Turn the lights down low and let the DJ go...

[JOSEPH FRENCH]

"Can I get another of these?" The dark-haired boy asked the bartender on the other side of the counter. The man nodded and poured another small glass of a strong-smelling liquid, before sliding it over to Joey. Taking it in his hand, he hesitated for a fragment of a second, then downed it in one, long drink.

The burning at the back of his throat was a pleasant warmth, compared to the icy cold glares he had received when Dorian had found him canoodling with Lacey at his party. He set the empty glass back on the counter with a satisfying 'clank' and leaned his head against his hand. What did he do to himself? Lacey was beautiful, and Joey was one of the first to say it, but she also had a way of finding and causing trouble with her long, tan legs and voluptuous curves.

He shifted on the stool, wrapping his legs around the frame, and looked up at the bartender once again. "Can I get just one more?" The man's nod was a bit slower now, as he counted the empty glasses in front of Joey. Apparently, he hadn't reached the cut off, and another glass was poured, slid over, and quickly following the other.

He wasn't an alcoholic. In fact, he rather disliked alcohol. Today had just been one bump after another, and he had hit the student bar, knowing they didn't check id's frequently. He played with the rim of his glass with a tired finger. Sighing, he reached with his other hand for his wallet, wondering if he could afford one last drink.

Tagged: Dorian <3
Notes: Sorry if this is like complete shit...Joey's muse is still getting rebooted.

[DORIAN MOORE]

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Dorian hadn't spoken to either Joey or Lacey since his party. He couldn't bring himself to do it. His best friend, how could she? When she knew how much Dorian liked Joey. Still, the moment his party had ended, Dorian realised he probably deserved it. Karma did shit like this to him. He sighed and slipped off his bed, showering and dressing, trying to regain some confidence.

Marcus had knocked it out of him, and then Joey. He was lucky he had any left. But Dorian knew the show must go on. He couldn't give people the satisfaction of seeing him hurting. He was too strong for that, wasn't he?

He applied his eyeliner, trying to avoid looking at his reflection for long. He was ugly. Disgusting. He looked down, brushing his polished nails over his black dress, pulling away a couple of stray blonde hairs.

George didn't want Dorian going out, dressed like that. He knew the trouble Dorian would get into. But the small blonde didn't care. He wasn't even feeling anything any more. He was a shell. He clicked his heels up the street, slipping gracefully into the student bar unnoticed. He was dressed down compared to the other girls who were walking around in just their bras and short skirts.

He smiled as he was given a few hungry looks from a couple of the men in the room. At least it would take his mind off...wait...was that Joey?

Dorian frowned slightly and walked confidently over to the bar where the other boy was sat, rummaging in his wallet for more money to fuel, what looked like, an alcohol addiction. He sat down next to the other boy, ordering himself something sweet and full of vodka. No Lacey around to fuck with? he asked sourly, not looking at Joey, instead focusing on his drink. Or maybe you've moved on to someone else by now?

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jojotag
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[JOSEPH FRENCH]

The bartender had just asked him if he was okay, and to Joey, that seemed to be a good sign that he looked uneasy on his seat. He felt fine, at least until he shifted to look at the voice that had spoken to him. Dorian. Of course. Joey had gone out of his way to avoid the blonde, skipping art class and basically hibernating in his dorm. And now here he was, dressed in a small black dress and heels. If Joey hadn't been so ashamed about his actions and how they affected Dorian, he would've told the boy how lovely he looked. 

But when his brain registered what Dorian's normally sugary-sweet voice had said, his muscles stiffened and his own words caught in the back of his throat. He wanted to explain himself, but there weren't any valid excuses for what he had done. Even if there were, he was too tipsy to remember them.

Joey stopped breathing for a minute, trying to decide between running and buying a stronger drink. Joey knew his wallet could not handle the sudden binges he had been making on alcohol, and running from his problems would just escalate the situation. He shook his head slightly and tilted the glass in his hand, looking for a drop he may have missed. "Nice to see you too, Dorian," Joey replied, slowly, avoiding the topic of Lacey and instead asking the question that had been on his own mind. 

