F01-OP Blackbook, Grand Opening

[Shikari 0]

They whispered their name into his ear.

(and time slowed. they’re close. intimate. 

maybe it had been ages since he’s had this much closeness pressed against someone else. shikari’s found his breath caught lodged in his throat from a gasp of air drunk deep, legs almost stilled from motion by the lack of distance between them. 

almost.

there had been a whiff of something fragrant from their near presence, and shikari might’ve been convinced then that if he were willing to close his eyes, that worldspinning reverie would be no different than with prior bodies familiar he’d held onto in the dark.)

“but if you treat all your majesties this way, i could be convinced to lend you mine for the rest of the night.” 

A grin was drawn upon Shikari’s face, easing from the hard shadows to a gentle ambient glow when they’d pulled away. He chuckled, then, as they continued their push and pull, their practiced steps back and forth. They end as captivated as he had been in that moment — Shikari abided by Sibyl’s wishes for a twirl that sent them away, then read the rhythm of the song. He dragged them back in by their waist on the final beat, striking with poise akin to that which they started out with. This time, their fingers were interlocked.

Their attention was called from the stage, and they paused. Their emcee transitioned them into a slow dance given the performance interim, and Shikari returned to Sibyl, his hand on the small of their back with a smile. What was surprising to him, as they drifted apart, was how there were only a few pairs on the floor that had seemed liken to trade off partners; they were not one of them. With the sudden shift of energy from their hosts, however, perhaps it didn’t feel formal enough a dismissal. So, left in the afterglow, they remained circling around each other. Slow, comfortable.

A question lingered at the back of his mind.

“I’d like to think I’m a gentleman,” Shikari started, his head tilted slightly. “And by your decree, given you are royalty tonight, I’d let you decide with your own discretion, Sibyl.”

(there was a roll of his tongue, smooth like butter, that started on an answer to dawn upon him as he said their name. the air, humming with tension amidst the other patrons, felt only broken by a sweetness in his echo of their handle. 

shikari sighed into it, contemplating the fleeting dream.)

“... There are better things you can call me, if you’d like.”

Had he let that query linger, it was to his own benefit. Shikari had to check: was he reading the room right? The conclusion he had arrived at cited no profound realization. After all, there were stranger things to have happened in Aincrad; he was certain his ‘re-existence’ was one of them. His gaze went to the necklace, caught in highlights reflecting the room’s illumination, and was coaxed into a welcome serenity.

He motioned with his lips, a gaping worth of a single syllable, tested unsaid as he swung them around. His hold seemed to be tight on Sibyl as they slid past another pair.

“Or, you could decide to come up with something better from ‘Sylvester’, of course.”

Had they stayed paired long enough to listen to the announcement made upon Lysette’s return, Shikari might’ve perked up, having been caught unaware. He was not one known to prefer a change of plans, but while he was re-envisioning the night given the chance, why not? 

“A new stage, was it?” 

He surveyed Sibyl for their response.

“Forgive me if the invitation seems forward, but I’d like to take one of the rooms they have upstairs later. Would you care to join me?” He gestured briefly with a finger or two pulled away from their shared hold. “I figured it would be a welcome respite from the crowd, if only for a moment. There’s no shame in resting up after breaking a sweat. Maybe it’d be a good place for a nap, if the hosts allow for it.”

(the sleep was one modus operandi that never seemed to change.)

Instinctively, behind the mask, Shikari winked. “But if you’ve got places to be, I’ll understand. Promise I wouldn’t hold you up for long.”

[Winnie 0]

This hadn't been her goal, she didn't come here for this, for him. Yet she found herself on the edge of his knife, ready to give in, yet horrified to do so. Everything within her warred against her flesh, but it was being drowned into a muffled ghost with every inch he claimed. This was dangerous, foolish. He would change her, her old self would die the moment he bridged the gap... if he did. She felt it, he was trembling, it hadn't been her imagination. She looked into his eyes once more, the question begged, Why? Why did he shake? What wound them so tightly? Why did she feel this way?! Her pulse quickened. 'Surrender comes at a hefty cost.'

