middaeg | CLOSED • Imma break you off

Entry tags:

CLOSED • Imma break you off

Who: Nico

bloodypath
When: Noveur 7th
Where: The Masquerade!
What: Tipsy Nico encounters Hubert, shenanigans unfold
Warnings: Alcohol

( It's rare for Nicoletta Goldstein to turn down an opportunity to party, and an invitation to a masquerade arranged by someone she's never met before is no exception to that. Kyrie spent a good deal of the afternoon a needle and thread working on the final alterations to her dress: it's scandalous, of course, because Nico likes to make an entrance, and it probably won't come as a surprise to anyone that she's ended up being all but sewn into the thing. Her look is tied together with some slick boots, a messily elegant hairstyle and a jacket she's misplaced more than once, but that somehow keeps managing to find its way back to her.

It's late into the evening when she spots Hubert by the drinks table. By then she has a flute of champagne in each hand and her jacket draped over her shoulders; it's getting a little chilly, but she's the kind of woman who won't let something like the weather impact her fashion choices. She smiles broadly, her expression lifting with genuine (if not tipsy) delight as she makes her way towards him: )

Well how about that, if it ain't Mr. Refined himself! Didn't guess you'd be the party type.

( A bright laugh follows, and she lifts her glass in a toast that ends up shrugging her jacket to the floor. Nico doesn't seem to notice; she takes a generous sip of the champagne in her right hand before offering Hubert the left, warmth twinkling in her eyes from behind her (non-enchanted) mask. )

Here, toast with me —

( Her smile grows wider, and just a little more playful. )

To business well done.

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[Hubert turns at the sound of his name, not having yet selected anything from the table—and, Goddess, the woman really has little-to-no sense of decency, did she?]

[But he smiles as faintly as always behind the mask, removing it to reveal the expression as his... employer, he supposed, approaches.]

Nicoletta, [Hubert says in greeting, ignoring her state of dress, and chuckles.] I've endured my share of functions. This is not so different.

[But then she's shoving the drink in his hand. Champagne isn't... exactly to his tastes, but he'll politely accept for now.]

To business well done, [Hubert answers earnestly. He waves his other hand vaguely, a small effort of magic whisking Nico's fallen jacket off the floor and bringing it to hover before her now-unoccupied arm.] You look as though you've been enjoying yourself.

( Nico's smile only grows as he removes the mask to reveal his face beneath, because damn this guy really goes in for the "low-key terrifying all the time" thing, huh? That said, she can't deny that the plague-mask-and-all-black ensemble really does suit him, which she conveys by taking her jacket with thanks and a low whistle as she gives him an easy once-over. )

Yeah? Seems like you really committed to a look tonight, in any case.

( She nudges him with her elbow as she swallows a sip of champagne. )

'Course I'm enjoyin' myself, it's a party! My friends from back home are around here somewhere — ( She indicates the hustle and bustle of people with a tilt of her glass. ) So I guess we're usin' tonight as an excuse to celebrate the fact we managed to find each other.

( But you know, recently reunited couples have to go do coupley things like slow-dance, stargaze, and whisper sweet nothings into each other's ears, so Nico has ducked away to give Nero and Kyrie some privacy. )

Who'd you come with, anyway? All dressed up like that ...

( Nico offers an impish little grin. )

Hot date?

I fail to see how this is terribly different from how I normally dress, [Hubert muses. The whistle is... very clear, and his own gaze never once slips blow Nico's face. Somehow, he makes it look natural instead of a forced avoidance.]

Absolutely nothing of the sort. I'm merely attending to keep an eye on things, given this land's propensity towards abrupt and dramatic crises. [Hubert chuckles, finally taking a tiny sip of the champagne. Far too tart for his tastes.] No, I've attended with no one, and simply to be on hand should Her Majesty require me. Though, I can understand your and your friends' sentiments. You're quite fortunate.

( Nico just rolls her eyes and chuckles, draining half her glass in one go this time as Hubert takes his little sip. Sure, he might not be wrong about the fact that it's very close to his usual attire, but there's something about the mask that makes it seem even more fancy-costumey than usual. )

Wow, so you showed up to a party in case there's a disaster and your boss needs you. You're no fun, Hubert — you gotta live a little sometimes!

( But she grins all the same, her intent obviously to tease as oppose to genuinely criticise. The alcohol has loosened her tongue even more than usual, or so it would seem, and she finishes off the rest of her drink before haphazardly setting her flute down on a nearby table.

