• Argue with the Moon •

[Greyson Wesley Drozdov]

Tonight was one of those rare occasions where Greyson found himself not in the ballet studio or laying back on his sofa with his two dogs, but dressed up and heading out on the town. The entire Company had the night off in order to attend the annual dinner cruise fundraiser for one of the various charities helping keep performing arts in the local schools. He’d attended the event every year since he’d joined the Company, enjoying the night to do something other than work or mentally prepare himself for work the next day. It was a great chance to see everyone outside the theatre and meet some of the other artists who graced the numerous stages New York had to offer.
Greyson primped himself to a presentable state, tying his favorite bow tie with ease and shining up his rarely used dress shoes. They’d been an investment when he’d been promoted to Principal, as his step-mother claimed she wanted him to be more professional, though they mostly remained in the bottom of his closet. His feet were calloused enough from dancing; uncomfortable dress shoes were not his favorite things to sport.
Struggling through the typical traffic in a taxi, he made his way to the harbor and was on the ship before he knew it, joining his fellow ballet dancers in a little clique. A few of his usual crew were there, including the younger dancer he knew was already vying for his place towards the top of the company. Greyson was leaving all the work politics in the studio however, and soon broke away to mingle with some others outside his chosen career field. He enjoyed the cocktail hour with a few producers and one of his pas de deux partner’s husbands. This was supposed to be fun and he was going to make sure it was.
Before he’d finished his first drink, they were asking everyone to take their seats at the assigned tables. He found his name card without a problem, realizing with a bit of surprise he was next to none of his ballet friends, but a Broadway actress and some singer. Their titles were all scrawled in gold on the cards, making the simple words “New York Ballet, Principal Dancer” seem fancy, even to him. Greyson took his time meandering towards the table, joking with his dance partner’s husband, and promising to come over for dinner soon. As the first course began rolling around, he slid into his seat at the table with only the grace a dancer could possess.
A charming smile was on his face as he wound up in the middle of conversations with the two beautiful performers around him. The rest of the faces were older, most likely the donors who had theatres and studios named after them, and were therefore the people Greyson was always told to impress. With an internal sign and his eyes on his salad, he buckled down for one of the better meals he got in his spare time, resigning himself to a night of old maids bickering and performers with their egos out in full force.

• • •

TAG: audrey juniper carver
OUTFIT: Bowties Are Cool
LOCATION: The Harbor, New York
LYRICS: Blame it On the Stars by Andy Grammar
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[audrey juniper carver]

Audrey was often invited to charity nights and fundraisers for the foundations across New York City. She didn’t attend many of them purely because she was often on stage performing at the times they were happening. She sent a note of thanks and something for an auction – usually tickets – and wished them well for the coming year. Tonight really was a rarity, but she was changing shows, leaving one family to join another, so she had a little more free time than she was used to. That meant when the invitation came through the mail her diary was actually blank for this evening. Her presence was expected at rehearsals for another week, and she had spent the last two getting done everything on her to-do list so that she could spend her final days relaxing and completely unwinding before she was catapulted back into what was the norm for her. Tonight was a chance to dress up and look pretty, while being able to help out a cause she truly believed in.

Audrey wasn’t from New York originally. She had moved only when she was eighteen to attend Julliard. Before that she was a theatre kid from Scranton, Pennsylvania, but she had relied on classes and workshops like the ones this dinner supported. Without them she wouldn’t have made it as far as she had done in such a short time. She had friends who were still waiting for their break from the chorus line, whereas she had barely been a bit player in her stage career. Audrey had come from nothing and fought to have everything. If someone said they doubted she could do something, she went and showed them she could. That was what she wanted to inspire, if she could inspire anyone with anything.

She mingled with her fellow Broadway stars when she arrived, catching up with those she hadn’t seen in a long time. They had cocktails and talked, pausing only when someone else came over to congratulate one of them, or say how they loved them in such and such a show. It was what they were all used to, but tonight Audrey thought there might be less of it considering they were in a room filled with stars in their own right, or the rich donors who acted like they didn’t need to say who they were with the amount of money they gave each year.

Audrey was in the middle of laughing at one of her friend’s stories about a wardrobe malfunction mid number, when they were being asked to take their seats. She hadn’t even looked to see where she was sitting for the evening. Thankfully, she hadn’t been standing too far from the correct table, and she placed her glass down first before smoothing her skirt and lowering herself into the chair, smiling at those seated before her. No sooner had she sat down than the woman to her left began chattering away about how she had come to New York to take on Broadway, but had instead met her wealthy husband who was a patron of the arts and gave it all up for love and family. Audrey could only smile politely while poking at her salad, wondering if it was rude to eat while this jewelled up lady continued to whittle on. She couldn’t understand why giving up on her dreams was a good thing, even for love and romance, but she wasn’t about to be bold and stupid and say that. The foundation relied on these people to part with their money, and her getting into an argument with one of the wealthiest – and apparently stupidest – women in the room, was likely not going to help their cause.

