Invitations [Cassian]

Cassian didn't let it register on his face, but as Beaux asked his question, the way he worded it gave the man some pause. Though he often played dumb so he could continue to play his cards close to his chest, he was actually quite bright. Clever, even. He'd been a good student. In fact, he'd really enjoyed school when he was young, before hormones and puberty set in and took his attention to other places. Once it was no longer cool to be good in school, his grades had dropped off on purpose. The eyepatched man was no genius, but he really did feel that Beaux should have heard of and at least have an idea of the general location of every city in Mirinah, unless Gaiyans just didn't learn geography? Possible, but he felt it was a stretch.

He had a theory forming, one that he would have laughed at himself for just a couple of months ago. Cassian had been convinced that Otherworlders were a myth, a strange cautionary tale taught to kids to have a scapegoat for the atrocities in the war and how they'd been allowed to happen. No portal, no other worlds, and everyone in Rivengate that claimed to be from somewhere else was just lying or mentally ill sharing in mass hysteria. But then a lovely young woman with white hair fell out of a stone ruin right in front of his face. One moment he was alone in Hoptus, the next there was a flash and Nessa Cordelia Lux, hopelessly broke and confused. Since he'd seen it, he had little choice but to believe it, even if he had been in denial.

Some things would make more sense if Beaux was an Otherworlder.

But he'd play dumb and not ask. In the end, it didn't really matter if Beaux was an Otherworlder or not, though other worlds having angels too was an interesting concept. "Oh yeah, toward the north of the mainland, there are a couple of towns where it's cold all year long. Crowleigh is where all the people who want to hike in the tundra or skin go, even though it's in Anthros territory. There's a big lake nearby where people take challenges to swim or skate on when it freezes over," Cassian informed him in a lazy tone, getting the explanation out of the way before getting to the point. "Anyway, I once did a challenge there where a bunch of us wanted to see who could stay submerged longer. It was so cold, it felt like millions of little needles..." he trailed, reaching out to drum his fingers along the skin of Beaux's shoulders to imitate said needles...and as an excuse to touch him. "I won, of course, but I caught a wicked cold after," Cass chuckled, knowing it was stupid but, hey, it wasn't boring. "This feels like bath water in comparison."

[wc: 485 || total: 19515]

Make that two surprised men. The darker skinned man's hand dropped from Beaux, his head tilting a little as he looked on. Had he heard that right?

We. Cassian smirked, rolling with it. "You want more of me, eh?" he teased the angel, looking quite full of himself. There was a strange victory in Beaux's loose lips, though he dared not think too deeply on it. He was nothing if not impetuous. He just knew he wanted very much to go. "Yes, I agree," he replied easily, the picture of unruffled composure as he brought a thoughtful fist to his chin. The mental image of Beaux in a fluffy white coat was adorable. "If you don't feel like being an ice scultpure, we could certainly wrap up warmly and go skiing, sledding, or skating. There are several beautiful lodges and plenty of room for adventures," the noble contemplated aloud, skipping over the luxury cabin that the du Villanells owned in Crowleigh. There was no way he was going to stay in any of the vacation homes unless he could sneak in without his parents finding out.

Should he be ashamed that he was still ducking his parents at his age? Probably, but he had his own ways and wasn't ready to give in to the cage awaiting him. He wouldn't apologize, either.

"Then I'll leave the timing up to you. I can drum up free time whenever I want, so whenever you want to go, just let me know, alright?"

Ugh, that was disgustingly available, but it was what it was. They were both drunk, they could both say some crazy stuff. It was only fair.

Carefully sinking into the water up to his shoulders to stave off his own heat, he was overly cautious not to get his hair and face wet. He also refused to go any deeper. Not many knew this, but the man really disliked the ocean. The beach was fine, but...the actual ocean was awful. It was a truly unfortunate feeling to have when your family dealt predominantly in ships... and you lived on an island where most of the tourists acted like newly hatched sea turtles...

[wc: 362 || total: 20,135]

Really, being in the ocean drunk was very risky, a behavior Cassian didn't mind for himself, though he was a bit more wary of it for his angelic, wholesome date. However, when he was told to wait, he did so. Pensively, his one eye watched the gently waving water, both waiting for Beaux to safely resurface and to make sure he wasn't about to be splashed. Splashing was always a concern, especially when someone hated the ocean as much as Cass.

