furrows as gaze drifts back towards , confused . glitter and fire ... how many times had he lost his mind without keeping track ? but there was one concert he remembered in particular , one that he’d completely LOST CONTROL .     

A ghastly show it was, back in there. Jerry stood chuffed at the promise of more zeros in his bank account looking that that American man. A man who, years ago, partly shaped the way he stepped forward in his tallest heel to become who he is today. Thought himself numpty after that festival, walking off defeated, recessitated back into the present with that wolfen holler that sprung from a narrow boy with no care for who despised it. 

He’s already prepared to give his idol the world, and any any idiot could see the smitten sparks around that table, explosive in a heart eyed stare that kept him lingering there long after a goodbye. And how lucky is he, the famed puff in glitter and glory, to have shaken the hand of Wild when it was at it’s most vulnerable? When it was most in need? When it craved the clean slate most? His stomach flutters like a child in his presence, as it did when he first laid eyes on him, undoubtedly giving him the upper hand in many ways— yet Curt cannot see it. We doubt he may ever, in fact.

As he departs, that farewell looks an awful lot like a come hither, twitching the smooth corner of a sensual mouth; the other may have been bred amongst the wolves, but it is the brightest star of them all that possesses the spirit of said predator in his stare. 

That hand stops him short, feeling a wash of relief in knowing blue eyes will be there on the turnaround, seizing Jerry in his impatient tracks as Brian gives him the time he’s been so dying to. “I’ll do you one better, mate..” A smooth timbre mimics a slither, removing the pack from his jacket and offering it out, hovering the filter close to his mouth. “The old man there is due to throw a wobbly soon if I wander off. Can’t have you going off on your own around here without a proper celebration, either…” Lighting the flame of the others, then his own, a cerulean stare begs, yet his question is lit with the confident air of a lion’s pride. “Come along, then?”

senses were numb from the mixture of pills that had served as a hearty breakfast . woken up in a fancy hotel room that he didn’t remember ever booking , it took a moment before he finally realized that maybe he didn’t go home with another random stranger in the way he originally thought . a request for a meeting , now the promise of a SECOND CHANCE that had almost felt unreachable just a few days prior . but what he hated was the politics of it all , the business side that droned on and on . even now as he was trying to just take a break and smoke a fucking cigarette , the man in the striped suit continued on about needing to sign contracts RIGHT AWAY ! 

but attention is ELSEWHERE , gaze never leaving the glittery man who promised him whatever his heart desired . and as he reaches out to pluck a cigarette from the pack , calloused fingers brush over the almost - feminine smoothness of the others hand for a second time .     “  thanks .  ”     he mutters before placing the cigarette between his lips , leaning forward slightly as to ease the action in lighting it . only after a long drag from , does he finally give the other the ONCE - OVER , brows lifting in an amused curiosity before he glances over at the manager who seems like he could use a pill or two to calm himself down .

“  remind me not to wander off with you then .  ”      eyes flicker back towards , tone playful as lips curl slightly at the corners , a small smirk threatening to give his true feelings away . while he understood the world of managers well , what he couldn’t stand was when they became OVERBEARING and started to involve themselves in the craft . if there was one thing curt desired above all else , that was the promise to always be able to exert his artistic freedoms and never have to deal with someone holding him back from doing so . which is why this deal with brian seemed so appealing to , surely he understood the beauty of letting an artist truly DEFINE THEMSELVES in their work . 

he’d just signed the deal of his fucking life , or at least that’s what the guy in the striped suit had offered him . what was his name again ------ jeremy , jerry ? not like it fucking mattered , he just spoke GIBBERISH anyway . the main thing was , he was going to get back in the studio again after an extended breather between management . but to top it all off , the kid had promised him ANYTHING he needed , what a perk for barely knowing them ! generous , he thought , unlike his old fucking label who wouldn’t know true art if it hit them in the face ! it was safe to say he was grateful for the offer , even if he didn’t know how to properly express it at the time .

but as they're all parting ways , it then curt realizes that he isn’t really sure where to go until then . they’d be in contact they said , so now it was a waiting game . but he was already so fucking ansty ! couldn’t they just get started tomorrow ? hands push into the pockets of his coat , feeling for something that he already knows isn’t there . an ANNOYED sigh leaves his lips before blue hues lift to see the younger of the pair walking out the door in front of him . and it’s in that moment he decides to REACH FOR HIM , grabbing his arm before he strays too far from .     “  hey , man . i know you asked if there was anything i needed so ... you think i could bum a smoke ?  ”