That may be so, but it's caused quite a few embarrassing situations here tonight. I'd rather steer clear of them myself.
[ Strangely enough, even as she herself relays not minding such devices, he finds himself increasingly at ease with simple chatter like this. They come from two separate worlds-- that much is evident enough. But he can appreciate people like her, people who revel in the spotlight and create the joy and merriment for others around them to soak in. He himself, though more of an observer, finds his mood lifted by people like her enjoying themselves.
It was simple, when he'd allowed his thoughts to only linger on the festivities. Less so when he's certain he's been caught in his improper stare, and the allusion of what sort of trouble she'd gotten up to makes him visibly flustered. Partially because it's an unexpected thing to mention, yes, but because he's been trying his best to forget his own... festive mishaps of the evening. For someone with as much arrogance and confidence as he has on the battlefield, it's apparently difficult for him to keep his composure. He diverts his gaze to the side now, pointedly not meeting her eyes, much less the curve of her neckline.
The scent of the flowers above them is growing too strong, however, and the urge they inspire is completely at ends with his embarrassment. Eventually, he regains some composure, gingerly closing the fabric around her shoulders and lowering his forehead so that it touches hers. ]
Do keep any further details to yourself, but I'm glad to see that you're settling in comfortably.
[ A flirtatious line like the one she delivers might ordinarily be lost on him, at best understood yet ultimately brushed off, but tonight, her voice very nearly envelopes him with a warmth of her own. This time, his voice is lighter, and he can gradually meet her gaze again. ]
Don't you know the most embarrassing things make the funniest stories later? That's how I see it anyway, much easier to look back at something and laugh than get frustrated about it. That's what parties are for.
[Insignificant embarrassments are frustrating sure, but there's little point to dwell on them when there's better things to be doing. There's a whole party full of drunken or already occupied guests after all, highly likely they'll even remember something so small in the morning.
And she likes seeing him more flustered, the cause being herself even more. She'd had her fun around the party, some as innocent as simple kisses, others far more dirty and not to be mentioned quite as casually. But the effect is all the same, maybe even more because her saying nothing about it means he can only guess what she's been up to and she likes seeing him break his gaze and look away. It's like a personal victory, and she chuckles feeling satisfied for the moment.]
My lips are sealed. I don't always kiss and tell you know. [She can't help the giggle that leaves her mouth, holding on to his offered cloak. He's so proper, the last thing she wants to do is chase him off by scandalizing him too much. She does give an amused, knowing grin at his reactions to her flirting though. Maybe there's something beneath that proper demeanor? She's beyond curious to find out, wanting him closer to her to find out for herself.] I'd say less bold and more direct about what I want. Why, does it bother you?
It must be nice to be able to afford such a mindset. Unfortunately, I don't find such a thing amusing or enjoyable.
[ Perhaps this is less true here, but in his own world, he had a reputation to uphold. He was Sir Percival of Wales, third son of the ruler of Wales. He couldn't afford to be seen doing anything uncouth or unfitting of his station.
Which, speaking of, the way he can't help but move closer and finds himself nearly entranced by Isabela's easygoing demeanor and beauty, definitely counts as uncouth. Isabela is like the party itself-- lighthearted, elegant, and just a little wild, and he can't deny that he's enjoying himself. Just a little bit.
Emboldened, he rests his palm lightly on her cheek, now giving her an uncharacteristically playful grin. Powerful stuff, this mistletoe was. ]
Not particularly. If anything, I could learn a thing or two from such directness. So, I may give it a try.
[ He may be an easily flustered man, but he's still direct, albeit in his own manner. ] May I kiss you, Isabela?
That's a shame isn't it? It's never been a matter of affording anything, the way I've lived my life thus far has simply come down to there being little point of dwelling on anything that isn't enjoyable or of any profit to me.
[Is it the practical way to live one's life? Probably not, and she shrugs to say as much in fewer words. To her it was more about living in the moment, doing what feels good to you, doing what you needed to survive while feeling the rush of being alive. It wasn't for everyone no, but she'd earned the right to choose how she lived out her days.
