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meet me in the middle - Flora - 01-17-2025
The chill in the Hollowed Grounds was a different beast entirely. Torchline’s winters were sharp with salt and sea spray, but here, the cold settled into your bones, damp and unrelenting. Flora tugged her fur-lined coat tighter as she navigated the winding streets of the Last Whisper. Her boots clicked smartly on the cobblestones, an unapologetic announcement of her arrival. The raven she’d sent earlier ensured that Danta would be expecting her; now it was just a matter of making an entrance. A smile tugged at Flora’s lips as she reached for the door. It never failed to amuse her how understated the place seemed from the outside. Like a shy debutante playing coy—until you stepped inside and found yourself enveloped in decadence.
Warmth and colour spilled over her as the door swung open. Plush reds and vibrant golds stretched across every inch of the space, from the opulent drapes framing the walls to the low, flattering glow of the lamps. Flora’s shoulders relaxed almost instantly, the chill of the outside world replaced by the Dusklight’s sultry embrace. Music hummed softly in the background, blending with the murmur of voices and clink of glasses.
[say]“Danta!”[/say] Flora called, her voice carrying just enough to turn a few heads as she made her way toward the bar. She moved with an easy confidence, tossing her golden curls over one shoulder as her jewelry caught the warm light. If anyone thought to question the queen of Torchline showing up unannounced, they’d find no room to voice it. She’d already claimed the room without breaking stride.
RE: meet me in the middle - Dantalion - 01-17-2025
[say]"Flora!"[/say] One cannot truly show up unannounced when sending a raven in advance, such that even if the rest of the Dusklight isn't expecting the Queen of Torchline's bejewelled entrance, its proprietor is not caught quite so off guard. Emerging from the Backrooms where he's been pretending at working in his office, the Maverick leans against the other side of the bar to welcome her to it.
Clad in a gauzy shirt of midnight blue with a neckline that plunges almost to his navel and a pair of leather pants tight enough that they might have been sprayed on, he reaches automatically for her hand with his own that he might kiss the back of it in welcome. [say]"Even Deepfrost can't keep you from glowing,"[/say] he purrs, a crooked smile on his face as he gestures to the shelf of liquor behind him.
[say]"Pick your poison,"[/say] he invites. [say]"I think we still have a few imports from your neck of the woods, if you want to feel properly at home. First we drink - then we get down to business."[/say]
RE: meet me in the middle - Flora - 01-18-2025
Flora’s grin widened as Danta emerged from the shadows of the Dusklight, effortlessly charming in that way only he could pull off. Midnight blue and leather—gods, did he always have to look like trouble incarnate? She didn’t miss the appreciative glances from other patrons as he leaned against the bar, and she was more than happy to bask in the glow of their shared spotlight. When he kissed her hand, Flora chuckled, the sound warm and easy. [say]"Oh you,"[/say] she teased, tilting her head and letting her curls fall artfully over one shoulder.
[say]"The Dusklight special,"[/say] she declared with a playful flourish, tapping a golden-ringed finger against the bar. [say]"I’ve had enough of Torchline’s finest. Impress me."[/say]
Grinning, Flora slid her hand into the folds of her coat and withdrew a small, folded piece of paper. Its edge bore the faint insignia of her thieves' guild, a subtle but unmistakable mark for those who knew how to look. She placed it on the bar and gave it a casual flick with her finger, sending it sliding toward him with practiced ease. [say]"No rush,"[/say] she said smoothly, leaning her chin into her hand. [say]"But when you’ve got a moment…"[/say] Her voice dipped into something softer, slyer, as her gaze flicked toward him. [say]"I thought maybe you and Asta could have some fun with this?"[/say] Her smile was the picture of innocence, but her eyes were alive with mischief. The paper detailed the movements of a certain hybrid who was known to have a certain necklace made of mageglass. While he was known to frequent Halo, that didn't mean there weren't hunting grounds that he seemed to favour in regions that would be a good deal more hospital for the Ancients.
RE: meet me in the middle - Dantalion - 01-19-2025
[say]"Impress you?"[/say] Danta's eyes widen playfully, the cold blue igniting with playfulness and challenge as he lets her hand drop, admiring for only a moment the glitter of rings on her fingers and the effortless tumble of her hair over one shoulder. [say]"I wasn't aware I'd be showing off those kinds of skills today."[/say] Leaving that innuendo in the air, Danta nonetheless turns to grab a martini glass and a few ingredients.
