The gala

To say she was nervous would be an understatement, but Marian was pretty sure it wasn’t completely showing in every aspect of her features. Her dress was simple, something borrowed for one of the girls at the boarding house and thankfully, with some help, she’d managed to alter it to fit her. That it left her shoulders bare besides a few tendrils loose from where her hair was pinned up and fit through to her thighs before it flared out left her feeling a little exposed, but the neutral color kept her from standing out and hopefully disguised that the dress was far from the latest fashion.

The gala itself was in full swing, well attended from all walks of life, with music playing, and people gathering joyfully. It wasn’t even that far into the night and Marian was sure the event was already a success. She drifted a little closer to Harry. “It’s actually rather lovely isn’t it?”

He’d been watching the crowd thoughtfully, giving absent nods to people passing by as Harry watched the crowd move with the music. It wasn’t just the dancers, either; even the foot traffic had picked up some measure of the tempo, leaving them energized and smiling as they milled around. How beautiful, he thought with a little smile, To see us all so close to harmony. Marian’s return and question snapped him back, though, reminding Harry that he was every bit as nervous as she was, even if neither of them had voiced it. His suit was much more current, high-collared and sleek in a crisp white shirt, but Harry had already dressed down for the evening, rolling his sleeves and slinging his jacket over the crook of his arm.

All in all, that and the smiles made him look like he was at ease, but really? Harry was pretty sure he would need his backup plan. He’d tucked a tack in his shoes before leaving, holding the spike between his toes deftly and ignoring the little pricks and pokes that came with it. Hopefully it wouldn’t come to it, but if she wanted to dance? Well, Harry figured that a tack breaking skin would keep him focused, anchored in the moment, not drifting into past memories or idle contemplation. “It is,” he agreed finally, “We needed this, the whole city did. This is how we move on.” Moving a bit closer, he shifted his coat to his other arm to free up the one closest to Marian. “I’m glad I was able to persuade you to join me tonight.”

Just him being there had Marian smiling, more than she should, but with so many people around, constantly biting her lip to keep it in check was likely going to give off an odd appearance. But the way he moved his coat, the fact that he’d rolled up his sleeves, every little thing had her attention and left Marian feeling far different than she was used to. There was a moment of hesitation but eventually she went with an instinct she didn’t quite know she had, looping her arm around his, gripping his arm, and moving closer. “It didn’t really take much persuading. I think you asked and I said yes.”

She got a laugh at that, leaving Harry grinning more sincerely than the polite ones he’d had for the crowd. “For me, that’s a masterwork of persuasion, trust me,” he said teasingly, surprising himself by not flinching when Marian looped arms with him. “I think I said before that I don’t do this much? Tending towards dining alone and all?” Taking a slight first step, just so he wouldn’t yank Marian off-balance, Harry started across the park with her at a leisurely pace.

“Bachelorhood has been the rule for me, after all. But I’m starting to appreciate the exceptions that life has to offer,” he complimented warmly, looking her way as they walked. Marian was a sight to behold, no two ways about it, somehow both compelling and proper. It was a strange mix, a swirl of her poise and mindfulness of how she carried herself mixing with the slope of her shoulders, the blush in her cheeks, the spark in her eyes when she smiled at him. He was going to need the tack. “And I think I’m jealous,” he went on as they walked, “I’d love to get paid to go out and write about it.”

“That’s masterwork? My, you must be good. I didn’t even realize it.” Marian was teasing, she knew she was doing it. She’d done it for so long as a waitress, but it didn’t feel as fake this time. This time it felt natural. “No one said you have to keep dining alone,” she ventured softly, falling into step with him and barely glancing up at him from under her lashes. “A welcome change to bachelorhood if you will.” The smile that went with that comment was softer, something sweeter than the bright smile she’d had all night. She was taking a risk, suggesting a different tone to things and he could very well decide against it. “I have to say, being able to attend and write about an event like this is rare for me. I usually get stuck with writing obituaries.”

Inside, that simple statement made Harry glad for the tack, even if he wasn’t using it yet. His nerves were pricking up, anxiety threatening the ease of his smile, but why? He couldn’t find the root of it, couldn’t understand why it was still creeping through him. They’d had dinner, spent time at his shop, he’d asked her here. The intent was clear, and returned even, but following through? Harry was still shaky on it. Still, he was determined to try and seize that same confidence that had let Marian speak up, even if his head hung with a sheepish grin for a moment.

“Less so lately, I’d wager,” he said first, referring to her recent work as Ella Cinder. No way would that keep Marian in the obituaries game. “Maybe soon this’ll be the norm for you, hm?” Harry ventured, stopping by one of the vendors’ stalls and handing over a bit of change for a pair of cups. It was just lemonade, but right now Harry couldn’t afford to loosen his tongue with alcohol. He’d make a total ass of himself. “And it’s already a welcome change, Marian,” he went on, handing over a cup and feeling like an ass despite his sobriety. “I’ve enjoyed the change of pace more than I think I could say... I hope it’s just the beginning, frankly.”

“Still so,” Marian countered about work. “Someone has to do it still. Though I have stopped being given the worst of the worst.” It was a start and she had a plan to speak to her editor about the change in her career the following day. Made an appointment with him and everything. She took the offered cup, but kept her hold on his arm, relieved in her own way that it wasn’t alcohol. That sort of thing did a number on her head since she wasn’t used to it like others might be. Giving his arm a gentle squeeze she couldn’t fight the blush on her cheeks. “I was thinking the same thing myself,” she said softly. “About it being the beginning.”

Tipping his cup back for an idle sip, Harry lowered it to give a curt greeting as another couple passed by, recognizing them as old customers. His smile was a totally natural thing, but it refocused on its’ source as they walked past and he looked back to Marian. “When can I see you again?” he asked in a softer tone, letting their closeness help the words carry. “I know tonight’s not over, far from it even, just... soon, I hope?” After all, knowing this was the start of something was wonderful in its’ own right, but knowing when the next moment would fall? Or that there’d even be a next moment? That was priceless to a man like Harry who dealt in time.

That was not at all what Marian expected Harry to say and as soon as he did she tripped slightly, losing her footing as she stared at him. If it weren’t for his arm she might have done more than just stumble, but thankfully she managed to hold on to him. No one had ever, ever, ever asked her something like that. And with that sureness, though still something for only her to hear. “As soon as you want,” she managed to whisper, eyes wide.

And if it weren’t for propriety, buried deep in his head, mixing with odd hesitations that Harry wouldn’t study too closely? He might have leaned in the rest of the way right then and there. The temptation to do so was fierce; he loved the idea that she was looking that way because of him, all wide eyes and soft words. Even her stumble was compelling, giving Harry a reason to move just a bit closer for support. “Those are tricky terms to give a man like me,” Harry teased as he steadied Marian, “I just may stroll into the Echo tomorrow when it’s in full swing, asking you to drop everything and come to lunch.” Not that he would, at least not the ‘drop everything’ part. The rest, though? Who knew. It’d all depend on the timing, on the feel of the moment.

“Yes,” Marian responded, voice breathier and far more unsteady than she would have liked. She hadn’t even been asked a question and she was just giving him answers. It wasn’t like her, getting close to someone, but the moment he suggested it, it was all she wanted. Him to sweep in a take her to lunch. Him to sweep in and do anything. “I mean, if that was what you wanted, then of course. Just soon.”

Apparently they were escalating each other, given Marian’s flustered state and the effect it had on Harry in turn. Again, he nearly just closed the distance left between them, caught by the breathy whisper in her voice... but for the tack. Being distracted on her meant he wasn’t focused elsewhere, and the first sharp jab in his toe did exactly what it was supposed to, lining Harry’s brow slightly. Still, he was smiling with more clarity in his eyes as he nodded slightly, never looking past Marian. “If that means tomorrow, then yes,” he agreed, surprising himself by sticking to that bit of his joke. He did want to keep at this, and if it was possible, then why not seize the day? “No dropping of work, promise, but anywhere you’d like to go? We’ll go.”

Marian was nodding, lower lip pulled tight between her teeth, this time not to keep from smiling, but from staring at him with her mouth wide open like some idiot. “Yes...I’d love that.” The level of enthusiasm in the statement was just as embarrassing as the statement itself and she was ducking her eyes, blush deepening to something else all together. That might have been too much, too much too fast, an invitation for him to take it back and slow it down again.

All throughout, of course, part of Harry had been on the verge of retreating. This wasn’t him, for whatever confidence or charm he seemed to have. He was an honest man, a sincere one, perhaps that was enough to win her over? Maybe it was his stilted courtesy that made him seem so impactful? Harry didn’t know, and didn’t care. Not right now. Being modest had gotten him a long stretch of time alone in his shop, and now he didn’t want to be any more.

Setting his cup aside on the edge of a picnic table, Harry took a slight breath as he stepped on the tack again, sharpening his focus. He needed it as he slipped his arm from Marian’s to settle his hand lightly at her waist, reaching out with the other to tilt her chin up and level her gaze back with his before speaking. “Come dance with me,” was all he said then, all he felt like he needed to say. If they were both awkward despite everything up to now? He’d find a way to push past, even if it meant getting close.

For all her attempts to stay focused on the situation, Marian didn’t have the slightest clue what he was doing when he moved. But suddenly he was there, warmth radiating from where his hand was on her waist and the other touched her chin. The blush on her cheeks felt like it had spread everywhere, and while she wanted to say something, words failed her. The best she could muddle was a nod, paired with an eager look in her eyes.

That was the exact reason Harry had asked when he did, he knew he wasn’t going to fare much better than Marian, tricks or no. It seemed as if they fogged things over for each other, made them tricky even in the simplest moments, and in Harry’s mind? The best way to avoid that, at least for now, was to remove the problem entirely. A bit of time without words, that was the answer. And after? Well, there was a veritable sea of faces here, surely at least one or two either of them knew. Maybe later they could find one, maybe that third party would keep them both coherent. But for now? A little time without words sounded like a good start.

Ally was getting that surreal feeling. The one where she knew it was all real but it felt like a dream. She knew she looked good, the dress having been an exceptional find and coupled with her Tahitian pearls and the elegant upsweep of her hair that had brown curls brushing her shoulders, she was feeling confidant. Her conversation-and-or-argument with Miles still left her with a troubled feeling but she was ignoring it in favor of flaunting it all in front of the people she was once peers with. Ally made a pleased sort of humming sound and glanced over at Lucas, who cut a pretty nice figure himself when he was dressed up. “Are you ready to run away yet?” she asked him loftily.

Lucas hated that his mother had been so right when she’d picked out the suit. She was always doing that. showing up what he normally thought he could do himself, but she’d outdone herself again. Looking over at Ally he raised an eyebrow. “I would have left already love,” he pointed out, reaching out to run his fingers over one of the curls. She was lovely, just as much as she’d been when she was younger, possibly more.

Her eyes ticked to his hand that was toying with her hair and ticked another point in her box. Make him eat his heart out? Check. “Don’t you know how to make a girl feel special, Mr Crawford.” It was who she decided he was, loathe to admit that she’d scoured her brain for the perfect description of him. Not a soldier, not a brooding noble. The rich, philandering Mr Henry Crawford. Yes, that described Lucas DiGiovanni.

“You want me to charm you?” he asked, pulling his hand away from her. Smiling a little at the nickname he gave her a curious look. “Mr. Crawford?” That was interesting. “I thought I was Wickham or Darcy.”

“You’re not brooding enough to be Darcy,” she told him as she led him through the crowd towards the dance floor, grabbing a flute of champagne from a passing waiter. “And you said you weren’t some poor soldier. So you’re the man who runs off with a married woman, whose rich and such the playboy.” She tossed him a charming smile over her shoulder before taking a sip.

He took his own glass, smirking a little over it as he took a sip. “Well, well, well, you might have me there. Best choice so far.” Lucas moved close behind her, dropping his voice slightly. “So where exactly did you intend for this night to go? Am I suppose to treat you like an equal and make society want you or do you want me to moon all over you and make your stable boy jealous. ”

Ally didn’t move when he went behind her and she was reminded of exactly why she didn’t particularly liked him. There was just something about him, the way he was saying that that made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. But then, society was full of types like him and it was another reason why she’d left. Why she’d been so attracted to -- no. She was not going to think about that. “He’s not even here,” she said, not even looking at him and instead out to the dancers. “You’re simply here so I didn’t show up dateless and it gets me back in. A foot in the door.”

“Excellent. I have no purpose other to keep you from looking untethered,” Lucas said. At least his mother would be pleased about that. He took a healthy sip of his glass and looked around. “Shame he isn’t here. That would at least make this more interesting.”

He’s probably wallowing somewhere she thought bitterly, the idea of him coming in and sweeping her off her feet a pipedream. “It doesn’t matter,” she said. “Dance with me.”

He watched her then finished off his glass and reached for her hand. “Might as well,” he said with a grin. “Though it does seem to matter. You wish he was here don’t you?”

Ally allowed him to guide her onto the dance floor and she looked at him with an unamused expression. “I wish things were different,” she said honestly. “But wishes aren’t truths so it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day its not going to happen.” She shrugged a delicate shoulder and looked around, spying Eily a bit aways away. “It’s done and over with. So now it’s time to get over that.”

He took her hand and put the other against her waist. “Why not?” Lucas asked, looking at her. “And don’t go lying to me, you already got me into this ruse, you might as just tell me the truth about what’s going on.”

She rolled her eyes, not really thinking that he cared. He didn’t, she was sure of it and this was probably some way he was going to turn it around and ridicule her. “He went off to the Pacific. He came back with a head injury. His memory is... not what it used to be, but I still stuck by because he’s my best friend and I... loved him. I told him that. He stomped all over my heart and I know he was lying but if he’s going to be too busy staying in the same place for the rest of his years, wallowing how he’s not worth anything, well, I can’t. I’m sick of trying to make him want me.”

That was such a tragic story that Lucas almost wondered if she made it up. It seemed like something out of a romance novel or equally saccharine reading material. He moved them in a different direction, considering that. “He’s the one you gave up your life for?” he asked, though it was mostly rhetorical. “Good for you then, coming to your senses.”

“I gave my life up for a lot of reasons, Lucas,” she pointed out. “Like the fact that I was going to be marrying some creep I didn’t know and being surrounded by people I didn’t like. And at seventeen those seemed like good reasons. But he helped me leave it. I like to think I became a more well rounded person because of him. But the novelty has worn off.” Did she want the life she used to have? Well, she certainly wanted the monetary security. The pretty clothes. Never having to worry about her next meal.

“You did give up your life for him. Even if you have other reasons, he was the underlying one. You loved him and a woman like you would do something like that for love.” Lucas shook his head a little. “And if you hated it that much you shouldn’t come back to it. Nothing’s changed, same game, it never changes.”

Ally raised an eyebrow. “A woman like me? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“A woman like you,” Lucas confirmed. He waited a moment then launched into the explanation. “You believe in love in what it can do and that it can conquer all. You’re an idealist Ally. If you weren’t you would have asked out any number of eligible bachelors and not me. You have an idea that even I am different. Trust me, I haven’t changed either.”

“I never said I thought you’d change,” Ally pointed out. “And that’s precisely why I picked you. Because you’re familiar.” Was she an idealist? She’d really never considered herself one, but then that would explain why she’d stood by Miles, didn’t it? Why she ran off? Because something had to be better.

“Familiar,” Lucas said with a smile. “That is one I haven’t been called before. I didn’t realize we spent that much time together for me to familiar. Or at least the me that I think I am. I could be wrong.” He shook his head and twirled her in time with the music.

Her skirt flared out as he spun her out and frowned as he pulled her back as they resumed the waltz. “It was the worst date in my entire life,” she said with a bit of a smile. “How could I forget that?”

“The worst? Ouch dear. It couldn’t have been that bad. If you’d kept with dating I imagine someone would have trumped me. Though I don’t see what I did that was so awful.” He paused, then looked at her with an impish smile. “Unless you’re just saying that I’m awful.”

“Mmmm, yes, yes I am,” Ally laughed, returning his impish smile with one of her own. She couldn’t help herself which might’ve been due to the champagne.

Annaliese was at the gala alone. She felt naked without her twin with her, but this was definitely not a setting that Toni was interested in being in in the slightest. She hadn't seemed like she had minded so much that Annaliese was attending, but she didn't want to. It wasn't that Annaliese never went anywhere without Toni. It was just that she always felt incomplete without her around. Still, she was making the best of it. She'd chosen a pretty dress, something spring-y looking with brighter colors in it, flowers printed on the fabric of the dress. She had flowers in her hair that she'd picked along the way. She was wandering fairly aimlessly, smiling to herself when she spotted a familiar face. Beaming, she strode up to him. "Well hello, stranger." she greeted him.

Alexi was actually dressed up for this one. He’d felt like shaking up the snowball that was his life this week and taking a real shower, shaved and even tried to smooth his hair back, but it still managed to shake loose. He hadn’t undone his tie yet, though he was itching to. There was something about being surrounded by a bunch of other idiots all dressed the same that had him wanting to change his look again. He was slightly surprised to see her there, headed his way and smiling. “Hello yourself,” he greeted. “You look lovely.”

She looked appropriately flattered, smiling demurely at him. "Thank you, you're looking good yourself." she said. Alexi was easy on the eyes in the first place, though, so it wasn't hard for him to look good. "So, having a good time?" she asked, looking around.

“Eh I try from time to time,” Alexi said with a grin. Looking past her and around at the crowd he made a face like he was considering the question. “No. Not yet. It’s getting better by the second though.” He grinned at her again.

She laughed, blushing faintly. "Oh is it now." she said. "Flirt." she accused, though it was clear she didn't mind. "So, this doesn't exactly look like your crowd." she noted. "Were you just bored tonight? Or is there hidden depths to your personality I've yet to discover?"

“Very much so,” Alexi agreed about being called a flirt, smiling more as she blushed. He shrugged, making another face then nodded. “It’s not quite. It could be, but I’d rather it not be. As for depth, there’s plenty of depth, but mostly I opted to just change the day up a little. Do something different. You?”

"I like pretty things." Annaliese answered. "I like lights, and music, and people looking all fancy. It's like a play." she explained. Then she glanced around. "Like...okay take those people over there." she said, directing his attention to a group of four people. "There's the little things you pick up on. Everyone's smiling, but one of the guys is awkward. The other one's got his arm around his girl, a sign of possession. There's back and forth with everything. Body language tells a story even if we don't know what they're saying. It's like silent movies."

Alexi nodded in understanding, liking that as an explanation for being there. Turning to look where she indicated, he studied the blond for a moment, feeling like she was familiar, but it wasn’t important enough for him to get too caught up in it. “So what does the awkward guy’s body language say?” he asked, looking back towards Annaliese and liking that sight better than the strangers.

Annaliese considered as she watched. "...that he isn't overjoyed with the situation. He probably wants to walk away, but with social graces intact enough that he won't do it." she assessed. "There's a lot of that going on tonight, actually. Seems like everywhere I look, something awkward is going on. I'm guessing it has a lot to do with all the social classes mixing."

Alexi afforded the guy one more glance before looking back at Annaliese. “Unlucky bastard. Thankfully I don’t really care about any of that so if I’d wanted to walk away I’d just walk.” Why any of those silly social norms mattered in the first place was beyond him. He knew what they were, but really couldn’t be bothered. “So with all the awkward going on, people mixing, seems like it’d be far more possible than usual to coax you into a dance.”

"Oh, you'd just have to ask." she told him with a smile. "So, are you asking? Are we going to dance?" she asked. She'd give into that gladly. It was part of what she'd wanted when she arrived. To dance with someone. To mingle, speak to people she didn't know, soak up the atmosphere.

“Just ask?” Alexi said with a grin, reaching for her hand. “Where’s the fun in that? And yes, we are dancing.” He started them towards the area that had become the makeshift dance floor, pulling her towards him once they were there. It was an unexpected surprise, dancing with Annaliese, but he wasn’t going to walk away from it. That was the whole point of this charade for him, something unexpected.

Annaliese smiled and let him lead, easily falling into a dance with him. She was nothing if not graceful, able to adapt to situations like an actor adjusted their part to fit the feel of the scene. "Well I suppose I could have made it more difficult, but I'm just in a good mood tonight. No need for excess drama. I'm sure we'll see a whole lot of it from the other party goers!"

It was far too easy dancing with her, and it almost made Alexi wonder why he avoided the practice as often as he did. “Oh I hope we do. What’s a party without some drama? Someone shouting, someone starting a fight.” He paused and twirled her a little then grinned. “Actually I don’t think I’m going to call it a night until someone gets punched in the face.” Even if he had to start the fight himself.

Gasping in mock shock, Annaliese laughed as he twirled her, and at his comment. "You want a brawl at this upscale gala? You won't be happy unless there's some violence? Hmm. What do you think will need to happen for that to occur? There's alcohol available. That ought to help."

“I never said a brawl,” Alexi pointed out, though the last one he’d been to had been fun until someone got shot. Shaking his head he looked around. “Just a punch. All that takes is the wrong guy flirting with the wrong woman. Someone’s wife, girlfriend. Easy.”

Smirking, she eyed him as he said that. "You don't think that would start a bigger fight? And do you think it'll happen? Someone flirting out of turn with someone else's girl?" she asked. She could see it. In fact, there were several people she'd been spying on as the night wore on that she could see talking or touching people they didn't appear to have a right to be doing that with.

“It might. It might just stay between two guys and one girl who will cry over her top choice,” Alex said with a grin. “As for it happening? It’s going to happen, the punching might take some goading, but someone is likely going to flirt with someone he shouldn’t. Or she shouldn’t.”

Annaliese watched him as he spoke. "And if it doesn't happen? Are you going to owe me a coffee?" she asked. "If we took bets, that is." she added. "I'm feeling adventurous. Perhaps a wager would be interesting."

“Coffee?” Alexi echoed, pulling her the slightest bit closer. “Are you suggesting that if I lose I have to take you out?” Whether or not he was taking the bet was out of the question. The moment she suggested there be a wager of any kind he was taking it. The wager though almost sounded like an incentive to lose. Not that Alexi was much of a dater, but he had the occasional moment with women from time to time and for Annaliese he was definitely willing to make an exception.

"That's what I'm suggesting." Annaliese told him, a sweet smile on her lips, though her eyes gave away a little more mischief. "So, coffee, if no fights break out. And if one does...?" she prompted, so he would set his own stipulations out there.

Alexi twirled her again while he thought. He hated losing, or being wrong in a dare of sorts, which meant whatever he got out of the bet had to be better than a date. The problem there lie in the fact that a date was a rather appealing win for him. After a moment though, he had it, grinning at her again with his own mischief in his eyes. “A kiss then if there is a fight.”

Annaliese's eyes went wide for a moment, but she didn't back down. Instead, she laughed when she recovered. "Alright, you have yourself a bet. If no fights break out, I get coffee out of you, if one does, you get a kiss." she said, pausing their dance to hold her hand out to him to shake. "Seal the deal, Alexi."

