ROLEPLAY HQ - breaking-the-ice

He hadn't gone out with the plan to drink but it was better than sitting home and binging TV for the night. His new apartment was still empty of his intimates; nothing to read, nothing to do. He tucked into the bar and flinched at the loud sound and thumping music, finding a place to sit at the bar. He wasn't one for clubs but loneliness had driven him out for some form of interaction, the energy of the crowd fulfilling the need. "Mojito please?" He swung his leg over the barseat and leaned against the stone top, passing the card over for the bill. He'd taken over a small little corner to people watch from lost in his own thoughts. Talking to someone wasn't high on his priority list.... Returning to his home state hadn't been a fun decision to make. Since his mother died he avoided it on his own volition, but his business wanted to open a new branch of service so he had to attend. He'd be living here for several months until he could escape back to Hong Kong. Bent over gently and swirling the drink idly, he closed his eyes and let the world fade to a soft thrum in his mind.... @Angel

Jayy Von, lead singer and guitarist for chart topping band Elysian, was having a night out with his band members. Lily, their drummer, and Vax, their bass, and Jade, their keyboardist. They had their own little booth in the side area - VIPs only - and guarded by a bouncer. They had been drinking and partying already for a while. That was, until Vax nodded in the general direction of a man who’d just sat at the bar. “Guys.. we should totally set Jayy up.” Jayy’s eyebrows raised. He was already quite drunk. “Oh shut up.” He laughed. But alas, Lily was already on the move. Dawned in a black bra with a neon green fishnet and a rubber looking skirt and docs skipped over to the man sitting at the bar. “Hey there friend~ My friend over there.” She pointed back towards the booth. “He’s famous~ and he thinks you’re cute.” She giggled, grabbing his hand. “Cmon, I’ll introduce you!” She dragged the stranger over past the bouncer to their table. “This is Jayy Von.” Jay looked up at him, smiling a bit to be polite. Jayy was wearing a simple white t-shirt with a red and black flannel over it and black ripped skinny jeans. His ears were lined with piercings, and he had a simple silver chain around his neck. His hair was jet black, except for the blonde pieces in the front. Hazel eyes locked with the man’s. “Sorry, Lily’s a little straightforward. And you are?” @Vox

It'd taken a bit to understand the woman babbling at home, but following her pointing and seeing a mortified looking man at the other end helped his cue. "Oh I'm not..." He'd started until she about dragged him off his seat to bring him there. He was six foot two and clearly in business some way, by the nice vest and suit. The jacket was over his arm. He'd been born in Japan to a Japanese mother and American father and he took after his mother in all but height and weight. He was already buzzed two drinks down and the name struck a cord. "That. That name sounds familiar..." He knew a few Jays. "Alex is fine. I'm confused on why you're bringing me over here." He talked cleanly but couldn't but two thoughts together, leaning heavily left and rubbing his face gently. He looked tired and he hadn't smiled once, but it seemed to be his natural resting face more than being pissed off. He didn't know why he used his American name. His father had demanded he be named Alexander when he was born causing him to use either when it suited. Elio was odd and called him out too much at times. "You're supposedly famous but I ain't know you." He smiled behind his glass, finishing it. "Ain't so famous." @Angel

“Of course my name sounds familiar, I’m a famous rock star!”Jayy exclaimed with a grin. “Nice to meet ya, Alex.” He leaned back against the booth. Lily ushered the new guy to take a seat next to Jayy. “Cmon, get comfy! He don’t bite~” She giggled. “Not hard.” He replied, taking a sip of his drink. He was usually never this flirty with just anyone, but he was about 4 drinks in and didn’t plan on stopping. At Alex’s next comment though, he almost choked on his drink. The rest of his friends laughed their asses off at it. “Dude just said you ain’t so famous!” Vax cackled. Jayy’s face went a little red. “Okay okay.” He huffed. “So what do you do, Mr. Ain’t Heard o’me.” Jayy looked over at the man. He was rather handsome, but was he even into dudes? “You look like .. a ceo or somethin.” While he was talking, Lily had convinced the other to go dance, leaving the two alone. Jayy glanced up as they left before sitting up and looking at Alex again. “Listen, I know they can.. be a bit much, but hey, you’re pretty cute.” He leaned forward, propping his head on his hand. @Vox

