#wooooo new storyyyy

[lightblue-flower]

Love Lies - Prologue I

Summary: Arthur Kirkland is one of the most successful producers and DJ in the world. Known to the public as KING, he managed to dominate the EDM scene after his first year breaking into the mainstream. Unluckily for him, another DJ also broke through at the same time - French DJ and professional womanizer Jean Épine-, and after a bit of a snarky conversation and Jean winning first place on the DJMag Top 100, Arthur made it his mission to beat Jean at all the awards and become the real number one DJ.

That all changes when, after a few more years later, after the two always managing to keep the top two positions to themselves, newcomer Lars Jensen rocked the EDM scene by being the youngest DJ to win the title. Not wanting to disappear from the public eye and wanting to stay relevant, Arthur and Jean decide to collaborate on an album that would top the charts.

Little did either of them know that there would be more to their year together other than producing music…

A/N: Hey everyone! It’s been a long while since I posted a story here, and since I made a new account, I decided I’ll post my most recent works here- if you’re in the FrUk sphere, you may have heard of a small EDM/DJ AU that I really wanted to do so..I wrote it! I hope anyone who’s reading this will enjoy this chapter, I will try my best to update it (though it won’t be a long work), and thank you so much for just reading this piece! 

Pairing: FrUk (Main), Undecided small pairings (RoChu, NedPort)

Characters: KING/ Arthur Kirkland - England Jean Épine/ Francis Bonnefoy - France LUK∀S/ Lukas - Norway Matthias- Denmark, Tino - Finland, Berwald - Sweden Mei Xiao - Taiwan Camille Bonnefoy - Monaco Eduard Von Bock - Estonia Raivis- Latvia, Toris - Lithuania

Also Read Here: AO3

Prologue I

Click, click, click, click, click, click!

“King! Over here!”

Click, click, click, click, click, click!

“Smile for me, KING!”

The man was absolutely awestruck at his surroundings. The sudden flashes of the cameras lined up behind the barricade nearly blinded him as he stood on the carpet, trying his best not to squint too much as to not stupid in the photo.

The man was currently in Festhalle Frankfurt, the huge arena located in Frankfurt, Germany, where he was attending the MTV Europe Music Awards. See, this man was no ordinary man- he is now one of the rising names in the DJ and music producer scene internationally so far, and his popularity is only rising from there.

After meticulously and slowly doing DJ gigs from small bars to getting signed by Braginsky Entertainment , a small yet well connected management group, to doing EDM concerts in Europe, the man was able make his big break at the beginning of summer that year with the release of his EP Runaway , with the titular track breaking through to mainstream. He didn’t expect the success with Runaway would be as huge as it did, but it landed him nominations after nominations, and after actually winning Teens Choice Awards for best EDM Song, placing 20th on the DJMag 100 list, he went on to winning Best Breakthrough DJ from the DJ Awards in Ibiza.

Things were looking up for this man, and even though this was his first attending these sorts of events, he was sure that he would be at least in the top 10 in the 100 list next year.

“Arthur, come over here right now,” he heard a woman beckon from the side, a bit further back in order to allow other singers and attendees to pass them. Arthur sighed, as he trailed away towards a short woman with long brown hair, who was extending her tanned arms out towards him towards his neck. “How did you manage to loosen your tie again!”

“Why do I have to wear this stuffy suit, huh Mei? I didn’t have to wear this at the DJ Awards…”

“Because no photographers were allowed there,” Mei whispered sharply, her eyebrows pulled into a slight frown, though due to her voice having a high and sweet sound to it, it didn’t sound as threatening as she would have liked it to be. “If you keep up this good image when you go events, you’ll be taken more seriously by potential collaborators and artists, which would help you kickstart your album for next year.”

“We just finished the tour and we’re already talking about another EP…”

“This is what you were working towards Arthur! Producing your own music! And thanks to that mix, you now have to opportunity to make your way up to the top 10! That would only make your base bigger!”

What started as a hobby one afternoon when he was 20 in order to escape the dread of his everyday minimum-wage life in his small, cramped apartment his family of five shared, soon turn into a skyrocketing musical career ever since he started to upload mixes online. Arthur was originally in an indie rock band as a guitarist and backup vocals from secondary school until then, who did relatively well in the U.K., however, since their disbandment he had no idea what he was going to do with his life. He didn’t want to go to university - something his parents wanted him to do- and he wanted to keep making music.

