Meeting with the Braniac. [for itmeanscourage]

[skraptrummor]

Ivar had received the text from Bjorn when he was out with his band mates at a nearby LA club. At first the drummer thought the singer was trashed and sending a joke text. All he had received was a load of garbled words before Bjorn actually remembered to use the spell check function on his phone. Of course.

---I've got you a date, honey! Brainy wants to meet you. He's good with chemicals and shit like you. Be cute with him!

So now Ivar was sat in a rather classy uptown bar waiting for this mystery date to arrive. Someone called "Brainy" whatever the fuck that meant. Bjorn hadn't been specific in any details if the person was a boy or a girl or who the hell they were. The drummer just sat with a drink of vodka and finding it to be weak as water compared to the concoction he had back at the hotel.

Ah well, what could go wrong? He was on this tour and crazy shit was bound to happen so meeting someone for a blind date arranged by Bjorn couldn't be the worst, could it?

Comments

[itmeanscourage]

It was a good guess, as this man did have the look of a glam rocker. The leather pants did not leave much to the imagination, but Isamu did not particularly mind. The man was fairly attractive, and did possess a traditionally feminine look, he would give Bjorn that.

“Brainy.” Isamu rose his eyebrows. “At least Bjorn had the decency to provide me with your actual name.”

He lowered his head slightly in a gentle bow before reaching out his hand.

“Isamu. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

When the seat, was offered, he took it with another nod and a gracious smile.

“I am afraid I am not from around here, and have not been to this establishment before. Do they have anything notable on tap?”

[skraptrummor]

"Ivar Arvidsson. Brainy is all Bjorn told me about you. He sometimes texts me complete crap when he's drunk and smashed so sorry if I get your name wrong. Isamu? Pleased to meet you too, vän."

The Swede looked at the taps and wondered if the man meant beer. That seemed to be the only drink on tap at the moment. The bottles behind were spirits and wine mostly. It would be prudent for the drummer to buy his date a drink so he flagged down the bartender with a waved hand.

"They've got beer on tap. Light ales and that sort of thing. You're more of a beer guy?"

Isamu sounded Japanese but the man spoke perfect English. Although there was the hint of Japanese in his accent which Ivar liked. Ivar himself speaking with a strong Swedish accent. Meeting new cultures was always fun and Bjorn seemed to find something interesting in this Brainy boy.

"The vodka is like piss compared to what I brew back at the hotel but it does the job."

[itmeanscourage]

Most upscale bars had a particular wine or beer on tap, or a signature mixed drink that set them apart. At least, that had been Isamu’s experience.

“I do enjoy the flavor of beer. It is pleasantly bitter, much like some of my favorite varieties of tea.” He nodded. A light ale would be a good starter drink for the evening. “I am certainly no expert on vodka, aside from the fact that every variety I have ever tried pales in comparison to good shochu.”

He was not looking to get drunk tonight, though. So distilled spirits were likely to be off the table.

“Yes, Bjorn mentioned that you fancy yourself a mixologist and chemist.”

[skraptrummor]

"Beer is a good drink if you're thirsty but I find it too weak to get drunk on. Hard liquor is better and I appreciate the taste and burn more."

Each to their own though and Ivar was soon ordering Isamu a glass of house tapped beer. Passing over the drink he ordered himself a fresh bottle of vodka, which was stronger in alcohol content this time. A decent brand and a fresh glass now sat in front of the Swede.

"Shochu? I don't think I've had that before. Is it Japanese? Bjorn is right. I do like to create my own booze using a home made still I've rigged up in the hotel bedroom. Moonshine, vodka--whatever you want I can make it. As for chemistry? That was probably the only subject at school I liked aside from music."

Ivar might tell Isamu about the time he got expelled for making booze on the school grounds behind the science lab.

[itmeanscourage]

“I have no intention of getting drunk tonight.” He remarked steadfastly.

No, memories of Balthazar’s party were fresh in his mind, and he had no desire to repeat the experience so soon.

“Both vodka and shochu are distilled clear spirits, though shochu is distilled more like a whisky.” He explained. “I have never attempted to make it myself. Though, I can appreciate the science behind it. I, too, enjoy the subject of chemistry, though my research focuses on primarily on the molecular basis for the processes that occur in living cells. Biochemistry.”

[skraptrummor]

"It doesn't bother me if you want to get drunk or not. We can still have fun either way, Brain---Isamu."

The Swede checking himself to use the man's correct name otherwise that would seem rude. This shochu stuff sounded good though and Ivar wanted to try it sometime. Maybe Isamu had a bottle or two back at the hotel or wherever he was staying. Nodding, Ivar downed the rest of his drink and poured another large measure into his glass.

"The whole process took me years to master properly since making your own booze is dangerous. If you don't know what you're doing you can end up killing yourself or other people. That fucking sucks."

So far no one had become seriously ill with his attempts. His band members recruited to become guinea pigs for his booze experiments which they enjoyed because they got free booze and a plenty of excuses to get drunk. The bitch of a hangover after though? That was always the worst.

