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

[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.

[universal_charm]

Well that's half the fun isn't it? It's nice to know a person, but even after years of knowing each other, finding out something new is exciting.

[precedented]

I suppose I do hoard a number of surprises.

[ Though no one will know him for that long. ]

[universal_charm]

You see? Definitely worth sticking around for.

_{[ A turn, a brush of shoulders. ]}

[precedented]

I doubt you have time to stick around. You have a universe to explore, stars to visit.

[ Leto's lips touch the tip of Jim's ear. Point. ]

[universal_charm]

True. But it doesn't mean I can't swing around and say hello to my favorite royal now and then.

_{[ A shiver, turn, the faintest touch of lips at the corner of his mouth. Counter-point. ]}

[precedented]

[ Ah. His eyes darken. ]

You might not like what you see.

[universal_charm]

That is for me to decide, though.

[precedented]

[ He catches his hand. Leto shakes briefly. ]

Don't.

[universal_charm]

_{[ He pauses, not sure what he has done, that crease of his brow returning in his concern. ]}

Leto?

[precedented]

You won't like what you see. It'll ruin every perception you ever had me. Have you what you can now, but do not look for more.

There isn't any.

[universal_charm]

_{[ He is quiet for a moment, watching him, but finally he nods softly. ]}

I won't, then. But promise me, if you need help, you'll contact me, all right?

[precedented]

[ He relaxed, immensely relieved. A few people have seen the God Emperor - in his entirety as he was ready to savage the universe. The God Emperor was necessary. He existed to be hated and despised, a note in history so that Leto's creation would never again be repeated.

But he won't let the people he knew - or have known him to see that. He couldn't.

Softly, he replies. ]

Of course.

[universal_charm]

_{[ He nods and stops them, stepping in to wrap his arms around Leto, squeezing him gently. ]}

I'll have the fasted ship in the Fleet. I'll get there in time, if you need me. And lucky you I'm just a ship over for the time being.

[precedented]

[ He exhales quietly. He should tell the truth, Leto thinks numbly. Tell the truth about how he will become the worst of people in the name of the future. But the words won't come out. ]

It seems I've been caught.

[universal_charm]

So it seems. But I think we can call this one a draw, don't you?