Perfect Strangers [Die]

[Kaoru]

It was one of his favorite bars. Big enough and well known enough by word of mouth to have a good turn out every night but not big enough to attract too much of a crowd. It was cozy in its own way with worn leather seats and an antique wooden bartop. There was a live band every night, always local acts. Kaoru often sought it out when he was looking for an uncomplicated night. There was a ninety percent chance that at least one friend would be there and if not, he could just relax and enjoy the talent. Unless someone interesting caught his attention.

And so he'd wandered his way over, craving the atmosphere and interested in the current band being showcased. It was how he found himself seated on a cracked-leather bar-stool, drink in hand when he noticed the redhead sitting just a few seats over. He cast a small glance in his direction, just enough to get the general impression of an attractive face and lean physique. Young, early twenties maybe.

"Hm..." He hummed to himself, raising his beer and taking a long drink. It wasn't a bar for dressing up and the brunette had turned up in a pair of well-worn, ripped jeans, a black t-shirt with a V, a small part of his tattoo snaking out of the neckline, and a scruffed-up military style jacket. The usual silver jewelry adorned his frame as well as big belt and two chains. Heavy biker boots peeked out from the dark wash denim. To top it off, one of his many pairs of sunglasses were perched atop his head.

[die]

Perched on the barstool closest to the stage, one Ando Daisuke tapped his fingers against his knees, head bobbing minutely with the music all the way to the last beat. The crowd cheered and so did he, turning to swipe up the half empty beer he'd been working on. Down a bit, he caught sight of someone glancing his way and flashed a brief grin as he swung back the other way, beer in hand and oh, all gone in a few scant seconds. He heard his name being called by the vocalist and bounded off the stool to slip through the thin crowd toward the stage. His precious red guitar already sat to the side and as he took the stage, he scooped it up and slipped the band over his head, fingers already prepping for the song being introduced.

"He doesn't look it, but he's got talent," was his introduction to the sound of good natured laughter. Giving the obligatory roll of his eyes, he played out a few notes to start and the drummer picked it up for the song to begin. As Die comfortably got into the groove of the song he helped write, his eyes swept over the people up close, a few dancing while most simply enjoyed the music. He found his gaze returning to the older man - damn good looking at that - and upped his antics, fingers moving easily and hips rolling in true rock star fashion. You want me, his stance and playing suggested and soon enough, even a scrawny kid in faded jeans and a simple white tank could be a star.

If only for one whole song.

[Kaoru]

A second glance, casual, revealed a strong, masculine bone structure. He made a soft pleased hum before drinking down the rest of his beer. Without having to ask, another was slid in front of him and he grinned at the bartender. As a person known more for their name than their face, coming to clubs like these allowed that certain kind of anonymity. He wasn't a complete recluse, but those who stayed mostly behind the camera weren't in the spotlight. Those who did recognize him at face value were usually fans who had followed his career or seen him in a tribute special or concert, perhaps a magazine interview. Kaoru was one to accept tour invitations over the summer when antsy.

He let his eyes flicker up to the stage, catching sight of a guitar in the background. It was bright red, almost the shade of the man's hair and he tilted his head, casting yet another curious glance at the attractive stranger. When the man actually got up on stage, a surprised but pleased expression stole over his features and grasping his new mug, he turned on the stool to better observe the show.

They'd been decent so far but once the redhead was up there, the show kicked up a new level. "Nice..." He mumbled to himself, not just about the music. Suddenly the man caught his gaze as if seeking him out and Kaoru felt a small rush of heat suffuse his cheeks, that pull of adrenaline in his chest. Oh yeah. This kid was definitely going to be worth the chase. He could feel that in his bones.

I'm not that easy.... His gaze challenged and he leaned back, already impressed by the skill displayed on the guitar

[die]

The bassist moved closer and offered his back and as though he'd done it a million times before, Die leaned against it, fingers flying and notes screaming. It wasn't an incredibly complicated song, but it let him look like the playing ought to be impressive. Just as the lights swung from the stage to the crowd, Die's gaze went back to the bar where that damned stranger sat and even from the distance, he caught the aloof attitude and he pushed off his partner to head toward the edge of the stage. Walking, in effect, in Kaoru's direction while his playing brought attention to silvery pick in his fingers. The brief solo slipped in halfway had him stroking the instrument and he moved fluidly, almost sensually with his prized possession. A few girls made it close enough to touch him and he backed up a bit as the last half of the song swept him up. Die concentrated on playing then, more in tune with the music than the crowd though his gaze somehow returned to the intriguing stranger who knew he was looking. One thing at a time, darlin'. This was just foreplay.

[Kaoru]

<i> No need to rush. I've got all night. </i>

He took a drink from his mug, tipping his head back just a bit to expose the pale column of his neck, small inked lines snaking out from under his hair in the shape of a wing. When he glanced up again, he offered a salutory smile before settling back, resting against the bar and waiting for the song to finish. The musician in him, the teacher, was analyzing the composition, gauging the difficulty and appreciating the product. This man knew what he was doing and he knew how to flaunt it. Good stage presence. The girls would be all over him as soon as he stepped back down.

