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[ Yes, Percival's definitely red. So, not nearly as unaffected as he'd seemed. Which makes Cain feel a lot calmer. His heart might be pounding in his ears and his mouth might still be tingling a little, but at least he's not the only one who's been so affected by the kiss.
The kiss.
He's only half joking as he asks: ]
So you do like them... You didn't do that just because of the clothes, right?
The kiss.
He's only half joking as he asks: ]
So you do like them... You didn't do that just because of the clothes, right?
[ This puts him in a situation of not knowing what to do, and the best course of action seems to be to not address it. It's new territory for someone who's usually so direct and blunt, so he's not very good at it. ]
What do your clothes have to do with anything?
[ What should he say next? Think of something. Anything. ]
They say a moonshower is starting soon.
What do your clothes have to do with anything?
[ What should he say next? Think of something. Anything. ]
They say a moonshower is starting soon.
[ That strikes Cain off guard. He pauses, staring, mouth working for a moment as he tries to connect the comment to what they were talking about.
It doesn't seem to have any apparent connection, so all he's left with as a response is: ]
—are you asking me to watch it with you?
It doesn't seem to have any apparent connection, so all he's left with as a response is: ]
—are you asking me to watch it with you?
You may, if you wish. This is supposed to be a good viewing spot.
[ Phew. Cain seems to be going along with the BS he just spouted. To be fair, there is supposed to be a moonshower soon, but that definitely isn't his reason for running away, and he doesn't even know when it's supposed to happen.
Also, this spot doesn't have a very good view of Thesa, seeing as the balcony is lined with trees. ]
[ Phew. Cain seems to be going along with the BS he just spouted. To be fair, there is supposed to be a moonshower soon, but that definitely isn't his reason for running away, and he doesn't even know when it's supposed to happen.
Also, this spot doesn't have a very good view of Thesa, seeing as the balcony is lined with trees. ]
[ Cain turns to look at the trees. The very tall, leafy trees through which only a bare sliver of anything resembling a moon or stars or moonshower can be seen.
Slowly, he turns back to Percival, keeping his face carefully blank. ]
Right. [ Clearly, he's on the right track here. ] Was it the skirt you just couldn't resist...?
[ Helpfully, he flashes a little leg. Surprise, the previous line of questioning hasn't been dropped at all! ]
Slowly, he turns back to Percival, keeping his face carefully blank. ]
Right. [ Clearly, he's on the right track here. ] Was it the skirt you just couldn't resist...?
[ Helpfully, he flashes a little leg. Surprise, the previous line of questioning hasn't been dropped at all! ]
[ He was almost excused. Truthfully, it bothers Percival to avoid the subject altogether, but it's difficult to explain himself when he doesn't fully understand it himself.
Cain isn't making it any easier, so while his face darkens, he turns away with a small huff, defeated. ]
Find someone else to pester. I've had a long night.
[ What does he do... ]
Cain isn't making it any easier, so while his face darkens, he turns away with a small huff, defeated. ]
Find someone else to pester. I've had a long night.
[ What does he do... ]
But we have to watch the moonshower together.
[ Since Percival's not looking, Cain takes his time studying Percival's back. He smiles at Percival's huffiness, fond, very amused. He's too curious to just let the subject drop, but he can still appreciate the way Percival's so terribly dishonest about his own feelings.
More gently, he leans against the railing beside Percival, nudging at Percival's elbow with his own. ]
[ Since Percival's not looking, Cain takes his time studying Percival's back. He smiles at Percival's huffiness, fond, very amused. He's too curious to just let the subject drop, but he can still appreciate the way Percival's so terribly dishonest about his own feelings.
More gently, he leans against the railing beside Percival, nudging at Percival's elbow with his own. ]
[ His intention was to take a few moments to gather his thoughts alone, but since that doesn't seem to be happening, Percival settles for a few moments of silence between them.
Finally, he looks over when Cain nudges him, relieved that Cain has dropped the act for now. Maybe he can even find amusement in all of this. Just a little. ]
This is a terrible spot for that. We should relocate.
Finally, he looks over when Cain nudges him, relieved that Cain has dropped the act for now. Maybe he can even find amusement in all of this. Just a little. ]
This is a terrible spot for that. We should relocate.
