Each time we face our fear
Category: Pink Sheep RPG
Angelina grinned widely at the paparazzi that surrounded her as she swept toward the White Chapel Gallery, making a point to stop and pose for the photographers so that her dress was shown to its best advantage. She loved these moments at events, the thrill of there being people present just to see her arrive and the flash of a million bulbs blinding her. It was the best kind of high.
"Miss Johnson, Miss Johnson! Take a picture with Miss Bell!"
Furrowing her brow in confusion, Angelina looked to her left to see her friend in a glorious costume coming up behind her.
Laughing, Angelina waved, "Katie! Get over here!"
Katie glanced over from her current gaggle of photographers, her lips curling into a genuine smile at sight of one of her oldest and closest friends.
"I should have guessed you'd be attracting all the attention, Angie," she teased.
"Well, what else is there for me to do?" Angelina shot back with a wide grin and a laugh. She wrapped an arm around her friend's waist and leaned in so that the photographers could get them both in the shot.
Pulling away, she inspected Katie's outfit, "You certainly didn't go by halves tonight, did you? There someone here you want to impress?"
"When do I ever go by halves, Angie?" she asked, choosing to ignore the second part of her friend's question. They'd discuss it later, that was for sure, but not within earshot of paparazzi.
"Never. It'd be a personal affront if you didn't." Angelina winked and continued moving up the carpet, waving and smiling until she was through the doors and into the gallery.
Immediately, she grabbed a pair of champagne glasses off the tray of a passing waiter. She took sips of her drink and scanned the crowd already present as she waited for Katie to join her.
"Thank you," Katie said, taking the second glass of champagne from her friend before she took a small sip. "You're so thoughtful."
Angelina shrugged and rolled her eyes, "Well, considering you're the closest thing I have to a date at the moment, I thought I'd treat you right." She waggled her eyebrows. "Maybe if I'm lucky I'll get you out of that dress tonight."
Katie snorted. "No one's gotten me out of my clothes in far too long," she commented, almost wistfully. "What makes you think you'll be the first?"
"You doubt my ability?" Angelina gasped in mock anguish before turning her attention briefly to a waiter that was rather fit, making eyes at him through her domino and smirking suggestively. "You really should be more concerned about that. Cobwebs could be forming as we speak."
"Oh, shut it," Katie replied, dark brown eyes lighting about the room before settling on a familiar pair of shoulders. "Just because I don't shag around does not make me a dried old hag."
"That's one person's opinion," Angelina teased as she followed Katie's lead and scoped out the room. "Oooh, I think I see Stewart Ackerly; my personal great white in black tie. Think it'd be gauche to try again? And at another gallery gala?"
A sudden flare of irrational jealousy flared up, one that Katie tried to tamper down unsuccessfully. "Yes, it'd be terribly gauche, so don't."
Picking up on the veiled hostility, Angie quirked an eyebrow at her friend. "Oh, really? You didn't dress up to the nines for Ackerly, did you?"
"No."
Angelina laughed, "Oh, you did! Katiebell, that's marvelous! Go shag him. Now."
"Angelina, I did not dress up for him," she said with an eye roll behind her mask. "We may have snogged once, but that's it."
"So, if I went over there right now and pulled him into a dark corner, you wouldn't want shatter my kneecaps with a beater's bat?" Angelina challenged Katie with a glint in her eye.
"No, I'd gouge your eyes out and then find a spell to glue your legs shut permanently."
A sharp laugh escaped Angelina and she wore a brilliant grin as she replied, "Well enough then. I release the virtue of Ackerly into your tender mercies. God help the both of you."
With that Angelina downed the last of her champagne then winked and waggled her fingers at her friend before moving towards the waiter she'd flirted with earlier, leaving Katie to her own devices.
*~*~*~*~*
Parvati knew she needed to get out of the kitchen and into the gallery and find her sister, but not yet. She watched, wide eyed as the sous chef she had been paired with, Steve managed the chaos around him. It was her food they were serving. Her blood, sweat, tears, and recipes were about to be served to a very large audience of very important and high paying people. Why on earth had they given this to her as her first real catering job? Were they nuts?
The redheaded man, happy as a clam in his chef whites, moved closer to the Indian woman. "Careful," he warned, "or you'll get something all over your dress, as lovely as it is." He knew the look in her eyes. Scared shitless. He didn't blame her. It was her first big event. Who wouldn't be? "Everything's going to be fine," Steve said confidently. He was sure of himself to admit when he had first met the woman in front of him, a big bit of nepotism was going on, but Parvati had proved herself well enough. Even if she did micromanage. "Now get out there."
