Nikhila only raised an eyebrow.
"I am carrying around a twenty pound pup for you and you're not willing to eat asparagus?"Â?
Guilt could be much more effective than a poke in the shoulder. Besides she hadn't actually asked him to eat it, so he deserved some guilt if nothing else.
"We may have to reconsider this arrangement."Â?
The comings and goings, were enough to make Nikhila dizzy. But so long as everyone was having a good time it didn't really matter. Lily's offer brought a smile and nod. Where as Hammer's comment brought a little giggle. She couldn't help but notice how attentive he was to Lily. It was quite chivalrous offering to scare people off like that. And as they seemed to be leaving the table she wouldn't feel as bad about doing the same.
Nikhila wasn't sure if she could dance, or how they would manage with the baby between them but the music was slow and smooth and very tempting. They would work it out.
"Both."Â?
She answered enthusiastically. She didn't want to be on her feet all night so breaking the dancing up into short bursts would be good and let them avoid the faster songs.
A little self conscious about it, she let Aidan help her up. While she could do it herself it was just easier this way. He found their way to the dance floor without biting any one or letting her get jostled too much. Impressive considering the crowd.
"I was so hopping for a jitter bug..."Â? Her lips quirked in a soft half smile. "but this will do."Â?
It was very much a slow dance, something soft that just about any one should be able to follow with some grace.
Happy New Years 2011 (open to all)
(FYI - this is an open thread, but not an event meaning that the three open thread rule will still apply. Once I get to the ball dropping and fireworks, that'll end for any type of unofficial-official moderation. In the next few posts I will be giving minor descriptions of the ballroom, but you are more than welcomed to change anything up, other than the basic design. Waiters, buffet table, your seats...that's all you. Please also assume that the ballroom itself is gigantic, so feel free to attend the party unnoticed by prying eyes. Enjoy!)
Vivienne climbed the spiral staircase that led to the Grand Piazza's ball room and prayed to god that she would not trip herself on her four inch heels. Running her free hand over her hip, she slightly grimaced over how expensive her dress was, and more importantly, who had sent it to her that afternoon.
Reaching the top of the stairs, her hand on the rail had her embossed invitation and she handed it to a smartly dressed Grand Piazza employee wearing a black tuxedo with flourished gold GP emblems just below his left lapel. He took it with a perfectly manicured hand and laid it on top of the stack of cards in his other hand. With a nod, and nary a peek at her invite, he held a hand out toward the ball room doors where two more tuxedo wearing employees were waiting for her. With a murmured greeting, they opened the doors for her and Vivienne did her best not to gasp out loud.
Nikhila
13 years ago
Eiryk
13 years ago
Eiryk smiled watching Kem and Aishe slide off on to the floor. They really were very sweet together. If he didn't know that Aishe could be a bit of a spitfire and Kem had a bit of a mischievous streak to him they'd have been quite boring. Sweet, but boring. Thank god they both had a bit of spice.
Speaking of spice, there was Pak and the same date. it was a minor miracle. He politely stood up both as Aishe left and Pak arrived.
"Who in the world talked you into that color?"Â?
He gave Pak just long enough to either get self conscious or cross before continuing.
"It looks brilliant, they should be rewarded. And I see she hasn't broken you yet, excellent."Â?
Pak sat down, Eiryk sat down and Alex got sulky. Eiryk patted his boyfriend's knee.
"It isn't coercion it is persuasion."Â?
Both of his eyebrows shot upward as Alex slighted him, unintentionally of course, but still! Chuckling slightly he shook his head.
"Just one dance."Â?
Eiryk smiled brightly when Alex agreed, however reluctantly, and discreetly squeezed his hand under the table. He was letting Alex set the level of PDA he was comfortable with tonight.
Speaking of spice, there was Pak and the same date. it was a minor miracle. He politely stood up both as Aishe left and Pak arrived.
"Who in the world talked you into that color?"Â?
He gave Pak just long enough to either get self conscious or cross before continuing.
"It looks brilliant, they should be rewarded. And I see she hasn't broken you yet, excellent."Â?
Pak sat down, Eiryk sat down and Alex got sulky. Eiryk patted his boyfriend's knee.
"It isn't coercion it is persuasion."Â?
Both of his eyebrows shot upward as Alex slighted him, unintentionally of course, but still! Chuckling slightly he shook his head.
"Just one dance."Â?
Eiryk smiled brightly when Alex agreed, however reluctantly, and discreetly squeezed his hand under the table. He was letting Alex set the level of PDA he was comfortable with tonight.
Mara
13 years ago
The first thing that Mara noticed when she walked into the ballroom at the Piazza was the enormous chandeliers dripping from the ceiling. She immediately wanted one. As she tightened her hand on her companion's arm she began to ponder the mechanics of making such a thing. Obviously she'd have to tone it down, and perhaps not a chandelier but a mobile of glass? That could work.
Putting those thoughts on the back burner for the time being, Mara gazed out at the sea of colors before them. She glanced at Jin, smiling softly. "Looks like everyone in Nachton is here," she said.
This wasn't entirely her idea of a perfect night out; far too many people crammed into one spot. But it was beautiful and elegant and she was wearing a gown that made her feel floaty and delicate. That, and the dance floor was enormous. It caught her eye as the couples already dancing moved over it, swaying and swirling. So it wasn't the perfect venue, but it wasn't a far cry.
She wasn't going to lie to herself either - it was nice to be here with Jin without any pressing Clan business to attend to, without implements of torture readily available (unless you counted old women in overly-sequined dresses), and without any raw sewage handy. Oh, my. What would they do for fun? They might have to... well... open some doors. They'd improvise.
The thought made her soft smile turn into a slightly more mischievous grin. Her eyes, their odd pale color covered by a pair of deep blue tinted contacts, once more strayed over to Jin. "Where did you want to begin?" she asked him, curious to see which way he'd go when there wasn't a pressing mystery anywhere in sight.
Putting those thoughts on the back burner for the time being, Mara gazed out at the sea of colors before them. She glanced at Jin, smiling softly. "Looks like everyone in Nachton is here," she said.
This wasn't entirely her idea of a perfect night out; far too many people crammed into one spot. But it was beautiful and elegant and she was wearing a gown that made her feel floaty and delicate. That, and the dance floor was enormous. It caught her eye as the couples already dancing moved over it, swaying and swirling. So it wasn't the perfect venue, but it wasn't a far cry.
She wasn't going to lie to herself either - it was nice to be here with Jin without any pressing Clan business to attend to, without implements of torture readily available (unless you counted old women in overly-sequined dresses), and without any raw sewage handy. Oh, my. What would they do for fun? They might have to... well... open some doors. They'd improvise.
The thought made her soft smile turn into a slightly more mischievous grin. Her eyes, their odd pale color covered by a pair of deep blue tinted contacts, once more strayed over to Jin. "Where did you want to begin?" she asked him, curious to see which way he'd go when there wasn't a pressing mystery anywhere in sight.
Pakpao
13 years ago
"Not that you don't look dashing, because you do, but next time we go out I vote for normal clothes."Â?
Pak told Artemis. Kem and Aishe seemed to be headed for the dance floor.
"I danced at Halloween. He did a fine job but I might be danced out."Â?
She round about gave her permission for Aishe to dance with her date. If Pak knew her friend Aishe had designs on dancing with every male currently at their table. Probably more than once.