She nearly misses, wobbles, then rights herself with a giggle. )

Anyway, I'll keep you company for a while. I'm all for our joyful friendship reunion, but now that Kyrie's here ... well, Nero's gonna want some alone time with her, if you get my meanin'.

( Do you get it, Hubert. Do you get her meaning. )

Of course - as Lady Edelgard's retainer, that is the exact intention.

[Hubert's brow arches a little as Nico wobbles. Luckily, his intervention isn't required. He turns his attention out to the floor despite having no idea what these people look like. ]

I know nothing of them or their relationship, but yes, you are quite clear. Not going to push your merchandise on them?

[He says dryly, in something of a joke of his own.]

( Oh Hubert ... )

I mean, they were technically the trial run for my merch back home. See, some guy tore a hole through reality or whatever to find Nero's garage, and then— ( She makes an aggressive slicing motion with her arm ) —chopped his demonic arm clean off with a sword! And because his best friend is an engineering genius ( Nico indicates herself, obviously ) I've been makin' weaponised prosthetic arms for him ever since.

( Honestly? Nero losing his arm, while traumatic, was a fantastic way for Nico to really put her skills to the test. Why anyone would want to go back to having a regular old arm after they've experienced some of her creations is beyond her. )

Anyway, that's just the context. This was his good arm, you understand? His good hand. ( She grins. ) I figured I could help Kyrie out by makin' him a softer, more specialised prosthetic for when they wanna get nasty. There's more to life than kicking demon ass, right?

( This isn't even a joke. This is canon. )

So, you could say I already had experience makin' sex toys before landin' the job at Worse Dragon.

Edited 2020-11-11 17:31 (UTC)

[It's very rare for Hubert to be rendered speechless.]

[Really, there's a great deal to unpack in all that. That Nico might launch into some outlandish statement was a given, but, well... He'd gotten that and so much more. Torn reality, demons and demon arms, weaponized prosthetics... After a moment of silent staring, Hubert lightly clears his throat. ]

I... see. That is quite the tale. I beg your pardon, demons?

Demons. You know ... the crawlin' on up outta hell type?

( Nico makes a claw with her free hand and affects a snarl for a moment. )

Back home Nero and I are in the business of huntin' 'em down and gettin' rid of them for good. You ever end up with a demon problem on your hands, just give Devil May Cry a call.

( She tosses him a wink. )

I'm more than just a pretty face an' a bespoke collection of Monster dicks, I promise.

I suppose there have been stranger things than demons present in this world.

[Still, it's odd to hear about someone making a living hunting what Hubert thought to be only fable and fears spread by the church. He sips his drink again, eyeing Nico thoughtfully. ]

I'll admit; I certainly hadn't pegged you for a mercenary.

Mercenary-engineer-alchemist, thanks.

( She corrects him, an amused quirk settling on her lips as she folds her arms across her chest. )

Anyway, a girl's gotta earn a livin'. My grandmother, she was one of the finest gunsmiths the world ever knew. I learned my craft from her.

( And then, just because she's tipsy and feeling like teasing him some more: )

Why, what did you peg me for?

[Hubert doesn't even hesitate in answering.] A misguided, crass, and eccentric craftswoman with perhaps a greater entrepreneur talent than most realized.

[There's nothing but bald-faced honesty in Hubert's tone. He still wears that polite smile, but it lacked any trace of mockery or condescension. Then, he pauses, gears clearly turning in his pale eyes. Hubert's polite smile grows a tad more amused.]

But, thinking on it, I suppose that isn't a far cry from mercenary, now is it?

Edited (ISN'T not it's) 2020-11-12 01:08 (UTC)

( Nico's laugh is a delighted, clear sound over the hubbub, and she slaps Hubert's upper arm in a friendly little gesture. )

Y'know, I can't even be mad at that. You pretty much hit the nail on the head!

( Besides, she's been called a lot worse by people she likes a lot less. She'll take crash and eccentric - even misguided, although the liquor definitely helps with that one. )

Well, Hubert, I'm gonna need another drink if you're gonna keep roasting me like that. Say, what's your favourite?

[Well, that's certainly better than how most people usually took his opinions of them, but Hubert had called her eccentric for a reason. Her obvious libations certainly helped. A brow lifts at the smack to his arm, but he otherwise remained statuesque.]

I don't have one, truly. I've never been one for alcohol. [A breath, as if conceding some great ground,] but, if I were pressed to choose, I've grown somewhat partial to this land's whiskey.

[He extends his hand another inch, offering Nico his hardly-touched champagne.] If you're inclined. It would be a shame for it to go to waste.