She nodded, her soft curls brushing her face. "Alright. You know where to find me if you need me." Turning, she made her way into the gallery proper. She needed to find Padma, for this was her night.
Even as she was surrounded by press, well-wishers, friends and other gala attendees, Padma felt as if she were standing in the middle of a crowded room and no one could hear her talk.
Oh, wait. That was almost the truth.
Glancing around, she could hardly see any of her friends for the throngs of people milling about, admiring the art, dancing, making small talk- all the prerequisite gala attendees. As preoccupied as she'd been all evening, she had yet to even make it to the dance floor or sample her sister's food.
"Paddie." Parvati's arm slid around her sister's waist, not caring one whit for decorum or any of that rubbish. She pressed a kiss to her sister's cheek. "You look lovely and the color's divine." She grinned to herself. It looks like they had decided to come out in house colors tonight.
"Thanks Vati," Padma replied with a smile, brown eyes happy behind her gold mask at the sight of her sister. "It all looks great, and the food smells amazing. You and Astoria really outdid yourselves."
Parvati waved her hand. "It was Astoria who provided the menu." Though she was the one taste testing various recipes ad nauseum until she was sure they were prefect. She smiled at her sister, noting the look in her eyes. Padma finally looked happy and she would do everything in her power to make sure she'd stay that way.
"I'm fairly certain that it was not Astoria making sure that every recipe was perfect." Padma loved her friend dearly, but domesticated neither of them were.
Parvati smiled slightly though her eyes danced merrily. "Maybe. But that's my little secret and you shall never know."
Her twin almost snorted. "We may can keep secrets, but we never keep them for long."
Parvati reached out to tap her twin on the nose. "Maybe," she said again, "but that's half the fun, no?" She glanced around, eyes lighting on the bar. "What do you say we get something to drink. Merlin, I haven't had a good cocktail in ages."
"This is also the first time you don't have a toddler attached to your hand in ages," Padma teased as the pair made their way to the bar.
"There's no use in denying that." Parvati fingered her gold mask. "It's a shame I can't get pissed though. It'd be wonderful and long overdue, but the hangover would be a bitch."
"And I'm sure Kiran would pounce on you to wake you up, and the day would go downhill from there," her sister commented, signaling for a Cosmo.
Parvati asked for the same. "And that my dear sister is the downside to having a son way too much like me."
"He is half you."
*~*~*~*~*
Smiling at her husband, Lisa let him lead her into the gallery and onto the dance floor. Her dress was silky and shimmery, making her feel quite glamorous- something that was a bit of a rarity.
"Does this bring back memories?" she asked Ernie when he pulled her to him, taking her hands into the waltz position. "Of our first time out together?"
"Our first time together was on my birthday," he told her, easily moving into the dance.
"And while it was most memorable, I meant our first big public appearance," she teased.
"I know what you meant, I just happen to look fondly on both occasions."
"So do I," Lisa murmured, lifting her hand off his shoulder to cup his cheek gently, fingertips tracing the edge of his simple black mask. "Have I told you yet how handsome you look tonight?"
"Once or twice, but feel free to say it again," he teased.
Lisa rolled her eyes. "And stroke your ever-expanding ego? I think I'll pass."
He honestly couldn't pass that one up. "You can always stroke something else," he murmured suggestively.
"But Ernie, we just got here," she protested playfully as he spun her under his arm.
"But that's the fun part. We can find a deserted hallway and see where that takes us."
"Later," she murmured, brushing her lips over his cheek. "Besides, I don't know if I feel like stroking you. You've yet to say what you think of my dress."
"I love your dress. I'd like it better on our bedroom floor, though." He had a one track mind, but no one could blame him for it.
"Is that the only reason you married me?" she teased. "So I could be your sex slave?"
His eyes widened behind the mask. "There are supposed to be other reasons?"
Lisa gave a little faux-sniff, stilling in their dance. "I suppose if that's all I am to you, you won't miss me while I go give my regards to the rest of the men here. If you'll excuse me..."
"I would mind that very much. You're my sex slave."
"Oh? And I'm supposed to be exclusive?" she teased, lips curling into a smile when she'd turned her back on him.
"I believe that is what this means." He lifted her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss over the ring on her finger.
"I do believe you're right."