Mm, we should.
[ Because of the trees, yes, but Cain's not quite willing to let Percival get away with this so easily. His curiosity is still burning at him, not to be brushed aside so easily.
He's not going to let Percival forget the cause of this whole thing.
Cain tips his head back to look Percival in the eyes, impish. ]
I'm still a little chilly.
[ Because of the trees, yes, but Cain's not quite willing to let Percival get away with this so easily. His curiosity is still burning at him, not to be brushed aside so easily.
He's not going to let Percival forget the cause of this whole thing.
Cain tips his head back to look Percival in the eyes, impish. ]
I'm still a little chilly.
You already took my cloak, what more do you want? I refuse to be your servant and bring you a hot drink.
[ Besides, he has an inkling of what Cain is getting at, and if Percival can't give him a good explanation for his oddity tonight, the least he can do is oblige with this.
Besides, he wants to. It always comes back to this simple fact: he wants to be close to him.
He wraps one arm around Cain's waist, bringing him closer and then shifting so that Cain stands before him. Now, he can wrap both arms around him, looping them over his shoulders. ]
[ Besides, he has an inkling of what Cain is getting at, and if Percival can't give him a good explanation for his oddity tonight, the least he can do is oblige with this.
Besides, he wants to. It always comes back to this simple fact: he wants to be close to him.
He wraps one arm around Cain's waist, bringing him closer and then shifting so that Cain stands before him. Now, he can wrap both arms around him, looping them over his shoulders. ]
[ The atmosphere, the food, the finery, the dancing—Clair is enchanted with it all. She may have gone a little too hard on her first big gala in so long, though—she was just so excited to make new friends, mingle with old ones, and dance her heart out that she's worn herself out a little bit. All she needs is a little break, a chance to catch her breath...
She turns to look up at Percival, a smile lighting up her face. ]
Yes, very much so. I must thank you, again, for escorting me. Truly, you have my gratitude.
She turns to look up at Percival, a smile lighting up her face. ]
Yes, very much so. I must thank you, again, for escorting me. Truly, you have my gratitude.
[ Cain freezes for a startled second — he'd been angling to steer the conversation back to his clothes, not to get a hug. He relaxes a moment later, though. Now that he's being hugged, it's hardly objectionable, and Cain tilts his head back onto Percival's shoulder with a surprised little laugh.
He is much warmer this way. ]
What about the moonshower?
[ His "new" clothes fade away, returning him to his suit. The glitter, after all, is only temporary. Still, Cain doesn't move away even with his pretense vanished. ]
He is much warmer this way. ]
What about the moonshower?
[ His "new" clothes fade away, returning him to his suit. The glitter, after all, is only temporary. Still, Cain doesn't move away even with his pretense vanished. ]
[ Koltira doesn't want this, but--at the same time--he really does. He craves warmth constantly, magic or no magic. His cold body aches for life, even as it repulses him; the tension between this yearning and this disgust is excruciating, and that pain is only amplified by the compulsion pushing him forward. He grips Percival's shoulders, none too kindly, and growls low in his throat. ]
This is not my doing.
[ And then, the kiss: cool, yes, but softer than one might expect. He kisses like he's done this before, albeit not for a while. Unsure at first, and then with more confidence--solely because he stops thinking about it, solely because he's able to silence his own shame for a few precious moments. He pulls on Percy's lower lip, just enough, and his tongue skates across the other man's teeth--but no further than that.
He draws back as soon as he feels the magic settle, satisfied by his obedience. Soon, horror will wash over him. But for now, for the last bit of those stolen seconds, he just shuts his eyes and holds on to the warmth. ]
This is not my doing.
[ And then, the kiss: cool, yes, but softer than one might expect. He kisses like he's done this before, albeit not for a while. Unsure at first, and then with more confidence--solely because he stops thinking about it, solely because he's able to silence his own shame for a few precious moments. He pulls on Percy's lower lip, just enough, and his tongue skates across the other man's teeth--but no further than that.
He draws back as soon as he feels the magic settle, satisfied by his obedience. Soon, horror will wash over him. But for now, for the last bit of those stolen seconds, he just shuts his eyes and holds on to the warmth. ]
[ A swordsman that isn't armed with something other—poetry, dance, art—sounds imbalanced anyway. So Percival's better off, he thinks, though the reason is a bit surprising. He glances up with a quick blink. ]
Royalty?
