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[open mingle] from my laboratory in the castle east
Who: EVERYONE!
What: Diva's! Birthday! Masquerade!!
When: August 4
Where: the Nadril caves
Warning(s): This is a mingle, so please indicate if your starter isn't OTA. Also: please put any necessary warnings in your subject lines when things pop up!
Atsushi has been planning this for a while now, but needless to say, a certain dragon forced him to adapt his plans, and arguably not for the better. Still, he's determined to make this work! Diva told him she's never had a birthday party in all of her long life, and that is just not all right - so of course he promised her she'd have one this year.
He... should have maybe not said anything, and just done this in secret. Or at least he should have known better than to ask Diva what kind of party she wanted, because she sure had a lot of wishes... That's Diva for you, though. Besides, after more than 170 years without a birthday party, she deserves to say exactly what she wants!
Atsushi has spent more time than he probably should have, decorating a part of Nadril's cave system with fairy lights and anything else he could find. For being in a cave, the setting is very atmospheric! There's food, drinks, and recorded music - not all of it suited for a party, but there are instruments too, for the more talented guests.
A masquerade was Diva's first and foremost wish, and with everyone having limited means and fewer possessions here, masks have kindly been provided by your hosts at the entrance. Some are classy; some are a little unusual; some are -....... Well, you should probably be at the party in time, so all the good masks haven't been taken yet. How well have you disguised yourself? Did you bother to hide your identity at all?
A gift for the birthday vamp is appreciated, but your presence is the biggest gift. There's no better time than the present to forget the unresolved situation elsewhere on the planet, and have a little fun together!
What: Diva's! Birthday! Masquerade!!
When: August 4
Where: the Nadril caves
Warning(s): This is a mingle, so please indicate if your starter isn't OTA. Also: please put any necessary warnings in your subject lines when things pop up!
Atsushi has been planning this for a while now, but needless to say, a certain dragon forced him to adapt his plans, and arguably not for the better. Still, he's determined to make this work! Diva told him she's never had a birthday party in all of her long life, and that is just not all right - so of course he promised her she'd have one this year.
He... should have maybe not said anything, and just done this in secret. Or at least he should have known better than to ask Diva what kind of party she wanted, because she sure had a lot of wishes... That's Diva for you, though. Besides, after more than 170 years without a birthday party, she deserves to say exactly what she wants!
Atsushi has spent more time than he probably should have, decorating a part of Nadril's cave system with fairy lights and anything else he could find. For being in a cave, the setting is very atmospheric! There's food, drinks, and recorded music - not all of it suited for a party, but there are instruments too, for the more talented guests.
A masquerade was Diva's first and foremost wish, and with everyone having limited means and fewer possessions here, masks have kindly been provided by your hosts at the entrance. Some are classy; some are a little unusual; some are -....... Well, you should probably be at the party in time, so all the good masks haven't been taken yet. How well have you disguised yourself? Did you bother to hide your identity at all?
A gift for the birthday vamp is appreciated, but your presence is the biggest gift. There's no better time than the present to forget the unresolved situation elsewhere on the planet, and have a little fun together!
no subject
Would you have liked me to tell her that she couldn't invite any nuisances to her very own party? To start, the whole list would have been cleared in an instant.
[Ahem...]
Besides, you aren't meant to see through their disguises.
[Moving slightly closer, he'll give Takasugi's creepy mask a downward tug at the chin.]
Perhaps, perhaps not. I will advise you to dismiss any interesting ideas you may have. I won't tolerate a saboteur.
no subject
Given those in attendance of the party, he's got quite the challenge to surmount.
Takasugi raises his hand to meet Solomon's, fingers coiling in a mockery of tenderness around his wrist and digits. Staying that tug to keep the hideous thing over his face. It's part of the theme, there's no removing it.
Lest Diva pout.] I didn't come here to ruin her fun. [But if an opportunity to liven things up presents itself, he won't pass it by.]
