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+---- Thread: [ME] blood and chocolate (/showthread.php?tid=10688)
RE: blood and chocolate - Fox - 02-13-2025
Having procured a drink for himself and Kiada, Fox is just handing the harpy her own when the butcher makes his appearance. Despite himself, the hunter still instinctively stiffens at the sight of him - Asta had been perfectly pleasant to him when they'd met, of course, but that just makes him feel more suspicious now that he's had time to reflect on it - and fights to shove down that response behind a large gulp of liquor.
Murmuring something along the lines of surprise! alongside everyone else, it's as he (almost desperately) lets his gaze dance across the rest of the room that he spots Deimos slinking in, almost with relief. [say]"Shall we go and say hello?"[/say] he asks softly, already peeling himself away from Kia to head towards the Sword. [say]"I didn't realise you knew the birthday boy,"[/say] he quips to him in a low voice. [say]"It's good to see you."[/say]
RE: blood and chocolate - Jack - 02-13-2025
Having been busily procuring himself a glass of liquor, Jack leans down just a fraction to hear Flora's words properly, setting a catlike smile curling across his lips. [say]"Couldn't let you steal all the spotlight, love,"[/say] he purrs. [say]"And maybe we can. Let me get a little more drunk at least before you start manhandling me though, mm?"[/say] Tipping her a wink and straightening back up to allow her to slink over to Astaroth, the captain raises his glass in a brief toast before shooting the liquor back and pouring himself another.
He recognises a few faces and even more minds as they crowd into the Dusklight, lubricated by booze and drugs and each other, and Jack takes himself off to sit in one of the booths to watch proceedings, his finger tapping gently against the side of his glass. He certainly realises that the vast majority of Flora's ex lovers are present, but if it bothers him he doesn't show it. Still, he's interested to watch the interaction between the Doubletake and the two Ancients play out.
RE: blood and chocolate - Everest - 02-13-2025
Everest welcomed Isla into his arms, his hands smoothing over the familiar curves of her waist as he brushed the smallest errant curl away from her pebble blue eyes. His gaze, bright and intent, softened as he beamed down at her, something warm and unguarded slipping into his expression. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss against her forehead; soft, tender, something unspoken he'd hope would weave between them even as the murmur of the party rippled around them, hoping for that brief moment, he might make her feel like she was the only thing in his world.
Then, a shift in energy—a wave of greeting, a call of surprise!, a flurry of movement—signalled the arrival of Astaroth. Ever turned slightly, offering a polite smile toward the guest of honour despite not knowing him. It was Danta, standing near the entrance with his signature flair, who briefly caught Ever’s attention if only because of their time spent together in the brothel. But that felt like a lifetime ago, and quickly his focus returned, inevitably, to Isla.
[say]"I flew in this afternoon,"[/say] he answered, his voice pitched just for her as he tucked her against his side. [say]"Once I heard about Asta’s party—and that you had received an invitation—I offered to pilot the first skyship heading this way."[/say] His fingers traced absent patterns against the small of her back as if to reacquaint himself with the feel of her. [say]"I hope you don’t mind,"[/say] he added quickly. [say]"But I couldn’t go another day without seeing you. And since I didn’t want to interrupt your work, this seemed like the perfect opportunity."[/say]
RE: blood and chocolate - Kiada - 02-13-2025
“[say]Then I guess it’s a good thing I like to surprise you in private, hmm?[/say]” Comes the low and playful tease, one that she punctuates with a wink before withdrawing and flashing him a vibrant smile. It’s precisely the time she notices the others in attendance, spotting Deimos with that wide happy grin on her face and Charlie, whom she isn’t sure whether or not Fox has met yet. Perhaps later, given the birthday boy arrives soon after, and it’s her shout of surprise! that drowns out the murmur of Fox’s, she does note that he’s gone relatively quiet and almost… nervous?
Not entirely sure why, she moves easily as he peels away from her, joining her fiancé if only to slightly interrupt and wind her arms around Deimos in a tight hug. “[say]Hey, you didn’t say you’d be dropping by down here.[/say]” She almost sounds upset about it – but Deimos and Fox would both know she's only joking.
RE: blood and chocolate - Deimos - 02-14-2025
The efforts of shouting ‘surprise’ contorted and rippled through, and he murmured his own with nods of his head towards Dantalion and Astaroth specifically, before once more pretending he wasn’t there. The attentions of Fox and Kiada kept him from disappearing altogether, and he mustered a small smile as they closed in, finding some semblance of relief in his own chest – perhaps because at least they were safe here, and no one seemed to be constantly on guard, as it was in Halo.