But that's a discussion possibly for a time when they aren't at a party surrounded by dancing people, free flowing drinks and for when she isn't distracted by the warm hand on her cheek, the interest growing in his features. She just chuckles and steps forward with a laugh. This is far more interesting anyway.]
You know, I don't often run into anyone who's as polite as you are. [Vulgar, crude, teasing, flirtatious, charming. All of that sure, but polite and proper as he is? Not in a way that's interested in her usually. She leans in as she speaks, wanting to kiss him herself but since he'd asked so nicely...] That's more like it. I'm all yours, Percival.
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. ]
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.
[ Though he doesn't respond to the encouragement, it's more than obvious that Isabela's presence makes it all to easy to fall into the idea that even he could enjoy himself at such a lighthearted affair. Even if said party is the last thing on his mind, and Isabela is the only radiant being in the room that he finds worthy of attention.
For those few seconds, at least, he can enjoy the closeness. He can relish the warmth of their lips joined together, perhaps even deepen the kiss for one indulgent moment. He finds his arms encircling her waist and holding her close, smiling faintly as they gradually pull apart.
That does mean, however, that the effect of the mistletoe begins to wear off increasingly rapidly. ]
Hmm? [ Comes the initially groggy response, followed by sharp surprise.
He takes a step back and unravels his arms, looking at Isabela with shocked, wide eyes. ]
M-my apologies! I did not mean to! [ But he totally did? There goes tomato face again. ]
[She didn't need the mistletoe to want to kiss him with how charming he looked at first sight, but the pull to be closer is definitely something she has little problems with as he holds her close. And she'd figured there was a fire in him beyond the actual fire he can make with magic, and she gets just a taste of it in the way he holds her co close, how he deepens their kiss. And that smile...she imagines anyone more easily swayed might feel a flutter at seeing it, but she just thinks he's rater pretty when he smiles.
Which of course makes her miss it all the more when they part and he pulls back, flustered and embarrassed. She wants that pretty smile of his back to see what passion he's capable of, liked the way his hands settled against her skin. She listens to his apologies with a wistful smile on her lips, hand resting on her hip as she looks at him.]
Was it that bad? I didn't think I was that terrible of a kisser. [She feels just a little pity at his assumptions like he'd offended her by being so bold, when really it was far off the mark. Her amusement at the whole thing trumps it easily though with how red he is, and she huffs a laugh.] Was it my breath? Maker, I knew I shouldn't have had all that wine and cheese earlier.
[ This is all too much to make sense of in one go. Percival knew exactly what he was doing, so he doesn't feel its fair to completely blame the mistletoe. Not when her charm and pull had (and still feels) so genuine. The difference is, Percival has come to his full senses, and shock at how familiar and forward he'd acted soon sets in to shame. ]
N-no, of course not! That's not the problem at all...! [ Isabela may be joking, but he's the sort of person that tends to take most things at face value, so humor and sarcasm are often wasted on him. He only grows more mortified as she continues, frowning deeply and trying to find some composure. ]
Cease this. You're a... talented kisser. [ That alone is hard enough to admit in his sober mind when he barely knows anything about this person. ] And your breath is fine.
[ He sighs. ] But I acted under magical influence just now... and I believe I should excuse myself.
[There's a very small, moral part of her that feels bad over how flustered and upset he is over something so simple as a kiss, but the bigger part of her narrows in on the details. Thought she was talented did he? And from such a simple kind of kiss too, when she knows she can do much, much more than that.]
If you want my opinion I think you worry far too much. After all, do I look upset to you? [Though it is a little touching to have him so upset on her behalf. He's still only an acquaintance after all, but then with these kinds of matters you didn't have to know someone all to well to get to know them.] It's a party Percy, save all your thinking for later and just have fun for tonight. Even you deserve a break to enjoy yourself.