I think you have more to worry about with the idiots who try to dismiss her whims. [People who would have her believe she's capable of being human.]
no subject
Is that what's happening?
[And here he thought all of her whims had been catered to with perfection. There's an air of skepticism in his voice, a look of suspicion.]
Has she been bothering you?
[He hadn't seen her feeding or acting in a similarly inappropriate way with anyone. He also hasn't been tracking her like the scientists on Shark Week would.......]
no subject
And he shrugs; Takasugi has always catered to Diva's whims, though not so much her need for a shoulder to cry on.
He's long since run dry of sympathy.] It isn't her.
Just people burdening her with unrealistic expectations.
As if she could stop her hunger. As if she needs to be human to be loved. [Distaste builds, muffled by his mask; his expression skews genuinely disgusted, but it's obscured.]
no subject
That isn't what she believes. Were that the case, she wouldn't have made so many friends.
[Wow, that is a weirdly gross sentence. If it were aftertaste, it'd be cesar salad burps.]
It's normal to romanticize things that you aren't, things that you could be. I wasn't aware that you had such concerns for her.
no subject
But none of those things require knowing a damn thing.
They're just feelings, as spontaneous as everything else she is.]
I'm not concerned. [Hm.]
If they make her suffer, she'll tear them open. [Diva can take care of herself, he's just possessive.] Or... you will? [Distinctly a question - Takasugi's never been able to quantify Solomon's role in Diva's life.
Other than a tired, underpaid babysitter.]
no subject
[It's a nonchalant admittance -- a response that can be applied to both things, but he pipes up in lieu of the lattermost point. Something far more relevant back home, with other beasts threatening their respective queens and vice versa.]
It's the same for you.
[Not that he expects Takasugi to feel humbled in any way over having a twinky monsterguard. It'd been something mostly unsaid for a while now...he's reaching over, cupping at the more bandaged side of his company's face, thumb flexing at his cheek.]
Or, have you forgotten?
no subject
A monsters arms, coiled around him, swearing protection.
Creatures like them are better at bringing destruction than comfort - Takasugi isn't complacent in being kept safe by a beast.
An offer to butcher anything that troubles him is far more suitable.
Though, in the end, he'll take it all. Not an ally or a friend or a lover-
Just some wretched thing; a pale blade.]
Nn- [A hum - satisfied. Takasugi tilts his head into the affection, raising his hand to adjust his mask. Slid around to the side of his head, the band ruffles his hair beyond 'aesthetically disheveled.'
His eye darting to the man's wrist betrays the impulse to press a kiss to jutting bone, a whim Takasugi ultimately replaces by simply leaning closer.] Then, should I expect you for my birthday as well?
no subject
I won't overlook it.
[Does he even know when his birthday is at this point? Does anyone? On more certain terms, he doesn't seem to hate having his face touched as is. His thumb extends, ghosting over the corner of his mouth, not sure what to prioritize: being lewd in public or their conversation.
The latter triumphs, obviously.]
Is that all that you want?
no subject
A masquerade where no one is under any illusion besides some idiots' assumptions about Diva's capacity for humanity. They've all chosen masks that suit their personalities. Takasugi's a demon, Solomon's inexorably tied to Diva in a way that betrays nothing of their relationship.
What exists between them is nothing Takasugi has grown jealous of - he possesses little more than an idle curiosity about it.
To indulge when there's little else to waste their time talking about.
For now, it's anniversaries.] You'll be the only one I invite.
So don't disappoint me. [Takasugi's lips split to accommodate for Solomon's thumb, testing the limits of what he'll pursue in public. The result is, as expected, disappointing. A hand finds its way to Solomon's waist, perching there with little purpose other than to simply occupy his space.] August tenth.
[That's so damn soon.]
no subject
He thinks to pursue that -- probe into it, offer to put together some formal invitations, but it occurs to him that he doesn't really know any of his friends. There's a frown poorly timed with his word of expectations, in lieu of his own thoughts rather than anything spoken.
Not that he can speak to friendship, he possesses bonds of his own.]