He wondered what that meant, her eyes going wide like that. Maybe it was surprising, or maybe she was just shocked he offer it in the first place. “Deal it is,” he said with a grin, reaching out to take her hand in his and shake it firmly. “Any stipulations or rules? Before we get started.”

Annaliese considered. "Hmm. No direct involvement." she said. "We're both allowed to manipulation situations as we see fit, but nothing direct." she told him firmly. "Sound good?"

“So I can’t start the fight,” Alexi surmised with a nod. “Alright that sound fair enough.” It made things harder, but he was pretty sure someone would lose their temper before the night ended. It always happened. He reached for her again, pulling her back into his arms and back into their dance. “Told you my night was getting better by the second.”

"Right. But if you were clever enough, you could goad people into one." Annaliese told him. "And I couldn't stand in the way of a fight, but I could try to talk people down." she continued. This? Could be fun. She put her arms around his shoulders, smiling at him. "Should keep getting interesting, too. I'm going to enjoy this."

“You say that like there might be a chance that I’m not clever enough,” Alexi said with a raised eyebrow. “I’ll have you know I’m very clever.” He let his hands settle on her waist, smile still there despite his offense that she might not think he was clever. “I’m sure you will. Don’t say I ever steered you wrong.”

"I'm sure you're very clever." Annaliese said. "It must take some smarts to run a business. But this is all about people. So we'll see how we both do." she said. "And I trust you'd never steer me wrong, Alexi." she added, giving him a warm smile. "You're far too nice to us for that." she said, as if her twin were there with her, even if she wasn’t.

Alexi wasn’t sure how much of his smarts went into running the gym, but he took the compliment nonetheless. “Should make for an interesting challenge.” The ‘us’ wasn’t unusual, though he did glance up, half expecting to see her twin, watching them from a distance. “You came alone tonight,” he said as if figuring that out for the first time. Maybe he’d gotten so used to them always being together that he’d just assumed with one, the other would be lurking somewhere.

"This isn't Toni's environment." Annaliese said, and there was a touch of sadness to her tone. She didn't like being without her sister, that much was plain. "She doesn't really like socializing. She'd rather stay home and read."

“Feels almost strange, having you to myself,” Alexi said, tone thoughtful. “Not that I don’t like Toni. Rather fond of her, she just seems to hate me.” Which probably was why he liked her so much.

"She doesn't hate you. She just doesn't like people." Annaliese told him, both for his sake and for Toni's. She knew her sister didn't care about her reputation or what people thought, but Annaliese knew that social interactions were a necessary part of the human experience. It mattered. "She doesn't connect very well with others. It's been like that for a long time."

Alexi settled his hands on Annaliese more, drawing her a little closer. “At least it’s not just me then?” he said with a smile. Her sister’s lack of social graces really wasn’t a concern of his, especially considering he opted to ignore most of the rituals himself. “Any tips for connecting better with her? Something I should be doing that I’m not?”

"I have no idea." Annaliese said honestly. So far, the only person Toni connected with was herself. No one had really gotten through before. "So, I suppose, persistence, and attempts at different tactics til you find something?" she said, giving a light smile. "And don't be offended if it goes poorly."

That left Alexi frowning, feeling bad about that, like there was something he should do, he just wasn’t aware of what it was. “I’ll keep at it then. Though I think she’d like working out at the gym, and I promise not to get her hurt,” he pointed out, hoping Annaliese would put in a good word for him there. “What about you, what does a guy like me have to do to connect well with you?” He was back to flirting with her, but it was fun given she was dancing with him and giving him nothing but positive reinforcement.

She laughed. "I don't know. You seem to be doing just fine without the pointers." she told him. "But...you could tell me what you think about my possibly trying out for a play. I saw the audition fliers, and was considering it. But I've never done anything like that before, so I'm nervous."

“I think you have to try, and that you’ll get it for sure,” Alexi said, jumping on the offered topic. “And if you remind me I might even come see you in it.” He would just likely need the reminder so he didn’t get distracted by something else.

"If I get a part, I'll be sure to invite you." she told him warmly. Really he was one of the only people she'd invite that wasn't Toni. She didn't have a very wide social circle, after all. Which was partially due to the fact that Toni didn't do socialization, and Annaliese didn't like being that far from her sister. So by default, it meant that she often didn't start up new relationships with people who may not even factor into her life at all.

That earned her a bright smile. “Good. So it’s settled, you’re going to be in a play.” He paused for a moment. “Should I have asked what the play is?” Because he hadn’t. He didn’t really care one way or another, but that might be an important thing to ask.

"I'm not sure yet. I have to go see. I was just considering, I'd seen the open casting call." Annaliese told him, smiling in a slightly embarrassed way. "Hopefully it's a good one. If it's terribly dull or something, I'll have to warn you before you sign up for attending."

“Well if it’s dull I’ll just nap through the parts where you aren’t on stage,” he told her, giving a reassuring smile even if she looked embarrassed. “No matter what it is, you should do it. You’d be great at it I’m sure.”

She looked appreciative of his confidence in her. "Thank you." she said. "I suppose now I'll definitely need to try out. Hopefully I won't get laughed off the stage by much longer term actors." She knew the community had a sort of 'crowd' that stuck together. She didn't know if she'd be able to break into that. But she was going to try.

That had Alexi stopping, looking at her seriously. “If they laugh at you, you tell me and I’ll take care of them.” They wouldn’t laugh again, that much he was certain of. He wasn’t the best at conflict resolution, but if someone was teasing Annaliese, he was going to through punches.

She smiled softly at him, watching his eyes. "That's very sweet of you." she told him. "Defending me." Even if there were probably a lot of people who might find that a bit disturbing, she didn't. It fit right in with how she saw the world, even if she never sought to harm anyone at any time. Her head was set up in a very strange way, a way she couldn't even explain to people properly. But in this case, it allowed her to find the sentiment sweet.

The serious look faded and Alexi broke into another smile. “Well it’s true too, but I can work with sweet. Provide it’s a tough sweet.” He brought his hands up in fists, just like he always was at at the gym and tapped her chin lightly with his knuckles.

She laughed, looking flattered and amused. "Tough-sweet it is." she assured him. "It suits you, I think." she said. And that was actually true, not just a line. He took care of his father, was genuinely distressed about his condition. Some people didn't take care of their families. Some people knew they were everything. She appreciated someone who knew the value of it.

“I would hope so,” Alexi said, reaching for her hand. “Wanna see if we can shake this party up some? I’m hoping for that kiss, which means things are gonna have to get a hell of a lot more interesting than they are now.”

"Let's." Annaliese said, giving him an impish grin. "Let's go get the party really started." It could be fun. They'd see where the night took them.

Eily had decided to go with blue. It brought out her eyes, and with a rich, bright, deep blue, she looked stunning. She had her hair all curled to perfection, falling over her shoulders. She was pleased, the gala seemed like a really good idea right now. She knew Jason could use a night out and some fun. So she'd insisted that they go.

The party seemed to be in full swing, music playing, people everywhere. She noticed a familiar face and smiled, nudging Jason. "Want to meet Mickey?" she asked. "He's been helping at the club, he's a friend." she explained. "C'mon, looks like he's got a date, I need to check her out, see that she's okay for him."

Jason had scrubbed up too; wearing one of his favourite suits, he had even gone to the barbers that morning for a haircut and a proper shave, wanting to look like the kind of man that deserved to have such a beautiful girl on his arm. And he was glad she had dragged him out, the lively atmosphere just the thing he needed to lose himself in for an evening. “Sure I’ll meet Mickey,” he said with a grin, happy to go along with whatever she wanted and tugging her close, let her guide them towards her friend.

December had been true to her promise to be nice and while it had also meant quiet, Mickey was learning to be okay with that. It was worth it to have her close by at least. He’d reached for her hand before looking up, thinking about the ribbons on her arms when the figure in blue assaulted his attention. Eily. And the new, old, boyfriend who also walked with a limp. That was just...well it figured. Without thinking about it he was squeezing December’s hand, even though his smile stayed where it belonged.

On her best behavior, December was putting effort into being a good girl. It was hard for her, her natural state of being was one of at least sarcasm, but she was managing. So far, not that many people had said hello or anything, but the evening was young. When he took her hand and squeezed it, she looked up at him, about to say something but she noticed his eyes were elsewhere. So she looked over, and saw someone approaching. She make some quick assessments, based on Mickey’s body language, and she stood next to him, and gave the blonde a smile when they got there. Right. This ought to be interesting.

Eily led the way, smiling brightly as she caught Mickey's eye. "Hey!" she said happily. "It's great to see you here!" she said. "Jason, this is Mickey, Mickey, Jason." she introduced, pleasantly. "And this is?" she asked hopefully, happy to see Mickey there with someone. Had he found a girl that wasn’t the one she’d warned him off of already?

“Nice to meet you Mickey,” Jason said, letting go of Eily so he could offer a hand to shake. The guy was big, verging on Thomas sized but he wasn’t the type to be intimidated by that and besides which, the smile seemed genuine.

Mickey had to let go of December to take the offered hand, which was when he realized he’d been squeezing her hand. Smiling he nodded to Jason as he shook the other man’s hand. “Likewise.” Letting go he let his hand drift towards December’s back, smiling more at her than anything else. “This is December. December, Jason, obviously, and Eily.”

December smiled at them. It was a surprisingly sweet sort of look. She could do sweet when she wanted to. She didn’t have to look like she had evil intentions at all times. “Nice to meet you.” she said to the both of them, perfectly pleasant. She didn’t know if women actually shook hands. Her social graces were lacking at the higher level here. So she didn’t actually offer up a hand shake or anything.

Eily nodded to December, trying to figure out what it was that seemed ‘off’. Something did, but she couldn’t exactly place it. Not that that showed on her features, she was perfectly pleasant as she smiled. “Great turn out, huh?” she asked, looking around at the festivities, which were, in fact, pretty crowded.

Jason smiled at them both in turn, Mickey’s behaviour towards his companion making it grow a little wider. “You too December,” he said, returning his arm to curl around Eily’s waist. He followed her gaze and nodded in agreement as he spied some faces he vaguely recognised. “”It’s a nice change of pace having a mix of people like this, you don’t see it often.

Mickey’s fingers unintentionally grazed over the part of December’s corset piercing that was visible. It brought back a flash of other thoughts, something else he struggled to keep off his face again. “Rarely happens that they let everyone mingle all in one place right?” It would have been a great insult if it hadn’t been said as nicely as it was.

Her smile didn’t falter in the slightest, but Eily had a moment where she wondered if Mickey’s statement was a dig. Was it? He wasn’t really like that, right? He was a nice guy. He wouldn’t say something edging on mean. Then again, he was also a guy who’d fought off attackers with her at the gallery when it had been attacked, and he didn’t come off like that sort of person either. Either way she ignored whether or not it was a dig, and instead went the other way with it.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s much of a venue for it in the city. Which I’m really hoping I can help change with the club. I’d like it to be open and available to everyone, not just people with means.” she said. Then she looked to December. “I don’t know if he’s said, but I’m in the process of renovating a club in Little Haven. Hopefully it’ll be up and running soon.” she offered.

“He hadn’t.” December said, still playing the ‘perfectly nice’ card. “But congratulations, I’m sure it’ll be a success.” she added. “Maybe I’ll come by some night after it’s opened.” she said. “So, what do you do?” she asked Jason. They’d established Eily was a club owner or something. Mickey was a mechanic, something she figured at least the females present knew. Maybe Jason, if he had been told about Mickey. December was guessing Mickey didn’t talk about her to other people.

If Mickey had meant to be insulting, smile or none, Jason didn’t pick up on it but then despite the fancy clothes he had on, he didn’t see himself as being better than people just because he had money sitting in the bank. The conversation quickly turned to Eily’s club, a topic that always put a smile on his face but before he had a chance to comment on it, he found himself the focus of December’s attention. “I work for the Echo, copy writing mostly but the odd bit of reporting too providing it doesn’t involve running after anyone,” he replied with a small laugh. “What about you?”

It wasn’t rare for Mickey to feel out of place in a social situation, though usually it wasn’t as overwhelming as it was now. He was starting to think that it wasn’t so much the gala, but this moment, with Jason’s arm wrapped around Eily, proving that, while Jason might have an idea of who Mickey was, he had no idea that at some point they’d been courting the same girl. Or maybe he was just a jerk like that, rubbing in what another guy couldn’t have with a disarming smile and his nice suit. Pulling his hand away from December Mickey rubbed at the back of his neck. “Should be a great place when it’s finished up, really starting to come together,” he said about Eily’s bar, the comment half directed at December, half at his shoes. Jason’s comment about running had Mickey giving him a bit of a wry smile. “I can sympathize with that. Not very fast myself.” He stopped rubbing at his neck and stuck his hands in his pockets, out of the way and not somewhere where he could fidget.

December was noticing all the sort of fidgety things Mickey was doing. Which had her figuring they'd landed in Awkward City when she hadn't been paying attention. And, she made a decision. She was meant to be there, and being social and all, but she was also supposed to be being nice to him. She was going to expand that definition to her own parameters. When he shoved his hands in his pockets and started talking more to the ground than the group, she slid her arm to hook through his, giving his arm a squeeze. She stepped closer to him, and gave him a smile, then looked at the other two. "I'm the city coroner." she told them, as pleasantly as if she'd proclaimed to be a flower vendor. "So, I work on murder victims, really anything that the city can dig up. Like when there was the massacre here? I got called onto the scene for that, and worked almost nonstop for three days going through the victims." There. If there was going to be awkward conversation happening, she was going to trump the shit out of it. Give people something to really be awkward about.

Eily blinked. She really hadn't expected that as an answer, and it threw her a little. "The coroner?" she asked. "I...my that has to be..." she searched for a word. Interesting? Was being around dead people supposed to be interesting? Morbid? Had she done the autopsies on her family? God, that was a whole bucket of weirdness and she saw the way she took hold of Mickey there. Which partially made her feel better because Mickey had been looking really uncomfortable. Apparently that was going around. Looking at December's hold on Mickey's arm, that was where the 'something's off' clicked into place. Those ribbons weren't around her arms, they were threaded through rings in her skin. Ohhh lord. That sort of made her feel a little queasy.

“Challenging,” Jason offered, picking up on Eily’s discomfort and wanting to put her at ease a little. Not that December’s line of work wasn’t unsettling but with everything that had happened recently, he just didn’t have the energy to be freaked out by it. The fact that she would have dealt with Dodge and the others was just another thing to add to the list. “There can’t be many people able to do that kind of work.”

If he stopped to think about it, it was almost ridiculous the effect December reaching for his arm had on Mickey. It was simple, that grip, reassuring and solid, the line of her body against his elbow, and yet it left him breathing easier almost instantly. A mere moment was all it took for his breathing to even, for him to look up at her. His free hand went to brush over her fingers, but stopped halfway there as she started to speak. He had to force back the eye roll, knowing she was saying things to shake the conversation up, to scare those with them. It took longer for him to realize, but eventually the realization did come, that she’d done it for him. This time he didn’t hesitate when he covered her hand with his, thumb grazing the red ribbon there on purpose. “There aren’t,” he confirmed Jason’s statement. “But someone has to to speak for the dead. And December’s helped solve cases, put away criminals and all that right?” Being supportive and defensive of her and what she did was far easier than being being such of himself and when he smiled at her, there was an amused glint to his eyes.

"I've helped." December said confirmed. "I studied Criminalistics. It's a fancy word for the practice of using clues about the state of the corpse to tell you what happened to it before it expired." she told them, since it was still pretty new. Most people didn't know about it. "So for instance, even if someone's stabbed sixteen times, I can tell you when they died, during the stabbings. You'll get more blood with the ones that happened while the heart was still pumping." Yep. She was going to unflinchingly make this a really awkward conversation, and maybe people would eventually fuck off. "It's fascinating." she assured them, with a little possibly evilish smile.

Eily was definitely thinking that this was just not right. This girl wasn't right. Definitely not for Mickey. And while she could appreciate that people like December were necessary and did good work, that didn't mean she wanted Mickey to be dating her. It seemed like an ill fit at best, and she couldn't see good things coming out of it. Still, she smiled. "Well it sounds like you do the city a service. It's appreciated." she offered, completely disguising her true feelings on things.

Jason nodded politely, trying to hold back the thoughts that came with December’s off-hand talk of stabbing and bleeding, of Thomas laid out on a metal table with his throat cut clean open; he hadn’t thrown up then, he wasn’t going to throw up now, regardless of how much he might have wanted to. The grip he had on his cane did tighten though and his face paled, hoping the conversation would be over soon.

She really was taking it all out wasn’t she? Mickey watched Jason go pale though, which was odd. What December was talking about was less than pleasant, but he’d been around enough blood before, seen some awful things, accidents happened. Enough that he didn’t get ghostly at the mention of it, no matter how morbid of a turn the conversation had taken. It made Mickey wonder what kind of guy Eily had chosen for herself and it made him start to doubt if the man could hold his own in say, a brawl. Maybe not. Maybe for all her talk of Mickey being cute mid-fight that wasn’t what she wanted.

For as uncomfortable as Mickey’d felt in the conversation, making Jason sick wasn’t something he wanted to do. Squeezing December’s hand he gave her a look, one that suggested she’d crossed that line about four steps before. “Not the coroner tonight through right?” he asked her, smile there as his eyes cut to Jason.

Yeah, it was time to go. Eily glanced at Jason as well, knowing his own tragedy was at the very least fresher than her own. She appreciated Mickey's attemtp to change the subject, even if it was obvious. Either way, however, she gave a smile. "I suppose we should actually start making the rounds, and we wouldn't want to keep you all night." she said pleasantly.

There it was. Bye bye, people. December still gave a smile to Eily and Jason. "Have a good night." she told them. She didn't feel bad. Not even a little.

“And you,” Jason replied, managing to summon a small smile despite feeling like he wanted to do anything but. “Good to meet you both.” Which was a lie as he could have quite happily gone without but then he was nothing if not an accomplished liar and tightening his grip on Eily he was glad to be able to make an exit.

After they got far enough away, Eily started to draw Jason off to the side, less towards people and more towards the fountain. When they were definitely very far out of earshot, she slowed. "You okay?" she asked, reaching out to touch the back of his hand lightly.

“I’ve felt better,” he admitted, face still pale though thankfully the urge to throw up was slowly starting to fade. Her touch was soothing as well and he looked up to her with a wan smile. “Is meeting all your friends gonna end up with me wanting to lose my lunch?” he asked lightly, trying to make a joke out it and push the images of his dead friends back out of his head.

"I sincerely hope not." Eily told him genuinely. "I...didn't expect that. Mickey--I have no idea why he'd be with a girl like that, for any reason." she said. "He's a really nice guy. I mean, especially considering I just let go of our tentative courting to be with you. But he's a nice guy. He'd been talking about some woman the last time we spoke...but this isn't what I was expecting at all."

Jason of course seized on the one bit of information that had no real bearing on what had just happened because as much as he liked to think of himself as an enlightened kind of guy, he was still a guy. “You and him were courting?” he said, suddenly feeling like a bit of a jack ass for the way he’d been holding on to her like he had.

"Sort of. Nothing official." Eily said. "Remember when the gallery was attacked? I'd been talking to him at the time. He helped me out immensely." she explained. "We went out once after that. I think it was just the once. He's been helping with the building too. Like I said, nothing really solid, or anything." she explained. "I'm sure you've had people you spent time with that you wouldn't say you were 'dating'."

Well that explained the awkward vibe he’d picked up on until December had set out on her vendetta against his digestive system. “Well sure,” he replied with a shrug, though he doubted Eily would be particularly eager to hear about them. “It just caught me by surprise that’s all.”

Eily didn't say anything for a moment. "I'm sorry, I hadn't thought it would matter." she said honestly. "Are you jealous? Or...have I done something wrong?" she asked. "We're friends, I had wanted you to meet him."

“It doesn’t matter,” he assured her, taking her hand in his and squeezing it. “And you haven’t done anything wrong.” Christ, now he felt like a dick. “There was just a vibe there that I didn’t get but now I do, it’s fine.” He smiled a little and pressed a kiss to her hand. “And okay, maybe the tiniest bit jealous.” It was getting easier and easier to admit those kind of things to her now and it didn’t bother him like it might have used to that he felt that way.

She smiled at him and stepped closer. "You know I only have eyes for you." she told him. "Because no one makes me feel like you do." She leaned forward, to brush a little kiss across his lips, damn the social setting. She imagined she wouldn't be the only one who gave a smooch or two away to her boyfriend tonight.

Jason smiled into the kiss, glad his hands were occupied otherwise they were liable to start finding themselves in places that would certainly get them noticed for the wrong reasons in a setting like this. “Likewise,” he told her, forehead resting against hers for a moment as he let himself enjoy the moment.

Eily let them stay in close for a moment, just wanting to be supportive. "So don't worry about any other guy." she said. "Even if jealousy can be very cute." she added. And she did think that. Just so long as it didn't actively impede her ability to have friends, she thought it was cute.

“Duly noted,” he said with a grin. “I shall add it to the list of traits you seem to like about me.” A list which never ceased to amaze him because even though he’d never had trouble earning a woman’s affection before, there was something different about Eily liking things about him. Her opinion meant more to him than anyone’s had before.

"You do that. Someone's got to keep track." she told him affectionately. "Now. Are you good enough to dance with me?" she asked, knowing his knee might not tolerate it. But if they did so slowly--something she didn't mind at all--perhaps they could get something in. She was thinking earlier in the evening would work better, he'd be less likely to be in pain from being upright for several hours now. Later she was guessing they'd need to sit down.

He kissed her again at that, a soft fleeting kiss that would raise no eyebrows but with a hint of promise as to what could come later. At her request, he stepped back from a little way and bowed, though his eyes didn’t leave hers. “Miss O’Malley, believe me when I say that dancing with you would be a pleasure.” Because while his knee was holding out, he wanted her to have the evening she wanted and the pain that would come later was more than made up for by seeing her happy.

Mickey watched them go, then went to sit at a table. “Well that went terribly.” He looked at December, running a hand through his hair. There was a moment where he looked at her then held out a hand. “What were you thinking?” It was accusing, just a question.

December wasn't so sure she wanted to sit, but did anyhow. Shrugging, she lounged back in her chair. "I was thinking 'wow, Mickey's being really massively uncomfortable. How about I give people something to be uncomfortable about?'" she told him. "Put it this way. Those two? They aren't going to remember you looking ready to freak out. They're going to remember an awful conversation with the city coroner. You'll be in the clear, you won't have to explain yourself."

Mickey shifted enough to look at his date, reaching out to touch the ribbons on her arm. “So you did all that for me and not just to make some random people uncomfortable? Because you could?” That was different, though he wasn’t going to complain about it. “Is it weird that her boyfriend walks with a limp too?”