“Now, smile,” Mei said smoothly, her glossed lips turning up as a smile, as she mindlessly brushed Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur gave a smile, knowing that she was only thinking about what’s best for him - Mei was his manager since the day he signed on to the label.

Although at first, most people at the agency were hesitant to sign an inexperienced person on (at the age of 22, Arthur only performed in clubs and had few mixes to present), Mei felt that he could make it big, and immediately extended her help to Arthur. Arthur knew his hard work and endless hours poured into producing was what helped him on his way to success, though he admits that he’s as big as he is now because he Mei by his side, along with his agent and publicist, Yao Wang, who unfortunately couldn’t make it (or so he claims…Arthur knows he’s having another rendezvous with the CEO’s son).

It’s only been almost 1 year since he signed on, and he somehow managed to make his big break from a small record company. This kind of thing wasn’t unusual, but for someone to have such little experience before entering the industry, this was a pretty amazing feat.

Arthur strode down the red carpet, looking up and standing on one spot for photographers to take photos of him. Both hands in his pockets, he stood up straight and flashed a smile. He may not be the most attractive man attending the event, but he knew that his somewhat boyish, punkish charm is what wins the media’s heart. It clashes with the way he talks- with a delightful London accent that doesn’t sound too posh or too much like a chav- which gave him a somewhat gentlemanly air.

He eventually walked down the carpet, where he can hear the screams of the public being held behind the silver rails, and additional bodyguards holding some of the girls who were trying to lean over to touch the people that pass. Some could be heard slightly saying his stage name, but Arthur was still unsure how to handle fans, so he walked down to the area where the interviewers were standing, busily trying to interview as many of the attendees as they can.

“Hey, King! If it isn’t everyone’s favourite new DJ, how’s it going man?” Arthur was called over by a tall, young man with a dirty blond undercut, and a very who he recognized immediately as one of the most popular music reporter for the magazine Weekly Entertainment: Eduard Von Bock. Arthur has done a previous interview with him about his album in one of their issues (Mei knew Eduard personally, and was able to get him to interview Arthur) and the two encountered the other more during the festivals and events Arthur attended over the course of the year.

Edward was a decent man and was very level-headed, but the moment the camera is on he becomes the talkative, confident, and vibrant guy the internet loves to watch. He also tends to contribute to the magazine’s many gossipy articles claiming it was from ‘an anonymous source’, but everyone in the music industry knows that he’s the source and finds information first hand. Eduard has a way with words, and he could easily analyze whatever you say and find a hidden meaning behind your facial expressions- he knows just the right times to press on with questions.

Even though Mei trusts Eduard not to harass Arthur, Yao coached him on what to do when the press tries to badger you with personal questions- he especially made sure Arthur was prepared for Eduard’s questions, making him watch a few of his interviews and pointing out how to counter most of his questions.

“It’s been a while Eduard- I’m loving the white,” Arthur replied lightly as he approached the man, who was wearing a white suit black lapels and tie. He definitely stood out from the rest of the reporters. Arthur has seen him when he would be lounging around at his flat one time when Arthur tagged along with Mei as she tried to squeeze some intel about other potential competitors from Eduard. Eduard was mild with his outfits at home, with dark earthy hues as his usual palette- but that wouldn’t match his online character, and so he would wear these bright colours in order to grab the stars’ attention and to get an interview with them before anyone else.

“If it isn’t the one and only King!” Eduard smiled brightly as Arthur approached, shifting the microphone to his left hand and reaching out to shake Arthur’s hand with the other. “Good to see you, man, you’re looking quite snazzy with that suit. I didn’t think you’d be the type to wear something like this- you always wear jeans and shirts to your shows!”

“Well, this is the biggest music awards in Europe and I wanted to at least look as good and fancy as everyone else. Of course, I don’t look as handsome as you Eduard,” Arthur quipped back. “You need to give the rest of us a chance, you know!”

“Always with the compliments Arthur save it for the ladies,” Eduard replied with a cheeky grin. “I was just taking a break from the interviews and I’m starting it up again- it would be awesome to get an interview with one of the best DJs in the world so far.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m the best DJ,” Arthur laughed his comment off, wanting to appear humble. He can’t let his sudden success get into his head early on- he especially doesn’t want to give Eduard’s any reason to claim him to be arrogant and egotistical.

“Alright,  we’ll be going live soon, so get ready. Raivis, you steady the camera! Toris, how’s the audio?”