Another inch closer. Fear ringing in her ears. 

She leaned back, the rod digging into her back, she had knowhere to go, there was no escape. Her mind raged. The realization hitting her, drowning her, I'm scared, but I need you. It was too much, she was overwhelmed by him, lips crashing into hers. She breathed in sharply, her mind went blank, body going limp in his hold. She was completely and utterly enraptured by him. Oscar.

Finally she found her strength, instinct taking over. Her arms wrapped around him, clinging desperately. He held her so close, kissing her deeply, she matched him, unpracticed, yet sweet, devouring him. They didn't listen to one another. They both knew, this was beyond unwise. But here they were, driven to one another without another hesitation. They locked together, cleanly, bodies fitting perfectly against the other. His kissed her hungrily, his own need seeping through the carefully structured walls.

She could feel his body tense, then relax all in the same moments, hand sliding up her body possessively before curling around her head, locking her in place. She shifted slightly, leg wrapping around his in a desperate attempt to get even closer. Arms, curling, and wrapping around his neck slowly, sloppily, tightly. Every touch of her palms was heavy, laced with heat, fingers traveling through his hair smoothly, soft tugs telling him to keep doing what he was doing. 

Finally he broke away, ragged breaths leaving them, her eyes opening to meet his. Oscar pressed his forehead to hers, her eyes closing once more. She ran a hand through his hair gently, trailing it down to cup his cheek. She wasn't sure what had provoked her to do so in the aftermath, but it felt right. 

For a moment, she stood there, taking in what had just happened. The world was soundless- just the frantic rhythm in her chest, the ghost of his lips still lingering on her own. Her mind threatened to recoil- the bare truth hitting her harshly, he wanted her. Not to worship her, or use her for her 'power.' No, he wanted the woman, the Her that had bled and broke and doubted. Everything screamed within her to stop, to run far away and never look back- to remember her station, her purpose. But her body disobeyed, her fingers trembling, the other hand tracing along his collarbone, feeling the heat beneath his skin. The tremor in his breath, matching her own. 

"Not an indulgence." He paused his tone thick, dark. "I want- all of you. If you would share." her heart lept in her throat, this was it. Her answer decided it all. There was something so painfully mortal in his defiance, could she be free like this? She opened her mouth to reply but the words didn't come, only a soft sigh, one of surrender. It took her a moment, but eventually she spoke. 

"You want me, but what if not all of me is gentle? What if everything under the surface burns?" she looked back up at him, slowly, carefully, her fear showing blatantly this time. Her breath hitched, the next words coming out shakily, "I want you so badly it hurts. I'm terrified Oscar, of what this is, what it all means." It was the most cutting, real thing she had ever confessed, and it was for him alone. Her eyes searched his a moment more, then her body overtook everything, nothing could stop it now. She grabbed his collar pulling him back in. She kissed him, fully this time, with a desperate clarity of someone standing at the edge of a fall and stepping forward anyways. The kiss was fevered, chaotic, too human to be holy. Her divinity barely recoiled, her soul surged. 

Every nerve felt alive, sparkling like starlight across her skin. She tasted him- the salt of breath, the heavy ache of want. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as though she were anchoring herself to the mortal world. For a moment she wasn't divine. She wasn't a savior or symbol or myth. 

She was simply alive. 

And here with him. 

Edited 4 hours ago by Winnie

[Arbalest 0]

Only having just sat down, Arbalest quickly found herself in the same feelings those amongst the dancers. When those feeling began to dissipate instead of being re-introduced to the plate of food that she so desperately desired was replaced with a lovely looking woman. As great as she looked, Arbalest herself was not in costume -- besides the mask of course -- and was so surprised by the sudden shift of her position. It was quickly making her sick despite her prior experience.

"Ugh...Fuji was less nauseating than that-" She started complaining before noticing Bliss. "Oh. You're not the hotdog I ordered but you've certainly go the 'hot' down." Arbalest was never one to hold her thoughts to herself. Still, she returned the bow as is a custom she respected. Even if it wasn't necessary amongst peers, like themselves, but they were still strangers so it wasn't farfetched.