"Is there another reason to whip out the 'I'm the coroner' thing?" December posed. "No one in their right mind really ever even wants to think about the necessity of my job. It's one of those things. Like they want dead bodies to go away, they want murders to be solved, but they don't want to know how that all happens." She shrugged. He paused at the limp question. "...I don't know, does she only date guys with limps?"

“Just to make everyone uncomfortable?” Mickey suggested and shook his head. “You almost made him sick.” He sighed and slumped in his chair. “No probably not, but even if she does, it’s really good looking, well dressed ones.”

"Yeah, well, it got us all out of an awkward situation. I'm sure he'll get over it." December said, clearly unrepentant. "And I think you're overthinking the limp thing. Though that should be a lesson to you. See? Mr. sick at a conversation walks with a limp can get a high class girl. So can you. It's not exactly a huge deterrent."

“I think he has a lot more going on that helped him get the high class girl.” Mickey rubbed his face, slumping more. “A lot of things I don’t have. I really wanted that to go better than that moment just went. A lot better. And not because of what you said. Everything before that.”

"And what would make you think that?" December asked. "Why, cuz he had a fancy suit? Doesn't mean anything . Appearances are just that--appearances. It's surface. Don't assume that joker has anything better going on than you do just because. It's idiotic. You don't know shit about that guy. Don't give like, everyone in the universe an unfair advantage against you when you have no real information. It's self defeating bullshit." she continued. "Besides, he said he was a copywriter for the Echo. You know that means that suit he’s wearing is probably the nicest thing he’s got. Reporters aren’t exactly rich folk, and he’s barely a reporter. And you wanted that to go better why?"

Mickey looked back over at her. “That was one hell of a pep talk,” he said even though he was used to her trying to build him up from time to time, convince him not to be, as she’d said, so self defeating. “I wanted it to go better because I wanted to be happy for her. She’s happy when she talks about him. And I feel like I’ve moved on.” Though the woman he was starting to think he’d moved on to had informed him she was planning on getting rid of him the moment the gala ended.

"Well, now there's a ton of awkward tossed into the mix on my behalf, so maybe you can move ahead with the part about being happy for her." December said. "Don't worry about it so much. It's a party. Smile, have a few drinks, laugh, do shit people are supposed to do at parties." she encouraged. “Don’t dwell.”

“You really are making an effort to be nice aren’t you?” Mickey asked, leaning in towards her more. He almost laughed then stood up, looking down at her. “Alright. Drink, laugh, normal party type things. Suggestion on where we start or are you just along for the ride?”

December glanced up at him, not answering the part about her making a real effort to be nice. She was. It was part of the deal. And, tonight, in this situation, it wasn't actually that difficult. "Do I look like I know what all that actually entails?" she asked drily. "No, you're taking lead on this shit. I'll just follow along accordingly."

He shook his head and fought the urge to roll his eyes. “We’ll start with drinks, since it was at the top of the list anyway.” Plus it would give him something to do with his hands. He guessed touching her was going to get old quickly. “I’ll go see if I can find us something then head back here.”

"You do that. Make mine something strong." she suggested, smirking at him just a little. "I'll be..." she glanced around, then pointed to a tree. "There." She didn't want to sit at a table alone, feeling everyone's eyes on her. So the tree seemed nice and safe.

“Strong?” Mickey shook his head, knowing he’d make sure that wasn’t the case at all. “I’m not that terrible of company am I?” It was something lighter, teasing as if the rest of the tension from their last encounter was gone. Looking where she pointed he nodded. “Alright I’ll find you.” Smiling at her again he started away, not moving fast to keep the limp in check, headed for a stand where he could get them something to drink.

After her dance with Jason, Eily went to go fetch them drinks, and she spotted Mickey alone. Taking the opportunity to get to the bottom of things, she made a bee line for him. "Hey." she said. "Sorry about leaving so abruptly, just..." she trailed off, looking pained for a moment.

It had taken longer than he would have liked, pulling him farther from December than he would have preferred. Not that he thought she’d run off, it just meant it would take longer to get back. Eventually he’d found the right vendor, ordering his drinks and somewhat surprised to see the blond at his side. “Oh, no it’s fine. Jason looked a little green,” Mickey told her. “He alright?” Wow she’d found him fast hadn’t she?

"No. He's recently suffered quite a few losses." Eily told Mickey. "I'm sure it didn't help, thinking of that girl cutting them up, or whatever she does." she said. "...Look, Mickey...is that the girl you were telling me about the other night?" she asked, true concern on her features.

Mickey frowned at that. “Sorry to hear that, but I don’t think just any old death comes to her. She deals with crimes, things like that.” The concern was hard to miss, and he wasn’t exactly sure why it was there. “She is. I know I didn’t take your advice, but things are...different.” Better wasn’t the right term, but different worked well enough.

"...it wasn't 'any old death', and I mentioned the part where it was 'quite a few' yes?" Eily said, frowning. "Pretty much his entire group of family and friends was murdered." She paused, definitely not liking the sound of things. "...honey, I really...I don't mean to be out of line, but she had rings. In her skin." she said. "And she seems to delight in the torture of others, if her behavior was any indication. On top of what you told me the other night...I'm afraid you're settling for someone who's wrong for you."

“Murdered?” Mickey’s eyes went a little wider, and he had to fight the urge to look for Jason. “How does that happen?” The more obvious question was what was Jason into that his friends and family would be up and murdered and was he next, but Mickey was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. That was what Mickey did after all, assume the best in people. Maybe it was just some sort of freak accident. Wrong place, wrong time. That happened all the time in this city. “She doesn’t...” Alright maybe she did. “She was just trying to make the conversation less about me being awkward. I’m not..I know about the rings. I was there when she put them in.” Probably not the best thing to say but what Eily was saying was a bit upsetting in it’s own right. She’d pick someone else over him and now she was telling him who he could and couldn’t date.

"Who does that? It's...mutilation." she said, definitely a bit green over it. "And...just...you're a great guy, and I hate to see you with someone like that." Eily told him. She skipped over the bits about Jason and how things happened. That wasn't her story to tell. Plus, she felt it was important for her to let Mickey know she could see disaster looming in his future if that girl was involved in any way. "You can do better. A whole lot better. You don’t have to be with some...creepy girl who works with the dead and shoves things places they aren’t ever meant to be.."

He noticed that she skipped the part about Jason’s recent losses and while he didn’t comment, it did rise his suspicions some and make him wonder if she should be turning her own comments back around on herself. “Eily, I understand what you’re saying, but you don’t know her.” He wouldn’t say it, but his tone implied she she didn’t have a right to judge.

"Do you?" she asked. "I...you're not a guy who spends time with people like that. You're a god fearing church goer with an amazing personality, who deserves a nice girl who isn't anything like her." Eily insisted. "I'm sure this isn't what you want to hear--I just worry about you. Especially now. I don’t want you to get hurt, and that girl looks like she’s made of pain and suffering."

He was starting to get tired of this speech. The one about being the good guy with the amazing personality that belonged with some great girl who obviously wasn’t showing up to the plate. “People like what? Eily, I don’t mean to be harsh, but I don’t think you actually know a lot about me. And you don’t know a damn thing about her. If I want to get hurt, then that’s my decision. Just like you made yours to be with Jason.”

Eily stepped back a moment, eyeing him. "People who clearly are on the fringes of society, are pretty insane looking and who deliberately make things awful for other people. She's clearly got a cruel bone in her body or two, Mickey. And just because you don't want to see it, doesn't mean it isn't there. You know where to find me when she starts focusing that cruelty on you."

“Where do I sit in society Eily? Not much farther from the fringe, maybe a few steps up on a good day.” He shook his head and looked at her for a long moment. “I’m glad you’re happy Eily. I really am. And I need you to be the same for me.” He took his drinks and looked at her, pain in his eyes. Maybe happy wasn’t the best term, but he’d made his decision. He was going to be in December’s life no matter how difficult it was. No matter how cruel she was to him. He’d seen that cruelty, directed at him, but he hadn’t walked away from it yet, and didn’t plan to.

"You're a hell of a lot farther up than just a few steps from someone like that." Eily snapped. "And friends don't just sit back and smile and nod when they see other friends making mistakes. True friends speak up about it. If you want people who'll stand around and say nothing, then you don't really want friends. You want puppets. I give enough of a damn to tell you what I think, whether it's what you want to hear or not. I wish you luck. I hope she doesn't completely ruin you for someone better you deserve."

“She’s a person Eily, not something you stepped in,” Mickey pointed out, hating that he was starting to feel more than defensive about this. Yes, December was different, but where did that make her worse than him. “She needs me, whether you care to believe me or not. I appreciate that to you being my friend in this situation is telling me what I shouldn’t shouldn’t do, but I don’t need that. I need you to trust me to make my own decisions.”

"Yes, and pedophiles are people too, it doesn't mean you treat them with the same criteria as everyone else." Eily said. "And did she tell you that? That she needs you?" she asked, crossing her arms. "Whatever, Mickey. I stand by my assessment. I truly hope I'm wrong." And with that, she turned, knowing this conversation wasn't going to get better. It'd only get worse from here out.

Mickey didn’t know what to say to that. She’d just compared December to a pedophile, which was...there really weren’t words. “No she didn’t, I just know...” When she started away he let her go, not entirely sure what he could say to bring her back or if he even wanted her back in the first place. Not when she said something like that.

Rachel was having a grand old time, even if Robert was... an interesting character. He was very nice to her and polite but Rachel needed a moment and had excused herself for the moment to go get herself some champagne and some of those hour’devoures that were being carted around. Ensconced in a shadowy area of the room, she spied Charlie looking positively bored to tears. Polishing off one of the shrimp she was eating she wandered over to him and held out the shrimp cocktail. “You really do look quite sharp in that suit,” she said with a dazzling smile. Her blonde hair was loose around her shoulders, the blue dress clingy and brushing the tops of her feet. She was rather plain compared to some of the other women, but Rachel knew where it counted.

Charlie was positively delighted to see Rachel. He was bored to death, having spoken to more or less no one since arriving. The girls were all busy, and he was keeping an eye on them as well as he could, but...it was a nice, springtime party. There wasn't exactly danger lurking in every corner or anything. He smiled at her, even if it was a little shy from the compliment. "Thanks." he said. "I still feel like a monkey dressed up. You look stunning, though." he added, since she did.

“Well thanks,” Rachel said warmly and sat down on the chair beside him. “Well, if you feel like a monkey, you’re a cute monkey,” she teased, popping another shrimp in her mouth. “I don’t think it’ll be too much longer. I mean, some of these parties can last until two in the morning when I worked at the Drake but considering this is outside and all...” She made a so-so motion with her free hand. “How’re you holding up?”

He took the offered bit from her and finally took a bite, shrugging. "It's okay. I'm not really here to party, though? So it's weird, It means everyone else is wandering around socializing, but I'm here looking for threats. Which, by the way, there aren't any." he explained.

She laughed, a light sound that carried and shrugged a shoulder. “Well, given the types of people that are mingling? There’s bound to be some kind of fight you could help break up. At least, that’s what the supposed betting pool is saying.” She nodded over to the bar area, where there was a small gathering crowded around pouring back the drinks while dates looked bored.

Charlie looked over. "Yeah, I've been keeping my eye on things. But so far, no one looks ready to do anything. Trust me, I work at the One More Round. I know when something's about to hit." he said, quirking a half smile. "That'll go on for quite a while."

“You do?” Rachel asked. “I was there the other night. When do you work? I’ll drop in some night, hit you up for a drink.”

Charlie arched a brow. "What's a girl like you doing at the Round?" he asked. "I'm there most nights. I bartend and I've picked up the slack as a bouncer, too." he explained. "Not really the kind of environment I'd clear for you girls, though."

“You know, that’s the same thing that annoying cop said to me that night too. Like I can’t take care of myself.” She shook her head, still smiling as she picked out another piece of shrimp. “He’s lucky there was a table between us otherwise I would’ve popped him one good for that. Anyway, I was there for a date but he stood me up.” She frowned a little, pausing in her shrimp search. “You know, I haven’t heard from him since. I wonder if he’s okay...”

"It's not that." Charlie said, shaking his head. "It's just the kind of people that frequent that place. The phrase 'shady' doesn't even cover it, for a lot of them. You've got hardened criminals in there, people who would cut you for a dollar. Hell, someone was shot there just the other night. And I got cut up the last time there was a brawl." he explained. "Who was your date?"

“His name’s Kevin? He was strung out on something when I found him a couple of weeks ago. He’s cleaned up now, he was going to take me out to say thanks, maybe there could’ve been something there.” She shrugged and looked out at the crowd. It was suddenly bothering her that she hadn’t heard from him. “I’ve been in worse situations,” she added in reference to his description of the round. “I have friends who watch out for me.”

He watched her, even if she was looking out at the party goers. "...there's a difference between being able to look out for yourself and having people who look out for you, and putting yourself in situations where you'd actually need that." he said, tone light. He didn't want to lecture her, after all. But he did worry about a woman with an attitude like hers. It was going to get her into trouble, he just knew it. Especially if she apparently picked up and dated junkies. In his experience, junkies didn’t really get clean and stay clean. They got clean til they hit a bump in the road, then they were back on the junk.

Rachel looked over at him, her smile soft. She wasn’t really annoyed; it was the kind of thing she’d always been told. “Trust me you’re not the only one whose said that to me,” she assured him. She wasn’t annoyed by his concern. It was nice to know that he cared. “But like I said, I can take care of myself if I need to. It’s not like I spend every night there or something. I only go there once in awhile when I need something different to do. Has Vera been bothering you anymore lately?” she asked, changing the subject.

"No. I haven't seen her. Or, I mean, I've seen her, but not talked to her." Charlie said, getting that she wanted the subject dropped, so he obliged. He wasn't there to be her big brother. Plus, he'd said his peace, she'd listen or not. He was guessing 'not'.

“Good. That witch better know I’m not going to just stand by and watch her toy with you. Uhg, I can’t believe she actually had the gall to do that to you. I hate people like that.” She shook her head with a scowl, earrings catching the light as they swung and she leaned back in the chair and crossed her ankles, the dress a little too restrictive to do much else. “One of these days she’s going to mess with the wrong person and she’s going to get what she deserves. That manipulative hag. I’m so ticked that she tried that on you. Seriously. The nerve.” Rachel was not a happy camper when it came to the subject of Vera and her indignation on Charlie’s behalf was clear. “If she ever tries something like that, you let me know and I’ll have words with her.” Words as in maybe a swift smack to that sharp jaw maybe.

Charlie was lost again. He still didn't quite know what was up there. He did know one thing, Rachel was clearly offended for him. That was nice. He wasn't sure it was totally warranted, but he wasn't sure it wasn't either. "Why would she do something like that?" he asked, since he had no clue.

“Because she’s an attention seeking bitch, that’s why.” Rachel wasn’t going to candy coat the words anymore. “She preys on the weak. I’ve met people like her before and those types? They’re never doing it to just one. So she’s probably doing it to that little roommate of hers too. Kid probably doesn’t even realize it’s happening or she’s just as manipulative but I kind of doubt that, since manipulative types don’t really band together. The competition for ego. Not that there aren’t different kinds of manipulative people but that’s not the point. Vera wants everyone to be in awe of her or some stupid crap like that. You watch yourself around her.”

The idea that anyone was doing anything to Lily got Charlie's back up. A second ago he was kind of wary, but Rachel mentioning Vera manipulating Lily...that got his attention all the more. He could handle it if someone was doing something to him, but Lily? That wasn't allowed. He sat up straighter, frowning. "Lily's not like that." he said first, because Rachel has implied maybe Lily was like that. Even if she took it back, he needed to confirm the idea that Lily wasn't cut from that cloth. "What would she be doing to Lily? Do you think she's okay?" he asked, clearly concerned there.

“Hmmm?” Rachel hadn’t expected that much of a response out of Charlie from her venting and she paused in mid-bite before finishing off the shrimp. “Oh, she probably isn’t. I don’t really know her -- I’ve only talked with her maybe twice? But she’s fond of Vera so there must be some kind of kinship there. Probably babies her or something. Or maybe Vera genuinely likes Lily. That happens too. Either way, that hag better watch herself. I’m not going to sit around and let her get away with that crap.”

Charlie still looked like he was worried. "Lily's...I do know her well, and she's--she's very sweet, and if someone was trying to manipulate her, I don't know she wouldn't give someone the benefit of the doubt, but...I..." he trailed off, not sure what to say. He was just disturbed now, definitely not happy with that idea.

Rachel eyed him out of the corner of her eye, studying him closely. She really hadn’t meant to make him all that worried about his friend. “I’m sure she’s fine,” she assured him. “Some people just have really nasty friends but they stick around anyway. That’s what friends do. And they’re roomies, have been for awhile. So I’m sure everything’s fine.” She reached out and squeezed his shoulder. She was feeling kind of bad that she had gotten him worried. “Vera’s a bitch but she’s got someone who puts up with it so I really can’t say that’s a bad thing. It’s probably a very lonely life. But I’m sure Lily can handle herself.”

Charlie wasn't so sure. Sure, Lily had said she had a temper but he'd yet to see it. And they were roomies. And he knew he hadn't seen any manipulation on Vera's end, it had taken Rachel to point it out. "I worry about her." he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Will you look out for Lily? You can be there when I can't. You'd see it if Vera was doing something, right?"

“Sure. I don’t stand for that sort of thing. You know, clearly.” She gave him a grin before handing off her glass to a passing waiter. “But I better go back to Mr. Dansworth. I think I’ve justified my powder room break long enough.” She nudged his shoulder. “It’ll be fine. Besides, worrying too much never got anyone anywhere and it causes wrinkle lines.”

Charlie gave her a smile, though he didn't really feel any better. He just hoped Rachel really could help look out for Lily. See if Vera was doing something there. He hoped that wasn't the case, but now he just wasn't sure, and he didn't like uncertainty. He definitely didn't like the idea of anyone messing with his girl. He had the urge to go find her, talk to her, but he knew that would probably get him fired. He needed the money. So, he stayed where he was, and went back to scanning the crowd, looking for problems he could do something about.

Dancing was nice, not needing to talk much, being able to stay closer to Harry even if it was making it harder and harder for Marian to fight the blushes. She seemed to be in a constant state of ‘warm’ with his arms around her, but in the moment? She couldn’t care less. It didn’t seem to be bothering him either. When the left the dance floor, she was smiling that same soft smile, something just for him as she looped her arm in his again, daring to venture closer to him than she’d been before. Walking and staring at him was hard so she was forced to settle for watching where she was going, which meant she spotted a familiar face which had her waving towards the brunette. “That’s Shoshannah,” she told Harry, guiding them towards her friend. “She owns the art gallery in Little Haven.”

Harry was pretty sure he’d be throwing out his socks after tonight, given how he’d needed to repeatedly jab himself in the toes with a hidden tack to keep himself focused while he’d danced with Marian. But then, what was a new pair of socks against how the night seemed to be going? “The Sea and Sky?” he asked instead of dwelling, ignoring the tenderness in one foot as they walked. “I’d been by a few times before, it’s a fascinating spot, but never had the chance to meet her.”

He’d only every been on business, though; stopping in to study a particular piece here and there, to figure out what a client meant when they requested a clock that ‘matched’, as if that was possible. Minutes matched hours, paintings didn’t. Of course, none of that seemed to be bothering Harry as they walked, keeping his arm snugly held with Marian’s even as he readied his other for proper greetings. Shannah definitely looked the part of a proper lady, and that meant there were rules in play again.

Shoshannah hadn't been there very long when she was already mingling, threading herself through the crowds with a smile. It only brightened when she saw Marian, kicking up her pace as she crossed the area. It wasn't lost on her that Marian was there with a gentleman friend, which made this all the more interesting. Coming up, she quickly brought Marian in for a hug, smiling. "It's so good to see you again! You look stellar," She said, pulling back to turn to Harry, hand already out. "And who is this?"

Being pulled away from Harry wasn’t ideal, but Marian went with it instead, too happy to see a friend to complain. She hugged Shoshannah back, smiling brightly at her friend. “Thank you, I lucked out with the dress,” she said. Stepping back to look at Shoshannah. “You’re radiant as always.” Moving back to Harry she guided him forward slightly. “This is Harry Worthing. Harry meet Shoshannah Hagel.”

“Hagel?” Harry asked with a note of surprise, reaching easily for Shannah’s hand and taking it with a practiced ease. He knew how to greet the proper ladies of the city, even the ones who turned out to be more proper than he’d anticipated. “Any relation to the doctor and his wife, by chance? I did a piece for their anniversary last year,” he explained as he gently shook and released. “I’m the owner of Strange Aeons uptown, and Marian’s already told me you run one of the galleries in Little Haven? It’s a wonderful place, if I may.”

Shoshannah smiled again, liking the way Harry took her hand and shook it, liking the way he seemed so kind and the way he paid attention to details like her last name. It meant he must be attentive and hopefully very attentive to Marian. "Yes, they're my parents," She said, nodding a little. "And they love that clock you made them. It's in the parlor, something all their guests get to look at when they come over for dinner. And thank you, Harry. I'm so glad you've been able to stop by. I believe this makes for a return visit from me, so expect me at your shop soon. I'll need a lovely clock for my office if I'm ever to do anything on time."

“It’s a fascinating place,” Marian said about Strange Aeons. “You’ll probably like it.” Shoshannah would enjoy all the clocks ticking, Marian was almost sure of that. She was pleased to see Harry being as charming as possible though, not that she doubted he would be, but it made her feel all the more comfortable in the moment.

Had he known that both ladies thought him charming, Harry would’ve been flattered, but he wasn’t trying for it. It was more a practiced set of customs that just went well with his reserved nature, not that anyone was complaining. “I’m glad it was well-received, for the price they paid I’d hope for nothing less,” he said first with a hint of humor, even if he was entirely serious. Her father had spent a staggering amount on the clock, and if he didn’t like it? Well, that was how reputations suffered. “And I’ll have to return the sentiment, Shoshannah. I’ve only been to the Sea and Sky on a few occasions, it’d be nice to return and maybe pick out something for my shop that doesn’t involve moving parts. Some evening soon, perhaps?” he asked, looking Marian’s way as if suggesting they’d both be there.

Oh, Shoshannah certainly caught onto that. And she would make it so worth his while if he brought Marian to the gallery on some evening. "...Whenever you like, just let me know. Perhaps tomorrow evening or the evening after?" Soon, hopefully, because he was really too cute with Marian for Shannah to not try her hand at helping them along. And the sooner she knew which night, the sooner she could set it up for a private party.

Marian was certain she was starting to blush again. It was one thing for him to say such things to her, but to hint at them in front of her friends was something else. Nodding, but trying not to be eager about it she smiled at Harry. “Soon would work.”

“So long as it wouldn’t interfere with anything, Sunday would be perfect,” Harry agreed smartly, wondering if it just might do exactly that. Plenty of people kept Sunday holy still, regardless of faith, and he wouldn’t want to disrupt that for Shoshannah. “It’s wonderful of you to offer, really, so any night you’d like, aside from tomorrow. I have a few pieces of work to finish up before the new week starts, but past that? I’ll be looking forward to it,” he confirmed with an earnest grin. Maybe he didn’t know much about art, but he enjoyed it all the same. And with company to view it? Yeah, Harry was sold.

