MASQUERADE: Noveur 7

[rightfoot]

WELCOME TO THE MASQUERADE

I. Arrival

The event starts early evening, Noveur 7, thanks to the help of several hands. They had worked for a couple of days prior to the start to get the large ballroom decorated to everyone's liking. The day of the event, earlier on, a few may have appeared to do some final touches. Those who had stayed behind to help with some last minute decorating, Louis had cleared out and advised to leave so that they could get ready for the masquerade.

a. Outside

When you approach, you will find that the outside of the building is a perfect location for a masquerade. There's a large ballroom, granted to them for use by the Coven. They had been kind enough to allow them to have the space and necessary supplies in order to throw such a party. And, it's clear that they took every advantage of the granted space and land around them.

There's a gorgeous, outdoor fountain, and lights underneath the water to give it a pleasant, warm glow through the water. If you watch it long enough, the lights seem to shift colors. There's gardens surrounding the building, as well. The gardens, like the fountain, have low, warm lighting around them so that the plant-life will be clear well into the late night.

There's benches outside as well, with a clear view of the fountain - so if someone needs to step outside or take a break from the indoor events, they can enjoy the fresh air and the warm, calming feeling from the fountain and gardens. This is a perfect place to escape when you want to relax away from the bustle of a party.

b. Inside

The entryway has open curtains, gold - and tied back with a burgundy rope. There to make everyone feel as though stepping inside, they are making an entrance of their own. Once you step inside, you'll notice the grand ballroom with high ceilings is fully decorated. It is clear that a lot of effort and time went into this, thanks to the help of many different people and several sets of hands. The colors that seem to be continually present are gold, reds, and purples. Though from time to time there may be splashes of other colors and personal touches from those who had helped in places - mostly in the form of masks hanging on the walls, or balloons scattered in places away from the main dance floor.

From the main ballroom entrance, straight ahead, is the main dance floor and to the right - refreshments. Near the refreshments, there are a several standing tables to set down a drink or stand around to socialize with friends or people you've just met. In addition to the standing tables, there's a couple of dining tables and chairs so that you can sit and eat, drink, or chat.

Inside the main ballroom there's a few gaming tables scattered around - including card games with some dealers around where you can gamble, and pool tables. Make a wager or play for fun, it's all up to you. Additionally, on the floor Kaito will be performing magic tricks to entertain individuals and small groups throughout the floor. You'll be able to catch him periodically through the night.

There are a few hallways leading to several rooms, and it all depends on what you're looking for, but no matter what it is, you can probably find it.

One of the rooms has the silent auction. Here, you can look at some of the things that are up for bidding. There's several interesting, enchanted items including: weapons, jewelry, books, instruments. They are protected, as well, so they can only go home with the winner.

Don't worry - there's signs posted everywhere so you will be able to find what you're looking for.

c. Enchanted Masks

You're welcome to have brought a mask that you had picked out for yourself, or - if you prefer, you can pick up an enchanted mask near the entrance of the party itself. These enchanted masks will conceal all distinguishing features, whether they are as simple as horns and scales, or as large as a set of wings. The only obvious features will be what a character is wearing, whether it is their attire, mask, or both.

You aren't obligated to wear them, of course, but they do provide the total anonymity that is often part of the excitement at a masquerade such as this. These effects are only present when one is wearing the mask. The moment the mask is off, any distinguishing features are immediately visible.

It's a perfect opportunity to have a little fun and engage with someone you may not have spoken with otherwise.

This enchantment will wear off the next day at sunrise, so you may keep the mask you pick out for yourself at the party.

d. Photobooth

Near the front of the ballroom there's a neat looking photobooth set up thanks to the work of both Omi and Prompto. There's props so you can take fun or silly pictures with your friends or date for the night. The backdrop for the photobooth is magical, of course. With a quick flip the background can be changed to one you desire whether it's a different color, an entirely new environment. The photobooth will be available through the night.

Additionally, you'll be able to find Omi on the floor catching candid photos of the attendees. Smile!