*~*~*~*~*
“I can’t believe you wore heels, even if they are low,” Astoria murmured into her friend’s ear as they both watched the room fill from their vantage at the top of the sweeping stairwell. A glance over at Romy had her eyes drawn to the deliciously high heels her friend had donned. “I did see some fabulous flats from Vivier last I was in Paris.”
She nuzzled her friend’s cheek and patted the silk covered belly that held her future niece or nephew then. “But I do understand. There’s nothing like Louboutins.” She bent slightly and spoke to the child in her best friend’s womb. “I don’t care what you are, little one, but your love of shoes starts now,” she directed before pressing a kiss to the swollen tummy and then grinning at her friend.
Romy laughed. Other than her doting and devoted husband, only Astoria would kiss her belly in public, much less at a formal event. "Yes, baby mine, shoes rank right up there with Quidditch, no matter what your father says," she said softly, smoothing a hand over her very round middle and wincing when her hand was greeted with a kick.
"I'm not sure if it was received well, but your message was definitely received, Astoria."
A satisfied nod followed the comment and Astoria grinned. "As it should be. Shoes carry one through life. Quite literally. It's best if the lessons start early."
"A truth it is never too early to learn," Romy agreed, linking arms with her sister of the heart as they began their descent into the party proper. "Now, I know your handsome brother is escorting you this evening, but what other delicious men shall I point in your direction? Any requests or shall I pick and choose at my discretion?"
Astoria raised a brow at her friend. "Have I become your new project then?" Despite the dryness of tone, Astoria's lips twitched. Romy was well meaning and she loved her, but the likelihood of any man she actually found attractive being of the quality she was now trying to find was iffy at best.
"Is it wrong for me to wish felicity and love on my closest friend and sister in all but blood now that I've found my own?" Part of it was the nesting instinct she read about in all her pregnancy books, she was just trying to feather Astoria's nest rather than her own, but aside from her hormones Romy really just wanted to see her girlfriend happy. Rory had been through a number of troublesome men, none of whom had treated her nearly as well as she deserved. She deserved someone who would value you for the amazing women she was.
"No, it's not wrong at all," Astoria allowed, wrapping her arm around her friend's waist and leaning over to press a kiss to the honey-colored cheek. "It's just very unlikely, is all. I've recently come to the conclusion that most of the men I find attractive are rather toxic for one's health."
Romy gave a little sniff, though her eyes still sparkled with mirth. "That is exactly why I plan to check out your potential suitors. I'm sure there are still a few blokes in the world who are sufficiently diverting and can still claim the title 'gentleman'. We just have to be diligent in our search."
"Yes, I'm positive you're right," Astoria divulged, fingers plucking at her gold dress to keep her stiletto'd feet free as they neared the floor. "However, dear sister, they are all married." Her lips twitched when she turned her head to catch her friend's gaze.
Laughing in spite of herself, Romy rubbed her cheek to Astoria's affectionately. The little sass of a serpent was the best friend she'd ever had and Romy loved her for it. "Cynic," she accused. "See if I don't prove you wrong."
"We'll see," Astoria said, a tiny smirk curling her lips as she pressed a kiss to Romy's cheek before donning her mask - for the time being - and slipping into the crowd to start the evening's emergency management.
*~*~*~*~*
He was his sister's official escort for the evening, but the likelihood he'd actually spend much time with her was slim to nil. She'd be flitting about the gallery taking care of this and that most the night. Astoria wasn't a micro-manager, but Michael knew his sister wouldn't be happy staying in a single spot with a single person for the whole of the evening when the success of the event and the reputation of the gallery was at stake.
Winding his way towards one of the many bars, Michael's lips twitched when he saw a woman who worked even more than his sister did.
"Pulled yourself away from the office?" he asked the brunette woman he slid next to. "If I did surprised, I might be so now, Pens." His lips twitched when a blue almost as startling as his own turned from her liquid conquest.
"Well, you know there's something about an open bar that just calls to me, Michael," Penelope replied with good-nature. As proof she held aloft her second or third martini of the evening. Her expression turned serious. "And Padma could use familiar faces tonight, I think. A show of support."
"Hear hear," Michael nodded, raising his scotch on the rocks. Padma did, at that, but he didn't dwell on the reason; it made his wolf growl and that was best left to moments when he wasn't in a room full of people that could easily smell like food if he gave it too much thought.
Setting an elbow to the counter, Michael tipped his head, a single brow raising. "What are you on, three? Am I already behind?" he asked, lips curling at the corners.
"Considerably," she answered, her smile echoing his. "This is three. You better hurry to catch up before I forget how to count."
"How're things then? I barely see you. You should come save me from myself someday so we can have lunch."
