F01-OP Blackbook, Grand Opening

[Oscar 0]

"Who's to say I wasn't holding the space for you?"

“Then I am so very sorry for keeping you waiting.”

A smile tugged at his lips as she slipped her hand into his. His fingers coiled gently around her own - engulfing the extremity as pulled her into his orbit. It was amusing to think that, around this time under ordinary circumstances, he would lean full-tilt into flirtations as debauched as he thought he could get away with. And perhaps it was her - the elegant evening dress and that adorable glimmer of curiosity in her eyes - that held him back. Or perhaps it was the setting.

Or the work he put into it.

And the money…

No, no. Now was not the time for those thoughts. That buzzing anxiety and desire for things to be just so. Oscar would swallow those. This was a time for enjoyment. Passion, desire - burning and raging - hidden beneath a veil of anonymity. Or, at least, plausible deniability. It was difficult, with such a small population, to keep the mystery alive. Even now, Oscar could put faces to names.

But was not the point to ignore the fact that people knew? Those sinful and sainted masks the only thing standing between them and full exposure. Truth, as it were, would not set you free.

Oscar waxed philosophical for only a moment. The time it took to guide his companion to the dance floor. Those internal discussions died the moment his hand rested upon her waist. From there, it was another lie. That he had the foggiest idea of what he was doing. He was certain she would be able to tell. He may move with a grace that a man of his size and stature should not possess, but that would be a poor substitute for actual experience.

And his only experience was prom. Ten years ago.

Still, he didn’t let that bother him. There were a fair few in the building that were in his predicament. At the very least, he avoided stepping on her toes. He would be satisfied with that. Even more satisfied as his companion gushed about her feelings about the evening. That was worth more than any whispered flirtation.

“I’ve heard that our host can be quite eccentric,” Oscar replied. “Built many such places. I hope this is the first of many.”

It was fun, speaking of himself as if he didn’t know his own inner machinations. He hoped she would forgive the deception when the time came for him to remove his mask and finally address the party-goers. But that would be a problem for future Oscar. For now, he was content to lose himself in the music and enjoy the evening with a lovely companion.

“Indulgence is my default state,” Oscar remarked. “As myself or otherwise." His fingers coiled in the fabric of her gown, gently closing the gap between them. More subtle than he trended; only slightly inappropriate. 

“I cannot quite figure out whose orbit is stronger, between the two of us. That glint in your eye is intoxicating and we do have the entire evening to figure that out, if you’re willing. If you'll indulge me, that is. ”

@Plum