[She grins, stepping forward to be a little closer than before. He doesn't seem too against the idea of kissing itself, and that much is more than enough of a bread crumb trail to follow.] But...if you're that worried about making a move under false pretenses, I wouldn't be against a repeat performance. I can show you just how talented I really am too.
While I'm relieved that you're so understanding, we scarcely know each other—
[ Isabela may be right, he can certainly afford to loosen up a bit, but while he is relieved that she doesn't seem to be upset or put off by the temporary magical influence over them (or, mostly, him?), he isn't growing any less tense.
Especially not after he hears "Percy." There's a visible wince in his facial expression. "Percy" reminds him too much of Vane, unfortunately, and the mockery his friend makes of his name. ]
My name is Percival.
[ Rather than follow up on that (and thank god cause he's a little bitch about nicknames), however, he takes a step back when she takes a step forward. ]
That— That isn't necessary. [ But... the last thing he wants to do is spurn Isabela. Not when she's proven to have such a level head, competence, and grace. She deserves more than what he really wants to do, which is remove himself from the situation quickly out of embarrassment. He takes a deep inhale of breath and offers her his hand, palm up. ]
Did you need to for a kiss? I've done more with plenty and knew them even less. It's just for fun Percival, I wasn't looking for anything serious.
[She laughs, not even a little embarrassed at being so shameless. After all, intimacy didn't have to be romantic or have any strings attached to it. She'd been with attractive people at the bar for a night of fun and parted ways without even remembering their names the next day. It was just never a big deal to her, least of all at a lavish party and encouraged by various drinks in her system.
But she knows rejection when she sees it, and it's like water off a bird's back with how easy she takes it. After all she's no stranger to that either, and there's no use being upset over it. You win some you lose some, and she's definitely not one to push, even if he was a really good kisser. Instead she takes his hand easily with a smile. No hard feelings.]
Always so polite, how could I say no? [And she smiles, because even if he doesn't seem interested in that he's still plenty handsome. Any time she can get with him is well worth it.] If you change your mind though, I'll be around.
[ The color on his face is coming and going. One of these days, he would have better control over his own sense of shame. Today was not that day. ]
And I do not judge you for it. I'm too much of a traditionalist, I suppose.
[ Which shouldn't be too surprising considering how much of a stick in the mud he's already been in her presence. He gives her a small smile when she agrees, leading the both of them back to the dance floor. ]
Shall we stick to the basics, or does your confidence extend to dance, too?
There's nothing wrong with what works for you. But just so you know, you're a plenty talented kisser yourself.
[Even if he isn't interested in going any further or doing any repeat performances a well earned compliment is certainly due. She laughs as he leads her out, gives a spin just because she can to show off bare thighs and meets his smile with a grin of her own. It really is a shame that he isn't interested, but as they move toward the dance floor her driving need to do more fades into a simple interest from attraction.]
I think you have an advantage there, I haven't danced in years. I'm more than happy in following your lead if you're confident enough in your moves.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
isabela - dec 2017
That may be so, but it's caused quite a few embarrassing situations here tonight. I'd rather steer clear of them myself.
[ Strangely enough, even as she herself relays not minding such devices, he finds himself increasingly at ease with simple chatter like this. They come from two separate worlds-- that much is evident enough. But he can appreciate people like her, people who revel in the spotlight and create the joy and merriment for others around them to soak in. He himself, though more of an observer, finds his mood lifted by people like her enjoying themselves.
It was simple, when he'd allowed his thoughts to only linger on the festivities. Less so when he's certain he's been caught in his improper stare, and the allusion of what sort of trouble she'd gotten up to makes him visibly flustered. Partially because it's an unexpected thing to mention, yes, but because he's been trying his best to forget his own... festive mishaps of the evening. For someone with as much arrogance and confidence as he has on the battlefield, it's apparently difficult for him to keep his composure. He diverts his gaze to the side now, pointedly not meeting her eyes, much less the curve of her neckline.