"Biochemistry? Interesting. You like studying living cells and things? I do not know much about that but you seem a talented man, Isamu. Handsome and intelligent."

[itmeanscourage]

Unfortunately, Ivar wasn’t going to get to try any shochu tonight. Isamu definitely didn’t have a bottle with him. Nor did he have a bottle at home. (In an entirely different world.)

“Dedication to mastering your craft is admirable, especially given the inherent dangers of contamination, bacterial toxins or methanol poisoning.” He gave praise where praise was due.

Science required precision and attention to detail. They were admirable qualities.

“My research over the past year has left me rather smitten with the subfield of neurochemistry in particular. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides and how they modulate synaptic activity, for example.” He nodded, “Every thought, every action, every behavior has, at its core, a biochemical process, such as the activation of norepinephrine that likely proceeded that polite, yet flirtatious comment.”

[skraptrummor]

That was a shame because Ivar wanted to try some shochu sometime. Ah well. There would be other times where he could get his hands on the Japanese beverage now that he was making friends with Isamu. How was the "date" going so far? Well, he thought. It was a little unorthodox considering he didn't know the man but as blind date's went this wasn't bad at all.

"Yeah, I've thought about all of those shit scenarios. People getting sick or even the cops busting me for making my own booze. Fuck them."

The Swede just smirked and drank some of his drink. He wasn't afraid to bend---or rather break rules in the name of science. Which scientist ever stuck to the rules anyway?

"Neuropeptides? What do they do? I guess my neuro whatsits are responsible for me flirting with you."

[itmeanscourage]

“Neuropeptides. Essentially a class of larger, slower acting, but more efficient neurotransmitters. They each have their own particular properties and roles to play, of course.” He nodded. “I believe everything can ultimately be broken down into basic chemical processes. As such, everything is capable of being understood… And appreciated.”

He added a bit of a smile with that last part. Ivar wasn’t the traditional scientist Isamu often shared insights with over a nice drink or two. But as far as blind dates went, he was sizing up to be pleasant company.

[skraptrummor]

Ivar nodded, understanding most of what Isamu was telling him, even though some of the more complicated language flew over the Swede's head. He was trying to learn better English being around the British band members and had picked up some new words along the way.

"I do understand what you are saying. Some of it I don't though. Appreciation of chemical processes is something I do enjoy though. The breakdown of enzymes in the making of my booze and the outcome is all part of the thrill. I fucking love it."

The drummer downed his drink and then renewed his glass. So far it was going well and the conversation was one of intelligence rather than the usual trashy lewdness that went on with the other rock stars. The blond was still trash though and couldn't help but smirk at his question to Isamu.

"Does this mean you enjoy the chemical processes during an orgasm?"

[itmeanscourage]

“Given that it is associated with a rush of dopamine, it would be biologically impossible not to.” He smirked. “You could say that the activation of the mesodiencephalic transition zone, including the ventral tegmental area, make it a perpetually rewarding experience.”

Of course, that was just scratching the surface of the more than thirty areas in the brain that are active during a sexual experience, or the cocktail of neurochemicals that are released. Part of the thrill, one could say.

[skraptrummor]

"I didn't get half of what you said but you sound sexy when you use over complicated words. It's fucking hot. Do you want to stimulate my ventral tegmental area?"

Ivar couldn't help but give a small giggle as he sipped on his drink, wondering how many words Isamu knew. It was all confusing to the Swede but he was finding the brainiac's intuition to be stimulating indeed. Isamu was like no other boy he'd ever met.

"Do you enjoy using words other people don't understand? It's hot in a way."

[itmeanscourage]

“Technically, since GABA neurons in the ventral tegmental area have been proposed to encode the expectation of reward - and even quantify the amount of reward - that is not too far fetched a prospect. Especially, if I may speak colloquially, your affinity for things big and hard go beyond linguistics.”

Yes, that was Isamu flirting back.

[skraptrummor]

"You know all I got out of that was "big and hard."

Ivar just smirking at Isamu, enjoying the way the braniac spoke. It was hot just having this Japanese guy talking technical shit at him even though he knew nothing about it. Taking a gulp of booze the Swede placed a hand on Isamu's forearm squeezing gently. The boy was handsome.

"How about I show you my big and hard linguistic?"

[itmeanscourage]

It could have been just a tease, a bit of rock star exhibition. But Ivar did seem pretty fixated on everything that was coming out of Isamu’s mouth.

“Really now. Already a potential invitation on the table for fellatio?”

It wasn’t as instantaneous a reaction as it might have been for someone else, but Isamu did return the smirk. And he didn’t pull away.

“If that is the case, then the next round of drinks most certainly requires the privacy of your hotel room distillery. We can discuss any necessary terms of this tryst on the way.”

[skraptrummor]

"Amongst other things. How about I show you my still first before we get down and dirty. I know how much you'll love it and I'm offering free samples too."

The Swede was always offering up free samples to his band members and others so why not his date. Isamu seemed a laid back kind of guy even though he was a brainiac. Nothing wrong with being intelligent and hot at the same time. Drinking up, Ivar nodded and pressed a quick kiss to Isamu's cheek as he slid off his bar stool.

