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It's Chris' birthday today!

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Logan Lerman

Bustle

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Odd. Very odd. Chris watched Hunter with curious eyes, listening to his every word with sharp interest. Sure, it's not that he minded the topic at all, but it caught him so off guard that he needed a second to fully process what his usual fuck buddy was saying. Of course he was guilty of looking for sex and nothing more, college was stressful as shit, but wasn't that their agreement?

"Hold on, hold on," he added, frowning a little as he finally pieced the whole thing in his head. "We fuck. You and I, we have really good sex. That was the deal."

He leaned closer, eyes still locked on Hunter and displaying his usual confidence, gracing the conversation with the amount of seriousness that it clearly deserved.

"Do you want more than just sex, Hunter?" He asked, not a single crack in his voice. "Because we can totally figure that out, but you have to straight up tell me."

open  to  :      tops.  hunter  is  a  bottom.  context  :      hunter  is  a  slut.  there's  no  question  in  that,  and  he's  proud  of  that,  too.  but  he  also  doesn't  like  being  used  and  then  pushed  aside.  this  could  be  the  classic  dl  /  closeted  guy  who  becomes  his  fuck  buddy situation.  maybe  also  a  professor  /  friend's  parent  who  he  got  intimately close  to.  even  make  it  taboo,  i'm  down!  the  rougher,  the  better  uwu. 

“     listen,  man.  i'm  not  one  to  turn  down  a  good  fuck,  especially  from  you.  but  you  can't  just  click  your  tongue  and  expect  me  to  suck  you  off.     ”                 hunter  says  with  a  scoff.  self  awareness  and  self  respect?  oh,  they  sounded  so  foreign  to  him,  too.  especially  in  a  packed  frat  party  where  he  would  have  happily  passed  himself  around  to  any  guy  who  wants  him. 

maybe  something  snapped  now  and  he  didn't  just  want  to  be  pushed  around.  if  they're  really  this  desperate  for  it,  then  they  can  do  more  than  just  treat  him  like  a  cheap  slut.      “     try  again.  i'm  sure  you  can  do  better  than  that.     ”

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Chris could imagine the kind of struggle Max was going through. Apparently the scientists had outdone themselves into making a machine capable of self awareness. Problem is, self awareness brought with it a whole new package of things... And if humans had issues dealing with emotion, it was ony logical that such development would overwhelm a synthetic.

"I don't mean to sound dismissive, I really don't, but the thing about feelings it's never really whether you have them or not," he pointed out, still standing close to the other and meeting his eyes confidently. "Feelings exist and all that matters is what we do with them."

Was he about to play therapist? Not really. He was still clinging a bit ot the idea of being liked by a synthetic, a robot. It was as intriguing as it was amusing.

"You know? Maybe you need to think less. If you like my company, maybe what you need is to allow yourself one date with me, no work involved. How's friday night for you?"

The android had half expected Chris to agree with him, to remind him that it was wrong, that he wasn't meant to like anyone, that it couldn't be real. It was what his engineers would say, what his programming kept telling him. It wasn't real -- - he wasn't real.

But why did it feel like it was? It shouldn't, he shouldn't feel anything at all, yet he could swear he did. Maybe it wasn't the same as humans, but there was -- - something, right?

Blue eyes barely blinked as the young man stepped closer to him, gaze darting between Chris' as if trying to read him, trying to foresee what words were about to come out of his lips. "Because it is... I'm not meant to feel this way, I'm not meant to feel anything at all." Fear addled eyes widened, not afraid of Chris, but himself, the thought of something being wrong with him. "But I like being around you. I... enjoy your company, as much as my programming tells me that's not possible."

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Chris understood the sort of silent agreement between them. Of course he noticed how Phillip was less stern with him in private setting, which is why the young recruit allowed himself to be less proper in his presence. It was much needed, considering the stress of such a structured and rigid environment.

"Well, there's not much I can do about officers that are intolerable. Feisty as I am, even I understand I would not get away with beating their asses... Although I'm pretty confident that I could."

Discipline. What an odd concept. Chris was a rather disciplined man himself, driven and organized, but when faced with an unquestionable hierarchy, he didn't do all that well.

