cafe.

@⟢ clair ryujin Again, William isn't judgemental - though it depends on the situation and the person - but in general, he's not the type who likes to judge. The pleading look earns a light nose scrunched - an automatic response whenever someone gives him such look, an indication of reciprocating such endearing behavior, "I'm more than happy to help. What kind are you looking for? Peep dancing or different ones?" A phone is grabbed from a pants pocket. The screen clicked as it unlocked, "I have a few motherers who might be able to help," he refer to his friends, an eager grin spread across the visage while looking through the contact list for said motherers, mumbling through exhaled smoke, "now where are these morons at..."

@⟢ william cho “I’m just worried that I won’t be able to find a place like that again. You know how it is here in this country and gay workers.” Clair sighed, playing with the straw of his now empty drink. “I was welcomed with wide arms and smiles. Not every place is like that, I should know…” Clair snorted with a scoff. His work place was always something he looked forward to in going almost every night. Besides the creeps, there were actually good people there. But this had to be his last straw.

“Besides helping me with a sugar daddy…” Clair ended up giggling at those words. “Would you mind… helping me look for another job?” His eyes brightened up at William, hoping that such a look could bribe the elder in helping him look for a job. “I know the work life might not be your cup of tea but… it’d be just as fun as looking for a sugar daddy~”

@⟢ clair ryujin Clair just had to give William the mental image that push him to the edge and makes him tingly - silver fox, super fit - the last of the beverage is sips quite loudly, follows by a gleeful chortle, ".. .. alright I give in. it, let's go find one," the risk of being blackmail is not forgotten though. They just need to be extra careful in picking one out.

A cloud of smoke exhales. The boldness never ceased to amaze William, "you have your face covered right? Then there shouldn't be a problem with being recognized out in public," hearing how Clair requires a break or even look for another work place, William nods in agreement, thinking it's the right thing to do, "you should do that. Take a break or find another place. Both are good. But usually, people would go look for another work place. Helps them more."

@⟢ william cho Clair chuckled. “So you’re into those older ones, eh? Those silver foxes~” The younger teased with a smile. Honestly, Clair couldn’t blame the elder. Those were kind of his type as well. “We share the same taste~ Especially if they're /super/ fit.” He chuckled, now taking the last few sips of his drink. Clair shook it a bit as he nodded to their question. “ and all out~ It gets better when you see how much money they throw at me.” He smiled.

But it lowered a little at the mention of his friend again. “I’ll try my best. I think I just… need a break from work. I haven’t taken one in about two years and this? This is just going to make me want to take this break more.. Maybe find another exotic dancing place..” he sighed.

@⟢ clair ryujin William's eyes widen in disbelief - young sugar daddies? Is this a new trend? He's not chronically online maybe that's why he never heard of it, "interesting," he commented with a skeptical look, "I prefer mine older though. Way ier.." a soft dreamy sigh emits and for a minute, William is daydreaming then snaps himself back to a sad reality, "if anything, this topic is only edging me. Can't risk it, Clair," William chuckles, paranoia getting the best of him.

"With your out?" He has to make sure. Anticipation evident on the visage, and a proud glint settles afterwards,"the things we do for money," a flashback of his side job after he graduated from high school, plays in his head. Not wanting Clair to further stress himself, William said, "hey, let's not talk about it. You're still recovering so you shouldn't stress yourself. But should you're ready to talk about it, let me know. We'll talk about it in a professional setting,"

@⟢ william cho “Oh I’ll do the most tempting.” Clair chuckled. “It’d be a fun adventure ~ and theres such things as young sugar daddies! They usually start at your age~” Clair chuckled. He wouldn’t call William old at all. They were at a good age. And damnit, did William age like fine wine.

Clair nodded. “Yes. Completely . I know, it’s nuts but it’s a breeze really. When I see the money people dump for me, I really don’t have much of a problem with it at all.” Clair hummed. “Even though I may be ‘bold’, people would be surprised at how shy I used to be.” He chuckled. Clair was a wallflower when he was younger. Even now, he still had some old tendencies.

Clair then looked down at the card that William had handed out to him and took it. Clair read the name aloud softly. “Thank you…” he sighed. “I definitely need something like this after what happened. I just don’t understand, William. That was /bulletproof glass/. How?”

@⟢ clair ryujin In return, William snorts at the teasing while sipping on his drink, "don't tempt me," he jest - though the urge is strong - then end up choking on his beverage at the next remark. "that's a first," he manage after a brief coughing fit, hand rubbing the chest as a way to soothe it, "I'm still too young to be a sugar daddy though... unless to you, I look way older than my age-" eyes squinting at the other, preparing to be a little hurt if that's the case.

While Clair shares his story, WIlliam listen attentively, alternating from drinking and puffing his vape. He's not a judgmental person since he, himself is far from innocent. To him, Clair is brave enough to choose the path he's chosen. However it makes William ponder - if only his parents treated him differently; perhaps he would have chosen a different career.