"I suppose I could try for noble," Michael said, a slight nod accompanying the comment. His blue eyes were bright as they met Penny's. "As long as there's food involved."
"Well, of course. What kind of wicked witch do you take me for, Michael?" Penelope scoffed. "What's a lunch without food?"
"Cheers," Michael insisted, holding his glass up. "It's having a drink and a smoke with me." His blue eyes twinkled. It wasn't usually Penelope's game, but get her in the right mood and a properly delivered dare went a very long way.
Penelope's left eyebrow crept up her forehead, pulling the corners of her mouth up with it. "Is that so?" Michael had a knack for propositioning her with recreational activities that he knew she generally didn't partake in at the most opportune moments. It was uncanny. "When you put it that way, you almost sound reputable, Michael."
"You flatter," he said, lips twitching, eyes twinkling. He had enjoyed Penelope's company; witty, beautiful, intelligent and one of the only women that had been taller than him for a good part of their friendship.
He leaned towards her, lips curling further. "In, Pens?"
"In, Mikey."
Ignoring the voice in her head that was telling her she'd regret agreeing to this later, Penelope grinned and raised her glass to seal the deal, clinking it against his.
*~*~*~*~*
Placeholder for Mira/Alexa
*~*~*~*~*
Sipping on her flute of champagne, Reilly surveyed the crowd. She'd yet to spy anyone she particularly cared to speak with but it was too early to make her escape just yet.
She'd been diligently focusing on work for the last few months, her retreat from unpleasant thoughts. After having been convinced to spend an evening with the man who'd been the bane of her existence over the past year, Blake had not followed through with an actual invitation for a night on the town. She had not allowed herself to be disappointed, or even surprised. Mr. Dunstan had clearly seen her as a challenge to be overcome and once that had been accomplished the allure had fizzled.
To hell with him.
Taking a deep breath, Reilly purposefully released the tension that had gathered in her shoulders and returned to people-watching. Her lips curled as she finally spotted a familiar, and not unwelcome face. As she came to stand beside him, Reilly ran a hand along his upper arm, appreciating the lean muscle beneath his suit jacket.
"Stephen. It's been a long time. How are you?"
Startling out of the reverie he'd been in since Cassie had excused herself to talk to an old classmate, Stephen glanced down at the familiar brunette; one he'd been all too familiar with once upon a time. "I've been well, Reilly," he said, taking her hand from his arm and brushing a kiss over the back of it. "And yourself?"
"Busy, as always," she replied with a smile. Stephen had always been an easy companion and a rather delicious shag. Reilly rather wished her mind wasn't so occupied with other matters, so that she could enjoy his company again. Merlin knew she needed it. She wasn't in the right frame of mind for that, though. Pity. "Are you here for your own enjoyment this evening, or have you been coerced into philanthropy once again?"
Glancing up from her conversation, Cassie spied a serious-looking, dark-haired woman speaking to Stephen. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him kiss the woman's hand. "Excuse me," she said over shoulder as she started across the room.
"My own enjoyment, and a worthy cause," he said, releasing her hand. "My friend Padma is the mastermind behind tonight's festivities, so I'm here in support of her."
Reilly opened her mouth to respond, but was stopped short by the arrival of a quite young blonde - very obviously Stephen's date for the evening and just as obviously wanting to ensure Reilly was aware of that fact.
Cassie fit herself tightly against her boyfriend's frame, pasting a polite smile on her face. "Oh, I'm sorry. I hope I'm not interrupting."
Buggery fuck. "Of course not, love. Reilly, I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Cassandra Montgomery. Cassie, this is Reilly Chambers, a friend of mine from school." After a fashion.
"Pleasure," Cassie granted with a nod toward Stephen's 'friend'. The tension in her boyfriend's body left no doubt that this was not a Padma or Mandy type friend. Reilly Chambers was a former lover.
She knew she had no justification to be bothered by this woman. Cassie had plenty of men in her past who could turn up at any time. No one had ever accused her of being the most rational female though, and Cassie was bothered. "What do you do now that you and Stephen are no longer students?"
Reilly managed not to laugh as the young woman metaphorically peed on Stephen to mark her territory. Hopefully her old 'school friend' wouldn't be too upset with her for having a bit of fun with his girlfriend. "I run an escort service." Her eyes ran over Cassie slowly from head to toe. "You're just lovely. Do you work?"
Cassie blinked.