Immediately, she attempted to introduce herself yet... Something stopped her? A supernatural force controlled by the game forced her lips closed on the subject. Her anger at the obstruction of formality went in the face of everything she felt was proper. After struggling through grunts of stunted dialogue she gave up. "Ahem- Excuse me. It seems that pleasantries must be disregarded. As much as my blood boils at such a distasteful practice... I will side step it for now."

It was only when she reached out to take Bliss's hand that she'd noticed the pork in her hand - Literally. "I only came here to enjoy the food... Oh well." The dog disappeared into hammerspace where would sit for later consumption.

Edited 8 hours ago by Scarlet Firefly

[Reytac 0]

Reytac adjusted the collar of his shirt, loosening it slightly as he took in a deep breath. He had debated, going back and forth with himself, on whether or not he should attend the masquerade. He hadn’t gone to many large parties – attending the cookout how been the first time he’d seen more than a couple of Players together at the same time in over a year – but he finally convinced himself that he should go. Should remind himself that he wasn’t alone here – hells, that he even knew people again. And, it would be a chance to unwind and meet some new people, to reconnect with being human. He’d even gone so far as to get an outfit for the event, and a cane to finish the ensemble. It had been a while since he’d worn anything fancy like this, barring the cosmetic for the trick or treating, and he felt a little stifled in it. Aphrael landed on his shoulder and let out a soft squawk into his ear, and he chuckled before reaching up and stroking the white star on her chest.  
”I know, I know. I’m still sitting here and second guessing myself, aren’t I? It’s not like anyone is going to be upset I showed up, huh, girl?” The raven let out another squawk and affectionately nibbled at his ear before preening his hair as he started walking toward the entrance to the venue. As the bird gave his ear one last nip with her beak before taking off, flying up towards one of the nearby rooftops. For a moment Reytac watched her go, envying the freedom, and then shook himself before turning to the doorman, who was looking towards him with a placid, bland expression. The man held up two masks, a white one and a black one, and after a moment, Reytac took the white mask, slipping it into place. He watched as above him, his cursor and name vanished, and he chuckled softly.  
”Anonymity’s shadow, huh? Alright.” He tapped his way inside, the cane clicking with every other step as he pushed inside. And for a moment, he took in a nice ambiance, calm air as soft music played and someone sang. A slight smile stretched his lips as he looked around – before freezing as he felt someone jostle into him from the side, and he got a split second to see someone on his other side throwing red wine at him – or more likely the person who had just run into him - that splashed against his coat, dripping down to the floor.  
Reytac took in a deep breath and exhaled it through gritted teeth as the person who had thrown the wine stumbled forward, jabbing a finger into his chest. The man babbledsomething  incomprehensible, and splashed the dregs of his glass against Reytac again. And Rey tried, hard, to not react, he was trying to be firm and polite, until the NPC reached up and grabbed at his collar, trying to push Rey around – towards the door. 
”Gots ‘nuf people in ‘re already. Dun need no more. Out with you, out-OW” Reytac had slammed his cane down on top of the man’s foot, making the NPC let out a yelp of pain. Rey could already see some bouncers moving towards them from around the room, so he restrained himself to cracking the head of the cane against the man’s leg, making him crumple to the ground. 
”I came here, to relax, drink, and unwind. Not get harassed and accosted by a drunk who covered me in wine.” He said in frustration as the man was hauled up by the bouncers who had reached them, and dragged away. Reytac’s shoulders slumped and he shook his head in frustration before he tried to shake the worst of the wine off of his suit jacket as he made his way towards the bar to get a drink of his own. 
 

 

 

Reytac: Masked, Saint. 
Reytac | HP: 640/640 | EN: 82/82 | DMG: 21 | MIT:36 | ACC:2 | EVA:2 | BH:6 | REC: 2 | BLD: 24  | LD:3                                                                       

                                                      

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Reytac

[Jomei 0]

 "You're mine"

A flush of warmth traveled across his cheeks, contrary to the prickling coolness that traveled up his spine. His heart like a wild drum, beating in time with the song. Uncertain if it was the percussion, or his own heartbeat in his ears. Yet those whispered words still pierced the boom of the bass and the cacophony of conversations around them and melted his core.