• • •

TAGGED! Greyson Wesley Drozdov
WORDS! 620!
OUTFIT! Lovely Lady!
LYRICS! Little Bit Love - - - Sunrise Avenue
NOTES! <3

[Greyson Wesley Drozdov]

Greyson had been raised in New York, surrounded by one of the richest, most vibrant art scenes the country had to offer. He had attended the best ballet schools, gone to the classic and popular shows, and learned from some of the top performers in the world. His life had been about performing for as long as he could remember; dancing was in his blood, after all, so it was only natural that he would grow up to follow in his mother’s footsteps and New York was the perfect place to do it.
He had worked hard for his spot at the Company and had the blisters to prove it. Determination and strength were necessities if one wanted to succeed in this career, and Greyson had learned them first-hand from his father. These traits were a commonality between all the dancers he’d met, and he assumed it carried through many of the other professions represented at the charity dinner that evening. This culture was one of the things he loved most about New York, and Greyson readily jumped at the chance to participate and help keep it moving forward. Everyone deserved the opportunity to find their passion, even if they didn’t carry it through to the professional level.
As he took his place at the table, he couldn’t help noticing the young woman being berated by the, no doubt, wealthy patroness that was seated with them. It took him a moment, but he recognized the face of this beautiful brunette suffering under the old lady’s stories. She was familiar in a way that struck up a longing deep in his stomach, the kind of feeling a first love or first heartbreak twisted to life. As Greyson’s eyes glanced at her name card, he instantly knew who the stunning woman was and he understood the signals his body was already too keen on telling him of.
This was Audrey Carver, the Audrey Carver who Greyson had had a crush on throughout the latter half of college. They had attended and graduated Julliard together and, by the looks of it, both had accomplished the goals they’d set out for. They’d been in a dance class together once; not ballet, of course, but a musical theatre class he’d had to take for his degree. He’d thought it silly at the time, but being paired with her had made the worthless class bearable.
He’d seen her name in a couple of playbills over the years, but had never really kept tabs on her. It had been a simple crush and, with his career, he barely had time to sleep, let alone go around wooing beautiful girls. He had gotten lunch with her a few times back in their college years, and he had often regretted not trying to start something more, but he had been young. Besides, it wasn’t like he was a famous Broadway star to sweep her off her feet; he was a ballet boy with toned muscles hidden beneath his quiet exterior.
As the old woman stopped to take a heaving breath, Greyson took his chance and joined the conversation, trying to both rescue Audrey and see what fate had in mind when it’d brought them together for the night. With an easy smile, he said, "If there is one thing Julliard never failed to teach us, ma’am, it’s that giving up is not an option when you’ve gotten this far. I’m sure you’ll be seeing plenty of these stars on stage for a while to come, if only to pay off their school loans. Isn’t that right, Miss Carver?” His eyes twinkled as he looked down over to Audrey, his heart beat quickening as he prayed to whatever god would listen that she recognized him.

• • •

TAG: audrey juniper carver
OUTFIT: Bowties Are Cool
LOCATION: The Harbor, New York
LYRICS: Blame it On the Stars by Andy Grammar
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[audrey juniper carver]

Audrey knew she was going to be on the stage one day, her name at the top of the bill. She had said as much ever since she was a little girl and taking her first acting classes. She would give blood to prove she was worthy of it, and she had burnt herself out going to auditions in New York when she had been ready to conquer Broadway. Audrey wasn’t going to sit back and wait for Lady Luck though. She knew if she wanted that starring role she had to get it herself. She started off in the chorus line with so many others and then fought to be seen, to prove her worth and climb her way out of that pit of faces until she had that first big role where everyone would be watching and judging her. After that she took the big parts, and got better and better. She liked the challenges, the tough big numbers that she had to practice over and over before she nailed them perfectly. If every show was a walk in the park from day one she would never feel like she had accomplished anything. Broadway was her home, it was where she belonged, and Audrey had every intention to stay there until there was nothing left for her amongst those bright lights.

She would decide on her future after that closer to that point. She was still young, and she still had a long way to go before they were pushing her out of the stage door and telling her not to come back. Audrey knew only one thing for certain; she didn’t want to be old and sitting amongst younger stars telling bitter tales of a life she hadn’t lived. This woman resented not following her dreams, but was faking it by acting like her wealth was a good filler for the hole left. She knew better than to say anything though, and Audrey wasn’t the type to dare insult someone’s life. She just didn’t want to have to spend the whole evening listening to this kind of conversation. Thankfully, she didn’t have to.

Audrey turned her head to the voice that spoke up from beside her. She blinked at the familiar face, trying desperately to place him for a long moment. Memories of a hot classroom, loud music, and sweat on her skin while her hair matted beneath a leopard print headband quickly came back to her. Then it all clicked into place. Julliard, and the dance classes she had taken there as part of her course. His name alluded her for a second, but she rectified that with a glance at his place card and that was the final piece of the puzzle slotting into place. “Exactly. I have no plans to quit anytime soon.” She reached for her drink while smiling warmly at Greyson. Her light eyes expressed her sincere thanks as she sipped from her margarita.

So few of them had kept in touch after college, but everyone had been so driven, and so many were just acquaintances. It was difficult to make plans around everyone’s hectic schedules and everyone knew that. Audrey only spoke to three, maybe four, regularly enough to say they were friends. Still, she never expected to be reunited with a Julliard alumnus at her table on tonight of all nights. New York never failed to surprise her. “It’s been a long time.” She said quietly, her eyes dancing with amusement, and pleasure.