Biting back a snicker, Stephen sent Reilly a look over his girlfriend's head. "Cassie works for the Committee on Experimental Charms," he said, trying not to roll his eyes; his girlfriend was being territorial and his former lover was baiting her. This could only end in bloodshed.
"Oh wonderful." Smiling brightly, Reilly brushed a kiss to Stephen's cheek on the side that didn't have a girl who couldn't be much older than a seventh year attached to it. "I think I see Michael and Astoria. I ought to go say hello. It was very nice seeing you again, Stephen. I hope you two enjoy the rest of your evening."
"You as well, Reilly," Stephen replied, giving her a small nod before she turned and walked away. Giving an inward sigh, he turned to face the irate, possessive look on his girlfriend's face. "Hallo, love."
Watching to make sure the other woman kept going, Cassie frowned. "Did she just ask me if I'd like to be her whore?"
Stephen snorted. "Not quite. She runs an escort service, not a brothel." Although from what he'd heard, whispers in certain circles, Reilly did in fact run more than just an escort service.
She tipped her head up to meet his eyes. "You've been to bed with her?" She tried to keep the question from being accusatory, but things like that needed to be out in the open.
"Yes."
The frown that followed was inevitable. "I don't like her. You'll need to remind me later that you want me now." It wasn't often Cassie was willing to admit being insecure and ordinarily she might've played it off as a joke but she didn't this time. Honesty was important in relationships. At least that's what she'd been told. She'd never actually been in one before.
"I need to remind you?" he asked, one brow raised; it wasn't like Cassie to be insecure. Normally, she was very bold and assertive about how she felt and where she stood. This was something new to his girlfriend. "You mean you could forget that I want you?"
"Not exactly," she started, trying to put her feelings into words. "She's very pretty and a little intimidating and you had obviously been with her. I just felt vulnerable. I..." Love you. The words popped into her mind and Cassie's eyes opened wide in surprise. She knew immediately that it was true, but love was not something she'd ever thought much about. That was why she was acting so out of character. She loved Stephen and she didn't know if he felt the same way about her. Shaking her head, she pushed the thought away. This was no place to spring something like that on her boyfriend, and she needed to get used to the idea herself. "I'm just being ridiculous."
He laughed and pulled her into his arms. "No, you're not being ridiculous," he murmured in her ear, one hand stroking her hair while the other rested just below the small of her back. "I don't exactly enjoy the thought of you with other blokes, no matter how long ago they were."
"There's no one I want but you." It was the most she could say just this moment. Kissing him softly, Cassie hummed against his lips. "I still want that reminder when we get back to your flat, though."
"I think that could be arranged," he murmured. In fact, it already had been arranged; there were candles, chocolate covered strawberries, and champagne waiting in his master bath for them to indulge him after the evening's festivities had concluded.
"Good. Let's get our mingling out of the way so we can move on to the fun part of the evening," she said, pulling out of Stephen's embrace to link her arm with his.
"I like the way you think, love."
Angelina grinned widely at the paparazzi that surrounded her as she swept toward the White Chapel Gallery, making a point to stop and pose for the photographers so that her dress was shown to its best advantage. She loved these moments at events, the thrill of there being people present just to see her arrive and the flash of a million bulbs blinding her. It was the best kind of high.
"Miss Johnson, Miss Johnson! Take a picture with Miss Bell!"
Furrowing her brow in confusion, Angelina looked to her left to see her friend in a glorious costume coming up behind her.
Laughing, Angelina waved, "Katie! Get over here!"
Katie glanced over from her current gaggle of photographers, her lips curling into a genuine smile at sight of one of her oldest and closest friends.
"I should have guessed you'd be attracting all the attention, Angie," she teased.
"Well, what else is there for me to do?" Angelina shot back with a wide grin and a laugh. She wrapped an arm around her friend's waist and leaned in so that the photographers could get them both in the shot.
Pulling away, she inspected Katie's outfit, "You certainly didn't go by halves tonight, did you? There someone here you want to impress?"
"When do I ever go by halves, Angie?" she asked, choosing to ignore the second part of her friend's question. They'd discuss it later, that was for sure, but not within earshot of paparazzi.
"Never. It'd be a personal affront if you didn't." Angelina winked and continued moving up the carpet, waving and smiling until she was through the doors and into the gallery.
Immediately, she grabbed a pair of champagne glasses off the tray of a passing waiter. She took sips of her drink and scanned the crowd already present as she waited for Katie to join her.
"Thank you," Katie said, taking the second glass of champagne from her friend before she took a small sip. "You're so thoughtful."