[say]“I was not planning on it,”[/say] he informed Kiada at first, unfolding the origami frog laden in his pocket, as if justifying the reason with something she likely recognized from Danta’s latest talents. [say]“And I do – mostly from incidental meetings here and there.” [/say]Taking a long breath and trying to exhale all the trepidation settling in, he tilted his head and glanced at both Ancients. [say]“Good to see you too, regardless of occasions. Do you have plans for LongNight?”[/say]
RE: blood and chocolate - Astaroth - 02-15-2025
The variety of surprise!s that ring through the Dusklight, admittedly make him want to wither away on the spot. But he plays it off well, his grin widening as he offers the scarf and coat to the Maverick as he’s gestured to go and enjoy himself amongst those in attendance. Snorting, he only gets so far before Charlie’s dart! occurs and she’s suspended in front of him, the warmth of her lips against his cheek a surprisingly welcome sensation that has him chuckling, reaching forward to cup her cheek in a gentle squeeze. “[say]Thank you, darling.[/say]” He hums, before his attention flits toward Flora next.
He does accept the hug, unsurprisingly – such a select few that he willingly will allow to touch him being in this very room, one might get the assumption it’s normal and not as big of a thing as it is. “[say]Flora, darling, your dress![/say]” His grin widens, because he does realize it’s the one he’d had made for her, sent back to him in shreds. Evidently they’d kept the schematics of it, and she does look every inch as stunning as he had hoped. “[say]You look just as beautiful as I thought you would.[/say]” Perhaps a touch of gushing over the dress before she presses the gift into his hands. Taking it, he opens it, spying the ruby within and the horns that perfectly matched the very ones he boasts. “[say]Thank you, my dear, this is absolutely lovely.[/say]” Always great at giving gifts, the butcher almost seems a touch awkward with receiving them, but he plays it off quite well with the grin and the way he slips the gift out of the box and sets the box down to slip the boutonniere into the pocket of his waistcoat. “[say]What do you think?[/say]” He twists a touch to show off the glittering reflection of the gemstone from the multihued flames throughout the Dusklight before he settles, tail flicking behind him wholly content with the gift and Flora’s thoughtfulness.
Though she always had been thoughtful, as he mulls over the idea a moment longer, he dips his head a touch toward her and lets his sharp grin remain just as bright. “[say]If you’ll excuse me,[/say]” he evidently has quite a few more people to go and greet, as it turns out. Glancing back around, the butcher nods to all of the rest of those in attendance that seem a touch occupied with one another – thankfully so, because it gives him a moment to snatch a glass of his favorite drink (the chocolate martini, to be exact), and down the entirety of it to warm up his mental state for the surprise, taking a moment to situate himself before anyone else comes to greet him.
RE: blood and chocolate - Dantalion - 02-16-2025
Yes, but Danta isn't just anyone Astaroth, and he doesn't come so much to greet the butcher as he does to check on him. Having hung up his coat and scarf and drifted across the proceedings to ensure everyone is fed, watered and happy - and he tips a salacious wink to Flora and blows a kiss at Charlie for good measure, along with a grateful nod back at Deimos - he arrives at Asta's side just as he finishes knocking back an entire martini.
[say]"I find straight liquor is best for courage,"[/say] he purrs, resting a gentle hand against his lower back in a subtle display of affection. [say]"Happy Birthday,"[/say] he adds. [say]"One of my gifts to you is that I promise never to throw you a surprise party again. I can't say I won't throw you other parties, but you'll at least know about those."[/say] Winking, and pouring the other man a finger of whiskey, Danta grabs another drink for himself before stepping back.
[say]"I will leave you to your adoring audience,"[/say] he decides. [say]"Come and find me when you've made your rounds."[/say]
RE: blood and chocolate - Isla - 02-16-2025
Everest is successful and then some, Isla closing her eyes as she feels his lips press against her forehead and savouring what might be one of the last sweet moments they are able to have like this. Unconsciously she reaches out to let her fingers brush against the back of one of his hands, and as the party continues to shift and move around them after Astaroth's initial arrival, the Remedy relaxes enough to sit back and order the aviator a glass of wine.
[say]"I don't mind at all,"[/say] she tells him, her own voice pitched low as well as she melts against his side, her arm looping around him in turn to slip mischievous fingers into one of his back pockets. [say]"And it was as early as this afternoon? Whatever have you been doing with yourself until now?"[/say] It's so easy to slip back into their gentle banter, Isla thanking the barman for the new glass of wine and turning to offer it up to the aviator. [say]"I can confirm it's good,"[/say] she promises.
