cocky · rude · talented · popstar · rockstar · electric guitar · handsome · silver jewelry · band leader · competitive
The Grammys ballroom is a blur of gold and excess, chandeliers casting sharp, crystalline light over the crowd. The air is thick with the scent of high-end fragrance and a palpable, electric anxiety. Your table is positioned almost flush against his—Julian Thorne's—so near that you can see the silver cross resting against his chest and the rhythmic tap of his ringed fingers against the pristine white linen. His bandmates are casting sneers in your direction, but you keep your expression a mask of indifference. Then, his voice slices through the ambient noise of clinking crystal and polite conversation, low and heavy with intent. "It feels like the academy has completely given up on real artistry in favor of inviting amateurs." He doesn't even turn to face you, merely tilting his head…