Lessa was matching his energy, and was doing it better. It was only after their lips separated did he try to take hold of the reins again.. though the soft touch of her lips made coherent thoughts impossible. 

Now hand in hand, Jomei led Lessa to their own little spot on the dace floor. Lysette's song faded and, as applause from the crowd died down, softer, more casual music took its place. A bit easier to dance to, with his untrained feet at least. 

"Is that so?" Jomei responded with an impish smirk of his own. "Lucky for you then, I'm not going anywh-" 

CRASH

Callous laughter and shrieks filled the room as multiple individuals began causing mayhem. Simple party crashers or something more, most seemed to just be in it for the chaos; tossing half emptied drinks into the crowd, knocking over furniture as they passed. Others, however, seemed to take it a bit farther, threatening some of the other party goers with violence. 

Flash back to the gala atop the airship, and the bang of pirates who had attacked them. Coincidentally enough, they also interrupted the couple from sharing a dance. 

His free hand balled into a fist, "Is it too much to ask for just one night?" Jomei muttered through grit teeth, malice poisoning his words. He only managed to take two steps before a tug on his opposite hand held him at bay. Lessa, his anchor, keeping him grounded as always. Masked gaze would look back at her, to the trouble being caused, and finally resting upon her once more.

"Let someone else handle it for once. I've been waiting all night for this." 

The sudden commotion cleared a bit of the dance floor as various players broke off to save the night form these ruffians. Jomei would not be one of them.

Let the Saints play hero. Tonight, they were Sinners.

"Want to dance?" 

[Jevi 0]

"We could find you shomeone? Maybe not though... I don't -"

Jevi did find someone though. Perhaps not a lover or someone to keep her bed warm like Mari was insinuating, but she found someone to spend time with. Connect with. Jevi wasn't feeling lonely, for once in a long time, and that's all she could ask for. Even if it was a bit too soon to call this woman her friend, at least, for tonight, they could act like it. 

For now, that was enough. 

"Well, I've used my name at least."

"Hey, not my fault you're not good at the masquerade game." Jevi teased her. "Besides, I techni.. tech-ni-cally gave you my name... just not my full one." 

Haven't you been reading these posts? Everyone's terrible at dancing :)

Mari accepted, reluctantly, to dance, claiming that she wasn't much of a dancer. "Theres no right way to dance, just move. Do what feels good." Jevi called to Mari over the music as she began to dance. "Right." she corrected herself quickly, "I mean, do waht feels right." Before she could really get into it, the song came to an end, and softer music took its place. She was hoping the louder music would stay, help drown out the room around them so they could really get lost in their dancing. But the night had other plans. The song was not a slow dance by any means, but it was definitely more of an intimate melody. 

If Lancaster was going to hunt down Mari and whisk her away from Jevi, then she wasn't going to make it easy for him. In fact, she decided she was going to enjoy this the best she could. For Mari's sake.. but she could use the fun too. Snagging a random drink off of a passing waiter's tray, she downed it in a single go. She didn't care if it was going to someone else, they weren't paying for it.

Oof, martinis are not good for drinking that fast. But it gave her the burning courage she needed. 

Taking a step deeper into the crowd of dancers, Jevi would pull Mari along. Yanking the ginger towards her in a way that spun Mari around, she caught her with her back to Jevi's chest. One arm snaked around her waist, palm on her stomach, the other hand gently rested on her hip. Swaying side to side in time with the music, she led her partner along. Chin slowly lowered towards Mari's shoulder, face hovering just beside hers. Her voice like a purr in Mari's ear, lips scathing the edge of her ear as she spoke. 

"Well then. He's going to have to work for it. Because I'm playin for keeps." 

Did she mean it? Not entirely. She didn't want to be known as a homewrecker. 

But she could have her fun, couldn't she?