"Personally, I don't really care about who's giving me orders, sir," he noted, taking the cup in his hand and ignoring the milk altogether. "I care that the orders make sense. Some of your peers are not used to being questioned at all..."

He started making two cups of tea, commandeering two teabags from the box that seemed to be a rather good brand, unlike what Phil had been more accustomed to back in his earlier days in the Royal Navy. It had always been the cheapest around, though not usually worse than the muddy water that had supposedly passed as coffee.

Had he been anyone else, Chris' language would likely have brought out a good reprimand at the very least, but the Lieutenant Commander honestly didn't mind, he knew what it was like needing to let off some steam, even if it was just by words alone. Better out than in, he supposed, although he did hope that the young man remembered to be mindful of his wording when around other officers who wouldn't be so lenient. "Wish I could tell you it gets better, but..." He tilted his head from side to side just briefly. "-- - some of them become officers and just become a different type of intolerable." There was a note of teasing in his voice, even if the statement was true.

It wasn't exactly the same, they still needed discipline, but there was still a lot of ego in some of them, and as soon as they became commissioned officers, there were times when it went to some people's heads.

"Just a couple. But nothin' I've been overly worried about." As the kettle finished boiling, he poured the water into both cups, turning to put them onto the desk, followed by the carton of milk for Chris to decide how he wanted it himself. "Honestly, I wasn't so different when I was young. Sometimes it's easier to take orders than others. And a lot of the time, it depended on who was givin' them. But that's just a part of our core values we need to learn. Respect."

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LOGAN LERMAN photographed by Ricky Alvarez for Bustle

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Oh, if Chris was interested in hearing the story before, the second Elysia mentioned cloning, that interest doubled. There might've been a hint of suspicion too, but who was he to judge so early into their conversation. If anything, he merely poured the woman some more coffee from the jar he had ordered. Things were getting interesting.

"And you know about my origins too? That makes you a dangerous woman, Elysia," he pointed out, refilling his own cup right after. "Now where on earth would you come across that information?"

He looked her over for a moment, studying her, wondering if he could block her abilities if things evolved the wrong way. But he owed her the courtesy of being polite, so he scared the thought away as soon as it popped up.

"Now, the idea of earth being abandoned by the gods ages ago does make it easier to believe in them," Chris scoffed in amusement, being far too used to the idea of irresponsible creators. "Say I do want to see this haven of yours. When are we going there?"

" -- I know," Elysia said, a rare twinkle of amusement in her eyes. "But you don't have to be one to get granted access... I guess I just wanted to show you there's others out there who aren't exactly normal."

Though she paused, studying him a bit, his memories reaching her. Alas, it wasn't something she could really turn off. "So I understand you were cloned... but what did they use to create you?" A powerful mutant could easily be a demigod. Humans have different names for her species. However, she wouldn't put it past them to call them mutants. Chris wasn't a demigod... but there were sparks of something in him that Elysia couldn't really pinpoint.

"It's hard to believe until you enter Olympus yourself... but most don't get that opportunity. The gods haven't been around on earth for thousands of years."

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Chris took note of every word said by his superior officer, but it hardly changed the fire burning behind his ocean blue eyes. He wasn't upset with Phil at all, of course, but his rebellious nature was too bright to be confined by the restrictions of the military ways. The only reason he allowed his face to show his true feelings was because he knew this was a safe place, but even then, Chris had enough composure not to give voice to what he was truly thinking. Best to be constructive and not destructive, right?

"Thank you, sir," he nodded at the subtle invitation for a cup of tea, knowing it would help calm the frustration stirring within him.

"There's too many fuckers who are too big for their britches, sir. Although a case could be made about me being one of those," he mused, showing at least a hint of self awareness when it came to his very opinionated personality.

"I'm enjoying myself, sir. Training has been challenging in a good way, and I'm trying to bond with some of my squad mates. This life suits me, although I'm sure you've heard complaints about me being prone to insubordination."