[say]"If the Dusklight has a special, it must change every day,"[/say] he says breezily; they are a brothel rather than a bar in earnest, after all. [say]"So I will give you my special."[/say] And as he turns back to her, setting down a richly coloured martini on the bar dusted with cocoa and garnished with a sprig of peppermint bark, he slides the square of paper away and into his back pocket as if it had never been there at all.
[say]"If you think it will be fun for the two of us, I have no doubt it will be a delight,"[/say] he says, chaotic anticipation in his tone, before he gestures to her drink. [say]"Asta's favourite,"[/say] he explains of the chocolate martini. [say]"I've become quite practiced at them, if I do say so myself."[/say]
RE: meet me in the middle - Flora - 01-19-2025
Flora’s aqua eyes glinted with amusement as Danta slid the paper away with all the nonchalance of a magician palming a card. [say]"Well, aren't you smooth,"[/say] she purred, her grin curling wider as she plucked the martini glass from the bar. Tilting it toward the warm light of the Dusklight’s lamps, she admired the rich hue of the drink and the delicate cocoa dusting before taking a careful sip.
Her lashes fluttered in mock reverence, and she sighed theatrically. [say]"Asta has impeccable taste,"[/say] Flora declared, setting the glass back down with a soft clink. [say]"But of course, we both knew that, didn’t we?"[/say] The queen’s smile turned sharp, teasing, as she leaned forward on her elbows, her golden rings catching the light as she gestured lazily toward the glass and then back to Danta. [say]"He would have a sweet tooth."[/say] With an affectionate roll of her eyes, Flora tilted her head, her curls brushing over one shoulder as she glanced meaningfully at one of the plush, shadowed seats nearby.
[say]"Come sit with me,"[/say] Flora murmured, her voice soft but laced with a teasing warmth. [say]"You know I don’t mind being the center of attention, but...what I actually came here to talk to you about isn't the sort of thing I want to shout across the bar."[/say]
RE: meet me in the middle - Dantalion - 01-20-2025
[say]"I learned from the best, you know,"[/say] Danta purrs in response, tipping Flora a wink in good measure as if to say that means you, babe. [say]"And discretion is one of our tenets, is it not? For the guild of the lost and found?"[/say] Mostly lost, mostly on purpose, mostly found in their pockets. Leaning casually against the bar and cocking his head to the side to watch the light play through the rich martini glass himself, his lips curl in a positively devilish smile at her approval.
[say]"Of course we did. Though I would say of the two of us, you are much more a chocolate martini than I."[/say] Sweet, decadent, beautiful and bewitching to look at, of course. [say]"And you've no idea, Flora. It's become something of a running joke, I think. I gave him some taffy at the festival to tease him, and he had the audacity to enjoy it."[/say]
Pouring himself a drink - dark, spiced rum mixed with ginger beer, by the look of it - and catching Flora's glance across to the much more private suite they might talk at, Danta inclines his head in dark, delighted agreement. [say]"Of course,"[/say] he says, sidling out from behind the bar to lead her over to the plush sofa behind a gathering of sheer silk curtains, sinking down onto it. [say]"Draw them, if you like,"[/say] he offers of the curtains.
RE: meet me in the middle - Flora - 01-21-2025
Flora chuckled, her grin widening at Danta’s effortless charm. [say]"Has your tongue always been that silver?"[/say] she quipped, a playful tilt of her head sending her curls bouncing over one shoulder. Her aqua eyes sparkled as she rose gracefully from her seat, martini glass in hand.
Trailing behind him as he led the way to the secluded sofa, Flora let her fingers drift lightly over the rich textures of the Dusklight’s décor—the silken curtains, the velvet upholstery, the faint hum of indulgence that seemed to cling to the air. [say]"Asta eating taffy,"[/say] she mused aloud, her voice soft with amusement. [say]"What a man."[/say] With enough comfortable distance between the love triangle they'd all found themselves in and how badly it went wrong, Flora felt free to joke about the butcher as she might anyone else she cared for.
As Danta sank into the plush sofa with all the practiced ease of someone who belonged in such decadence, Flora took the seat opposite him, the martini glass balanced delicately between her fingers. [say]"Oh, we’re drawing them,"[/say] she murmured, her tone a low purr as she reached out to pull the sheer silk curtains closed. The fabric whispered as it slid into place, muting the noise of the bar and casting their corner in a soft, intimate glow.
