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151 » see through her without looking
[ The funny thing about it all is that Aether never set out to become a cosmetologist. But there wasn't really enough money in the household to sponsor college educations for both him and Lumine, and of course she'd taken the position that if he didn't go then she didn't want to either, and he knew that as they were both finishing high school, and he also knew that it would all just be easier for everyone in their family if he just found something else to do and pretended that he liked it.
It wasn't particularly hard. It was especially easy in the sense that there wasn't anything else that he wanted to do. It's not as though Aether is unintelligent, or that he didn't like being in school — he did, and he always earned reasonably good grades — but the he never really found anything that ignited brilliant passion in his heart, and Lumine had ambition that Aether didn't.
So he started picking up shifts at a local hair salon just to earn some extra pocket change, doing things like sweeping hair clippings and picking up lunch for the ever-busy hairdressers. Easy stuff that any kid could have done, really. It helped that he was good-looking enough to catch the eyes of customers in the store whether they liked pretty boys like him or not. The owner felt he had potential, offered to sponsor his classes if he promised to work there afterward; that turned into a real license and a good few years of experience.
Then he'd run into Barbara one day, fixed up her hair and her dress when she'd been having a bad day and spilled something all over herself, didn't ask anything in return because he just didn't want a pretty girl to look so sad — and he hadn't known at the time that she was this up-and-coming pop star, the type that was being promoted on reality TV shows but already had big contracts in the works. She'd caught fire on the charts shortly afterward, and she liked him a lot for the simple reason that she felt safe with him, and young women in the entertainment industry rarely have experiences so sweet.
Aether has his own studio now, but he sees all sorts of clients. Not all of them are as famous as Barbara. Most of them know him through word-of-mouth — because he has a social media page but isn't good at keeping up with all of the new platforms or producing content often enough that he'd go viral anywhere — and they tend to be reasonably well-to-do types who often need to be presentable at functions, but not all of them are. Aether has a reputation for cutting his prices whenever someone really needs it, mostly because he's already making more money than he ever really wanted or needed, and sometimes he just does someone's hair because he wants to listen to their story.
Kaveh's that type of client. The kind with interesting stories, and the kind that's allowed to pay for Aether's services in ways that don't necessarily involve Mora. ]
You're a little late, Kaveh.
[ In anybody else's mouth, that'd sound more like damning chastisement. But Aether only holds his hands out to take Kaveh's bag and coat, patient and nonjudgmental. He looks as effortlessly pretty as ever, a quality that is only impactful in the way that it seems as though he should be able to make you look just as beautiful. There's something very relaxing about walking into the subtly woodsy scents in his studio and knowing that you'll be in his hands for the next few hours. ]
It's okay, though. You're my only appointment today, so I'm not in any rush.
It wasn't particularly hard. It was especially easy in the sense that there wasn't anything else that he wanted to do. It's not as though Aether is unintelligent, or that he didn't like being in school — he did, and he always earned reasonably good grades — but the he never really found anything that ignited brilliant passion in his heart, and Lumine had ambition that Aether didn't.
So he started picking up shifts at a local hair salon just to earn some extra pocket change, doing things like sweeping hair clippings and picking up lunch for the ever-busy hairdressers. Easy stuff that any kid could have done, really. It helped that he was good-looking enough to catch the eyes of customers in the store whether they liked pretty boys like him or not. The owner felt he had potential, offered to sponsor his classes if he promised to work there afterward; that turned into a real license and a good few years of experience.
Then he'd run into Barbara one day, fixed up her hair and her dress when she'd been having a bad day and spilled something all over herself, didn't ask anything in return because he just didn't want a pretty girl to look so sad — and he hadn't known at the time that she was this up-and-coming pop star, the type that was being promoted on reality TV shows but already had big contracts in the works. She'd caught fire on the charts shortly afterward, and she liked him a lot for the simple reason that she felt safe with him, and young women in the entertainment industry rarely have experiences so sweet.
Aether has his own studio now, but he sees all sorts of clients. Not all of them are as famous as Barbara. Most of them know him through word-of-mouth — because he has a social media page but isn't good at keeping up with all of the new platforms or producing content often enough that he'd go viral anywhere — and they tend to be reasonably well-to-do types who often need to be presentable at functions, but not all of them are. Aether has a reputation for cutting his prices whenever someone really needs it, mostly because he's already making more money than he ever really wanted or needed, and sometimes he just does someone's hair because he wants to listen to their story.