Angelina shrugged and rolled her eyes, "Well, considering you're the closest thing I have to a date at the moment, I thought I'd treat you right." She waggled her eyebrows. "Maybe if I'm lucky I'll get you out of that dress tonight."
Katie snorted. "No one's gotten me out of my clothes in far too long," she commented, almost wistfully. "What makes you think you'll be the first?"
"You doubt my ability?" Angelina gasped in mock anguish before turning her attention briefly to a waiter that was rather fit, making eyes at him through her domino and smirking suggestively. "You really should be more concerned about that. Cobwebs could be forming as we speak."
"Oh, shut it," Katie replied, dark brown eyes lighting about the room before settling on a familiar pair of shoulders. "Just because I don't shag around does not make me a dried old hag."
"That's one person's opinion," Angelina teased as she followed Katie's lead and scoped out the room. "Oooh, I think I see Stewart Ackerly; my personal great white in black tie. Think it'd be gauche to try again? And at another gallery gala?"
A sudden flare of irrational jealousy flared up, one that Katie tried to tamper down unsuccessfully. "Yes, it'd be terribly gauche, so don't."
Picking up on the veiled hostility, Angie quirked an eyebrow at her friend. "Oh, really? You didn't dress up to the nines for Ackerly, did you?"
"No."
Angelina laughed, "Oh, you did! Katiebell, that's marvelous! Go shag him. Now."
"Angelina, I did not dress up for him," she said with an eye roll behind her mask. "We may have snogged once, but that's it."
"So, if I went over there right now and pulled him into a dark corner, you wouldn't want shatter my kneecaps with a beater's bat?" Angelina challenged Katie with a glint in her eye.
"No, I'd gouge your eyes out and then find a spell to glue your legs shut permanently."
A sharp laugh escaped Angelina and she wore a brilliant grin as she replied, "Well enough then. I release the virtue of Ackerly into your tender mercies. God help the both of you."
With that Angelina downed the last of her champagne then winked and waggled her fingers at her friend before moving towards the waiter she'd flirted with earlier, leaving Katie to her own devices.
*~*~*~*~*
Parvati knew she needed to get out of the kitchen and into the gallery and find her sister, but not yet. She watched, wide eyed as the sous chef she had been paired with, Steve managed the chaos around him. It was her food they were serving. Her blood, sweat, tears, and recipes were about to be served to a very large audience of very important and high paying people. Why on earth had they given this to her as her first real catering job? Were they nuts?
The redheaded man, happy as a clam in his chef whites, moved closer to the Indian woman. "Careful," he warned, "or you'll get something all over your dress, as lovely as it is." He knew the look in her eyes. Scared shitless. He didn't blame her. It was her first big event. Who wouldn't be? "Everything's going to be fine," Steve said confidently. He was sure of himself to admit when he had first met the woman in front of him, a big bit of nepotism was going on, but Parvati had proved herself well enough. Even if she did micromanage. "Now get out there."
She nodded, her soft curls brushing her face. "Alright. You know where to find me if you need me." Turning, she made her way into the gallery proper. She needed to find Padma, for this was her night.
Even as she was surrounded by press, well-wishers, friends and other gala attendees, Padma felt as if she were standing in the middle of a crowded room and no one could hear her talk.
Oh, wait. That was almost the truth.
Glancing around, she could hardly see any of her friends for the throngs of people milling about, admiring the art, dancing, making small talk- all the prerequisite gala attendees. As preoccupied as she'd been all evening, she had yet to even make it to the dance floor or sample her sister's food.
"Paddie." Parvati's arm slid around her sister's waist, not caring one whit for decorum or any of that rubbish. She pressed a kiss to her sister's cheek. "You look lovely and the color's divine." She grinned to herself. It looks like they had decided to come out in house colors tonight.
"Thanks Vati," Padma replied with a smile, brown eyes happy behind her gold mask at the sight of her sister. "It all looks great, and the food smells amazing. You and Astoria really outdid yourselves."
Parvati waved her hand. "It was Astoria who provided the menu." Though she was the one taste testing various recipes ad nauseum until she was sure they were prefect. She smiled at her sister, noting the look in her eyes. Padma finally looked happy and she would do everything in her power to make sure she'd stay that way.
"I'm fairly certain that it was not Astoria making sure that every recipe was perfect." Padma loved her friend dearly, but domesticated neither of them were.
Parvati smiled slightly though her eyes danced merrily. "Maybe. But that's my little secret and you shall never know."
Her twin almost snorted. "We may can keep secrets, but we never keep them for long."