"I know, but it goes both ways. One of you kicks up some dust, everyone gets an eyeful. That means you and him." He remembered it well. How one of his peers would do something wrong, it didn't even need to be something serious, forgetting to iron their uniform, or not doing it properly, all the way through to genuine misbehaving. It was part of the discipline, reminding them that they were one unit and they had to act like it.

If one person stepped out of line, they were all punished for it. To a certain extent.

Pushing himself off the edge of the desk, Phil wandered around it to the back of the room to stick on the kettle, glancing over his shoulder. "Anyone asks, I only made one for meself." He mused as he pulled out two cups for both of them.

"Yer a strong lad, Laverty. Wish more had yer outlook." The Officer noted as he turned back to let the kettle boil, once again returning to his leaning position to look at Chris. "I saw much the same when back in the day as well. There's always one who's too big for his britches." He could name a few, even now, among his fellow Officers. Though he had to be careful about admitting the latter. "How you findin' it? Yer time here? I hear yer excellin' at every turn."

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Now, that came as a surprise. Not that he thought Max incapable of feeling, but Chris most definitely didn't think this conversation could actually happen. He didn't blame the synthetic, of course. As someone who was also man-made (in a lab of all things), the clone was no stranger to the philosophical concerns of whether or not he was allowed to be his own being.

But, since he had already decided he was his own being, all Chris could do was take a step forward to invade Max's personal space a little bit and look for his eyes.

"I've never heard a declaration that sounded like an apology at the same time. Why do you talk as if liking me was a bad thing, Max?"

OPEN STARTER:

"I... think I like you. A lot. I know I shouldn't, I'm not supposed to like anything. But I like you."

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Logan Lerman

Sony Pictures Classic

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He watched Sean stumble on his own words still, realizing how much more work it would take him to turn the boy into a proper businessman. Not that he was in any rush, considering Sean covered what he certainly needed him for and the eye candy was always welcome.

Chris waited patiently, moving around his office to sit down at the couch instead of his desk, forcing his mind to stop working for a moment and have a little break. There were still plenty of things to do even without meetings, but that didn't mean he couldn't indulge himself to a break.

"Thank you, Sean," he nodded, taking the cup of coffee in his hand and letting its scent soothe him for a small moment before he took the first sip.

"Sit down with me," he instructed, patting the empty space right beside him on the couch. "Indulge me with conversation, if only so I don't go straight back to work. How are you liking your job at the label?"

"Right. Yeah. Sorry." he mouthes over the near-mantra Chris told him. "Sorry." he repeats, his tablet pressed right back against his chest, this time wrinkling his tie awkwardly against his suit. it's a true proof of the older man's patience that he's still willing to remind Sean how to behave in the office, especially after his many fuck ups, of which there seem to be one at least every day. he's like a baby deer who just learned to walk sometimes, with the only difference being that he's over six feet tall and not as adorable when he trips on his own two feet.

"Oh, yeah, I suppose I do too. I didn't even realize." he begins to smile, "Here I was about to go back to my desk and wait all day for something to do while you'd probably leave and go home--" he pauses, catching himself talking about things that don't matter, "Shit. Sorry didn't mean to swear. Yes. Coffee. On it, boss. I mean sir."

he makes his way to the coffee machine and grabs them two cups, adds extra sugar in his own, as if he needs that, and makes his way back to Chris. and the expected does not in fact happen because he, for once, carefully makes his way back to his boss and places the cup of coffee in front of him. "There you go, sir."

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Chris could see the understanding in his C.O.'s eyes. It was reassuring in the sense that he knew he wouldn't get mindlessly scolded, but worrisome to think that someone else might have to deal with the consequences of his own actions. Alas, since none of that would be under his control, he decided not to dwell on it.

"Not that I don't appreciate your good intentions, sir, but I don't think I'm the one who needs to be reminded of what it means to be part of a team," he nodded, knowing well enough how these things operated. He had known for longer than any human should.

Life wasn't fair, why would the Navy would be any different? Chris didn't take it personally.

"Oh, it doesn't really get to me, sir," he explained shamelessly. "I didn't stand up to him because I was angry. I did it because somebody had to stop him before bullying became a habit."