Shoshannah smiled. "Sunday would be perfect, actually. I'll be there from five onward so anytime after that, feel free to stop by." And it would all be set up for them, she'd make sure of it. It was the reason she was going in at five, to make sure things were set up the way she wanted for the two of them. Nothing was too good for her friend. Smiling more, she glanced from Harry to Marian. "You two should stop by this little restaurant before you come, Leona's. The owners are so nice and the food is really amazing. It's just down the block from the gallery."

The blush was still there tinging Marian’s cheeks. “That works for me,” she said, giving Harry’s arm a squeeze. “That sounds really nice. Thanks Shannah.” It was awfully sweet of her friend to suggest a dinner local as well.

“Leona’s?” Harry repeated with a brighter grin, nodding in recognition. “I stop in once a month, I like to keep a good rotation for dining out. But I think this is a perfect reason to change the schedule.” Which would probably be odd for him on a private level, but he’d adjust. He’d have to, if he wanted to keep chasing the weird anxiety that had him jabbing his toe with the hidden tack again as Marian squeezed. Just to be safe. “Would you care to walk with us?” he asked Shannah, tipping his glass towards another little knot of partygoers across the grounds. “I see a few people that I think you’d do very well to meet, as far as patrons might go. Likely friends of your parents, at that.”

Smiling a little more, she shrugged a bit. "I'm happy to suggest a restaurant anytime, especially now that I know you like it. He's got good taste," She said, winking at Marian. Shoshannah glanced over to the spot he mentioned and smiled. She glanced at Marian, though, trying to discern if she'd be intruding. "As long as you're both all right with it, I'd love to walk with you."

Shoshannah was welcome, even if Harry was there. It was nice to share how she felt about him with her friend. Nodding she reached for Shoshannah’s hand giving it a squeeze. “Then we’ll walk.”

hold

December leaned against a tree, waiting for Mickey to get back. He'd gone off to get drinks, or something to eat, or whatever, she wasn't sure. Refreshments of some description, she was thinking. Either way, she was waiting for him, generally glancing around herself at the people gathered. She didn't really know anyone. And she wasn't looking to. Absently, she smoothed her fingers over the back of the ribbon set against her arm, moving the rings it was threaded through slightly. This was going to be a long night, she was sure of it. Especially with her being expected to be social.

The gala was lovely, full of smiling faces and laughter that had Shoshannah smiling more. It was nice to get to walk around, get to see different people, familiar faces she may not have seen in a while. And there was one that she'd seen fairly recently, tall with a mop head of hair that was headed away from someone else and towards the refreshment table. A girl. And Shannah felt herself stop and just sort of stare at the scene, the girl nothing like Shannah had ever seen before. Ribbons on her arms, rings holding them down, it was...to be honest, Shannah wasn't quite sure how to feel. Part of her thought the ribbons were beautiful, stunningly so, but there was that deeply rooted part of her that thought it might be just too different for her to really appreciate. Either way, Mickey seemed to and that had Shannah curious about this girl.

So she started towards her, friendly smile there. "Excuse me...Hi, I just..I'm a friend of Mickey's and I wanted to stop by and say hello. I'm Shoshannah," She said, holding her hand out.

December really hadn't expected anyone to approach her. She wasn't used to it. So, there was a slight shock factor, even if she covered it very well. She eyed the girl. Does Mickey not know any ugly girls? went through her head. But then again, she'd told him he had that trend. Everyone he hung out with had a pair of ovaries. She shook the girl's hand. "December." she introduced herself in return. "So what's your story?"

"My story? I'm just a friend of Mickey's, noticing another friend of Mickey's and thought I'd stop by and say hello." Smiling a little more, Shannah took her hand back, resting it against her dress. "But if you mean about me, I run the Sea and Sky Gallery in Little Haven," She said, her voice lilting at the end in the way that made a statement a question, as if waiting for some sort of assurance that December either knew or didn't know about the gallery. "What about you?"

"Not sure what else I would have meant. Asking someone for their story is fairly straight forward." December told her. Since...she really didn't know another way that could be interpreted. "A gallery, that sounds upscale. Must do a good business." She certainly looked upper class. She looked about as upper class as the last chick they'd run into. "Mickey seems to have a type, huh?" she suggested, then moved on to answer the girl's questions. "I've got a few professions. I own a tattoo parlor. I'm the only tattoo artist in the shop, I thought of hiring others, but didn't really feel like it. I do those on my down time. Mainly, I'm the city's midnight coroner, but that's usually a subject people really don't like talking about." She kept her tone as pleasant as possible throughout.

Shoshannah listened, caught up in the way December phrased things and why she seemed to think that Mickey had a type until she actually heard what December's story was and it had her mind shifting back to something particular. "You're a tattoo artist? Are you the one who tattooed that beautiful piece on Mickey?" The rest of it was a little more morbid, of course, but Shoshannah shrugged. "Even if people don't want to talk about it, it's a job that must be done. Shouldn't have to hide what you do just because people don't like talking about it. I admit, I'm not the first jump on the subject, but I wouldn't ask you to stop speaking about it if you wanted."

"If you're talking about the phoenix, yeah." December said. "So he showed you." Which meant he was disrobing in front of his other female friends. That probably meant something, right? That maybe he was interested elsewhere, and maybe his focus would drift? Hm. "Oh, I don't hide it. You don't have to try and give me permission to talk about what I do for a living." she said, since it appeared that's what Shoshannah was doing. "I just have already noticed tonight that it's not people's best conversation. Tends to kill it, so to speak. So. Tattoos. Yeah, I did the phoenix for him. Thought it fit. I take it from your description of 'beautiful' that you appreciated it."

Shannah hadn't meant for it to sound like permission and she was too busy recounting her words mentally to say anything. She wasn't sure, but she felt awkward, like she just wasn't saying the right things. Still, she latched onto the tattoo subject because it was something she might be able to keep up with. "I did appreciate it. The phoenix is really impressive. How did you become a tattoo artist?"

"I learned how to do them when I was traveling with a carnival and freak show." December said. it was the honest answer, even if it probably wasn't a socially acceptable one. But then again, tattoos weren't exactly all that common, either. "The guy who taught me did my wings." she said, making a gesture towards her back, even if she didn't move to show Shoshannah yet. If she wanted to see, she'd show her, but she'd have to ask. "I was told I had an artistic talent with it, and so I stuck with it. I like giving tattoos. They're interesting glimpses of people's psyches sometimes."

Carnival and freak show. All right then. She didn't expect to hear that but if that's where she learned it, far be it from Shannah to question it. About December's own tattoos, Shoshannah smiled. "I bet they're lovely," She said, wanting to see them but not sure if that was a strange thing to ask someone she'd just met. "I admittedly don't know much about tattoos but the ones I've seen I've really loved. I think it's so amazing, getting to see a work of art that someone holds so dear. Do you have a favorite tattoo you've made?"

December had to make a decision then. Because she did, actually. But it was on Eric's back. So, her first instinct was to say 'Yes, you know that serial killer that's been terrorizing the city? I tattooed my name on his back'. But she was making the attempt at being nice. So, she bit her tongue, and shrugged. She went with her second favorite. "I like the one I did for Mickey."

The chat with Eily had left Mickey feeling more than sour. Sure, she didn’t approve, December was weird and had moments where she was downright awful to him, but that didn’t make her evil. Giving her exception wasn’t the same as giving pedophiles exception. He’d thought rather highly of Eily, but that comment was tainting his opinion of her. Heading back towards the tree he wasn’t registering who was there until he was upon them. This...this could go just as awfully. He really hoped it didn’t. “The one you did for me?” Mickey asked, handing over a glass to December, and smiling at Shoshannah. “Shoshannah,” he greeted, almost adding in the ‘Miss’ but realizing they were past that at this point.

It was more difficult than she'd imagined, seeing Mickey there with December. She'd know they were here together, or at least what seemed like they were here together, when she saw him leave but seeing him hand her a drink sort of cemented that. But who was she to decide who he should be interested in? "Mickey, don't you look nice. Yes, we were just talking about your tattoo. December really did a magnificent job on that piece." Shannah's tone was very pleasant, very light, but not exactly the tone she used with Mickey usually. It wasn't as friendly as before, maybe because she felt like she was already intruding.

December wondered just how many awkward conversations with women connected to Mickey that she was going to be having tonight. Because seriously now. This one was slightly less awkward than the one before, she was guessing because Shannah didn't have a new boyfriend. She took her drink from Mickey and took a pretty heavy swig of it. She needed more alcohol in her system for this shit. "Thanks, it was interesting talking him into it. Took a lot of alcohol."

“Thanks, you look, well fantastic. As always.” He gave Shoshannah another smile, but noticed the way she seemed just short of where she normally was, not quite the smile he was used to. “I’m rather fond of the work as well, seems...fitting.” Mickey smirked in December’s direction, but wound up rolling his eyes. “Shoshannah might actually have an idea of just how much,” he said, shaking his head and running a hand through his hair. “Not my best moment.”

She took the compliment with a smile, but it felt strange with December there, like he shouldn't have said anything especially not in front of his date. Shannah wished she had a drink. She didn't often wish that but right now it might make things less awkward. "You were fine," Shannah promised Mickey. "You shouldn't have been out in the storm anyway," She chastised gently. "But if that's what it took to get you to get that tattoo, then maybe it was worth."

December arched a brow. Mostly because generally speaking the reason he was so enamored with December was that people didn't ask shit about him. So if this chick did know things about him, then how did that add up? She didn't know. She glanced between the two of them. "Okay, you're talking about an event and not actually saying what it is. Which, if that's how you want to play it, fine, but unless one of you wants to actually explain, and not talk over my head? I'll be fucking off someplace else while you ladies gossip." she said. Mostly it was just kind of rude and awkward to play the 'we're gonna talk about things in front of someone else in semi-code cuz no one else knows tee hee!' game. December wasn't really in the mood for it.

Mickey put a hand on December’s shoulder before she could even start to think about leaving. “Not trying to talk over your head December,” he said, voice implying that he wasn’t like that. “After you...after I left your place? I somehow wandered drunkenly to Shoshannah’s, thinking to find Elle and talk to her, but wound up waking Shoshannah up instead. Which I still feel bad about. I really had no idea how late it was.” The last part was directed at Shoshannah and paired with an awkward smile.

Ok, now Shoshannah really felt like she was the one who should leave. She had already taken half a step back when Mickey held onto December's shoulder. Looking awkwardly between him and December, Shannah shook her head. "I told you, you didn't wake me up." Looking back at December again, she directed this to her only, knowing that asking Mickey would put him in a strange position. "I'm sure you weren't expecting me to intrude on your night. I can leave..." She already felt like she shouldn't be there, like she was intruding on their date and was not the cause of a disagreement.

"So, you guys spend wet, drunken nights together a lot?" December asked. she ignored the part where Shoshannah asked about leaving. She honestly didn't mind so long as there weren't magical mystic conversations she couldn't possibly take part in. "You guys must be close." she observed. Oddly, perhaps, her tone wasn't aggressive. She asked like she really wanted to know.

Mickey let go of December, shaking his head at Shoshannah. “You’re not intruding,” he promised then looked at December, confusion in his features. “No, not usually. And we’re friends, I’d say but,” he stumbled on the words, looking back at Shoshannah for help. Were they close? Maybe, but he hardly felt close to anyone, which left him wanting Shoshannah to define their relationship instead.

Shoshannah sighed. "No, we don't spend nights together often." It sounded bad, worse when December phrased it that way. "We are friends," She said, sticking with Mickey's initial assessment of them. Right now, they were friends. They were friends, one of whom was imposing upon a date that the other was having. "We're close, but we're friends," She said again, hoping to stress that part.

December looked between the two of them. "so I take it you're friends." she said. "You're really pounding that home. So, got it. Totally clear on the 'friends' thing. Though, just for conversations sake, and observation, you probably wouldn't have to continually say that sixty times if it were true." she said, downing the rest of her drink. "Makes a girl wonder if there's more. Or someone wants there to be more." Again, she didn't sound aggressive with it. In fact, she was sharing an honest observation there. People didn't fumble all over themselves for a simple point of fact. It should have been done with just the one description if it were that simple.

Mickey somewhat wished December was being aggressive about it. Just nicely stating the obvious had him wincing slightly, looking at his shoes for a moment. “I don’t think the subject of ‘more’ has ever come up,” he said, not sure what else to say or why December was saying what she was in the first place.

Now she really, really just wanted to turn and leave. What an awkward conversation and what was worse, December didn't even seem fazed by it. Not to mention she was bringing up the possibility of one of them wanting more, his own date, and it was just leaving her with a whole lot of not great feelings. She wasn't sure what to say either but getting out of this seemed really, really good. "I think it might be time for me to go... I'm sorry for interrupting your night together. It was lovely meeting you, December." If she left, it would at least let Mickey and December talk and she wouldn't have to stand there and listen.

"Nice to meet you too." December said. Even if it wasn't, it was more just weird. "Have a nice night." she said, with a little wave. Then she looked to Mickey. "That woman wants you." she told him, though she did actually wait for Shoshannah was out of ear shot. "If you want to go apologize profusely for me, you can." she added.

“Shannah,” Mickey started, slipping into the nickname but letting her go. She didn’t want to be there, he couldn’t really make her stay could he? Frowning he looked at December, ready to ask her just how that was being nice, but what she said made him stop short. “She...she what?”

"Is it not obvious?" December asked. "Shannah, she wants you." She shrugged one shoulder. "You don't stand there and be awkward with someone for starters, then trip all over yourself to assure what could be the current 'girlfriend' that you're 'just friends' unless there's something to be awkward about." she explained. "So, the question is do you want her?" she asked, looking back at Mickey. It was bittersweet, really. The recognition that there might be a readily available 'plan b' there for him. She wanted him to be gone, but the reality of the situation was that she wanted him to be gone because she actually liked the guy, not because she didn't.

“No it’s not obvious,” Mickey said with a frown, because what December was making sense and it left him in a weird space. He’d never stopped having a crush on Shoshannah, but it had never been an attainable thing. At the same time, he’d started down a path with December, something he felt bad turning his back on, especially give her state. “What about you?” he asked, not answering her question.

"It is when you're not you." December told him, watching his eyes. "What about me?" she asked. "What do I have to do with anything? I asked you a question. You should answer." she insisted, not being mean about it. More just persistent.

“Unfortunately for me I’m rarely not me,” Mickey countered. “What about you everything. What about what’s going on? How does me wanting her matter at this point?”

"You've been missing the part where I've been trying to get you to leave me alone." December said. "I know, I haven't been overwhelmingly, painstakingly clear and all, so I'll explain it again. Michael, I'm no good for you to be around. We aren't people who's lives intersect like you would like them to. If you remain anywhere near me, it's going to end terribly, and you're just going to be hurt, and unfulfilled in general. So, you wanting her--which by the way you just answered that you do--means everything, if she wants you too. Seems pretty straight forward to me, how things should proceed from there." And I'm not thinking about how I'll be alone when you go. Or how you're actually pretty cute. Or how I genuinely like you, when I hate most everyone. Because this isn't about me. I've made my decision about me. But it isn't too late for you.

Mickey had no idea what to do. Shoshannah was, she was it. he’d thought about what could happen with the idea that it would never happen and to have that so close, that was hard to walk away from, but December was here. Despite what she was saying, he didn’t feel right just leaving her. “Where does that leave you? I told you I wasn’t giving up on you.”

December set her empty glass on the ground, and stepped up to Mickey. She looked up into his eyes, and reached up, to put her arms around his neck, pulling him down towards her. "If you take anything away from your time spent with me, I want you to take this. You need to do what's right for you. Okay? No one would want you to stick around out of some deranged sense of duty in the first place. If you aren't with someone because you want to be with them, it's not right. End of story. And if you want to be with someone else, then you should be. No one'll be happy if you do anything otherwise." she told him. For once, for this, she really wanted to do the right thing. She wanted to have him doing what she thought was right for him.

His hand went around her waist, mostly just because she was pulling him down and while it was a bit awkward, he watched her eyes, taking in what she said. “It’s not a matter of not wanting to be with you December. It’s not duty, deranged or not. I do like you, do enjoy being with you. I hate the idea of losing you.” And yet he still wanted Shoshannah. He couldn’t stop wanting something he’d wanted for so long.

"Well, maybe you just have to make a choice." December told him. "Maybe this is one of those life lesson things. Where someone stops by your life just for a little while, and that's it. To get you someplace else. So...if you want her, go get her. I know how to find my own way home." she promised. She kept firmly telling herself she was doing the right thing. Hell. She might be able to get rid of him without breaking him. That was a good thing, right? Right. Or something. Yet it still felt like a loss to her, and she hadn't expected that. "Call it my good deed. Pay back for a lifetime of being a miserable bitch."

“It’s not that simple,” Mickey pointed out, tired look in his eyes. “I don’t want you just finding your own way home, or to leave you. Who are you going to have left? How selfish is that to run after something that might not work out any better than this and leave you alone?”

"Trust me, you could hook up with a baboon and it might work out better than this. I'm sure that chick would be a whole lot better." December said. "And it's not about being selfish, it's about you doing what's right for you. What's best for you. C'mon, Michael. Close your eyes, and look deep. What do you want?" she posed.

Mickey untangled himself from her when she said that, moving to lean against the tree. He needed space, just a little, to think. “Don’t do that. Don’t...don’t make it out like you’re all bad for me. I hate when you do that.” He rubbed at his forehead, then looked at her. “You aren’t completely getting rid of me. No matter what I decide.” That much he was sure of. He’d keep being there for her, forcing her to have someone in her life, no matter how bad she didn’t want it.

"Well, I keep telling you I am, and it still isn't the point. Do you want her or not? Because if you do, you can go get her. I could pretty much give you a guarantee that she'd take you. Then you could...I don't know. Do whatever happy people do. I wouldn't know." December told him, letting him have the space he had put between them. She didn't comment on whether or not she'd be completely rid of him. She could make sure he didn't see her. Keep her shop locked when she was in. Take extra hours at the morgue. Move. Maybe she'd move. She didn't know. That, and whether he thought he'd still want to be in her life or not, she was willing to bet the new girlfriend wouldn't like it. And he'd want to be spending all of his time with Shannah. December would become an extremely minor side trip away from his path that would quickly be forgotten. Which is how it should be.

“You could be happy. You know damn well you could. You also know I could make you happy. Maybe not the way you’re thinking, but you know I could.” Mickey’s tone dared her to counter him, to tell him he was wrong. What he wanted was still alluding him, like a decision he really couldn’t grasp, couldn’t get his hands on at the moment.

"I'm never really going to be happy, Mickey." she said, switching from using his real name to the nickname. It was to distance things, a deliberate move. "I think that's just how I'm built. How life worked out for me. And that isn't your fault. And it isn't your job to fix me, remember? We said that from the get-go. No fixing me. So, that leaves us someplace where there isn't really a way to go. I've fulfilled my end of the bargain, with the whim. I came here, with you, and I've been nice to you. Consider this my last act of kindness. Go get the girl. The world'll be a better place once you've done that." With that, she turned to start heading for the nearest exit, thinking she couldn’t keep this up for much longer. She could feel a hollow feeling settling over her, and while she was good at covering that kind of thing, she really just wanted to go home and not have to.

The nickname left his heart sinking, knowing he’d lost the argument. Even before when she was really, really mad at him, it didn’t go back to that. “It wasn’t a matter of fixing,” he started, not sure where he was going with the comment. When she started away he followed catching her arm before she could leave. “Tell me you know I’m not gone. That you know I’m still going to be here for you.” Maybe then he’d let her leave, but not without her answering. He still wasn’t sure he was going after the the girl like she suggested, but he wasn’t going to fight her exit completely. She was right, all she’d agreed to was this night, being nice and the dress. He’d asked for more, but she’d only given him this.

She sighed when he took hold of her arm. The piercings she'd done earlier that night were still a little tender, so there was a mild spike of pain, which had her biting her lower lip. "If I say yes, will you let go?" she asked, voice quiet. Now was when she should really be mean, she knew. But she couldn't quite muster it up. She looked at the ground, feeling people around them, wondering just how many people were watching. Probably a lot. She wanted to disappear. Kind of in more ways than the usual, at the moment. A depressive thought, but she could feel all the bullshit that had landed on her from finding out about Eric starting to weigh back in. Shit. She definitely needed to leave.

Mickey looked down at his hand and pulled it away without her saying anything. “Yeah no, sorry. Go. It’s fine. I’ll talk to you soon.” He felt awful, not how he wanted the night to end, not how he saw it ending. “Sorry,” he added again, not even sure what he was apologizing for, but knowing he needed to.

"Don't be sorry. You haven't done anything wrong." December told him without looking in his direction. Then she kept walking, heading out. She needed to be gone, and that was what she was going to do. It just sucked that it felt a hell of a lot shittier than she'd imagined.

So far no fight, but Alexi wasn’t giving up just yet. There was plenty of time left and he was sure he could find a way to win the bet. Not that losing would be so awful, but winning, winning for the principal of winning, that was what he wanted. Attempts to stay dressed up were failing, especially after he found something stronger than champagne to drink. His tie was still done though loosened slightly and his hair had fallen in his face again. He was leaning against a table, watching people dance, studying couples, trying to determine where his fight was going to break out, amused smirk on his face. This had been a good idea.

Olesya had been making rounds. She had more or less been merely observing, since she didn’t know many people in attendance. She’d spoken to those she did know, made polite conversation, saw how uncomfortable they were with her back in the mix. She didn’t mind, though--it was how people were meant to react to her. Spotting young Alexi, she headed in his direction. “You look as if you’ve been having quite the time, young man.” she observed.

Alexi turned, not sure who would be talking to him like that, or drawing his attention away from the different couples that could engage in his much wanted fight, and she was easily the last person he wanted to see. The sight of Olesya almost made him jump out of his skin, wondering for the millionth time in the past six years or so, how on earth she was Tatiana’s mother. Not meeting her eyes he shrugged one shoulder, reaching up to try and smooth his hair back. “Something along those lines. Are you having a nice time?” He tried his best with manners for her, mostly because of who she was, who her daughter was and the small part of him that worried about how nuts she really was.

“It’s been acceptable.” Olesya answered. “How is your father faring?” she asked. “Is there a good time I might come see him in the coming week?” she asked. “If he’s good enough to leave the house, he’s more than welcome at the grand opening tomorrow, I’m assuming you will be in attendance.” she said. And her last bit sounded so much more like a command than an invitation.