"Where's Samuel? I thought he was your new toy," He grimaced slightly, even though he was pretty positive anything between Dorian and himself was impossible now. 

[DORIAN MOORE]

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Samuel? Please, that little psychopath is not my type, he said coolly, noticing that Joey's glass was empty. Nodding to the bartender he handed over enough money for them both and smiled to himself. He was going to be the bigger person, well he liked to think so.

He looked over at Joey and that thought vanished from his mind, Did I do something wrong? Like, was there a reason you went behind my back and deliberately hurt me? Or did you just think I wouldn't find out, at my own party? he asked, feeling like his voice was being drowned out by the loud sounds of the bar.

He looked away again, feeling embarrassed. It was probably his fault, Marcus had always said that being a whore would come up and bit him. Here it was, someone he liked wanting his best friend. He should never have got involved. I never found out if you got your car back, did they do a good job on 'the beast'? Dorian lied effortlessly, knowing full well that Joey had picked his car up as the money was taken out of his own account to pay for the additional modifications. He smiled softly to himself, another reason people liked him. The money.

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[JOSEPH FRENCH]

Something about Dorian saying he wasn't with Samuel made Joey feel good about himself. The way Dorian had slid up to the other boy and...and touched him had made Joey feel sick to his stomach, and look to Lacey for comfort, as it happened. Joey did regret how things had progressed, and it was entirely his fault; he admitted that to himself. 

"It wasn't you," He said taking a sip at the new drink in front of him. If Dorian was paying and kept him here, he'd have to have his stomach pumped by the end of the night. "It wasn't you, I was just...I dunno, jealous, or somethin'," Joey kept his voice quiet, almost at a hoarse  whisper. "I mean, Samuel? Over me?" He raised his voice a little bit, waving an arm in the air, signifying his own cockiness. Joey thought he was better than Sam. No, thought wasn't the right word...Joey knew he was better.

His car? Joey rubbed at his temples. Where did he park that thing anyway? 
"Yeah, they did a great job..." Joey smirked sloppily. "Didn't even recognize the piece of shit when I went to pick it up," He took another sip, starting to get sick from the amount of alcohol accumulated in his body.

"Do you still have my shirt? I think I left it at your house by," He swallowed a hiccup. "Accident,"

[DORIAN MOORE]

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Dorian sighed and buried his nose in his drink, trying to inhale the alcohol as well as drink it. He wanted to forget himself, forget this ever happened and just go back to not giving a shit about anyone's feelings but his own. It was never Samuel over you. It was be being a host to may own party and making sure everyone was alright. He went off with Anne and Mason after you vanished, that's why I came looking for you.

Finishing his drink slowly he placed the glass down on the bar with a light clink. Yes, George had it cleaned. I can drop it off at your dorm, or you can come and get it, whichever is easier for you.

He looked over at the poor drunk boy and slowly got to his feet. Walking next to Joey he prised the drink from the boys hands and gently locked their fingers together. I think it's time for you to go home. he said softly, smiling at the other boy. Looking down at the floor he unlocked their hands and crossed his own over his chest. Or would you like to just crash at mine? I have enough room...you wouldn't have to sleep with me.

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[JOSEPH FRENCH]

"Oh," Joey breathed out, furrowing his brow slightly. Guilt was setting in. The guilt he had been trying to avoid since the party, when Dorian had walked in on Joey and Lacey wrapped around each other. He took another sip, forcing it down his suddenly dry throat.

Joey watched the remaining liquid in the glass swirl around after he set it down. Mesmerizing, he thought at the back of his mind. It seemed like an eternity, then Dorian was prying the glass from his fingers. What? Why would he leave? He turned to look at Dorian, and the room kept turning after he had stopped. That's why.

"I dunno where my car is," Or my keys, he added silently. His mind had an alcohol-induced haze, preventing him from remembering, well, anything. He stood without too much difficulty, and began searching his pockets. He checked his back pocket twice, instead of the front and a look of confusion  swept across his face.

