Chapter 2: Chapter 1
Eric had always considered himself to be someone with high standards, and then one day he met someone who was like a god in mortal flesh; taller than everyone else in the room, sharp and handsome features which made you look twice, a muscular and sturdy body which was clearly the result of strict training and exercise. Beyond his excellent looks, this man was also a tiger in the industry.
Andrei Petrov, the youngest and most successful foreign CEO to breach the American scene with such force. The rumors around him were many, the facts few and irrefutable. He was rich, he had fingers in almost every pie, and he was more charming and cunning than anyone could have expected.
Even from across the room Eric could see that he was clearly the star of the night. This social function which was supposedly for the sake of charity was nothing more than a glittering ballroom of socialites hoping to rub shoulders with someone richer and better connected with them. Of course, Eric was also one of those people, but his family was prestigious and wealthy enough that even if he just played around all night, it wouldn't be much of a waste.
But perhaps he had been staring for too long, because that brilliant man turned his head and locked eyes with him, giving a faint smile and a nod. For a second Eric was surprised, and immediately after his face took on a bright red color as he snapped his head away. Draining his flute of champagne, he grimaced slightly at the bitter taste of alcohol and sighed as he set the empty glass down.
It took a few moments for his fluttering heart to calm down, but eventually he settled his nerves and adjusted his tie. He didn't come here to make a fool of himself.
Glancing back over, the small crowd of women that had been surrounding Andrei finally dispersed, and Eric took that as his cue to go over.
"Mr. Petrov, so you were here." He said casually, as if he hadn't been eyeing the man the entire night. "I'm glad I finally got to meet you."
He stuck his hand out for a handshake, chin slightly raised and voice level. "Eric Aubert. You've already met my father and brother, I assume." His father had mentioned in passing that he and the Russian business man had briefly discussed making a deal at some point, though nothing had really happened yet.
Unfortunately, Eric wasn't as cool and composed as he thought he was. His violet eyes glimmered with apprehension and his pale cheeks were dusted pink- though not from inebriation. Andrei was even more handsome up close…
The man smiled, reaching out to firmly shake his hand. "It's a pleasure. I did meet them a few times, your father is an impressive man." He was clearly well versed in subtle flattery, improving Eric's good impression of him beyond imaginable heights.
"Just about as impressive as you are, Mr. Petrov." Eric's eyes were full of faint pride and admiration, drawn into this man like a moth to a flame.
The russian man's smile grew by a fraction. "Call me Andrei."
And that was the meeting he'd come to bitterly regret several years later.
*
Eric met Andrei several more times after that, always when the man came to his father's company. The Aubert family had long had a strong hold over technology and industrial machinery, so the fact that Andrei would want to make close ties wasn't strange at all. Eric's position in the company as the director of finance was also quite excellent, and he often sat with his father and elder brother in important meetings.
Really… Andrei was such an impressive man. Eric had met many people who were charming but incapable or socially awkward but competent, however Andrei had both the charisma and the talent to back up his sudden and abrupt rise. He was simply too good to refuse, but also tactful enough not to push the bounds.
As his father and brother negotiated the finer details he simply sat and watched, trying not to glance over at Andrei too much. Unfortunately, that man's senses were too keen and he caught his eye, lips curling up slightly in acknowledgement. Face growing red with embarrassment, he quietly excused himself. Everything was already done, they didn't need him there any longer.
Meeting like this two more times times, it was on their fourth meeting that he finally spoke to Andrei alone. Currently they were in the elevator, waiting for it to take them to the ground floor.
Standing a bit stiffly and looking straight, Eric's countenance was that of someone who clearly thought he was better than you and couldn't be bothered to make small talk. If it weren't for the fact that he was furtively glancing over at Andrei, one might assume that he disliked him.
In contrast, the Russian man seemed completely unperturbed, as if Eric weren't even there. Finally, the oppressively awkward atmosphere was too much and Eric broke the silence.
"Mr. Petrov that new project of yours…" He made a bit of idle chatter about business, bitterly weeping internally. Even though he was so close to his male god there was nothing for them to talk about.