"How about I get us a taxi back to the hotel?"

[itmeanscourage]

Isamu raised a brow, smirking again. “An exchange of fluids - in more ways than one. I accept your proposition. Let us continue this evening elsewhere.”

As they returned, Isamu’s wordplay was playfully coy, but he was not actually shy about his desires for physical pleasure - and only physical pleasure. He expressed his lack of interest in the baggage or an ongoing romantic relationship. There would be no commitments here. But if it were pleasurable for both, he wouldn’t mind another round, so as the bartender would say. (He also insisted on protection, of course. Every good drink metaphor deserved a coaster.)

[skraptrummor]

"Exchange of fluids. A good way of putting it, Brainy."

Ivar smirked as they made their way back to the hotel, taking the taxi which soon arrived at the entrance, both men then walking up to the Swede's bedroom and home distillery. Opening the door for his date, Ivar then stepped inside, closing the door behind them. The still was working away silently in the corner of the room with a pipe draped through a crack in the double balcony doors to let out the fumes.

"What do you think? The set-up was easy. Just a few items I got at junk shops around town."

LA was pretty good for finding what you needed to make your own homemade still. Ivar was proud of that fact as he went into the kitchen to get two clean glasses. Coming back he filled up Isamu's and his own glass with the latest batch of gut rot.

"Tell me what you think."

[itmeanscourage]

Isamu wasn’t quite sure what to expect when he walked in the hotel room - aside from the telltale sign of alcohol. The fact that anyone could put this together once, not to mention set it up and break it down on a regular basis (as one would likely have to do while on a music festival tour) was a feat of engineering in and of itself.

“Impressive.” He nodded, eyes wide as he walked around it, studying the mechanics of it all. “Quite impressive, honestly.”

The surprised expression was still visible when he was handed a drink. He sniffed it first. It was definitely potent.

“What is this, exactly?” He asked curiously, holding off on tasting for moment. It would help to know precisely what to best compare it to.

[skraptrummor]

"I'm glad you like my setup. The other Harlots like what I've done here too and so do some of the other band members who come in here to drink. The Danes and some of the Brits do too."

Ivar's room was welcome to anyone who wanted to sample his next batch of booze. Unless he was sleeping or playing on stage, anyone could knock and bring a friend to sample the gut rot. It was a good relationship and a way to get trashed while avoiding expensive bar bills.

"What you're drinking? It's vodka. Made with some potatoes I bought at a local market downtown. Thought I'd give it a go. It has a nice earthy taste to it followed up by a brutal kick."

Potato vodka. How do you find it, Isamu?

[itmeanscourage]

Isamu sipped it, taking only a small taste at first. It did have an earthier flavor, and a a less silky texture, than many of the specialized drinks he sought out from time to time.

“It is definitely… strong.” He commented. “But not without flavor. And that is the most interesting part. Vodka is usually considered a neutral spirit, but the flavor profile of this is a little bit nutty.”

He took another sip.

“I mean that in the literal sense, but feel free to take it in other ways if you feel insanity to be a compliment.”

[skraptrummor]

"You bet it's strong. This stuff has enough kick to knock you out cold on the floor if you drink too much of it. Hjalmar always ends up drinking too much and face planting the flower beds out in the car park. Just ask his cuddle buddy Erik."

Ivar just grinned and then took a few gulps of his new concoction himself, enjoying the nutty flavour and dryness at the end. At least his guest found it to his taste which pleased the Swede. Getting the balance right with flavour and alcohol content was everything.

"If it's shit I don't serve it up to anyone. It goes down the drain and I start again from scratch. I'm glad you like it though, Brainy. For our first date together impressions do count."

A wink and Ivar was finishing off his glass of booze and wondering how the other man felt.

[itmeanscourage]

It had a somewhat pleasant flavor and aftertaste, but the burning feeling in his throat from the sheer strength of the alcohol was a bit overpowering. A few sips was all Isamu needed, and wanted.

“Forgive me in advance if I choose to remember this evening for your biology as well as your chemistry.” He replied flirtatiously as he placed the glass down on a nearby table.

[skraptrummor]

"Feel free to look at my biology up close if you want."

Ivar, offering Isamu a coy glance, pulled off his shirt and then went back to drinking. He was going to walk around the hotel room shirtless until Isamu wanted to advance further. The man was an enigma and the Swede couldn't help but find him attractive as well as extremely clever.

"We can---exchange chemicals and share in that process."

The drummer sliding a hand onto Isamu's cheek, touching it before letting go.

[itmeanscourage]

Isamu was no stranger to how quickly things were progressing. He started to unbutton his shirt, replying with an equally coy, “This will require a much closer inspection, yes.”

A few quips were made about providing samples, along with whether Ivar would provide the beaker if Isamu brought the stirring rod, so to speak.

[skraptrummor]

"Then, let us get this experiment under way."

Ivar moving in to hug Isamu before offering him kisses and letting nature take it course. No doubt the two men delving into the depths of experimentation and exchange of chemicals which is what the Swede had wanted from the start with the braniac.

***