xx. just off the key of reason

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Life had a way of putting you in your place. Whether it was a good or bad thing was up to you to decide. Decidedly, Kieser preferred to look on the bright side. He could've taken it to heart when his mother and father booted him from the family for good, but in his mind, this made it easier. Nothing was more annoying than having high strung helicopter parents breathing down your neck at every waking moment. Well, not that they'd cared enough to even bother with that, but that was besides the point. He never understood how Keagan and Kayla continued to put up with it, though, he supposed that made them better, more successful people than him. He could agree with that at least. He was sure his mother and father would agree with him for once as well. He was thankfully done with classes for the day, and was currently doing his best not to bump into anyone. Time would tell if that effort would be worth anything. Internally he was trying to decide if he should get back to the dorms or if he should stop for food on campus somewhere. The new Indian place in the cafeteria was pretty good, he could pick up some shrimp vindaloo and take it back to his single... Part of him missed going to shows. Astaria wasn't really known for it's music scene per se. He was sure if he tried hard enough he might find somewhere, anywhere doing open mics. Concerts weren't the biggest deal as long as someone was touring nearby. He was thinking though, that he might actually get the courage to perform something for once, and it seemed like life's way of saying that he needed to slow down and just not do that. Not that he was a believer in fate or destiny or anything. The optimist in him seemed to pipe up at that, shouting from the top of his lungs: Just means you need to try harder! Tenacity is key! Perhaps that was true. He turned to the left, breaking out of the flow of other students and heading towards the cafeteria. Thankfully it was after noon so the lunch rush had just passed when he got to the little Indian counter on the edge of the court. He grabbed his food, swiping his meal card, and heading towards a sunny spot; before taking out his laptop and popping it open. Taking a halfway distracted bite, he began searching for bars and pubs nearby that offered open mics before his burst of courage and positivity had a chance to wear off. After all, what was the harm in just looking?

. . . i've already given up on myself twice, third time is the charm . . . caution to the wind, but I've got a lousy arm . . . kieser @mal

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Typically Mal tried to avoid places like schools - He got enough odd looks, stares, and judgement anytime he should up to parent/teacher night at Joey or Cody's school. But the Shaw family was making a large donation to this place which meant they were probably going to name a scholarship or building after his father. Probably a building though he thought a bathroom would be more befitting of his father's name. He'd spent far too long working out the details with the dean and being certain the older man's eyes never wavered from him for more reasons than just the money. Perhaps he should've shown up in a suit and tie but why do what his father would have wanted? ...Aside from going to the college. It was the little things that counted in his mental rebellion. Naturally he'd flirted with the dean and anyone else he'd come into contact with out of the faculty. He'd even considered doing far more than flirting but he wasn't in the mood to be bent over a desk - this time, at least. He'd rather have been at a club. Night clubs were the best but he thought day clubs had charm to them as well. Once the meeting was done, he shook hands with the dean and took a rain check on his offer for lunch. He found his way to the cafeteria instead - He would have insisted he got lost but that would have been a blatant lie. He never got lost if he knew where he'd come from. His memory made sure of that. The cafeteria was the closest place with somewhere he could sit, though. And he did just that. He sat down, feeling the sun on his exposed shoulders and not caring that someone already occupied the spot. He glanced over at the man with his laptop, munching on food and cocked an eyebrow. He could feel eyes from passing students on him and even hear not so subtle whispers wondering if he was indeed Malcolm Shaw. He took his phone out, sending a quick message to his father to let him know that business was done. Then, because he was nosy and liked to make others uncomfortable, he scooted closer and leaned close enough to the other man to see his laptop screen. "I don't suppose that's homework?" he asked, though his knowing smirk made it clear he already knew the answer.