Acceptable. Like it was just barely meeting standards. Alexi had to wonder if the woman was ever anything but completely put together and judging. “Father...oh right yes. He’s alright, been an okay past few days.” Which meant he was due up for a rough few days. “Any time you want to come by you can.” Olesya might creep him out, but his father actually responded well enough to her and she seemed gentle enough with the addled champ. Alexi didn’t dare cross her if it was fine for his father, which for the most part it was. “I’m not sure he’d be up for the casino though, might be too much. I’d planned on being there though.” The last part was rushed, reassuring her that he wouldn’t miss it for the world, even if he wasn’t much of a gambler, at least not when it came to money.

She smiled, and nodded. "If it's too much, I of course understand. But he's welcome." she assured Alexi. She always liked people to know they were wanted, especially if they might not be elsewhere. Though in general, she rather liked Alexi and his father, so she was looking forward to the excuse of having the casino open. It would give them reason to be near. "I'll of course be looking for you at the opening. I'm sure Tatiana would like to see you." she added.

That smile creeped him out. It always did. Something about it just sent chills up his spine. Sometimes he wondered if it had something to do with bedding her daughter in a dirty, unoccupied apartment when they were still kids, but other times he just blamed it on her. “I’m sure Tatiana has forgotten who I am,” Alexi said shaking his head. Lies. Absolute lies. He’d seen her not long ago, right after her father died she’d needed him and he’d come running. Olesya wasn’t supposed to know about that though. Or about the multitude of other times her daughter had found her way to Alexi’s side.

"I'm sure her memory isn't that poor." Olesya said. Really she didn't know how much Alexi and Tatiana saw of one another, if they ever did, really. But she knew they had met, at the very least. "Either way, I'm sure she'd be happy for some people more around her own age there. It's inappropriate for her to spend all of her time with her elders." She wanted her daughter to have proper friends, or at the very least peers. It would help her world view, in Olesya's opinion.

Inwardly Alexi breathed a sigh of relief. At least she didn’t know. Or she was playing that way at least. She could pretend it wasn’t happening all she wanted provided she didn’t have him killed. “I’m sure she’ll find someone, but I’ll talk to her at the opening, see if she remembers my name.” He gave Olesya a smile, though he didn’t quite meet her eyes.

She returned the smile, and reached out to smooth his hair, a motherly sort of gesture. "You try not to get into too much trouble." she told him, then started to drift back off into the crowd. She tended to do that. Start conversations then sort of just abruptly end them on her own whims, like she was on a time table no one but she was privy to.

For what it was worth he didn’t flinch when she touched him, not even the tiniest bit, though he wanted to. It was weird, that motherly movement, especially when she knew well enough that his mother was gone. “I’ll do my best,” he answered, but she was already leaving. Weird. She was just weird. But another encounter was survived and for that one Alexi deserved a drink.

Nate moved through the crowd with confidence, making eye contact, occasionally stopping to talk with someone. He still wore black - was still officially in mourning, of course, and he wasn’t about to let that one slip. He wanted the connection to be made in people’s minds, wanted them to consider him as Iakov Konovich’s only son. That was why he was here, after all - to ensure that he didn’t fade from people’s minds, that they remembered him. It suited his purpose, though his thoughts were elsewhere - his thoughts were towards the meeting later on this evening. Max DiGiovanni. That should be... interesting. More interesting than the gala was proving to be by far. Dull people in their dull worlds. He looked around for someone who might actually hold his interest.

Tatiana was equally bored but she was disguising it well with her winning smile. She was a striking figure in backless black, her red hair tumbling over a shoulder and it was getting her the appreciative looks she desired. She had broken away from a group of acquaintances to find more interesting conversation. She was tired of the pity even if she basked in the attention. So spying Nathaniel was probably not what she wanted to at the moment but he was a Konovich – or wasn’t now? How did that work? – and she should pay her respects to him. She was positive that her mother had already extended her assistance in any way possible and Tatia had sent flowers to the boy’s mother but she hadn’t made any personal tidings. “Good evening, Nathaniel,” she greeted soberly as she came over to him. “I wanted to extend my condolences regarding your stepfather’s death personally.” If she was anything like her mother, it was in the way she used formal names.

Nate inclined his head to her, his air one of general sobriety and sadness. “Likewise,” he told her, not showing outwardly his annoyance of her referring to Iakov as his step-father. Which was, of course, the truth - but Nate had never been one to let truth get in the way of a better story, “To both of us, and the others in this city who are suddenly and unnecessarily dealing with the untimely death of a father. How are you coping, Tatiana?” he asked, his voice sounding genuinely sympathetic.

Tatiana casted her gaze down with a bite of her lip as she was again struck by the tangible absence of her dear father. Was she doing well? No, not really. Looking up with a tight smile she said, “As best as can be expected. It’s a relief to see that the monster responsible is now behind bars.” For both of them was implied but not explicitly said. “I must say I am surprised to see you here, given how recently all this has occurred. Has your mother accompanied you as well?” Tatiana herself didn’t leave her room for a good week after her father died and while it did not express itself in her tone, she was silently judging the situation. Perhaps Nathaniel was trying to put on a good front. He’d certainly be mentioned in the papers for showing up, given the death happening so recently and so notoriously. “My mother and I have been quite concerned about the two of you.”

“No, mother is not here. I would rather not have come myself, but I felt that the family should be represented.” He lifted his chin a little, his clear blue eyes flashing for a moment, as though he was determinedly pushing through the pain of loss. “I refuse to let that bastard win,” he told her, then seemingly cringed at his own words, as though the expletive had slipped out before he could actually catch it. “Sorry, the language - it’s just that it makes me so angry. That someone thought they could break into our home. That they could do that. I hope he rots in prison for the rest of his life.” Nate smiled inwardly, thinking that if Arienne had anything to do with it, Eric Martens wouldn’t have time to rot before someone ended his existence for him. It wouldn’t even be revenge for the past. Eric Martens would die so to instead protect against the future.

The smirk that got out of Tatiana was like a tiger viewing its prey and she waved a delicate hand. “Believe me when I say I most whole-heartedly support that sentiment. Between you and me,” she said, taking a step towards him, her voice lowering conspiratorially. “I’d rather he not have the chance to rot. And the fact that he was able to get so far into your home?” She arched a fine eyebrow. “I’d certainly hope those men are no longer under employ.” Nothing like that would ever happen to her family. Anyone attempting to break into the townhouse, let alone the casino, would surely be shot on sight given her mother’s dedication to their security. Tatiana also didn’t have a problem imparting her opinion on what should be done with Eric Martens. For one, Nathaniel was a man, he would most certainly not clutch his pearls at the mention of violence and his little outburst was encouraging, almost interesting.

“Trust me - security has been reviewed. I saw to it myself,” he told her, truthfully. His mother wouldn’t have had the knowledge or intelligence to be able to do it, even if she wasn’t an emotionally unstable wreck half out of her mind with grief and on bucket loads of medication in any event, and Nate had moved quickly to establish himself as the head of his branch of the family, even if it was just over one address. He’d had to sacrifice some men to the ‘review’ - which he’d undertaken alongside one of the more understanding Syndicate senior members - but he’d managed to mostly lay the blame at the door of those men he didn’t want in his household in any event. And, of course, replace them with more useful soldiers. All in all, it had been quite a successful venture. “Nothing like that will ever happen again. Nothing like that should ever have happened in the first place.” That, also, was real. Iakov hadn’t been meant to die for another year yet. But plans changed and had to be adapted.

Nodding in approval, Tatiana took a step back and looked out at the dancers on the floor. “It’s heartening to hear that you’ve been able to take control of your household. Your mother, I’m sure, shall be very proud of how much you’re handling for her.” Honestly, after having Olesya as a mother, Tatiana viewed the Widow Konovich as rather weak. Yes, her mother grieved, but she also quickly made steps to ensure that their lives would continue safely. There was hardly any uncertainty and it would be impolite to ask. “You both, of course, are welcome at our table any time. Friends and family should always support one another in events such as these. And, of course, the casino is opening tomorrow. If you’re up for it, you should surely attend. Nothing like spending some money to make one’s self feel better.”

“You can be assured that I will be at the opening,” Nate told her. He would be at every public event, certainly until the new head of the Syndicate was named. Until that day, he would be everywhere. After that day, well, when that day came there would be a reassessment to see which way the wind was blowing. Nate followed Tatia’s eyeline to the dancefloor, then he looked back at her, offering his hand. “Would you care to dance?” he asked her.

“We’ll be happy to have you,” Tatia said and looked at his hand for a moment before taking it. “I’d love to.” Why not? What harm could it do?

Nate took her arm as he led her to the dancefloor, happy with her acceptance of his offer. It would be good for both of them, to be seen. They would make a striking couple on the dancefloor, people would take note. It was the little things - they all added up.

Lucas had left Ally’s side to get drinks, fed up with the banter for the moment and looking for another target while he reached for glasses of new drinks. Spotting his new target was easy, especially when he was forever busy chatting up some important person. Clapping a hand on his cousin’s shoulder, Lucas grinned. “Robert, always good to see you. And you councilman,” he greeted the man chatting with Robert. “Your wife is looking ravishing tonight.” The comment, and history between Lucas and the wife, was enough to send the councilman stuttering away and leaving Lucas alone with family, although married in. “So, I saw the blond, nice bag there Bobby.”

Robert watched the councilman leave with a small sigh before turning to address his cousin. “Thank you Lucas,” he said dryly, the answer giving nothing away about who Rachel might be whilst he fished a cigarette case from the inside of his jacket. “Are you here with anyone in particular this evening or playing the eligible bachelor card again?”

“Me?” Lucas asked with a grin, shrugging one shoulder. “I actually have a date. Though I do keep hoping that true love of hers shows up just to make it a touch more interesting.” He reached for his lighter as Robert went for his case, ever the gentleman. “Where’d you find the blonde? She work at the DA’s office? I might have to start coming by more regularly if that’s the case.”

“How delightfully dramatic for you,” Robert said with a wry smile. “Who is the lucky girl with not one but two men on her dance card?” He slipped a cigarette between his lips and put the case away, leaning forward so Lucas could light it for him. “And a mutual friend introduced as you asked.” Which was a truthful as he was going to be regarding that matter.

“Alaizabel Thatcher, scorned society girl dujour. It’s always interesting for me,” Lucas promised as he lit Robert’s cigarette and smiled. “You let other friends introduce you to women and not me? I’m going to be insulted cousin.” Not that he guessed Robert would ever take him up on the offered women he brought around. He hadn’t yet that was for sure.

That was interesting and Robert raised an eyebrow as he straightened up, exhaling a fine plume of smoke; he knew Lucas sought out excitement but for him to bring a disinherited socialite to an event like this was entirely unexpected. “Your mother must have had a fit,” he commented before taking an other drag on his cigarette.

“Complete. Asked me if I was trying to kill her.” Lucas grinned again. “Though I have to admit it wasn’t my idea. That was all Ally. She chose me to get her back into society. We’ll see how tonight goes.”

“That sounds like her,” Robert replied with a small laugh, Cordelia’s flair for the dramatic well known amongst the family. “But Miss Thatcher is looking to return to the flock is she?” He made a thoughtful noise as unconsciously his hand went to the watch in his pocket; it was rare for someone to opt out of their lifestyle and regardless of what he might have had to say publicly about the whole affair, he’d respected her courage. It was disappointing in a way to discover she was going back on her decision and he couldn’t help but wonder why. “Life on the other side isn’t what she imagined I’ll wager.”

“Love turned out to not be enough,” Lucas said with a shrug. Who believed in love any way? He certainly didn’t. The closest thing he might have to love woudld be Feo and Lucas would have to be delusional to think she loved him or that he loved her. Coveted, yes, but not love. “Life is not all rainbows and happy endings. I believe Ally learned the hard way. And now she wants her stature back.”

At the mention of love, Robert felt a pang in his chest and his hand tightened around the watch though his face gave nothing away. “Well if one can’t have the solace of love than money and a good life that comes with it can make up for it I suppose,” he mused, tapping the ash from his cigarette.

“If love even exists. Seems too fanciful to me. More like a dream people convince themselves they have to make up for what they don’t have. A lie to coddle the masses, just like all the other lies.” Lucas shrugged again and reached for his own cigarette case. “But what do I know right?”

“You’re the one in papers, seems like you’d be the best authority on what’s truth and what’s just another lie,” Robert pointed out, glancing at his cousin with a smile that was verging on sardonic “As a lawyer of course, I wouldn’t know a human emotion if it got up and slapped me round the face.”

Without thinking about it, Lucas’ hand went to his chest, where just that thought was tattooed in Latin. Permissible deceit. That was his entire life and he lived for it. “Well then if my word matters, it’s a lie. I don’t doubt a strong connection between two people, but love it not all you need.” He looked smug and shook his head again. “That is what they say about your type hmm? I always like when that makes its way into the papers as well. Seems fitting.” He patted his cousin’s shoulder again, a little harder than he probably needed to, but it was fun to pester Robert.

Robert caught the motion but not knowing about the tattoo, he didn’t understand it’s significance. He still filed the information away for future reference though, nodding at Lucas’ assertion even if he was inclined to think the older man’s opinion was worth less than the paper his stories were printed on. He had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at the over exuberant gesture, typical behaviour that his cousin had indulged in for years towards him and instead took a drag on his cigarette, the warmth that came as the smoke filled his lungs a pleasant enough distraction. “Fitting? How so?” he asked.

Lucas laughed lightly. “Because often you seem too good to be true. Too damn perfect. I’m guessing my mother wishes you were her son rather than me.” He shrugged and rubbed at his chin as he watched Ally again, watching someone saunter up towards her. “Ah Romeo did show up,” Lucas said shaking his head. “Which means I don’t want to miss this. I’ll see you later Bobby.” He gave his cousin another grin then started back towards his date and her boyfriend.

Eily needed a drink. She'd sort of had a strange night here, and it didn't appear to be getting all that much better. Maybe it was just too soon to be going out and trying to be social, what with Jason's recent utter life crash and burn. They barely had a place to live and she was still working out her own life. But, she had wanted to go. Still, she needed a drink. So, she headed towards the bar and smiled sweetly at the tender, batting her eyelashes just enough to get him to come over to her immediately, ignoring the dark haired man who was technically there first.

Max had, with assurances from his sister that she’d be fine, left her speaking with some of her peers and had high-tailed it to the bar and was currently nursing his whiskey for the ten minutes he was allowing himself. Ten minutes that he kept spending looking over his shoulder to make sure his dear baby sister hadn’t been whisked off by that nancy boy blonde that was Nathaniel Konovich. Really? That was who Arienne liked? He was certainly right then in his opinion that Nico would’ve been the much better choice. He was looking back when the somewhat strained looking blonde appeared at his side and he eyed her. “Night not going so well?” he asked.

She blinked, and looked at him. Then she laughed slightly. "Is it that obvious?" she asked. "I'd better get back into the practice of 'cover everything and just look pretty all night'." she said, poking fun at herself and society all at once. "What about you? That's sort of hard alcohol for a party, isn't it?" she asked, leaning on the bar lightly as she gave him her attention.

He shrugged and took a swallow of the alcohol before eyeing the bowl of mixed nuts between them. “Your date causing you trouble?” he asked, as if he genuinely cared if the pretty little lady was having man troubles.

"No." she said. "He's fine. Mostly a friend sort of...ever have someone you care about in your life deciding to go entirely off the rails and date what can politely be described as a freak of nature?" Eily asked, getting her drink and taking a sip of the fruity concoction.

“Yes,” Max answered immediately because that was exactly what was going on in his life right now. A Konovich. Seriously. And with that he finished off his glass and waved for a refill. I am not going to kill him, I am not going to kill him he reminded himself. “I wholly and completely do not approve. At all.”

Propping her cheek on her hand, Eily watched him order another drink. "Stressful, isn't it." she said, sighing. "I told my friend how I felt, and I'm pretty sure he's furious with me at this point. What did you do?" she asked.

Agreed not to kill him, he thought, though Max was still hard pressed to keep onto that promise the more he kept seeing that punk. What would Malcolm say... yes, Malcolm. Malcolm who didn’t kill people for sending his sister flowers. “Realized that they’re an adult and fully capable of making their own choices and that I could not dictate happiness for them if it doesn’t fit my ideals.” That sounded like something Malcolm-and-or-Arienne might say and he suppressed a grimace at his own advice.

Eily laughed a little. "So, you were a mature adult about it all." she said. "I just...I don't know. I suppose I'm the type of person that if I see something wrong, I'm going to say something. There's something to telling people how you feel. Even if they don't want to hear it, maybe they'll think about it at some point. Who knows, I guess. I just don't feel right standing by and seeing someone go down the wrong path. I suppose I'm one of life's meddlers. But you probably lose less friends that way."

Rolling his shoulders, he allowed Malcolm to come to the forefront and he thought back to his conversation with December and how she was probably a very lonely individual because of how abrasive she was. “There’s nothing wrong in disapproving of something someone does,” he said, looking at her quite seriously. If he wasn’t in such a mood, he’d probably flirt, but he was in a mood so there wasn’t flirting. “You’re never going to like everything someone does. That’s because they’re a different person with different experiences. And as much as you hate it, you don’t know everything about someone. They could very well, for example, be attracted to the completely wrong person... but that’s the wrong person in your opinion. Or say this person decides they’re going to engage in some dangerous hobby like.... boxing.” He waved a hand and rolled his eyes. “Just... go with me on this. Boxing is dangerous but if that person feels good doing it, feels good about themselves, then who are you to try ruin that happiness.” Dammit, now he was thinking about Arienne actually being happy with that boy. And he just wanted his sister to be happy... dammit. “But, you know, just because you think it’s the wrong path doesn’t mean it’s the wrong path for them.”

"I was more thinking people get really blinded really easily sometimes. Especially when they're lonely." Eily said. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I understand your point, and even agree with you. I wouldn't stand in someone's way if it was what they truly wanted, and it was what made them happy. But if I see someone just like, on a date with someone who's a total freak show, and I know him and he's not like that, it just looks like he's dooming himself. I would be a bad friend if I didn't speak up, wouldn't I?" she asked. "Worse case scenario, they don't listen and they get hurt. Least they'd know they could talk to me about it later."

“Sounds pretty judgemental to me,” Max said honestly and took another swallow of his newly refilled glass. “Besides, how do you know he’s not like that. That he doesn’t have some freaky side that he’s never shown you. There are things about yourself that I’m sure you don’t share with the whole world. Secrets you’d rather keep to yourself. Or maybe this person sees something inside of that other person that’s underneath the freak show part. You know, people have layers. And if this person was your friend, you wouldn’t call someone they liked a freak show. I certainly hope you didn’t to their face.” God, he sounded almost reasonable even to himself and he drained nearly the entire glass. “I may hate the person that someone I care about is interested in, but I still agreed to give the person a chance because they mean something to the person I care about.”

"Maybe I'm judgmental then. But no one's perfect." Eily said. "And I suppose he could, but it doesn't really fit in with his personality. So if he does? Then I don't really know him at all." she continued. Then she eyed him. "Didn't we start out this conversation on the same side?" she asked. "Why're you so determined to beat me down?" she asked, though she didn't sound like she was taking it personally. More that she was just curious. "Sounds like you're being judgemental yourself." she pointed out with a little quirk of a smirk.

“Maybe I like being contrary,” he smiled flirtatiously. “Maybe I’m wrestling with my own similar situation and beating myself down. Either way, we all have our faults, but you sound like just because you discovered a new facet to someone it means that they must’ve never been honest with you at all. Let’s say I was into... oh, I don’t know... piercing parts of my body that shouldn’t be pierced,” he suggested, thinking of Decembers leg piercings. “That’s not something I go declaring to the world upon first interactions. It’s private. Or at least usually is a private thing. Or if I was into... bondage. Yes, that is exactly something I’d share with my friends no matter how close I was to them. Because bondage is weird.” He cleared his throat and looked at his whiskey glass curiously, as if it held all the answers to the world. “Also, judgemental people tend to come off as thinking they’re the center of everyone’s universes even if they don’t really mean it.” Or, in his case, they knew they were the center of the universe and therefore no one else could be.

Eily gave a little smile. "I think you're kind of overstating it." she said. "Kind of blowing things out of proportion. And I didn't say anything about someone not being honest, I just said it's possible I don't know him as well as I thought. There's a difference. One's his failing, the other's mine." And she'd been laying it at her feet. "Piercings...that's what she had. In her arms." she said. "But, I think I might take my leave at this point. You're starting to get sort of mean. Might want to lay off the sauce a little...might be making your manners slip some." she said, though again, she didn't actually sound like she was offended. She'd just seen it before. Sometimes alcohol made people snakey. And this guy was going off on her, saying all sorts of things out of information he didn't really have, that he was just assuming. So, she was going to take her drink and head back to Jason. "It was nice meeting you. I hope the person in your life has made the right decision."

Max wondered who else in this city had piercings on their arms and it had him curious but she was taking her leave and he shrugged. “She probably hasn’t but there’s not much I can do about it. Thanks. And good luck on your own end.” He looked down at his glass. Maybe she had a point. It wouldn’t do to go into this situation too off his rocker.

Charlie was trying his damndest not to fidget. He'd made a slow, leisurely circuit around the park, keeping the girls in view, but keeping himself moving while he was at it. His mind was still going in circles over what Rachel had said. He still didn't know what to do, but he was concerned about Lily. What to do about it, however, was a mystery. He was out of his league on this, and he knew it.

It hadn’t taken long to find a date after the incident with Rachel. There were clients who’d wanted Vera on their arm, all she ad to do was pick one and she’d picked this one on purpose. He wanted little beyond the pretty arm decoration, someone to make his friends jealous, though his tastes ran more for the the street corner whore. Not that Vera wasn’t that at one point in her life, but these days she was something else. Something better than that. She would, like she always did with him, ramp up his emotions and wants and when he left her at the end of the night, he’d likely go find one of his girls to give him release. It didn’t bother Vera. She got to do the fun part.

He was chatting up some business partner, shunning her from the conversation as they discussed details of a deal, one Vera was sure wouldn’t work out, but he wouldn’t have wanted her opinion even if she was right. While she’d kept an eye on someone in particular all night, it was her first chance to break away and go find him, drifting up closer to Charlie. The dress she had on was subtly elegant, something with beaded cap sleeves, gathered in a way that gave off an air of greek goddess without being too much. This date wanted her to look stunning not entice his senses, which meant something almost demure for her, showing only the skin around her collarbone. “How are you holding up?” she asked Charlie once he could hear her, voice tentative as if he might not want to talk to her.

He'd been aware of her approach, but hadn't said anything. Though, once she spoke, he had to talk back. His own manners dictated as such, and he still wasn't sure what the hell was going on. "Hey, Vera. How's your night going?" he asked, taking note that her date didn't even appear to have noticed her departure. He didn’t get it. Why pay for a date and then basically ignore her?

“Oh fantastic,” Vera said, looking back over at her date who was now starting to gesture about his deal. She looked back at him, smiling just slightly. “How about yours?”