II. Refreshments

Away from the dance floor are several tables with matching, deep purple, table cloths. On top of the table are a variety of foods - some brought by the attendees, others brought in thanks to the aid of the coven. You can expect to find at least something that you'll absolutely love when exploring the options. There's everything there - from healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and dip - to less healthy options such as cupcakes, and truffles. Food on sticks, and easy finger foods seem to be a very popular options.

While many of the options wouldn't even require a plate, there are some plates and utensils in shades of blue and gold available to use.

Next to the food there is a table featuring three punch bowls with three different flavors. One seems to be a fruit punch, one seems be purely berry flavored, and one - seems to be a bit of a surprise. It tastes a little bit different to everyone who tries it, but so far - there have been no complaints. Next to them, if you would prefer, there's pitchers of water.

Near the back corner, there's a bar with a bartender, there to serve those who would like a drink. Ask for a surprise, or your favorite drink, and you can have something mixed for you. Next to the bar, there are rows of the most popular bottles of alcohol. Though you won't be stopped if you take one, please tell the bartender so that they can keep their stock replenished for the other guests.

Drinks, of course, come free to those who are able to legally drink. Anyone underage will be met with a powerful enchantment that is acting as a method of preventing that from happening.

III. Dance

a. The Lock Box

Maybe you want to find a new dance partner. Maybe you want to find a new Bond. Maybe you just want to talk to someone new. The Lock Box is near the entrance of the ballroom. It's inaccessible thanks to both a lock and enchantment that are on it.

It's set up neatly on a table, with only it, paper, and a pen so that names can be written and added to the box. When you enter your name, another name will be produced from the box. It is clearly enchanted, of course. Once you're given a name, you and your new dance partner will be compelled to be near one another. This will last for about the length of a song - long enough to dance, or have a conversation.

Usually, only others who have put their names in the box will have their name drawn, but sometimes those who didn't put their name in the box will have their name drawn and will feel compelled to seek out someone who drew their name.

Sorry to those who didn't volunteer, magic isn't always the most predictable! Though you may get lucky and just find your next friend or Bond, so it's hard to get mad about it.

b. Song & Dance

Whether you picked your dance partner yourself, or were compelled to dance with your partner thanks to the Lock Box, the dance floor is ready for you. The music is enchanted, to provide a feeling of calm, relaxation, and joy. Characters will feel at ease, and even those who may not typically dance will want to get out on the dance floor.

Thanks to the talents of several Mirrorbound and collected records you'll have a variety of music all through the night. While much of it is upbeat, as it is encouraging individuals to dance. Whatever your mood, you will find a song that you'd love to dance to, as long as you want to dance.

IV. Gaming

Throughout the venue, there are a variety of gaming tables. There's poker tables with a dealer available so that you can play a game, place a bet - maybe you'll lose some cunes, maybe you'll win big. That's all up to how good you play the game. Note: Dealers (and the party host) are not responsible for any losses that occur when gambling. Play responsibly (or not).

There's also some pool tables available to those who wish to play. These table are open to anyone, and they are free to play. There's only a couple of tables available; however, they are scattered throughout the venue.

Set up near the bar are three long tables with only an array of cups and a printed set of rules for a game that some may recognize as none other than something very closely to beer pong. In place of the ping-pong balls there's a small, plastic coin that is used. Have fun drinking with friends while playing a game. What's not to love?

Are you looking to play a game in a quieter space? Down one of the hallways there's a couple of game rooms where you can not only find decks of cards and a pool table, but also a variety of popular party games such as charades. You'll also be able to find a room for those who want to settle in for a game of chess or checkers.

V. Late Night

The lights dim, just a bit more as it starts to turn into a late night, though there doesn't seem to be any sign that the party is ending. Small, glowing trinkets are brought out when the party seems like it should otherwise be dying down. These trinkets are - of course, to your taste, whether it's a bracelet, a ring, a necklace, or just simple something small that almost resembles a wand. This will glow up to a month, so you should like what you pick: whether it is for for you or is to act as a gift for someone of your choosing.

The music is meant now to entice you to go a little wilder than they may have been earlier in the evening. Most of the food has been replaced and only small, quick snacks have been brought out for those who were still wanting something a bit to eat. Alcohol is still readily available to each and every person who is able to legally drink, of course.