Settling back against the cushions, Flora crossed one leg over the other, the movement fluid and deliberate in an attempt to disguise the nervousness she felt. Taking another sip of her drink before opting to down it fully, she set the glass down, already feeling a scarlet blush begin to creep over her cheeks. [say]"I, uhm...well, there's a certain kind of sex toy I was interested in trying, and I'm sure you have one here. But..."[/say] Biting at the inside of her cheek, Flora's aqua gaze meets Danta's as she offers the Maverick a crooked smile, her hands fidgeting against one of the plush pillows. [say]"...I was also maybe hoping you could help me learn to use it?"[/say]
RE: meet me in the middle - Dantalion - 01-22-2025
[say]"It really hasn't,"[/say] Danta blurts with a laugh of his own as they get comfortable in the little space they've made for themselves, the curtains tumbling down around them to cut them off from the rest of the Dusklight. [say]"Or at least, it's never been so consistently silver. I fear being in the Grounds for so long with a proper job has tamed me somewhat."[/say] He wrinkles his nose and takes a sip of his drink, as if making a mental note to rectify that.
Setting his glass on the little table between the two sofas and stretching out a long leg to get comfortable, he tips her a wink at the (presumably) compliment directed towards the absent butcher. [say]"You're telling me,"[/say] he purrs, before it's apparently down to business, and the Maverick raises an eyebrow to note the blush creeping across the Doubletake's cheeks.
Sitting up but giving her time to get out all that she needs to say, it's dark delight on Danta's face rather than any sort of judgement, and he rests his elbows on his knees to lean forward and respond to her in a low voice unlikely to be overheard. [say]"What good is it having a friend in a brothel if you can't take advantage of these sorts of things?"[/say] He says, flashing her a fanged smile. [say]"Tell me everything."[/say]
RE: meet me in the middle - Flora - 01-22-2025
Flora wrinkled her nose, her grin turning impish as she waved a hand dismissively. [say]"You? Tamed? Yeah right,"[/say] she huffed, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees to mirror his posture. [say]"You’re like... a knife in a silk sheath. Soft on the outside, sharp enough to ruin someone’s day when it counts."[/say] Bouncing her brows, of course meaning it as a compliment, the Doubletake beams before she reaches for her glass again, forgetting that it was empty, before abandoning it and returning her gaze to Danta.
[say]"Well...I want to fuck my boyfriend,"[/say] she announces, before frowning. [say]"I mean...with a penis. Or...a strap-on, I guess. I don't want to have a penis."[/say] The clarification is clumsy, leaving Flora frowning down at her ringed fingers. [say]"And I'm sure I can get one here, but...I mean, how do I use it?"[/say] Obviously Flora had a good handle on the mechanics of sex, but she wasn't so naive as to think that when the tables were properly turned, there was probably more to playing the man's roll than met the eye.
[say]"I thought maybe...if I could borrow one and put it on, you could use your hand and I could...practice?"[/say] Her smile turned entirely crooked, red-painted lips pulling back from her teeth in a wobbly line of bashful embarrassment. Once, so very long ago, Flora had appeared topless before the Maverick only to have her advances turned away as being too playful. Since then he'd fucked bother her mother and soon-to-be step-father, and then she'd gone on a series of one-sided dates with his now-beau. Suffice it to say it was all a bit complicated, though by no means did Flora think this was the weirdest thing Danta had ever been asked.
RE: meet me in the middle - Dantalion - 01-22-2025
[say]"Say more things,"[/say] Danta says with a fiendish grin and a bounce of his eyebrows, clearly approving of her knife in a silk sheath analogy, if only because he can be both the knife and the sheath in the right circumstances. (Wink wonk). And, as it happens, what Flora goes on to discuss isn't far from his already filthy thoughts, the Maverick cocking his head to the side and nudging his own half-full drink towards her should she need some further Dutch courage.
Giving her the time and space to phrase it however she likes, evidently the only thing Danta finds wrong with her request is the last part, the Maverick snorting. [say]"Only my hand?"[/say] he says, as if she's deprived him of the best part of all of this. [say]"First of all, fuck yes Flora,"[/say] he congratulates her. [say]"And secondly, of course we've got the sort of thing you mean here. All shapes, all sizes. You can practice with any of the lovely staff as well, if you like, but I get the feeling there's a reason you came to ask me?"[/say]
Discretion, a personal touch, a prior history, etc. etc.
RE: meet me in the middle - Flora - 01-22-2025
[say]"Wh—"[/say] It hadn't occurred to the queen until just that moment, and then the following few seconds, that the best way to practice would be by, you know, practicing. [say]"We can't have sex."[/say] Right? Because they were both dating other people, other murdery people who just happened to be jealous control freaks? But...Blinking, Flora sits up a touch straighter before immediately reaching for the Maverick's drink and downing it in a swallow.