"Yes actually. Busy enough to be violently bored drinking in a shit little club rather than being out with others..." He muttered softly as the others left, not needing to be loud. "I'm not complaining of extra wingmen." He looked to Jayy out the side of his eyes as he'd emptied his glass. His dark irises reflected the club lights setting the glass to the coaster. "Can I buy you a drink? Or two." He offered, "I am not planning to leave until I can't remember my own name. I have a driver. I'm set so." He waved for the waitress, "What would you like to drink?" He smiled lightly, sitting back in the booth, and passing the card for his own drink. @Angel

Jayy’s head tilted slightly. “Wingmen is a funny word for them. They just kind of throw guys at me with the hopes someone will stick.” He said, throwing the rest of his drink back before sighing. Hazel eyes met the dark ones as he offered to buy him drinks. “Ohhh fancy fancy.. You plannin on having your driver take me to your place with you?” Jayy smirked. When the waitress came over, he had to think. “Hmm.. hit me with 3 shots of vodka, then a vodka cranberry.” He told her. It didn’t take long for their drinks to arrive. He held one up to cheers it with one of Alex’s. “Here’s to forgetting our names~” @Vox

Head pounding like someone was taken an ice pick to his brain, Elio groaned as he rolled. Bare feet tucked out to the floor he struggled to sit up, holding his head. Shit.... Pushing up lightly he sunk right back down to sit on the floor, his apartment wavering before his eyes. What the fuck happened. He had to crawl to his bathroom, dunking his head into the sink and turning on the water. All of him hurt like hell.... Stumbling back through his bedroom he checked the time on his phone and paused seeing someone in his bed. Gently he tapped the man's shoulder then shook him awake. "Hey.... it's noon..." He advised talking softly, "I'll give you money for a taxi." @Angel

A tap on his shoulder made the punk star mumble something incoherent before trying to roll over. "Go away, Chels, I'm tired." He said, half awake. The brunette had assumed he'd made it home and his manager was trying to force him to get up. But, then he heard the voice continue, offering money for a taxi. He shot up, looking around the room. This isn't the apartment. He looked to the man who'd woken him up. Who..? He shook his head and scrambled out of the bed, rushing to put his pants on. Before he zipped them, he checked his watch. "Fuck, 9:38? I had a signing. Fuck fuck fuck, Chelsea's gonna kill me." Jayy rushed to put on the rest of his clothes. "Uh, no no the taxi? Don't worry about it, I got it. Uh, thanks though." He'd never had a one night stand. How was he supposed to act in this situation? He kind of just awkwardly rushed out, trying to make it to his signing on time. He pulled his phone out as he ran. Texts from all of his band members, asking how last night was with winky emojis, and messages from Chelsea asking where he was and how she was going to kill him for making her stall this long. @Vox

"Oh-" the door shut behind and he blinked, "-kay..." Well that was less awkward than he'd expected it'd be. Sighing he got into the shower, wincing as he stretched. Apart from his manager yelling at him, he had texts to someone. Photos of him and Jayy driving home, sitting in the backseat. He'd always took a photo in case of any situation.... Smiling softly he shot a message to his manager he was going to grab food then be on the way. Tugging on a coat and sunglasses he walked to get to the Cafe and meet his lawyer, sighing softly through his headache. "So what the hell is this meeting?" "Going over a contract." "Helpful I'm aware of that." He grimaced muttering as he ripped the packaging for his food, trailing the other back to the car. He always went to the same place for food and the man had been there waiting for him. "It's fine just come on." "Mhm. Fine. Not suspicious at all." @Angel