Aw, really? I mean, if you're not gonna have it then sure ( She takes the glass from him again, lifting her other hand to press against her chest in an all too theatrical manner ) I'll take the hit an' spare you the burden of this champagne.

( There's mischief in her eyes as she takes a long sip. )

An' don't you worry, I'm not gonna force you to drink with me. But if we ain't drinkin', you know what that means ...

( She grins over the rim of her glass, pure Cheshire Cat. )

We're gonna have to dance instead.

Forced to pick my poison, am I?

[Hubert sighs, chuckling and shaking his head.]

Very well, Nicoletta; you will have your dance, if you can tolerate the way my form has deteriorated grotesquely with years of disuse.

[And, before Nico could jump on the opportunity, his gaze sweeps briefly, but pointedly, to the flute in her grasp.] Once that is no longer in hand, of course.

[Don't spill it on his clothes.]

( Honestly? Nico hadn't expected Hubert to actually agree to a dance, and her eyebrows nudge up towards her hairline as he lays down his conditions for a turn about the floor. Her grin turns mischievous as she knocks back the champagne in a single swallow: )

Y'know? I reckon I'll find a way to survive it.

( With the now empty glass set down behind them, Nico drapes her jacket over the back of a nearby chair and returns to Hubert's side. A hand is offered as she nods towards the dancefloor: )

Alright, Hubert. Show me what you got.

[Well, he probably should have foreseen Nico chugging the drink like that. Her impending intoxicated sure wasn't going to add grace to their dance, given she was tipsy to start with. Oh well. It's just one dance. How bad could it go?]

[Hubert sighs, perhaps more dramatically than he typically allows of himself; then he bows to Nico, accepting her hand while still inclined. ]

If you insist, Miss Goldstein.

[As he guided them to the floor, he couldn't help being a little grateful Nico wasn't in heels.]

( Honestly? Nico chose fancy flat boots for a reason: it isn't that she can't do heels, but more that she knows herself when she's at parties, and she much prefers hard-femme comfort to trying not to roll an ankle. That champagne is going to hit her all at once, and when it does? It's preferable to have both feet firmly on the ground. )

That stuff you said about form ...

( She queries, as they find themselves a space in among the other dancers. )

You tellin' me you're properly trained? Like, with the whole— ( One leg moves behind the other so she can dip into an over-the-top little curtsy — the likes of which Hubert probably hasn't seen before, to be honest, since no-one has ever shown Nico the proper way to do these things. ) Kinda deal?

( Because while she'd already figured out he's from a particular kind of background, Nico hasn't given it much thought beyond a bit of gentle teasing for being refined. She tilts her head, amusement sparkling in her eyes. )

I just can't imagine you at dance classes, is all.

[There's the faintest quirk to his mouth at her very individualistic curtsy, but he otherwise says nothing of it as he settles them into place, his hand settling lightly against Nico's back. ]

Trained in my youth the bare minimum, yes. They were hardly voluntary, I assure you. But even if House Vestra is the least prize among Adrestia's great houses, I was still heir to it, and subject to all the appropriate social tortures.

[It takes him a moment to find the rhythm of the music.]

( Nico just snorts — a silly little sound that only really happens when she's been drinking — as she places her hand on Hubert's shoulder while letting the other remain resting on his palm. )

Yeah, well, that's still more trainin' than me!

( Which is evidenced by her false start, which has her wobbling a little on her feet, although she recovers with a laugh and an easy shrug as they find their rhythm together. With this much champagne coursing through her system she'd be much better off with modern dancing, but you know? She's just pleased that she's managed to wheedle a dance from Hubert at all. )

My grandmother raised me to be good with my hands, not good at bein' proper.

( She wrinkles her nose as her thoughts flicker towards her useless, good-for-nothing, very dead father. No amount of alcohol make thinking about him more tolerable. )

Then again, it's not like I got any great House to come into or anythin'.

[Hubert does his best to remain steady, letting Nico get her own bearings and adapt to him. A more experienced dancer would be a better guide, he thinks, but he'd had much more important things on his mind than the White Heron cup.]

[But they find a good enough rhythm, if not a perfect one. Hubert's light on his feet and his steps ghostly silent, but his upper body seems incapable of relaxing, and Nico's alcohol certainly doesn't help her inexperience.]

Then I would say you're better off. Unless you dream of leadership, being skilled with your hands holds infinitely broader possibilities, and far more practical ones.

The only leadership I care about is bein' in charge of my work space.