Fortunately Andrei wasn't so frozen as Eric, easily carrying the conversation. Swapping words back and forth, it took five exchanges for Eric to finally muster up his courage. "Mr. Petrov-"
"Didn't I tell you to call me Andrei? Since we're alone there's no need to be so formal." The man said kindly, causing Eric's heart to only beat even faster. In this world handsome men were common, handsome and successful men were rare, and handsome, successful, and kind men were one in a million.
"Then, Andrei…" He said with a bit of awkwardness, well aware that his face was growing alarmingly red. "If you're free would you like to get coffee with me?"
His question was rushed out, fearful that if he was too slow he'd lose his courage entirely. Andrei was silent, and each second made the sinking feeling of dread in Eric's stomach grow. Was he too bold?
"I'd love to." He then heard. Eric's surprise must have been too obvious, because the taller man suddenly chuckled lightly. "You are as capable as your father. Truth be told I have few friends in America. Do you think I'm that frightening?"
Eric's hot face must have been as red as a tomato, mumbling out 'not frightening'. However internally he felt fireworks going off in his chest. Even though it was just grabbing coffee, he was pleased to be even just one step closer to the person he liked.
With a slight jolt the elevator came to a halt. As the doors slid open they stepped out.
*
America was very different from Russia. Business was all the same; profit was profit and money was money. As long as these old men were able to line their pockets at the end of the day, who cared if they shook hands with an ally or an enemy? However the people and the culture were very different.
In fact, Andrei even had a little kitten following him around, pretending to be sly. Normally he was a very mistrustful man. Despite having a smile and kind words in his mouth, the cold viciousness of his heart was ever present. It was just this kitten's luck that he was cute and harmless, so he didn't mind letting him stare.
"This cafe is very nice." He commented, long legs crossed as he took a sip of his black coffee. The cafe was just across the street from President Aubert's company. It had a relaxed, nostalgic sort of atmosphere that made people feel comfortable immediately upon entering.
"The coffee beans they import are very high quality. Out of all the coffee shops in New York, this one is the best." Said the man sitting across from him.
Eric Aubert was certainly interesting. On his own he wasn't particularly impressive, however his family was incredibly rich and his father was rather notable. He was clever, but not even close to Andrei's level.
However it seemed he was particularly interested in Andrei- less like the money hungry businessmen who wanted to ride on his success, and more like the coy and flirtatious women who often surrounded him.
Homosexuality was one of the biggest tabboos in Russia, however Andrei didn't mind. And Eric- while distinctly male- was still rather attractive. He looked like he was made of porcelain; carefully crafted and carefully cared for, so expensive that one was hesitant to buy or even touch him lest he break. Eric looked like he would normally be cold and aloof, disdaining others. So this shy and uncertain yet passionate pursuit was… rather cute.
"This is my first time drinking coffee since coming to America, it's very nice."
Eric seemed happy that Andrei liked it, becoming a little more lively as they chatted. As expected Americans were talkative, but as he half-listened he found that he didn't mind. It was like hearing a bird chattering in the background.
Eric's words paused for a bit, and Andrei realized he had been staring a bit too intently. Unphased, he gave a gentle smile.
"Eric, you're quite cute."
The little kitten's face turned bright red, making him extremely amused. It was too easy to tease him.
"Mr. Petrov please don't joke around…" Eric said, sipping at his cappuccino as if it would cool down his burning face.
"I mean it, you are very friendly." Andrei said, leaving his words ambiguous but implying that he didn't really mean it. He didn't dislike homosexuality, but he didn't like it either. It was just fun to poke a reaction out of someone whose thoughts were written all over their face.
In the end he didn't toy with him any longer, but offered to exchange numbers when they had bother finished their drinks. Liking or not liking aside, building a large network was key to cementing his hold in the states. Unsurprisingly Eric gladly agreed, and after receiving each other's contact information they parted ways.
Walking beneath the hot sun, Andrei ignored the eyes of the pedestrians as he made his way down the street. He had a feeling that the next few months would be very interesting.
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