[Gift] Concert Tickets

The line in front of the concert venue is long and hot. Fans cluster and chatter away, excitedly waiting for the star himself to saunter down ahead of them. The air is thick with the scent of anticipation, and thousands of people.

At the front of the gate, Wisteria’s hands are entwined with Illumine’s. He’s so excited for the concert that he hasn’t registered Illumine’s very apparent apprehension– or if he has, he hasn’t said anything.

“I can’t believe you got us tickets!” he cheers, swinging their hands back and forth. “And in such good seats! Thank you so much.”

“Of course, love,” Illumine says, pressing their partner’s hand to their lips. “Anything for you.” Regardless of the cost. “I do wonder whether it’s necessary to be stuck here in this awful crowd– don’t you find it warm?”

“Sure, but that’s kind of how it is at concerts.” Wisteria laughs. “Don’t worry– we’ll be inside, soon! Just as soon as Isanghan gets here.”

“Right…” Illumine tries to sigh as subtly as they can, passing air through their nose.

They really aren’t looking forward to seeing Isanghan. They don’t know for sure that he had a hand in acquiring their last-minute tickets– but they strongly suspect that the mere act of sending his staff an e-mail was not the most compelling thing they could have done. Especially given the halfhearted wording. 

They have gone a very long time without thinking about him at all– but when Wisteria was excited for the concert, they had no choice but to oblige.

Just as the anxiety starts to lap at them, the crowd starts to cheer.

There he is, in all his ego and idiocy. His stupid, perfect blue hair shines in the light of the sky; and his skin seems to glow. While walking, he keeps his wings spread out, emphasising his ridiculous silhouette. There’s no doubt about it– as awful as he is, he is certainly pleasant to look at. Illumine pointedly looks away.

Isanghan makes a slow entrance. He waves to fans, greeting as many as he can; there’s very little he likes more than connecting with his adoring public. His voice comes out high and pleasant while he smiles and waves.

His staff urge him onward so as to start the concert on time. He offers the crowd a flamboyant,

“Alright! I’ll see you all from the stage!” as he heads toward the door.

Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he spots a familiar shade of mint green. He turns, and his smile changes from bright and friendly to outright amused.

“Oh. Em. Gee!” he exclaims. He saunters over to his dear childhood… “friend”. “Illumine? It’s been way too long! What are you doing here? I’m so happy to see my biggest fan.”

Illumine turns their head back, looking at him as begrudgingly as possible.

Isanghan just laughs. “Oh, wow– tell me how you really feel. You’re so mean, giving me a look like that!”

“Illumine– do you know him?” Wisteria asks, looking absolutely starstruck.

“Oh, and who’s this?” The star turns his gaze to Illumine’s date. “Were you actually able to make a friend? Wow, good for you! Here I thought you still spent all your time holed up in your apartment.”

“This is Wisteria,” Illumine says stiffly. “He is my partner. Play nice, won’t you? He’s a big fan.”

“You, my friend, have excellent taste.” Isanghan smiles at Wisteria.

“Generally, yes,” Illumine agrees, with a roll of their eyes.

Isanghan leans a bit closer, and takes Wisteria’s chin with his thumb. “So, how long has this been a thing? Everything going… satisfactory- satistfactor-”

“The word is satisfactorily,” Illumine says, pulling Wisteria to their side and draping an arm around his shoulders. “I’m surprised you write music with the vocabulary of a four-month-old.”

“Mm, I don’t really write my own songs.” He doesn’t take his eyes off of Wisteria. “I’m more about the performance of it all, you know?”

Wisteria, flustered, nods his head. He’s having a bit of a hard time focusing on the conversation at hand– Isanghan's eyes are this exquisite deep blue colour. He’s awfully caught up in those; and in the special attention this extremely talented individual seems to be giving him.

“I’m sorry, I’m being so rude,” he says. “I haven’t even asked for your name, have I?”

“I-I-It’s Wisteria,” he stammers.

“Oh, I love that name!” Isanghan is so delighted with Wisteria’s response. “It suits you! It’s so good to meet you.”

“You too!” Wisteria squeaks.

“Do you have good seats?” he continues. “I’d love to see you front and center.”

“Th-they’re okay.” Wisteria releases a nervous laugh.

“Let’s see your tickets.” Isanghan pulls his hand away, and holds it out.

“Uh…” Wisteria’s brain short-circuits. “I don’t- they’re, uh- it’s-” He reaches up to touch Illumine’s chest. “Illumine?”

“I have them,” they say.

“Oh, cool, let me see ‘em.” When speaking to Illumine, Isanghan's tone turns demanding.

There is a long moment where Illumine doesn’t do anything. Finally, they let out an exaggerated sigh, reach into their pocket, and pull out their phone.

“They’re online– give me a minute.”

“Oh– don’t bother, then. I’ll just tell security to let you in the front, m’kay?” Isanghan giggles.

“Wow! Thank you so much…!” Wisteria exclaims. “You’re so nice- aah, I mean-”

“Thank you!” Isanghan smiles; the normal, charming expression he uses with his fans.

“Isanghan!” calls his manager, from close to the door.

“Oh! Well, it looks like I really have to go now.” He traces his fingers up Wisteria’s cheek. “Hey– if you two want, come to my dressing room after the show. We can finish up our… conversation.”

Wisteria’s mouth drops open as he tries to formulate a response. Illumine tries to keep a neutral expression, but they cannot stifle their distaste.

Isanghan giggles again. “Alright, well, I’ll see you two soon, okay?” He turns around, and heads into the venue.

“We aren’t going to that,” Illumine states firmly, and completely unable to take their eyes off of him.