... I'm not perfect but I'll keep trying 'cause that's what i said i would do from the start ... mal @keiser outfit 405 words Hope you don't mind. ❤

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His eyes fell on what looked to be a suitable venue. Small, not overly popular from the looks of it, altogether very low stress and casual it seemed. The moment Kieser's attention shifted to pour over the details, he sensed a shift in the air beside him. Nearly jumping out of his skin, he gave a small yelp, and turned his gaze onto the stranger now sitting beside him. As he looked, his hand came up to cover his mouth, cheeks tinging bright red with embarrassment. Kieser visibly paused for a moment, before lowering his hand and smiling sheepishly. "I'm so sorry, I startle easily. Oh god that's embarrassing." He laughed, eyes falling back to the laptop in front of him. With parted lips, he searched for an answer to the question, reaching up mindlessly to adjust his glasses before glancing at the other man. "Oh no. No just. Being foolish I guess." With that answer, the wind dropped from his sails and he pushed the laptop away from the table edge, but didn't bother closing it. In his lap, he fiddled with the sleeves of his sweater nervously before meeting the stranger's eyes once more. "Oh I'm sorry. I'm Kieser. Kieser Wish." Awkwardly, he extended his hand forward, offering to shake. That's what normal functioning adults did, right? "Do you go here?" He asked, curiosity shining in his blue-green eyes. The other man didn't seem like a student, though he wasn't remotely old enough to be faculty. Maybe a guest speaker? He didn't recognize his face, although, he didn't really get out much these days anyway. Whoever he was, Kies thought, he was unfair levels of attractive, and entirely out of Kieser's league. Hell maybe in a different sport entirely.

. . . i've already given up on myself twice, third time is the charm . . . caution to the wind, but I've got a lousy arm . . . kieser @mal

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He cocked an eyebrow at the sound the younger man made, a small smirk making it clear he found his surprise amusing. He noticed his blush because that was of course something he'd notice about anyone. There were certain things his eyes looked for, more out of habit than actual intent nowadays. "I'd say more entertaining than embarrassing," he said without missing a beat after the younger man apologized. In general he didn't think getting startled was worth apologizing over. It wasn't as if it had annoyed or inconvenienced him. But there was also something charming about apologizing over nothing on the off chance it was something. It was a nice change of pace from the people who never apologized for anything. Mal's eyes watched the laptop get pushed away, noticing the nerves and almost touch of defeat. He was raising a teenager, he knew any form and level of disappointment when he saw it. "Being foolish is my favorite hobby," he replied, gaze settling on the younger man once again, a smile playing at the ends of his lips. He opened his mouth to say more when he finally received an introduction. Mal looked at the hand extended to him, confusion finding its way onto his face because he was starting to think Kieser had no idea who he was. That was new and... Honestly he wasn't sure how to feel about it. Relieved? Offended? Should his pride take a hit. He reached forward and snatched Kieser's hand before he could pull it away and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss to his knuckles and putting on his most charming smile. "Malcolm Shaw," he introduced and waited a moment before releasing Kieser's hand, "Call me Mal." He chuckled at the thought of being a student here. He'd never gone to college even though he could have easily afforded it. "As fun as a higher education is I'm sure--" He didn't think it sounded fun at all. "I have far better and hotter things to do than sit in a crappily air conditions room full of hot, sweaty bodies to learn." He paused for a second before adding. "No offense. I'm rich enough to have better things to do."

... I'm not perfect but I'll keep trying 'cause that's what i said i would do from the start ... mal @keiser outfit 372 words Sorry about the wait! ❤

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The flush painting his cheeks only seemed to intensify, and both internally and externally he seemed to fluster and flounder, pulling his sleeves up to his knuckles on each hand once his hand was released. Kieser's brain stuttered for a moment as he attempted to process the obvious flirtation. Choosing simply to believe the other man was simply being nice, he smiled, meeting Mal's dark eyes. "Pleasure to meet you." He replied simply, with a polite nod at the introduction. The name rung some bell of recognition in his mind, but he couldn't place where he'd heard it from. Listening intently, he couldn't fight back a smile at the comment, that Mal had much hotter and better things to do. If his ears tinged red at hearing that, it was surely coincidental. He was sure to some people that might sound conceited, or arrogant, but the self-confidence was almost a breath of fresh air to him. If it simultaneously added another tally to the count his brain was keeping of attractive things, he didn't acknowledge it. He let out a soft laugh, shaking his head slightly. "No offense taken." He answered, chewing his lip for a moment before adding, "So...if you don't mind me asking, what brings you to campus?" A voice in his head told him he was being a bit nosy, but he shushed it, rationalizing it as making friendly conversation. He couldn't deny he was at least a little curious, however. After all, as Mal had said, he was sure there were much better and hotter things to do or places to be. Astaria's College campus was decidedly not one of those places, at least, not for Kieser.