Jayy ran out of the building, trying to text his manager back about the signing. "I'm on my way!" The place where he was signing autographs was a little CD store. After taking a moment to gather where he was, he realized it was a couple of blocks down. Running would be faster than calling a taxi. He took off. Even though he was wearing his outfit from the night before, he did look fine. His hair was just a little messy. Once at the signing, he sat at the little table set up for him before he started to smile, greeting fans and signing their CD's. He could see his manager in the corner, glaring at him. She'd had to stall for quite a while.. and he'd get an earfull of it later.. A couple of hours passed before he was done, and the signing was over. Jayy was led to a backroom by his manager. Chelsea was livid. "You can't just disappear whenever you want, Jayy. We plan these things out in advance, and you make not only you but everyone else look bad when you pull this shit." He scoffed, shoving his hands in his pockets. That was one thing that irritated him about being famous: keeping up looks and reputation. Chelsea led him out the backdoor in an attempt to avoid the crowd of fans at the front. This proved useless, as once they were outside, it was obvious some more experienced fans knew this trick and were waiting. They were held back by security and a no crossing line, but that didn't stop Jayy. Screams erupted from some as he made his way over, taking pictures, signing things, giving hugs, just being a showoff in general. It took a few minutes of this before Chelsea came over to drag him to the van. He waved by to his fans, who continued to scream as he was pulled into the van. Just then, Chelsea got a call. @Vox

"Hello ma'am this is Adam Otello with Phoenix Records. We'd like to sit down and have a conversation with Elysian and specifically Jayy Monroe. If possible could we sit down with the group to set a deal?" Phoenix Records were a new relatively baby company, splintering from a coaching company, looking for talent. They'd signed several small groups on insane deals for records and sending them on worldwide tours. The company was small and new, but already cutting their way through for those on their labels. "If we could plan a meeting soon as possible, even if today, to chat please shoot me a text."

He watched his lawyer through the glass curious what new group they were gunning for.... Apparently it was possible for his company to receive a government grant soon depending on the paperwork. Elio sipped his coffee, squatting in his lawyers office as he didn't have his own in this new construction. "Who was that?" He asked through his sandwich as his lawyer returned. "Just a little group. I forgot to call yesterday..."

22:38

@Angel

“Hello? Oh, yes. That’d be wonderful! We can come now, we’re on our way! I’ll text you our ETA!” Chelsea promptly hung up. She turned to face Jayy, who had an inquisitive look on his face. “Who was that?” “A record label.” “A record label?!” “A record label!” Chelsea had a huge grin on her face. “It’s that new one, that just started but is already producing stars.” She had to admit she was excited. She’d been managing the band solo for a while - they hadn’t been sign to a record label yet. This was a major breakthrough! She texted the number on her phone with the eta, and soon enough they’d arrived. Jayy and Chelsea got out, making their way into the building. @Vox

Elio choked seeing Jayy outside the heavily tinted windows, coughing on coffee, and waving away the concerns of his lawyer. He knew he'd be meeting with a musician but out of everyone it had to be him?! Two lawyers stepped out to meet the two while Elio had a mild breakdown in his office, feeling sick. The lawyers knew of the paperwork, explaining the situation lightly as they walked to the office. Elio looked mortified as Jayy saw him through the window, but he kept his face flat and professional as the two entered and he offered his hand to shake. "Nice to meet you both." He smiled lightly, returning to his seat, setting out paperwork. He was making a point to not acknowledge the immensely awkward situation and instead focusing on the paperwork. "Now this is a unique situation that cannot leave this room. When you both were children, your families set out regarding family business..." The lawyer continued but Elio couldn't hear it, staring at Jayy then interrupting. "That's why your name was familiar." Elio ignored the lawyers annoyance, sitting up slightly, "It's Elio. Maverick." He clarified lightly. Elio hadn't seen him in fifteen years and his first meeting again was a drunk one night stand.... "Can you three step out please. I'd like a word with Jayy." He ordered harsh enough the two layers and Chelsea listened. Once the door shut behind them Elio groaned thumping his head on the desk. "This all is fucked." @Angel