Glancing back towards the birthday boy to see him cowering taking some time to gather himself, the Remedy grins. [say]"I imagine you wouldn't be into a surprise party like this?"[/say] she asks Ever. [say]"You know, in case I ever throw you one."[/say]
RE: blood and chocolate - Fox - 02-16-2025
Fox hasn't met Charlie yet, but undoubtedly he will very soon given the part she's going to play in their impending nuptials. (In fact, the hunter really ought to make a point of visiting the Temple soon so that they can get aquainted, but that's a job for later). He's saved from Kiada's interrogation, both about the priestess and about his less than vibrant reaction to Astaroth's arrival, instead standing by to see the harpy wrap Deimos in a tight embrace.
[say]"Is that a frog...?"[/say] Not nearly as acquainted with Danta's methods of sending letters as Kia might be, Fox can't help but raise his eyebrows in confusion, glancing at a waiter as one approaches with a tray of drinks. Having already knocked back his liquor, he selects a beer from the tray and gestures to both harpy and Sword to ask if they also want one.
[say]"Incidental meetings, huh?"[/say] He can't help but grin at that. [say]"With a bit of chaos thrown in, I imagine? I don't think we have many plans for Longnight. We'll just hunker down until the sun comes back."[/say] Unless Kia has something in mind she hasn't told him about, that is.
RE: blood and chocolate - Everest - 02-16-2025
Everest hummed a note of approval at the feel of Isla melting against his side, his body instinctively curving toward her like a compass needle drawn north. He exhaled a quiet laugh as her fingers slipped into his back pocket, the ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips. [SAY]"Oh, you know,"[/say] he murmured, accepting the offered wine with a lingering brush of fingers against hers, [SAY]"—wandered around the market. I thought about stopping by the Dusklight first, but I wasn't in the mood to be propositioned by anyone I used to study with."[/say]
Lifting the glass, he swirled the deep red liquid absently before taking a sip, his eyes flicking over Isla’s face as if he were still convincing himself she was really here. [SAY]"You're right,”[/say] he said with a satisfied hum, tipping the rim of the glass toward her in acknowledgment. [SAY]"It is good."[/say] But not nearly as intoxicating as the scent of her, or the way her body fit against him like something fated, but not bad either.
Her question pulled his gaze toward the birthday boy, watching Astaroth endure the enthusiastic onslaught of well-wishers. Everest tilted his head, considering. [SAY]"No,.. I don’t think I’d be into this sort of thing,"[/say] he admitted, voice laced with a wry amusement. [SAY]"A surprise party for me would probably require a few more fake smiles than I have the capacity to give."[/say] He shrugged. [say]"Then again if you were the only one in attendance..."[/say] His fingers flexed at her hip, pressing her closer, and the glint in his eye suggested all the implications he left unsaid.
[SAY]"I'd be nothing but delighted."[/say] He added leaning in so his lips barely brushed the shell of her ear, his breath warm against her skin, and though he straightened a moment later, there was something satisfied in the way he rolled his shoulders; like the tension of the past weeks had finally begun to unravel. [SAY]"So tell me,"[/say] he continued, shifting to let his free hand stroke absently along the dip of her spine. [SAY]"How long do we have to stand here smiling at Asta before I can steal you away for something a little less… social?"[/say]
RE: blood and chocolate - Thalassa - 02-17-2025
She enters with the ease of someone uncaring whether she's late or not. Her motions are elegant and unhurried as she dips into the Dusklight, discretely glancing around as she removes her cloak to place it on a hook. The black chiffon of her gown whispers across the floor as she makes her way through the crowd, heels clipping softly. Her bodice is a mock corset with a plunging back. To show off the seductive dip of her spine, her dark wavy hair is pinned around her black horns with diamond gems, silver dangly earrings adorning her ears.
Having only just relocated to the Grounds, she was still getting to know some of the others, and she finds herself searching for names. She recognizes Kiada, sending her a 'friendly' smile that's starting to feel more natural before her expression shifts back into nonchalance. Her blue eyes shift over Flora, Dantalion, and the irritatingly familiar man (Deimos) with a small degree of interest.
Thal ignores them all as she spots the man of the hour lingering in a corner all alone (at least once Danta leaves him). She sidles up next to Astaroth, snagging a glass of whiskey as she whispers, [say]"If I'd known it was your birthday, I would have waited to give you that gift."[/say] Her eyes glitter under the slight raise of her eyebrow, playful and mischievous. [say]"Although I get the feeling you didn't want anyone to know."[/say] At least that's what it usually means when someone hides from all the partygoers. She takes a large swig of her drink, leaning against the counter as she surveys the party again.