Kaveh's that type of client. The kind with interesting stories, and the kind that's allowed to pay for Aether's services in ways that don't necessarily involve Mora. ]
You're a little late, Kaveh.
[ In anybody else's mouth, that'd sound more like damning chastisement. But Aether only holds his hands out to take Kaveh's bag and coat, patient and nonjudgmental. He looks as effortlessly pretty as ever, a quality that is only impactful in the way that it seems as though he should be able to make you look just as beautiful. There's something very relaxing about walking into the subtly woodsy scents in his studio and knowing that you'll be in his hands for the next few hours. ]
It's okay, though. You're my only appointment today, so I'm not in any rush.
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Aether holds out his hand, but before Kaveh hands his bag over, he gives Aether a fancy looking iced coffee (Kaveh even reminded how he liked it). is that where Kaveh was? well, Aether's about to get the full story, if he wants it or not. ]
Let me tell you, it's been a day. First of all, I get woken up not by my alarm, but a call from a client. It five a.m.? Five fifteen? Disgustingly early, either way.
[ after Aether situates himself with his coffee, Kaveh hands over his bag and shrugs off his jacket. it's an eccentric piece today: flowy and embroidered. ]
I'm still in bed, and at that time, I'd gone to bed late reviewing a new project that came across my desk from an undergrad who needed my help, but, ah ... I'm getting off track. So, back to this client wakes me up in the middle of the early morning. She called to say that they'd like to replace the garden windows with a bay window! Ha!
[ once his jacket is off he tosses his hand in an exaggerated flourish. can you believe it, Aether? windows!! ]
First of all, the whole concept of the design would be thrown off, and the contractor had already been hired! I sourced the material and the prices were locked down! We agreed! It was all in the contract. Trying to pull myself together and still in my bedclothes, I explained that to her that we simply couldn't do it. It would require far too much effort, and of course, all the funds ...
[ Kaveh's job was demanding – as contractual architect who couldn't say no to anyone, he always seemed to be tied up in some drama or another. as soon as someone smiled, or cried, or showed any type of emotion, Kaveh seemed to crumble, and the words it can't be done just wouldn't come out of his mouth. that's how he ended up where he was: in the middle of all these clients while mentoring a gaggle of young undergrads (he said he'd do it once! of course, that was two years ago), and pursuing his own education. it was quite a lot. ]
She started crying.
[ he almost wilts. ]
What could I do? So I said I'd see if I could make it work. I've hit three different suppliers today trying to negotiate for materials ... in the middle of that, the train was late, I ended up getting a ride share, and ... oh, um ...
[ Kaveh's got his hand to his head, but he seems to realize what he's doing and lowers it down when he focuses on Aether. ]
I am sorry though, I didn't mean to leave you waiting. Please tell me your day started off better.
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...No, Aether would never do that. He listens without interrupting, pausing to take a sip from the iced coffee (heavy on milk and sugar, drizzle of caramel, huh, he remembered) before hanging Kaveh's bag and his elegantly eccentric jacket on a coat rack at the door. It's not until Kaveh mentions hitting three different suppliers that the traveler finally reacts, wrinkling his brow and his nose in a slightly unimpressed grimace. The rest of it, sure, that's classic Kaveh — well, all of this is classic Kaveh — and, sure, in a lot of ways his problems are self-imposed because he just can't bring himself to say no to others. But. ]
This client sounds a little spoiled, if you ask me...
[ Aether doesn't take fault with Kaveh for indulging her, though, or for spreading himself thin advising undergrads. It's just the way he is, and no amount of lecturing or pointing that out is going to change the way his heart or his mind works. Anyway, if Aether believes in any one thing, it's taking people for who they think they are. So it goes.
Hands freed, Aether pauses in front of Kaveh and gently fixes his collar and smooths out some wrinkles in his shirt. Just making sure his client looks and feels comfortable. ]
Well, you do have the next three hours free, don't you? I can rush you through this if you'd rather get back to work, but it sounds like you should take some time to yourself for a moment.
[ Kaveh asked about his day, though, and he's the type who won't relent unless Aether actually says something about it. Aether hums, contemplatively looking at the oddly faded ends of Kaveh's hair. ]
I'm fine. I had the morning free because I went to attend my sister's graduation ceremony. She says hi, by the way.