• • •

TAGGED! Greyson Wesley Drozdov
WORDS! 587!
OUTFIT! Lovely Lady!
LYRICS! Little Bit Love - - - Sunrise Avenue
NOTES! <3

[Greyson Wesley Drozdov]

Greyson had learned many things during his time at Julliard. Those had been hard years for him, full of pushing himself beyond limits he didn’t even know existed and struggling to balance finding himself with losing himself in a character. He had known since he was young that dancing was the only career he wanted; it was the only place where he felt like he had a purpose and wasn’t just standing by waiting for someone to call his number. Julliard only solidified this idea as it immersed him in a group of people who had the same dreams he did. It showed him that he wasn’t the odd one out for wanting to perform instead of spend his life in an office; his talent was unique and something that he deserved to throw himself into. He had worked endlessly to develop himself into a strong enough dancer to take on solos and leading parts, spending hours in the gym and limiting himself to a strict diet. For a guy, dancing was all about strength; if you couldn’t support your partner, you were useless in a piece, and Greyson would never let one of the girls fall on his watch. The idea of dropping someone and causing them an injury had helped him keep focused for so long. He would be devastated if he ruined someone’s career simply because his muscles couldn’t handle the strain.
He’d gotten a contract with the Company just after graduation, his grace and infallible strength making him an asset they couldn’t pass up. Greyson did his time in the corps de ballet, working his way up to soloist and, finally, principal. He had developed friendships along the way, merely because the dancers spent hours together in class or rehearsal for a show, but they were only of convenience. The dancers were always in competition with each other, always working to become better than the other to be chosen for a role. Greyson’s life still consisted of the gym, conditioning for classes, and honing his control to create the most fluid movements he could. He was by no means slacking off now, even if he had gotten his dream job.
Nowadays, Greyson barely had time to stop by his father’s for dinner, let alone keep up with the numerous dancers, actors, and musicians that he’d once spent time with in college. He’d been to a few of their shows over the years, as he enjoyed taking his little sisters to as many Broadway and Company performances as he could afford, but he’d never really done more than acknowledge their name on the playbill. He’d hardly imagined he’d end up at a charity dinner with the girl he’d had a college crush on. This was a huge cruise ship; he was lucky he’d found his fellow dancers on the ship, let alone Audrey and her beautiful eyes.
As she looked up at him, Greyson couldn’t help his smile from growing further. The old lady was long forgotten as a soft chuckle left his lips at Audrey’s words. "It has,” he said, eating a bite of his salad. "I see you put your dance lessons to use,” he commented as he met her gaze again. She hadn’t aged a day since their time together; she looked as stunning as he’d remembered.

• • •

TAG: audrey juniper carver
OUTFIT: Bowties Are Cool
LOCATION: The Harbor, New York
LYRICS: Blame it On the Stars by Andy Grammar
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[audrey juniper carver]

It was so easy to lose yourself in a world filled with stories and characters. The lines between reality and the stage could blur so easily. It had happened to Audrey once before and she swore to herself that she would never let it happen again. Of course, that was easier said than done when the heart wants what the heart wants. She had a bad habit of falling hard for the wrong people; men already in love with someone else, men twice her age, or men she just knew would break her heart and leave her shattered and depressed. It had been a pattern ever since her first crush in school. She never learnt, or opened her eyes to what was good for her. She vowed to stop letting it happen after the affair, and since then had turned down every date and phone number just to allow herself the time to clear her head. She needed to flood her life with reality, to distance herself from the world she walked in every day; a near impossible feat, but one she was determined to accomplish. She didn’t want to have to break her own heart again, or be the girl responsible for breaking someone else’s. That wasn’t the legacy Audrey hoped to leave behind.

Besides, she had worked too hard to lose it all over some mistaken romance. Broadway could be as cruel as Hollywood if it chose to be. Audrey didn’t want to be cast out and shunned because of something she came to regret. She was young, she made mistakes, and she knew she was likely to make many more before her days were over. She just didn’t want them to be held against her in the end when she had done so much more – so much good that she ought to have been remembered for instead. To lose all of her hard word and commitment to something that never should have happened…it would destroy Audrey.

She had always been a romantic though, and it was hard to date when she had very little time to spare between shows, rehearsals, and trying to live her own life. She was a normal person after all, and she needed to do her laundry and get her groceries in just like everyone else. It left little time to go out and meet someone who didn’t have a performing arts background, and who wasn’t familiar with the kind of life she lived. Guys got jealous of her kissing other men daily for a performance, or working so late with people they hadn’t met yet. It was difficult to have a relationship when they couldn’t understand what her life was really like; it was hard work, not the glamour that the live show suggested.

Audrey laughed quietly, her red lips curving into a wide grin. “Yeah, they don’t seem to let me get away with not dancing too often.” If she had to pick a weakness, dance was it out of the performing arts categories. She wasn’t bad at it by any means, but it took that slither of extra work for her to remember the choreography, or there was someone shouting at her about tension or poise when they got to dress rehearsals. She knew she had to give her dancing portions that little bit more time to perfect them, so she did. “And I think it’s safe to say you didn’t slack off after school.” She teased, stabbing the lettuce with her fork, and bringing it to her lips. She was so happy to run into Greyson here, and not just because he had saved her from having her ear chewed off. It was nice to see an old face and remember old times. It made a refreshing change from the same old talk. She forgot sometimes just how much fun Julliard had been between all the hard work that had pushed her to tears sometimes and made her question if she could even do it; suffice to say, she could, and had.