You're welcome to - quite literally - dance until the sun rises or until you just can't stay awake any longer.

Note: Please see the questions thread if you have any for me - don't be afraid to ask. Please assume all characters received fliers this year, and anyone who would have wanted to work would have had the opportunity to help setup. As there are a variety of performers through the night, I did not note any specific ones and will leave that up to the performers discretion.

Please place any warnings, including 18+ content, in the subject line! Thank you!

Comments

[long_live_the_queen]

[There's always tree climbing. But that's a separate activity.]

[Kaede stepped out somewhat more confidently--at least for the first few steps. Then she had to reconfigure where her feet were going, and was very glad for the mask shielding her from looking too silly. But Eren's hand placement seemed right, or at least felt that way to her. He could leave his hand on her back right where it was, and their fingers twined together felt safe and secure.

Only after the Chimera made sure all the moving parts were working (and she hadn't stepped on his toes!) did Kaede pick up on the rest.]

You hurt somewhere? You're all stiff.

[Kaede prods him gently in the side with a knuckle.]

[usurpers]

[ how separate of any activity is it— never mind. at the comment, eren's lips pull into a slight frown that almost looks offended. the prodding, at least, forces his side to curve a little more and subtly add it to his swaying. side, to side, to side, slow moving spin . . . ]

You're not that different.

[ so he pokes her back. in the gut. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede huffed a little when prodded, ears flicking back in a bit of an apology, and scuffed her feet a little when he started to spin. Not a stumble, but a quick repositioning of her feet.]

Hey.

[She could accept the rebuke gracefully.

Or she could poke him back, which is what Kaede did instead.]

[usurpers]

[ eren jaeger is a grown adult and an enemy of peace and humanity. surely he wouldn’t bend to such infantine roots . . .

he lets go of her to keep moving, but his hands swoop in for an attack: one that pinches her side while the other nabs some of the chimera’s cheek, between his thumb and curled index finger, and pulls. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Look at these very serious serial killers.

When Eren pulled his hands away, Kaede blinked a moment, frowning. She was fairly sure she didn't step on him--

And then he dug his fingers into her side and made her wriggle instantly, but prevented a convenient escape by grasping her face, and Kaede made a very undignified hrrt that squeaked out before her teeth clenched together. Her feathers immediately bristled and puffed, but of course didn't do anything to prevent the ticklish ripples racing up her side like static. And she twitched and wiggled and was all out of step now.]

[usurpers]

[ he’s very sure it isn’t painful, the jolt that racks the side being assaulted is something of an awkward jiggle inward—? she’s not angry yet, either, else her own attack would’ve sprung tenfold on him like a cat being teased to irritation. no . . . he’s getting a feeling that this is the product of something that tickles.

the battle escalates, and so does eren’s working hands: both corner her hips in a double grip so that the pad of his thumbs can prod into her belly and

tickle. the motherfucker is doing it on purpose now, making sure she has no easy escape as his palms press and his fingers curl for sensitivity, stepping out of beat but finding the jig beginning to rise behind them helpful. you’re doomed, kaede. and it almost looks like he’s masking the smug quirk of his lips into a deadpan line.

but his tail tip flopped behind him and gave his mood away. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[The Chimera's feathers bristled up, part in annoyance and partly in reaction to being grabbed. Usually, she didn't mind Eren's hands on her. Quite the opposite. But usually he wasn't wiggling his thumbs into the ticklish sides of her belly with an expression on his face Kaede was fairly sure came close to a shit-eating grin. She made almost-smiles too, she recognized that one.]

You— [she started to hiss, and—her irritation melted into more prickly wiggly tickly feelings—

She was ticklish. Oh god she was fucking ticklish. And now more than one person knew and ohhhh god]

[The Chimera's tail whapped into another dancer, making them stumble a bit in surprise. It caused a bit of a chain reaction, with that pair stumbling into another, and that set into the next. It wasn't a complete wipeout of the dance floor, but between those hoop skirts and elaborate costumes being set off balance was a bit bothersome. It earned the Chimera and the Dragon at the epicenter a few displeased looks.]

