Ran bit his tongue and nodded once more at Aulani. It was hard for him to not debate - not that he disagreed, he didn't at all. Well maybe a little bit. He just liked to talk, to argue for the sake of arguing. And the topics of tradition, culture, and religion were intriguing. You didn't learn slews of languages without learning about the values of a culture. The Inuit, for example, had over forty ways to say 'snow' while the Dhivehi, Ran's people, didn't have a single one. That was a cultural lesson right there.
"Japan is gorgeous," Ran said enthusiastically. "So much culture, so much to learn." He held up a piece of sushi. "So much good food to eat."
That had definitely been a highlight of Japan for him. The food had been exceptional, right down to the smallest, most modest street vendor. He had heard that America had certain street foods that had to be eaten to be believed, too. The Philly cheese steak sandwich and the New York hot dog had been mentioned to him on a few websites he frequented.
Instead of boring his companions with food talk, however, he focused on the ballroom, the elegance around them, and the beauty of the decorations. "I could get used to this," he said. He turned to Hanae. "Thanks for the invite."
She had pretty much stated that she was a vampire, for anyone who'd been paying attention like Aulani surely must be. To continue to lie about his own identity would undermine any future trust he hoped to earn. While he didn't come right out and say it, he certainly didn't show any surprise at Hanae's words. Let Aulani wonder; if he wanted to clarify with Ran he could ask.
Secretly, though, Ran wondered if the man might not wait until later. He wasn't sure. It would depend on what he thought (or hoped) Ran's connection with Akahana was, and what Aulani hoped to make of Hanae's identity himself.
Waltzing in a winter wonderland (Attn:Ran)
Akahana surveyed the ballroom floor with a practiced eye. Normally these events were littered with a sea of black and only the occasional red of those most daring but tonight was a Christmas event and so red was the colour of choice for most of the women on the floor. There was also some green and plenty of dazzling white.
That was, in part, why her own dress was a deep plum satin with a subtle blue sheen to the threading. The vintage look of it started with the sweet heart bust that was gathered along the bodice with a line of small sparkling silver jewels. The dress hugged her very slender hips and then swept outward into a graceful flow of fabric that swirled gracefully around her ankles and trailed after her more faithfully than the most loyal canine. The back fabric was delicately gathered by a beautiful diamond shaped silver clasp in the back that hung just below her bottom. It helped to add weight to the fabric and its subtle beauty added a little surprise to the otherwise adornment free dress. Akahana preferred simple elegance and she loved the little detail that added a bit of flirty charm and that called attention to her movements from behind without screaming for everyone's attention.
She would admit that the other reason for her choice of dress had been her companion. When they had met earlier for the briefing Akahana thought it best to pick a colour that would suit her companion's choice of hair and attire; though both were more subdued than the first time she had encountered him.
Turning her gaze toward Ran, her golden eyes were covered by purple hued contacts that mixed with her own colour to achieve a unique shade of hazel. "Shall we mingle?"
Akahana reached out a hand for him and then smiled down at the crowd. "Poor souls, they won't know what hit them."
Ran Iyala
11 years ago
Mai_NPC
11 years ago
Aulani talked with the couple some more and was more and more certain that they were both of his race. He was also hopeful about their chances of supporting his cause. They seemed agreeable to his way of thinking. The only thing that concerned him was that they had the easy confidence of someone with clan backing. One didn't admit, even in hints, very often what one was without some knowledge that the person you are speaking to wasn't going to consider you a meal, unless you were considered off limits because of your affiliation.
However, the woman gave the name of the one working in Nachton that they were looking for. If she was there recruiting for her own cause then there was reason to take a few risks.
It was Neil that he really enjoyed talking to and the one he trusted the more out of the two. Hanae definitely had her own agenda but her companion seemed to be there simply to enjoy himself. Aulani wondered if he couldn't perhaps persuade Neil to join their cause on a more permanent basis.
He didn't have Hanae's more obvious charms but perhaps he could come up with something that would be worth Neil's interest. Aulani would give it some thought and might wait until he knew them both better.
For that purpose, he had arranged another casual meeting at a small jazz club. He had heard that it was a sanctuary run by a very old vampire. It would take someone with more than a few years to be so open and demand people follow his rules while in his place. A younger vampire would be constantly challenged until dead for making such a declaration without clan backing. Aulani just hoped his information about the place was true.
((OOC: Aulani out to go back to kissing hands and shaking babies or whatever he was doing. ))
However, the woman gave the name of the one working in Nachton that they were looking for. If she was there recruiting for her own cause then there was reason to take a few risks.
It was Neil that he really enjoyed talking to and the one he trusted the more out of the two. Hanae definitely had her own agenda but her companion seemed to be there simply to enjoy himself. Aulani wondered if he couldn't perhaps persuade Neil to join their cause on a more permanent basis.
He didn't have Hanae's more obvious charms but perhaps he could come up with something that would be worth Neil's interest. Aulani would give it some thought and might wait until he knew them both better.
For that purpose, he had arranged another casual meeting at a small jazz club. He had heard that it was a sanctuary run by a very old vampire. It would take someone with more than a few years to be so open and demand people follow his rules while in his place. A younger vampire would be constantly challenged until dead for making such a declaration without clan backing. Aulani just hoped his information about the place was true.
((OOC: Aulani out to go back to kissing hands and shaking babies or whatever he was doing. ))
Akahana Yoshida
11 years ago
Their new friend parted company with them after some more conversation and plans for a future meeting. Akahana turned to Ran and smiled.
"Well, now shall we see what else there is to do around here?â€
They still needed to keep their eyes on the two men, note who else they talked to and perhaps get close enough from time to time to catch at least portions of their conversation. That would have been somewhat easier to do before coming to their attention but meeting them and getting a way into their organization was a far better opportunity than simply overhearing some veiled 'nice to meet you' gossip. This was one of those times when members of their Order had to make choices and hope that their Elder agreed with them afterward.