• • •

TAGGED! Greyson Wesley Drozdov
WORDS! 677!
OUTFIT! Lovely Lady!
LYRICS! Little Bit Love - - - Sunrise Avenue
NOTES! <3

[Greyson Wesley Drozdov]

Greyson had never had the chance to spend time on serious relationships. He’d had a fling or two, but he had always gotten too caught up in his dancing to give the girl his full attention. It usually ended in mutual regret with him apologizing sincerely. Those outside the performing world just didn’t understand how much it took; they couldn’t fathom the amount of extra effort, long rehearsal hours, or pure, undiluted soul that was required to do well in this world. He had felt bad the few times he’d tried to cultivate something, but it was hard when his life revolved around his career. He threw himself wholeheartedly into dance and that left very little room for romance.
He had the heart of a romantic, something inherited from his father, and the drive of a dancer, a gift from his dead mother. The two organs battled it out quite frequently as Greyson tried to somehow fit a personal life in between his hours at the studio. He was one who believed in waiting to find the right person and not actively seeking someone out. At least, that was the philosophy that worked well enough with his career path. He knew that, one day, he’d find a girl and they’d finally click; she wouldn’t mind his crazy work hours and he’d spoil her rotten whenever he wasn’t on stage. It was the stuff of dreams, but he sincerely hoped it became a reality someday.
Greyson grinned at Audrey, setting his fork down as he finished his salad. "You don’t still run around with that headband, do you?” he teased with a laugh. He could vividly remember that obnoxious headband; he was sure he’d teased her about it more than once. "Slacking off would’ve been a much easier option on my feet, though being a Principal has its perks, I suppose,” he joked. He loved dancing more than anything, but his feet looked like they’d survived a war half the time. It was a hazard of the job, especially when breaking in shoes, but Greyson was sure his feet would show the consequences one day, when his hair was greying and he could no longer nail his choreography.
He didn’t care about himself though; he wanted to hear about her. Even if he’d caught her in a show, it had been years since he’d spoken to the pretty brunette. She was obviously doing well if she’d been invited to the charity dinner, and Greyson always had a feeling she’d make her name in the Broadway world. He could see the same passion he held for his art mirrored in her eyes. "And what about you? Have you found your magic, career-defining role yet?” he asked, sipping at his drink again and giving her a warm smile.
As the wait staff began clearing away the plates for the second course, Greyson ordered another round of drinks for him and Audrey, wanting to keep the spirits flowing. With old couples lurking near and awaiting the smallest chance to start talking their ears off, he wanted to make sure they were prepared to endure the torture. Besides, the alcohol could only help loosen them up and he didn’t want to let her go just yet.

• • •

TAG: audrey juniper carver
OUTFIT: Bowties Are Cool
LOCATION: The Harbor, New York
LYRICS: Blame it On the Stars by Andy Grammar
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[audrey juniper carver]

Audrey had seen relationships work in the performing world. People took time out between show runs to cultivate those romances, to focus on family life. She had nothing to commit her time to, so she threw herself into another show, nailed another audition. Cupid had a mean way of lining up a shot at her when she was in the middle of a run with little time to dedicate to someone new. She wasn’t about to jeopardise her dreams for a guy who might not even be Mr Right, even if she was a diehard romantic. Soulmates and passion would work if he was the one for her. She wouldn’t have to fight and explain that her career was exhausting and time consuming over and over again. It would end with a massive fight and Audrey crying until her throat was so raw her voice suffered for it the following day and she had to use every remedy she knew of just to make it onto the stage that night. She was a sensitive soul, and the tears came easily for her. Friends told her it was good for when she needed to cry on cue, but away from acting it was a nightmare, and she was often biting down hard on her lip to hide her weaknesses.

Laughing, Audrey dropped her fork with an ungraceful clatter as her hands came up to her face. “Oh, god, why do you remember that of all the things?” She asked as a light scarlet blush dusted her cheeks. She composed herself again, those the chuckles continued for a moment longer. “No. That headband got lost between one of the apartment moves after college.” She suspected it was when she was moving from her run down first place into the apartment she had now. A few miscellaneous boxes seemed to have never arrived with everything else, but they were mostly full of junk drawer clutter, and things she had chunked in at the last minute when she was tired of packing. “I’m not sure you know how to slack off anyway.” She teased warmly, smiling as she reached for her drink. Audrey might not have been best pals with Greyson at Julliard, but she still couldn’t remember him having an off day in the class they did share. Plenty of others were sick, or tired and ended up yelled at for not putting in one hundred percent effort. Audrey herself had done it once or twice when she’d had an off day, and had been reminded that an excuse like that might just cost her the role of her dreams someday.