[usurpers]

[ tickle tickle tickle and harder he drives in the hope that he’s hear a shriek of some sort, short and sweet as it would’ve been but she jerks and whips— and down went the people dominos. eyes on them only some moments after registered to eren, where a single harder glance had gotten one pair to look away. what do you want is clear to them without saying a word, but displeased murmurs still linger, as do the glimpses to the dragon-chimera pair that were less intimidated.

so, with the shit-smile now far more visible to his lips, the dragon prods her back forward, and again in the direction of the tall entryway in. ]

Let’s go outside.

[ let the actual dancers enjoy their dancing. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede had been doing her best to not shriek, because she knew Eren wouldn't drop it if she did and even more people would hear it—

The tickles stopped, though the disgruntled murmurs continued. The Chimera was also Disgruntled, but for a different and much more selfish reason, and the feathers in her crest and on her arms puffed up like an indignant bird accordingly.

Some of it deflated at the (non-tickle) touch, though she initially recoiled suspiciously. But Eren didn't resume trying to tickle her. Kaede huffed a little.]

Fine.

[She turned, and while her tail smacked against the Dragon's leg deliberately, her feathers smoothed back more and more with each step. The Chimera did glance back a few times, both to make sure he was still there and that he wasn't attempting any further mischief.

Once they stepped outside, Kaede's feathers ruffled up one more time—and then laid flat and dignified again as she took a deep breath of the cool air. It wasn't too stifling in there, but being away from quite so many people was still nice.]

[usurpers]

[ there’s a sort of . . . electrifying little jump inside him when smacked and frowned upon, despite it being a difficult thing for eren to openly convey. for the most part, he remained at the same look, if not hovering close to spook her feathers again. kaede’s guard would thankfully be able to relax without another ambush; he wasn’t that much of a troublemaker. well. that kind of troublemaker.

once outside, he decides to take his seat by the fountain, propping his tail away from the curve of it into the water by bringing it to fall manually by his side and the floor. the lights were nice. ]

I thought you were about to burst.

[ he’s still being rather smug, isn’t he? even if he’s just wearing the face of a fatigued, stoic hobo. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede didn't take a seat immediately, glancing around the fountain courtyard to see who else was around. And there were several scattered about, pairs and groups and those by themselves. There was another pair on the opposite side of the fountain, but Kaede couldn't tell who they were. They didn't seem to be listening to them, at least.

The Chimera huffs down at Eren again when he said that, though, her tail feathers fwiping against the Dragon's side before she sat. Kaede didn't relax, though--she hooks a claw under the lapel of Eren's suit and yanks him close enough to mutter right in his ear.]

You better not tell anyone.

[usurpers]

[ oh goodness him he’s getting tugged. meanwhile, eren’s own tail gently finds kaede’s ankles and slithers right over them. ]

Or?

[ these usually come with threats, even if this one felt like such with a touch of embarrassment still. for the most part, he’s just pulling her leg. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede's ears pinned back, and her crest bristled up indignantly again.

Making threats was usually quite easy for her. This was not death-threat tier, though. This was slightly-mortifying-annoyance tier.

And she found she...didn't really want to carry through with something so serious, either.

Eren gets to live for now.]

...it's embarrassing. I don't want people to know.

[She's still holding onto him and still grumbling, but her voice is quieter and without the prickles of before. And she didn't dislodge the tail curling over her ankle, or fuss at the warmth so close by.]

[usurpers]

[ —hah. what’s the word for this? cute???? eren would laugh to himself but instead, out comes a curt sigh as his hand plops itself right over her head and between her horns. ]

I won’t tell who hasn’t seen.

[ besides— staying like this was better, and now that his tail hadn’t been kicked off, it was making itself equally comfy in taking more space on her feet. ]

oops words

[long_live_the_queen]

[Again the Chimera huffs, though with Eren patting her head at the same time the net effect resembled the air escaping a gently squished pillow. She didn't flinch when he did that--her ears even flicked up at the touch.