...Alright. [Finally; some weight finds his thumb, pressing past his lips for all of a moment -- the main purpose behind the gesture is just to brush them, roll his lower one once and then draw away. It isn't out of modesty, but they are at Diva's party.
They should refrain from pulling their dicks out, maybe.
The date is...indeed close, but if it's just him, he can wrangle something suitable together. It's easy enough to remember just as well.]
August tenth, perhaps I'll be the one inviting you.
[In turn, a hand finds Takasugi's shoulder timed with a way in his step -- shifting his weight as well as a suggestion. They are at a dancey dance...]
no subject
In the hopes of more.
He isn't planning on whipping it out at the party, either, but there are secluded caverns, deeper in the cave.
Something to return to later, it seems. Solomon's hand on his shoulder isn't salacious, but there's a suggestive nature to it all the same.] I'll look forward to it- [Whispered into the man's ear after a sway of the hips brings them flush.
He doesn't know this style of dance, but if Solomon's going to lead, he'll fall in step. All while holding himself too close, an obstruction more than submission.]
no subject
He doesn't seem to mind; there's no qualm in the way his mouth runs down that stretch of neck, a proper kiss marks the bend of it.]
Now then... [There's a sway of the hips; he doesn't outright mind being set so close to Takasugi, as long as he can figure out how to follow his movements. Movements that are slight; he's just slowdancing, nothing fancy. Shifting his weight from one foot to another, turning every now and then.] If you've been drinking, we don't need to carry on like this.
[They can lie down, take it out back. Diva shouldn't cause a scene as long as he's back in under ten minutes...]
no subject
Takasugi hums, the vibrations of his voice lingering between their chests.
With their pace so subtle, the dance being unknown to him is hardly an issue. His hips sway along with Solomon's, pressed deliberately to create friction as their weight shifts.] Ah...?
Are you hoping to get a drink, yourself? [If that's all it takes to convince Solomon to slip away, Takasugi will spare some blood. Though, he's in no rush to break the waltz they've fallen into. Simple motions are easy to understand; soon he's stepping first, stealing the lead away.]
no subject
I've watched you spill enough [of ur own] blood to be wary of such offers.
[(ill-placed) Concern masked as something disparaging. Per usual, Solomon won't fight to lead. If anything, he's proud of Takasugi for figuring it out.]
What would you like in exchange?
no subject
It's not so obvious, under the fabric of his clothing, but Takasugi feels his numb flesh there sting, a phantom of a feeling he'd never suffered. The whole time it'd healed, he'd been unconscious.
Unlike the bloodshed Solomon has witnessed, has become entangled with every part of. From inflicting the wounds to patching them up with still reforming hands.
He wonders when Solomon will accept that his blood spills rather freely - a currency he understands. An exchange he prefers.] A swim... [What a shitty suggestion! He just wants to see Solomon fight the cave monster! Skinny dipping is just a bonus.]
no subject
In relation to his vast medical knowledge, that suggestion is unnerving.]
You want to go swimming after I've taken blood from you?
[A method to prevent him from draining too much, perhaps.]
If that's what you'd like...
no subject
And tonight, that just might be in a pokebattle against a giant cave monster.]
I don't plan on drowning. [If anything, he'll just be uncomfortably cold.
Which is where the nude swim comes into play.
Takasugi breaks rhythm, shifting to the side. His hands fall from Solomon's, grazing down his back, over hip, before falling away entirely. Regretfully-
He breaks from the party, leading their way deeper into the cave until the din has faded into indistinguishable echoes. There's no nook to duck into, but neither is there much light. His pace tapers until he's stopped, pressing his back to the wall.
One hand outstretched, goading the monster forward.] Go ahead. Indulge yourself. [Salacious...]
no subject
Diva would be the least of their worries, by comparison. Cave dwellers, from your average homeless weirdo guy to Nessie with human legs...