She smiled, letting her fingers run around the rim of her margarita glass, collecting the salt there. She sucked it from her index finger innocently while thinking about his question. Audrey had loved all the roles she had to date. They had pushed her in different ways, left her with fond memories for different reasons. Critics had complimented her on the variety, on how she had moved from dark to funny, from innocent to sassy. Sure, she was a name on Broadway now, but really it was her next role she was the most excited for. Grinning, she told Greyson all about it. “I’m actually about to go into rehearsals for Elphaba in Wicked. I’ve only been singing those songs since the show came out.” She gushed, biting her lip to control herself before she got too out of hand with excitement. Audrey knew she probably ought to be mingling more now that the table was clear, but she was having fun catching up. She didn’t want to get up and move around the room again, even if she knew they’d be brought back together for the second course.

• • •

TAGGED! Greyson Wesley Drozdov
WORDS! 635!
OUTFIT! Lovely Lady!
LYRICS! Little Bit Love - - - Sunrise Avenue
NOTES! <3

[Greyson Wesley Drozdov]

It was easy to see Greyson’s heart when he danced. His entire soul shone through his movements and the stories he’d tell with his body; he was an open book on stage. A force took over him, and he couldn’t help giving himself wholeheartedly over to the performance. One of his favorites was always Prince Charming in Sleeping Beauty. It was more technically demanding for the ballerinas than for the boys, but Greyson loved the story and the way it unfolded. He’d been in the ballet a handful of times, but he’d only gotten to dance the Prince twice and he’d done it with two of his favorite partners. He loved the feeling of performing a role that created such an undeniably classic romance, one that had audiences smiling and crying along with the dancers. It made his job that much more intimidating to have to live up to a previous dancer, but he believed himself capable. He had been invited back to dance it again, after all, and to continue breathing life into the century old love story.
Though college had been a whirlwind of classes, styles of dance, and shows, Greyson remembered his musical theatre class very well. It had been a lot different than what he was used to, and his classical training went to waste on the jazz squares and showtunes, but the people there had been something completely new to him. He had always been around ballet folk; tall, impossibly thin specimens who had far too much grace to be human. Seeing the theatre students was a treat he didn’t get the pleasure of too often. Compared to the dancers, they were larger than life, it seemed, full of bursting personalities and a thousand characters filling their heads. Audrey had been one, catching his attention with her stunning eyes and, of course, that unique headband that she insisted on wearing. He supposed he had fallen for her back then because she was the beautiful kind of different that refused to be ignored, and he certainly hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her.
Greyson laughed along with her as vivid memories of her in college came back to him. He’d looked a little dorkier back then too, with his longer hair and lanky arms; everyone had had their quirks. "It’s a little hard to forget,” he chuckled in return. "After all, you were certainly one of the most colorful people in that class.” He couldn’t help smiling as they talked, sipping his own drink to hide his faint blush at her compliment. It was true; he worked tirelessly for what he wanted and pushed himself harder than he probably needed. The best needed to stay on top though, and, if he had learned anything along the way of gaining his current title, it was that a few extra hours of work paid off.
The second course came around quickly and Greyson found his appetite distracted by the conversation he was having. He should’ve been starving by now, what with the late dinner on the boat, but he was far more amused by the pretty girl who had his full attention. He couldn’t hold back the look of surprise on his face when she announced her next role; that was a huge part in one of the most popular shows on Broadway. She really had made it in the theatre world. ”That’s huge, Audrey, congrats,” he grinned, "You should get me your show schedule. My younger sisters would die to come see it.” He often brought his step-sisters out to shows. They went to the ballet most frequently, but they’d been to symphonies, Broadway shows, and even a couple of performances at the Apollo. It was the one thing he made sure to do in his spare time, as it was an easy night with them while also showing why he couldn’t be home all the time. They got to peek into his world and experience the magic of live performance, and he was always more than happy to do it.

• • •

TAG: audrey juniper carver
OUTFIT: Bowties Are Cool
LOCATION: The Harbor, New York
LYRICS: Blame it On the Stars by Andy Grammar
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[audrey juniper carver]

Audrey put everything she had into her performances. She was almost entirely drained when she came off the stage at the end of a show. Sometimes she literally just went home and fell into bed, her clothes still on and she was lucky if she managed to kick her shoes off before she faceplanted the pillow. A few times she had woken up in the middle of the night and found herself still wearing her boots or sneakers. She could never forgive herself though if she went out and gave a subpar performance. It wasn’t what an audience paid to see, and it wasn’t what she expected of herself either. If she was sick she’d rather her understudy take her place than struggle through and have her voice break on notes she couldn’t reach or just sound terrible overall. She knew they all did it, and as humans they were all prone to catching a cold, or suffering a bug from time to time. It happened even to the greats and she had seen them stumble and fall herself when they didn’t take proper care of themselves, or when it was flu season. Oh, how Audrey dreaded that time of year, even though she made sure to get a shot to try and fend off any virus that might be going around.

If there was one thing Audrey could have changed about Julliard it might have been how the classes were. It made no sense from a practical point of view, she knew that, but as a romantic, she longed to mix with more people and get to hear their stories. Everyone she had befriended in college had been just like her; extremely talented, with dreams of the stage and bright lights. There were so many others at the school though. Dancers like Greyson, musicians who Audrey didn’t get to see unless they were making up the orchestra for a show she was in…she would have loved the opportunity for their schedules to allow for more integration. She knew that a gifted pianist was never going to want to know the art of tap dancing, or vice versa, but so many had kept to their own kind just because it was those who they’d befriended. Then they’d stuck with those and never really branched out. “I liked livening up the black leotards.” She joked, although really it had been just what she had at the time. She might have been a theatre kid all of her life, but her family was not overly wealthy. What Audrey wore was what she had – end of. She worked to buy what she desperately needed for Julliard, but the rest was simply good enough to do her.