And...she supposed that answer was fine. Kaede let go of him, and her hand dropped back to her side as she ruffled her shoulders one more time before letting them sit flat. Her tail curled and flopped to the ground once, another visible sign of tension escaping. And that seemed to be the end of her disgruntlement.


...this was a good place to sit, too. Not that it was particularly well cushioned, or at all concealed—but it was close to Eren, and Kaede only had to lean just slightly to touch his side. Which she did after a quiet moment, to better appreciate his warmth.

The same way she appreciated Chariot's warmth, which—made her—

That...tangle of things in her chest came back again; affection, trust...more than a little amorous appreciation for the muscles she could see, and those she knew were underneath his clothes. The light spilling from the windows reflected off the Dragon's scales like a sunset rippling off of the water, the fierce blue of his gaze something Kaede noted and appreciated like the color of Chariot's hair, the soft red of her eyes.

And yet Eren still seemed distant, more casual. And that had seemed a fitting definition before. But was it still the right one? Was it even fair?

Kaede's foot lifted off the ground to let his tail curl as it wished, and leaned closer against his side.]

Hey, Eren. What...what are we, anyway?

[usurpers]

[ it was pleasant— eren for one can feel weight into his shoulder and can find himself accepting further. he’d enjoyed kaede’s company from the sparring tussles in the grass to the heated rock of their bodies on any surface they’d find at the time. when he looks upon kaede from his height, hovers his head by the top of her’s until his chin touched her hair, he could describe . . . a friendly affection. truly, it did not stray farther than that, he knew in his heart. if anything, his love for her was the same he’d have for jean, connie or sasha: they were friends. with the perk of fucking, from time to time, and eren could appreciate every peak of her then, guarding their intimacy the same way he’d guard his own secrets. with care, with respect, and with fondness. he was not one to look upon the body like many did— eren usually saw nothing special in the curves of hips and ass, the plump or lack of chest and so on. his eyes dove . . . deeper. attracted to the magnetic pull of what was unique to a person.

which was why the dragon is shot cold when asked the question. the question, a similar one that he had once put mikasa on the spot with: what am i to you? it wasn’t eren’s singular experiences that had him picking out the inquiry for what it was, else all hope would be lost. what eren calls upon are the memories of his father, who had had two wives in his lifetime. had children. knew the feeling of a romantic sway and attraction that led to a life together. the closest that he could feel this way to someone was mikasa, and even then . . . there were blockades. he wasn’t capable of giving himself completely. at least, not yet. in the end, it confuses him rather than coming to an unspoken conclusion. why ask that? it should feel obvious when he asks himself, but then . . . it wasn’t. every second his mind would point to something, and point in all damn directions until he didn’t know where to look anymore.

he has an answer, but like hell he’d ever be good at delivery. his scales have gone a curious, deeper bundle of hues now, not bright. his voice, as he brings it up, is leveled, not uneasy or uncertain: ]

I think we’re friends. [ it doesn’t say a third of what he actually felt for her, despite the answer being true. what a fucking barbarian. it also doesn’t breach his thoughts that she could, anyone could, feel more than that for him. it was nigh impossible, and one possibility that did have trouble sitting as one at all. ] Why are you asking?

[ at least he’s gentle about it, and seems willing to speak rather than frightened. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[That word itself was strange to hear, referring to her. That she could be anyone's friend, not a thing misery followed like an attendant shadow—or the monster herself, causing immeasurable suffering in others, until the regret extinguished her anger. Even with the mirror separating herself from what she once was, after a year or more of being here, of hearing that word she didn't deserve. And too often, she was suspicious. What did they mean? What were they planning? They must want something.

With Chariot, she'd known in ways deeper than thought, that Chariot meant what she said, meant all the little encouragements and soft praise. Kaede knew she could trust Maria too--but that trust was carved out of mutual respect, and the seriousness of things endured and favors asked. Kaede had even dared to set foot in a hospital while straying into one of Maria's dreams. But it was much more distinct, and didn't confuse her like this did.

With Eren, too, she didn't feel like he was lying. He didn't have to help her so many times as he did. He didn't have to save her in dreams.