Akahana drank another swallow of her wine and considered the room. She had been watching this one man at a table nearby who was watching this woman who was sitting with a group of her friends. The woman had noticed and, according to her body language, she seemed interested or at least unopposed to the opportunity but the man hadn't gotten up the courage to do anything more than stare.
"Want to be a meddler with me?†Akahana smiled sweetly at Ran. "I think we could do our Christmas charity work tonight and have some fun all at the same time.†She finished her wine and then stood up with the empty glass.
"I am going to go track down another one.†She said and then leaned down to place a hand on his shoulder. Moving in close enough to give him a light kiss on the cheek, she murmured softly. "There is a gentleman nearby who could use our assistance with a lady he fancies. I think I will go 'help'.â€
She wasn't sure what abilities Ran possessed but perhaps he could join in the 'helping' also.
Akahana wandered toward a server that was in the direction of her target. When she got close to his table she smiled at him and said " You really should ask her to dance.†She continued onward toward a waiter carrying a tray and picked up a glass of champagne before returning to Ran.
When she came back to the table, she noticed with satisfaction that a terrified young man was moving toward the table full of women with the intention of doing as he was told. Akahana grinned and rested her elbow on the table and cupped her chin in her hand. Glancing over at Ran, she said. "I sure hope he can dance.†Otherwise she hoped the girl had a sense of humor and at least applauded him for his courage, outwardly aided though it was.
"Well, now shall we see what else there is to do around here?â€
They still needed to keep their eyes on the two men, note who else they talked to and perhaps get close enough from time to time to catch at least portions of their conversation. That would have been somewhat easier to do before coming to their attention but meeting them and getting a way into their organization was a far better opportunity than simply overhearing some veiled 'nice to meet you' gossip. This was one of those times when members of their Order had to make choices and hope that their Elder agreed with them afterward.
Akahana drank another swallow of her wine and considered the room. She had been watching this one man at a table nearby who was watching this woman who was sitting with a group of her friends. The woman had noticed and, according to her body language, she seemed interested or at least unopposed to the opportunity but the man hadn't gotten up the courage to do anything more than stare.
"Want to be a meddler with me?†Akahana smiled sweetly at Ran. "I think we could do our Christmas charity work tonight and have some fun all at the same time.†She finished her wine and then stood up with the empty glass.
"I am going to go track down another one.†She said and then leaned down to place a hand on his shoulder. Moving in close enough to give him a light kiss on the cheek, she murmured softly. "There is a gentleman nearby who could use our assistance with a lady he fancies. I think I will go 'help'.â€
She wasn't sure what abilities Ran possessed but perhaps he could join in the 'helping' also.
Akahana wandered toward a server that was in the direction of her target. When she got close to his table she smiled at him and said " You really should ask her to dance.†She continued onward toward a waiter carrying a tray and picked up a glass of champagne before returning to Ran.
When she came back to the table, she noticed with satisfaction that a terrified young man was moving toward the table full of women with the intention of doing as he was told. Akahana grinned and rested her elbow on the table and cupped her chin in her hand. Glancing over at Ran, she said. "I sure hope he can dance.†Otherwise she hoped the girl had a sense of humor and at least applauded him for his courage, outwardly aided though it was.
Ran Iyala
11 years ago
When their conversation with Aulani was finished Ran and Hanae had a follow-up visit with him at a local club. He waved good-bye to the man, wished him well, and all that. He would meet with his Elder later and see what Jin wanted him to do. Ran had gone undercover on many occasions, and if that was what they decided to have him do, he was perfectly comfortable with it. Ran had the ability to be outspoken, brash, and rebellious while also remaining completely loyal to Anantya. He knew it was a contradiction, but he could make it work.
When Akahana spoke to him following Aulani's departure Ran raised his eyebrows at her curiously. "Christmas charity?"
He supposed he should be charitable during Christmas, of all seasons. So he watched his partner as she went over to a server, turning her head and speaking to an awkward-looking young man as she passed. No sooner had she spoken than the man arose and headed over to a table of women. Ran chuckled softly.
"I hope he can too," he replied with a soft laugh when Akahana returned. He watched patiently as the woman rose, smiling, and accompanied the man onto the dance floor.
There was a brief, strange hand game as it became apparent that while he might know how to dance, the man was very nervous. He held up a hand and, when the woman reached for it, he changed his mind and put it on her waist. Then he held it up again, clearly undecided as to how to hold her.
Ran puffed a short sigh and, narrowing his eyes slightly, put the hand back on the woman's waist. Then he raised the man's left hand instead and held it there so his partner could grasp it.
"I sure hope he can sort out his own feet," Ran muttered good-naturedly. "I can't see them with all the tables in the way."
No one fell over though and the couple started to move across the floor in some semblance of a dance that seemed pleasing enough to them both. Dude was on his own; Ran could put him in the right position, but he certainly couldn't put words in his mouth.
He turned back to Akahana. "Any more bleeding heart cases you'd like to help, my lady?"
When Akahana spoke to him following Aulani's departure Ran raised his eyebrows at her curiously. "Christmas charity?"
He supposed he should be charitable during Christmas, of all seasons. So he watched his partner as she went over to a server, turning her head and speaking to an awkward-looking young man as she passed. No sooner had she spoken than the man arose and headed over to a table of women. Ran chuckled softly.
"I hope he can too," he replied with a soft laugh when Akahana returned. He watched patiently as the woman rose, smiling, and accompanied the man onto the dance floor.
There was a brief, strange hand game as it became apparent that while he might know how to dance, the man was very nervous. He held up a hand and, when the woman reached for it, he changed his mind and put it on her waist. Then he held it up again, clearly undecided as to how to hold her.
