The Cold, Cold Streets of Fandom | Afternoon, Despite the Dark, Dark Darkness Overhead

[dollpocalypse]

It was nearly the end of the lunch hour, and Topher still hadn't met his quota.

Ever since he had been turned out onto the street by his one-time benefactor, Topher had been forced to satisfy a set amount of clients per day. Despite hating every minute of it, Topher had watched as his life became an endless routine of john after john, spending endless afternoons out on the street waiting to be approached. It was miserable, and yet, The Russian wouldn't accept anything less. Topher didn't want to know what she would do if he didn't bring in enough money for the day. It would be cruel, he knew that, and he would surely end up suffering far worse than an afternoon spent on the streets.

So this afternoon found him like all the others: waiting, shivering, and contemplating the misery and despair that was his life. Maybe one day he would fall in love, he thought wistfully, and rise above the emptiness that had consumed him for so long.

Wouldn't that be nice.

[[Open! Though there will be no actual sex happening. Topher will just probably weep at anyone who tries to pick him up.]]

Comments

[doubleohblonde]

From his spot near the lamppost, thumbs tucked into the waistband of his painted-on jeans, Jimmy watched the kid. It was heartbreaking, but you had to distance yourself in this business, remind yourself you couldn't, it was dog-eat-dog out here, and no one could afford to watch out for the miniature spoodles.

Not when you were looking to bring down the pit-bulls.

[dollpocalypse]

Sad Rent Boy Topher approached the guy, aiming for an air of
cool sullenness.

"Hey," he said, pouting out his lips. "You up for a good time?"

His voice broke on that last bit. HE WAS SO YOUNG.

[hoorayimrich.livejournal.com]

Today, the part of Tony Stark will be played by singing sensation: Darren Criss.

"Christopher..." Oh, he remembered when they were young and innocent and there was still sunshine out. It was like it was yesterday...

[dollpocalypse]

Sweet, sweet memories.

Topher approached Tony with his head down, ashamed of the path his life had taken.

"Tony," he said. His voice was laden with sorrow.

[hoorayimrich.livejournal.com]

"What happened to you?" He had plans to enact, but he couldn't help but linger on the poor lost soul of a former friend.

And think fondly of those summers in the Swiss Alps. Because everyone went to the French Alps and he was different.

[dollpocalypse]

"You need to be quiet," Topher hissed. "The Russian. She'll see you."

And that would be terrible.

[hoorayimrich.livejournal.com]

"Everyone sees me," Tony replied, head tossed back dramatically. "I'm Tony Stark."

[dollpocalypse]

"Not The Russian," Topher assured him. "If she sees you, we're dead for sure. She'll -- "

He broke off, then hissed, "She does things."

[regretiz4suckas.livejournal.com]

"Topherrrr, my leetle babushka, do you haf happy news for Kenzi?"

She possibly sounded liked she wouldn't mind if he didn't. The accent got randomly thicker. "Tell me you haf been working hard, like good boy!"

[dollpocalypse]

"I'm t-t-trying, miss," Topher sniffled. Then, ducking his head in a flinch, he corrected himself. "I mean. Babulyeh."

[regretiz4suckas.livejournal.com]

Kenzi shook her finger at him playfully. "Tryink is not doink, Topherrr." Her voice became randomly more German sounding. "Would help if you did not look like drowned puppy! Who vants sex with DROWNED PUPPY?!"

[dollpocalypse]

"I ha-ha-haven't showered, Babulyeh," Topher stammered by way of a defense. THE WETNESS WAS JUST HIS TEARS.

[regretiz4suckas.livejournal.com]

"There iz whole ocean to get you clean! There is water gutters to stand under! There are drinkink fountains! I VILL GET HOSE, YES?" Kenzi asked menacingly. "Maybe spray gun! No excusez! Orrrrr...."

Fog rolled in. Music ramped up menacingly. Kenzi's nostrils flared.

[dollpocalypse]

A thunderclap rang overhead. A lighting stand nearly toppled over. Offscreen, a crew member yelled "Sorry!"

Topher nodded, his throat feeling very dry all of a sudden. "Yes, Babulyeh," he croaked. "I'd love a hose. Please."

[momslilassassin]

No, fair viewers, it was not Ben Skywalker, scorned heir to a multi-billion dollar company!

It was Benina (shut up, it was so a name) in a Cunning Disguise, coming to see what kind of gossip he could learn from this poor, sad rentboy.

This poor, sad, familiar rentboy.

"Hey there, sailor," he said. "How much for a little fun?"

[dollpocalypse]

Poor Sad Familiar Rentboy Topher was conflicted. On the one hand, money! On the other hand... he loved Tony! Tony alone!

So he concocted a plan! A plan to learn what he could from Tony's archrival!

"Three hundred," he said, attempting a flirtatious smile.
He did not love Tony enough to do it for free.

[momslilassassin]

"Would you prefer payment in cash, coffee, or diamonds?" Benina asked, completely blowing his cover.

No one but Skywalkers paid for things in diamonds.

[dollpocalypse]

Topher was a genius, you see. So this diamond clue resonated! This was the evil Skywalker who caused his Tony so much pain!

"Where will you get these diamonds?" he inquired not-so-subtlely. Playing the role of the curious, eager hooker, he pleaded, "Can I seeeeee?"

[momslilassassin]

"I know a guy," Benina said, realizing too late how stupid he'd been. "But you can only see if I get something in return."

Beat.

"Other than the sex, of course."

Benina was smooth.

[dollpocalypse]

"...more sex?" Topher suggested. Suppressing his own disgust, of course. He loved Tony and Tony alone!

[onapalebicycle.livejournal.com]

Okay, the streets certainly looked darker than she expected. And a bit chillier. But that was no reason to miss out on this much high-grade comedy.

"Hi," George said, trying to look serious. "Listen, I'm a well-respected filmmaker, trying to make a documentary about --"

Shit. She had no idea what this particular guy thought he was doing, or even if he maybe thought he was the Queen of Spain right now.

"-- this subject, handled sensitively," she lied, instead. "Can I interview you?"

[dollpocalypse]

Topher frowned. "But my mother might see it," he protested. "My poor, ailing mama. She'd be so disappointed."

[onapalebicycle.livejournal.com]

"It's going to be a really select release," George promised. "Just at Sundance, and then aired late at night on the expensive premium channels. Possibly only in Europe. Your mom's not in Europe, is she?"

[dollpocalypse]

"Nooooo..."

Topher thought about it. Hey, maybe if he was a movie star, Tony would like him more!

"Okay, go."

[onapalebicycle.livejournal.com]

"Wonderful," George said. And now, to try to act like a really professional documentarian. Documentary-maker? Documentarier? "Thanks, kid, you won't regret it."

She lifted the camera and cleared her throat.

"So, uh, this is our first ... subject today, and ... he's gonna tell us a little bit about how he got started, here. How old were you? When you started ... doing all this stuff? How does a kid get into this mess?"

She still wasn't sure if he was a prostitute, a drug addict, a drug dealer, or possibly just convinced he was an alien waiting for the mothership. So she was going to be vague until he tipped her off.