Just when his addled brain was about to get a little concerned after a mere few seconds, a soggy head of silver bobbed back up and neared him once more. First he gazed over Beaux's expression, finding it horribly endearing. A hand lifted from the watery depths to cover the stupid grin that tried to bubble up. Just what was he so excited and proud of? Glancing down, he saw what he was holding out.

A shell.

It was just an average shell. He'd seen hundreds. Thousands. Millions. He'd been raised around the ocean and its shells, both back in Lyndon Port and once he relocated to these islands. At the risk of internally sounding like the spoiled rich kid he was, he'd seen ones plated in gold and set with priceless pearls, and even those failed to impress.

But the angel had found it in all his boyish glory. How could he pop that precious bubble? It was the expression that was killing him and forcing him to be the nice person he rarely was for no gain.

"Pfft.. Cute, ah, I mean, pretty. You- It's pretty cute, that shell," he briefly fumbled, a rare occurrence for the normally suave and silvertongued noble. Alcohol played a big part in his momentary lapse, but so did Beaux's general existence. He hadn't felt this way about someone since... her. There was just this vibe, this immediate connection that he very much wanted to run away from or bury, but he was never very good at self-control. A connection that had his single eye only on the silverette, when normally he'd be flirting with everyone despite having a technical date. And he definitely wouldn't be in the accursed ocean for anyone else.

Haha, this was very bad.

Recovering as much of himself as he could from the drink swirling in his stomach, he lowered his hand and smirked. "Let me see," he said, plucking it up and giving it an earnest look. "The colors are quite lovely. Who knew you had a shell finding talent?" he teased. "Attracted to blue things, hm?" he asked, more teasing, though much more loaded. Cassian did have blue hair and eyes, after all, and Beaux was blue-eyed himself. A trend, perhaps, but he was mostly just kidding.

"Mmm, an earring?" he asked, holding it over the larger jewel hanging from the dangling accessory in his ear. Then, with a mischeivous grin, he moved it to the center of his eyepatch. He was self-conscious of the whole thing, but always tried to pretend he wasn't. "Perhaps a decoration here?" he asked, then pretended to pause and think. "Perhaps not for me at all..." He reached the shell out, pressing it gently just below the gap in Beaux's collarbones. "Maybe a lovely neckless for the seashell hunter himself?"

[wc: 551 || total: 20943]

A completely placid smile drifted over the noble's features as the shell was returned to his palm and his dark hands were clasped between the dewy pale ones. "You have my thanks," the drunkard said with a polite nod, equally as earnest for a moment until the aquangel deprived him of contact once more and broke the spell.

"Regaining our land legs sounds good," Cassian answered, perhaps a little too quickly, but he was certainly eager to get out of the ocean. Watching the winged boy float around was its own boon, but one that would quickly run out with each passing second in the salty waves. "We wouldn't want you to prune. I've never seen a wrinkly, shriveled angel before," the navyette teased, taking one last look before turning and wading back through the water to the beach.

As he walked, he peered at the shell in his hand, wondering what he'd do with it. Beaux would likely never know if he threw it away. He'd done so with many odd trinkets in the past from various dalliances, but this one didn't feel right to toss aside. The blue reminded him of those glittering blue hues he'd been admiring all evening. His drunken mind fumbled and stumbled around it as if it was some genius-level riddle needing solving. Since it seemed he was keeping it, exactly what would he do with it, then? It hardly matched his pricy, luxurious fashion sense, and it was ocean themed to boot. A bracelet? A cufflink? Hey, a cufflink wasn't a terrible idea... or maybe a trinket for his coin purse...

Either way, the shell was eventually placed safely into his wet swim trunk pocket as he once more stood in the dry sands. He turned to make sure his date had followed him and made it out alright. "What do you want to do next? Guest's choice," he offered, curious as to what the drunk man would say.