Ran puffed a short sigh and, narrowing his eyes slightly, put the hand back on the woman's waist. Then he raised the man's left hand instead and held it there so his partner could grasp it.
"I sure hope he can sort out his own feet," Ran muttered good-naturedly. "I can't see them with all the tables in the way."
No one fell over though and the couple started to move across the floor in some semblance of a dance that seemed pleasing enough to them both. Dude was on his own; Ran could put him in the right position, but he certainly couldn't put words in his mouth.
He turned back to Akahana. "Any more bleeding heart cases you'd like to help, my lady?"
Akahana Yoshida
11 years ago
Akahana watched the couple and occasionally glanced over at Ran. It was clear that he was focusing, at least for a brief moment. Of course that would be only clear to someone sitting next to him and watching him for any special tricks. After all, that was the game they were playing.
"I think he can manage now and if not then it wasn't meant to be.â€
He mentioned not being able to see the guy's feet and then it occurred to her what ability he had. It mirrored her command in a way and had always seemed rather fascinating. She could command minds but sometimes she really thought being able to command the body instead would be useful. "Oh, we will have so much fun together.â€
Ran asked if there was more charity to be dished out and she looked around the room. "I don't know. Shall we walk and see what we can find?â€
She saw a senator set his empty glass on the table behind him while he continued to chat to a diplomat from...France, she believed. The man's wife was doing her best to look interested next to him, at least Akahana assumed the dignified looking woman was the senator's wife. She looked like she had been pretty in her youth, not stunning but good enough looking to be confident in her appearance which was more important in many ways; now the woman had aged into something more sophisticated. Needless to say, her looks did not suggest trophy wife, youthful girlfriend or call-girl.
Akahana paused by the table, leaning her hand on it. She reached her fingers just far enough to touch the stem of the glass he had discarded.
The impression that came to her was of a woman, blond, young and 'definitely' not his wife.
Leaning closer to Ran, she smiled. "These maki rolls were amazing.†Then in soft Japanese she explained that the man was thinking of his mistress while standing next to his wife. All the while she occasionally gestured to the table as if their continued conversation was on nothing more than the evening's fine cuisine. "Any thoughts?â€
She would let him lead the strategy on this one if he was interested. Akahana could command the guy to spill his guts to his wife but that seemed rather harsh to do to both of them in this setting. It would potentially ruin both of their lives and perhaps some children's lives as well. However, he certainly deserved a little trouble for his philandering ways.
Pulling Ran a little further away, she murmured. "I can be someone else.†He was Clan and of her Order and she would trust him with this secret. Ran was also Amir's child and Jin trusted and loved Amir. As a Nightswoman she made quick choices all the time and, while this was frivolous fun, mentioning her talents to Ran wouldn't cause her to lose any sleep. "However, I can only be what they need me to be, or really want me to be.â€
That wouldn't help with the senator, though if she concentrated she could probably appear to be his mistress. That might give him a good scare. However Ran could 'need' or want someone that might be useful to a scheme. Akahana did not mention the ability to change into a fox. It wasn't likely to be helpful here and it was the ability that she considered her most personal. The most her.
Watching the senator again, Akahana said. "Or I could just accidentally spill a glass of wine all over him but that seems so...childhood mischief.†Sometimes the oldest tricks worked the best but without a dire need to do anything at all she felt they could take the time to be more clever.
"I think he can manage now and if not then it wasn't meant to be.â€
He mentioned not being able to see the guy's feet and then it occurred to her what ability he had. It mirrored her command in a way and had always seemed rather fascinating. She could command minds but sometimes she really thought being able to command the body instead would be useful. "Oh, we will have so much fun together.â€
Ran asked if there was more charity to be dished out and she looked around the room. "I don't know. Shall we walk and see what we can find?â€
She saw a senator set his empty glass on the table behind him while he continued to chat to a diplomat from...France, she believed. The man's wife was doing her best to look interested next to him, at least Akahana assumed the dignified looking woman was the senator's wife. She looked like she had been pretty in her youth, not stunning but good enough looking to be confident in her appearance which was more important in many ways; now the woman had aged into something more sophisticated. Needless to say, her looks did not suggest trophy wife, youthful girlfriend or call-girl.
Akahana paused by the table, leaning her hand on it. She reached her fingers just far enough to touch the stem of the glass he had discarded.
The impression that came to her was of a woman, blond, young and 'definitely' not his wife.
Leaning closer to Ran, she smiled. "These maki rolls were amazing.†Then in soft Japanese she explained that the man was thinking of his mistress while standing next to his wife. All the while she occasionally gestured to the table as if their continued conversation was on nothing more than the evening's fine cuisine. "Any thoughts?â€
She would let him lead the strategy on this one if he was interested. Akahana could command the guy to spill his guts to his wife but that seemed rather harsh to do to both of them in this setting. It would potentially ruin both of their lives and perhaps some children's lives as well. However, he certainly deserved a little trouble for his philandering ways.
Pulling Ran a little further away, she murmured. "I can be someone else.†He was Clan and of her Order and she would trust him with this secret. Ran was also Amir's child and Jin trusted and loved Amir. As a Nightswoman she made quick choices all the time and, while this was frivolous fun, mentioning her talents to Ran wouldn't cause her to lose any sleep. "However, I can only be what they need me to be, or really want me to be.â€
That wouldn't help with the senator, though if she concentrated she could probably appear to be his mistress. That might give him a good scare. However Ran could 'need' or want someone that might be useful to a scheme. Akahana did not mention the ability to change into a fox. It wasn't likely to be helpful here and it was the ability that she considered her most personal. The most her.