"I need help," Joey said, looking down at himself, almost pitifully.

[DORIAN MOORE]

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Dorian watched as Joey shakily got to his feet and attempted to find his keys, You're in no state to drive, he said softly, taking the boy's hand and leading him slowly across the bar and towards the door. Helping Joey as much as he could on his heels, he reached into his bag and pulled out his phone. He was soon on the phone to George who was on his way to pick them up.

And sure enough, when the pair stepped out into the cold night air he was there waiting for them. Opening the door for Dorian, George helped Joey into the back of the expensive car and then waited for Dorian to slide in after. The blonde put his hand on Joey's shoulder comfortingly, We'll get your car in the morning, he said, dropping his hand and turning to look out of the window, not sure if he wanted to forgive Joey just yet.

As they pulled up outside Dorian's house, the blonde leant over to Joey and pressed his hand into the other boy's, squeezing lightly. Come on you silly drunk, lets get you tucked up in bed, yeah? he smiled, helping Joey out of the car and onto his feet.

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[JOSEPH FRENCH]

Joey, about to argue that he was in fact able to drive, tripped over his own feet slightly and even something in his own mind told him that driving was a bad idea. He let Dorian guide him through the crowd, silently. The boy next to him had a phone pressed to his ear, and Joey could only assume it was George. He was beginning to like the butler more and more.

Dorian helped the intoxicated boy out of the bar, and to his surprise, the air was frigid to Joey's skin, though he only had enough time for a half-shiver before being shoved to the shiny car. He leaned back against the seat, having exerted all his energy walking from the bar stool to here.

"George...you and Dorian are lifesavers," He said, faintly smirking. "I love you guys," Joey hadn't slurred yet, or so he thought.

His car was the last thing on his mind as George drove them back to Dorian's. The blonde boy had said something to him, but all he had caught was 'bed' and 'yeah'.

"Yeah," He agreed softly. Dorian had nice beds. Soft beds. His eyelids began to droop dangerously just thinking about sleeping in Dorian's bed. Not with Dorian, no, but in one of his beds. Yeah...yeah. He gripped Dorian's hand a bit tighter and smiled. With the last lingering bit of sobriety and consciousness, he sent up a silent prayer.

If there is a god, please help me not puke on Dorian's thousand dollar bedspread.

[DORIAN MOORE]

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Dorian smiled softly, helping George half carry half guide Joey up to the house. George raised an eyebrow at Dorian, He can have my room, I'll take the floor Dorian said, taking Joey up to his room and sitting the boy on the edge of the bed.

Behave yourself, he teased, taking off Joey's shoes, pants and shirt. Leaving the other boy in his boxers. Turning down the corner of the sheets he helped Joey into them, tucking the other boy in and kissing him lightly on the forehead before getting himself ready and turning off the light.

xoxo

The next morning, Dorian woke with a start, initially confused as to why he was curled up on the floor in his shorts and an old sweater. But getting to his feet he noticed Joey asleep and it all came back to him. With a smile, he skipped almost soundlessly to the kitchen where Marie was already making Dorian's healthy breakfast. After a few moments chat, she had whipped up a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich for Dorian to take up to the other sleeping boy.

Carefully he opened the door and set the food down on the counter next to his bed. Morning sleepy-head he said softly, shaking the other awake as gently as he could.

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[JOSEPH FRENCH]

Joey was asleep before Dorian could even begin peeling off his clothes. That was the thing with the boy; he couldn't handle his alcohol as well as most of his peers could. He either became the party boy and blacked out with no memory of it, or he went on emotional binges, and still blacked out afterward. Either way, he was a terrible drinker.

While he slept, (quite comfortably, may I add), Joey dreamt of all the things that were stressful in his life. In his dream, his sister forgave him for leaving, Mason had a bout of amnesia and forgot she liked him, and he ended up having an amazing three way with Lacey and Dorian. His mouth was in a firm, solid grin by the time Dorian came back to rouse him.