[wc: 326 || total: 21571]

"Ah, food is a marvelous idea," the partyboy smiled, nodding in approval. Yes, getting something in the feathery man's stomach would be ideal to soak up some of the booze before it was too late. Food and more water to flush it out. Funny he should be thinking about any more water for Beaux, considering how much ocean wet was just slung from those downy wings, but right, that was on him, not inside him.

Heh, inside him...

Cassian was grinning quiet evilly, his mind frolicking into some unsavory areas when an arm slid through his own and he noticed they were heading back toward their table, glances and stares all the way. Right. He was being a "good" boy tonight. Food and water. Food and water and certainly not any Liquid Sunshine shots--

So much for getting more water in him.

Far be it for Cassian to play the responsible one, but he couldn't help but feel nervous as the angel snatched some brightly glowing tiny cups for them both, knocking his back before the navyette could even find his voice to speak. Weak with defeat, his lone eye gazed upon the satisfied smacking of Beaux's lips, imagining the kind of night he was in for.

Yeah, he was gonna need this shot.

Tossing it back and clacking it upside down on the table, he flamboyantly raised and waved the same hand to summon yet another poor chap paid handsomely to not enjoy the party and instead serve all of the affluent drunkards. "Bring us the King's Ransom and a pitcher of water," he requested, to which most servers would balk and hesitate if not for who Cassian was. It was essentially an excessive, indulgent sampler of hor d'oeuvres fit for the King himself, or at least any noble with enough coin. Of course, Cassian wouldn't be paying for this, or else he definitely wouldn't have shared it, let alone ordered it. No, this was going on the man's tab who threw this whole thing, one that had given orders not to serve it to anyone except the upper crust as a loaded favor, one the du Villanell had no intentions of ever even feigning to honor. No, he was taking advantage of the annoying perk of kiss-ups by hitting them where all nobles hurt the worst, right in the coinsack.

While they waited, Cassian hoped to tell Beaux to take it easy on the drinking without actually telling him to take it easy on the drinking. "This food is about to blow your mind. It is the best of the best of both land and sea, caviar on pearl spoons, blackened scallops, pheasant confit with plum sauce, gold-dusted baked brie with honey and fruit, oysters Bellefont, and stuffed mushrooms...  but it doesn't pair very well with alcohol. It's great at soaking it up though, and then afterward maybe we can get some more Liquid Sunshine?" he asked, leaning forward with a sweet but coercive grin. This tactic, though not usually used in this setting, generally worked on his little brother when he was trying to get the kid to agree to something. Some lies mixed with doubtful but possible rewards, all in hopes of the initial task being accomplished. Of course, the King's Bounty paired very well with alcohol. Arguably the best with a nice, deep red wine. Water would wash out the flavor, but water was the goal here. The truth was that it would soak up some booze and inch him closer to sobriety. And the unlikely but possible reward as leverage was more shots of the weaker but still boozy luminous fluid. "Does any of that sound good? I'm sure there's even more than that included. What do you think you'll eat first?" Keep him talking, distracted.

Hopefully this worked. However, as he took a look around, all he saw were landmines in the form of an army of shot-balancing waiters, dishing out free drinks like cards at the casino. All glowing like the rainbow, or sparkling, or both! Without thinking, Cassian reached forward, attempting to interlock all ten of their fingers to keep them too busy to snatch more drinks, all the while sending threatening glances at any who might try to offer. And still some shots ended up at their table! Honestly, this was getting a bit stressful!

[wc: 725 || total: 22651]

Keeping those hands restrained was harder than he anticipated... but for reasons unexpected. It wasn't that Beaux was freakishly strong or insistent, but rather... Well, Cassian found his drunk self a bit weak to that shy face and the pouting. His teeth sucked the inside of his lip between them, gnawing with consternation. It was so hard not to give in. What was this? Guests and dates pouted at him all the time when he denied them something, yet he'd never felt such an urge to let him have whatever he wanted. but this was for his own good! He was already so drunk... the temptation wasn't good for his soul!

So much for their deal. As soon as the angel's hands were released to eat the obnoxiously expensive and decadent offerings, those incessant waiters and their drinks might as well have swarmed them and begged the drunk boy to drown in top-shelf alcohols. He watched in bleak silence as food chased shots before raising a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. Is this how his sister felt when she'd been charged with keeping him out of trouble before he left home? Cassian made a mental note to apologize, though he'd likely never actually do it. He did now appreciate her struggle, though.