When Audrey knew she had the role of her dreams it had taken all of her willpower not to just scream it from the rooftops and tell every single person she knew right then. She had been so unbelievably excited, and she still was. She smiled, failing to hide the huge grin that appeared every time she thought about it. “It still hasn’t sunk in.” She admitted, picking up her fork and trying to focus some attention on the meal set before her. It looked lovely, but her appetite didn’t seem as important as the current conversation, or company. Audrey looked up at Greyson from beneath her long, black lashes. “I’d need a way to keep in touch to do that.” She said lightly, though her tone took on a very subtle flirtatious edge, before she turned her attention back to her meal, and forced a mouthful of chicken between her teeth.

• • •

TAGGED! Greyson Wesley Drozdov
WORDS! 611!
OUTFIT! Lovely Lady!
LYRICS! Little Bit Love - - - Sunrise Avenue
NOTES! <3

[Greyson Wesley Drozdov]

Greyson hadn’t grown up with money at his disposal. At the time, his father had been a young, recent college graduate who found himself with a kid at the prime of his life. He hadn’t had a lot, besides his degree and a too-small apartment that was nowhere near fit for a baby. The man had worked to make sure his son was comfortable, climbing his way up at the law firm and devoting his entire world to his job and his son. Though he was in the office first and there last, he still tried to spend as much time as possible with Greyson. He attended performances all the way back to preschool, watching his son mature in the dance world until he’d found a secure place for himself. Greyson was very thankful for his supportive upbringing; it was something he knew he’d needed to keep pushing himself.
He’d only known about his mother since high school. Finally, after years of questioning, his father had answered his questions about the woman that had never found a place in his life. He had always been okay with it just being him and his father, looking up to the man in every way he could. But, he had to get his dancing abilities from someone and it certainly wasn’t his father. Greyson’s passion for dance came from her, the mother he’d never met, his natural ability passed down from her own graceful genes. He was the next generation Russian ballet, a sort of royalty in that world. At least, he would’ve been had he taken her name.
Greyson didn’t want anything to do with her. After hearing the stories and seeing the news articles online, he did not want to be associated with that woman. She may have been a prima ballerina and one of the greats for a short while, but he didn’t want that pressure on himself. It would’ve brought him far more opportunities and invitations to audition for companies, which he was aware of. He still never took her name, preferring to fly under the radar and establish himself, on his own merits, in the ballet world. He didn’t want to merely be the dead ballerina’s son; he wanted to be Greyson Drozdov, talented dancer who threw his heart into his performing. And that was what he’d become.
"I spent my days in black leotards and tights,” he said back with a wide smile and shake of his head. "They at least let us wear what we want at the Company, but those leotards were my life growing up.” Greyson had spent many hours in black leotards and tights, the standard uniform of the male dancers in any typical school. While the girls got to prance around in their pretty tutus and pointe shoes, he was always in his standard blacks and they still filled his dance drawer now. It came with the territory, he supposed.
Picking at his dinner, Greyson couldn’t keep his eyes off Audrey. The excitement sparkling in her eyes was contagious. It was easy to see her love of performing shining through her and it was an expression he knew well. He could see his own passion mirrored in her eyes and it made her even more intriguing to him. Taking another sip of his drink, he grinned at her words. "I suppose smoke signals wouldn’t be the most practical thing in New York,” he joked while fishing his phone out of his jacket pocket. He clicked the screen on, revealing a silly photo of his two dogs, one dressed in a pink tutu while the other wore a tuxedo. It was the doings of his sisters who loved spoiling his puppies rotten, though he did a fine job of it himself most of the time. Handing the phone over to Audrey, he said, "Is it too forward to ask for your number, or should I just look it up in the Julliard alum directory?”

• • •

TAG: audrey juniper carver
WORDS: 635!
OUTFIT: Bowties Are Cool
LOCATION: The Harbor, New York
LYRICS: Blame it On the Stars by Andy Grammar
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[audrey juniper carver]

Audrey would be eternally grateful to her family for letting her chase her dreams. She wasn’t pushed onto the stage like some children. It had been her sister who had wanted to act and sing at first, with Audrey as an annoying tagalong. Instead, she was the one who fell head over heels in love with the theatre, and who had a gift for the performing arts whereas her sister was bored after a few weeks and moved onto something else. Her parents let Audrey stay in the class though, and later on indulged her when she came home with leaflets for workshops that she wanted to participate in. She couldn’t do everything, of course, but they let her do a lot, and she had clothes for dancing, and all the music for her favourite musicals so she could practice. If she was in a show, regardless of the part she had, her family always came to watch her. She knew she was lucky. Not everyone had parents who would make the time or effort to support their children. It wasn’t like Audrey was an only child. She had her sister, Megan, who kept her own hobbies and classes, too.