. . . i've already given up on myself twice, third time is the charm . . . caution to the wind, but I've got a lousy arm . . . kieser @mal

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He was very much aware of the blush that painted Kieser's features and even more aware that he was the cause of it. It was something he'd learned to take pride in - having that effect on other people. He would have insisted it wasn't because he was vain but that would have been a lie. Not that he'd ever had a problem with lying. He was far from a saint after all. He cocked an eyebrow, wondering how much of a pleasure it truly was - and in what sense - to meet him. He left the question unasked, though, for whatever reason he wasn't sure. It still seemed like Kieser mostly - if not completely - didn't know who he was. It was perplexing, especially since he had no doubt other students were just waiting for the right opportunity to approach and ask for a photograph with him - possibly for more. He was glad no offense was taken mainly because he didn't think he had the energy to deal with offending someone. Though sometimes the most fun nights came from offending the right person. Sometimes that was exactly what people liked. He didn't get it but he wasn't about to knock it. Mal couldn't help wondering what Kieser was into in that regard. He seemed quiet and reserved, shy and socially awkward. He wondered if he was always like that. He tilted his head at the question, wondering if Kieser was genuinely curious or if he was just asking to ask. Most people pretended to have an interest in his business, his life, in order to be polite or because they thought it'd get him into their bed - honestly all they had to do was ask, pretending wasn't required. He was quiet for a brief moment, eyes on Kieser, before he replied, "Family business. Donations to the school - all the crap rich assholes do to get their names on buildings." He shrugged nonchalantly as if he didn't care that he was one of those rich assholes. He knew his father had other reasons for donating where he did, he just didn't know what those reasons were. He didn't think he wanted to know. "Probably not going to go to anything useful," he added with a humorless chuckle, "Most likely some sports program that already has way too much invested in it while more art programs are cut."

... I'm not perfect but I'll keep trying 'cause that's what i said i would do from the start ... mal @keiser outfit 394 words Lemme know if you need more.

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With a rueful smile, he gave a soft laugh. Admittedly he understood all too well, or rather, had seen his older brother have to deal with much of the same on behalf of their dad. Kieser chewed his lip, nodding thoughtfully, and cracked another soured smile at the follow up statement. "I don't doubt it." He said finally, not bothering to mask the arguably out of character and unabashedly pessimistic tone his voice took. Fiddling with the sleeves of his cardigan, he shifted his weight just slightly, leaning his flank against the table. In effort to regain his characteristic cheer, he took the reigns and turned the conversation once more. "Not that I mind in the least bit, not at all, but...how does talking to me play into your work?" He asked, blue-green eyes taking on a curious gleam once more. "Again, not complaining or anything, I just- It's not my first thought when I think of 'better and hotter things'." Kieser added before he could stop himself, and his eyes widened at the sheer boldness even that little byte of conversation took on. Internally he floundered again, cheeks tinging pink rather unhelpfully as he quickly amended, "Not...not that I think of those things, I don't really have any reason to if I'm being honest but- Oh god I'm rambling. I'm sorry." A soft, sheepish laugh trickled out, and he brought his hands up to cover his burning face. Kieser peeked out from behind his fingers, partly to check if Mal was even still there after that mess, and partly to see if he'd succeeded in sinking into the floor with embarrassment yet. To add insult to injury, he realized, that the singular thought going through his mind at that moment took the form of strained, quiet syllables as he asked himself, "Why am I like this?"

. . . i've already given up on myself twice, third time is the charm . . . caution to the wind, but I've got a lousy arm . . . kieser @mal