Watching the senator again, Akahana said. "Or I could just accidentally spill a glass of wine all over him but that seems so...childhood mischief.†Sometimes the oldest tricks worked the best but without a dire need to do anything at all she felt they could take the time to be more clever.
Ran Iyala
11 years ago
Ran chuckled agreeably at Akahana. Yes, they could have fun together. Apparently she approved of his ability to manipulate the human body. He actually enjoyed that particular ability of his. Perhaps too much. He'd certainly gotten in trouble on occasion with it. He could definitely use it on his own kind, although like any other ability it could be resisted if his victim had enough time. Ran had learned to be creative however, such as last night at the Manor. Mara could certainly have avoided smacking Amir in the head; she was a thousand years older than Ran and, he knew from experience, had formidable willpower. Ran had caught her off guard though and made the motion quick. His command had not been to actually smack Amir. His command had raised her hand and given it a good deal of forward momentum in a second of thought. By the time Mara had registered the action, he hadn't been moving her anymore and momentum had provided the impact. Ran had used his ability that way before, many times. Not on Amir, in the last few centuries.
He hadn't enjoyed being hung over the side of a boat for the entire night by his left ankle.
And he had also learned not to challenge Amir to a thumb war if he wasn't completely certain he could win it.
Hanae came closer to him after making one of her abilities apparent, explaining another to him. Ran glanced at the senator with a slight frown, a distasteful expression upon his face.
Among his Dhivehi people, divorce was incredibly common. In fact, he was pretty sure that recent surveys showed the Maldives did boast the highest divorce rate of any country. That was because it was normal to have many partners and many husbands or wives. Often, you would remarry the same person several times as well. Divorce was a simple thing for them.
In Ran's opinion, while adultery was not a horrible crime, it was still a shameful one. Particularly when (in his experience) divorce was easily achieved. There was no reason to cheat on your spouse when you could simply go your own separate ways and then remarry when it suited you. Ran had hardly been monogamous, even as a human, and he had had several children before he'd been turned himself, most of them by different women. He had never cheated on a single one of his wives.
He raised an eyebrow at Hanae. "Childish pranks can be a lot of fun," he pointed out, also in Japanese. He considered the senator, though, and then looked at Akahana. "What if I needed you to be her? The girlfriend?"
Ran and Hanae could certainly make things uncomfortable for the senator without shaming his wife in the process. Nothing said awkward like the appearance of your mistress on the arm of another man.
He hadn't enjoyed being hung over the side of a boat for the entire night by his left ankle.
And he had also learned not to challenge Amir to a thumb war if he wasn't completely certain he could win it.
Hanae came closer to him after making one of her abilities apparent, explaining another to him. Ran glanced at the senator with a slight frown, a distasteful expression upon his face.
Among his Dhivehi people, divorce was incredibly common. In fact, he was pretty sure that recent surveys showed the Maldives did boast the highest divorce rate of any country. That was because it was normal to have many partners and many husbands or wives. Often, you would remarry the same person several times as well. Divorce was a simple thing for them.
In Ran's opinion, while adultery was not a horrible crime, it was still a shameful one. Particularly when (in his experience) divorce was easily achieved. There was no reason to cheat on your spouse when you could simply go your own separate ways and then remarry when it suited you. Ran had hardly been monogamous, even as a human, and he had had several children before he'd been turned himself, most of them by different women. He had never cheated on a single one of his wives.
He raised an eyebrow at Hanae. "Childish pranks can be a lot of fun," he pointed out, also in Japanese. He considered the senator, though, and then looked at Akahana. "What if I needed you to be her? The girlfriend?"
Ran and Hanae could certainly make things uncomfortable for the senator without shaming his wife in the process. Nothing said awkward like the appearance of your mistress on the arm of another man.
Akahana Yoshida
11 years ago
Akahana waited to hear what Ran thought would be the most appropriate, or the most fun. She smiled when he asked if it would work if he needed her to be the guy's girlfriend.
"Yes, all you have to do is want that more than anything else for the moment. Once I have changed then feel free to want a hamburger, a million dollars or that nice redheaded waitress.†She smiled and then led them both into a more private alcove. She placed herself into the corner, with Ran in front of her.
"Okay. Think happy thoughts.†She concentrated on becoming what Ran wanted her to become. A vision of it, hazy at first and then becoming more and more clear, filled her mind. If she let her ability take control then she would be a blond, slightly shorter than she is now, pretty blue eyes, pouty lips and...well, it was safe to say that she would fill the dress out much better than she did as herself. Thank goodness it was an illusion wrapped around herself and not a physical change.
Closing her eyes for a moment, she let the desire overtake her. Akahana could feel her ability working its magic and, after long use, knew when it settled into place.
She opened big blue eyes and smiled at Ran.
"The other good thing about this mischief making plan is that, if our friends are watching, it will relieve all doubt about what we are.†Another woman could have worn the same dress but another woman wearing the same dress wandering around with Ran was far more unlikely than Akahana using an ability. Luckily there is more than one ability that allowed a person to appear differently so they wouldn't have a clear idea of exactly what she could do. Telling Ran was one thing, telling clanless strangers was something else entirely.
"Shall we go make ourselves accidentally seen?†Akahana wondered how this was going to play out for the man and his mistress. Would he confront her? She would deny being there and he wouldn't believe her. Perhaps it would end their relationship, perhaps not. She was not concerned about that either way. It would be done in private and it would not adversely affect his wife. At least it shouldn't.
"Yes, all you have to do is want that more than anything else for the moment. Once I have changed then feel free to want a hamburger, a million dollars or that nice redheaded waitress.†She smiled and then led them both into a more private alcove. She placed herself into the corner, with Ran in front of her.
