[ That is perhaps the most frustrating thing about Percival: he can be charming when he wants to be. When someone is deemed worthy. I hate writing this.
He beams proudly when she agrees and returns the smile, taking her hand in his and resting the other on the small of her waist. He is comfortable enough that he doesn't think twice about holding Clair close, guiding their way with practiced ease.
He's about to crack a joke, but decides not to ruin the mood for now. It's nice, to enjoy this with her, under the brightly lit sky. ]
[ She falls into step with him easily, almost comfortably—he's obviously an adept dancer, so it feels effortless to follow his lead as they glide around the balcony. She feels almost like she's floating, but that could just be her heart—something about the blazing stars, the gentle hum of music, and the warmth of his hands make her feel... light. Untethered. Happy.
Content, at least enough to let the silence linger while she drinks in the moment. She shifts a little closer to him as they dance, as if drawn in by his warmth, her fingers curling around his neck. ]
[ Even though there are many others inside, and the hum of people can be easily heard outside, this particular balcony is relatively secluded. It's easy to forget that they're not the only two people here, and it's a thought that Percival doesn't mind entertaining for a few moments.
Eventually, his strides become longer, their movement around the balcony more pronounced and sweeping. He breaks apart only for a moment to ease her into a twirl, and unfortunately, when he catches Clair, he doesn't realize that they've been caught under a sprig of mistletoe. ]
[ Her smile lights up as he guides her into a twirl, an easy laugh escaping her as her feet sail across the floor. When she whirls back into the circle of his arms, and then moves to step aside, however—
That's when she realizes that she's... stuck, like her legs are made of lead. In that moment, her eyes widen in surprise—but this isn't the first time that she's been caught in the mistletoe's trap, and so she glances up, not quite as surprised by what she sees. ]
[ All good things must come to an end, apparently. To lead to other Things, of course. Percival's brow furrows in confusion when she stops in her tracks, especially when she'd been so easy and pleasant to dance with up until now, until he realizes that he cannot keep guiding their movements, either. ]
What manner of—
[ He looks up to where she's silently gesturing, his easy smile replaced by an embarrassed flush. ]
Of course. Why should we have ever considered ourselves safe from such trickery?! [ His mood is considerably less happy now, though it's not her fault, he's just...
this isn't his first time either, and he's tired of being embarrassed. Pepecry. ]
She blushes too, if only because he's blushing—not that she's accustomed to this kind of behavior now, but rather... there's an element of resignation in the drop of her shoulders, along with the indignation writ plain on her face. ]
Even now—how tiresome!
[ She was really enjoying their dance too... the mood was light and carefree... and now it's been Tainted. Her grip in his tightens reflexively before she looks up to meet his gaze. ]
[ It's difficult not to feel embarrassed, even if this wouldn't be the first time that they will have shared a kiss, and at least this time is under much more innocent circumstances. With her, at least, he is more comfortable, such that he doesn't feel dread or anything of the sort.
He can even rib at her, a bit. His cheeks still tinged pink, he purses his lips and eyes her critically. ]
Hm. Is kissing me so distasteful that it needs to be over with quickly, Lady Clair?
[ There's even a small grin on his face, and if that isn't enough indication that he's not being serious, he lightly runs his thumb along the back of her palm. ]
[ That—was not the reaction she was expecting. She might've even stepped away from him if she had any power over her limbs—as it is, her eyes go wide again, and she can feel her face flush even more deeply. ]
No! Certainly not! [ Wait, no. What is she saying?! She's just getting more flustered. ] That is, it was not my intention to imply—that!
[ It's right about... now... when she finally realizes that he's teasing her, that swipe of his thumb across the back of her hand sending a jolt of warm electricity running down her arm, straight to her chest. Oh. She makes a moue of indignation and looks away, trying to muster up of the shreds of her dignity. ]
[ To be fair, he does feel pretty bad when she loses her composure and falls deeper into a flustered state. He definitely knows what that's like. Even if he can't help but feel even more endeared by her indignation. Perhaps it's the effects of the mistletoe, or something more natural that comes from having grown comfortable in her easy presence. ]
You dare accuse me of such a thing? [ It's not exactly easy for him to stop the embarrassment from growing, either, but the smile on his face grows softer.
He pulls on her hand a bit, silently asking her to look at him again. Normally, he likely wouldn't be so forward, but the magic surrounding them makes it more difficult for him to pay any attention to reservation. ]
I jest. [ Yea, he's a shit. ]
I am aware that we have no choice but to continue, but... how can I make this the least... uncomfortable for you?
[ The soft edges of his smile go a long way towards soothing her ire until it fades away—she still keeps up the appearance of it, though, a small pout on her face as she follows the pull of his hand and looks up again. ]
You enjoyed that far too much.
[ What a shit, but there's a twinge of fondness there. Instinctively, her gaze drifts to his mouth, before she catches herself and pulls it back up to his eyes. Maybe it's the mistletoe, but she feels almost... spellbound, her nerves humming in anticipation. ]
There is no need—I am ready. [ Which says—probably a lot more than she'd intended. Here, she angles her head upwards, a coy shine to her eyes. Almost challenging. ]
[ This sort of banter comes surprisingly easy now, though it certainly helps that the magic has instilled in him some sort of... boldness. Clair looks breathtakingly beautiful tonight, and it's not like Percival didn't notice (he may try to be a disciplined person but he's not blind), but right now, he finds himself oddly transfixed on catching her eye again.