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Mal's eyebrows rose ever-so-slightly, the movement just barely noticeable, when he noted the sudden pessimism in Kieser's voice. Ah - So he had clear family issues. He wondered if they were daddy issues or mommy issues or both. He was tempted to ask but even he knew boundaries - He just ignored them majority of the time. He knew what it was like to have family issues and prefer not to discuss them, though. This was a boundary he had no problem obeying by. He leaned back in his chair, one leg gracefully crossing the other as Kieser basically asked why they were talking in the first place. He lightly laughed and asked himself, "Who says I'm still working?" But then Kieser kept talking and Mal thought he must have been one of those people who didn't see their own value - at least not all the time. He often thought those people were the most valuable. Despite just leaning back, he shifted so he leaned forward more, elbows on the table, hands clasped together and eyes clearly on Kieser. He watched as the younger man flushed, eyes wide, and quickly went from bold insecurities to sheepish insecurities. Not surprising to himself, he found he wanted to combat those insecurities with both his mouth and his hands. He didn't do relationships, no, but he had no problem showing someone just how attractive they were. "I don't know - Why are you?" he asked curiously, having caught Kieser's quiet question that was clearly one of those thoughts the speaker didn't realize was being said out loud. "You should never have to apologize for being who you are," he added and his tone seemed to give away that he was talking from experience. He rested his chin down on his clasped hands. "I needed a place to sit down," he explained matter-of-factly, "And why wouldn't I strike up a conversation with the attractive man I find across from me?" He cocked an eyebrow as if daring Kieser to try to argue with him. He then grinned widely and wickedly, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Besides, I can always give you a reason to think of better and hotter things to do."

... I'm not perfect but I'll keep trying 'cause that's what i said i would do from the start ... mal @keiser outfit 365 words n/a

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A moment after he realized he'd uttered the phrase out loud, it echoed back to him. Startled, he forced himself to meet Mal's eyes, catching and soaking in every word and syllable directed at himself. Chewing his lip, he cast his gaze down once more, struggling to piece together his thoughts into some semblance of organized after letting them run wild and ruffled. Kieser's lips pulled into a tight lipped smile, not daring to argue despite his disagreement with the compliment. The overt flirt that followed rattled his fragile stability and his thoughts once more, and he felt his face heat up with a vengeance. Remaining wordless for fear of turning into a stuttering mess once more, he instead let out a tittering, nervous laugh. In his brain it just didn't seem to add up. Briefly he wondered if perhaps Mal was simply messing with him or joking, it seemed much more likely than accepting the freely given compliment and banter. That idle thought was shut down pretty quickly with the introduction of reason. They were perfect strangers. Perhaps if they knew each other beforehand there would be room for doubt, but even then, Kieser had no real reason not to trust the words, much as he vehemently disagreed. Chancing another glance at Mal, he cleared his throat, pushing his bangs out of his face more out of habit than any real need to adjust. "I...suppose that's true." He answered finally with another tight smile, almost a grimace. "So, besides chatting up attractive strangers, what do you do for fun? Or should I ask, what better and hotter things do you do?"

. . . i've already given up on myself twice, third time is the charm . . . caution to the wind, but I've got a lousy arm . . . kieser @mal

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He watched Kieser's reactions closely, even when he was talking. He knew how to watch people, to notice the signs they put off, even when they thought he wasn't paying attention. He grinned when Kieser seemed to give in and agree with him - Well almost agree with him. The "suppose" part told him the younger man was probably trying to leave room for his doubt. "Of course it's true," he said confidently, "Why would I lie?" He was a liar but that didn't mean he lied all the time. Sometimes the truth was much more powerful, he'd discovered. He left his smile just as mischievous as it had been earlier, though, to leave some mystery. His smile faltered into surprise, eyes widening slightly, eyebrows rising, when he was asked what he did for fun. His eyebrows rose more and a sly grin spread on his face when Kieser specified the better and hotter things he did. He could already think of several he wanted to try with the younger man. He wondered what he was into - Did he prefer leading or being lead? Devouring or being devoured? Maybe he preferred both? "All sorts of things," he answered, reaching up to run a hand through his hair, knowing the way it tousled his hair was attractive to most people. Being attractive was an art form he'd been practicing and honing for years. He reached his foot out, running it up Kieser's leg, slowly and suggestively. "I'd be happy to show you," he added, moving his foot higher with each word. "Now. Later. Multiple times." His eyes roamed over what he could see of Kieser, what wasn't hidden by the table between them. He thought about all they could do with that table, wondered if Kieser would prefer Mal's back against it or his own. "I'm sure you'd enjoy it. I'm quite good."

... I'm not perfect but I'll keep trying 'cause that's what i said i would do from the start ... mal @keiser outfit 311 words Let me know if you need more to work with.

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