Following their dreams, and embracing who they wanted to be was a big part of how they had been raised. Megan was married now, but led a life Audrey just couldn’t imagine for herself. She worked a regular nine-to-five, and children were being considered now that they had settled into the two-bedroom house they had in the nice downtown area of Scranton where neighbours were friendly and came with safe jobs. It was a life for Megan, but not for her. She needed the hustle and bustle of New York, and the excitement and thrill of the theatre, whereas her sister was happy to be home by nine watching the television or reading a book. Audrey wasn’t entirely sure she could settle into that kind of life even after Broadway was done with her, when she was too tired to perform in the big productions and needed to slow down.

Audrey was still smiling, even as she sipped from her fresh margarita, the salt from the rip sticking to her red painted lips. “I got to play dress up. I still do.” Her eyes were alight with the same excitement that a child had come Christmas morning. Audrey loved playing characters, pretending to be someone else for a few hours at a time. Sure, some of the outfits were uncomfortable or hideous, but that was part of the fun. Personally she hated sequins, but someone she played on stage might love them. It was fun making that switch. At least in rehearsals she could just show up in her own clothes most of the time and get on with things. “I’ve still worn some…questionable things though.” Some were skimpy or short if she was mostly performing with the chorus, others were just crazy and outrageous because, well, that was what the role called for.

“Only if you want the attention of the fire department.” Audrey teased, before dabbing at the corner of her mouth delicately with the napkin and tossing it down beside her done with plate. Scrunching her nose up, she accepted his phone between her slender fingers and hesitated in thought as she recalled her number. “I couldn’t even be sure Julliard’s is up to date.” She admitted guiltily, quickly adding her details into Greyson’s phone. “I have a terrible habit of forgetting what needs updating when I change my number. I think my grandmother was still calling my old phone for near three months last time before I realised and changed it for her.” She pulled an awkward face at the memory. There were just too many people and places to keep in contact with, and not all of them were a simple courtesy text message away. Finished, Audrey handed Greyson his phone back.

• • •

TAGGED! Greyson Wesley Drozdov
WORDS! 667!
OUTFIT! Lovely Lady!
LYRICS! Little Bit Love - - - Sunrise Avenue
NOTES! <3

[Greyson Wesley Drozdov]

Greyson had spent his entire life living in different parts of New York, going from Brooklyn to the upper East side and then to the comfortable flat he now called home. He had been all over and seen many parts of the unique streets that made up the city. It was inevitable that the chaos would rub off on him, leaving him unable to sit still for too long. He had always wanted an eventful life where he wouldn’t be stuck in a boring, nine to five world. His father lived that life and, while he was successful at his law firm, Greyson had always known that wasn’t what he wanted.
Dancing allowed him to have a stable job and home while still letting him adventure to his heart’s content. He could become whoever he needed to on stage, and travel to far off places where he’d run on demi pointe until he couldn’t stand anymore. Performing gave him a rush far better than any drug he could’ve tried, and it left him feeling amazing after the curtains had closed. It was the kind of high you got addicted to, and Greyson would proudly call himself an addict in this case. Being in costume and turning into a fairy tale hero was the perfect escape from reality, and something he looked forward to each time he began a show. He couldn’t wait to help bring to life the story and watch people’s eyes light up with the magic of the stage. It was why he brought his sisters to shows, and why he ensured his father and step-mother had some of the best seats in the theatre. Sharing this magic was one of Greyson’s favorite things to do, and it contributed to his continual supports of charities like these. If he hadn’t had the opportunity to dance when he was in school, he had no idea where he would’ve been. Unhappy, surely, and probably following in his father’s boring footsteps.
The dinner carried on quickly with the courses being brought round and the scent of delicious, far too expensive food permeating the room. Eventually, the foundation speakers came up and gave their presentations with all the typical thank-yous and congratulations on how much money they’d raised. It was important to helping keep the arts alive in New York schools, and Greyson recognized the severity of that, but he swore they chose the most boring humans possible to give the speeches. This room was full of performers; he was sure they could’ve found someone more entertaining, even if they’d had to beg.
He was happy to continue his conversation with Audrey whenever possible, enjoying listening to what she’d been doing since they’d left Julliard. It was amazing sometimes to realize the people he’d once shared classrooms with; a lot of them had gone on to such successful careers and had become stars in their respective rights. Once the speakers had finished droning, Greyson poked at his dessert, his full attention on Audrey once more.
As conversation began picking up again throughout the room, a string quartet started playing in the corner of the banquet hall. There was a dance floor set up near them, their quiet song filling the room and drifting over the people. He knew it was a risk, but Greyson believed this night had been going well with Audrey. He’d gotten her number, after all, even if it was in a roundabout way, and he’d tried to get her laughing as much as possible. It had been a long time since his little crush on her, and yet he found himself wanting to see where they could take this. Fate had brought them together; now he had to see what it had in store.
Greyson set his napkin on his empty plate and stood up, buttoning his suit coat like a proper gentleman. With as charming a smile as he could muster, he extended his hand to Audrey and asked, "Care to dance, my lady?”