( Nico chuckles, certain that anyone who's ever seen her in her element would absolutely agree. Hubert himself has witnessed how adept she is at managing the shop — although it should be noted that her drive there is less to do with sex toys being her life's passion as it is her perfectionist nature. The way Nico sees it, anything that reflects back on her had better correctly represent her abilities, which is evident in the high expectations she sets for herself and those around her.

Fortunately for Hubert, he'd more than met said expectations when he'd helped her out at the shop. It was only to be expected that Nico would take a shine to him after that. )

... You're still real tense, y'know.

( Stiff as a board from the waist up, in fact, which Nico and her tipsy self can't help but find a little amusing. She squeezes his shoulder, then gives a little shimmy that almost certainly won't have come up in any dance lessons Hubert attended as a child. )

C'mon, sugar, loosen up a little bit! Dancing's supposed to be fun.

( She lowers her voice to a conspiratorial whisper: )

It doesn't have to be all rules all the time.

[Somehow, he manages to keep her little improvisation from throwing them off, guiding them through the next turn. Hubert tilts his head a little.]

Do you believe I'm not enjoying myself?

( Nico just shrugs. )

I dunno if anyone's ever told you this, Mr. Refined, but it's kinda hard to tell with you.

( But an easy giggle follows all the same. )

Are you? Enjoyin' yourself, I mean.

Edited (Yeesh ) 2020-11-14 23:17 (UTC)

[Hubert can't help chuckling. If Edelgard herself expressed numerous frustrations over being unable to tell with him...] Frequently, in fact.

But, contrary to popular belief, I do enjoy the company of others. So yes, I am rather enjoying myself. Simply because I do not indulge in revelry as others do [Nico] does not mean I am joyless.

C'mon now, I never said you seem joyless.

( Just that maybe the things he enjoys didn't involve other people, that's all! Either way, she seems a little brighter for his confirmation otherwise. )

Anyway, that's good enough for me. I like to poke a little fun, sure, but I'd not wanna make you do somethin' you hate.

( Then again, based on what he said about the dance lessons Nico gets the feeling that Hubert isn't really in the business of humouring people, and that he'd almost certainly just turn down an offer that was truly distasteful to him. He leads her through another turn and, as it happens, ends up guiding her neatly past a couple she was en route to trip into; )

And you should know, you ain't half bad at this.

Edited (Fixing the html when it broke the first time would have been too easy) 2020-11-15 02:36 (UTC)

You simply imply it somewhat frequently, [Hubert fires back in what could possibly be a tease, an amused smile ghosting on his face. What else would those constant comments about having more fun, or those leading questions about loosening up be for?] I will be quite clear about my preferences, I assure you.

[The song sounds like its winding down; not a terribly long one, but they had jumped in midway through.] And for someone who never had the misfortune of instruction and has been imbibing quite a bit, I could say the same.

Yeah, well ...

( Nico just chuckles. )

My friend I mentioned before, Nero? He's pretty much the most tight-wound person I ever met, so I just had to make sure I wasn't dealin' with another one of him.

( And you know, she almost makes it through Hubert's low-key compliment without catastrophe, but it seems Fate (and a loosened boot lace) has something else in mind. It happens quite quickly: standing on the lace sends her pitching forwards into Hubert when she tries to lift that foot again, her front momentarily pressed against his smart layers. )

Whoa—!

( But you know, she's already snickering. )

Aw, shit. We were almost made it!

[They almost made it. It startles Hubert a little, but Nico's luckily rather slight and he only staggers back a couple steps in the process of catching her.]

[Hubert doesn't laugh, but the corner of his mouth does curl a little. His gratitude that Nico isn't wearing heels returns.]

The wine catching up to you, perhaps? [Now Hubert finally chuckles.] Are you alright, Nicoletta?

( Nico waves off her clumsiness with a laugh of her own before tossing a grin up at Hubert. )

Yeah, I'm all good. You might be right about the wine though — could be time for a quick fresh-air break.

( Besides, the song is over, and she already feels like she might have been pushing her luck in the first place. When she pulls back from him it's with a satisfied little sigh that leaves her lips quirked up in a smile: )

Thanks for the dance, Hubert. It was real nice.

[It had been unexpectedly nice. Hubert wasn't one to spend all night dancing, but he could admit that much. Nico seemed to enjoy it as well, despite their fumbling, and underneath all her innuendo and teasing there was an awkward sort of charm. Hubert's certainly had worse dances.]

[He takes an extra step back to allow himself the the space to primly bow, a hand folding across his chest.]

Of course. The pleasure was mine. Enjoy the rest of your evening.

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CLOSED • Imma break you off

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