"Kinda dull, truthfully." Charlie said. "Yours doesn't look that much more exciting, though." he added, since yeah. It didn't. He glanced around, hoping to catch sight of Lily, but she was a ways away with her own date. "But I'm not actually here to party, or socialize." Which he'd said earlier to Rachel, but it was still true. And more or less, no one had spoken to him. It was a little like he was invisible.

Vera looked back her date and smiled slightly. “He can be more interesting, just not like this when he’s talking business. Plus he’s making bad decisions, which is unfortunate. He may not be able to afford me for much longer.” Her tone was gentle, not implying anything more than the fact that she was smarter than she looked. “You could still enjoy yourself, snag a dance or something.”

"I don't think that'd be very professional..." Charlie said, frowning. "Plus, I wouldn't want to dance with anyone but Lily. And she's got her own date." he added. Which was sad, but true. He gave a self deprecating sort of half smile. "Besides, no one's even spoken to me tonight, really, besides Rachel. There'd be no one else to dance with."

“If you were desperate for a dance I’d be willing,” Vera told him with a softer smile. “I doubt I’ll be doing much myself, which is unfortunate. I do like that part of these sort of things.” She glanced at him, then back towards where the redhead lingered with her date. “Are you alright with that, with what she does?”

Charlie followed her gaze. "Yes." he said. "It's not like she's going home with any of them. She isn't sleeping with any of them so far as I know. It's just...pretend, really." he commented, since that was how he saw it. "She's pretending to be a girl who's interested in being there with whoever she's with. But I get the real her."

Vera ran her tongue over her bottom lip, then bit it lightly. While she often indulged in more after her dates, not everyone did. She knew that. And Lily really hadn’t either, but she had a history. Glancing at Charlie, she had to wonder if he knew about that or not. She wouldn’t bring it up now, no, there was no predicting how that might go “Do you? I thought that was just me.” She gave him a smile, something friendly and gentle.

He could almost hear Rachel in the back of his mind, warning him that she was manipulating him. Trouble was, without her there to tell him how, he wasn't exactly sure if she was, or if she was how she was doing it. "Why wouldn't I?" he asked, attention back on Vera. Was she jealous? She was smiling at him, but the statement was kinda...he didn't know. He wasn't sure.

She shook her head reaching out to lightly touch his arm. “I didn’t mean it like that, that she’d pretend with you. I just know she picks who she’s close to carefully. There’s a side to Lily that I know I see that others don’t. We’ve been through a lot together, it comes with the relationship.”

It was weird, his inner voice sounding like Rachel in this conversation, but there it was again, inner Rachel-voice going 'she's trying to make you feel like shit!'. Though it was possibly just because that was, in fact, how he felt. She touched his arm like that and the way she spoke to him almost made him feel like Vera was pitying him. Like 'poor boy, you think you know her!' or something. Again he was struck with the idea that he wasn't cut out for this in the slightest. Not knowing how to respond, he merely nodded. "I'm sure." he said.

“Though it looks like you’re taking over that place next to her,” Vera mused, pulling her had away and crossing her arms lightly, tapping her chin lightly as if lost in thought. “She likes you an awful lot.” That much had been evident in the hissy fit that Lily had thrown a few nights before. Though the way that night had ended, she guessed that Charlie might not approve of. Turning to look at him she smiled again. “You do look handsome tonight. Did I tell you that yet?”

Charlie was looking at Vera, and it was clear from his expression that he wasn't overwhelmingly on board with what she was saying. "...you sound jealous." he told her, after a few long moments. He ignored the bit about his looking handsome. With her comment before, coupled with the one she just made, he couldn't ignore the obvious. He also looked unsure as hell, but that was his response to the situation, not to his statement.

She looked up at him, eyebrow slightly raised. “I might be a little,” she told him, going with the truth there. “Is that a bad thing?”

"I think it is for Lily." Charlie said. "...Vera, just because she and I are together doesn't mean you're going to stop being a part of her life. Or that it's even a possibility that there's only one place next to her. You said it looks like I'm 'taking over' that place--that's not a possibility. So, yeah, I think it's a bad thing. I also think it's a little...I don't know." He didn't know. 'Crazy' was the word, but he wasn't saying it. He wasn't that stupid. He just shook his head. Christ, maybe Rachel was right about all of this. "What you're saying to me could very well be seen as you trying to one up me, or drive me away, or...who knows what. I don't really see how you could have good motivations with it. Why would you do that to someone you care about?"

Rachel was going to suffer for all of this. She really was. Already Vera was trying to come up with a way to get rid of her all together, but she couldn’t get distracted by that now. Instead she focused on Charlie. Rachel and her meddling could wait. “Why would you think I’d do something like that? I don’t want to drive you away Charlie, I would have done that a while ago. I like you dear, and you make Lily happy which is what really matters to me.” When she spoke her tone was grave, trying to take everything that could be considered manipulating out of her voice. “I’m just jealous because sometimes I miss spending time with my roommate, being special. I got spoiled.” She shrugged lightly, giving him an innocent look.

Her statement of 'I would have done that a while ago' was less than comforting. He also wasn't sure he could believe what she said. Partly because he didn't actually see Lily all the time every day or anything. He had other jobs, she had work. He saw her, yes, but not excessively. Not as much as he would like. Really, nothing she was saying did anything but make him worry more. And he realized that absolutely nothing he was going to say would have any effect. He knew a 'that's my story and I'm sticking to it' line when he heard one. He wasn't sure it added up with anything she'd already said. It was all confusing. "Okay, Vera." he said, because that was the only acceptable answer he could currently come up with.

Rachel was going to get some sort of punishment for this, something now and gratifying because it was talking all of Vera’s strength to not let her anger show. Sighing just slightly she looked down for a moment, then back up at Charlie. “I am sorry for the other day. Rachel and I...don’t get along. But hopefully that doesn’t mean that you and I can’t get along.” Holding her chin up a little, she tapped her own chin. “Hold that chin up Charlie. You belong here just as much as everyone else. More than most. And smile. Just because you’re working doesn’t mean you can’t smile.” She glanced back at her date who was tarting to come down off his conversation. “I should get back. Try to have fun.”

He was thinking most security personelle were paid to look menacing, not like they were having a good time, but he didn't say it. He just gave her a smile, and nodded. "I'm here if you need anything." he said, since he was. He was there for the girls, and he was going to do his damn job. He'd worry about Vera and her intentions later.

“I know you are,” Vera said with a softer smile. “And I’m glad you are.” She took a step back then waved at him light before making her way back to her date, slipping on his arm as if she hadn’t left in the first place.

Arienne was getting painfully bored with talking to classmates. She didn’t especially like any of them, Ramona wasn’t there, and she couldn’t go far from her brother. He’d worry. And with the fact that they were going to go see Nathaniel later that night, she wasn’t about to set him off by making keeping an eye on her difficult. She broke off from the group to get a bit of a breather, getting herself a glass of punch, even if she didn’t want it, so much. Drifting towards the edge of the fountain, she sat down on it alone, turning her eyes skyward to take in the stars.

Alexi wasn’t not having fun, but the closest he’d gotten to a fight so far was some tall guy eying some lanky guy but the kid wound up walking away. He’d thought they were close, he’d been standing on a chair to get a better look, not caring at all if he was acting like an idiot. It hadn’t panned out and so far he hadn’t found anything else. He’d started walking around the party, spotting the pretty girl sitting on the fountain and drifting that way. “Nice to actually see them right? Normally there’s clouds and such,” he said with a grin motioning towards the sky.

Ticking her gaze to the boy, she gave a smile. "It is." she agreed. "We've definitely had our share and then some of cloudy days and nights. So it's pleasant to get to see the stars. It's beautiful out tonight. Wonderful timing for an outdoor event."

He dropped down on the fountain next to her, fully aware he wasn’t invited, but if she hated it she could leave. Leaning back, he looked up at the sky, tilting his head slightly. Did he learn about stars in school? Maybe, but he probably wasn’t paying attention. “Seems like all it does is rain.”

"I certainly know it seems like that sometimes." Arienne agreed, noting that he seemed perfectly relaxed. She glanced towards her brother, just to be sure he wasn't about to come run the boy off. "So what's your name?" she asked. "And forgive me, but this place doesn't exactly look like your scene. Are you as bored as I am?"

Alexi reached up and tugged at his tie undoing it completely this time. “It’s not entirely my scene. Could be I suppose, but I hate dressing up like this, looking like everyone else.” He shook his head, hair falling in his eyes more. “Not entirely bored, but not having the time of my life over here.” Sitting up more he gave her a smile, something friendly and approachable. “Alexi. And you are?”

"Pleased to meet you, Alexi. I'm Arienne." she introduced herself. Alexi. If she wasn't mistaken, that was traditionally a name of Russian descent. "You think everyone looks the same?" she asked. He definitely didn't look like the type who would enjoy uptight social situations. So not upper class, or if he was, he was the type to snub it.

“Arienne,” Alexi repeated, considering her name. That sounded familiar, but he couldn’t say why. “Here? Of course they do.” He leaned forward a little. “It’s harder with the women, because their dresses are different colors, but look at the men. Almost everyone’s in black and white, all in suits, hair all done in the latest fashion as best they can muster. Way too similar.”

"It's the little details you have to look for." Arienne said, smiling with a mildly amused lilt to her lips. "Cufflinks, ties or bow ties, patterns on that, whether or not they've got anything on their lapel, pin stripes...it's there, you just have to know what you're looking for." she told him, in a somewhat conspiratorial manner. "The trick is to maintain the idea that you're part of the crowd, and yet have these little details that set you apart. People want to blend, but not become part of the scenery. And anyone who stands out too far, then they're just an attention hog. It's all a fine line to walk."

Alexi made a face. “Who wants to blend? Though I guess I suppose I look like I do, but I don’t usually. This is all too stiff or something. I’d do better in my regular clothes.” Which were a variety of work pants and t-shirts and sweats. Maybe he should have shown up dressed like that. Then they probably wouldn’t have let him in.

"Depends on the situation." she said to the question of who wanted to blend. "But alright, so you're more comfortable in your regular clothes. What would those look like then? Who are you when you're not casting disparaging remarks upon fancy party goers?"

“I wasn’t being entirely disparaging,” Alexi said with a frown, but he shrugged a little. “Better question, who do you think I am?”

She laughed lightly. "You sat here then proceeded to complain that everyone looks the same, and when I offered a counter point, you shot that down too." she pointed out, though she didn't seem upset about it. More just amused. "So, you'll need to come up with something positive if you wish to debate that particular point." She sat back slightly, though it was to eye him up and down, assessing what she saw. She put in a little work to it, giving herself the time to piece things together. "I would say you've got means but not means enough that you're forced to sit through fancy parties all that often. You've got a restless sort of energy about you, so I would assume you're not actually expected to stand around holding dry conversations on a regular basis, and you don't have the patience for it. You want to be seen as different, and probably do that in smaller ways--your hair is longer than most men your age, and you don't shave as regularly. You've got fading bruises on your face and hands, so I'd say you've been in a tussle of some description within the past few days, but you also look like you can handle yourself. Judging from your hands, you've got a job that requires labor of some description, and from the marks there, it looks to me like they've been taped." She paused, tilting her head to the side as she eyed him. "Are you a fighter?" she asked. "Sorry, boxer?" she pretended to re-dub him. But she meant the first one. That's what she was thinking he might be.

Alexi gave her a smile. “If I say you look pretty, does that help with the disparaging?” he asked. At her description he listened, feet tapping until she made the comment about being restless. When she was done he laughed, shaking his head and leaning forward. “Both,” he answered. “Not quite large enough to be an official boxer, but I’m always in the ring. I run a gym in town.” He was back in his usual stance, hands up, miming at punches lightly then leaning back again. “Well done.”

"That may help." she agreed. When he told her 'well done', she smiled at him. "Thank you, I try." she added. "And I tend to study everyone around me. I find people fascinating, as far as subjects go." She clasped her hands demurely in her lap. "And I wouldn't punch in my direction. My brother is around, and he'd kill you if he got the wrong idea." she said, sounding for the world like she was kidding. Her smile added to that, like it was just a tease.

“Well you do look pretty,” Alexi said, making sure the compliment was more specific. “People fascinating. That’s interesting.” At the half threat, he looked around as if he might spot the brother. “No punching or big brother might come find me. Got it.”

"Thank you." Arienne said, sounding grateful. She thought she looked better than 'pretty' but she was also aware that her own style of dress was outdated by at least a century. The majority of her clothing was. "People are much more interesting than just about anything else. Everyone's different, and even the smallest events in their past can have wildly different effects on the psyche. Even at an event that many people experienced, everyone will take away something different from it."

Alexi raised an eyebrow at that, confused. “Well of course they do, but that’s because not everyone’s night goes the same way, not because of their psyche right?” At least that was the way he saw it. His night was different from the awkward guy that Annaliese had pointed out earlier or the guy he’d watch almost get into a fight because they were talking to different people, doing different things, not because of who they were.

"Well, that's the obvious part." Arienne said. "I'm talking about on a bigger scale. If you put two people into the exact same circumstances, it'll still go differently. Take this park." she said. "I happened to be here when the massacre happened. My mother died. Other people lost their mothers as well, but we'll all deal with it differently. Or, if you want to go with a smaller scale, someone could go up to someone, and say exactly the same words to different people, and they'd take them differently, depending. Everyone puts their own shade on everything that happens around them. The world is a unique place to absolutely everyone, even if we're all on the same planet, or doing the same things, seeing the same things. Listening to the same music, seeing the same films...everything has it's own bent. In the case of seeing a film, that has nothing to do with how someone's night goes. You sit fifty people in a theater, watching the same film and they'll all take away different things. They may agree and there can be similarities of course, but it's all seen from a different perspective. That’s psyche, not circumstance."

“You were here when that happened?” Alexi asked with a frown. He’d lost people he’d known in that massacre, not anyone like a mother, but people nonetheless. “I’m sorry to hear that,” he added, but she was carrying on with her explanation. “Okay I think I follow that. How much thought have you put into that?”

Ari nodded, looking down for a moment, as if giving herself a second before continuing. "Thank you." she said to his apology for her presence. When he went on, she did too, though she made sure to give a second before she did so, as if mentally having to fully separate things out. "I don't know. It's just something I've thought of before, so not a whole lot right this second, but on a whole, possibly quite a bit." she explained.

Not one to care where he wasn’t welcome, Alexi reached out to touch her arm lightly, comforting her when she looked down. He waited through the moment, feeling she was completely justified in that. “Seems like quite a bit overall. Interesting thought process. Not what I would have guessed.”

The touch to her arm was bold. She wondered if Max could see it from where he was over at the bar. She didn't shy from it, however, as she looked up. She gave him a smile, clearly doing okay, getting herself past the moment as required. "What would you have guessed?" she asked.

Alexi looked as if he was considering the question, head tilted back and forth then he shook it. “Wouldn’t have guessed properly. That’s never a smart idea with pretty girls. They always wind up surprising you.” Tatiana was his guideline for that and she was constantly surprising him.

Ari laughed lightly. "Well, I'm happy to be surprising, I suppose." she said. "Though I'm still curious what you would have assessed about me. I gave you my impressions on you. I'd love to know what it is you would think about me at first glance. Perhaps if I know what sort of things people may think about me, I could alter it accordingly should it be less than what I'm aiming for."

“Surprising isn’t bad. Keeps a guy on his toes for sure,” Alexi commented. “If you must know...well you wear that dress well enough that your comfortable in it, and used to having to be dressed up. You’re bored, but there’s a group of people that look close to your age, not too far away, which means either they’re boring as well or you just don’t quite fit in with them,” he glanced at her. “Which is okay, the not fitting in part. I never did.”

She smiled through his assessment, not discounting anything he said. "Why didn't you fit in?" she asked, curious. She didn't say more than that, just leading him through the conversation. Little bits and pieces here and there, she was fine with.

“Somewhere around seventeen? Everyone got tall but me.” Alexi shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. He’d made up for it at this point in his life, learning to be faster, learning to handle more than most people could handle, take more pain.

Ari arched a brow. "So by not fitting in you mean literally, as in you were physically different?" she asked. "Did that for some reason effect your social standing?" she asked. She knew physical differences between girls mattered. For instance who bloomed early and who bloomed late made things different in the social structure of things.

“I think so,” Alexi said. “I was already hanging out at the gym and when I never got that tall or broad it was harder to fit in.” And he’d been told he’d never be a fighter. Which he really wasn’t, he was just a damn good trainer. “Not always easy being shorter when you’re surrounded by giant people. Even my father’s a lot bigger than I am.”

"Were you in school?" she asked. "Or are you talking about family, things like that?" she asked. She really couldn't imagine an entire grade of people stopping being friends with a boy just because he happened to be shorter than they were. That, and not everyone got hugely tall. In her own class there were boys shorter than she was, and she wasn't a tall girl. But that didn't mean they were shunned for some reason. So she was wondering just how much this was all in his head, much like she'd been talking about earlier. How perspective was jaded.

Alexi considered that then shook his head. “I guess not as much in school, but I didn’t care about school. What mattered was the gym and I was getting used as the shorter punching bag when my dad was the Champ. Big time boxer, all around winner and his kid was a scrub. What happened in school didn’t matter when I got home to that.” It wasn’t so much that Alexi wasn’t loved, but he’d spent a good portion of his life wishing he was more so that he wouldn’t be a disappointment.

That made more sense. An inferiority complex instated by a different social set along with at least some pinches of resentment towards his father. Right. "You didn't have any friends at school? Or you only cared about the gym and your father?" she asked.

“I had friends, but sure, maybe I didn’t care as much about them as the other part.” Alexi was starting to feel like she was trying to get into his head. “Didn’t we start this out talking about you?”

She smiled. "I invited you to assess me. You did, and we got back onto the topic of you. I'm interested. I like knowing what makes people tick." she told him. That and people generally liked talking about themselves. It was easy to get people to go on and on about them. "I'm sorry to hear that you didn't feel like you fit in." she told him. "You look like you've adjusted well after the fact, however." she added. Which wasn't actually the case, but she wanted him to think she thought that. She wanted to compliment him in a subtle way that worked on a number of levels. Socially, of course, but with her wording, she also made it seem like he rose above.

“I like to think that. I made do or I stopped caring,” Alexi said with a shrug. “As for the the talking about me, I feel like you’re studying me too.” He gave her a tiny look, something curious and skeptical as he if he was trying to study her too.

"You don't look like you'd actually have to 'make do'." Arienne told him. "You look like you know how to handle yourself, and that's everything. At the end of the day, it won't matter who's taller. It'll matter who knows how to do what they need to do and the willingness to do so." she told him. "I don't mean to give the impression of studying you. I just like hearing about people. I come from a family with means, and that's meant I have spent a whole lot of time not meeting very interesting people. My whole life is basically plotted for me. So when I get the opportunity to speak to someone I would never normally have met? I really love getting the chance to find out as much as I can about a life that's nothing like my own. Apologies if I seem to academic in it." She looked down for a moment, as if ashamed for a blunder.

“Handle myself better than most,” Alexi confirmed, but her looking down ashamed had him backtracking, laying the lightest of punches against her shoulder, about all he knew how to do. “Hey don’t do that. It’s fine. I just felt like I was in a fish bowl for a second. I don’t usually talk to someone who cares. Mostly it’s just work and not many people there start asking questions about me. Everyone I see all the time knows me, there’s nothing to ask about.”

"So you don't meet new people very often either?" she asked, looking back up. She felt the light little punch on her shoulder, and hoped Max was preoccupied and didn't see it. She didn't know that he'd actually do anything, but she wasn't sure him coming over to check on her would bode well either.

“Not really, now that you mention it. See the same people most days. We’re in the same boat there then,” he told her, smiling in an attempt to be reassuring.

She returned the smile. "Well, it seems like a shame. I'm sure you're very interesting. You are so far." she told him, again putting a light sort of compliment in there to boost his ego. For someone who talked about issues measuring up, that was always the way to go.

“Well I appreciate that, but I don’t know if I’d think of it as a shame. Hadn’t really thought about it.” He supposed maybe he was missing out not meeting new people regularly, but he saw enough people almost daily it was hard to think of it that way.

"I'd say it's a shame. If you're at a point in your life where you don't really have anyone asking questions and you're not learning anything about anyone else, there's a distinct lack of new stimuli going on. Maybe you should come to more parties." she suggested, a light little smile on her lips. "Give new people a shot."

“When you put it like that you’ve almost sold me for more parties,” Alexi said with a grin. “But we’ll see. Maybe I’ll just try and leave the gym every so often.” Or recruit some new members. That would be something different too. “Plus maybe I’ll run into you again, that’d be fun right?”

"I would definitely recommend leaving the gym now and again." she said, laughing a touch. "And certainly." she said. "It's always possible we'll cross paths again someday. I'll look forward to it." she told him. Really she doubted it, but who knew. And she always wanted to leave people with the impression that she would love to see them again. For them to have a warm, positive impression of her.

Alexi was on his feet even if the conversation wasn’t completely over. He didn’t do sitting that long anyway. They could talk for the next hour but he’d be up and down, just to keep moving. “I’ll do what I can, but it’s time consuming,” he said, but hardly sounded like he minded, because he didn’t. He loved that smelly place. “I’ll keep an eye out for you. Promise.”

She nodded, looking up at him through her eyelashes. "It's been a pleasure, Alexi." she told him, sounding for all the world like she was genuine.

Miles still wasn’t sure why he’d come. All he knew was that he was currently hovering with a drink in one hand and wearing the only suit he owned. It was reasonable enough. Or he hoped it was reasonable enough. While he always tried to look smart, tonight it held an extra importance. It was as though the shine of his shoes would help decide his fate.

He hadn’t seen her yet. Slowly he had been meandering through the people, searching for a familiar face. That one face above all others. The thought that maybe she had decided against coming at all crossed his mind. Even if that was the case, he could still tell her how he’d gone to the gala looking for her. And either look like a fool for love or just a fool. With little left to lose, that didn’t really seem to matter.

Coming to a stop, Miles looked towards the dancers. Scanned through the crowd. Back and forth, back and forth.

Shannah had made it as far away from Mickey and December as possible. She wanted to shake the awkwardness she was feeling, the real thought that she'd done something incredibly ridiculous by introducing herself to his date and the just strange feeling she had all around. She made it to near the refreshment table, though not quite there, before she was wavering and slipping towards the grass, condition rearing its head.

Seeing the girl grow unsteady on her feet, Miles quickly abandoned his glass and darted towards her. Being as gentle as he could about it, he caught her so she didn’t end up in a heap on the ground. “Miss? Are you alright? Can you hear me?” From what he could tell she looked pretty out of it. His first thought would have been that she’d had a few too many but it was hardly as though she reeked of booze.

It took Shannah longer than normal but a few good, long moments she was awake, eyes wide as she scoured the area. Where was she, what happened, little bits of information came back to her. "...Oh, I'm...I'm sorry, I'm so sorry..." Scrambling to her feet, Shannah blushed in embarrassment. It was one thing for this to happen around someone she knew, but in a party full of total strangers? It hadn't been bad enough to do that for a while now but she was sadly thinking it was coming back worse and worse.