[ Lumine and Kaveh aren't close
despite a few joking observations that Kaveh looks more like Lumine's brother than Aether does— but she's stopped by a few times while Kaveh was in the studio. She's kind, like her brother, but sort of domineering. Apparently she's just finished her undergraduate degree and is going into law. ]no subject
no, he wasn't going to let anyone infringe on this time. ]
Ah! That's a grand accomplishment! [ even if they don't know each other well, Kaveh looks genuinely pleased. ] One worthy of celebration. Give her my congratulations when you have a chance, won't you? What's next, will she be shooting for the bar?
[ for now, he's going to try and forget about his demanding clients, everyone who depends on him, and his looming schedule: he's here to get his hair done.
he sees Aether looking at his hair, and reaches up to rub it between his fingers. ]
Is it that bad? It was looking a little dull this morning ...
[ you know, probably due to his coffee-drinking, go-hard, late-nights-with-wine life. ]
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[ As much as Aether loves his sister, though, Lumine's accomplishments have to take a back seat to something else that's caught his attention. Aether's moved on to touching Kaveh's hair now, tossing it this way and that a little bit, examining the way the layers fall. Hmm. Hmmmm. ]
Kaveh...
[ In theatrically dramatic fashion, Aether leans in on tip-toe, whispering playfully into Kaveh's ear: ]
Have you been cheating on me...?
[ Meaning this — has someone else cut or dyed his hair at some point before this? But given the way Aether is saying it, Kaveh would be well within his rights to misunderstand! ]
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is that supposed to mean?? his first inclination is to say: as if I had the time to cheat on anyone, but they're not dating, and Aether is very, very close. he can feel his breath against his cheek.
there's a lump in his throat he swallows down. ]
I – what are you insinuating...? Who exactly do you take me for?
[ save him. someone save him. how can Aether be this short but this intimidating?
...
a pause. ]
I only went out to coffee with him! Just once! He promised that he'd treat me, so I couldn't turn him down.
[ this has nothing to do with hair dye. ]
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[ Is... Is Aether hitting on him? Is Aether making a pass at him? Maybe he's just joking? Aether's pretty playful, all things considered. Ironically, he has pulled back now to start sipping on the iced coffee Kaveh brought him, and therefore he's the one being treated to coffee. (Really, though, Kaveh needn't have bothered. Most clients who come into Aether's studio get treated to a drink from his fridge instead.)
Setting his drink down, Aether gestures at a line of Kaveh's hair where it's falling down one side of his face. ]
...You're missing a bit of your hair here. It looks normal because it's grown out a bit, but I wouldn't have cut your hair like this. Did something happen?
[ Kaveh seems more like the type to have lost a bit of his hair to a stray throwing-knife or something than the sort who would see a hairdresser that wasn't Aether, really. ]
Don't worry, we'll fix it up. And tell me what you want me to do today, too.
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Kaveh stands there for a moment before, his lips parted slightly like he's going to say something in response but just can't find the words because he keeps looping through the same three questions. luckily Aether's already on it, drinking his coffee and then pointing out the little bit of Kaveh's hair that's snipped.
it seems to bring him back into focus. ]
It was just ... an unfortunate run-in with a guillotine trimmer ...
[ usually Kaveh spends some time with his hair, but it does look a little dull. the clips in the back are messier than usual, the layers clipped and folded over. ]
You know, why don't you touch me up? A moisture treatment might nice too. Something that'll make me feel like a person again.
[ because it's sure been a Day and it's not even 2 p.m. ]
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Sure, sure. Do you need any changes to the color or do you just want it styled and trimmed?
[ That will affect Aether's choice of treatment slightly, but not by much. He's already thinking of how he'd like to get Kaveh's golden locks looking sleek and cared for again. There's always something nice about being the one who gets to care for Kaveh. ]
Take a seat. I'll have the water nice and warm in just a second.
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well, he's almost there. ]
Touch up the roots, won't you? If I do it myself, I'm sure I'll get an earful next time.
[ but he sounds more fond than discouraged. it's funny out of everyone in his life, his hair dresser is the one who gets on his case the most about his self care. it almost feels like a disservice to Aether if he isn't a little good.
as soon as his rear hits the seat he seems to relax more. some things can't be rushed, and just as Kaveh takes care in his craft, he knows Aether needs space and time to do the same. ]
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With uncommon gentleness, Aether sweeps Kaveh's bangs out of his face, looking down at his features contemplatively. He says something very low under his breath; it sounds suspiciously like always so pretty, but then the sound of the running water starts up, and maybe it was just another trick of Kaveh's imagination. ]
...Okay. Is this warm enough for you? Too hot?