The scent of the flowers above them is growing too strong, however, and the urge they inspire is completely at ends with his embarrassment. Eventually, he regains some composure, gingerly closing the fabric around her shoulders and lowering his forehead so that it touches hers. ]
Do keep any further details to yourself, but I'm glad to see that you're settling in comfortably.
[ A flirtatious line like the one she delivers might ordinarily be lost on him, at best understood yet ultimately brushed off, but tonight, her voice very nearly envelopes him with a warmth of her own. This time, his voice is lighter, and he can gradually meet her gaze again. ]
You're a bold woman, aren't you?
no subject
[Insignificant embarrassments are frustrating sure, but there's little point to dwell on them when there's better things to be doing. There's a whole party full of drunken or already occupied guests after all, highly likely they'll even remember something so small in the morning.
And she likes seeing him more flustered, the cause being herself even more. She'd had her fun around the party, some as innocent as simple kisses, others far more dirty and not to be mentioned quite as casually. But the effect is all the same, maybe even more because her saying nothing about it means he can only guess what she's been up to and she likes seeing him break his gaze and look away. It's like a personal victory, and she chuckles feeling satisfied for the moment.]
My lips are sealed. I don't always kiss and tell you know. [She can't help the giggle that leaves her mouth, holding on to his offered cloak. He's so proper, the last thing she wants to do is chase him off by scandalizing him too much. She does give an amused, knowing grin at his reactions to her flirting though. Maybe there's something beneath that proper demeanor? She's beyond curious to find out, wanting him closer to her to find out for herself.] I'd say less bold and more direct about what I want. Why, does it bother you?
no subject
[ Perhaps this is less true here, but in his own world, he had a reputation to uphold. He was Sir Percival of Wales, third son of the ruler of Wales. He couldn't afford to be seen doing anything uncouth or unfitting of his station.
Which, speaking of, the way he can't help but move closer and finds himself nearly entranced by Isabela's easygoing demeanor and beauty, definitely counts as uncouth. Isabela is like the party itself-- lighthearted, elegant, and just a little wild, and he can't deny that he's enjoying himself. Just a little bit.
Emboldened, he rests his palm lightly on her cheek, now giving her an uncharacteristically playful grin. Powerful stuff, this mistletoe was. ]
Not particularly. If anything, I could learn a thing or two from such directness. So, I may give it a try.
[ He may be an easily flustered man, but he's still direct, albeit in his own manner. ] May I kiss you, Isabela?
no subject
[Is it the practical way to live one's life? Probably not, and she shrugs to say as much in fewer words. To her it was more about living in the moment, doing what feels good to you, doing what you needed to survive while feeling the rush of being alive. It wasn't for everyone no, but she'd earned the right to choose how she lived out her days.
But that's a discussion possibly for a time when they aren't at a party surrounded by dancing people, free flowing drinks and for when she isn't distracted by the warm hand on her cheek, the interest growing in his features. She just chuckles and steps forward with a laugh. This is far more interesting anyway.]
You know, I don't often run into anyone who's as polite as you are. [Vulgar, crude, teasing, flirtatious, charming. All of that sure, but polite and proper as he is? Not in a way that's interested in her usually. She leans in as she speaks, wanting to kiss him herself but since he'd asked so nicely...] That's more like it. I'm all yours, Percival.
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
[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.
no subject
For those few seconds, at least, he can enjoy the closeness. He can relish the warmth of their lips joined together, perhaps even deepen the kiss for one indulgent moment. He finds his arms encircling her waist and holding her close, smiling faintly as they gradually pull apart.
That does mean, however, that the effect of the mistletoe begins to wear off increasingly rapidly. ]
Hmm? [ Comes the initially groggy response, followed by sharp surprise.
He takes a step back and unravels his arms, looking at Isabela with shocked, wide eyes. ]
M-my apologies! I did not mean to! [ But he totally did? There goes tomato face again. ]
no subject
Which of course makes her miss it all the more when they part and he pulls back, flustered and embarrassed. She wants that pretty smile of his back to see what passion he's capable of, liked the way his hands settled against her skin. She listens to his apologies with a wistful smile on her lips, hand resting on her hip as she looks at him.]