As Jayy and Chelsea entered, they were screened by security. It took a bit longer due to the punk’s piercings, but they managed to get through. They were then led up to meet with the two lawyers. Jayy wasn’t a fan of this business stuff, so he was already ready to zone out and just nod for this entire meeting. When they walked into the office, he looked up and froze in place. What in the actual.. fuck?! There was the guy, who he’d just had a one night stand with, standing in the room. This is the guy we’re signing the band to-?! Chelsea nudged him forward and Jayy was forced to make his way to a seat. And the meeting began. However, it didn’t last long before the other guy spoke up, making Jayy look at him curiously. “What?” He said, a look of confusion falling over his face before the realization hit him. He sat with a dumbfounded look on his face for a minute. Before he knew it, everyone else was out of the room. The memories from their childhood came back to him. How they were “friends” when in reality, Elio was just older than him and treated him like a baby. He always fell behind the other, casted in his shadow. Jayy shot up from his chair. “Uh, yeah! You’re telling me! You told me last night your name was fuckin Alex!” He was a little loud, and if anyone were outside the door they were sure to hear. Hazel eyes seemed to burn red with fire as he glared at the other. “You did nothing but take from me when we were kids. You’re crazy if you think I’m giving you my fucking band.” @Vox

"My father demanded I be named Alexander and my mother decided not. I use both. Sit down and keep your damn voice down." He snapped back, leaning back in his seat. "I was demanded to push forwards. I had to take care of you. I had to go to school for you. Do not even come at me with taking from you." He growled back with teeth grit, "Your family bought mine. What was I supposed to fucking do?" He pressed his palms to the desk, "I was your families fucking dancing monkey. And look where it got you. You get to do whatever the hell you want." Elio settled his breath to calm down adjusting in his seat. "I don't want your band. I want your group to make your own decisions. I want to fund it and you simply carry the studio name. I'd do little in meddling with the group." He raised his hand to hold off Jayy, explaining. Picking up the paperwork he scanned it and huffed. "Look. If we follow this it helps us both." He held up the page. "Your band gets its records and tours, my company gets a good record and charity. Governmental assistance for us both and every member of your band." He held across the page. "You can scream at me later." "If we pretend to date, we get money. The government wants a influential homosexual relationship in public media. According to the paperwork both our parents received money to have us be friends as children in the hope we'd date. Now that we are adults we have to go over the paperwork ourselves." @Angel

Hazel eyes widened as Elio began on a tangent about how his family had bought his, and that he was required to do stuff for him. It made the male scoff. “Oh fuck off with that. That wasn’t my choice.” For Jayy, his parents were a soft spot for him. He put his hands on the desk, glaring at the other. “Don’t ever bring them up again, or I will punch you in your stupid face.* That was a lot of bold talk for someone who was making out with that face the night before. Finally, he sat back down, crossing his arms. He didn’t like this at all. Not where it was starting. “I don’t want you to meddle in-“ he was cut off by the hand, making him scoff again. His leg bounced uncontrollably. He was pissed. Anxious. This was all so fucked. And Elios’ next statement made it worse. “No. Nooooo fucking way.” He said, standing up again. He started to pace the room uncontrollably. He was getting loud again. “You think, I’m just gonna be okay with that? Just, alright yeah let me pretend to date my shitty childhood friend who always thought, or wait thinks he’s better than me. That’s fucked Elio, fucked.” @Vox

"I don't think I'm better than you Jayy." He said softly, downcast. "You... thought that?" It hurt. Massively. "All I ever wanted to do was see you. Even when you were just a baby. You were my only friend." He looked aside blinking hard, chewing the inside of his lip. "Look. I'm sorry I left. I couldn't take the pressure anymore. The constant school and orders." He swallowed hard and forced himself to meet the others face again. "We both need this money. And we... technically got along well enough. I'm not saying we actually have a relationship. I say we pretend the minimum amount we have to. I get the money I need, you get money and your band gets paid and a record deal. We'd get paid every week." He looked to the paperwork, voice soft to keep it flat and even.