But that wasn't all there was. The same way the scales and ice blue eyes weren't all that Eren was.]

Mm. [It was a thoughtful noise, but not an unhappy one. The Chimera's eyes blinked closed for awhile when he rested his head on hers. An ear twitched, the one that wasn't pressed against Eren.]

Just...thinking. I...trust you. [Of course she did, otherwise he wouldn't be within six feet of her, let alone this close. Or closer. But trust was one of Kaede's most precious currencies.] I feel safe around you. Calm.

[Kaede's answer was a slow unspooling of her thoughts, quiet and methodical. This would make sense again if she just pulled all the working bits apart, surely.

If she could even identify what it was to begin with.]

...but that's not all of it. There's...I feel other things, around you. [She raised her hand a little, staring at the palm of it as if she could find the words there. It didn't work out that way, of course.]

I don't think they're bad. [A little snort, a self-depreciating puff of breath.] I'd know what to do with them if they were.

[usurpers]

[ she did well at describing that one— it’s not bad, or else i’d know what to do with it. it was easy, throw it out, break it apart. although, eren wasn’t the right person to correlate either of those, when with those he’d claim to care for he’d abandon. it didn’t matter if the reason or intention was just. when kaede reveals trust, a small knife-like point twists into eren’s gut. he doesn’t think he should be trusted in the slightest, and neither did kaede think otherwise about herself at times. eren has to always remind himself and even a bit more: you are not home. different circumstances surround them all. it was duress to follow that here in such a quick instant.

now was not the time to reject her thoughts, or her opinions. in fact, eren hardly knew what to do with them, either. the dragon blinks constantly in third eyelid swipes, the confusion in his eyes growing just above scales that slowly change color: rather than a passionate sunset, they’ve lightened to a pastel dusk.

what “other thing”? it couldn’t be what he was thinking. he discards it, but still it lingers behind his own ears like a haunting ghost trying to spook him. ]

Isn’t that what friends are?

[ the chimera might be able to tell, though, despite eren’s voice being serene and soft— a certain sort of doubt lines his words. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[The end of the Chimera's tail flicked just above the ground, unsettled. And that little tiny hesitance in Eren's normally calm voice didn't help settle the confusing knot in her chest.

Kaede sighed again, but her tail kept twitching.]

I suppose. [Her friends tended to become allergic to bullets. Or wanted nothing to do with her when they saw who she was underneath a smiling amnesiac's face. Or maybe she was just too generous with that label to begin with.] But I don't think that's...that's all.

[It'd be easy if it was. They could leave it at that, friends with occasional bedwarming benefits that didn't trouble her Bonded.

But as her Witch had an endlessly spiraling net of connections, things Kaede once assumed to be closed off might not have been. She nestled further into Eren's side, rather than curling away.]

Being around you is...sometimes it feels like being with my Bonded.

[Was that the best she could do? Compare things, instead of outright say them? Where was her bluntness now?]

[usurpers]

[ like— her bonded? her bonded was ursula, wasn’t it? while eren dips his chin down to watch and gauge her more facial reactions, he finds himself stringing together another web of explanations. his own bond at this point, styx, was his complete opposite with so many little similarities that connected like vines. there was trust and yearning for him, for his way of life and sense of self. there was a special touch to them. they had the chance to understand each other intimately, like no other— the same had gone for mikleo, lex and elliot. but that still didn’t explain, some bonds were strictly professional, or a friendship running deep, or, whatever else that was difficult to really put into tangible wording. it’s why he asks, his wing draping along her back to the shoulder his hand settles on. ]

. . . We understand each other. Probably more than anyone else. [ it probably (more than likely) went unsaid, but both knew of each other’s actions back in their homes, and neither had run from the other because of it. ] What kind of Bond do you have with Ursula?

[ he’s trying to figure out what she means when she says . . . it was like that. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[Kaede hummed quietly, a sound more felt than heard. Her tail slowed when she felt Eren's wing drape on her, swishing to a stop on her foot. Her brow furrowed a bit in thought, but Kaede didn't frown.]