"Okay. Think happy thoughts.†She concentrated on becoming what Ran wanted her to become. A vision of it, hazy at first and then becoming more and more clear, filled her mind. If she let her ability take control then she would be a blond, slightly shorter than she is now, pretty blue eyes, pouty lips and...well, it was safe to say that she would fill the dress out much better than she did as herself. Thank goodness it was an illusion wrapped around herself and not a physical change.
Closing her eyes for a moment, she let the desire overtake her. Akahana could feel her ability working its magic and, after long use, knew when it settled into place.
She opened big blue eyes and smiled at Ran.
"The other good thing about this mischief making plan is that, if our friends are watching, it will relieve all doubt about what we are.†Another woman could have worn the same dress but another woman wearing the same dress wandering around with Ran was far more unlikely than Akahana using an ability. Luckily there is more than one ability that allowed a person to appear differently so they wouldn't have a clear idea of exactly what she could do. Telling Ran was one thing, telling clanless strangers was something else entirely.
"Shall we go make ourselves accidentally seen?†Akahana wondered how this was going to play out for the man and his mistress. Would he confront her? She would deny being there and he wouldn't believe her. Perhaps it would end their relationship, perhaps not. She was not concerned about that either way. It would be done in private and it would not adversely affect his wife. At least it shouldn't.
Ran Iyala
11 years ago
"Thinking happy thoughts," Ran said cheerfully, "about the senator's girlfriend."
He watched as Akahana's form began to change. Ran's eyebrows raised slowly as her... assets... expanded. "Getting happier," he said impishly. "Not that your own assets weren't delightful but those, now, those are spectacular."
Ran hoped Hanae wouldn't take his comments to heart, and his tone was clearly playful. He didn't think one could live for centuries and not develop the ability to judge someone based on much more than their physical appearance. He thought Hanae was a smashing partner so far, and although Ran certainly wasn't opposed to sleeping with pretty much anyone, the idea of doing so with his partner of the evening had not really occurred to him. Yet. He was still trying to be on his best, most professional, behavior.
It wasn't -entirely- working.
They made their way out to the crowd again. Ran had no way to change himself, obviously, aside from into a form that would be of absolutely no use in this situation, but he knew tricks. Most of their Order, even most of their race, learned these things. Small changes in someone's personality could disguise them better than any clothing or makeup. Ran had been somewhat subdued until now, but they were actually trying to draw some attention now.
His movements became bigger, his voice a little louder, his laugh much more bold. He wrapped his arm around Akahana's waist as they mingled, not attempting to disguise the fact that they were obviously there in an intimate capacity.
The whole time they watched the senator's movements. They stayed mostly out of the way until the man escorted a prominent businessman's wife onto the dance floor. The businessman danced with the senator's wife and they soon moved off enough that Ran felt no shame cutting in. He and Akahana, already on the floor, danced closer to the senator. When they were within proximity of the man Ran smiled sweetly at Hanae. "Feel like having a minor collision?"
He dipped his partner. "A well-placed kick might not go amiss," he added as he swung Hanae into the motion with great enthusiasm - perhaps too much enthusiasm. Ran was looking forward to the potential chaos, however.
He watched as Akahana's form began to change. Ran's eyebrows raised slowly as her... assets... expanded. "Getting happier," he said impishly. "Not that your own assets weren't delightful but those, now, those are spectacular."
Ran hoped Hanae wouldn't take his comments to heart, and his tone was clearly playful. He didn't think one could live for centuries and not develop the ability to judge someone based on much more than their physical appearance. He thought Hanae was a smashing partner so far, and although Ran certainly wasn't opposed to sleeping with pretty much anyone, the idea of doing so with his partner of the evening had not really occurred to him. Yet. He was still trying to be on his best, most professional, behavior.
It wasn't -entirely- working.
They made their way out to the crowd again. Ran had no way to change himself, obviously, aside from into a form that would be of absolutely no use in this situation, but he knew tricks. Most of their Order, even most of their race, learned these things. Small changes in someone's personality could disguise them better than any clothing or makeup. Ran had been somewhat subdued until now, but they were actually trying to draw some attention now.
His movements became bigger, his voice a little louder, his laugh much more bold. He wrapped his arm around Akahana's waist as they mingled, not attempting to disguise the fact that they were obviously there in an intimate capacity.
The whole time they watched the senator's movements. They stayed mostly out of the way until the man escorted a prominent businessman's wife onto the dance floor. The businessman danced with the senator's wife and they soon moved off enough that Ran felt no shame cutting in. He and Akahana, already on the floor, danced closer to the senator. When they were within proximity of the man Ran smiled sweetly at Hanae. "Feel like having a minor collision?"
He dipped his partner. "A well-placed kick might not go amiss," he added as he swung Hanae into the motion with great enthusiasm - perhaps too much enthusiasm. Ran was looking forward to the potential chaos, however.
Akahana Yoshida
11 years ago
Ran said he was getting happier and Akahana was tempted to open her eyes then but he made it clear what was making him happier. When the transformation was done, she opened her eyes, crossed them and stuck her tongue out at him. All her training and this was the charm and poise with which she retaliated.
"My best assets are a little higher.†She said smugly and then winked at him.
They moved back into the crowd. Akahana quickly found their two actual assignments again. The two men had not moved far from where they had each been before she pulled Ran into the alcove. She also kept her eye on the senator while pretending to have not noticed him at all.
He glanced at her once while he stood chatting with someone new. She noticed him do a double take but by then they had turned and were talking briefly to another couple. This particular pair had looked very dashing on the dance floor earlier. Akahana smiled up at her brother and then complimented Mara's grace.
"I believe I saw you on the dance floor.†Jin said and then turned to her. "but perhaps I was mistaken. I could have sworn I remembered someone else as your date.†He arched an eyebrow at her, clearly wanting to know what game they were playing.