“Yessir!” The small man holding the camera said quickly, looking nervously as he fumbled to hold the camera over his shoulder, as another taller man handled a little pad and headphones, fidgeting with a metallic square.

“You’re going live, Eduard, in 3, 2,” the taller man said, mouthing ‘1’, and Eduard immediately had a much clearer and louder voice. “Ladies and gents, we are back on the MTV European Awards, standing on the red carpet, and I am currently joined by King, who is one of the most talked about DJs in the world. King, how do you feel being here in Frankfurt tonight?”

“Well, Eduard, I am very happy and grateful that I was able to have the opportunity to attend this award show- this is my first time at anything like this, and it’s really exciting being able to actually witness everything as it happens,” Arthur said cooly into the mic, give a small smile. “Everything is just so new to me, and I can’t wait to watch all the live performances.”

“That’s right, this is your first time attending the EMAs, and this year really boost your popularity with the release of your song “Runaway” during the summer allowing you to attend these sort of popular events. Not only is this your first year attending this sort of thing, but you’re also nominated for two awards, for both Best Electronic Artist and Best New Act award. Tell me, how do you feel being nominated in two categories during your first year attending this show?”

“Well, it’s certainly a lot of anticipation and pressure, because in Best Electronic Artist, I’m against veteran DJs who are amazing, and as a newer DJ I’m just happy being in the same category as they are.”

“Ah, but you’re also against newcomer Jean Épine for both awards. How do you feel having to compete against him again for Best New Act after winning Best Breakthrough Artist in Ibiza? Do you think you have a chance of winning again?”

This little shit starter , Arthur thought as he gritted his teeth upon hearing that name, and he could see Eduard’s eyes twinkle behind his glasses, ready for Arthur to say something.

“Look, we’re both here because we love to produce music and I think Jean Épine makes good music, but I don’t really care about winning the awards. It’s all about making the music and experiencing the journey,” Arthur replied, as Eduard did his usual end of the interview laugh and smile.

“Alright, well, thank you for talking with us King, we hope to see you on the stage!” With that, Eduard looked at the camera, a sign for Arthur to walk down the red carpet.

Arthur continued along while being stopped here and there for an interview from other magazines and entertainment channels. As it was approaching the start of the main event, Arthur found his way to his spot at the nosebleeds section reserved for artists, special guests, and participants in the award show. As he trailed along the railings, he managed to thread his way through the myriad of people standing around. He gave a quick hi to some familiar faces that came up to him and introduced themselves.

He didn’t make friends as easily as he should have, so he was grateful that people were mostly approaching him rather than the other way around.

“Well, well. If it isn’t the King himself!” Arthur turned around to the source of the voice, and immediately knew who it was from the high tone to the Danish accent. There were three men sitting around a table, all wearing casual, yet stylish, clothing, and Arthur felt a bit more relaxed seeing them. 

“I thought all of you were performing tonight. I was looking forward to Matthias’ singing!”

“You know you love my voice,” the one with his long yellow-blond hair pulled into a bit of spike replied - that being Matthias. His eyes crinkled slightly as he smirked, “If you bothered to read the itinerary, you’d know whether we’re performing or not.”

“I was too busy to read it- besides, it’d be nice be a bit surprised with the acts,” Arthur waved him off as he exchanged a quick handshake and hug with Matthia, happy to see him after a long while. He turned to the other two- one who was shorter than the other two with short, blond hair and the other one with shorter hair and glasses-, and did the same. “Tino, Berwald, it’s good to you lads. How was your tour?”

“Hm.” Berwald, the tall one with the glasses, nodded, while Tino laughed.

“We’re still really tired from it, but we didn’t want to miss the chance of hanging out with you and Lukas,” Tino said, his voice light with a Finnish accent. “It’s been too long since we’ve partied together!”

“Where is Lukas anyways? I didn’t see him when I was walking down the carpet?” Arthur asked, as Matthias allowed Arthur to slip between him and Tinos to sit down on the couch. “Is he also going to perform?”

“I texted him and he said he just arrived,”, Matthias replied, glancing over to his phone. “Though I don’t remember if he’s going to be performing right now.”

“No, he’s just going to be hosting until the Best Electronic Act portion in the middle of the night,” Tino replied, pulling his eyebrows down slightly, as if thinking. “And we’re presenting right after Jean Épine’s performance.”