Pressing the back of her hand to her lips and inhaling sharply, Flora sets it back down. [say]"Well...I mean I came to you, because..."[/say] Because she couldn't have gone to Mateo, because she'd already failed at having sex with Asta once and moreso she very much doubted if he'd let her fuck him even as a favour, because things would get back to her brother if she practiced at Molly's, and because her parents ran the House of Midnight.
[say]"..I mean, who else?"[/say] Laughing nervously and desperately wanting the alcohol to begin to sing through her blood, Flora leans back against the couch. [say]"It's not...really cheating, if it's just practicing something, right?"[/say]
RE: meet me in the middle - Dantalion - 01-22-2025
[say]"We can't?"[/say] Danta cocks his head to the side. [say]"Asta and I have an agreement, given the differences in our respective libidos. As long as I keep it out of his face and I come back without a mark on me, he'll be fine. Granted, I probably would ask him outright because it's you..."[/say] He flashes her a wink, as if her notoriety in their lives ought to be something she's proud of. [say]"But I don't see a problem. Besides, you can't tell me you don't want to fuck me if only because it might finally shut me up?"[/say]
It won't, Flora - on the contrary - but you might just find that out first hand.
And who else, indeed? Grinning properly now, Danta sinks back into his seat and tugs the curtain aside just enough to gesture to the barman for more drinks, before pulling it back. [say]"That's between you and the good captain, Flora,"[/say] he purrs, shrugging to her honestly. [say]"But as far as I'm concerned, no it isn't. Bonus points if you blow his mind when you get back."[/say]
RE: meet me in the middle - Flora - 01-22-2025
[say]"Oh,"[/say] Flora said, her lips pursing as an approving grin tugged at the corners of her mouth. [say]"How very progressive of you two."[/say] She wrinkled her nose in mock offence, though the sparkle in her aqua eyes gave her away; of course the idea that they ever talked about her utterly delighted the queen. Rolling her eyes for effect, the movement abruptly stalled as her jaw dropped. [say]"Wh—Danta."[/say]
She hadn’t thought about fucking him—not like that, not seriously—not in a good long while. But now, with the opportunity dangling in front of her like forbidden fruit, it was all she could think about. The suggestion had lodged itself firmly in her brain, and the heat blooming across her cheeks wasn’t helping matters. Thank gods Jack wasn't here to call her out on the places her mind was suddenly going.
With a dramatic sigh, Flora let her head fall back against the couch, her curls spilling over the cushions as she flung her hands up before letting them drop into her lap. [say]"I could ask,"[/say] she said, her voice light and airy despite the very real weight behind her words. [say]"And I probably should. But I wanted it to be a surprise, you know? For his birthday."[/say] Her lips puckered into a slight pout, and she groaned softly, shaking her head.
[say]"If I ask, he’ll just say I should practice with him,"[/say] she went on, half talking to herself now, [say]"..and of course I could, but that would ruin the whole point. I just wanted it to be perfect."[/say] A breathy sigh escaped her, and she let her aqua eyes flick back to Danta, her grin laced with exasperation and amusement. [say]"You only get one chance to make that kind of first impression, y'know?"[/say]
RE: meet me in the middle - Dantalion - 01-22-2025
[say]"Flora,"[/say] Danta responds, his grin positively salacious by now as he considers the reality that might be unfolding before them. Of course they speak about the Doubletake, in public and behind closed doors, and though it has never gotten to the stage where they've openly discussed what it would be like to fuck her (Asta already has firsthand experience in that, granted), there's no denying her raw appeal.
Especially not when she's sitting right before him, lips painted red as fresh blood and with her curls falling so effortlessly around her shoulders. Especially not when she's talking about fucking him. [say]"A birthday present, too? Gods, you're putting my ideas to shame already,"[/say] he almost groans. [say]"Oh - speaking of which - before I forget, you and your captain are cordially invited to the surprise party I'm throwing Asta for his birthday later this season."[/say]
If they aren't too busy fucking by that point.
Humming out a long sigh and raising a hand to wave it at her, Danta shakes his head. [say]"Get that out of your mind already, okay? It will never be perfect. Aim for perfect and be disappointed. You just need to be comfortable in what you're doing, and confident about it. All we're doing is making sure you go into this knowing all the important stuff. And the most important part is that everyone cums away happy."[/say] He winks.