[ He seems a little too... ill-tempered for it. But maybe that was just under the threat of death by meteor? He follows the steps, grip a little less tight along his shoulder as he falls into step more easily. ]
Then you must be rather used to these affairs. [ Too luxurious for his blood, but it does scream fantasy kingdom party. Everything's going pretty smoothly, but when he nearly clips his shoe, he has to tack on a bit wryly: ] And to better partners.
Royalty?
[ He seems a little too... ill-tempered for it. But maybe that was just under the threat of death by meteor? He follows the steps, grip a little less tight along his shoulder as he falls into step more easily. ]
Then you must be rather used to these affairs. [ Too luxurious for his blood, but it does scream fantasy kingdom party. Everything's going pretty smoothly, but when he nearly clips his shoe, he has to tack on a bit wryly: ] And to better partners.
All kinds of success. [ Why would Percy ask this, JJ's just going to preen. ] I've won international competitions in skating using programs that I choreographed and wrote music for myself. Oh, and of course, there's the fact that I design my own...
[ He's going to ramble a little. You know, skating, music, fashion, etc. Talk about his loving and supportive relationship with Isabella, being an excellent student.
Needless to stay, Percy probably regrets asking. ]
And I'm going to get back to that here. Starting with opening up my own ice rink! [ It's incredible that JJ can talk about himself so much and focus on dancing at the same time. ] Can you ice skate?
[ He's going to ramble a little. You know, skating, music, fashion, etc. Talk about his loving and supportive relationship with Isabella, being an excellent student.
Needless to stay, Percy probably regrets asking. ]
And I'm going to get back to that here. Starting with opening up my own ice rink! [ It's incredible that JJ can talk about himself so much and focus on dancing at the same time. ] Can you ice skate?
I'll do my best. But you know, you're built pretty sturdily. I'm sure my paw didn't hurt much.
[No, no turning down gifts. It'll just make him try harder! He's already thinking about what he might give as he reaches to pat Percival's chest. See? Sturdy. He's emphasizing. He just leaves his hand there.]
So, does that mean you're looking forward to seeing me again?
[Another joke. He thinks he's pretty fun to be around, okay?]
[No, no turning down gifts. It'll just make him try harder! He's already thinking about what he might give as he reaches to pat Percival's chest. See? Sturdy. He's emphasizing. He just leaves his hand there.]
So, does that mean you're looking forward to seeing me again?
[Another joke. He thinks he's pretty fun to be around, okay?]
That's fine for someone who only has to live for themselves. I had a responsibility to the people of my land back home, and now, to the people who reside here.
[ Even if he had never joined any sort of official organization dedicated to such a cause, helping others was something he simply couldn't not do. As such, he tended to devote most of his time to these tasks, and little to dallying in anything fun.
Yeah, he's really not fun.
He seems a bit eager to put aside that thought right now, however, smiling a bit when she gives her approval. It simply seemed like the right thing to ask, though he hasn't the faintest idea why. He won't overthink it, at least. ]
Is it really that surprising? [ That alone was testimony to how different the circles they ran in were. His brows are lifted, and he looks somewhat amused, strangely at ease when his gloved hand cups her cheek. Finally, he leans down to press his lips against Isabella's, warm, light, and affectionate. ]
[ Even if he had never joined any sort of official organization dedicated to such a cause, helping others was something he simply couldn't not do. As such, he tended to devote most of his time to these tasks, and little to dallying in anything fun.
Yeah, he's really not fun.
He seems a bit eager to put aside that thought right now, however, smiling a bit when she gives her approval. It simply seemed like the right thing to ask, though he hasn't the faintest idea why. He won't overthink it, at least. ]
Is it really that surprising? [ That alone was testimony to how different the circles they ran in were. His brows are lifted, and he looks somewhat amused, strangely at ease when his gloved hand cups her cheek. Finally, he leans down to press his lips against Isabella's, warm, light, and affectionate. ]
Is it starting now?
[ At least he can finally admit that he doesn't actually know himself.
