★ i've found paradise. [open event!] [incomplete]

[thebearstars]

WHO: All are invited to attend!
WHAT: The Summer Masquerade, hosted by Hokuto, to celebrate the success of the dating auction.
WHERE: Gemello Park, on the outskirts of Vescovo territory.
WHEN: Day 84.

Comments

7 pm - semi-open

[lacerta_ortus]

"Hey. HEY! Don't take all the goddamn gyozas for yourself, those are for everybody, asshole!" Caiman barked at one stranger loading up their plate a bit too much. After he scared him off into only taking what was appropriate, Caiman sighed, then straightened out his suit jacket.

It still felt strange, wearing formal clothes. Stranger still to be at such a fancy party.

And the strangest of all was that he was invited here on a date. With the woman who organized the whole party to begin with.

One of the few people at the party not wearing a mask - it'd look rather redundant on Caiman - he took a deep breath for the third time now, trying to get relaxed. Get confident.

And now moving away from the serving tables to go find Hokuto.

7 pm - semi-open

[thebearstars]

Hokuto was grateful for her heels as she carefully lifted the last lit lantern into one of the overhanging trees, stepping back to admire her handiwork for a moment before she relaxed. There, that was the finishing touch. Everything was as perfect as she was going to be able to manage, and if she did say so herself, it was one of her better works, this masquerade.

Hefting up the skirts of her shimmering gown, her elaborate mask in one hand, she made her way down the pavilion's stairs, with a little click click of her shoes. It took her only a moment to spot her friend, who looked a little uncomfortable in his formal clothes. With a smile, Hokuto approached him, tapping him lightly on the arm.

"You look nice," she greeted cheerfully, tilting her head slightly as she gestured around. "So, what do you think?"

[lacerta_ortus]

"Ah -" He froze up somewhat as he turned around to face Hokuto. His date.

He still couldn't wrap his head around that. Hokuto wanted to date him. Not a joke, and not a pity date either. Blew his mind.

"It's... it's real good. Makes me all on edge, but I figure that was kind of inevitable." He adds, with a nervous laugh.

[thebearstars]

If Hokuto thought there was anything out of the ordinary about asking Caiman to the masquerade with her, she didn't show it. She was an odd girl, with an odd sense of what was beautiful, but she was sincere. Her smile, when she offered it again, was reassuring.

"Well, at least you've been to a party with me before," Hokuto pointed out with a light laugh, absently fidgeting with her ornate sun mask in her hands. "So you know what to expect, right?"

[lacerta_ortus]

Caiman's tension melted a bit, being around Hokuto. She was always, always kind - and she knew what she was doing, to boot. Just let her lead the way, and things would be fine.

"Well, I can expect some of it. Can't say what I'll expect of the other party goers, though. Still - this beats all the hell out of working security."

With a bit of hesitation, and another nervous breath, Caiman put his hand out, gentle.

Offering to put his hand around Hokuto's.

[thebearstars]

"I promise all the surprises will be good ones," Hokuto lifted a small hand as she spoke, as if she was taking some kind of vow, her expression mock-serious-- but only for a moment. She really never could keep a smile off her face. "As your hostess, I guarantee a good time, or your money back."

Almost thoughtlessly, she put her own delicate hand in Caiman's-- as if it was natural for her, the automatic reaction, with no pause or hesitation.

[lacerta_ortus]

The difference between the two was rather stark. Caiman's hands? H-U-G-E. Could easily hold Hokuto's entire fist in there.

But he kept his hand relaxed, gentle. Never gripping hard, never digging in.

Felt. Good.

Nice. Warm.

Relaxing.

"So... where to first?" He said, rolling his head and leaning down a bit to look eye to eye. Giving a bit of a small grin, even.