Arthur pulled his lips in when he heard that name again.

“Jean Épine?” Berwald repeated with a monotone voice, before pausing momentarily. “…Who’s that.”

“Seriously Berwald! You’ve heard his track ‘X and O’ before, it was playing on the radio on our way here!” Matthias laughed.

“Your head’s always up in the clouds,” Tino sighed, taking a sip from the drink he had in his hand.

“That guy’s doing pretty good isn’t he? He’s already gotten an award at the VMA for that single,” Matthias replied. “Along with NRJ’s Best Single and Song of the Summer…”

The NRJ Awards are bias towards French DJs though , Arthur scoffed in his head, remembering Yao’s words about holding his tongue from saying anything about an award he could potentially win in the future.

“That’s crazy good compared to our first year in mainstream,” Matthias sighed, turning his face slightly up as he leaned back into the couch, a hand running through his blonde hair. “You and Jean are killing it on the charts. I’m kind of jealous…

“You two are already got nominated for both Best Electronic Artist Category and Best New Act!” Tino said cheerfully, in order to show support. “I’m sure one of you would win!”

“Hey, you guys are nominated for Electronic Artist too! You guys might have a better chance than me,” Arthur waved Tino’s comment politely with a kind smile, although he felt his ego boost by two folds.

Jean Épine…that’s all he’s been hearing about ever since his song started to climb up the charts.

One of the most talked about DJs in the world at the moment, Jean Épine is a French DJ that made his breakthrough that year with his hit song ‘X and O’ featuring one of the biggest pop singers in the world, RiRi. From what Arthur knew about him, he had been in the Parisian club scene much longer than Arthur, but only turned to producing songs that year, with much success from having a decent following from his mixes. Other than that, he didn’t know anything other than what he saw on magazines.

It’s true what Mathias said thought- both him and Jean Épine broke out into the mainstream around the same time, and rather than either of them one upping each other, their popularity skyrocketed at the same time.

Matthias, Tino, and Berwald all belong to the Scandinavian DJ group called The Aftermath- a name that they carried with them for the past three years since they started to make songs that were a hit with the public. Though, their first song didn’t nearly do as good as either Runaway or X and O.

Arthur never directly encountered Jean surprisingly- he only ever attended music festivals that year instead or reward show. Even so, Arthur knew he didn’t like the French DJ the moment he saw Jean Épine’s face on the cover of Weekly Entertainment. He was a man that was a few years older than Arthur, with long blond hair that he didn’t bother to tie back, with a light stubble along his jaw and chin, and small, yet beautiful blue eyes that were enclosed with long lashes. He had a smirk on his face that Arthur read as Jean saying, “ Yeah, I know I’m hot, what are you gonna do about it?” He wore a white and black style shirt with a blue jacket, and he had rings adorned on his fingers, along with a single gold chain tucked into his shirt. His black jeans were too tight for Arthur’s taste, and he wore very expensive trainers that must have been Christian Dior. Jean exudes sex appeal in his cover photo, and even more in the small photoshoot in the magazine itself

Arthur immediately did not like Jean. There was something about him the oozes narcissism, overconfidence, and arrogance. It didn’t help that Arthur had a feeling he was one of those rich kids that grew up with all the luxury in the world that this producing thing was just for fun, and he probably doesn’t even produce his own stuff.

Despite this subtle hatred from Arthur’s part,here were no rivalry between them, though, exemplified by Eduard’s interview, the media sort of attempted to make it seem like there could be one. They are never seen talking to each other, but really they never had the opportunity to.

Mei wants to introduce Arthur to Jean after this awards show though- Jean will be performing and attending The Aftermath’s after party that’s mostly for producers and DJs, and she wants them to be acquainted as soon as they can, much to Arthur’s dismay. Luckily, he hasn’t yet run into him, but he knows that he’ll have to see his stupid French face when he performed.

It won’t hurt to meet him, Arthur though, as the light started to go down, and the entire stadium went silent for a moment. Maybe we can even collaborate on a project.

The even started immediately, with the fans who attended the show in the front of the stage screaming when the first act went on. Arthur wasn’t prepared for all the excitement that he felt - it was much different being there than watching it on a tv screen. It was even more so exciting when he was one of the people that other scream and get excited about- this is how fame must feel like.

