Que sera, sera - whatever will be will be

[shadows_have_offended]

The news took a while to settle and, honestly, Neil still isn't entirely sure what to do with the knowledge. He's a college student now--or, rather, will be in September. He doesn't sign up for classes for months yet, but he's already looked over the catalog at least three times, trying to think what he'd like to do, now that he knows what he wants to do. It's all a huge relief, in a way. Maybe he can do Shakespeare in the Park again this summer. Maybe things will start to shape up more brightly.

In any case, he's celebrating. He sent out texts to all his friends, promising music and drinks and food--and a dog--to be shared by all. He tidied up a little, even, not that his apartment is ever very out of order in the first place. He doesn't really know how to decorate for a party like this, so he doesn't bother. Just makes sure there's lots of food and that the drinks are neatly arranged and that Beau's crate is set up in the bedroom, covered but open, so he can disappear if he'd like to.

He's not sure who all will come, but that doesn't really matter. He's just excited that he got in. It's the next step in his life, and it's his own step. That deserves to be celebrated no matter what.

Comments

[shadows_have_offended]

Neil absolutely beams when he sees Harry come in the apartment. Maybe it's silly to be so happy that he's stopped by, but he is. They haven't seen much of each other since the race night, which is quite alright. Neil isn't hanging his hat on anything.

He breaks away from the person he's speaking with just so he can approach Harry, just inside the door.

"I'm glad you made it," he says. He refrains from giving him a hug, though he'd rather love to. "Is that for me?"

[borntohang]

The smile is infectious and Harry smiles in return and reaches out to squeeze Neil's arm lightly. "Yeah, well, it's nothing really." He speaks almost shyly as he hands over the present. It's a little notebook and pen. Harry's aware it's not original or valuable, but it's early still to go about showering him in expensive stuff. He's inscribed the first page with a well wish and his name. He was going for thoughtful and he hopes it's enough.

[shadows_have_offended]

It's a nice notebook, a little moleskin with a slip for the pen, and it's terribly thoughtful and sweet. Neil looks at the inscription and then shuts it, holding it close. He smiles.

"Thank you," he says, quite earnestly. "Can I get you a drink?"

[borntohang]

It means something that Neil likes the silly present and Harry smiles. "Yeah, scotch if you have it," he says as he walks in. The party is in full swing and the young beautiful crowd makes him feel old. It's a sad fact of life.

[shadows_have_offended]

Neil lingers for just a moment, and then slips away. In crossing the room, he checks in with a couple people, but his eyes glance back to Harry more than not, until he slips into the little kitchen. He makes himself and Harry each a scotch, and then returns to him with a soft beam of a smile.

On his way back, he turns up the music a little bit. It's something old, from his time, but he really likes it and it puts him in a good mood.

"It's not much," he says as he hands over Harry's drink to him. "I used to have more friends here, but--" He shrugs, not wanting the mood to go sour. "How are things?"

[borntohang]

Harry knows all about losing friends and he doesn't blame the kid for leaving the subject in favour of something else. "I have my eye on a club. It's a dead country bar - or something like that. 'S got a great big cow skull behind the bar, spurs and guitars hanging from the ceiling..," he says, amused at how horrible it is. "But no punters. So I'm working with the owner to see if we can turn it around." He leaves out the details, such as where the money is coming from and what methods of persuasion he uses.

[shadows_have_offended]

"Oh, that decor sounds awful," Neil laughs softly. He does love listening to Harry talk about these nebulous plans, and they're sounding considerably less nebulous today than they had the last time they talked about them.

"I'll have to come by some time," he says, rather more innocently than he might mean it. "I'd love to see what ideas you have to liven the place up."

[borntohang]

"Yeah?" Harry asks with an amused smile. "You can come by to help me paint it. Get to learn about those ideas up close and first hand." He's taken with Neil, but he's taken with the club too and he could use some free hands to help him.

[shadows_have_offended]

Neil nods, earnest and dependable as ever. He likes helping his friends—and he likes being friendly with Harry especially. Painting isn’t necessarily something he’s good at, but he takes direction well. And being helpful has never hurt his prospects, so to speak.

“Just let me know when you’d like me.”

[borntohang]

That remark earns Neil a little cheeky smile. "Careful what you offer, I might take you up on it," he says to the other meaning that might be taken from Neil's words.

[shadows_have_offended]

Neil’s face stays sweet and innocent, as if he’s no idea what Harry could possibly mean. Of course he does, and he rather likes that. He sips his scotch and looks at Harry through his lashes for a moment. It’s hard to play coy when the man’s already taken him apart.