"Completely ?" eyes go into a slow blinking sequence, dumbfounded by the reveal. "wow you really are bold," hands clapping in admiration, "who would have thought, the good quiet kid from high school turns out to be bolder than me and the rest of us," he refers to their circle of friends from high school. When Clair unexpectedly brings up the fateful incident, William's visage soften to that of empathy, a hand reaches for the other's shoulder to give a brief pat, before he reaches for his cardholder and takes out a name card of a trusted therapist, "here. Though we're provided with our own therapist, I usually go to her. I consider her a good friend of mine,"

@⟢ william cho “Aweeee are you gonna back out of the idea already~” He teased with a little look to his expression. “But id think they’d think that you’re my sugar daddy.” Clair chuckled. Though, the confession was a little embarrassing, he was glad he did it anyways. There was a weight off of his shoulder. “It’s not weird at all.” He smiled.

To Williams next question, Clair hummed. His story wasn’t as complicated as it may had sounded. “Well… As you know, I was also bullied for being a rich kid. I had everything but also didn’t at the same time. I didn’t care about material things and my parents were never nurturing. Pretty mentally abusive. So, when I turned about 18 or 19, I left. I left with what money I had because my parents wouldn’t give me more than what I had to leave. I had enough to get a little apartment. I tried simple jobs but I always ended up quitting because retail just ing .” He scoffed, taking a sip from his drink.

“I made a friend along the way and he’s a dj at a strip club. He told me about how dancers get paid pretty nicely for being y and I just thought well… maybe I should try. I took pole dancing lessons and everything. I worked at a strip club for about a year until I was recruited to work… as another type of dancer. A peep show performer.” He nodded.

“I was really skeptical at first. Being completely in front of people. But when I found out how much safer it was and I’d get paid more, I went right for the opportunity and never went back since…” Clair smiled. “I love to dance. I love to express my iness. And it’s a perfect world of those two. Well… until recently.” He frowned, the flash of his work friends lifeless body hitting his mind like lightning. Clair pinched the bridge of his nose.

“And I… still can’t manage to figure out how something like that just.. /happens/. People are… sick..”

@⟢ clair ryujin William bites his lower tier. The thought of it sends excitement down his spine but he shouldn't, "I'd really love to actually but they might blackmail me once they know I'm a cop. Can't risk it," a sigh exhale and lower tier purse slightly. For a moment, he's questioning his career decision.

"You had a crush on me-" William is flustered. A sheepish smile plaster across his face, "that was unexpected," he takes a long hit from his vape. Not the first time he receives such confession, "buuutt let's not make it weird. I appreciate it," the smile turns into a grin. William continues to take small sips from his drink, "if you don't mind me asking, how did you end up as an dancer?"

@⟢ william cho “I-“ Clair was at a loss for words. Go out and /find/ one? Were they joking? Though, the thought of sugar daddy hunting with William was pretty hilarious. “Unless you’re joking… I think that’d be a pretty fun adventure with you.” The younger replied with a chuckle, taking a sip from his drink. This salted caramel thing was absolutely amazing, he couldn’t get enough of it. “A lending hand that also created more chaos than intended. I swear you were knocking kids out just one and done.” He laughed. The memories were so clear and full back then.

Clair almost choked on his drink again, clearing his throat. “Yes.” He said, almost shamelessly, but that blush on his face said other wise. “Well… I /did/ also… back in high school.. had a crush on you so of course I thought you doing things like that was hot…” Clair muttered behind the straw, his blush ever growing.

@⟢ clair ryujin Eyebrows furrowing at the unexpected answer, "really? Not even a single one of them is hot? You need to quit and find a better job where the hotter ones flock to," William laughs, ignoring his plan to vape since he's occupied by the delicious beverage, "say.. wanna go find one? Though he's partly joking, he's not opposed to the idea should Clair agree to it. Not wanting to finish his drink rather quickly, seeing how it's halfway empty now, William set it aside and takes a hit from his vape. The response got him cackling that he have to swiftly cover his mouth so he doesn't annoy the people around, though he heard the compliment, "MMA fighter?! That's a first. Okay first of all, I was lending a hand, I didn't and never started a fight. It was those es," he refers to his friends from high school, "I don't like fighting but I will if I have to," a cloud of smoke exhaled, a sheepish yet playful glint in brown eyes, "pretty hot huh?"

@⟢ william cho Clair tasted the beverage and hummed in satisfaction, swaying side to side in delight. But that soon was over taken by the question he wanted to avoid a little. Clair cleared his throat. “I… /wanted/ one but most of them are creeeeeps.” He pouted. “They come to my job all the time and just give me the heebyjeebies!” He huffed, taking another sip out of the delicious drink. “I want one so badly. I wouldn’t have to work anymore!” He laughed.