"Oh she's around here somewhere I'm sure. I stole him for a dance or two, that's all.â€
Then the senator moved towards the dance floor himself, occasionally casting glances in their vague direction. Akahana wondered if he had suggested the dancing so that he had a better chance to look for his errant mistress without appearing too distracted.
They obliged his curiosity by returning to the dance floor. Ran moved them closer and then asked if she minded a minor collision. She barely had time to shake her head no when she tossed downward into a deep dip that surely had her bound hair nearly brushing the floor.
The room tilted and the dazzling lights swirled above her. Akahana shut her eyes tightly and willed the sense of vertigo to go away. Please, not now. She tried to find some inner calm while a mounting fear threatened to overtake her. She did not want to end up twitching on the floor in the middle of this moving crowd.
She barely heard Ran's suggestion and was no doubt clutching him quite tightly. Forcing herself to breath a little easier, Akahana pretended to panic, an easy thing, and try to right herself, throwing out a leg for balance. It hit the senator squarely in the bend of one leg causing him to buckle. He went down to his knees, all the while grabbing tighter to his dance partner to slow his decent.
For a moment she could not see the result of their little collision but when she was righted once more Akahana caught a glimpse of the senator's face in the other woman's cleavage. To be fair, he quickly pulled away and began to stand up once more.
"I am so terribly sorry!†Her voice was a breathy soprano, high and soft. It bordered on being childish but was not quite there. She could imagine that its actual owner had a difficult time being taken seriously. Such a sweet fragile voice seemed to exude feminine weakness. It was also incredibly attractive to certain men. "I didn't know you were there.â€
The man turned on her, a deep shade of red either from anger or embarrassment. "Oh I just bet you didn't!†He began, glaring at her, and then he seemed to realize he was in a crowd of people. His dance partner was looking at him oddly. The woman then turned toward her and patted her gently on the arm. "Of course you didn't. That was quite some dip. I believe you are quite lucky not to have ended up on the floor.â€
You have no idea, Akahana mentally murmured to herself while smiling tremulously at the woman. She nodded agreement and cast big blue eyes at the senator and then Ran. Akahana clutched her date tighter around the waist, feigning overwhelmed shyness and vulnerability. It did not look out of place with the senator still towering over her, obviously barely keeping his temper in check.
"Really, Albert, it was just an accident. Relax.†The woman said, a tone of disapproval in her voice.
"My best assets are a little higher.†She said smugly and then winked at him.
They moved back into the crowd. Akahana quickly found their two actual assignments again. The two men had not moved far from where they had each been before she pulled Ran into the alcove. She also kept her eye on the senator while pretending to have not noticed him at all.
He glanced at her once while he stood chatting with someone new. She noticed him do a double take but by then they had turned and were talking briefly to another couple. This particular pair had looked very dashing on the dance floor earlier. Akahana smiled up at her brother and then complimented Mara's grace.
"I believe I saw you on the dance floor.†Jin said and then turned to her. "but perhaps I was mistaken. I could have sworn I remembered someone else as your date.†He arched an eyebrow at her, clearly wanting to know what game they were playing.
"Oh she's around here somewhere I'm sure. I stole him for a dance or two, that's all.â€
Then the senator moved towards the dance floor himself, occasionally casting glances in their vague direction. Akahana wondered if he had suggested the dancing so that he had a better chance to look for his errant mistress without appearing too distracted.
They obliged his curiosity by returning to the dance floor. Ran moved them closer and then asked if she minded a minor collision. She barely had time to shake her head no when she tossed downward into a deep dip that surely had her bound hair nearly brushing the floor.
The room tilted and the dazzling lights swirled above her. Akahana shut her eyes tightly and willed the sense of vertigo to go away. Please, not now. She tried to find some inner calm while a mounting fear threatened to overtake her. She did not want to end up twitching on the floor in the middle of this moving crowd.
She barely heard Ran's suggestion and was no doubt clutching him quite tightly. Forcing herself to breath a little easier, Akahana pretended to panic, an easy thing, and try to right herself, throwing out a leg for balance. It hit the senator squarely in the bend of one leg causing him to buckle. He went down to his knees, all the while grabbing tighter to his dance partner to slow his decent.
For a moment she could not see the result of their little collision but when she was righted once more Akahana caught a glimpse of the senator's face in the other woman's cleavage. To be fair, he quickly pulled away and began to stand up once more.
"I am so terribly sorry!†Her voice was a breathy soprano, high and soft. It bordered on being childish but was not quite there. She could imagine that its actual owner had a difficult time being taken seriously. Such a sweet fragile voice seemed to exude feminine weakness. It was also incredibly attractive to certain men. "I didn't know you were there.â€
The man turned on her, a deep shade of red either from anger or embarrassment. "Oh I just bet you didn't!†He began, glaring at her, and then he seemed to realize he was in a crowd of people. His dance partner was looking at him oddly. The woman then turned toward her and patted her gently on the arm. "Of course you didn't. That was quite some dip. I believe you are quite lucky not to have ended up on the floor.â€
You have no idea, Akahana mentally murmured to herself while smiling tremulously at the woman. She nodded agreement and cast big blue eyes at the senator and then Ran. Akahana clutched her date tighter around the waist, feigning overwhelmed shyness and vulnerability. It did not look out of place with the senator still towering over her, obviously barely keeping his temper in check.
"Really, Albert, it was just an accident. Relax.†The woman said, a tone of disapproval in her voice.
Ran Iyala
11 years ago
Ran almost remained silent and well-behaved while talking to his Elder but his mouth just wouldn't let him. When Jin mentioned that he thought Hanae had come with someone else Ran snorted. "She was way too uptight. Tits McGee here promised to be a lot more fun."
He smiled innocently at the Elder and his sister. Mara raised her eyebrows at his irreverence but said nothing; Ran supposed it was bad form to appear to be intimately acquainted with the man who was attempting to pass himself off as Clanless or Clan-dissatisfied.