Shaking his head, Miles watched the woman closely for any sign that she might pass out again. “Don’t apologise,” he told her. “Are you okay? We should probably find somewhere to sit down...” She was up, talking and seemed lucid enough but Miles was still concerned. Offering her his arm, he glanced around for somewhere they could sit and she could take it easy for a moment or two.

Shannah thought it might be easier to actually go and sit down then try and explain herself rather than fight with someone over her not needing to sit down, because she really didn’t need to. So she linked her arm with his, walking slowly towards a few empty chairs nearby. “Really, I’m fine. I promise. This kind of thing...it’s nothing to worry about. Thank you so much, Mr...?”

“Langley. But just call me Miles.” Uncoupling his arm from hers, Miles pulled out a chair for her then sat down himself. He looked at her with a small but curious frown on his face. “This kind of thing?” he asked. Sounded like it it wasn’t exactly a rare occurrence, whatever it was. “You don’t have to be embarrassed or anything like that,” he added gently. If there was one thing Miles knew about it was things beyond one’s control and the social awkwardness that could stem from it.

"Miles..I'm Shoshannah," She said, sitting down carefully and folding her hands in her lap as she did so. Now came the worst part, having to try and explain this to someone who probably had never seen anything like it in his life. She glanced up a little at him, giving him a soft smile. "...I appreciate that, Miles. It's kind of you to say, but if you tell me you see things like this happen every day, I might have to reassess my thoughts on this."

Miles quirked a small smile back at her. “I’d be lying if I said I saw things like that every day. But I’m not a stranger to things that are a little bit... different.” Smile fading, it was replaced with a bit of a frown. He’d tried to choose his words carefully, wanting to be reassuring without being insulting but he wasn’t sure how well he’d done with that. Looking down, he gave Shoshannah a shrug. “I’m not prying, either. You don’t have to explain yourself to a total stranger. Just making sure you’re okay, that’s all.”

Shoshannah watched Miles and shook her head a little. He was sweet and he wasn't prying, but she still wasn't sure she could tell him the truth. "Honestly, Miles, even if I did tell you what really happened...I'm not sure you'd believe it. It's really..nothing like anything I've even seen other than in myself." Sighing, she looked over at him and gave him a little smile. "You did catch me, so if you wanted to know, I suppose I could tell you. Just a fair warning, it's not going to sound believable."

“You’d be surprised what I’d believe,” he told Shoshannah, looking back up at her. It would probably sound like lip service. There was no way she could really know that it wasn’t, bar the quiet note in his tone that hinted he understood more than he was letting on.

Shoshannah watched him for a moment, eyes narrowed and felt herself start to say it before she could stop. "...What just happened, that's a normal occurrence for me. Has been all my life. So really, there is nothing to worry about. It's just another day for me."

Not sure what to make of her expression, Miles put fingertip to fingertip in a steeple and averted his gaze again. A flash of something scarlet caught his eye, head turning towards it. The twirling skirt of a dancer. For a moment he watched the whirling material, Shoshannah’s voice fading to the background. He caught the tail end as he snapped out of it, frowning as he tried to make the inferences to give her a reply. “What did happen?” he wound up asking, coming off a tad more bluntly than he’d meant to.

Shoshannah watched him while he looked off, confused for a moment, and as soon as he snapped back she wondered if he might have something like what she did. If that was why he was so keen to understand. “...I fell asleep,” She said, watching his eyes. “It happens very often.”

“Does it just come out of nowhere?” he asked, making the conscious effort to look back at her as she was looking at him. What she was telling him was important, personal and he’d try, at least, to ensure he registered it all. His wandering attention probably hadn’t escaped her attention. As an explanation, apology and an emerging sense of rapport he told her, “I tune out myself sometimes. Not asleep, just not... completely where I should be.”

“Yes, it does. I’m not truly warned or anything.” She shrugged a little bit, watching him. She had seen him tune out and that was something that sparked a curiosity in her. Perhaps they were similar. “I don’t tune out. I just...fall asleep. But it’s nothing more sinister than that.” Unless she fell asleep in the wrong place.

“You seem pretty okay now,” Miles agreed. “Does anyone know what might be causing it?” With his faith in medicine as it was, he didn’t hold out much hope for that. It would be great if she told him that sure, doctors knew the exact cause and they could work to fix it, all peachy. His own experience with vague and elusive conditions had taught him that expert knowledge only stretched so far and after that? Well, it was tantamount to a shrug and ‘wait and see’. Shaking his head, he ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry. Bombarding you with questions... That’s not great. We can change the subject if you want?” Or she could get back to her nice evening without a weird guy bugging her.

Shoshannah shook her head. “My father’s a doctor. We’ve not found any answers...” She said, giving him a little smile. It was certainly not the kind of conversation conducive to this sort of environment and it was going deeper than she really expected, so she nodded when he said that. “Perhaps we could get back to talking about you?” Maybe something more lighthearted, something more like what they should be talking about at a party like this. Something that had definite answers, even, maybe.

That was fair. He’d grilled her enough so she should have the chance to find out more about him, if that’s what she wanted. “Okay. Well. What do you want to know?” he asked awkwardly. Small talk had never really been a strength of his. But it was kind of funny how he felt like a dumb seventeen year old kid again, considering the reason why he was even here. Maybe there were a few more traces still left than he thought.

“Well, Miles...Tell me a little more about yourself? I can start if that helps. I’m Shoshannah, I run the Sea and Sky gallery over in Little Haven. Came here tonight because I thought it might be a fun place to be...Why are you here tonight?” It wasn’t much, but her smile was starting to return just a little. Even if the previous interactions had been really unsettling, at least here she had someone else to focus on. A potential new friend to learn about.

It was sweet, the way she was trying to put him at ease. “Running a gallery. That’s impressive,” he commented, genuinely impressed by the achievement. Shame he didn’t have anything quite as grand to tell her in return. “Me, at the moment I’m over at Nighthawk’s.” He gave her a small shrug, pausing briefly before going on to the next part. “And I’m here because I’m looking for someone. A friend. It’s kind of complicated.” Poor Shoshannah. She had no idea what she’d gotten herself into with him.

Nighthawk’s. Just the image of the place made her smile. “I love Nighthawk’s. The best pancakes I’ve ever had were from Nighthawk’s.” She perked up a little when he said that, though. “You’re looking for someone? I’m so sorry I’m keeping you from them. Here, let me help you find them. Who are we looking for?”

Miles quickly shook his head. “You’re not keeping me from anything.” Shoshannah was a bit of a blessed relief, something else to think about and time to compose himself. Or just put off doing what he’d convinced himself he was going to. No, he was determined not to think of himself as a gutless wonder. “I’m not completely ready to face her yet,” he admitted, cringing just slightly. “It’s... Well, it’s a story, put it that way.”

Sitting a little more back into her chair, she studied Miles for a moment. “So it’s a special someone?” She asked, smiling a little more even if it was a hint sad. Everyone seemed to have a special someone today. “Well, I’m a good listener if you want to tell the story, but I certainly won’t press you.” Especially with something so personal. “..Want to describe her so I can keep a look out anyway and let you know if she approaches?”

“Yeah, a special someone,” he murmured. Whether he was still special to Ally remained to be seen. Whether or not the damage was unrepairable. He noticed the smile. She hadn’t mentioned a date as being the reason she was here and he found himself wondering why for a moment. As far as he could tell she was a sweet girl. Asking her why she was alone seemed to be crossing over into being plain rude. “We fell out,” he told her, deciding to condense it down to the barest bones. “I thought I was right about something but I was wrong. It hurt her. A lot. And now I hope she’ll listen to me long enough for me to say I was wrong.” Without realising he was doing it Miles found himself surveying the gala goers again for her. “It’s okay. You have to face the music sometime, right?”

Oh, well that was just plain sad. He wanted to apologize but here he was, nervous about doing it because he'd hurt someone close to him. Reaching out, she squeezed his shoulder gently. "No time like the present. I'm sure she'll listen. How could she not, especially when already know what you'll say. That's the first step, isn't it?"

The reassurance was nice. Though if she knew the sordid details she probably wouldn’t be so kind to him. “She can be stubborn,” Miles said, both affectionate and worried at the same time. “And if I’m honest, she’d be well within her right to tell me to go to hell.” Which was an outcome he was really trying not to entertain.

Shoshannah's look was apologetic. "You have to hope for the best and that she doesn't tell you that. An air of optimism goes a long way." She said, trying to be reassuring still. "Go in with the hope that she embraces your apology instead."

A wry smile touched his lips. “I’m still learning to be an optimist. One step at a time.” Miles shook his head at himself then gave her a small but real smile. “Worst case scenario, at least I can take the fact I met a nice girl away from the evening.” There. The glass was half full and all of that.

Shannah smiled more. "See? Likewise, I met someone nice tonight too." Glass half full. That would definitely help her get over what happened with December and Mickey, get over the fact that she felt a little alone at the gala. Maybe she'd go home after this, leave on a good note of meeting Miles. "...If you ever want to talk, Miles, or just be, you can find me at the gallery. And who knows, maybe I'll come find you at Nighthawk's soon enough. Would be a good excuse to come back to the restaurant."

He was tempted to point out that he really wasn’t such a nice guy but managed to curb it. “Same to you, Shoshannah. Drop by the diner, it’d be good to see you again. I might even be able to slip you an extra pancake.” There was no need for her to be so sweet to him but that wasn’t something he was going to point out either.

“If there’s an extra pancake involved, I’m certainly going to show up.” Smiling, she stood up and patted his shoulder once. “It was lovely to meet you, Miles. I’ll see you again soon. Thank you for your help.”

When Miles caught sight of Ally, there was a moment when all he could was stand there. She was... unbelievable. She was always beautiful to him but this, this was something else. The nerves that had already been plaguing him set in deeper. He’d already been dreading the possibility of her rejecting him outright, of more harsh words being exchanged and a public spectacle. Ally looking like the quintessential society princess reminded him of the divides between them. How far out of his league she was.
But this wasn’t supposed to be about him letting those thoughts seep in. Miles had always been someone with something to prove and tonight was about stepping up to the plate. If it all went to hell, it wouldn’t be through lack of trying. Showing her that spirit she’d been adamant he still had.
Straightening his suit, he took a breath. Once his feet would listen to his brain and actually move, Miles rounded the side of her. Gently he placed a hand on her shoulder. Maybe not the most appropriate behaviour considering she’d told him she was being accompanied to the gala. He didn’t really care. “If you’ve got any time left for me at all, there’s a few things I need to say,” he said softly.

Ally wasn’t having the worst time with Lucas, all things considered. He was showing her a good time, no one was expecting anything and Ally had actually been speaking with some old acquaintances. Was it awkward? Yes, it was, but she was enjoying every bit of it. For the moment however she was alone, waiting for Lucas to return with drinks when a hand touched her shoulders and she turned sharply, gasping in surprise before she realized who it was. Shock was etched on her lovely face as she stared at Miles in his suit, standing there, here at the gala. It just wasn’t computing and she gaped unbecomingly for a few moments before she managed to locate her voice. “What are you doing here?” she hissed, completely ignoring what he said. She didn’t even know what he had said.

It wasn’t a completely unexpected reaction but it made his heart sink a little nonetheless. Because of course she was going to be thrilled to see him and nothing else was going to matter. Idiot. “I’m here to see you,” he told her honestly. He’d told himself he was going to be forthright. Might as well start as he intended to go on. “And you can be angry with me for showing up and spoiling your evening or anything else but I’m not going to let you walk away this time. Not until you hear me out.” For someone who felt as uncertain as Miles did, he was doing a decent job of steely determination.

It had been a long, long time since Ally had heard that tone of voice or seen that look on his face and she was still staring at him in shock. She hadn’t expected this. Was there that stupid, ridiculous fanciful thought? Yes, but she hadn’t paid it much mind, but now it seemed that it was coming true and she had no idea how to deal with this. Her heart was pounding against her chest and she swallowed, her mouth dry and she took a moment to compose herself the way she was taught. They were going to start gathering an audience if she didn’t stop looking like a fish. “Alright, what do you want to tell me?”

“Yes, what exactly is it you wanted to tell her?” Lucas asked from behind Miles, smile on his features and two glasses in hand, though he was drinking out of one. “Carry on, we’re all dying to know.”

The male voiced stopped Miles in his tracks and he turned to get a good look at the guy. Obviously money but other than that, Miles figured he was still in with a good chance. The attitude alone displayed by Ally’s date didn’t exactly scream Prince Charming. “It’s private. Sorry to ruin the entertainment.” He stood a little closer to Ally. If he was giving the impression that he was trying to steal the guy’s date away, good. Maybe the action would start to speak for him.

“Come now,” Lucas said handing Ally her glass. “That’s hardly fair. I’ve heard all about you, stable boy. And I had a feeling you’d show up. She doubted you but I guessed it. I won’t tell. I’m merely curious. Especially since you seem to have it in mind to make off with my date.”

The society girl with the rules of etiquette drilled into her since day one was absolutely horrified at what was unfolding between her eyes and she took the glass mutely as she stared between the two of them. Then Lucas called Miles ‘Stable Boy’ and she gave him a hard look. He should really know better, but that’s what she got with Lucas, wasn’t it. “Lucas, don’t,” she said warningly, as if she had any control over this situation. She hadn’t moved away from Miles though. She hadn’t actually thought about doing that.

“Stable boy?” Miles had to repeat it. There was no questioning in Miles’ tone. He could work out what was meant by that enough for himself. Why Ally had been discussing him with this ass fleeting crossed his mind but right now he was focused on the smug crap dribbling out of his mouth. “Since you know me so well, you’ve probably got what I want to say all figured out. So you might as well go. Wouldn’t want to bore you.”

“Don’t what Ally?” Lucas asked, innocence on his features. “We didn’t plan for this, was I supposed to dote on you and make him jealous?” Looking over at Miles and shook his head. “She left her whole life because she thought love would save her from...whatever tragedy high society was offering. For you. She’ll give you some other bullshit reason, but it was for love because she wanted her Jane Austen novel. If you’re here to tell her you love her too, which I hope you are, I do sort of want to see how it ends. How my night ends is certainly dependant on it.”

“The tragedy high society was offering was ever having to spend more than one night with someone like you.” And right then Miles was nothing but glad that he’d done what he had to get her out of it, to stop her ending up as the trophy wife of some other cretin. He took a step closer to Lucas, not caring about the fact he was playing right into his hands. It wasn’t of any importance. “And if you really have to know, love did save her from it.” Miles cast a glance over at Ally. It wasn’t how he thought he’d say it but then again, he’d had no idea how he was going to say it. A hundred different ways had been considered and dismissed because none felt right. He hoped there would be more times when he could say it again in some better way but at least it was out there. “Another thing you should know - there is no way her night would ever end with you. Even the stable boy thinks you’re the bottom of the barrel.”

Ally’s grip on her glass was dangerously firm and her face had gone pale under her make up as the scene continued. She knew how amused Lucas was by her situation and knew he wanted to see this unfold but someone had to be the voice of reason here and she was going to say something when Miles started in again. This side of him was completely catching her off guard  and then he glanced at her and her breath caught in her throat. The moment was swiftly gone when Miles went in on Lucas again and she shook her head. “This is getting ridiculous. Lucas, stop goading. Miles, we can talk about this later. Now really isn’t the best time...”

Lucas laughed lightly, shaking his head. “I’m far from the bottom of the barrel, but I’ll let you think what you like of her.” Taking another sip of his drink, he shook his head again. Leaning in to Ally he kissed her cheek lightly. “Welcome home Alaizabel. Come find me when you’re done and need a ride. Good to meet you,” he said to Miles, holding up his glass for a moment then striding away.

Miles couldn’t deny that he had a very strong urge to go and hit the guy for talking about, and to, Ally like that. It wasn’t worth giving him the satisfaction. He’d had his fun, and Ally was the reason he was there. Not her moron of a date. Turning to Ally, he looked into her eyes. “It isn’t the best time but it’s way past time that I try to stop being all the things you said I am.” And Miles wasn’t sure if he could talk himself into it again. “You were right, I have to stop. But I don’t think I can do that without you. I want... I just want you to be there again. I need you to be there. Because I might not be able to see any of the bright spots in my life but I always see you. You are the bright spot. You always have been.” He wanted to look away, beyond nervous and near enough scared about her reaction, but he didn’t.

Her head was absolutely spinning and she really wasn’t quite sure what to do except they were luckily standing to the side of the crowd and she was able to tug him into a more shadowed corner. “I thought you were going to hit him,” she hissed, looking back out at the crowd as she tried to get her bearings because now he was confessing things and her heart was pounding and she was still hurt but she was now stupidly hopeful. “Thank you, for saying that,” she said more calmly and looked back up at him with a more soft yet sad look. “Miles, I’m still hurt over what happened and it isn’t because you said something I hadn’t wanted to hear. I’m not that fragile in my ability to handle rejection. It was how it was done. Because I knew it wasn’t all true, that it couldn’t be. That is what hurt.” She looked down at her gloved hands, picking at her bracelet. “It’s good to see that there’s still something bright inside of you, and I need you to hold onto that. I meant it when I said we’re no longer the same people. Just because we care for one another doesn’t mean that we’re good for each other in any further capacity.”

“I don’t expect you to fall into my arms and forgive me. Not after...” Now he wasn’t putting on an act, he looked ashamed, eyes at the floor. He tentatively reached for the hand that was fiddling with her bracelet, taking it lightly in his own. “We aren’t the same people. If you’ll listen, I have to tell you why I’m not. There are things I need to explain.” Explanations were all he had to offer. He couldn’t take back anything he’d said or done. All he could do was give some reasons, bad as those reasons may have been. “And there’s still that same kid somewhere in here. The one who thinks the world of you and never managed to get over that. Over you. Even if you could just be my friend again...” He shook his head then looked back up at her. “That’s all I’d ask for.”

Unable to help herself, Ally reached up to touch his cheek for just the briefest of moments before pulling her hand back. “I’ll listen,” she told him, fully prepared to do that.

All he could do was nod, stupidly grateful that she was willing to give him a chance at all. “Not here,” he said softly. Definitely not a conversation he wanted to have when there was the possibility of interruption. “Would you come by sometime? I want to do things properly.” Show that he was serious and meant what he was saying.

She exhaled slowly and looked down at her hands. He did owe an explanation, and it sounded like it would encompass a lot more than just... whatever had happened the past two times they spoke. “Okay. We can meet. Tomorrow? maybe on the boardwalk?” she suggested. A neutral place.

“Tomorrow. The boardwalk,” he confirmed with another nod. What he wanted to do was whisk her away then and there. As she was being more than reasonable with him Miles thought that might be pushing his luck too far, and the last thing he wanted was for it to run out. Things were still far too fragile.

Nodding, Ally swallowed and looked around. They were starting to get a few more curious looks. “I’ll see you then,” she said with finality, indicating that there was nothing more to talk about.

.

.

Charlie was thinking that the money for this whole security business was good--especially since he'd more or less done nothing since he'd arrived--but he was still unsure if it was the right fit for him. Rachel's words and Vera's both echoed in his mind, and while he looked like he was just as stoic as ever, just vigilantly glancing between the girls he was there to watch, his head was kind of a mess. He needed to talk to Lily, and sometime where she wasn't at a party fawning over some other guy.

Not that he was overly jealous. Sure, now and then it twinged at him, seeing her smile a certain way, or laugh. But he knew she was his, and she wasn't going home with that guy. Mr 'has to pay for it'. Not that she was going home with him either...she was going home with Vera. Shit. Yes, his head was a mess. He was going to do his best, though, to pull this all off without a hitch of any description.

Lily for her part had been acutely aware of Charlie’s presence ever since she’d arrived at the gala and while Mr Winthrop was one of her favourite clients, she had found herself itching to go over to Charlie. It was also frustrating having him there in a way as she felt self-conscious in a way she never had before, wondering how she must look to him and what he might be thinking. He’d said what she did didn’t bother him but it was something else entirely to parade it in front of him and she worried.

A good chunk of the evening had already passed when she finally had an opportunity to slip away from Mr Winthrop for a while and it was with mixed feelings that she made her way over to him, though her smile stayed in place; unsure as she was about having him there, he was still Charlie. “So how does it compare?” she asked, coming up beside him, letting the full skirt of her dress hide from view her hand reaching for his.

He was aware of her before he spoke, though he didn’t show it. Instead, he let her walk up and address him first, since he didn’t want to speak first if he wasn’t meant to be speaking with her at all. Vera and Rachel both had come up to him of their own volition. So, he waited, and when she said something to him, he gave a hint of a smile, even if it wasn’t his usual wattage when it came to Lily. Then he turned to face her. “How does what compare?” he asked, confused.

The lack of his familiar smile was a little disheartening and Lily had to remind herself that, like her, he was working and so had to act accordingly, it wasn’t personal. “This compared to a usual evening’s work,” she clarified with a glance to their surroundings.

Charlie shrugged one shoulder. "Sort of hard to tell. They're so different, it's um...whatever that saying is. Apples and oranges?" he suggested, not sure if he got it right or not, but he thought he might have. "This is technically easier, but at least at the Round, I talk to people. Really the only people who've talked to me tonight are Rachel and Vera." Who he didn't quite want to talk about. At least, not here and now. "Are you having a good time?" he asked.

“I think that’s it yeah,” she replied, her smile softening a little. She tried not to let the fact that Vera had been talking to him bother her, after all it wasn’t as if Charlie had a whole lot of people to talk to, but she still had some misgivings about her room mate’s intentions toward him. She pushed those aside for the time being though and nodded at his question. “It’s a nice change to the usual sort of functions I go to,” she told him. “And Mr Winthrop is a sweetheart as far as my clients go.”

Charlie could have done without the word 'sweetheart', but didn't comment on it, instead nodding. "Well, that's good then." he said, not sure how else to comment on it. "Um, you got anything going on tomorrow?" he asked. "Sorta...need to talk to you about a few things." he said, rubbing slightly at the back of his neck.

“No, I’m free all day,” Lily replied, unable to stop herself from frowning at how uncomfortable he seemed. “Are you alright?” she asked, not caring now who saw as she took his hand in hers. She might not have had any experience on the relationship front but she knew enough to realise that whatever he wanted to talk about was probably not going to be enjoyable.

"Fine." he told her, not really wanting her to worry. That hadn't been his intention. And if he were slightly better at covering his awkward tendencies then he wouldn't have concerned her, but he wasn't. He jumped a touch when she took his hand, something he hadn't been expecting in their current surroundings. He gave hers a squeeze then let go, not wanting her to get into trouble with her date. "Don't worry. It's not anything to be concerned about right now, okay?" he tried to reassure her.

Feeling unconvinced, not to mention disappointed when he let go of her hand, she closed her eyes for a moment as she got hold of herself, resolutely ignoring the way her heart was thundering in her chest. “Okay Charlie,” she replied, opening her eyes to look at him. “Did you want to come over my place or shall I come to you?”