As the night progressed, their friend Lukas appeared on the stage. Arthur was, needless to say, impressed with how clean cut Lukas looked in his little navy blue suit and his wheat-blond hair being brushed back to show his baby blues. He still didn’t forget to wear his iconic silver cross clip in his hair, but he made it work with the rest of the outfit.

Lukas was a Norwegian DJ Arthur met through Matthias and his group. His stage name was simply his name stylized as LUK∀S- he was one of the lucky few who could use their actual name and make it sound cool enough to put on an album cover.

Imagine if Arthur put his name on an album- he doubts people would be interested in buying songs from a guy named Arthur Kirkland. That’s too posh and uptight of a name that didn’t scream ‘ I’m cool, I like to stay out late partying and drinking until I pass out! ’

Lukas presented a few awards alongside a well-known singer while giving a bit of a spiel for each of them. Finally, he said,

“And now I’ll be presenting this award before we get back into the performances. The Best Electronic Music Act!” People for the audience cheered as Lukas picked up a hin, metallic black envelope from the side of the stage, as the screen behind them lit up with a blue, pink, and yellow geometrical formation, and the pre-made video with all the artists that are nominated for the award appeared.

“ Best Electronic Music Act, ” A women’s voice said from the video, as she started to list the contestants. There were five people per nomination, and a snippet of their most popular music video of the year played. “ …The Aftermath…Jean Épine…KING .”

Arthur felt goosebumps on his arms as he saw his face appear from the music video for Runaway , and felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement well up in his chest. Despite what he thinks, he knows that he has a good chance of winning both awards tonights. He can’t wait to add this award to his list… it would be amazing if he managed to win all these awards in his first year.

“And the winner is…” The girl beside Lukas started, as she opened the envelope, before turning it around. In that millisecond, Arthur was ready to hear that one word, when he saw Lukas lean into the mic.

“Jean Épine!”

Screams and cheers could be heard as the stage lit a bit brighter shade of blue, and Arthur could the cameras attached around the balcony shift over to the main catwalk to the stage. He could hear Matthias wolf whistle, and Arthur forced himself to clap as a vague disappointment washed over him, but nothing too serious.

Jean Épine walked down the aisle, wearing a casual grey jacket with a long black shirt, and pants to suit it. He wasn’t as dressed up as Arthur, but he still looked good in what he was wearing- again, with the stupid rings and the chain kept hidden, and his long golden locks were pulled back into a low ponytail. He managed to look like he was walking out of a fashion catalogue, even while wearing the most ridiculous thing ever.

His song played in the background as he accepted the award, and he smiled that sweet smile. Arthur could hear most of the girls scream and swoon as he winked at a few near the stage. He shook hands and hugged both Lukas and the girl, before taking the award in his hand and the mic.

“Um, sorry if I don’t say this right,” Jean started, and Arthur realised for the first time that he actually never heard the man speak. Ever.

There was something seductive and romantic about his voice- the tone wasn’t too deep, but not too high. He had this weird fluidity, and his French accent, although thick, had this weird charm to it. There was a bit of a rasp to his voice, but it could be because of how he pronounced his ‘r’ in that French way.

“Thank you to all my fans for supporting my work,” Jean continued a bit slow, as if he was being careful with what he said. Arthur knew then and there that this must have been the first time Jean was speaking English publicly. He grew up in London - a very multicultural city in its own rights. There’s a thing most people do when they learn a new language where they look like their thinking about what to say and making sure not to say it in their own language- and that’s exactly what Jean was doing. “Et uhh, to my beautiful manager, Camille, for helping me with the album and supporting me with the making of it. I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you Record Spinnings for allowing to continue to make music that I love, and thank you MTV for the award!”

Of course, more screams, and Arthur can tell that the girls must have been swooning over how cute he was for how careful and slow he was, and how charming his stupid French accent was. None of which Arthur found nice on him. If it were others, he would have been fine with, but there was something about watching Jean talk and the fans screaming that really…

 Annoying, Arthur thought trying so hard not to make any obviously annoyed faces, know that if the camera happened to zoom in on him, there’s going to be another supposed beef between him and Jean. And he was not ready to get into any celeb fights. Not this soon anyway.

 It was perfect ‘coincidence’ that Jean was performing soon after this award, because a good few minutes after Matthias, Tino, and Berwald left to go backstage to prepare for their performance, Jean Epine came back out on the stage to present his song with RiRi. The stage was set with a small disk jockey, as the lights started to dance to the beat of the music, and the singer, RiRi, came out looking as much of a fashion icon as she can. The crowd was completely hyped, and Arthur tried to enjoy it, but he was cringing at the excessive use of electronic sound to the song.