Alex's accusation of coercion just made Pak laugh as she found a champagne flute and sat down. She crossed her legs and had to admit she sort of liked the thigh high slit and how it showed off her legs without looking like a hooker. Reaching over she patted Alexander's hand.
"Welcome to the family."Â?
Coercion, teasing, abuse, they were all just signs of affection and that he belonged. As if to demonstrate Eiryk took to picking on her dress. Pak was just about to get huffy about the comment when he twisted it into a compliment.
"Stupid Viking."Â? She said fondly. "I'm still not as pretty as you though."Â?
Pak told Artemis. Kem and Aishe seemed to be headed for the dance floor.
"I danced at Halloween. He did a fine job but I might be danced out."Â?
She round about gave her permission for Aishe to dance with her date. If Pak knew her friend Aishe had designs on dancing with every male currently at their table. Probably more than once.
Alex's accusation of coercion just made Pak laugh as she found a champagne flute and sat down. She crossed her legs and had to admit she sort of liked the thigh high slit and how it showed off her legs without looking like a hooker. Reaching over she patted Alexander's hand.
"Welcome to the family."Â?
Coercion, teasing, abuse, they were all just signs of affection and that he belonged. As if to demonstrate Eiryk took to picking on her dress. Pak was just about to get huffy about the comment when he twisted it into a compliment.
"Stupid Viking."Â? She said fondly. "I'm still not as pretty as you though."Â?
Xeph
13 years ago
"Right," Xeph drawled at his father, "because what I need is more character. As if you didn't do your best to pack me full of it already."
To Nikhila he shrugged apologetically. "Anything but asparagus," he said. "I'm still waiting for the study to come out but anything that makes your pee smell funny for a day can't be be good for you."
He ignored the irony of someone in his profession saying that. He refused to eat it himself. They were going to have to strap him down to this table and force feed him. And he wouldn't go quietly!
As Hammer and Lily went off to search out food and play halfway nice with the other celebrants, Xeph accompanied Nikhila to the dance floor. Wrapping his arms around her he did his best to throw a Hammer-like glare at anyone who even looked like they might get too close to Nikhila.
"We'll save the jitterbug for next time, how about?"
The slow song was perfect; if they had to mingle he preferred to do so with Nikhila safely embraced. If anything happened he could pick her up and have her away at a moment's notice.
To Nikhila he shrugged apologetically. "Anything but asparagus," he said. "I'm still waiting for the study to come out but anything that makes your pee smell funny for a day can't be be good for you."
He ignored the irony of someone in his profession saying that. He refused to eat it himself. They were going to have to strap him down to this table and force feed him. And he wouldn't go quietly!
As Hammer and Lily went off to search out food and play halfway nice with the other celebrants, Xeph accompanied Nikhila to the dance floor. Wrapping his arms around her he did his best to throw a Hammer-like glare at anyone who even looked like they might get too close to Nikhila.
"We'll save the jitterbug for next time, how about?"
The slow song was perfect; if they had to mingle he preferred to do so with Nikhila safely embraced. If anything happened he could pick her up and have her away at a moment's notice.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin took in the enormous ballroom and then turned to watch his date. Mara's reaction to things was far more interesting to him than the event itself. Her eyes went to the giant chandeliers almost immediately. Jin could almost detect a predatory gleam behind the deep blue contacts. If there was a way to get that impressive collection of tinkling crystal home without anyone noticing he suspected the Piazza would find themselves short one very expensive light.
If there was a way to get it in his vehicle he'd be tempted to find some way to do it himself.
As her eyes focused on him, he smiled and shrugged his tuxedo clad shoulders.
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
She was a vision of immortal grace and beauty. The cat in him found the swirls of deep blue fabric to be mesmerizing and the man in him found the glimpses of well toned leg through the sheer fabric to be bewitching. There was a thrill to the mystery, just catching a glimpse of flesh. Jin figured it was like the chases that he adored so much.
Shaking himself out of his reverie, Jin peered over the rims of his smoky tinted glasses out at the crowd.
"Well, we should probably save the excitement of opening doors until later."
He turned and gave her a mischievous smile.
"How about we get some dancing done while we can before there are fireworks to see... and while people are still sober. Its so much more fun when we don't have to watch out for flailing arms and drunken wobbles."
If there was a way to get it in his vehicle he'd be tempted to find some way to do it himself.
As her eyes focused on him, he smiled and shrugged his tuxedo clad shoulders.
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
She was a vision of immortal grace and beauty. The cat in him found the swirls of deep blue fabric to be mesmerizing and the man in him found the glimpses of well toned leg through the sheer fabric to be bewitching. There was a thrill to the mystery, just catching a glimpse of flesh. Jin figured it was like the chases that he adored so much.
Shaking himself out of his reverie, Jin peered over the rims of his smoky tinted glasses out at the crowd.
"Well, we should probably save the excitement of opening doors until later."
He turned and gave her a mischievous smile.
"How about we get some dancing done while we can before there are fireworks to see... and while people are still sober. Its so much more fun when we don't have to watch out for flailing arms and drunken wobbles."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara's eyes sparkled back at Jin when she found him looking at her. His appreciation was certainly returned twofold. Mara thought he made a handsome picture himself. She wasn't fond of tall men, and for her Jin was the perfect height. His dramatic coloring was set off well by his choice of apparel. Sharp inside and out, she thought. Jin didn't miss a trick. She loved that.
"Agreed," she said. "Perhaps another night for the human gauntlet." Tonight, tonight was just for fun.
As they made their way into the ballroom and onto the dance floor Mara said, "I had forgotten about the fireworks. That will be fun!"
She had loved fireworks ever since she'd first seen them, oh, hundreds of years ago. They appealed to her love of sparkly things, and when viewed through contacts such as she wore now, they were easier to look at than the first few times she'd seen them.
As the orchestra began a new tune, Mara smiled wider. "Lovely." It was a viennese waltz, classic, refined, and much faster than the standard slow waltz. The dance was meant to be done with a pattern of turns and rotations, and it was fun to fly across the floor doing them.
Mara slipped into Jin's arms easily, instinctively remembering his hold from Halloween. She was more comfortable with him now than she'd been before, and it was not difficult to melt into the rhythm of the dance, gown swirling out around her, delicate shoes sliding over the floor. The faster pace of this waltz had scared off a few of the more casual dancers and they had a bit of room to move in, which was good. Mara was pretty certain they'd use it. Having only had a taste of Jin's dancing skills before, she was happy to find her partner once again more than equal to the task. She didn't need heightened perception to flow easily with Jin; following his moves was becoming easier and easier the more time they spent together.
"Agreed," she said. "Perhaps another night for the human gauntlet." Tonight, tonight was just for fun.
As they made their way into the ballroom and onto the dance floor Mara said, "I had forgotten about the fireworks. That will be fun!"
She had loved fireworks ever since she'd first seen them, oh, hundreds of years ago. They appealed to her love of sparkly things, and when viewed through contacts such as she wore now, they were easier to look at than the first few times she'd seen them.
As the orchestra began a new tune, Mara smiled wider. "Lovely." It was a viennese waltz, classic, refined, and much faster than the standard slow waltz. The dance was meant to be done with a pattern of turns and rotations, and it was fun to fly across the floor doing them.