RE: blood and chocolate - Flora - 02-17-2025
Flora beams at Astaroth 's reaction, practically preening as he acknowledges the effort she’d put into her outfit for the evening. She gives him a quick, affectionate squeeze before pulling back to watch him open his gift, her hands clasped behind her back, her weight shifting slightly onto her toes as if she can’t quite contain her anticipation. She knows it’s a little ridiculous, how much she wants him to like it, but their history is a tangled thing, and she’s not above putting too much weight on gestures like this; on getting it right as if that will somehow make up for the clumsiness of her actions in the past. But then Asta is tucking the ruby boutonniere into his waistcoat, its polished surface catching the flickering light in the Dusklight, and her lips curve into a smug, satisfied grin.
[say]"It looks perfect,"[/say] she says, reaching out to adjust it slightly before running her fingers down the lapel of his coat. [say]"But then again, you look good in everything."[/say] She hums, before finally stepping back and allowing him to escape the attention.
Now that her mission has been accomplished, she pivots smoothly toward the bar, ordering herself a drink before her gaze flicks toward Jack, seated comfortably in one of the booths with his glass in hand. The invitation is unspoken, but she hardly needs one—drink in hand, she saunters over. slides into his lap with effortless ease, as if she belongs there (which she does), and drapes her arm around his shoulders. [say]"You know,"[/say] she murmurs, tilting her head as she takes a slow sip of her drink. [say]"I think he's handling all this attention rather well."[/say] Raising her eyebrows a touch expectantly, Flora waits for the captain to give her the tea on how Asta is really feeling about it all.
RE: blood and chocolate - Astaroth - 02-18-2025
“[say]Ah, says you, darling. I believe we rival each other on that feat.[/say]” Astaroth murmurs to Flora as he takes his leave, flashing a bright smile that deepens the smile lines on his face before it fades a touch as he’s on his own at the bar, downing the martini. Dantalion ‘s voice is a welcome boon, one he relies on quite heavily as the warmth of his hand sparks against his lower back, his tail flicking contently as he looks over toward the Maverick. “[say]I did not wish it to be obvious.[/say]” He murmurs with a soft snort, but he watches as the whiskey is poured – liquid courage, as it were.
Nodding, the butcher flashes his lover an easier smile. “[say]I do appreciate being prepared, but… It is lovely, Danta. Thank you, darling.[/say]” He hums, reaching up to cup his cheek for a moment, briefly brushing his thumb across his jaw before he lets the Maverick withdraw. “[say]I will.[/say]” He confirms, before he watches Danta step away, only for someone else to take his place shortly after - Thalassa who is a welcome sight as he’s downing the whiskey Danta had poured.
Seeing the playful mischievous glint, the butcher hums a quiet laugh, nodding his head. “[say]This is, perhaps, the first time I have ever celebrated my birthday, admittedly.[/say]” Astaroth hums toward her, flashing her an easier smile as the alcohol burns against his stomach and makes his arms feel lighter. “[say]Not only that, but I feel particularly old this year.[/say]” He hums the soft laugh as he moves to pour himself a bit more whiskey, downing it swiftly, before plucking another chocolate martini to sip on to keep his buzz. “[say]It is lovely to see you, though, darling. Thank you for coming.[/say]”
RE: blood and chocolate - Isla - 02-20-2025
Laughing softly under her breath - even with how outgoing Everest has become (and that sends a pang of dark guilt through her to even consider that it might not be that way soon) she still finds it funny to imagine the Dusklight workers as his study buddies. [say]"That sounds like a wise decision,"[/say] she agrees, gently clinking her glass against his own once he's taken a sip and given his approval. [say]"I will take that as a real compliment, given that you used to work at The Hanged Man."[/say] He knows a good vintage better than she does, she thinks, though granted, Ever probably hadn't been tasting many of the wines when he'd worked there.
Raising her eyebrows at the suggestion of the sort of surprise party he might approve of - and with his fingers squeezing gently against her hip - Isla can already feel heat beginning to curl low in her belly with the implication. Purposely peeling herself away from the aviator, she nonetheless gives him a wicked smile. [say]"Let me go and officially say hello to him,"[/say] she says, [say]"if you want to arrange the less social setting for us?"[/say]
Blowing him a kiss, she saunters away to sidle up beside Astaroth where he's chatting to Thalassa, smiling to them both. [say]"Happy Birthday,"[/say] she chimes to the butcher. [say]"Sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to make sure I said hello before the party runs away with us."[/say] Nodding to Thal, she holds out her hand. [say]"I'm Isla,"[/say] she introduces herself.