He feels more than a bit of pride at seeing her smile return, little by little. ]
Of course I am ready. But what do you see me as, some sort of battle to be conquered? [ He chides her, but with enough self-awareness to know that this is exactly the same sort of shit he'd say. His smile is wide and warm now, and he cups her cheek in his palm, leaning down to press their lips together softly. ]
[ The touch of his lips swallows her reply—why, has she not already conquered him?—and takes her breath away with it, so that she nearly melts against him. The kiss is gentle and measured, but it draws her in utterly and doesn't let go—no, it's the gentleness that captures her heart, the puzzle-perfect way his hand fits over the curve of her cheek, the nearness of his body and the heat that radiates from it.
She finds herself shifting closer, seeking more, each movement a little boat that sails for his shores: her hands clutching the front of his jacket, holding him close; the tilt of her head towards the warmth of his palm; the slant of her mouth against his, so that she can kiss him more firmly. ]
[ There's something about the night, about her company, that makes it easier for Percival to relax and actually enjoy the closeness they're sharing, however brought upon by mistletoe as it may be. He knows that she is not delicate, that there is power in that small body of hers, but right now, the embrace he gives her is undeniably protective and warm.
Gradually, and only after the beating of his heart begins to still again, he pulls away. The desire to pull away completely and disassociate the situation, an inevitable feeling that has come each and every time the mistletoe affected him before, simply isn't there.
He laughs lowly, more than a little awkward and sheepish. ]
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no subject
He beams proudly when she agrees and returns the smile, taking her hand in his and resting the other on the small of her waist. He is comfortable enough that he doesn't think twice about holding Clair close, guiding their way with practiced ease.
He's about to crack a joke, but decides not to ruin the mood for now. It's nice, to enjoy this with her, under the brightly lit sky. ]
no subject
Content, at least enough to let the silence linger while she drinks in the moment. She shifts a little closer to him as they dance, as if drawn in by his warmth, her fingers curling around his neck. ]
no subject
Eventually, his strides become longer, their movement around the balcony more pronounced and sweeping. He breaks apart only for a moment to ease her into a twirl, and unfortunately, when he catches Clair, he doesn't realize that they've been caught under a sprig of mistletoe. ]
no subject
That's when she realizes that she's... stuck, like her legs are made of lead. In that moment, her eyes widen in surprise—but this isn't the first time that she's been caught in the mistletoe's trap, and so she glances up, not quite as surprised by what she sees. ]
Oh, bother...
no subject
What manner of—
[ He looks up to where she's silently gesturing, his easy smile replaced by an embarrassed flush. ]
Of course. Why should we have ever considered ourselves safe from such trickery?! [ His mood is considerably less happy now, though it's not her fault, he's just...
this isn't his first time either, and he's tired of being embarrassed. Pepecry. ]
no subject
She blushes too, if only because he's blushing—not that she's accustomed to this kind of behavior now, but rather... there's an element of resignation in the drop of her shoulders, along with the indignation writ plain on her face. ]
Even now—how tiresome!
[ She was really enjoying their dance too... the mood was light and carefree... and now it's been Tainted. Her grip in his tightens reflexively before she looks up to meet his gaze. ]
I suppose... it is best done with haste.
no subject
He can even rib at her, a bit. His cheeks still tinged pink, he purses his lips and eyes her critically. ]
Hm. Is kissing me so distasteful that it needs to be over with quickly, Lady Clair?
[ There's even a small grin on his face, and if that isn't enough indication that he's not being serious, he lightly runs his thumb along the back of her palm. ]
no subject
No! Certainly not! [ Wait, no. What is she saying?! She's just getting more flustered. ] That is, it was not my intention to imply—that!
[ It's right about... now... when she finally realizes that he's teasing her, that swipe of his thumb across the back of her hand sending a jolt of warm electricity running down her arm, straight to her chest. Oh. She makes a moue of indignation and looks away, trying to muster up of the shreds of her dignity. ]
Don't bait me so.
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You dare accuse me of such a thing? [ It's not exactly easy for him to stop the embarrassment from growing, either, but the smile on his face grows softer.
He pulls on her hand a bit, silently asking her to look at him again. Normally, he likely wouldn't be so forward, but the magic surrounding them makes it more difficult for him to pay any attention to reservation. ]
I jest. [ Yea, he's a shit. ]
I am aware that we have no choice but to continue, but... how can I make this the least... uncomfortable for you?
no subject
You enjoyed that far too much.
[ What a shit, but there's a twinge of fondness there. Instinctively, her gaze drifts to his mouth, before she catches herself and pulls it back up to his eyes. Maybe it's the mistletoe, but she feels almost... spellbound, her nerves humming in anticipation. ]
There is no need—I am ready. [ Which says—probably a lot more than she'd intended. Here, she angles her head upwards, a coy shine to her eyes. Almost challenging. ]
That is, if you are.
no subject
He feels more than a bit of pride at seeing her smile return, little by little. ]
Of course I am ready. But what do you see me as, some sort of battle to be conquered? [ He chides her, but with enough self-awareness to know that this is exactly the same sort of shit he'd say. His smile is wide and warm now, and he cups her cheek in his palm, leaning down to press their lips together softly. ]
no subject
She finds herself shifting closer, seeking more, each movement a little boat that sails for his shores: her hands clutching the front of his jacket, holding him close; the tilt of her head towards the warmth of his palm; the slant of her mouth against his, so that she can kiss him more firmly. ]
no subject
Gradually, and only after the beating of his heart begins to still again, he pulls away. The desire to pull away completely and disassociate the situation, an inevitable feeling that has come each and every time the mistletoe affected him before, simply isn't there.
He laughs lowly, more than a little awkward and sheepish. ]
You're right. I wasn't ready.