Mara slipped into Jin's arms easily, instinctively remembering his hold from Halloween. She was more comfortable with him now than she'd been before, and it was not difficult to melt into the rhythm of the dance, gown swirling out around her, delicate shoes sliding over the floor. The faster pace of this waltz had scared off a few of the more casual dancers and they had a bit of room to move in, which was good. Mara was pretty certain they'd use it. Having only had a taste of Jin's dancing skills before, she was happy to find her partner once again more than equal to the task. She didn't need heightened perception to flow easily with Jin; following his moves was becoming easier and easier the more time they spent together.
Lily
13 years ago
Lily and Iov wound their way easily through the party-goers toward the buffet-style setup, where they found they they had only to point at what they wanted and it was served for them and delivered to their table. Excellent. Lily carefully selected an array of flavors and textures. There was very little that would appeal to those of hers or Aidan's tastes, most of it seafood. They were used to that however; in a world largely unaware of their existence they didn't expect to find raw steak and chicken at public events. Sushi was just fine. She included several varieties of vegetables both cooked and raw, and some assorted breads as well.
"That's settled," she said, nibbling at a little bit of cracker with smoked salmon that was too tempting to make it all the way to their table unassaulted. She smiled at Iov with barely-disguised mischief. "Now we just need to pay our respects to various business people, and we'll be in the clear."
As was typical for her, she embellished her accent when she wanted to make the conversation brief. years of living in Australia had not dulled the Scottish burr she'd grown up with although it had acquired a distinct Australian flavor that made it unique. And hard to understand at times, which tended to make her visitations short when necessary.
Tonight it was necessary. She greeted three or four people, thanking them for their continued support of the Stafford Foundation, and was in turn greeted by numerous people herself who either wanted a contribution for their own cause or simply wanted to be seen talking to her. Lily had grown up with such attention and didn't mind it. Years of dealing with it had taught her many ways to slip out of such situations with grace and poise, but none were so effective as having Iov along.
"That's settled," she said, nibbling at a little bit of cracker with smoked salmon that was too tempting to make it all the way to their table unassaulted. She smiled at Iov with barely-disguised mischief. "Now we just need to pay our respects to various business people, and we'll be in the clear."
As was typical for her, she embellished her accent when she wanted to make the conversation brief. years of living in Australia had not dulled the Scottish burr she'd grown up with although it had acquired a distinct Australian flavor that made it unique. And hard to understand at times, which tended to make her visitations short when necessary.
Tonight it was necessary. She greeted three or four people, thanking them for their continued support of the Stafford Foundation, and was in turn greeted by numerous people herself who either wanted a contribution for their own cause or simply wanted to be seen talking to her. Lily had grown up with such attention and didn't mind it. Years of dealing with it had taught her many ways to slip out of such situations with grace and poise, but none were so effective as having Iov along.
Iov Hammerthynn
13 years ago
Hammer looked at the food and rubbed his tummy. He pointed to the left of the buffet station as a server looked up at him expectantly and then Hammer moved his finger across all the items, going left to right, until he stopped.
The server raised his eyebrows in confusion. "I'm sorry, which...?"
"All the cooked. No sushi. Well, ok the sushi, too."
The server looked up at Hammer and then back down at the buffet station. "It'll be a moment...then."
"Thank you," he said and then turned to follow Lily. She was approached by several people, asking questions. Hammer looked up at the ceiling and then back down at each individual, making contact with his lone, right eye. It kept the conversations short and he nodded politely as they quickly retreated.
Hammer considered his position for a moment. It was not unlike before Xeph had been conceived, as he recalled. He had been her looming shadow, never more than two feet behind her, and ever diligent in his protection and silence. He preferred it. Talking was overrated. But now he was her fiance' although he had never introduced himself as such. There were men that approached her, certainly more handsome than he, but they always moved on without having to be told. Hammer decided to make it clear when another gentleman approached her, smiling and oozing charm.
Again, overrated, he thought.
The man was several inches shorter than Hammer who stood at six foot five. Dark hair, blue eyes...two of them. Hammer narrowed his eye at the man who openly ignored him and began to flirt with Lily. No, he decided, that would not do.
"Lils," he said, getting her attention, and then he reached out, wrapped his arm around her waist. Without hesitating, Hammer pulled her close and kissed her, rather aggressively.
The man took note of him finally and left.
Hammer broke the kiss and let them hover over her lips. "Sorry...about that." He cleared his throat and smiled at her sheepishly. "I thought kissing you was a clearer message for him to shove off than physically doing it myself."
The server raised his eyebrows in confusion. "I'm sorry, which...?"
"All the cooked. No sushi. Well, ok the sushi, too."
The server looked up at Hammer and then back down at the buffet station. "It'll be a moment...then."
"Thank you," he said and then turned to follow Lily. She was approached by several people, asking questions. Hammer looked up at the ceiling and then back down at each individual, making contact with his lone, right eye. It kept the conversations short and he nodded politely as they quickly retreated.
Hammer considered his position for a moment. It was not unlike before Xeph had been conceived, as he recalled. He had been her looming shadow, never more than two feet behind her, and ever diligent in his protection and silence. He preferred it. Talking was overrated. But now he was her fiance' although he had never introduced himself as such. There were men that approached her, certainly more handsome than he, but they always moved on without having to be told. Hammer decided to make it clear when another gentleman approached her, smiling and oozing charm.
Again, overrated, he thought.
The man was several inches shorter than Hammer who stood at six foot five. Dark hair, blue eyes...two of them. Hammer narrowed his eye at the man who openly ignored him and began to flirt with Lily. No, he decided, that would not do.
"Lils," he said, getting her attention, and then he reached out, wrapped his arm around her waist. Without hesitating, Hammer pulled her close and kissed her, rather aggressively.
The man took note of him finally and left.
Hammer broke the kiss and let them hover over her lips. "Sorry...about that." He cleared his throat and smiled at her sheepishly. "I thought kissing you was a clearer message for him to shove off than physically doing it myself."
Nikhila
13 years ago
Nikhila discreetly elbowed Aidan for giving his father trouble. But it was half hearted at best this what how they always were and it was probably a very good thing that had continued.
With practiced ease she ignored his quip about vegetables, especially asparagus but vowed to make him eat something green before the baby. Something, anything.
It wasn't hard to recognize what he was doing. That Aidan was very much in Alpha/protector mode. Even thought Nikhila thought this party would be safer than not she didn't argue with him or try and talk him down. Instinct was a powerful thing.
"I will take an IOU on that."Â?
She agreed easily before settling into his arms.
Funny as much as she had longed to be out before, now she was happy to just be dancing quietly with her mate. The people and the party and the decorations were nice, but not necessary. Nikhila rested her head on his shoulder and let Aidan lead. Compared to some of the other dancers they probably looked quite ordinary, boring even. But that was fine with her.
Of course, the sweetness couldn't last. As the song drew to a close and she looked up at him, slightly sheepishly.
"I might be hungry now."Â?
With practiced ease she ignored his quip about vegetables, especially asparagus but vowed to make him eat something green before the baby. Something, anything.
It wasn't hard to recognize what he was doing. That Aidan was very much in Alpha/protector mode. Even thought Nikhila thought this party would be safer than not she didn't argue with him or try and talk him down. Instinct was a powerful thing.
"I will take an IOU on that."Â?
She agreed easily before settling into his arms.