“That’s why it’s on offer.”

[borntohang]

It's hard, perhaps, but Neil plays that card excellently. Harry remains composed simply because this is a public place and no matter how tolerant this party undoubtedly is, he will always remain discrete.

"Well, I wouldn't mind," Harry replies. He's not coy, but he indulges in a little teasing. "The place certainly needs a lick of paint."

[shadows_have_offended]

Even if Neil would have gladly excused himself from his own party to entertain Harry privately, he's very glad that they don't fall all over each other. The other two boys he's sleeping with are here, after all, and he'd rather not have to deal with the mess it might be if he favored one over all the rest.

He has no idea what he's doing, except having fun. But Harry does make him feel--well, a way. He likes what Harry makes him feel.

"I'm sure it does," he says, eyes scraping over Harry briefly before he simply smiles again.

[borntohang]

It's probably good that Harry doesn't know of those other boys. He doesn't necessarily fancy himself as one of many lovers. It's obvious there are some people here Neil's been close with, and Harry knows he and the kid are not involved in any serious way, but he doesn't need it pointed out too clearly. He's alright with some mystery there. For now, at least.

"I'll let you know." He spots a boy making eyes at Neil then and he shifts unconsciously, just an inch closer to Neil. "Mind if I smoke here?"

[shadows_have_offended]

Neil also notices the glance, the concern and maybe furrow that graces Gabriel's face, just a moment before Harry sidles in a touch closer. He smiles at him, comfortable, warm.

"Of course, but I only have ash trays in the kitchen and the bedroom," he confesses. "You're welcome to, though."

[borntohang]

"Join me in the kitchen?" He asks. He's not Going to invite himself into the host's bedroom in the middle of his party.

[shadows_have_offended]

"Of course."

Neil would have gladly gone with Harry to the bedroom as well, but he's glad he won't have to deal with Guy's knowing glance when they emerged. At least the kitchen is, in part, open to the rest of the apartment. No one will have to hunt him down if they need him for something.

[borntohang]

In the kitchen, where the music is less loud, Harry pours himself another scotch and one for Neil as well. He holds up a bottle of soda, asking wordlessly if he wants his drink mixed. "I'm thinking of creating a podium for musical talent. Once a week, any sort of music: open to all." He speaks frankly and waits to hear what Neil thinks of it.

[shadows_have_offended]

"That does sound awfully nice," Neil says. He shakes his head about the soda, enjoying the smoky bite of the scotch he got for the party. "I've heard of places doing karaoke or amateur nights or something like that. It could be a way to draw people in, especially early on."

He likes that Harry seems to at least like listening to his thoughts on things, even if his opinion doesn't count for much.

[borntohang]

Harry thinks of Neil as a young man who has lived in Darrow for two years, so he's probably more in touch with what people like here. That's useful, so he listens and he appreciates his opinion. "Yeah... I've been to one of those karaoke places." From his voice it's obvious he didn't much like it. "That's not happening in my club," he says, resolute but amused. "But amateur nights could really help. You wouldn't know any? Some of your friends, maybe?"

[shadows_have_offended]

Neil laughs a little. Karaoke is definitely an acquired taste, and he's hardly certain if he's acquired it, though being drunk and singing songs he only barely knows is rather fun sometimes.

"The only friend I have who plays is a professional, actually," he admits. He knows a couple people who mess around with music, but it's mostly the karaoke type; that's how he knows it exists.

"I don't know if his style would draw the crowds you're looking for."

[borntohang]

"Think you could keep an eye out?" Harry asks. He wants to involve Neil because he likes Neil's company. "You know, just if you see something you think might be good for the club. If you can fit it in, of course, with college."

[shadows_have_offended]

"Of course," Neil says. He's sure there will be plenty of little projects he can keep an eye on while he's on campus, and it is rather nice to be--a recruiter? Something. And it will be good excuse to talk to people, besides.

He sips his drink and then reaches out to catch Harry's hand and draw him in. Maybe it isn't the place, but if he can't be forward in his own apartment, where else ca he be?

[borntohang]

Harry's discrete, but he's not ashamed and the people at this party don't seem to bothered. So when Neil draws him in, he lets himself be pulled over and leans in to kiss him.

[shadows_have_offended]

He's a little pleasantly shocked by the kiss, having only thought to be a little nearer him. But it is a terribly pleasant kiss, and Neil lingers in it, kissing back, for perhaps longer than he ought to.