He doesn't make a further move, satisfied to linger just a few seconds longer. The view from this spot really is shit, since all they can see is branches and slivers of moonlight, but he's not really paying that much thought. ]
[ At least he can finally admit that he doesn't actually know himself.
He doesn't make a further move, satisfied to linger just a few seconds longer. The view from this spot really is shit, since all they can see is branches and slivers of moonlight, but he's not really paying that much thought. ]
Then you definitely deserve to take a break and enjoy yourself. We're at a party after all! I don't think anyone will think less of you if you put your responsibilities to the wayside for one evening.
[All work and no play makes most people dull and boring, and she wants to bring out more than that in him tonight, or at least do her part in doing so. So she's beyond pleased to see him looking to do just that, being more interested in her than the responsibility of the many people around them. And maybe, just maybe the alcohol is to blame but she wants more of that focus on her, enjoys it even.]
A little, if you're someone like me. I'm far used to people saying the first thing they'd like to do to me than ask so nicely. [And she's laughing because truthfully she likes that just fine, but it's a little exciting to be asked nice and proper. So when he leans in to kiss her she meets him easy enough, satisfied at the warm press of his lips against hers as she returns the kiss in kind. She chuckles when she pulls away after lingering for just a few moments, smiling at him and very much in the mood for a repeat performance.] You're more than welcome to ask for as much as you'd like though.
[All work and no play makes most people dull and boring, and she wants to bring out more than that in him tonight, or at least do her part in doing so. So she's beyond pleased to see him looking to do just that, being more interested in her than the responsibility of the many people around them. And maybe, just maybe the alcohol is to blame but she wants more of that focus on her, enjoys it even.]
A little, if you're someone like me. I'm far used to people saying the first thing they'd like to do to me than ask so nicely. [And she's laughing because truthfully she likes that just fine, but it's a little exciting to be asked nice and proper. So when he leans in to kiss her she meets him easy enough, satisfied at the warm press of his lips against hers as she returns the kiss in kind. She chuckles when she pulls away after lingering for just a few moments, smiling at him and very much in the mood for a repeat performance.] You're more than welcome to ask for as much as you'd like though.
Maybe? I can't see to tell.
[ Laughter in Cain's voice, a little teasing. He wants Percival to enjoy himself at the party, to have a good night, but he can't let this go so easily. Not when the moonshower was so obviously an excuse to cover up Percival's flustered feelings.
Cain shifts, going up on his tiptoes, balancing on the balcony's railing. It's a precarious position, maybe. If he leans over much more, he might tip over and fall. Maybe. ]
Weren't you the one with the grand plans to see it...?
[ Laughter in Cain's voice, a little teasing. He wants Percival to enjoy himself at the party, to have a good night, but he can't let this go so easily. Not when the moonshower was so obviously an excuse to cover up Percival's flustered feelings.
Cain shifts, going up on his tiptoes, balancing on the balcony's railing. It's a precarious position, maybe. If he leans over much more, he might tip over and fall. Maybe. ]
Weren't you the one with the grand plans to see it...?
[ it's the same percival. the same sort of response he expects, but somehow he can't really see the usual bite in it. then again, vane had always been optimistic and ... often blind in light of the other man's insults. still, it's hard to find offense when the sky is as pretty as it is now, and so vane gives an inaudible chuckle. ] C'mon, I wouldn't forget how to spell your name! We're friends, right?
[ or so vane is firm on stating. his peripherals brush past the other knight momentarily, and he swears he can see a touch of something else beneath his veneer. underneath all his sternness and his projected self-assurance, maybe ... percival was lonely too? or so vane can't help but think for a second.
at this, he leans against percival's shoulder. ] We just need to take in this sight a million times over for Siegfried and Lancey, too! [ if anything, vane doesn't doubt they'll see each other again. it's not to say he doesn't miss them. or that he's realized how much reliance he may have placed on their presence, but all the same, vane takes this as his own moment to show them how much he's developed or progressed. ... or something like that. vane was never really proficient at putting words to his thought or order to his considerations—
if there is one thing he knows it's that... he's grateful percival is here with him. ]
[ or so vane is firm on stating. his peripherals brush past the other knight momentarily, and he swears he can see a touch of something else beneath his veneer. underneath all his sternness and his projected self-assurance, maybe ... percival was lonely too? or so vane can't help but think for a second.