Call it rich boy problems (or the pouting) or whatever, but Cassian quickly gave up trying to stop it. It was what it was, and there was no way he could really do anything without snatching drinks out of his date's hand and basically parenting him, which was disgusting to him. Beaux was an adult, this was his choice. It just meant more work for the noble-born entertainer, which is maybe why he just threw in the towel. Reserving energy for the night of consequences while the angel had his fun was going to take all he had, he predicted. Instead, he vaguely nudged more absorbing foods, like artisan breads and crackers toward the slurring angel, using his charming words and convincing smiles to encourage him to eat them.

Cassian partook of the tasty offerings as well, sucking the gilded, soft cheese and fruit dripping in honey from a tiny gold spoon while he watched Beaux  c o n s u m e. They might well as both take advantage of a night of bad choices, so the older of the pair partook in a glass or two of dark red wine full of swirling shimmers. It complimented the food perfectly, despite the lie he'd told earlier. He did love the finer things in life, so it wasn't like he could resist in the end.

"So, what do you wanna do next?" he asked, proposing a distraction from the impressive display of food and drink consumption before barf-watch was on his list duties as well, if it wasn't already. Where was he putting it all? A single blue eye slowly raked down what he could see of the silverette's body, idly wondering if he had a hollow leg, yet not finding him any less attractive for it. "More dancing? Limbo? Fortune telling? Revel me with your karaoke prowess? A water-gun war?"

Honestly, any of these would probably be more hilarious than sexy now.

[wc: 538 || total: 23,795]

"Allons-y, indeed," Cassian repeated, having no idea what these weird words were, but liking how they sounded coming out of that angelic mouth. He took his hand but took the lead, knowing Beaux had no idea where the tent was.

Leading him across the warm sand and through the increasingly drunken crowd, a small tent of draped crushed velvet loomed before them. It was purple, the color of dark mystery, and draped in metallic strings of gold and silver baubles. Unlike what Beaux was likely used to back home, what lay within was about as legit as they came. Madame Gia was a well-known and very, very expensive fortune teller, known all across the lands for her accurate predictions... if you could afford them. For some of the upper crust, she was the only reason they had mounds of coin and large families to spend it. The host of this party had spent no small fortune on inviting her for the guests, speaking to the depths of his desperation. Cassian grinned. Free was free.

As Cassian pulled the flap back, the magic was immediately notable. It was bigger on the inside than outside, sporting a sprawling open area as well as side 'rooms' for more the Madame's servants and proteges. The patterns within were rich and busy, but it only added to the charm and electric atmosphere. A witch, beautiful and doll-like, sat behind a large piece of black crystal. She intently gazed into it, her own eyes completely black until she glanced up expectantly at the pair. Unruly curls of deep green were barely contained by the colorful tie as her whole head angled upward in a more welcoming way. "Ah, Cassian and Beaux," she said in a wispy, ethereal tone. It was as if she walked the veil between this realm and the leylines.

As she accepted them into her service, various servants adorned in bells and thick folds of bright fabrics rang tiny gongs and finger cymbals, heralding them to whatever forces Madame Gia tapped into and ushering them further in. Cassian, despite the undeniable results of her work, remained skeptical. He'd seen a lot of frauds, and since his family didn't need her help to become what they were, he was more in the camp that she was just a top-notch motivator that caused others to feel secure in the risks they took for high rewards. She gave them confidence, perhaps, but he had a hard time accepting that everyone's future could be told in the stars, cards, or in that creepy black crystal she fondled so fondly. Regardless, it was fun to see what she'd say.

"After you, la mignonne," Cassian bowed playfully, just assuming what whatever the phrase meant, it wasn't some sort of insult. Madame Gia motioned the angel to the cushy black chair across from her, eager to get started.

[wc: 478 || total: 24,528]

"Huh..." Cassian exhaled thoughtfully, considering Beaux's fortune with at least a slightly clearer head than the angel was capable of at the moment. It was equal parts uplifting, cautionary, and creepy... but sort of vague enough that the noble, ever skeptical, remained unconvinced that it wasn't stuff that would seem to come true if you were looking for it. The last part though. The thief of vampire voices was kinda... specific. And weird. Quirky.