Funny as much as she had longed to be out before, now she was happy to just be dancing quietly with her mate. The people and the party and the decorations were nice, but not necessary. Nikhila rested her head on his shoulder and let Aidan lead. Compared to some of the other dancers they probably looked quite ordinary, boring even. But that was fine with her.
Of course, the sweetness couldn't last. As the song drew to a close and she looked up at him, slightly sheepishly.
"I might be hungry now."Â?
Jin
13 years ago
Mara seemed excited about the fireworks later and he had to admit that he felt a certain childlike joy while watching the brilliant displays, not to mention a certain amount of national pride.
Yes, those loud, sulfurous, light shows...we invented those.
The tune was ending as they made their way to the area set aside for dancing. Finding a free spot on the floor, he put his arm around Mara's waist just as the next song began. Perfect timing.
Jin smiled at her as they took the first steps of the Venetian Waltz.
"I agree."
They twirled around the ballroom floor with fluid grace that made the dance look elegant and effortless. In the formal hold of the waltz their heads were tilted away from one another, gazing out upon their fellow dancers. Perhaps it was the last remnant of the earliest form of the dance where it was done in a circle with other couples or perhaps it was simply so they could see where they were going with all the spinning. He remembered a time when the dance was considered scandalous with its holds that allowed couples to dance close together.
Chuckling, he shared his thoughts with Mara.
"Remember when this was considered terribly improper? I recall all the fuss Lord Byron made of it, of all people."
He caught the image of them dancing in the reflection upon the large windows and felt that they appeared serene and stately. It was amazing what a few years did to change one's opinion of what was acceptable in polite company.
Putting historical thoughts aside, Jin was content to simply enjoy the steps and the company.
Jin gave her a mischievous grin as the dance came to an end.
"What should we hope for next? A Quickstep?"
Yes, those loud, sulfurous, light shows...we invented those.
The tune was ending as they made their way to the area set aside for dancing. Finding a free spot on the floor, he put his arm around Mara's waist just as the next song began. Perfect timing.
Jin smiled at her as they took the first steps of the Venetian Waltz.
"I agree."
They twirled around the ballroom floor with fluid grace that made the dance look elegant and effortless. In the formal hold of the waltz their heads were tilted away from one another, gazing out upon their fellow dancers. Perhaps it was the last remnant of the earliest form of the dance where it was done in a circle with other couples or perhaps it was simply so they could see where they were going with all the spinning. He remembered a time when the dance was considered scandalous with its holds that allowed couples to dance close together.
Chuckling, he shared his thoughts with Mara.
"Remember when this was considered terribly improper? I recall all the fuss Lord Byron made of it, of all people."
He caught the image of them dancing in the reflection upon the large windows and felt that they appeared serene and stately. It was amazing what a few years did to change one's opinion of what was acceptable in polite company.
Putting historical thoughts aside, Jin was content to simply enjoy the steps and the company.
Jin gave her a mischievous grin as the dance came to an end.
"What should we hope for next? A Quickstep?"
Lily
13 years ago
Yes, indeed, Iov was effective. Lily smiled into his kiss as he proved his effectiveness very publicly to the astonishment of several onlookers. She looked up at him somewhat breathlessly, having completely forgotten who she was talking to or why.
"Yes, very clear," she said. Then she tugged gently on the jacket of his tux. "Do it again."
There was something exhilarating about being able to do that with Iov and it was even more amazing that he had initiated it although it had been purposeful and meant to send a message. Lily threw caution to the wind for another kiss like that one.
"You know, the food is on its way to the table," she suggested in his ear. "We don't have to go back immediately."
It was true; the Pipers were all around, Aidan and Nikhila were dancing... they could do the same, just once, or... well... whatever else.
"Yes, very clear," she said. Then she tugged gently on the jacket of his tux. "Do it again."
There was something exhilarating about being able to do that with Iov and it was even more amazing that he had initiated it although it had been purposeful and meant to send a message. Lily threw caution to the wind for another kiss like that one.
"You know, the food is on its way to the table," she suggested in his ear. "We don't have to go back immediately."
It was true; the Pipers were all around, Aidan and Nikhila were dancing... they could do the same, just once, or... well... whatever else.
Xeph
13 years ago
Xeph was happy holding Nikhila on the dance floor. They didn't have to do anything fancy; they just swayed to the music and enjoyed the rhythm while they got lost in each other for a few too-short moments. When the song ended and Nikhila made her confession to him he just laughed softly. He was getting used to these things happening. Nikhila wasn't flighty by nature but with her body going somewhat haywire during her pregnancy she didn't always call the shots... it quite often called them for her.
"By all means, let's feed you both," he said, slipping his arm around behind her to escort her back to their table.
They got there just as an impressive array of food began to arrive, a large percentage of it cooked, and of the protein variety. Xeph chuckled. "This is what my mother gets for bringing Hammer along to the buffet," he guessed.
They couldn't see either of them, big as the crowd was, and the Pipers were still moving back and forth although Xeph never went without being able to see one of them somewhere. That fact more than anything relaxed him and he served Nikhila with relative peace of mind, knowing his family were around.
He avoided the asparagus though. He refused.
"By all means, let's feed you both," he said, slipping his arm around behind her to escort her back to their table.
They got there just as an impressive array of food began to arrive, a large percentage of it cooked, and of the protein variety. Xeph chuckled. "This is what my mother gets for bringing Hammer along to the buffet," he guessed.
They couldn't see either of them, big as the crowd was, and the Pipers were still moving back and forth although Xeph never went without being able to see one of them somewhere. That fact more than anything relaxed him and he served Nikhila with relative peace of mind, knowing his family were around.
He avoided the asparagus though. He refused.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara smiled and laughed softly when Jin detailed his train of thought. "All because it was indecent to put your arms around someone's waist. What would they think of today's dances?"
She remembered that period well. Mara rolled her eyes upward with a grin. "I was too afraid to try it with a stranger. I made Amir learn it," she confessed. Mara wasn't exactly a slave to convention; she had been dying to try the scandalous new dance. But close embraces with strange men didn't suit her at all, and her poor creator had been dragged into once again learning another dance.
As the waltz drew to a close, Mara didn't move away from her partner. Instead she stayed in that close hold, considering how she might best do a faster, more energetic dance in this gauzy gown. It might look silly.
"They seem to be mixing it up a good bit," she observed. The orchestra was playing a fairly wide variety but they seemed to be putting in a number of slow songs, perhaps for those dancers who weren't familiar with the formal steps of traditional ballroom styles.
The next dance, as it turned out, was a cha cha. "No quickstep this time," she said as they moved seamlessly into the new rhythm.
Once more they slid over the floor, upper bodies still this time, feet doing all of the movement. Jin was a graceful dancer; Mara expected no less but was pleased anyway. This time instead of looking away as the waltz had required, she was able to watch his face as they danced.
The floor had become slightly more crowded now, with the familiar cha-cha rhythm, so they had a little less room to maneuver in. Mara found herself not minding that. This particular dance was somewhat short, and when it was through the orchestra went back to something much slower. The floor filled back up again and Mara was pressed closer to her date out of necessity and self-preservation.
She hesitated for a moment before wrapping her arms around Jin's neck. She wasn't sure if he, like her, just enjoyed dancing for the sake of it, or if he preferred the formalities and patterns of the traditional ballroom styles.
"Did you want to stay, or...?"