When he and Hanae reached the senator and Ran dipped Hanae, however, his levity fled. He could feel the force of Akahana's grip on him and while she appeared panicked and flushed as she kicked out, he wondered just how much of it was faked and what he had done to alarm her.
He felt a twinge of guilt; maybe more than a twinge. Ran was a fairly soft-hearted person. He would never have done anything intentionally to upset Hanae and he became preoccupied with the notion that he had made a grave misstep somewhere. Rather than prolong the joke he wrapped his arm around Hanae's illusory shoulders and defended her to the senator.
"Yeah Albert," he said, pulling the senator's attention away. "It wasn't a big deal. Put your big boy pants on and get over it."
He steered Hanae away from the senator, calling loudly over his shoulder as they went, "Good job, by the way, with the whole gay prostitution thing. It's going to blow over in no time. Bad choice of words. I mean, no one will ever know!"
By that point they were fairly far away and Ran had raised his voice significantly. "Oh," he added over his shoulder, "the thing you asked about earlier, too, just use that cream I mentioned. It burns like a bitch but it goes down soon!"
Having resorted completely to a teenage maturity level Ran steered Hanae away from the crush of the crowd and out of the main room into a much smaller area behind some stairs. He immediately became uncomfortable there but it was private and out of the way enough that if Albert did decide to come looking for them he'd probably pass them by.
Looking at Akahana Ran placed his arms at her shoulders. "Are you all right? What happened back there?"
His voice was concerned and his eyes clearly conveyed his solemnity, none of the sparkle of mischief in them at all. He was intent on Hanae, very worried that he'd caused her some discomfort somehow.
He smiled innocently at the Elder and his sister. Mara raised her eyebrows at his irreverence but said nothing; Ran supposed it was bad form to appear to be intimately acquainted with the man who was attempting to pass himself off as Clanless or Clan-dissatisfied.
When he and Hanae reached the senator and Ran dipped Hanae, however, his levity fled. He could feel the force of Akahana's grip on him and while she appeared panicked and flushed as she kicked out, he wondered just how much of it was faked and what he had done to alarm her.
He felt a twinge of guilt; maybe more than a twinge. Ran was a fairly soft-hearted person. He would never have done anything intentionally to upset Hanae and he became preoccupied with the notion that he had made a grave misstep somewhere. Rather than prolong the joke he wrapped his arm around Hanae's illusory shoulders and defended her to the senator.
"Yeah Albert," he said, pulling the senator's attention away. "It wasn't a big deal. Put your big boy pants on and get over it."
He steered Hanae away from the senator, calling loudly over his shoulder as they went, "Good job, by the way, with the whole gay prostitution thing. It's going to blow over in no time. Bad choice of words. I mean, no one will ever know!"
By that point they were fairly far away and Ran had raised his voice significantly. "Oh," he added over his shoulder, "the thing you asked about earlier, too, just use that cream I mentioned. It burns like a bitch but it goes down soon!"
Having resorted completely to a teenage maturity level Ran steered Hanae away from the crush of the crowd and out of the main room into a much smaller area behind some stairs. He immediately became uncomfortable there but it was private and out of the way enough that if Albert did decide to come looking for them he'd probably pass them by.
Looking at Akahana Ran placed his arms at her shoulders. "Are you all right? What happened back there?"
His voice was concerned and his eyes clearly conveyed his solemnity, none of the sparkle of mischief in them at all. He was intent on Hanae, very worried that he'd caused her some discomfort somehow.
Akahana Yoshida
11 years ago
She wasn't sure what Ran's plan was after the 'accidental' collision with the senator. Whatever she had been expecting it had not been to hear him tell the man to put on his big boy pants and get over it. The businesswoman with the senator seemed just as shocked. The woman was fighting a losing war with laughter and finally the mirth trickled out, first in one or two small giggles and then a full blown laugh.
Akahana didn't have time to see the rest, Ran was steering her away from the crowd, calling over his shoulder as he went. The words were obviously false and it was doubtful anyone would believe them. However the senator might have the misfortune of some teasing come Monday morning.
Not content to leave well enough alone, Ran further mentioned some cream and its uses, quite loudly. At this point she might have been on the verge of the same laughter as the other woman.
Ran moved them both into an alcove and looked at her very seriously. He asked her what happened and if she was alright. "I am better now.†She leaned up and gave him a little kiss on the cheek for coming to her rescue. "Its the lights.†Akahana waved a hand toward the glittering multifaceted chandeliers on the ceiling. "They were a bit much when I was staring up at them. I can't handle moving lights.†She got through nightclubs without ever looking up and some clubs she refused to enter. "I am better now.â€
Returning to her own appearance, she smiled at Ran. "I am sorry to ruin your date with...Tits McGee.†Fixing a violet gaze upon him, she asked. "And now what mayhem shall we cause? My brother may never assign us work together again.†The last was said with a tiny lopsided smile which suggested that the evening had been worth the consequences.
Akahana didn't have time to see the rest, Ran was steering her away from the crowd, calling over his shoulder as he went. The words were obviously false and it was doubtful anyone would believe them. However the senator might have the misfortune of some teasing come Monday morning.
Not content to leave well enough alone, Ran further mentioned some cream and its uses, quite loudly. At this point she might have been on the verge of the same laughter as the other woman.
Ran moved them both into an alcove and looked at her very seriously. He asked her what happened and if she was alright. "I am better now.†She leaned up and gave him a little kiss on the cheek for coming to her rescue. "Its the lights.†Akahana waved a hand toward the glittering multifaceted chandeliers on the ceiling. "They were a bit much when I was staring up at them. I can't handle moving lights.†She got through nightclubs without ever looking up and some clubs she refused to enter. "I am better now.â€
Returning to her own appearance, she smiled at Ran. "I am sorry to ruin your date with...Tits McGee.†Fixing a violet gaze upon him, she asked. "And now what mayhem shall we cause? My brother may never assign us work together again.†The last was said with a tiny lopsided smile which suggested that the evening had been worth the consequences.