When he felt himself being woken up, his first reaction was to swat at the hand and groan. He wanted to get back to dreaming, but the person was persistent. Jesus Christ, who was-He opened a groggy eye and saw Dorian standing over him.

"Dorian? Wha-why...?" He trailed off, wincing as a sharp pain ran through his head. He sat up, maybe a little too quickly, but remained in an upright position. He rubbed a hand over his bare chest, quizzically. He lifted the sheets, finding his boxers untouched on his person. Everything past his fourth drink was a blur.

"When did-I mean, why...We didn't, you know...or whatever..." Yeah, I'm sure he knows what you mean. Idiot. He scolded himself in his mind for being unable to voice the thoughts coherently.

[DORIAN MOORE]

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Dorian smiled gently, suddenly disappointed at the fact Joey hadn't remembered the night before. He sat gracefully on the edge of the bed and looked away from Joey's bare chest, bot wanting the other to think he had been taken advantage of. No, we didn't. Dorian said, trying to hide the hint of frustration in his voice. Part of him wishing that he had tried to sleep with Joey. But he had behaved himself, for once.

I brought you breakfast, he said quietly, pointing to the bacon rolls on the tray. Getting to his feet he walked over to the other side of the room where there was a collection of clean neat clothes that didn't look like they belonged to him. Marie washed and dried your clothes as well, they smelt of alcohol. he explained, gathering up the clothes and putting them on the end of the bed.

He sat back on the edge of the bed, playing with the hem of his shirt, How are you feeling? Do you need me to get anything? he asked, suddenly feeling very shy. He had never been in this situation before.

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[JOSEPH FRENCH]

Well, Joey thought jokingly, at least I still have my boxers. He wasn't sure if the conflict had been resolved, though by the looks of it (i.e. waking up in Dorian's bed), it had. He grinned when he saw the food, and began to help himself, his stomach suddenly deprived of anything of real substance. 

Still shoveling down food, Joey removed the covers from his bare body and stood, shaking from the cold air. He reached for his clothes, and began putting them on slowly. Dorian was talking softly, and it almost startled Joey with the tenderness in his voice. He buttoned his pants and ventured a glance at Dorian. Slipping into his shirt, he flopped down next to the blonde and sighed.

"God, Irlly fucked up...didn't I?" It came out a little choppy, but the main point was clear; I dun goofed. Joey fell back against the bed, his legs draped over the side, his chest heaving with another large sigh, and his headache stabbing at him.

"What's wrong with me?" He asked aloud.

[DORIAN MOORE]

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Dorian smiled softly, curling up against Joey's side and resting his head delicately on the boy's chest, listening to his heart beat. Nothing is wrong with you, Dorian said, wrapping on arm around Joey's middle, wanting to keep the other boy close. The small blonde sighed, sitting up suddenly, crossing his legs and swinging them gently over the edge of the bed. He turned back to look at Joey for a moment before returning his gaze to a bright red Alexander McQueen dress in the corner.

Did you mean what you said the other night, on the chat. About me just being a boy in a dress. I mean, I know that's what I am...but I don't have to be, Dorian mumbled, suddenly very interested in the wooden floor as if he had never seen it before in his life. Maybe he had just taken this conversation a step too far.

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[JOSEPH FRENCH]

He was surprised at Dorian laying down next to him, curling against his side, but Joey didn't even have time to wrap his own arm around Dorian and enjoy a moment of intimacy before the blonde was sitting up and talking again. What was Dorian-Oh. He sat up and took the other boy's hand delicately. He was trying to word his answer carefully, but it all seemed a bit too much for the sleepy, hungover boy. When he finally remembered how to use his tongue, he spoke softly, and slowly.

"Dorian, I was upset. I didn't mean it. If you weren't who you were, then you wouldn't be you...I mean, ugh, you know what I mean?" Joey replied, scrunching up his face as his thoughts scrambled together. "Just...do what makes you happy, not to please other people," He managed, sighing slightly at the effort, and pulling Dorian next to him, and into his arms, hoping the blonde wouldn't wrench away, slap him, and order him to never come back.

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