It would be best to give him an out if he wanted it; surely he hadn't come with her to spend the entire night crushed in a sea of awkward slow-dancers. However, Mara thought she could learn to enjoy it, with such a companion as Jin.
She remembered that period well. Mara rolled her eyes upward with a grin. "I was too afraid to try it with a stranger. I made Amir learn it," she confessed. Mara wasn't exactly a slave to convention; she had been dying to try the scandalous new dance. But close embraces with strange men didn't suit her at all, and her poor creator had been dragged into once again learning another dance.
As the waltz drew to a close, Mara didn't move away from her partner. Instead she stayed in that close hold, considering how she might best do a faster, more energetic dance in this gauzy gown. It might look silly.
"They seem to be mixing it up a good bit," she observed. The orchestra was playing a fairly wide variety but they seemed to be putting in a number of slow songs, perhaps for those dancers who weren't familiar with the formal steps of traditional ballroom styles.
The next dance, as it turned out, was a cha cha. "No quickstep this time," she said as they moved seamlessly into the new rhythm.
Once more they slid over the floor, upper bodies still this time, feet doing all of the movement. Jin was a graceful dancer; Mara expected no less but was pleased anyway. This time instead of looking away as the waltz had required, she was able to watch his face as they danced.
The floor had become slightly more crowded now, with the familiar cha-cha rhythm, so they had a little less room to maneuver in. Mara found herself not minding that. This particular dance was somewhat short, and when it was through the orchestra went back to something much slower. The floor filled back up again and Mara was pressed closer to her date out of necessity and self-preservation.
She hesitated for a moment before wrapping her arms around Jin's neck. She wasn't sure if he, like her, just enjoyed dancing for the sake of it, or if he preferred the formalities and patterns of the traditional ballroom styles.
"Did you want to stay, or...?"
It would be best to give him an out if he wanted it; surely he hadn't come with her to spend the entire night crushed in a sea of awkward slow-dancers. However, Mara thought she could learn to enjoy it, with such a companion as Jin.
Lothias LT Jameson
13 years ago
LT moved through the crowd of party-goers with relative ease. He was surprised to see just how large the ballroom was and how many people had crammed into it, albeit politely. The Piper's invitation had come as a surprise, but they would have made arrangements to come along as the Alpha's security anyway. Immediately his eyes went to the exits as his hand slipped into his pocket for his phone. He sent a message to them all and immediately they all replied, checking in with their positions. The Alpha's table was not that hard to find, he just had to find the one with the most food, and lo' and behold, the parade of waiters with food formed a direct line to it. Catching Red's eye who lingered near the table speaking to a pretty brunette, LT followed the direction of his nod toward the Beta. Changing direction, he moved directly toward his large Beta and his fiancee.
Immediately LT blushed as he came up the Beta's six and realized he was kissing the Alpha's mother. He halted momentarily and then looked back at Red. Red was silently laughing, his entire body shaking. Rolling his eyes, LT came up on the Beta's right and cleared his throat.
The Beta was seriously kissing Miss Lily. So much so that LT felt his blush burn on his cheeks. It was not a normal occurrence to see the Beta show any type of emotion, other than annoyance, much less show anyone the type of tenderness he showed the Alpha's mother. Maybe that's what was bothering LT - the fact that it was Miss Lily...it was like watching his Uncle and an ex-wife make out. LT cleared his throat again a little louder, finally getting the Beta's attention.
Hammer pulled away from Miss Lily, but only slightly. He turned his head and looked at LT.
"I apologize, sir. Just...reporting in. Area is secured."
Hammer straightened to his full height as he dropped the hand that was cupping Miss Lily's face. "Very good, Lothias. Care to join us at the table?"
LT knew the invitation was coming to sit with leadership. It would have been an honor, but he was not yet sure he wanted to introduce Carol officially. Once that was done, the truth of what he was would soon follow, and just wasn't prepared for that.
"If it's all right, sir, I think someone needs to keep an eye on the men." LT remembered his manners and then turned to Miss Lily. "I'm sorry. Ma'am," he said nodding politely at her. "You look very beautiful tonight."
Immediately LT blushed as he came up the Beta's six and realized he was kissing the Alpha's mother. He halted momentarily and then looked back at Red. Red was silently laughing, his entire body shaking. Rolling his eyes, LT came up on the Beta's right and cleared his throat.
The Beta was seriously kissing Miss Lily. So much so that LT felt his blush burn on his cheeks. It was not a normal occurrence to see the Beta show any type of emotion, other than annoyance, much less show anyone the type of tenderness he showed the Alpha's mother. Maybe that's what was bothering LT - the fact that it was Miss Lily...it was like watching his Uncle and an ex-wife make out. LT cleared his throat again a little louder, finally getting the Beta's attention.
Hammer pulled away from Miss Lily, but only slightly. He turned his head and looked at LT.
"I apologize, sir. Just...reporting in. Area is secured."
Hammer straightened to his full height as he dropped the hand that was cupping Miss Lily's face. "Very good, Lothias. Care to join us at the table?"
LT knew the invitation was coming to sit with leadership. It would have been an honor, but he was not yet sure he wanted to introduce Carol officially. Once that was done, the truth of what he was would soon follow, and just wasn't prepared for that.
"If it's all right, sir, I think someone needs to keep an eye on the men." LT remembered his manners and then turned to Miss Lily. "I'm sorry. Ma'am," he said nodding politely at her. "You look very beautiful tonight."
Carol
13 years ago
Carol gave Marthinus another inappropriate kiss good bye, to which he blushed and smiled shyly, and said she'd see him inside.
"I'll bring my man by so you can meet him!"
"I would like that, Carol."
Marthinus touched her face with his unusually strong hands and moved toward the bathrooms. Carol watched him go and felt her heart heavy with something akin to sadness. The clan had lost something very precious when it let Marthinus go, but then he wasn't very far. He had made himself scarce, only barely maintaining his appearance at Duibne, but his son Jacob was doing his father proud, so Carol could not really ask for more. She missed Marthinus though.
Reaching into her sleeve, Carol slipped out her small tube of lip gloss and reapplied her lipstick as she moved toward the entrance. Standing handsome as all get out was adorable and sweet Charlie. He had his hands in his pockets and was chatting up a little lovely blond when Carol came up and touched his arm.
"Carol," he said with a sweet smile. He pointed to the other blond and introduced her. "This is Mary."
"Hi, Mary," Carol said, keeping her distance from Charlie so not to confuse the situation. "Are you Charlie's date?"
"Oh no," Charlie said quickly. "Just met. This is my friend's girlfriend, who I was waiting for," he said to Mary who smiled politely. She reached out and touched his arm, letting her fingers linger as she told him she'd hopefully see him inside. Charlie replied in the affirmative and then turned away from the woman completely. Carol watched as Mary seemed a little disappointed but then shrugged lightly and walked off. Carol waited till she was out of ear shot and then smacked Charlie on his chest.
"What was that?"
"What?"
"She was totally into you."
"Oh," Charlie said uncomfortably. "She seemed nice."
Carol gave Charlie a sad look. "Seriously Charlie, you really need to get out more and meet women. Some torches really need to be put out and away." He gave her a confused look and then half rolled his eyes in an uncharacteristic show of annoyance. Carol immediately regretted her words and then reached out again, touching his arm. "Ack, I'm sorry Charlie. That's none of my business."
Charlie shrugged and smiled again at her.