It wasn't uncommon for issues to crop up. Bullying, ostracising, as much as the Royal Navy might want to keep it quiet, there was no denying it, these were factors that crept into every aspect of humanity, regardless of discipline. If humans were there, bullying was always a very real possibility.

How it was dealt with, however, was another matter entirely.

With the young man sent to him, Phil had commandeered one of his colleague's offices to give them a chance to speak properly, leaning against the front of the desk, arms crossed over his chest as he looked at Chris.

Yet there wasn't judgement on his face, but understanding.

"You don't have to apologise. It's all part of the job." The commissioned officer reassured him, offering up a slight smile. "As your Commanding Officer, I can't officially say you did the right thing, but I understand. You stood up to him, defended yourself." And for that, technically, he'd be punished too. "Finnigan's behaviour's been noted. One more strike and you won't have to deal with him anymore. I've made that quite clear. But... you know how it goes. One of you steps out of line, all of you face the consequences. It's just a part of being a team."

Sometimes it felt fairer than others.

"Don't let it get to you. How you fairin' anyways? You gave him a fair good knock around."

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One thing was true: Sean had only been hired because of his father's influence. That being said, it had not been Chris' call. He was simply the one producer in the label who stepped up to the task of having Sean as his assistant. After all, Chris wasn't afraid of a challenge and he did believe it was fair to at least give Sean a chance. He saw potential before anyone else, and he'd polish it into perfection.

"Sean, we've talked about this," he said firmly but warmly, putting his headphones away. "Every time you feel like you're gonna trip on your sentence, you stop, take a breath, and push through in one go. Right?"

He then nodded to himself. It truly didn't hurt that Sean had that awkward, handsome charm about him. Maybe he was growing fond of the young man.

"But if I have the afternoon off, that means you do as well. Would you be a dear and bring coffee for the both of us? I'd say we've earned it."

⸻ open to tops ( please read my rules before interacting )

Sean walks into his boss's office clutching an ipad to his chest and trying not to interrupt whatever the older man is doing. "Sir...?" he begins, "I know you said not to disturb you before your next meeting but..." a pause, it's awkward, he stares at the ipad screen now. "Well, it's about your next meeting." another pause, he's really not good at this quick and concise thing. his colleagues joke behind his back that he's been hired as eye candy, not because of his experience - of which he has none - while some say he's been hired because his father is part of the board of directors. "They, um... They've cancelled." he chuckles awkwardly, then looks back at his ipad then back at his boss, "But! But good news! I looked at your schedule and you didn't have anything else planned for the rest of the day, so you've basically got the afternoon off." and then he flashes that big stupid grin of his.

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Chris nodded, intentionally leaving his hand on Caleb's arm just to see what happened. Still, he was now engaged in his companion's problem, and he kept mental note of everything. Although, with his limited knowledge, he was quick to jump to a conclusion that would likely help their case.

"You were training new techniques. Then you got a headache. Now you can't access your power, correct?" he summed it all up, now actively caressing Caleb's arm. "That honestly sounds like mere exhaustion to me. When I use my power too much, I also get a migraine, and nosebleeds. Sometimes I pass out."

Then, without further explainaion, he gently pushed Caleb to the couch, to get him to sit down.

"What you need, sir, is to rest. I'll make you a cup of tea."

Caleb groaned and looked at Chris. "I was working on projecting the fields around other objects to conceal them too. It's been apart of my training for the past three weeks. I know its not you. They thought it was you."

Caleb couldn't help the blush that covered his cheeks as the other patted his arm. He paused for a second. "Also I had a um headache before they started to fizzle out. Like a i almost fell over headache." He said as he looked at him.

"I need this fixed Asap chris."

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Logan Lerman

Oh, Hi!

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@olshuck liked this for a starter

How on earth did a mutant clone made by science end up crossing paths with a hellhound from myth? Chris sure didn't know, but it was at least a funny thing how he always ended up meeting the most interesting people out there in the world.

"If I have to be honest," he started, deciding to be bold and just take the leap. "Being a nightmarish creature way more powerful than me is one of the reasons why I find you so attractive... Which sounds kind of fucked up now that I say it out loud."