02:17

@Angel

Jayy narrowed his eyes a bit. That’s such bullshit. His good grades, his better attitude, his accomplishments. And now he wants to own my band. “I don’t want to hear it.” He said, turning his head away as he crossed his arms. “I don’t want to think about it and I don’t want an apology..” Back then, Jayy had considered the other a good friend. Best friend even. But.. he left one day. With no explanation.. and not even a day later the accident happened. He glanced up as the other started to speak again. He was silent for a moment. “Whatever.” He finally said after a while. Tears were stinging at his eyes, and he was biting the inside of his cheek as he looked away. The whole situation was frustrating. Even more so now that the dots were connected. I slept with him last night. And now we have to pretend we’re in a relationship. @Vox

"We just have to sign. I'll send you the paperwork later and we can... figure this out. We can figure it all out." He shook his head gently trying to not be stressed out. He wanted to ask Jayy everything.... "Here." He passed across the paperwork to sign with all the information, "I will have the lawyer figure everything out with your manager." He got up, "I'll leave you alone now." He added and went to leave, pausing. "I never planned to leave. I want to say that. You were my best friend and my only friend. I missed you every day." He swallowed down tears and left, his lawyer calling after him. @Angel

As the papers were handed to him, he looked down, picking up the pen. He didn't sign right away, instead staring at the contract. When he signed this... He wouldn't be single anymore. Forced into a relationship.. He skimmed over the contract. No one outside of management is allowed to know. Great, so he couldn't even tell his bandmates. He sighed in frustration. It took him just ripping the bandaid off and signing the damn thing. For the band. They all get a cut. It's for them. He slammed the pen down after and stood, almost knocking his chair over from the momentum. He left the room just as Chelsea and the lawyers were walking in. He waved his hand dismissively. "Just read over it and talk about whatever. I already signed it." The brunette stormed off. Eventually he found a little balcony area. He stepped outside. The balcony was empty other than him. He walked over to the railing, leaning on it as he sighed. He was pretty high up, and he looked out over the busy street. @Vox

Elio left to linger in an alley, cigarette glow lighting up his hands lit by a match. He'd quit over a year ago but he broke today. He'd never expected to even see Jayy again and with all this? Not to mention the hook up... he only had hazy memories of it but it'd been the happiest he'd been in. A long time. Letting out smoke he thumped his head onto the wall behind him. They got money for everything done in public. Maybe Jayy would let him take him places. Just to reconnect.... Wishful thinking. Just get the minimum a week and itll be fine. Apart from a small relationship when he was in sports he'd been single his whole life. It'd just never happened for him. It's not real Elio. Don't be stupid. He sighed thumping his head on the brick to beat the thought through his skull. He eventually pulled his phone and texted Jayy, having his number somehow. Possibly while they were drunk he'd asked for it.

Tell your band anyways. I don't like the idea of trying to keep it from them. Its up to you but please include them on the secret if you wish.

He flicked the cigarette away and walked down the street, head down.

04:37

@Angel

The city was bustling. People walking to work. Normal people. People who weren’t being forced into a fake relationship with their childhood friend turned label manager. Jayy groaned and put his head on the railing. He felt his phone buzz and pulled it out. How did he.. He rolled his eyes. Of course he had his number. Drunk Jayy was cocky and probably gave it to him right away. He ignored the text, putting it back in his pocket. Chelsea had just finished working all the details with Elio’s lawyer out before pulling out her own phone to text Elio.

Hey! Elysian is performing tonight. We figured you should come. First pay opportunity for you and the band. Reporters will be there reporting the new signing, the band, and yours and Jayy’s blossoming relationship. Sound good?