Arthur tended to be the type to merge a bit of piano and guitar into his piece instead of relying heavily on whatever Guitar Band rehash that every DJ abuses - hence why he doesn’t actively listen to Jean’s music in the first place.

The Aftermath went on soon after, and as the night rolled on, Arthur was caught up with all the amazing performances that he was disappointed when the show ended. But he knew the night was not quite over.

“Let’s have another drink!” Matthias exclaimed, as the cork from the champagne he held in his hands catapulted up to the dimly lit roof of the limousine they were in. Along with Lukas, Arthur had joined his mates to go to one of the after parties in Frankfurt- more specifically, the one The Aftermath was in charge of, but they were running a bit late thanks to Matthias’ Snapchat spree he did at the end of the event.

 Arthur texted Mei, who was waiting at the club and trusted him to get there in one piece.

 Remember, don’t drink before you get here! Mei had texted him, and Arthur consciously knew that he shouldn’t accept the glass Matthias was handing him, but his subconscious said he deserves to party after being stuck in the studio for so long and touring around Europe during the summer without properly partying.

One little drink won’t hurt, Arthur thought, taking a small sip from the glass, laughing along with the others as Matthias drunkenly sang along the pop songs that came on the radio.

Mattias had to get Berwald to help him out of the limousine, as Tino and Lukas trailed along with Arthur, who was a bit tipsy on his feet as he walked up the stairs to the doorway. The music was blaring, and the ground felt like it was shaking, but it must have been Arthur’s imagination. He couldn’t see much through the light fog that clung in the air, but he managed to make his way to the top floor with the others to were all the couches and tables were.

He managed to spot Mei near the little bar on the side and started to make his way over. As he approached Mei, he saw that she was talking to a young woman who was slightly taller than her, with peach skin and long blonde hair that was tied back in a French braid. She was definitely pretty, but she had a cold air to her, and her resting face didn’t help.

“King!” Mei exclaimed loud enough for him to hear, as he pulled Arthur into a gentle hug. “I want to introduce you to Camille Bonnefoy. She’s a manager at Record Spinnings!”

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Bonnefoy,” Arthur courtly replied, reaching out his hand and shaking hers.

“Please, call me Camille,” the woman replied, and Arthur noted her slight French accent. She reminded him of someone - from the clear blue eyes to the dark blond hair-, but he wasn’t sure of whom…

“She’s Jean Épine’s manager,” Mei said to Arthur before he can open his mouth, and a sudden dread swept over him, the swirling around him intensifying. He really shouldn’t have drunk before coming here…did Matthias put something else in his drink? Or did he drink more than one glass?

“Well, you must be proud of his win tonight,” Arthur said, before muttering, “and of his subpar act.” Mei immediately pinched his back so he would straighten up and watch what he said, but luckily for her, Camille didn’t hear anything.

“Yes, he’s really surprised that he managed to win amongst all the other artists! But he worked really hard on his EP,” Camille smiled kindly. “I must say, King, I am a big fan of your EP as well. I wish I brought my copy for you to sign!”

She knows how to flatter you, Arthur though, though he didn’t mind that at all. At least someone is showing him a bit of love. Mei was good at that too- flattering other artists. It must come with being a manager. “I’ll be sure to send you one with my autograph.”

“Camille and I were talking about a possible collaboration between you and Jean Epine,” Mei started, as she took her glass of Sangria from the countertop. “But we wanted you two to meet.”

“Now, where is that guy- Jean?” Camille exclaimed into the crowd of other people, looking around, until she looked behind her, and sighed. “Always with the models… Jean vien ici!”

Arthur looked passed Camille, and lo and behold, Jean Épine was at a couch nearby, surrounded by a bunch of female models who had managed to make it on the invite list. He could see that the Frenchman was chattering away, and his hand gestures made it seem like he was flirting- a few of their smiles and laughter confirmed that he was, indeed, flirting.

When Camille called him over, Jean looked up. He didn’t make any sign of agitation, and instead stood up with a smile, told the girls something, gave another wink, and waltzed over to bar where the group was standing.