Ran Iyala
11 years ago
"Ahh," Ran said as comprehension dawned. "I'm sorry, I didn't know." He still felt guilty for having inadvertently exposed Hanae to something that bothered her but it was tempered somewhat by the knowledge that it hadn't been something avoidable for him - he wouldn't have done it if he'd known.
"No more dips under the chandeliers, then," he said, "and we'll avoid he after-gala disco entirely."
Akahana apologized for taking the blond bombshell away and Ran chuckled. "Well you know, she had a lot on her chest. It's better for her to go sort that all out. Who needs baggage like that? Your own company is more enjoyable anyway."
Ran wasn't complimenting her just for the sake of it. While he wouldn't have turned the other chick down in a million years (let's face it, women were part of his genetic makeup), he sought out the company of a different class of woman when he actually wanted to spend time doing something other than fucking. Or, he qualified to himself, fucking and other things as opposed to just the fucking.
His lips twisted up with a wry smile as he raised an eyebrow at her. "Your brother?"
Awesome. He had just referred to Hanae as Tits McGee in front of Elder Jin - her brother. Ran grinned at Akahana, covering up the chill that ran down his spine. If Amir found out he would probably spend the next year and a half cleaning the Manor restrooms. Or something equally detestable. And given the fact that Amir was now incredibly intimate with said Elder, Ran didn't see how it wouldn't get back to him.
"You don't think that was enough mayhem just now?" He said, glancing over his shoulder as if still expecting the senator to be looking for him. "We could keep going, but it's going to have to be more subtle, I think, or else we're going to compromise our cover. Our new friend won't trust us if we draw too much attention to ourselves."
It was bad enough that Ran had definitely made a scene upon his departure. Hanae had been disguised of course. Maybe it was his turn. "You lead. I'll follow."
Yes, he was absolutely for the mayhem. Asking Ran to screw around on the job was like asking a forest fire to destroy trees. He smiled at Hanae and drew anonymity around him like a cloak, feeling the coolness of it cover him as he blended away. He reached out and touched Hanae's shoulder.
"Right behind you, Tits," he said cheekily.
"No more dips under the chandeliers, then," he said, "and we'll avoid he after-gala disco entirely."
Akahana apologized for taking the blond bombshell away and Ran chuckled. "Well you know, she had a lot on her chest. It's better for her to go sort that all out. Who needs baggage like that? Your own company is more enjoyable anyway."
Ran wasn't complimenting her just for the sake of it. While he wouldn't have turned the other chick down in a million years (let's face it, women were part of his genetic makeup), he sought out the company of a different class of woman when he actually wanted to spend time doing something other than fucking. Or, he qualified to himself, fucking and other things as opposed to just the fucking.
His lips twisted up with a wry smile as he raised an eyebrow at her. "Your brother?"
Awesome. He had just referred to Hanae as Tits McGee in front of Elder Jin - her brother. Ran grinned at Akahana, covering up the chill that ran down his spine. If Amir found out he would probably spend the next year and a half cleaning the Manor restrooms. Or something equally detestable. And given the fact that Amir was now incredibly intimate with said Elder, Ran didn't see how it wouldn't get back to him.
"You don't think that was enough mayhem just now?" He said, glancing over his shoulder as if still expecting the senator to be looking for him. "We could keep going, but it's going to have to be more subtle, I think, or else we're going to compromise our cover. Our new friend won't trust us if we draw too much attention to ourselves."
It was bad enough that Ran had definitely made a scene upon his departure. Hanae had been disguised of course. Maybe it was his turn. "You lead. I'll follow."
Yes, he was absolutely for the mayhem. Asking Ran to screw around on the job was like asking a forest fire to destroy trees. He smiled at Hanae and drew anonymity around him like a cloak, feeling the coolness of it cover him as he blended away. He reached out and touched Hanae's shoulder.
"Right behind you, Tits," he said cheekily.
Akahana Yoshida
11 years ago
"Flatterer." Akahana smiled at him when he claimed that she was better company than her bustier counterpart. She briefly wondered how much trouble they were causing for this unknown woman but she had a hard time feeling upset about it. The blond was taking a risk being with a married man anyway. Perhaps she thought the man really loved her but Akahana did not get that impression so it was likely that they had actually been helpful with their intervention.
Ran seemed surprised by her relationship to Jin. She smiled and nodded. "Yes, he told me to beware of Island Greetings but declined to explain. He did hint that I might enjoy it more than he had." Akahana raised delicate eyebrows at Ran.
After their brief break from the crowd she felt much better. She was ready to create more mayhem, perhaps more subtle mayhem but some little amusements here and there were still quite possible. People were an endless source of entertainment as far as she was concerned, human or vampire it didn't much matter. They were all interesting.
Weaving through the crowd with her unseen escort, they doled out both aid and mischief in equal measure. It was a thoroughly entertaining and successful evening.
((OOC: Both Out ))
Ran seemed surprised by her relationship to Jin. She smiled and nodded. "Yes, he told me to beware of Island Greetings but declined to explain. He did hint that I might enjoy it more than he had." Akahana raised delicate eyebrows at Ran.
After their brief break from the crowd she felt much better. She was ready to create more mayhem, perhaps more subtle mayhem but some little amusements here and there were still quite possible. People were an endless source of entertainment as far as she was concerned, human or vampire it didn't much matter. They were all interesting.
Weaving through the crowd with her unseen escort, they doled out both aid and mischief in equal measure. It was a thoroughly entertaining and successful evening.
((OOC: Both Out ))