at this, he leans against percival's shoulder. ] We just need to take in this sight a million times over for Siegfried and Lancey, too! [ if anything, vane doesn't doubt they'll see each other again. it's not to say he doesn't miss them. or that he's realized how much reliance he may have placed on their presence, but all the same, vane takes this as his own moment to show them how much he's developed or progressed. ... or something like that. vane was never really proficient at putting words to his thought or order to his considerations—
if there is one thing he knows it's that... he's grateful percival is here with him. ]
[ there's a certain lack of control and restraint that vane exhibits. to begin with, he was always more of a feelings over rationale type. he's never been very disciplined in this regard despite being a knight, and it shows in the way he touches percival. there's no secondary considerations. just a carnal desire he wants satisfied, even if... he still can't quite comprehend it.
percival's body is different than his own. it's the same in some respects, but the feel of his leaner muscles, the way his body is thinner and his waist more defined than his own— his fingers slide lower as he tries to get a feel for these subtle distinctions. but, then he feels a shove, and: ] Oof...
[ he's pushed back further if just for being taken off-guard, and it's here...
he just blinks owlishly. as if his brain is trying to catch up with what percival was doing? but, then he starts undressing himself completely and vane finds that he's a bit flushed. and... for a while he just stares. mouth slightly agape?? though, it's soon followed by a shocked: ] Percy undressed himself?!
percival's body is different than his own. it's the same in some respects, but the feel of his leaner muscles, the way his body is thinner and his waist more defined than his own— his fingers slide lower as he tries to get a feel for these subtle distinctions. but, then he feels a shove, and: ] Oof...
[ he's pushed back further if just for being taken off-guard, and it's here...
he just blinks owlishly. as if his brain is trying to catch up with what percival was doing? but, then he starts undressing himself completely and vane finds that he's a bit flushed. and... for a while he just stares. mouth slightly agape?? though, it's soon followed by a shocked: ] Percy undressed himself?!
[ why he's so surprised is a mystery. was it because he thought percival wouldn't? or that he was incapable?
still, it takes vane a while to recover, even with how ... aroused he is.
but, like following this train of curiosity, he discovers his hand already moving to take hold of percival's length. at first, his fingers touch his shaft ... almost delicately. that is, before he wraps his fingers around it. ] Uwah, you're...
[ hard??? ]
still, it takes vane a while to recover, even with how ... aroused he is.
but, like following this train of curiosity, he discovers his hand already moving to take hold of percival's length. at first, his fingers touch his shaft ... almost delicately. that is, before he wraps his fingers around it. ] Uwah, you're...
[ hard??? ]
That's because you're hearing what you want to hear, but I will make you pay if you do.
[ Comes the half-hearted response, though it has no malice whatsoever. It's hard to be taken seriously when the threat comes mumbled out between affectionate, eager kisses and he's all but melting in her hand. He feels his blood race with every passing second, a feeling that he isn't naive enough to question the meaning of. More than anything, he yearns to taste all that he can of her, which is at odds with the confusion he feels at the same time of having these urges in the first place.
His touch runs extremely warm now, warmer than the typical human's might, and it traces along her waist before unzipping the back of her dress and letting it fall as it may. ]
This isn't right... [ He shivers, shoulders tensing as he struggles with the effects of the candy. Yet even now, he nibbles along the side of her jaw hungrily. ] Why can't I stop... ?!
[ Comes the half-hearted response, though it has no malice whatsoever. It's hard to be taken seriously when the threat comes mumbled out between affectionate, eager kisses and he's all but melting in her hand. He feels his blood race with every passing second, a feeling that he isn't naive enough to question the meaning of. More than anything, he yearns to taste all that he can of her, which is at odds with the confusion he feels at the same time of having these urges in the first place.
His touch runs extremely warm now, warmer than the typical human's might, and it traces along her waist before unzipping the back of her dress and letting it fall as it may. ]
This isn't right... [ He shivers, shoulders tensing as he struggles with the effects of the candy. Yet even now, he nibbles along the side of her jaw hungrily. ] Why can't I stop... ?!
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