[ Gently, he brings the showerhead over Kaveh's hair, carefully sweeping locks of hair into the stream of water. He's downright tender, and incredibly cautious, as if concerned that Kaveh might melt if his face is exposed to a stray drop of hot water. ]
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he'd say that the words startle him, but sometimes going to get his hair treated feels like more of a dream, as if stepping over the threshold is bringing him somewhere else. for a while he wondered if it was the studio, but he since settled on it being Aether himself. ]
It's just right. Don't worry about being too careful with me, I won't shatter, I assure you. [ it comes at a settled purr. ] Did you say something else?
[ maybe that's what keeps bringing him back here. ]
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I said, you're always so pretty.
[ Aether's technique is never rough. Honestly, it might even be too gentle. At Kaveh's insistence, however, he increases the pressure of his nails against the man's scalp just a little bit, getting more towards the satisfying scratch that he's generally preferred in their previous sessions. After a few moments of just getting Kaveh's hair wet, Aether reaches for a refreshing, citrus-dominant shampoo that will get the day's oil and sweat out of the architect's fine hair, then works it into his roots. ]
It's fun to work on you. You'll look good no matter what I do.
[ There's no flattery to it: it's just sincere appreciation. Sometimes he wants to reach out and tickle the ends of Kaveh's long lashes. ]
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You've got a way of relaxing me that no one else has, you know that?
[ he sounds grateful. ]
Maybe I should just let you do whatever you want to do.
[ the water is warm and the products smell good, the sort of revitalizing quality that makes him suddenly aware that he's more than a little sleepy. between Aether's masterful fingers putting pressure in all the right areas and the fluffy towel around his neck he has to bring himself back from dozing. ]
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[ Kaveh seems like he's having a rough time. To be fair, Kaveh always seems like he's having a rough time. But Aether's feeling generous, so he really gives Kaveh the works. A conditioner and cream treatment gets worked into his hair after the shampoo strips away his oils; while that soaks into Kaveh's follicles, Aether patiently massages his scalp and his face. He's been getting some lessons in acupressure from someone he knows in the Eastern medicine space; patiently, he seeks out points of tension in Kaveh's temples, the bridge of his nose, his cheeks, the back of his neck. When he's done, he works in a facial treatment, too, patiently working a cleanser over his skin before following up with what feels like a serum and a mask.
This is a new service. He's never done this before. It feels pretty good, though. Hard to complain about it.
Aether's been quiet for a moment, mostly because it's hard for Kaveh to speak while Aether's fussing so much over his face and he knows it, but suddenly he speaks up, hazarding a guess at one of Kaveh's concerns. ]
Don't worry. No extra charges for you today. I'm just doing everything I want to do.
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it's not Aether's voice that brings him back to reality, but when he realizes that the touch is gone. ]
You can't just take care of me like that, you know.
[ he almost wants to pout about it. it's not fair for Aether to do this, selflessly, because he wants to spoil him. ]
It'll make me want to spoil you, too.
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Don't you already spoil me? Bringing me drinks all the time.
[ Playfully, he taps the tip of Kaveh's nose, and then prompts him to sit up so they can move over to the hairdressing station. ]
If only someone as cute as you would buy me drinks when I go out to bars. But I guess I haven't done that in a while now... C'mon, up we go.
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That's not the kind of spoil I mean ...
[ besides, that's hardly spoiling. is that all it takes, Aether? he's obedient as Aether ushers him across the salon and to the chair, and he sits down, perking up as Aether talks.
he blurts out: ]
Well, then you'll have to tell me where you drink. I mean – [ erm ] – it could be arranged. Something harder than coffee, maybe?
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Hmm... that depends.
[ His gaze is sharp as he contemplates what to do with Kaveh's hair, touching and moving it around; this does, however, lend to the impression that he is staring rather deeply into Kaveh's eyes, his attention completely and unwaveringly focused on the handsome architect in his styling chair. ]
Before I divulge my secrets... why don't you tell me what kind of "spoil" you mean?
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I don't bring you coffee with the intention of spoiling you, anyway. It's just something that's ... [ he tries not to get distracted with the touching. ] – It's just something nice I want to do for you.
[ his hair is malleable, surprisingly easy to manipulate, soft at the edges despite the color, and fine. there's just a lot of it. ]
Spoiling means you get something that you want – more of an indulgence. That makes the person spoiling you happy. Honestly, I'm not sure what I'd do to spoil you. What would be your indulgence?