"Let's go in and get drunk!"
Charlie hooked out his arm and Carol happily took it, following him into the ballroom.
"I'll bring my man by so you can meet him!"
"I would like that, Carol."
Marthinus touched her face with his unusually strong hands and moved toward the bathrooms. Carol watched him go and felt her heart heavy with something akin to sadness. The clan had lost something very precious when it let Marthinus go, but then he wasn't very far. He had made himself scarce, only barely maintaining his appearance at Duibne, but his son Jacob was doing his father proud, so Carol could not really ask for more. She missed Marthinus though.
Reaching into her sleeve, Carol slipped out her small tube of lip gloss and reapplied her lipstick as she moved toward the entrance. Standing handsome as all get out was adorable and sweet Charlie. He had his hands in his pockets and was chatting up a little lovely blond when Carol came up and touched his arm.
"Carol," he said with a sweet smile. He pointed to the other blond and introduced her. "This is Mary."
"Hi, Mary," Carol said, keeping her distance from Charlie so not to confuse the situation. "Are you Charlie's date?"
"Oh no," Charlie said quickly. "Just met. This is my friend's girlfriend, who I was waiting for," he said to Mary who smiled politely. She reached out and touched his arm, letting her fingers linger as she told him she'd hopefully see him inside. Charlie replied in the affirmative and then turned away from the woman completely. Carol watched as Mary seemed a little disappointed but then shrugged lightly and walked off. Carol waited till she was out of ear shot and then smacked Charlie on his chest.
"What was that?"
"What?"
"She was totally into you."
"Oh," Charlie said uncomfortably. "She seemed nice."
Carol gave Charlie a sad look. "Seriously Charlie, you really need to get out more and meet women. Some torches really need to be put out and away." He gave her a confused look and then half rolled his eyes in an uncharacteristic show of annoyance. Carol immediately regretted her words and then reached out again, touching his arm. "Ack, I'm sorry Charlie. That's none of my business."
Charlie shrugged and smiled again at her.
"Let's go in and get drunk!"
Charlie hooked out his arm and Carol happily took it, following him into the ballroom.
Simon Huntington
13 years ago
Simon couldn't help but grin as he watched Vivienne stare at her ring. He knew she had been married twice before, but international public records weren't as detailed as you'd like. They had been brief marriages, neither one lasting more than two years, and considering she was technically in her sixties, he wondered if she spent majority of her adult life alone.
"So you're really excited about this." She looked up at him quickly and smiled through her tears. He reached up and wiped a tear away with his thumb. "I'm guessing I'm not invited to the wedding, then."
"No one even knows we're together. Well, one person does. Ironically his ex-girlfriend."
"Oh that's classy," he murmured sarcastically.
"She's a friend. Yeah," Viv said looking up at him with a thoughtful expression. "Yeah, I suppose she is. I don't have many female friends so that's a first."
"Yes, you seem to play well with the opposite gender rather than your own."
"Oh har," she snorted, looking back down at her ring.
Simon found himself feeling left out, weirdly enough. He actually did want to see Viv get married, but the odds of that happening were nil since it would more than likely erupt into a full on blood bath. It was a relief that his happiness for her was not tainted with jealousy, but she had become something almost more special than just a potential lover.
Siberia had been enlightening. It had started with the sound of her heartbeat interrupting his evening, to a sleepy kiss and case of mistaken identity - granted that was more on her part than his. He knew exactly who he was kissing and it wasn't his fault she was asleep and mistook his touch for her lover's. Yes, he took advantage of that situation, but really, it had been worth it.
He spent the next week trying to recapture the passion of that kiss, but she had made a promise that their task was business only and she kept it. It never happened again, as much as he wanted it to. It wasn't that he was in love with Vivienne, it was just her insistence that she belonged to someone else and her complete devotion that had infuriated him. Simon wanted to taint that pure love she had. How dare she be in love, one hundred percent, deeply in love with no regrets? Love wasn't supposed to be as glorious as it was for her. So final. Simon had felt the pleasure of true love and the painful sting of loss and he wanted Viv to feel it, for some reason. Maybe just so he wasn't alone in his misery.
Viv's grin as she continued to stare down at her ring cut him like a knife. Ellis loved him, he could feel that in their aura, and she was unable to hide it, but he found himself pulling away from her. Ellis was trying so hard to be what he needed, but how could she even know what that was when he didn't.
Simon let his hand linger on her face as he cleaned the tears off her cheek. He listened to her heart beating that odd double beat that he had been telling her to have checked and was about to remind her when she turned suddenly to his right, just as he felt her lover's hand grab a handful of his collar and push him away from her.
"So you're really excited about this." She looked up at him quickly and smiled through her tears. He reached up and wiped a tear away with his thumb. "I'm guessing I'm not invited to the wedding, then."
"No one even knows we're together. Well, one person does. Ironically his ex-girlfriend."
"Oh that's classy," he murmured sarcastically.
"She's a friend. Yeah," Viv said looking up at him with a thoughtful expression. "Yeah, I suppose she is. I don't have many female friends so that's a first."
"Yes, you seem to play well with the opposite gender rather than your own."
"Oh har," she snorted, looking back down at her ring.
Simon found himself feeling left out, weirdly enough. He actually did want to see Viv get married, but the odds of that happening were nil since it would more than likely erupt into a full on blood bath. It was a relief that his happiness for her was not tainted with jealousy, but she had become something almost more special than just a potential lover.
Siberia had been enlightening. It had started with the sound of her heartbeat interrupting his evening, to a sleepy kiss and case of mistaken identity - granted that was more on her part than his. He knew exactly who he was kissing and it wasn't his fault she was asleep and mistook his touch for her lover's. Yes, he took advantage of that situation, but really, it had been worth it.
He spent the next week trying to recapture the passion of that kiss, but she had made a promise that their task was business only and she kept it. It never happened again, as much as he wanted it to. It wasn't that he was in love with Vivienne, it was just her insistence that she belonged to someone else and her complete devotion that had infuriated him. Simon wanted to taint that pure love she had. How dare she be in love, one hundred percent, deeply in love with no regrets? Love wasn't supposed to be as glorious as it was for her. So final. Simon had felt the pleasure of true love and the painful sting of loss and he wanted Viv to feel it, for some reason. Maybe just so he wasn't alone in his misery.
Viv's grin as she continued to stare down at her ring cut him like a knife. Ellis loved him, he could feel that in their aura, and she was unable to hide it, but he found himself pulling away from her. Ellis was trying so hard to be what he needed, but how could she even know what that was when he didn't.
Simon let his hand linger on her face as he cleaned the tears off her cheek. He listened to her heart beating that odd double beat that he had been telling her to have checked and was about to remind her when she turned suddenly to his right, just as he felt her lover's hand grab a handful of his collar and push him away from her.
Aishe
13 years ago
Aishe smiled with ill-concealed glee as she heard Alex capitulate. Glancing up at Kem she aised her eyebrows at him. He laughed down at her, shook his head, and released her hand. [Go easy on him,] was all he said.
[I have plans for him. I promise he'll be unscathed,] she replied.
To Alex, Aishe said, "I heard that." She held her hand out in a 'come hither' gesture and tilted her head at him. "It'll be fun, I promise."
Alex favored Eiryk with an 'oh my God help me' glance as he reached out toward Aishe. Eiryk returned it with a 'good luck, have fun sinking or swimming' wave as Aishe tugged Alex up with a grin.