It eventually becomes difficult to perceive things -- not for him, but in general. He's prepared to complain when Takasugi's footfalls cease to be and he's very nearly physically drawn in. He does step closer, moves to take Takasugi by his side; it's a motion he fumbles at first -- darkness and such. His nose levels out with a temple, he'll use the bridge of it (etc) to brush his hair back...only after he's pushed his own mask up to his forehead.]
Turn around?
[Always straight and to the point. Once in a while, it's fun to ease into these things.]
no subject
He's left with a sigh, the dredges of relaxation.
His urges for Solomon to indulge didn't include care. There's intimacy in the gesture - that isn't what Takasugi bristles against. It's the gentle touch, unsuited to such a voracious desire.
If he shudders under such careful hands, he'll lose his patience entirely.
Better to make it a rough exchange, based in impulse and need.
(He's backed himself into this corner, a casual offer and a secluded - romantic in Solomon's mind? - location.)
Takasugi turns, but it's with lips pressed thin and head thudding against the slick cave wall.
He hopes the cave monster takes a bite out of Solomon's spine.]
no subject
Just feeling for irregularities. A hastened pulse beneath branded skin. Speaking of, Takasugi's made it easy for him to ascertain which side he's favoring, which one he's offering. A cold press of his nose guides him high up on his throat. An inopportune spot for draining.
Which is precisely not what he does, after taking what might feel like several minutes nuzzling the spot, lapping at it, teasing with his teeth. He doesn't pierce the spot, but locks on -- draws it between his lips, works it like so. Marks him in a spot that would be exposed regardless.
Considering his style, anywhere would have done well in terms of exposure, but there's something exciting (domineering?) in being a deliberate piece of shit.]
no subject
He won't tense - won't acknowledge any signs of alarm his body tries to convey.
Until Solomon's teeth graze his neck, just below the ear. The taste of sweat and smoke is thick there, the scent of his tobacco woven into the fiber of hair that sticks to his neck. Brushing it away, only to suck and nurse the tendon beneath, is just as infuriating as Solomon had hoped.
The mark is a challenge he can accept, but the suspense is building in his chest. Each pass of lips could be a prick of teeth. It doesn't scare him; he hates the uncertainty.]
You're getting distracted. [He keens his head away with the accusation, tilting just enough to shoot Solomon a glare that's augmented by the lack of light. His hand raises to grip the other's jaw, jerking it close to a more regular spot to sup from.
With control wrested for now, his heart beat calms.]
no subject
I'm not. [Softly, even through his impatience. Like he's up to something, cus best believe a motherfucker is. He'd elaborate further, talk about preparing him but his mouth's being manipulated; rather than teeth, a smirk smears his sweet spot, temptation beating against it.
It goes neglected overall. Instead, he'll catch Takasugi's hand with his own, pry it from his jaw. A succeeding nuzzle finds the heart of his palm, but the samurai's not interested in such tenderness. His mouth protests down the center of it to his wrist...
Only for his teeth to prick into the tendons of it. Something different.]
no subject
His hand begins to fall, not in surrender but frustration, muscles aching to flex in and out of a fist.
He's moments from slamming knuckles against the blonde's jaw when fingers wrap around his wrist and steady it. As if his outburst has been predicted. Wide eyes meet that nuzzle - a taunt that makes his jaw and the tendons in his neck tense with anger - and he thinks to pull away.
But teeth sink in, and he's rendered incapable of even that much. Tearing away would ruin the tendons, a danger to the years he's dedicated to the sword. It's below the belt, biting there; Takasugi's fingers curl, nails digging crescents into his palm.]
What are you doing? [Blood flows more freely than usual, every shred of flesh in his arm burning in protest, in a response pinned between fight and flight.]
no subject
Isn't it obvious?
[Hips fall forward, intentions obvious. Another hand slips between, not to enhance anything for anyone but himself. A flat palm rests over his heart, slipping beneath fabric to do so. A thumb automatically shifts and works against scarring. His tongue chases a trail of blood down his forearm, a purse of appreciation muffles the spot of its absence.]
We're doing things differently this time.
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