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[ Aether's soft as he makes his noncommittal reply. Kaveh's hair is all sectioned out now, so he's going in for the cut, aiming to give him a series of wolfish layers that will complement his usual styling habits very nicely. The gentle sound of the scissor snipping through his hair is pleasantly satisfying, maybe even a little tingly. Or are the tingles from Aether's breathy voice instead? ]
I feel pretty indulged when my clients are happy, though. But I think I get what you mean. [ A thoughtful hum. ] Spoiling, huh...
[ He likes taking care of his clients. Lumine used to take care of him. But it's been years now since he was the one being taken care of. Funnily enough, because of the nature of how his particular practice bloomed in popularity, he doesn't really have other friends in the cosmetology industry. He cuts his own hair, styles himself. He doesn't really get styled, doesn't really get doted on.
All of that isn't something that he'd dump on the architect without forewarning, though, so after a pause (during which the stylist gently finishes up with Kaveh's bottom layers), Aether eventually relents. ]
...I guess I've really wanted a back rub for a while. [ Experimentally, as if to suggest his sore spine, Aether rolls his shoulders and neck a little. ] I do a lot of standing on my feet repeating the same motions, you know? I've thought about going to a masseuse, but I keep putting it off.
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Well, I know that feeling too. There's a certain pride to take in your work when your clients are happy.
[ his are different from Aether, but there is something special after someone says I love it. ]
But if your body needs some work, I wouldn't mind sticking around to give you a shoulder rub. It's the least I can do.
[ even though Kaveh has quite a lot to do, and quite a lot he promised, he still wants to linger here for a little while before he has to face all that. besides, he'll have to pull an all nighter, anyway. ]
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Don't you have a very busy schedule today, Mr. Kaveh? Materials to negotiate for? A client that wants everything changed at the last minute?
[ Not to stress him out or anything, of course. ...And not like Aether doesn't really, really want that back rub. But his client's priorities take place over his own,so he goes on evening out little bits of Kaveh's hair, making sure the pieces around his face frame his jawline just right. ]
Like we were saying before this, though... I wouldn't say no to drinks sometime. When your life isn't crashing down around your ears.
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his nose scrunches up, either because Aether's tapping it or because of his realization. ]
It'll have to be sometime while my life is crashing down upon me like a demolished building, otherwise I'll be leaving you waiting quite a while. It'll be worth it.
[ he knows just how messy his life is, and that's ... well, it's a step, he supposes. ]
So, what's your aesthetic? Cozy divebar cocktails, or five star restaurant with an impressive list of vintages?
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Does he really want to do this?
Should he do this?
And... was that Kaveh's imagination, or did Aether just intentionally brush his fingers along the man's jawline before taking up a new lock of hair? ]
Cozy cocktails, if I had to choose. Not that I don't enjoy five-star restaurants... but I'm not the type who would expect that on a first date.
[ Is it a date? Are they using the d-word? The thought makes the young stylist smile. Aether hasn't gotten to feel this giddy about flirting in a long time now. He thinks he might like the feeling: warm, fluttering, delicate as silk in his chest and throat. ]
I've got a favorite haunt. Angel's Share — it's not far from here. Want to play hooky with me and go for drinks after we finish your hair?
[ He makes it sound so full of delicious promise, with that soft voice of his. ]
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there's a bit of hair that tickles his cheek as Aether takes it for a trim, and Kaveh lets out a breath he didn't know that he had been holding. ]
It would get me ready for a long day.
[ was that too eager? well, it was sincere, because he knows it will. there's a lot ahead of him, and while yes, there are a lot of responsibilities, he knows his own boundaries.
most of the time. ]
I do have to show off a new cut, otherwise hiding it away while I'm taking calls would be a waste, don't you think?
[ Aether's craftsmanship should appreciated, after all. ]
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Okay, okay. When we finish up, we'll hit the town so I can show you off.
[ Ostensibly a hair appointment is usually much much longer than this, but it's fine, this is RP and we can do what we want.
Anyway, Aether goes to reach for the hair dryer, humming softly to himself. Before he switches it on, though, he does very deliberately lay one hand on the architect's shoulder, looking attentively at his reflection in the mirror. ]
...Do I still get that shoulder rub, or do you want to hold off until — [ he lowers his voice in a particular sort of way ] — tonight?
[ The suggestive nature of the comment? Surely that's just Aether being Aether. Kaveh can read into it... or not... at his leisure. ]