Was it that bad? I didn't think I was that terrible of a kisser. [She feels just a little pity at his assumptions like he'd offended her by being so bold, when really it was far off the mark. Her amusement at the whole thing trumps it easily though with how red he is, and she huffs a laugh.] Was it my breath? Maker, I knew I shouldn't have had all that wine and cheese earlier.
no subject
N-no, of course not! That's not the problem at all...! [ Isabela may be joking, but he's the sort of person that tends to take most things at face value, so humor and sarcasm are often wasted on him. He only grows more mortified as she continues, frowning deeply and trying to find some composure. ]
Cease this. You're a... talented kisser. [ That alone is hard enough to admit in his sober mind when he barely knows anything about this person. ] And your breath is fine.
[ He sighs. ] But I acted under magical influence just now... and I believe I should excuse myself.
no subject
If you want my opinion I think you worry far too much. After all, do I look upset to you? [Though it is a little touching to have him so upset on her behalf. He's still only an acquaintance after all, but then with these kinds of matters you didn't have to know someone all to well to get to know them.] It's a party Percy, save all your thinking for later and just have fun for tonight. Even you deserve a break to enjoy yourself.
[She grins, stepping forward to be a little closer than before. He doesn't seem too against the idea of kissing itself, and that much is more than enough of a bread crumb trail to follow.] But...if you're that worried about making a move under false pretenses, I wouldn't be against a repeat performance. I can show you just how talented I really am too.
no subject
[ Isabela may be right, he can certainly afford to loosen up a bit, but while he is relieved that she doesn't seem to be upset or put off by the temporary magical influence over them (or, mostly, him?), he isn't growing any less tense.
Especially not after he hears "Percy." There's a visible wince in his facial expression. "Percy" reminds him too much of Vane, unfortunately, and the mockery his friend makes of his name. ]
My name is Percival.
[ Rather than follow up on that (and thank god cause he's a little bitch about nicknames), however, he takes a step back when she takes a step forward. ]
That— That isn't necessary. [ But... the last thing he wants to do is spurn Isabela. Not when she's proven to have such a level head, competence, and grace. She deserves more than what he really wants to do, which is remove himself from the situation quickly out of embarrassment. He takes a deep inhale of breath and offers her his hand, palm up. ]
I would, however, like a dance.
no subject
[She laughs, not even a little embarrassed at being so shameless. After all, intimacy didn't have to be romantic or have any strings attached to it. She'd been with attractive people at the bar for a night of fun and parted ways without even remembering their names the next day. It was just never a big deal to her, least of all at a lavish party and encouraged by various drinks in her system.
But she knows rejection when she sees it, and it's like water off a bird's back with how easy she takes it. After all she's no stranger to that either, and there's no use being upset over it. You win some you lose some, and she's definitely not one to push, even if he was a really good kisser. Instead she takes his hand easily with a smile. No hard feelings.]
Always so polite, how could I say no? [And she smiles, because even if he doesn't seem interested in that he's still plenty handsome. Any time she can get with him is well worth it.] If you change your mind though, I'll be around.
no subject
And I do not judge you for it. I'm too much of a traditionalist, I suppose.
[ Which shouldn't be too surprising considering how much of a stick in the mud he's already been in her presence. He gives her a small smile when she agrees, leading the both of them back to the dance floor. ]
Shall we stick to the basics, or does your confidence extend to dance, too?
no subject
[Even if he isn't interested in going any further or doing any repeat performances a well earned compliment is certainly due. She laughs as he leads her out, gives a spin just because she can to show off bare thighs and meets his smile with a grin of her own. It really is a shame that he isn't interested, but as they move toward the dance floor her driving need to do more fades into a simple interest from attraction.]
I think you have an advantage there, I haven't danced in years. I'm more than happy in following your lead if you're confident enough in your moves.