Text sent. Now to find Jayy and tell him. It didn’t take long for her to do so, knocking on the glass of the balcony door before walking outside to join him in leaning on the railing. “You gonna be okay for tonight?” She asked, looking towards him. Chelsea became his friend after he’d graduated highschool. After everything had happened. She’d been his rock. “Aren’t I always?” He sat up to look at her. “He’s gonna be there isn’t he?” “Will it affect your playing?” “No.” “Hm. Alright.” She put a hand on her shoulder. “This is what’s best. Just remember, you’re not actually his boyfriend.” Jayy laughed a bit. “Yeah, but I can’t get an actual boyfriend either.” “Well, yeah but..” she sighed. “Think about it, it’s only for a little while, and once it’s over it’ll be worth it. You’ll be set for life.” Jayy fell silent for a moment before nodding. “Yeah. Let’s go get ready for the show.” And together, the two of them left to meet at the venue. @Vox

He debated what to wear. All he owned was suits and pajamas now.... He found a place in the back where he'd hopefully be out of sight, not wanting to push Jayy. He'd be there for support, not to shove this down Jayys throat. He had a chance to be his friend again first pay be damned. His winter jacket over a pajama t-shirt would do well enough to not make him stand out, hopefully. He took a taxi to the venue and messaged Chealsea he was there. He felt out of place and uncomfortable, the crowd around him crushing. Flowers in his arms, one for each of the members, he found Chelsea smiling softly. "Please give them one for each. Not just to Jayy." He laughed lightly clearly anxious. He looked relatively like an idiot with a jacket over a t-shirt and suit trousers. @Angel

Chelsea had been talking with the managers of the venue with Elio found her. “Hey!” She perked up when she saw him. “Awh those are cute..” she took the flowers before pulling one out and handing it back to Elio. “I think you should take this to him yourself. And let the press see you.” She winked before smiling. “I’ll give these to the others, of course, at your request.” She tilted her head as she looked at him. “Do you want wardrobe to.. help you there?” It wasn’t intended to be a stab at the other - more so a genuine suggestion. Meanwhile, Jayy was in his dressing room. He wasn’t changed yet. He didn’t change until right before the shows. He was busy texting on his phone with his feet up on the vanity. @Vox

"Shut up I only own suits." He protested, dumping all the flowers in her arms. "No. Take them to him for me. I'm not going that hard that early. Mm... sounds wrong." He babbled when he was anxious, pushing his hands into his pockets. "I'm finding somewhere to stand." He found somewhere to hide against the wall, seeing through the crowd to the stage, twisting his hands. He planned to leave before the show was fully done so Jayy didn't have to see him.... @Angel

Chelsea scoffed as Elio handed him back the flower. He can’t expect to get paid if he doesn’t give the press anything.. Coward. She sighed and made her way to Jayy’s dressing room. She knocked before stepping in. He was just getting up to get dressed. “You’re on in 5. These are from Elio.” She held the flowers to him. He stared at them for a moment before taking them and setting them on his vanity. What is he pulling.. “He should’ve delivered them himself. Press won’t get anything if he keeps hiding.” She added, sitting on the little loveseat in the room. “Uh huh. It’s whatever.” He mumbled, taking off his shirt and changing. He’d changed in front of her before. Neither of them cared. A stage manager came by and knocked before coming in, holding Jayy’s guitar. He turned and held his hand out for it. It was a glass guitar, fully see through. But it had little flowers encased in it. It truly was beautiful. It was made to order for him. The flowers were from his parent’s funeral. Finally, he was ready, making his way out of the room with Chelsea. She would stand backstage while he met with his bandmates. They did their little ritual; they all stood in a circle, Lily and Jade doing a handshake while Jayy and Vax did the same thing under them. It ended with all four fist bumping in the middle. Then they headed out on stage. The crowd that had gathered started to scream in excitement.