Cometh the Big Crying Wheel

[initiates]

Date & Time: Sept 15th
Location: A refurbished castle on the outskirts of Exsilium.
Characters: Anyone at the party!
Summary: Vanadi hosts a party that goes very poorly.
Warnings: Violence, probably! Let a mod know if we should update this.


It’s a lovely night for a party!

The venue at the outskirts of town is, unfortunately, a bit drafty — and actually rather sparsely furnished, as well. In fact, party goers are encouraged to mingle, drink, and enjoy themselves in the courtyard, as the castle itself wasn’t able to be renovated in time, and has proven to be a little bit architecturally unsound. Any explorative guests might find a small hail of dust and pebbles on their heads if they venture too far in — and who knows what else, if they continue on.

But the drinks and snacks both are plentiful and delicious, and the large canvas set up from castle wall to castle wall keeps off the sprinkling rain. The weather could even be described as warmish and pleasant, if one were feeling generous. A group of Exiles plays classic instruments in one corner of the courtyard, having been paid enough to even smile at any Transports that wander near.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a good night. Until about 10 PM, that is. Come 10 PM, the Misery rolls into town, tearing down the canvas, nullifying powers, and crying corrosive blood everywhere. That’s the cue for all hell to break loose, as the final wave of mind-controlled characters snag their victims and make for the hills — or at least for the UE. The mind-controlled characters will also have the backup of a squadron of 20 of the Masked, the UE's special ops force. The Masked's main goal is to grab those on their list and get away, but they're certainly not above shooting to kill at anyone that gets in their way. They're also highly trained in hand-to-hand combat and physically enhanced by their suits, so they're a good bunch to try to avoid.

But do have a wonderful time until then, won’t you?

Comments

[controlledvariable]

[Saul pls.]

Oui!

[She's such a little shit.

And as soon as she's sure he's steady on his feet, she starts them dancing; not quite leading, but, well. Sort of leading.

Whatever.]

[5055034455]

[One does not sort of lead.

Technicalities.

He catches the rhythm again easily enough, but he still looks halfheartedly perturbed.]

[controlledvariable]

[Batgirl can sort of lead.]

Deal with it, McGill.

[She's so nice.]

[5055034455]

I never should've told you that. You're abusing a privilege, little lady.

[no she's not she's the meanest ever]

[controlledvariable]

You really shouldn't have.

[Was he expecting her to argue?]

And don't 'little lady', me.

[stawp]

[5055034455]

[Okay, so.

He can't not do it anymore. The adjustment is slight, almost subtle: he twists the hand holding hers around so that he can intertwine their fingers and does exactly that.

This is how he knows he's in a ton of trouble. Saul's not reckless or stupid, and everything involving Steph has been both. And remains both. And it just keeps getting worse.]

Don't tell me what to do.

[controlledvariable]

[The look Steph gives him is a little pleading, and she gives his hand one quick squeeze before moving her fingers back to where it should be.

She thinks about Collette's accusation, and she can't imagine what she'd be thinking if she saw them now.]

I'll do whatever I want.

[Keeping her tone light, as if this isn't spiralling into disaster.]

[5055034455]

Then do it.

[He's not talking about calling him by the wrong name, but he knows she knows that.

She's too smart to think he didn't notice the way she's been looking at him. Or knows him too well, at least.]

[controlledvariable]

[Something flickers in her expression, though it's hard to read what, exactly.]

Life's not that simple.

[Mostly, she just sounds sad.]

[5055034455]

[It's not that he thinks this is funny, but what she just said draws a chuckle out of him. That sounds sad, too.]

Don't I know it.

[controlledvariable]

Yeah.

[And with that, she's pretty sure there's no reclaiming that light humour from before.

So she falls silent, and starts carefully steering them towards the edge of the dancefloor. She's planning to draw away once the song ends.]

[5055034455]

[That's the smartest move yet. Steph starts guiding them, Saul gets the hint, and as soon as the music stops, he releases his hold on her and takes a small step back.

And then he looks at her as if to say, Is that all?]

[controlledvariable]

[Part of her wants to tell him that Collette suspects something between them, but that would mean admitting why she's suspicious, and Steph feels so stupid for saying too much.

Instead, she manages a small, sad smile.]

I probably shouldn't keep you from your girlfriend any longer.

[She doesn't sound bitter or jealous, it could almost be a joke, if not for how miserable she feels.]

Thanks for the dance, Saul.

[Without waiting to hear his response, she turns to walk away.]

[5055034455]

Yeah.

[All he can do is watch her go, then turn and fix a beaming smile on whoever's nearest.

Back to work.]