• • •

TAG: audrey juniper carver
WORDS: 668!
OUTFIT: Bowties Are Cool
LOCATION: The Harbor, New York
LYRICS: Blame it On the Stars by Andy Grammar
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[audrey juniper carver]

Audrey was the only one of her family to leave Pennsylvania. Others might have moved towns and switched up cities to go along with new jobs and families, but no one had moved out of state until Audrey got her acceptance letter from Julliard and upped for New York City in a heartbeat. She’d always been drawn to the city and known that Broadway was her destiny ever since she was a little girl and had started performing. She was still thrilled by the magic of the stage and the buzz of the audience as the house lights went down before every show. Audrey didn’t think it was a feeling that would ever pass. She adored the sensation of those excited butterflies as she stood in the wings, ready to be someone else. The fact that it was her career and not just a hobby now was a complete dream come true for the young brunette.

She could never have pictured doing anything else with her life. A future in an office working nine to five would have crushed Audrey’s very soul, and sucked every drop of passion from her core. She had worked the bog standard, typical, low paying jobs when she had been a teenager and while she had been in school, but Audrey had only done it while she had needed to. Once she had made her future on the stage a certainty she had practically jumped for joy as she handed in her letter of notice. Audrey could never fit in with the suits in some office building, or last a lifetime in retail when she lacked the patience to deal with customer complaints or the grumblings of those in a checkout line. She would never have lasted anywhere but Broadway. It was where she belonged, and she embraced the stage just like it embraced her.

The night seemed to be flying by. The courses came and went in the blink of an eye, and Audrey honestly couldn’t say what she had eaten other than to say it was all delicious and that she couldn’t eat another bite. She tried to eat well as often as she could, but dining like this was a rare treat given that it was a rarity she got to go out like this and enjoy such fine dining and mix up her company. Plus, she never expected to run into an old Julliard acquaintance tonight of all nights. Her conversation with Greyson was something she looked forward to returning to at every opportunity, however selfish that seemed. She knew she was there for the foundation and the fundraiser, but was there any harm in indulging herself, too? She kept a half smile on her lips while the speakers had their moment, but she wouldn’t have been able to repeat what they said five minutes after they had said it. Her mind was a million miles away, wondering what the rest of the night had in store for her. She looked up at Greyson, blinking, wearing a smile that only grew when he extended his hand to her. “I’d love to.” She put her hand in his and pushed herself up from her chair, walking to the dancefloor as she kept close to him.

• • •

TAGGED! Greyson Wesley Drozdov
WORDS! 545!
OUTFIT! Lovely Lady!
LYRICS! Little Bit Love - - - Sunrise Avenue
NOTES! <3

[Greyson Wesley Drozdov]

Greyson could do romance well when he had the opportunity. His experience on the stage only helped support his loving heart, giving him endless experience with playing princes and doting lovers. When he got attached to a girl, he knew the right ways to spoil her and he thoroughly enjoyed doing it. Surprising her with flowers or her favorite coffee, cooking dinner after a long day, even setting up dates where he knew she’d enjoy herself; he was very much a giver in that aspect, contributing as much as he could to her. A lot of it came from his guilt of usually being too busy to spend as much time as possible with her; his job was very demanding and took up most of his life. What little time he did have, he liked to make it as special as he could, though he rarely got opportunities to even meet a girl. He wasn’t one to indulge in little flings, preferring to try and devote himself to something serious if the opportunity ever arose. Those chances were few and far between though, and his romantic inclinations often went to waste as fleeting thoughts passing through his head.
He’d had people ask him before what he was going to do after his dancing career. It was a very physical job, after all, and his body was bound to give out at some point or other. Greyson knew all of those things, and he knew he was at risk to get injured at a moment’s carelessness, but he had never pictured his life without dance. Even if he lost his spot as a Principal there were plenty of opportunities to be involved in the Company without being the starring male. In the back of his mind, underneath his complete and utter love of performing, he had thought of becoming a ballet master for some company or other. He knew his technique was impeccable and he had the characterization that many dancers couldn’t manage, so passing this knowledge on seemed like the only logical thing to do if he couldn’t be pouring his heart out on stage. That way, he would still have a place in the dance world and would continue to bring ballet to life. That was only a backup plan, however; he would dance until the day his body couldn’t move anymore.
Taking Audrey’s hand, any nerves he felt very quickly vanished from his system. Dancing, of any variety, was his forte; this was where he was comfortable, though he definitely wasn’t used to wearing a suit and tie. His smile widened as she stood up and he intertwined their fingers without hesitation as he led her towards the dance floor. Greyson was in his prime, and he intended to show Audrey just how well his Julliard time had served him.
They reached the few other couples beginning to stroll onto the dance floor and he carefully placed his hand on her waist, leading her into the slow waltz that the musicians were playing. It was an gentle pace and he couldn’t keep the smile off his lips as he looked down at her. She really was gorgeous, and she looked like she hadn’t aged a day since college; how had he gotten lucky enough to find himself in this position?
Dancing easily with her for a while, the tempo of the music began to change. "Now,” he said softly, leaning down a bit to whisper closer to her ear, "Let me lead?” He smirked at her, waiting for her answer as he already began formulating a plan in the back of his head.

• • •

TAG: audrey juniper carver
WORDS: 607!
OUTFIT: Bowties Are Cool
LOCATION: The Harbor, New York
LYRICS: Blame it On the Stars by Andy Grammar
NOTES: <3 <3 <3