Once she'd pried him free Aishe took Alex's arm and headed back to the dance floor. She didn't stop on the edge nearest their table as she had with Kem but instead she wound her way through the crowd with Alex in tow until they were well out of sight. By the time she stopped and turned she saw Alex's face go from terrified to curious.
"Been a while, has it?" she asked kindly, nodding her chin at the dance floor.
Alex looked surprised, and then shrugged and laughed uncomfortably. "Pretty much never."
Aishe had guessed at that much. Now she took a stab at the rest of it. "So. You want to dance with your boyfriend but you're afraid you're going to be a mess."
The truth was written on his face; Alexander wasn't a very good liar. Aishe just smiled. "You really ought to get it by now. He wouldn't care if you were constructed entirely of left feet. But since it's important to you, here's what we're going to do."
With some laughing, a good deal of fumbling, and more than one blush, Aishe soon had Alex holding her properly. Not really a ballroom dance hold, but the casual dance hold most people without experience used. The song was slow, meant to draw couples close together.
"Now relax," she told Alex. He rolled his eyes at her, but to his credit he did his best.
[I have plans for him. I promise he'll be unscathed,] she replied.
To Alex, Aishe said, "I heard that." She held her hand out in a 'come hither' gesture and tilted her head at him. "It'll be fun, I promise."
Alex favored Eiryk with an 'oh my God help me' glance as he reached out toward Aishe. Eiryk returned it with a 'good luck, have fun sinking or swimming' wave as Aishe tugged Alex up with a grin.
Once she'd pried him free Aishe took Alex's arm and headed back to the dance floor. She didn't stop on the edge nearest their table as she had with Kem but instead she wound her way through the crowd with Alex in tow until they were well out of sight. By the time she stopped and turned she saw Alex's face go from terrified to curious.
"Been a while, has it?" she asked kindly, nodding her chin at the dance floor.
Alex looked surprised, and then shrugged and laughed uncomfortably. "Pretty much never."
Aishe had guessed at that much. Now she took a stab at the rest of it. "So. You want to dance with your boyfriend but you're afraid you're going to be a mess."
The truth was written on his face; Alexander wasn't a very good liar. Aishe just smiled. "You really ought to get it by now. He wouldn't care if you were constructed entirely of left feet. But since it's important to you, here's what we're going to do."
With some laughing, a good deal of fumbling, and more than one blush, Aishe soon had Alex holding her properly. Not really a ballroom dance hold, but the casual dance hold most people without experience used. The song was slow, meant to draw couples close together.
"Now relax," she told Alex. He rolled his eyes at her, but to his credit he did his best.
Brig Jameson
13 years ago
She was taking too long. It had been only a few minutes, but as he kept his eyes on the entrance back into the ballroom, the time seemed to drag on. He tried to let it go and continued his slow sweep of the ballroom, concentrating on the Alpha's table from his perch by the doorway, but his eyes kept returning to the door in anticipation of seeing Viv walk in and wanting to see her happy expression again. But she never came back. Brig looked back into the crowd and located Red and made eye contact. Red lifted his glass and raised his eyebrows with a smile. Then Charlie and Carol came into the room but he let them pass without going to them.
Then his eyes moved back toward the door again.
Finally he turned toward the door and exited back out into the hallway. Looking down to the left where he had left her to admire her ring, he saw no trace of her, and could not detect a fresh trail of her scent near the door. She hadn't gone toward the bathrooms, so where was she?
Looking off to the right, Brig moved left and then walked quickly down the hallway when her scent picked back up again. With relief he moved his long legs quicker when another scent mixed in with hers. His hackles rose and the wolf of him began tearing at his skin, badly wanting to pierce the surface, when he smelled Huntington again. It was thick and palatable, and as Brig turned the corner quickly, he saw the vampire there, touching Viv with a tenderness that the possessive alpha in him could not, would not, tolerate.
Brig shot forward and grabbed Huntington's collar, surprising the vampire as he stared intently at Viv, caressing her face. Brig felt his skin grow tight as he held back on his wolf, not wanting to attract unwanted attention, but the possessiveness in him surged with his adrenaline and he shoved the vampire up against the wall with all his strength.
"Don't. Touch. Her."
Viv yelped in surprise, but she saw him coming first. The second he turned the corner, he saw her already looking in his direction, but he moved as quickly as he could and she could not react until he already had the vampire pushed up against the wall.
"Calm down, hero," Huntington growled through gritted teeth.
Brig's grip tightened as Huntington grabbed his wrists and started to apply painful pressure without almost any struggle.
"Brig, stop." Viv hissed in his ear, pulling at his arm. "Not here. Not like this."
"I was just congratulating your fiancee, Brig."
"Simon, you are not helping. Brig, let him go before someone sees the three of us. Here. Fighting. It would be kind of hard to explain."
Brig turned his head and glared at her. "I told you, Viv. I don't have to like it. But this...silu...doesn't touch you. Ever."
"You really have to tell me what that means," Simon muttered, looking at Viv.
"Shut up," both he and Viv said to Huntington without looking at him.
"Just...let him go." Viv's eyes were hard and serious, but her hands were gentle on his arm. Brig took a step back and slowly released his grip on Huntington. He looked at the vampire as he straightened his bow tie.
Huntington's expression was smug, that was until Viv reached up and punched his arm. "What?" he exclaimed with surprise.
"Seriously, both of you are acting like idiots. You," she pointed at Brig, "know better. And you," she pointed at Huntington, "I know YOU know better."
It was Brig's turn to look smug. Both men glared at each other as Vivienne stepped around them and walked off. Brig took another step back and Huntington pushed himself off the wall and together they glared at each other as they followed Viv back to the ballroom.
Brig knew neither one of them could go to her and risk having to explain why to someone who might notice. The Pipers were hovering and would undoubtedly see the three of them walk in together, but he'd be damned if he'd let Viv go in without him.
"Viv," he said, making her stop and look back. She had already slipped her engagement ring off and hid it. Brig went to her side and stood by her, his eyes still on Huntington as he passed Viv without a word and entered the ballroom. He stared after the vampire, the hate bubbling inside him when he heard Viv huff loudly. He looked at her with a sheepish smile.
"Sorry," he said quietly.
Then his eyes moved back toward the door again.
Finally he turned toward the door and exited back out into the hallway. Looking down to the left where he had left her to admire her ring, he saw no trace of her, and could not detect a fresh trail of her scent near the door. She hadn't gone toward the bathrooms, so where was she?
Looking off to the right, Brig moved left and then walked quickly down the hallway when her scent picked back up again. With relief he moved his long legs quicker when another scent mixed in with hers. His hackles rose and the wolf of him began tearing at his skin, badly wanting to pierce the surface, when he smelled Huntington again. It was thick and palatable, and as Brig turned the corner quickly, he saw the vampire there, touching Viv with a tenderness that the possessive alpha in him could not, would not, tolerate.
Brig shot forward and grabbed Huntington's collar, surprising the vampire as he stared intently at Viv, caressing her face. Brig felt his skin grow tight as he held back on his wolf, not wanting to attract unwanted attention, but the possessiveness in him surged with his adrenaline and he shoved the vampire up against the wall with all his strength.
"Don't. Touch. Her."