Parvati reached out to tap her twin on the nose. "Maybe," she said again, "but that's half the fun, no?" She glanced around, eyes lighting on the bar. "What do you say we get something to drink. Merlin, I haven't had a good cocktail in ages."
"This is also the first time you don't have a toddler attached to your hand in ages," Padma teased as the pair made their way to the bar.
"There's no use in denying that." Parvati fingered her gold mask. "It's a shame I can't get pissed though. It'd be wonderful and long overdue, but the hangover would be a bitch."
"And I'm sure Kiran would pounce on you to wake you up, and the day would go downhill from there," her sister commented, signaling for a Cosmo.
Parvati asked for the same. "And that my dear sister is the downside to having a son way too much like me."
"He is half you."
*~*~*~*~*
Smiling at her husband, Lisa let him lead her into the gallery and onto the dance floor. Her dress was silky and shimmery, making her feel quite glamorous- something that was a bit of a rarity.
"Does this bring back memories?" she asked Ernie when he pulled her to him, taking her hands into the waltz position. "Of our first time out together?"
"Our first time together was on my birthday," he told her, easily moving into the dance.
"And while it was most memorable, I meant our first big public appearance," she teased.
"I know what you meant, I just happen to look fondly on both occasions."
"So do I," Lisa murmured, lifting her hand off his shoulder to cup his cheek gently, fingertips tracing the edge of his simple black mask. "Have I told you yet how handsome you look tonight?"
"Once or twice, but feel free to say it again," he teased.
Lisa rolled her eyes. "And stroke your ever-expanding ego? I think I'll pass."
He honestly couldn't pass that one up. "You can always stroke something else," he murmured suggestively.
"But Ernie, we just got here," she protested playfully as he spun her under his arm.
"But that's the fun part. We can find a deserted hallway and see where that takes us."
"Later," she murmured, brushing her lips over his cheek. "Besides, I don't know if I feel like stroking you. You've yet to say what you think of my dress."
"I love your dress. I'd like it better on our bedroom floor, though." He had a one track mind, but no one could blame him for it.
"Is that the only reason you married me?" she teased. "So I could be your sex slave?"
His eyes widened behind the mask. "There are supposed to be other reasons?"
Lisa gave a little faux-sniff, stilling in their dance. "I suppose if that's all I am to you, you won't miss me while I go give my regards to the rest of the men here. If you'll excuse me..."
"I would mind that very much. You're my sex slave."
"Oh? And I'm supposed to be exclusive?" she teased, lips curling into a smile when she'd turned her back on him.
"I believe that is what this means." He lifted her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss over the ring on her finger.
"I do believe you're right."
*~*~*~*~*
“I can’t believe you wore heels, even if they are low,” Astoria murmured into her friend’s ear as they both watched the room fill from their vantage at the top of the sweeping stairwell. A glance over at Romy had her eyes drawn to the deliciously high heels her friend had donned. “I did see some fabulous flats from Vivier last I was in Paris.”
She nuzzled her friend’s cheek and patted the silk covered belly that held her future niece or nephew then. “But I do understand. There’s nothing like Louboutins.” She bent slightly and spoke to the child in her best friend’s womb. “I don’t care what you are, little one, but your love of shoes starts now,” she directed before pressing a kiss to the swollen tummy and then grinning at her friend.
Romy laughed. Other than her doting and devoted husband, only Astoria would kiss her belly in public, much less at a formal event. "Yes, baby mine, shoes rank right up there with Quidditch, no matter what your father says," she said softly, smoothing a hand over her very round middle and wincing when her hand was greeted with a kick.
"I'm not sure if it was received well, but your message was definitely received, Astoria."
A satisfied nod followed the comment and Astoria grinned. "As it should be. Shoes carry one through life. Quite literally. It's best if the lessons start early."
"A truth it is never too early to learn," Romy agreed, linking arms with her sister of the heart as they began their descent into the party proper. "Now, I know your handsome brother is escorting you this evening, but what other delicious men shall I point in your direction? Any requests or shall I pick and choose at my discretion?"
Astoria raised a brow at her friend. "Have I become your new project then?" Despite the dryness of tone, Astoria's lips twitched. Romy was well meaning and she loved her, but the likelihood of any man she actually found attractive being of the quality she was now trying to find was iffy at best.