[die]

The moment the song ended, Die pulled the guitar over his head, held it aloft like the prize it was. The cheers washed over him, shared among the band and before it started fading, he was making rounds, thanking the band members for letting him play. He had his arms around the vocalist who scowled and put on a good show of trying to get away before Die managed to plant a kiss on his cheek. On a few laughs and cheers, he left the guitar behind to be packed away when the band's set was done and slipped back into the crowd, tactfully fending off the few advances sent his way. Loving the few pats on the back and well wishers as he made his way back to the bar. Only now someone sat in his old spot, though the one next to Kaoru had been vacated. A guy had to sit somewhere so he did. Next to the older man and gestured to the bartender for not one, but two drinks. One for you, one for me.

"Didn't like the song?" Die asked, voice raised a bit to be heard over the new song that started. "I didn't even see you clap." It came out almost like a scold, though there was a grin planted on his face. Tease, tease. If the guy wasn't interested, this would go nowhere fast.

[Kaoru]

"Oh I liked it fine." Kaoru's head tilted to study the man's face, liking what he saw. "My hands were occupied though," He gestured to the now-half empty beer. "Good job though. You wrote it?" It hadn't been mentioned but somehow he could tell. There was something about the melody that just seemed to suit the redhead. "Nice technique..."

He took another drink, gaze scanning over the crowd and picking out the girls glancing the redhead's way. He chuckled, the sound low and throaty. "You have some admirers."

[die]

Die took a draw off his beer and paused with the rim still touching his lips as he glanced in the direction Kaoru looked. There were definitely a few looking his way, but he watched the way fingers pointed from him to the other and chuckled in return as he turned on the stool to face the bar instead.

"I should hope so," he replied as he set the bottle down. "But you're not without a few yourself." Socking an elbow against the bar and cheek planted on his fist, Die gave the other one of his patented grins, upping the ante for their game. The beer meant for Kaoru was close and he slid it closer to his prey with two fingers.

[Kaoru]

“You were the one rocking it on stage…” The brunette grinned, taking the drink he already had and draining it. Head back, the hair fell away from his neck to reveal a strong adam’s apple, and more importantly, the way it bobbed with each swallow. Drink finished, he set it down on the bar, licking his lips before inked fingers reached out to slide the one from the redhead closer.

“…I haven’t seen you in here before, I guess I’m picking the wrong nights to come.” He let his attention focus solely on his new companion, dark eyes moving to trace the outline of the redhead’s jaw before moving back up to his face.

[die]

"Maybe." Die glanced sidelong, peripherally caught the way the man gave him a look over and immediately approved of the action. So he was prey after all. "No, not really," he added with an easy grin and a shrug. "I've only been to practice with the guys. They found me on a cold rainy night and took pity on a guitarist down on his luck. I've only ever done the one song with them, though. I have... other pursuits to worry about."

Private matters, he seemed to say, though he stole a look at the man and gave him a very obvious inspection. Why mince words when actions spoke louder? Plus, it was the only night he'd have out on his own and he was, quite honestly, looking for something to take the edge off. Or rather, someone, and the girls in the club just. Didn't fit the bill.

[Kaoru]

"Well, they made a good choice." He was grinning, small dimples showing as he raised his beer and took a long drink. It was only his fourth of the night but he didn't want to get too drunk. No point in spoiling a potentially good lay. "Maybe you wanna tell me what nights I should be coming around on then? I'd hate to miss another performance like that," 'Or you' seemed to be in there as well though it wasn't spoken.

Resting his elbows on the counter, he reached to just lightly brush a red strand from the man's face. Not a lot of guys running around with crimson hair. He liked it though.

[die]

"I don't get to play that often," Die said with a bit of regret and drank off half his beer like an old pro. "Maybe you should be telling me the nights you're here instead. Or... I could do private shows, too." A mischievous glint touched Die's eyes and he tilted his bottle to Kaoru's for a quiet cheer. "Die, by the way," he added in a bit belatedly. "You might have caught that from earlier. Haven't caught yours yet." Or you, his glance added as he dug about for a cigarette.

[Kaoru]

"Private shows can be arranged," It was said with a glint in his eyes as he watched the redhead begin to burrow through his pockets. Having just finished his own cigarette, his pack and zippo were resting on the bar top and before Die could retrieve his own, Kaoru was holding one up between his inked fingers, zippo in the other hand.

"Here, you bought me a drink. I at least owe you this." Easing the cigarette forwards towards the man's lips, waiting for them to part before picking up the zippo and flicking the flame open.

"Kaoru." He added as an afterthought.

[die]

"Kaoru," Die repeated thoughtfully, leaning that millimeter closer to light the cigarette. His brand and everything. Leaning back, he resumed his casual lean on the bar and glanced toward the stage where the band was finishing up a song. "Well, in another couple of songs, I have to collect my guitar. Wanna stay for the next set or.." He gave a nod toward the door. Never really one for trying to fasttrack himself into someone else's bed. Or vice versa, but he did have an early morning and hell. The man knew he wanted him by now. Shy of saying 'let's fuck'. "We can pick up a six pack and do our private show." Aha. Sweetening the deal. Surely that was requisite these days.

[Kaoru]

"Man, you know all the right things to say to a guy." Kaoru grinned, slamming back the rest of the beer before turning to face his new companion. "Any place in particular you have in mind?" He cocked his head, one hand moving to just barely trace the redhead's belt buckle, the move so subtle those around them wouldn't have noticed.