Viv yelped in surprise, but she saw him coming first. The second he turned the corner, he saw her already looking in his direction, but he moved as quickly as he could and she could not react until he already had the vampire pushed up against the wall.
"Calm down, hero," Huntington growled through gritted teeth.
Brig's grip tightened as Huntington grabbed his wrists and started to apply painful pressure without almost any struggle.
"Brig, stop." Viv hissed in his ear, pulling at his arm. "Not here. Not like this."
"I was just congratulating your fiancee, Brig."
"Simon, you are not helping. Brig, let him go before someone sees the three of us. Here. Fighting. It would be kind of hard to explain."
Brig turned his head and glared at her. "I told you, Viv. I don't have to like it. But this...silu...doesn't touch you. Ever."
"You really have to tell me what that means," Simon muttered, looking at Viv.
"Shut up," both he and Viv said to Huntington without looking at him.
"Just...let him go." Viv's eyes were hard and serious, but her hands were gentle on his arm. Brig took a step back and slowly released his grip on Huntington. He looked at the vampire as he straightened his bow tie.
Huntington's expression was smug, that was until Viv reached up and punched his arm. "What?" he exclaimed with surprise.
"Seriously, both of you are acting like idiots. You," she pointed at Brig, "know better. And you," she pointed at Huntington, "I know YOU know better."
It was Brig's turn to look smug. Both men glared at each other as Vivienne stepped around them and walked off. Brig took another step back and Huntington pushed himself off the wall and together they glared at each other as they followed Viv back to the ballroom.
Brig knew neither one of them could go to her and risk having to explain why to someone who might notice. The Pipers were hovering and would undoubtedly see the three of them walk in together, but he'd be damned if he'd let Viv go in without him.
"Viv," he said, making her stop and look back. She had already slipped her engagement ring off and hid it. Brig went to her side and stood by her, his eyes still on Huntington as he passed Viv without a word and entered the ballroom. He stared after the vampire, the hate bubbling inside him when he heard Viv huff loudly. He looked at her with a sheepish smile.
"Sorry," he said quietly.
Alex Aristos
13 years ago
Alex suffered momentary panic as he trailed behind Aishe to the dance floor. She had a surprisingly strong grip. The panic turned into curiosity as they traveled across the dance floor, out of sight of everyone else.
He wasn't necessarily surprised that Aishe suspected what was up; what was startling was the extent to which she nailed it. Then again, Aishe was always observant. It shouldn't surprise him that she'd guessed at this too.
Alex did his best not to run from the floor as he gathered Aishe into his arms. It was like holding nothing; the woman was tiny. How did Kem manage? And then as they began to move he decided that in spite of Aishe's efforts there actually were millions of people watching them; he was being televised and broadcast onto a "how not do dance" channel. Nope, this wasn't his thing. Definitely not.
And then Aishe stood on her tiptoes to say something to him. Alex bent to listen to her. "Two o'clock. Left foot."
His eyes followed her instructions and he couldn't help laughing at the guy obviously trying to impress his date with six inches of toilet paper stuck to his left shoe.
"Four o'clock. Hair." That directed him to an elderly man whose toupee was clearly about to fall off, most likely onto the oblivious elderly woman dancing with him.
Alex chuckled and hissed back at Aishe, "Who wears a toupee these days? Seriously?"
She grinned back. He didn't understand the point of her people-watching until two dances later, when he realized they were now swirling over the floor in a slow, easy rhythm, no intricate footwork or spinning or anything like that; just following the music, laughing at the other folks who were far more attention-worthy, and, as Aishe had promised, having fun. Slightly bemused, Alex gave Aishe a wry smile.
"Okay. Points to you," he said. "This isn't half bad."
She beamed up at him, pretty in her enthusiasm. He tried to see what Kem saw and didn't find it difficult. Aishe's spirit made her an easy person to like. She stood on tiptoes again. "Now look over there. Next lesson."
She nodded and he turned. For a moment he didn't see what she saw. And then it registered. There were two guys dancing, mixed in the crowd with everyone else. "And there." He followed her eyes again to see two women together.
He looked back at Aishe, feeling ashamed for thinking what he thought. She shook her head at him. "No one can blame you for not wanting to be scrutinized," she said, "but then again, maybe people don't care as much as you think."
Alex chewed on that while he danced another song with Aishe. He knew she was right. He couldn't explain why it was ingrained so deeply, not here and not now. Maybe not ever. But what better time could there be to overcome your old hangups than New Years' Eve? And what better partner to do that with than the person you loved?
Sighing at himself for being an insecure idiot Alex bent once more and gave Aishe an impulsive, uncharacteristic hug. "Thanks Aishe," he said simply.
As they walked back through the crowd to their own table, this time it was Alex who pulled Aishe along. Reaching their friends, Alex took a deep breath and released Aishe back to her boyfriend, then held his hand out to Eiryk.
"Dance with me?"
He wasn't necessarily surprised that Aishe suspected what was up; what was startling was the extent to which she nailed it. Then again, Aishe was always observant. It shouldn't surprise him that she'd guessed at this too.
Alex did his best not to run from the floor as he gathered Aishe into his arms. It was like holding nothing; the woman was tiny. How did Kem manage? And then as they began to move he decided that in spite of Aishe's efforts there actually were millions of people watching them; he was being televised and broadcast onto a "how not do dance" channel. Nope, this wasn't his thing. Definitely not.
And then Aishe stood on her tiptoes to say something to him. Alex bent to listen to her. "Two o'clock. Left foot."
His eyes followed her instructions and he couldn't help laughing at the guy obviously trying to impress his date with six inches of toilet paper stuck to his left shoe.
"Four o'clock. Hair." That directed him to an elderly man whose toupee was clearly about to fall off, most likely onto the oblivious elderly woman dancing with him.
Alex chuckled and hissed back at Aishe, "Who wears a toupee these days? Seriously?"
She grinned back. He didn't understand the point of her people-watching until two dances later, when he realized they were now swirling over the floor in a slow, easy rhythm, no intricate footwork or spinning or anything like that; just following the music, laughing at the other folks who were far more attention-worthy, and, as Aishe had promised, having fun. Slightly bemused, Alex gave Aishe a wry smile.
"Okay. Points to you," he said. "This isn't half bad."
She beamed up at him, pretty in her enthusiasm. He tried to see what Kem saw and didn't find it difficult. Aishe's spirit made her an easy person to like. She stood on tiptoes again. "Now look over there. Next lesson."
She nodded and he turned. For a moment he didn't see what she saw. And then it registered. There were two guys dancing, mixed in the crowd with everyone else. "And there." He followed her eyes again to see two women together.
He looked back at Aishe, feeling ashamed for thinking what he thought. She shook her head at him. "No one can blame you for not wanting to be scrutinized," she said, "but then again, maybe people don't care as much as you think."
Alex chewed on that while he danced another song with Aishe. He knew she was right. He couldn't explain why it was ingrained so deeply, not here and not now. Maybe not ever. But what better time could there be to overcome your old hangups than New Years' Eve? And what better partner to do that with than the person you loved?
Sighing at himself for being an insecure idiot Alex bent once more and gave Aishe an impulsive, uncharacteristic hug. "Thanks Aishe," he said simply.
As they walked back through the crowd to their own table, this time it was Alex who pulled Aishe along. Reaching their friends, Alex took a deep breath and released Aishe back to her boyfriend, then held his hand out to Eiryk.
"Dance with me?"