“Je veut t’introduire a Mei Xiao et KING, ” Camille said in French, and Arthur was slightly confused as to why. Thankfully he paid a bit of attention to French class from high school, but he knew Mei didn’t know a lick of French to save her in the streets of Paris. “Il est le nouveau DJ de Londres dont tout le monde parle. He’s the new London DJ everyone is talking about.>”

Jean looked up to Arthur, and Arthur sort of froze on the spot. There was something completely different when you looked at him in person, and it was completely different looking him in the eye rather than through a magazine cover. Arthur felt his heartbeat slightly, and he remained even more entranced when Jean broke into a warm smile and reached out for his hand. “Hello, nice to meet you.”

“You too,” Arthur quickly mumbled, not wanting to look like a baffoon, and shook his hand quickly. “You had a good performance tonight, and congratulations on winning your award.”

He heard Camille quickly translate exactly what Arthur said in French, and Jean nodded along, not breaking eye contact with him.

“Thank you,” Jean replied, and there was something about it that sounded incredibly sincere. But that vanished as soon as Jean let go, and he looked at Mei - and then that arrogant clint in his eyes returned, and he had more of a flirtatious smirk.

“Et vous aussi, mademoiselle,” he said and his voice turned smooth and low, taking Mei’s hand and planting a kiss.

Arthur was back to not liking Jean.

“Oh, oh, merci,” Mei said quickly with the only few French words she knew, a flustered look on her face, and she giggled like an idiot. Arthur was gravely disappointed with his manager- not even she can control herself around this man.

“Je savais pas que les femmes de Londres sont si belle,” he continued to Mei, who had no idea what he was saying, but Arthur knows what ‘femme’ and ‘belle’ means and put two and two together.

“Elle n’est pas interested,” Arthur suddenly mumbled close to Jean, knowing that he spoke some serious Franglish at that moment, but he just wanted him to get out of Mei’s face.

Jean laughed at what Arthur said, and leaned back, his smirk not leaving his face and pissing Arthur off greatly.

“Okay you two, me and Mei are going to go and talk some more business stuff, so have fun,” Camille said, and repeated it in French, before looping her arm around Mei’s, to escort her out of the area.

“Yao said he can pick you up and take you home,” Mei said before she started to walk away. “Make sure to call him! Have fun!”

“I will!” Arthur replied back as he watched Mei start to go down the staircases to the main floor.

Now it was just him and Jean Épine. No Mei. No Camille. And now that whatever he had in the limousine started to overtake his system, Arthur has no filter.

“Do you always flirt with any women or is that just a thing you French men do?” Arthur slurred as he leaned on the counter. Jean looked at him, and there was an expression of amusement on his face.

“Pardon?” Jean asked, as Arthur huffed.

“Right…you don’t understand English much, do you?” Arthur replied, a bit more clearer for him to hear him properly. Jean looked at him for a moment, thinking.

“I understand…but it’s harder to speak,” Jean replied, his silky smooth voice still sounding nice even when he’s struggling to talk. “I know more now than when I was…petit.”

“I thought they taught English in French schools?”

“Yes, but I didn’t need to learn it,” Jean continued, his voice a bit more sure, before his smirk returned. “Plenty of women don’t mind me speaking French.”

“So you’re that type, huh,” Arthur mumbled, glancing over at the table. One of the models was getting up and coming towards them. He then felt a bit annoyed and wanted to be a bit of a douche to him. “Did you get into DJing because you knew fame came with all the models and sex in the world?”

To this, Jean laughed. Then, it the clearest and most confident voice, “Well, at least one of us gets to experience it.”

Now Arthur knew that he did not like Jean at all.

The model that came up to them hooked her arm around Jean, saying, “Come on, let’s dance!”

“Oui,” Jean replied, and spoke a bit more of French.

Jean Épine turned around as the model dragged him along past Arthur, and he glanced back Arthur…only to give him that same stupid smirk he used on that magazine cover. Except now, Arthur read it additionally as “I know I’m hot, everyone wants me, and I’m the shit, what are you going to do about it?”

“See you around, little king,” he could hear him say, a bit of a teasing tone in his voice, and Arthur gritted his teeth.

What an ass! Arthur thought, wanting so bad to call him out, but Jean disappeared amongst the many other people in the club around them.

At that moment, Arthur swore he was going to be a better producer than motherfucking Jean Epine. He’ll even be number one next year on the DJMag Top 100!

Watch out Jean Épine, Arthur scoffed, before hearing Matthias calling him over from the bar. I’ll make you regret making a fool out of me…

And he’ll do exactly that.

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