"My place." he said. Since he actually had a decent one now, apparently. And she was the only one who knew where it was. He didn't want to go to her place, Vera might be there. "Whenever before six, I have to be at the Round to work in the evening. But any time before then, I'll be there." He paused. "You look beautiful, by the way." he told her, because he couldn't not. He lowered his voice when he said it, so no one would overhear, but it needed to be put out there.

“Okay, I’ll be there,” Lily said, glad that whatever they were going to talk about wasn’t going to run the risk of having and audience. Her smile returned though at his compliment and while she didn’t blush, her head did duck the smallest amount; Charlie’s opinion of her always seeming to have more weight that what other people thought. “Thank you,” she replied, fingers spreading across the pale blue fabric of her dress; it wasn’t a colour she wore often but Emily had encouraged her to buy it and she was glad she had given how well it had been received. “You’re looking pretty darn sharp yourself,” she told him, the suit he wore fitted him wonderfully and she couldn’t deny how handsome he looked in it even if he didn’t look like her Charlie in it.

He did color slightly. "I still feel like a dressed up monkey." he admitted. "But thanks." It was nice coming from her. He'd take it. "Now go on...you don't wanna get in trouble with your date." he said, giving her a smile. It was the best he could manage there, again, not quite his normal one, but present and genuine none the less.

Reluctant as she was to go, she did have a client to get back to and her smile faded a little. “See, you’re a natural at this,” she told him and, mindful to see if anyone was watching them, she pressed a kiss to her gloved fingertips and touched them to Charlie’s lips. “I’ll speak to you tomorrow.” And with that she made her way back to Mr Winthrop, it taking all her resolve to not look back at Charlie stood there, work smile on her face as she returned to her client’s side.

Danny hated much in the world, but nothing as much as this moment. Though it was likely to be trumped by the next moment. He hated his dress blues, feeling like they were more fitting for a funeral rather than just some stupid gala, but with his name in the papers he was informed he needed to be at this thing. He’d brought Janey, but for the moment she was speaking with someone from the church leaving Danny off to the side, grumbling to himself. “Stupid public relations bullshit.”

Rachel was loitering on the other side of the pillar, waiting for Robert to return with some more champagne but he’d been roped into a conversation by some older woman and Rachel was left waiting. It was okay though, she didn’t mind. She was tired of smiling her brightest for the moment. Tucking a curl behind her ear she leaned over a bit when she heard the swearing. “Public relations involve watching your language too, I think.” She didn’t recognize who it was, never having seen Danny so cleaned up.

“I’m here that’s enough,” Danny answered before looking over. He was used to women dolled up, but not like that and not her. Frowning, because that was his natural reaction to things, he looked at her suspiciously. It wasn’t like she’d been far from his mind. That note of hers had seen to that. Really it hadn’t been necessary, nor had he been able to explain it to those who asked.

Rachel’s own surprise was disguised well enough and she gave him a sly smile, unable to help herself. “Always so grouchy,” she chuckled with a shake of her blond head. “Aren’t you ever happy?”

“Yes, but not dressed like this or at such an event.” He stared at her, hating the way she smiled at him when just a few days before she’d been acting like she wanted to slap him. “I got your note.”

“Mmmm, I’m having a hard time picturing it,” she said, grabbing a hour’devour off a passing tray, popping it in her mouth. God she was starving and she was feeling a bit like a pig with all the food grabbing but it wasn’t like she was doing it during the brief conversation with the mayor. “Did you now?” she continued after swallowing. “I really meant it. You didn’t have to go so far out of your way to win back some brownie points but what can I say? I have a thing for gallantry when it isn’t telling me what to do with my life. You know, trusting me to make my own decisions, yada yada.”

“I look the same if that helps,” Danny said frowning again. He took a sip of his drink while she ate, amused that she was so okay with that sort of thing. He’d guessed a woman like her didn’t eat in front of anyone. Or eat much at all. “I didn’t do it for you,” he pointed out, shaking his head. “It’s not my fault that you keep making poor choices.”

“Oh like being a cop is a walk through the roses,” she shot back. She was tired of being lectured about it and her tone held a ‘don’t start’ quality to it. “So they sent you in because your name is in the papers now, huh? Are you getting a shiny medal to go along with that? Because I thought they would’ve thrown you your own party.”

The slightest bit of Danny’s frown faded, wondering if it was just him or if someone else had informed her of her poor life choices. “Apparently it looks good to have me here since now I’m a recognizable face.” At her second question he scowled and took a gulp of his drink. “Don’t want it even if they’d try and give it to me. Hopefully they aren’t that stupid.

She chuckled and leaned against the pillar, watching his nerves rise up at the prospect of a ball thrown in his owner. “Ooooh, I don’t know. This city loves its excuses to throw a good party.”

“It wasn’t that big of a take down. Sure I brought him in, but we got a tip.” From him. Danny should have shot Martens when he’d had a chance. He agreed with the man about that. It was a shame he hadn’t had a reason.

“Still, that man sure killed a lot of people.” A shadow passed over her face as she recalled the carnage of Fontaine Park. Unnecessary, inexcusable, horrific carnage and she took a hefty swallow from her glass. “So you’re here with your wife?”

“And if we’d caught him sooner he would have killed less,” Danny pointed out, scowl back in place. At mention of Janey he looked up for her, but didn’t see her. “I am, she’s talking to church people.”

“Exciting,” she said but didn’t sound like she meant it. And Rachel sort of didn’t. “I’d ask you for a dance but I’m here with a date and you have your wife. Can I grab a rain check with the hero of Eidolon City?” She gave him a coy smirk, hand on her hip.

“You’re here with a date?” Danny asked instantly curious and looking around for someone to come and punch him for chatting up his date. “A rain...I thought you didn’t like me.”

Rachel didn’t answer him immediately, watching as he looked around and she gestured over to Robert speaking with some of the higher ups. “The assistant DA. He’s very nice. Popular too. And as for not liking you... well, liking someone is such a fluid thing. I know it’s just because you care.” It was delightful, teasing him like this, wondering what buttons she’d push, if she’d ever get anything more than scowling out of him. “You know, I’m free tomorrow night.”

“You’re here with him?” Danny asked making a face. He knew Robert, given that their job’s crossed, but he didn’t strike Danny as the dating type. “A civil servant...” He didn’t finish the thought because it led to thinking about just what Robert and Rachel were up to, which Danny didn’t want to think about. “I never said I cared...Tomorrow night?” What the hell was she suggesting?

“He’s really nice,” Rachel defended. “Besides, I figure he’s a better choice than who I was last dating, right? And yes. Tomorrow night. Maybe we could meet up for another game of pool.” Because it wasn’t like he was married or anything, more like Rachel didn’t particularly care and was curious to see if he’d show up.

“Never said he wasn’t,” Danny said, scowling at her mentioning the other date. “Meet up...you’re joking right?”

Rachel shook her head. “What, two acquaintances can’t meet up for a game of pool?”

“When did we become the the type of acquaintances that met up for pool?” he asked. She couldn’t stand him half the time and then there was the issue of being married. Since that put a damper on her asking him out. “And what would Robert think?”

Another shrug. “We’re not dating or anything.” Which was true. “Just friends and we were both going so we came together.” She wasn’t going to say he was a client. If memory served it was against protocol. “Besides, our last game got interrupted. Just throwing that out there.”

That made more sense about Robert, though Danny kept that thought to himself. “It did..” he started trailing off. “Maybe.” He should have just said no, but it was tempting especially with her in that dress.

The answer caught her by surprise and it showed this time. She really hadn’t expected a maybe, let alone a yes but there it was. “Well, I’ll be at that bar around... seven. It shouldn’t be crowded. I heard there’s a casino opening tomorrow.”

“Just what we need,” Danny grumbled about the casino, but nodded. “We’ll see if I’m not busy protecting the city and all.” Which he might be. Or he might just go home that night and not go to the bar. That wasn’t likely, but meeting up with some woman was probably a bad idea as well.

Rachel made a humming sound and noticed Robert starting to pull away from the group. “I hope to see you then,” she said with a wink, letting him know that she wasn’t going to expect him all things considered and she left, leaving him with a view of her bare back and the scalloped edge of her dress.

Nico adjusted his suit as he walked into the room, pulling the cuff of his white shirt down slightly, ensuring the silver cufflinks were sitting correctly. It was an absent gesture as he scanned the room, seeing who was already here. Seeing what crowd an event like this would attract - they wouldn’t be the same old same old, that was for certain. Not with it’s door policy - a door policy which had worked in his favour. His ticket had cost him far less than the suit he was wearing would have suggested.

Cordelia had been at the gala for some time and she was on her third drink, though sipping it to seem like she was still somewhere along the lines of her first. But seeing Nico there had her fires fueling. Not to mention that she was told he was going to be blonde by now and although he wasn't, which was a relief, but him being family was more than enough to approach him. "Nico, dear...Could I have a word?"

Nico looked round as he heard his name called, and he tried not to show his feelings as he saw that it was his aunt who had pulled him up - but he’d never been very good at dissembling. Instead, he, after a moment, smiled instead - it was easier to be cheery that to pretend he didn’t care, after all. “Aunt Cordelia - how are you?” he asked her.

"I am doing just fine, thank you for asking Nico." She gave him a sweet smile, something that covered the fact that she was displeased. "...But I seem to be hearing something that apparently is not true. I believe I was supposed to see you as a blonde, was I not?"

Nico lifted an eyebrow. “Aunt Cordelia - could you really imagine me as a blonde?” he asked, joking. It wasn’t like he could successfully pretend that he had no idea what she was going on about. He was an absolutely awful liar. A joker, however, that he could easily be.

"...I can and I abhor it. So if your being a blonde is false, would you be able to tell me that you being a wandering minstrel is also false?" She asked, sipping at the drink in her hand. She needed more, many more of these, but the goal was to sip them slowly so she could keep pretending she'd only had two.

“I haven’t given up the apartment, if that’s what you mean,” Nico said, playing dumb. It seemed that Max had followed through with his threats of spinning Cordelia a line, something which greatly amused Nico. Then again, it didn’t take much to amuse Nico, who tended not to take life too seriously at the best of times. “I’m a musician, so I suppose that by definition, that could make me a minstrel. Wandering? Less so - though I do enjoy a good walk.”

Cordelia sighed, shaking her head a little as he spoke, although she was relieved to hear that the apartment was still in order. "Nico, I don't know why you insist on playing in those...other venues in town when you are so talented. I know so many people who would love to hire you for their events. Why don't you let me arrange something for you?"

Nico sighed, knowing he was about to have to rehash an argument he’d put forward many times before. “If I’m that talented, Aunt Cordelia - I shouldn’t and won’t have to rely purely upon familial connections to make my way. Those ‘other venues’ are validation of what I can do, rather than anything else. And, anyway, if it makes you happy, I’ve just taken a repeat job in a place run by a Hagel,” he told her, keeping the information at a minimum, so she couldn’t pick holes as easily.

Cordelia was used to this argument and was relentless when it came to trying to get her point across, but this time he had something she didn’t expect him to. A Hagel. Interesting. Certainly within familiar obligations where she saw it, considering the Hagels were basically owned by them. It made sense for her when she really thought about it. Most of the Hagels were good for nothing where Cordelia was concerned, but if one was going to pay Nico to play, she was almost certain he was playing somewhere reputable. “Well then, that’s another story entirely. Tell me more about this job, I’m curious.”

Of course she was curious, Nico hadn't expected anything less. The question really was whether he was willing to assuage her curiosity. In his opinion, after all, she had no real business in his affairs. None of the family did. And yet still she was forever after him, interfering (or trying to at least) in the life he was carving out for himself. “I’m sure you’ll hear about it, soon enough,” he answered her, tempering the response with a smile to prevent it from seeming too impertinent and rude. “I know you have your sources, after all.”

Cordelia gave him a little smile, though the amusement wasn't there. "Yes, I do have sources, Nico, but wouldn't it be nicer for you to tell me yourself? I am genuinely interested in your achievement. I would appreciate you telling me a little more about it. Why do you wish to keep your poor, curious aunt in the dark about something like this?"

Nico could tell she wasn’t amused. And, right now, neither was he. The smile fell off his face as he looked up at her - it seemed pretty much everyone was taller than him, but normally it didn’t bother him. He carried himself well enough that actual height seemed to rarely matter. “Really - because since the family has made it perfectly plain that they do not approve of my chosen path, it is, quite frankly, Aunt, none of your business,” he told her, anger flashing for a moment behind his eyes.

Cordelia was stunned, purely, when his anger kicked up and she was left staring at him in disbelief. She glanced around them, relieved to see that the nearest person was far enough away that they wouldn't hear. Stepping a little closer, she kept her voice hushed as she spoke, turning her eyes to his own. "That is no way to speak to family, Nico," She said through clenched teeth. "You were raised better than that, where is your respect? How devastating it is to hear that you feel that way when all we've ever done is in your best interest. I suggest you dig down, find your manners, and use them rather than act like an ungrateful child."

“Sorry,” Nico said, not sounding at all apologetic. “I left them at my father’s house, along with my respect. Since we disagree as to what’s in my ‘best interest’ and have no respect for me and my ability to make my own decisions about what’s best for me, I saw no reason to take them with me.” Which was far from the truth: normally Nico was polite and respectful, if a little more prone to joking than most, but the easy way he had with the younger members of his family did not stretch to the older generation - the ones who he saw as manipulating and controlling the direction of everyone, interfering in their lives and forcing them to walk a path, whether they really wanted to or not.

"You had better go retrieve them, Nico." Cordelia could not believe what she was hearing. He was brazenly stepping all over their family, in her opinion. Here he was, being ungrateful and rude, and it was not something Cordelia was very fond of. "For someone fortunate enough to have what you have, you surely don't act very grateful." Cordelia had never been enchanted by Nico's nature; his carefree attitude had always sort of rubbed her the wrong way and even now her annoyance was growing. "You need to grow up. Family is the most important thing in this life, you should treat it as such."

“For you, Aunt Cordelia,” Nico corrected, reigning his temper in again. Its flashes never lasted for long. “Family is the most important thing in life, for you. I know it may be hard for you to understand, but some of us have different priorities.” He still refused to apologise for his life choices - he saw no reason why he should - and he owed his family nothing, after all, they’d given him nothing that he’d actually ever wanted. But still, they had, in fact, raised him better than to argue in this kind of a public setting.

Cordelia glanced around again and straightened her back once more, taking a too long sip of her drink, one that emptied her glass. She was satisfied that she felt she'd won the disagreement and glad it was over, if only because they were in public. "One day you will understand, Nico. I can only hope you do sooner rather than later."

Nico sincerely hoped that would never be the case. He never wanted to understand, not his family. “I wouldn’t hold your breath, Aunt Cordelia. I do wish you a pleasant evening though,” he told her, taking a step away. It would be best for both of them that this meeting be kept short.

Taking a breath, Cordelia knew that as soon as he left, she would replenish her drink and try to salvage what was left of the night. "You as well, Nico," She said, giving him a little nod before she took a step to the side, towards the refreshments.

As the night wore on, the different edges and alcoves of the park grew darker, despite the lights hanging here and there. All it took was a matter of time and patience, not Alexi’s favorite things, but there was plenty of walking around to do which meant he didn’t have to stay in the same place while he waited.

His eyes had been on her from the moment she’d arrived. It was impossible not to, even with Annaliese providing a happy distraction. He hadn’t planned on getting his hands on her, not like this at least, but the comment from her mother, leaving him wondering if Olesya knew and the icing on the cake was the fact that she’d been dancing with Pretty Boy. That was a little to close to home. He didn’t like them out there being a perfect couple.

Still, the chance was there and Alexi to it, hand around Tatiana’s arm as he pulled her into the dark corner, out of sight of the rest of the party. “C’mere you,” he breathed, voice low enough for only her to hear it.

Dancing with Nathaniel had been pleasant; it had been so long since she’d been dancing and she’d twirled along the floor laughing and smiling in delight before the two of them broke away for other endeavours and flushed and breathless, Tatiana had been making her way for some needed refreshment when she was quickly escorted into an area that was very much not the bar. And then Alexi’s features came into clarity and that stupid, stupid voice saying those stupid words and for the moment she couldn’t say anything. This was far from the first time this had happened but each time it made her head spin for some silly, inexplicable reason. “Alexi,” she said, still breathless. Let him think it was because of him.

That got her a smile, his hand going to her chin to run his thumb along it. “You look stunning. Though I would have rathered green over the black.” This was normal, him cornering her in dark moments, though nothing usually happened. It was just to shake things up. He’d had enough to drink though, hair disheveled again, tie gone, lost somewhere, first few buttons of his shirt undone, that maybe this once it would be more than stealing the moment.

Her bright blue eyes narrowed as he ran his thumb along her skin and she tilted her head down and nipped at it. It was a game, keeping him tied in like this, giving her attention when she could benefit from it. It wasn’t that she was using him per say... but she really didn’t like to think that could be more than just stolen moments and secret friendships that they both probably inexplicably (always inexplicably) benefited from. “I’m wearing green tomorrow, actually. Are you coming?” The casino opening would be her first day out of mourning clothes. Her mother she was not.

The nip got a playful smile out of Alexi, reaching for her slightly. “Are you now? That will be a sight.” His smile looked more impish now, teasing almost. “Apparently you’re mother thinks you should spend more time with your peers. She even thinks you might be happy to see me there.”

Tatia allowed him to pull her closer and she went with it, hands going to his shoulders as she shook her long garnet hair back over her shoulder. “Does she?” she queried with an arch of her brow. Well, given the lesson she had earlier, she somehow wasn’t surprised that her mother wanted her to get back into the swing of things. “Happy to see you? Really? But I hardly know you.”

Alexi ran his knuckle along her her chin again, then down her throat. “She worries you spend too much time with your elders.” And she scared the hell out of Alexi when she suggested it. “I told her you might not even remember who I am.”

The motion tickled and she shifted a bit against him and started to play with the ends of his hair in retaliation, her fingertips brushing the back of his neck. Her mother didn’t know what went on with the two of them, that they already knew one another fairly well. “I probably have lately,” she admitted. “What? So she’s deeming you a good influence?” Where would the fun in that be?

Her hand in his hair got the slightest of sighs out of him, eyes fluttering for a second before he smiled, something less trouble and more just for her. “I think she likes my father, which might be because he doesn’t talk back much. I doubt she’d continue to think that after spending some more time with me.”

He had a point. While Olesya valued intelligent conversation, her softer side did get the better of her. “Are you planning on spending afternoon tea with her?”

“With your mother?” Alexi asked, voice surprised. “No. I’d rather not. She scares the hell out of me. I think she petted me earlier. It was all motherly.” The woman was straight up nuts and often he wondered how Tatiana was her daughter.

The redhead pursed her lips and leaned back against the wall, still playing with his hair. “She’s just worried about you. She worries about everyone, you know.” She was sure she’d mentioned it in some earlier conversation and her tone implied that anything to the contrary he had to say would have sweet and responsive Tatiana floating away.

Alexi leaned over her more, touching her chin again, watching her eyes. “She doesn’t need to worry about me. I do fine.” He was sure of that, that he did fine. with everything he did fine.

“What about if I worried about you?” Tatiana asked curiously, eyes closing slightly at the touch. This is what it was like between them, strange teasings and touches but never anything more. It was like there was a skin hunger between the two of them, a lazy need that was easily fulfilled.

His voice dropped lower, even more of a whisper than before. “I’d wonder why on earth you’d do such a thing,” he told her.

She shivered. Tatia couldn’t help it and she tugged him just a touch closer. “Maybe because I like the attention and I’d miss it if you were distracted by other things.”

He went where she tugged, smiling as he did. “What about the past six years hasn’t shown that I’d ever be distracted by anything when it came to you?” He dropped things for her all the time, thankful she didn’t ask much of him or he’d be a mess.

A shrug. “Don’t tell me. You thought my mother might approve of... us.” Had it been thought about before? Yes. She’d thought about what it would be like to court Alexi Cusik but all she could think about was that gym and how he always spent his time there and probably wouldn’t like her dragging him to go shopping. She was a simple girl after all.

“I wouldn’t go that far. She might approve of me being around, talking to you at social functions, but I highly doubt she’d want me besmirching her daughter’s good name. Tainting her reputation.” Which was something he’d actually done years before.

Her own thoughts were on a similar path as his and she leaned in to brush her mouth against his in a brief caress before pulling back. She could taste the alcohol and she was wondering how much he’d had. “She just doesn’t want me making a fool of myself. Don’t know how you’d help with that.”

She wasn’t getting away with just that light kiss, not with the tease of everything. Alexi pushed forward, kissing her a little harder than she did him, but still not too much, just a kiss. “Help at keeping you from making a fool of yourself?”

The kiss got a little sigh from her and she nodded but didn’t move to kiss him back. “Mhmm. Considering you’re constantly making a fool of your own self. Jabbing about like a jackrabbit.”

“Possibly, but the problem is, I don’t really care what they think. I’d rather them not think of me as something they can control.” Alexi smiled touching her chin again. “I’m looking forward to seeing how you play tomorrow, if you’ll know me or not.”

Gently untangling her hands from his hair, Tatiana slipped from his arms, giving him a view of the long, bare expanse of her back revealed by the cut of her dress. Looking at him over her shoulder, she fixed her hair and gave him a distant sort of look as she was contemplating it. “We’ll see. Either way it’ll be fun, won’t it? I might show you my new room.” She, in all actuality, probably wouldn’t but it didn’t hurt to throw that hope out there, right?

She was doing something wrong in showing off that back, not with him so close. Reaching out for her he pulled her back into his chest, ducking his head to kiss the bare skin there. “I’m looking forward to that.” He doubted he’d actually see it, but he was curious none the less.

What was it about him that had her giving him more freedom than she usually did to men. His arms around her waist were different than they were those six years ago, his chest broader, his lips hotter against her skin and she shut her eyes for a moment, basking in the attention.

“I could see it now,” he suggested, knowing he’d get shut down almost instantly, but sometimes it was fun to test it. Plus he’d had enough to drink to be daring. He had her back here didn’t he? It wasn’t something he indulged in regularly, but it wasn’t always such an ideal situation for it.

The way Tatiana’s head was going, she was really quite prepared to leave then and there, all sense dribbling out of her ears until she remembered her mother. She’d come with her mother and would leave with her mother. With effort, she pulled herself out of his arms again, breaking the spell but he was fortunate enough that it wasn’t with a slap. “Tomorrow I’ll wear something easier,” she said primly, just to twist the knife a bit.

That got her a dirty look, something frustrated. “We’ll be watched even more closely and you know it. You’ll just be trying to torture me.”

She shrugged her shoulder and fixed her hair again. “I’ll see you tomorrow night, Mr. Cusik. It was lovely speaking with you.” A slight bow of her head and she was the perfectly made up princess once more, heading back into the crowd, hoping that she looked perfectly fine.