And We Danced (Masquerade Overflow!)

[thespaceopera]

The Captcha is upon us, but the party isn't over! Feel free to continue your threads here, start new ones, and continue the dance party!

- Original Mingle
- OOC Post

[[OOC: Wait for Sections! Sections are up! Feel free to use the section prompts or make your own! We'd also advise against just linking back to your original mingle post for the sake of players with slower computers.]]

Comments

[precedented]

[ He smiles. ]

Oh? Well, I plan to as well.

[universal_charm]

Good. You know you're free to avail yourself of my presence whenever you like, right?

_{[ He raised his brows at him, because he meant it in several ways Leto, he was just being polite and not being crass in their current company. ]}

[precedented]

[ He laughs, a silvery thing. ]

I shall not forget. Though I'm sure you're keeping yourself busy.

[universal_charm]

_{[ He likes Leto's laugh, and he is glad he has brought it out in him. ]}

True, but I can always make time for a friend.

_{[ He knows you mean in NSFW ways, Leto, with where you put that emphasis. He's choosing to ignore it. ]}

[precedented]

I am aware.

[ It's not so bad, having a friend. ]

[universal_charm]

_{[ He looked at him for a moment, as if wondering if he was just giving him lip service, but he seemed to accept it when he leaned in and kissed the corner of his lips. ]}

I hear there are some chess boards set up in the game room. Perhaps I could interest you in a rematch later this evening? Same stakes as last time?

_{[ He winked. ]}

[precedented]

[ His expression lights up a little. ]

Why not?

[universal_charm]

Now, or do you want a few more turns round the dance floor?

[precedented]

Might as well. A dance floor is hard to come by.

[universal_charm]

All right. One more for us, then I'll go secure us a chess board.

[precedented]

Then I had better be impressive for one last dance.

[ He brings their hands up, palms resting against each other. Leto puts his other hand behind his back. ]

[universal_charm]

Oh?

_{[ He follows his lead, but his eyebrows are up, curious as to what the other has in mind. ]}

[precedented]

In another culture long ago, any kind of touching during a dance was considered inappropriate. This was how they were meant to greet and touch. Ghani and I had a variation of this. Both of us would try to sneak in another touch or so without the other one noticing.

[universal_charm]

_{[ His eyes sparkled at that, lips curling into that patented mischievous smile of his. ]}

And what did the winner receive?

[precedented]

We usually let the winner decide that.

[ After all, that makes the game more engaging. ]

[universal_charm]

_{[ He chuckled. ]}

Hmm, I was going to suggest we play, but I am not so sure. I have a feeling I am well outmatched - this time at least.

[precedented]

Has that ever stopped you before?

[universal_charm]

_{[ A louder laugh this time. ]}

No, I don't suppose it has. Just be gentle in your wish, if you don't mind.

_{[ He smirks as the music changes beats to start the next round. ]}

[precedented]

Surely you believe in my capacity for being gentle?

[ He places his palm on top of Jim's as they begin the dance. His movements are deliberately slow and languid, but definitely a prelude to what's to come. ]

[universal_charm]

I do. I've had very personal experience with it as I recall. And the other side too. I didn't hate that side.

_{[ He follows his lead, sliding his arm behind his back, watching him with those sharp blue eyes, both playing the game and merely enjoying himself at once. ]}

[precedented]

How many sides do you see then?

[ He steps closer and then steps back. A teasing forethought. ]

[universal_charm]

Quite a few, so far. I have a feeling there are many more. Hopefully I get to see them.

_{[ He steps in again with him and then back out, licking his lips as if waiting for something. ]}

[precedented]

[ He leans to cup the back of Jim's neck, pressing a kiss before turning away, to the hum of the strings. ]

Perhaps you shall.

[universal_charm]

_{[ That was unexpected, but he laughed, turning with the beat, leaning in enough to brush his lips across Leto's cheek. ]}

I think I have better chances than a 'perhaps'.

[precedented]

I don't know anyone who has seen all sides. I'm not even sure of all sides.