“And… I kinda saw you as an MMA fighter or something. You got into a lot of fights when we were in school and I thought that was pretty hot—“ he suddenly covered his own mouth in shock. “Oh my god I didn’t just say that out loud…”

@⟢ clair ryujin William nods and ordered two of the salted caramel iced chocolate in a medium, grinning when it's still available and pays for it before going to the side where the pick up is, "you and everybody else, apart from my family," a chortle emits, "what did you think I'd be if we haven't met last night? Don't tell me a tattoo artist," when their drinks are placed on the counter, William takes both and hands one to Clair. Regarding his job, William actually wanted to bring it up but Clair beats him to it.

They step outside and William leads his friend to a table at the end, far from two groups of people so he could vape without a care, "about that- how did that happen? If you don't mind me prying," the beverage is stirred and eagerly tasted. "Wow that's the ," his eyes sparkles, liking how the sweetness and saltiness are balanced, "oh you haven't answered my first question though," eyes squinting, lips curving in a teasing smile, you have one don't you?"

@⟢ william cho Cute. That’s what Clair could say about William. Such a harsh and attractive exterior to his real personality. They were like a mischievous kid at heart and /always/ showed that out. Clair always had this admiration for William. William barely have a about others opinions and always lived how he wanted. At least, that was how Clair saw it.

Clair looked down at their wrist with a blushed smile. “It looks pretty good. Can you get two of those, please?” He asked with a bit of a sparkle to his eyes. “I’m glad you enjoy your job. But a cop was /not/ what I thought you’d be going for at all.” He chuckled. “Probably as much as a shock it was to see me at a place for work.”

@⟢ clair ryujin "Not that it mattered if you do stays a nerd. You can be a cool nerd you know?" Once both of them steps out, the locks clicked and William walks beside the other. The remark about him being a good employee and being a grown adult, when the truth it's actually the other way around got him chortling to himself, "you know, if I'm not thinking about my family's dignity, I'd not be a cop or working even. I'd go find myself a sugar mommy or a sugar daddy," his frame shaken with mirth and he nudges Clair gently on the arm with his elbow, "say, do you have one? I bet you do," with the way Clair looks, William is certain he has one.

"I do," a pause before he continues, "kinda.. the job is taxing but so far still managable," upon arriving, the cafe has an outdoor seating area as well. Since the indoor tables seems to be fully occupied, William thought they should take the outdoor's. Opening the door for them, William has his eyes glues to the menu displays on top of the counter. Brown orbs sparkle with glee when he sees the beverage that he has been dying to try. Out of habit, he reaches for Clair's wrist, giving it a light squeeze, while gaze fixated on the screen, "it better still be available or I'm gonna throw a fit."

@⟢ william cho “It took awhile. Honestly. From 16 years old to 26…” he shrugged. “I was bound to change.” He nodded. His nerdy high school years were some of the worst, yet best years of his life. Worst, because of his at home situation and the bullying at school. Best, because of the connections he made along the way. Like William. “Couldn’t stay a nerd forever you know~”

Clair looked over at William in interest. “You work really hard all the time you know.” He smiled. “I’m surprised all of this work ethic is coming from you, Wills~” He cooed. “You really have grown up~”

It was now time to get out of the car. William parked them only a block down from the cafe. Thankfully it wasn’t cold or anything outside. “So—“ Clair wanted to start conversation as they walked to the cafe. “Despite the horrors, do you enjoy your job?” He asked as they walked, already half way there to do the doors of the cafe.

@⟢ clair ryujin Who would have thought the nerdy Clair from high school would be into fashion when he's older? It's no surprise that people change as they get older but when it happens to someone you know, it hits different - both in happy and sad ways, "I'm happy that you've finally discovered yourself, Clair. I'm still quite in shock actually," a chuckle emitted. The compliment got him sheepish, and is displayed through a grin while attentive to the supposed secret shared by the other. After knowing it's only concealer and surprisingly a blunt, a pair of brown orbs widened in both amusement and disbelief. The perceived good kid from high school has turned bad. Wonder what or who influenced him?

"A blunt huh?" The corner of his lips tugs into a small smile, tone laced with entertained subtlety. Turning a left, the sedan slows down as William is looking a for vacant parking space, "my day was swarmed with work, nothing interesting. Luckily, I'm visiting my dad tomorrow in the evening but I've applied for a day off because I've told chief that I'm visiting him in the morning till night time," a cheeky smile spread across his face, "I need a rest before I could immersed myself in the case," the car is parked not far from the cafe, just a block a way. Taking his vape device, phone and wallet, stowing all three inside the pocket of his jeans, William steps outside.

@⟢ william cho “Under dressed? Not at all! I just really like fashion~” Clair cooed. Clair then slowly reached out to the tattoos to caress them. His touch was gentle and phantom-like. “Whoever did your tattoos did an amazing job. Such a steady hand…” he said in awe as he marveled the tattoos. He then put his seat belt in and sat right like a good boy.

“My secret?” Clair snorted. “A little bit of concealer and a blunt.” He laughed. You probably couldn’t tell that Clair smoked before hand since he brushed his teeth afterwards. His eyes weren’t glossy due to eye drops he regularly takes.

“How has your been for you thus far?”