She's...precious to me. [Just thinking about Chariot made Kaede's thoughts grow soft at the edges. That gentle smile, the bottomless patience. The persistence in showing her the kindness Kaede didn't think she deserved.]

She understands me, too. What I am, what I was. And she hasn't turned away. I...

[The words seemed strangely heavy for her to say. Kaede hadn't said them out loud very much; she didn't need to linger on sluggish and clumsy sounds when there was a Bond to convey what she thought and felt.

Here, though, those words were all the tools she had.

Kaede sighed through her nose, and tried again.]

I love her. I trust you. So it's...I don't know.

[In that library beneath, she'd felt a brief flash of indecision. She wanted to hold both of them, but couldn't reach. And the way she'd seen Eren's mood and scales dim felt like a knife point twisting in her chest.]

[autotome]

[ “precious” . . . it’s something he can surely relate to, in both feeling and feeling it for her. eren has had a group of precious friends that he wouldn’t say he didn’t love. he never used the word, and plenty could argue (even himself) that he was less than worthy to say it again when the despair he brought and the reasons he used . . . weren’t only for them. there are certain things love doesn’t allow, and it doesn’t erase that he hurt them plenty to protect them.

he doesn’t have to, here. he knows it’s only a matter of time before the lights dim in his home without a proper, hm, body to return to and only a temporary vessel to finish what he started. kaede is next to him here, telling him what she could— perhaps any further romantic agenda flies right over his horns. friends who’re precious for each other can have intimacy, no problems. right? after all— ]

I feel the same way.

[ he comprehends. perhaps not fully, but in his own way, he shares it. he shares the sentiment and looks upon her. ]

I’ll be happy for you, if you could live that here for a really long time.

[ as far as he knew? chimeras were second best when it came to their lifespans, only losing to dragons and fae. knowing her circumstance— he means what he says. ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[The tangle of things in Kaede's chest was too complex and multiheaded to be severed neatly--but that answer converted some of the tangles to something soft and recognizable. That, this affectionate warmth--that, she could identify. She let some of it escape and drive her motions, butting her head gently up against Eren's, letting the thoughtful rumbles coalesce into a contented purr. Her tail flicked across to twine with the end of his.]

I'll try to.

[It was out of her mouth before the oddness of it caught up; how strange, to be...committed to living. To not be waiting for an escape from a nightmarish life by slipping into the thoughtless, painless dark.

But the mirrors' whims had taken her out of that. Brought her to the shoreline on the other side, changed her shape, and let her loose. She could live here. She could love here. This path was hers to walk.]

[autotome]

[ there was something about trying that would always end short. instead, his head is knocked, and eren agreeably shifts to willingly pressing the middle of their foreheads together– a spot that was intimate as it was one to be protected, and he’s giving it to her; his mellowing is apparent like watching dawn dip to dusk, the sluggishness to his own tail twining one that takes its time to feel every brush like thousands of little sparks. it made his hairs raise and his scales ripple, to the point that his own words start and end with the deep, throaty drum of purrs returned. ]

I know you will.

[ his lips press at the corner of her mouth and the start of her cheek, in no rush to go anywhere immediate and already feeling the running across his scales once he tuned to the texture and superficial taste she had, of feather dust and fur, of bone and . . . cherry? ]

[long_live_the_queen]

[That touch coaxed yet more of that fluttery warmth out of her chest; brushing foreheads together always felt more significant to Kaede, though kisses were their own sort of language. To be able to trust someone enough to touch her face, to share the same breath--it made the contact all the more significant. The Chimera felt his limbs go a bit slack, and slipped an arm protectively around his waist just in case he should fall. Her tail curled a bit closer too, though it alone wouldn't have helped much.

But nothing like that happened. Just the brush of his warm breath on her cheek, and the kiss that followed. Kaede pressed up against it, and him, fitting herself to Eren's side like an insistent glove so she could feel more of the rumbles in his voice, the warmth of his body.

While her mouth was still free, she murmured quieter than a whisper.]

We should go somewhere else.

[This masquerade may have gotten her to tolerate people better, but this was leading to a bit more than a dance. And the open fountain behind them was a bit more of a hazard than an enclosed boat.]