His date basically squeaked himself out of the hotseat and prompted him to take his place. With a dismissive sigh, Cassian seated himself and met eyes with the soothsayer. The pair shared a moment of crystal clear understanding. He doubted her and she knew it, yet remained steadfast. They both leaned in toward the crystal.

"That from which you run from will demand your attention sooner than you think," she started, but deliberately paused to accommodate the coming eyeroll. Of course, she'd say something like that. Knowing of his family at all, which most did, that was the safest 'prediction'. "Wow," he mocked, and they both shared passive-aggressive smiles. "A powerful force lies within you, but it'll require two eyes to see," she went on, ignoring his baffled scoff. If only he knew. "Enjoy these halcyon days, for one day, you'll need discipline and willpower to keep what you desire," she seemingly finished, though she did pause and stare at him expectantly.

"Well, of course. That's a vague statement that can apply to literally everyone," he challenged, leaning back and gripping the armrests in preparation to get up, but the clicking of the woman's tongue gave him pause.

"Grow up, Cassian. Quickly. Take a close look at your father when you see him in Autumn. Have your wits about you and all may not be lost."

Well, there was nothing cryptic and vampire voice burgling about that. Madame Gia glanced at the flaring crystal and was done with him after that. With a pert wave of her hand, Cass stood and wandered around the chair, taking Beaux's hand and leading him out as the servants converged to block their potential reentry.

Once back out in the night breeze, a drunken navyette puzzled over his fortune, still skeptical but also haunted. He had no plans to go see his family in the next season and wouldn't go out of his way to do so. The rest of it he could shake off, but those last alarmingly specific and direct words...

"So!" he chirped, his face brightening as he decided not to brood on something stupid until it was time. He turned to the man at his side, giving him a nudge with his shoulder. "What do you think? Turmoil, chaos, passion... sounds exciting. Do you believe in this kind of stuff?" he asked, though his monogaze turned teasing. "Do you believe in the thief of vampire voices?" Cassian asked, mimicking Madame Gia's spooky tone, complete with fingers waggling in the air over an invisible crystal.

[wc: 498 || total: 25601]

"Oof," Cassian scoffed in mock insult. "Am I not exciting? And here I was trying so very hard," he lamented dramatically, though his lips were already curling into a smirk. This was their first date, after all. He'd be genuinely upset if he couldn't show the shy bakery boy an exciting time several dates in, but of course, his life was just average and boring now. Most peoples' were. Cassian's wasn't because.. well, partially due to the situation he was born into, but mostly because he wouldn't let things get mind-numbingly dull. If there was excitement to be had, the navyette would sniff it out.

At least Beaux wasn't too spooked by the last part of his fortune. It did sound pretty ridiculous, like something out of a work of fiction or in old, dusty history books detailing war crimes. "Who knows, maybe you're destined to be a vampire slayer?" Cassian teased, running his tongue over his very normal-sized canines as if they were fangs. "I imagine the Golden Titans and Guardian Knights and all the treaty fans would get a smidge pissy, but, ey... you do you, right?" he continued to tease, tugging on the hand he held until he goaded the drunk silverette into a little twirl.

Beaux then teased about his magic and the mage shrugged. "I have a few tricks," he said smugly, raising his free hand to let a wisp of cold air and beautiful snowflakes blow into his date's face and ruffle his hair. "While I have many skills," he explained, oozing with confidence as usual, "I certainly wouldn't call it a 'powerful force' like she made it sound. It's just normal magic. Useful when needed, but not a substitute for other more practical abilities. My long jump is quite extraordinary, and you've already seen how I dance."

Though his date had yet to give them a new destination, Cassian took the opportunity to just wander around in the sand, skirting near the dancing and other activities in case one sparked his date's interest, while also just enjoying a nice stroll and a chat. And the jealous glares they were getting never ceased, which was thrilling in its own way.

[wc: 366 || total: 26,316]

"Stars for my date, then," Cassian answered agreeably, more than happy to have a seat somewhere. He was a little dizzy, not enough to feel bad, but enough that he'd like to ride out the wavy feeling somewhere still and quiet. As Beaux led him back toward the beach, Cass reached out and snatched a quilt right out of some rando's hands as they went. Whoever it was started to protest, but the noble reached into his trunk's pocket and tossed him a coin or two. Money always bought silence.

Ugh, he'd sounded like his father.

Disgruntled by the passing thought, he frowned about it until they reached their more private destination. The pulsing of the music was muffled by the distance, and they had escaped the heavy glances and rumbling of voices. Cassian stepped ahead and laid the quilt down on the warm sands, tumbling down with grace. At first, he stretched and sighed, but then he turned onto his side and tucked an arm under his head. With a smirk, a tanned hand reached out and patted the spot beside him. "Come here," Cassian said in an unintentionally sultry tone, only realizing this was probably not the best of ideas by the deepening husk of his voice. Definitely a setup for temptation, but nah, he could be good. He was drunk, but he was still at himself.

"You wanted stars. Well, the sky is full of them," he commented with purposeful levity, though he didn't really turn to look. Beaux was what drew his eye right now. No amount of sparkle could grab his attention away from the winged silverette.

[wc: 272 || total: 26891]

"Oh, I might remember a few," Cassian chuffed, reaching over to gently rid Beaux's pretty blues of any tinsel-like strands, smoothing them away from his face with careful fingers. The noble, despite his expensive and extensive education, hadn't cared too much about school later in life. Or at least that's what he wanted everyone to think. Nerds weren't cool, but he'd actually quite liked learning.

Without looking up, he started to regale the sleepy, drunk twink with some stories behind constellations. He couldn't help himself, he kept running his hands through the angel's hair, probably not helping the young man stay awake. Beaux should really be more careful. What if he'd done this with someone... well, exactly like Cassian when Cassian wasn't being uncharacteristically well-behaved?

"Let's see... it's summer now, so there's the Wyvern and Wyverneer," he started, lone-eye twinkling as it gazed into Beaux's. "It's an epic tale, you know. The mighty wyvern with gleaming black scales and wings called the entire sky his own. None could touch him up there, and any who tried met with his wrath. Sounds rather lonely if you ask me, but he seemed happy to guard his conquered domain, but soon a wyvern-slaying hero rose. He wanted nothing more than to fly in the skies like the wyverns he slew, but it could never be while the beast terrorized the clouds. So with wings made of strange metal and special winds summoned by the prayers of mysterious priests, the Wyverneer rose to take the skies back. Ultimately the mighty hero lost, but his sacrifice cast a powerful magic and both were whisked into the heavens to be locked in unending battle amongst the stars..."

The navyette paused, a smile spreading onto his lips. "Getting sleepy, love?" he asked quietly, lightly trailing the back of one finger against a cherub cheek.

[wc: 307 || total: 27502]

The Delator strikes again. That was fine, though. The date had been very fun and he was definitely not disappointed. Beaux had been a fantastic choice for company, though a little risky. "Don't be sorry," Cass assured him with a chuckle, indulging in a few more moments of caresses before he gave in to what he knew he had to do. While he was sure they could both pass out here innocently on the beach, he truly didn't trust any of these skeezy clout chasers. Perhaps he was just feeling particularly protective of his naive angel boy date, since Cassian had passed out on this very beach more times than he should probably admit to as proudly as he usually did.

"There's a resort just off the beach prepped for the party goers here. I can help you there," the noble offered, sitting up. He may neglect his uppercrust upbringing most of the time, but he couldn't abide the thought of leaving his date, one he actually liked more than he should, to suffer the Deflator's after-effects and sleeping in a strange place alone. And normally that'd be a line he'd use to get into someone's pants, if he even needed a line, but in this case he was being very genuine. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you're safe, alright?" smiled the tanned man, looking even darker against the night sky. Beaux had no real reason to trust this rich party boy, but that didn't stop him from hoping for the benefit of the doubt.

Cassian was prepared to carry the angel, even if the silverette was a little taller. It'd be fine, Cass was stronger than he looked. Reaching out his arms, he waited to see if beautiful Beaux would take the offer, presuming he didn't pass straight out.

[wc: 300 || total: 28069]