"Is it wrong for me to wish felicity and love on my closest friend and sister in all but blood now that I've found my own?" Part of it was the nesting instinct she read about in all her pregnancy books, she was just trying to feather Astoria's nest rather than her own, but aside from her hormones Romy really just wanted to see her girlfriend happy. Rory had been through a number of troublesome men, none of whom had treated her nearly as well as she deserved. She deserved someone who would value you for the amazing women she was.
"No, it's not wrong at all," Astoria allowed, wrapping her arm around her friend's waist and leaning over to press a kiss to the honey-colored cheek. "It's just very unlikely, is all. I've recently come to the conclusion that most of the men I find attractive are rather toxic for one's health."
Romy gave a little sniff, though her eyes still sparkled with mirth. "That is exactly why I plan to check out your potential suitors. I'm sure there are still a few blokes in the world who are sufficiently diverting and can still claim the title 'gentleman'. We just have to be diligent in our search."
"Yes, I'm positive you're right," Astoria divulged, fingers plucking at her gold dress to keep her stiletto'd feet free as they neared the floor. "However, dear sister, they are all married." Her lips twitched when she turned her head to catch her friend's gaze.
Laughing in spite of herself, Romy rubbed her cheek to Astoria's affectionately. The little sass of a serpent was the best friend she'd ever had and Romy loved her for it. "Cynic," she accused. "See if I don't prove you wrong."
"We'll see," Astoria said, a tiny smirk curling her lips as she pressed a kiss to Romy's cheek before donning her mask - for the time being - and slipping into the crowd to start the evening's emergency management.
*~*~*~*~*
He was his sister's official escort for the evening, but the likelihood he'd actually spend much time with her was slim to nil. She'd be flitting about the gallery taking care of this and that most the night. Astoria wasn't a micro-manager, but Michael knew his sister wouldn't be happy staying in a single spot with a single person for the whole of the evening when the success of the event and the reputation of the gallery was at stake.
Winding his way towards one of the many bars, Michael's lips twitched when he saw a woman who worked even more than his sister did.
"Pulled yourself away from the office?" he asked the brunette woman he slid next to. "If I did surprised, I might be so now, Pens." His lips twitched when a blue almost as startling as his own turned from her liquid conquest.
"Well, you know there's something about an open bar that just calls to me, Michael," Penelope replied with good-nature. As proof she held aloft her second or third martini of the evening. Her expression turned serious. "And Padma could use familiar faces tonight, I think. A show of support."
"Hear hear," Michael nodded, raising his scotch on the rocks. Padma did, at that, but he didn't dwell on the reason; it made his wolf growl and that was best left to moments when he wasn't in a room full of people that could easily smell like food if he gave it too much thought.
Setting an elbow to the counter, Michael tipped his head, a single brow raising. "What are you on, three? Am I already behind?" he asked, lips curling at the corners.
"Considerably," she answered, her smile echoing his. "This is three. You better hurry to catch up before I forget how to count."
"How're things then? I barely see you. You should come save me from myself someday so we can have lunch."
"I suppose I could try for noble," Michael said, a slight nod accompanying the comment. His blue eyes were bright as they met Penny's. "As long as there's food involved."
"Well, of course. What kind of wicked witch do you take me for, Michael?" Penelope scoffed. "What's a lunch without food?"
"Cheers," Michael insisted, holding his glass up. "It's having a drink and a smoke with me." His blue eyes twinkled. It wasn't usually Penelope's game, but get her in the right mood and a properly delivered dare went a very long way.
Penelope's left eyebrow crept up her forehead, pulling the corners of her mouth up with it. "Is that so?" Michael had a knack for propositioning her with recreational activities that he knew she generally didn't partake in at the most opportune moments. It was uncanny. "When you put it that way, you almost sound reputable, Michael."
"You flatter," he said, lips twitching, eyes twinkling. He had enjoyed Penelope's company; witty, beautiful, intelligent and one of the only women that had been taller than him for a good part of their friendship.
He leaned towards her, lips curling further. "In, Pens?"
"In, Mikey."
Ignoring the voice in her head that was telling her she'd regret agreeing to this later, Penelope grinned and raised her glass to seal the deal, clinking it against his.
*~*~*~*~*
Placeholder for Mira/Alexa
*~*~*~*~*
Sipping on her flute of champagne, Reilly surveyed the crowd. She'd yet to spy anyone she particularly cared to speak with but it was too early to make her escape just yet.
She'd been diligently focusing on work for the last few months, her retreat from unpleasant thoughts. After having been convinced to spend an evening with the man who'd been the bane of her existence over the past year, Blake had not followed through with an actual invitation for a night on the town. She had not allowed herself to be disappointed, or even surprised. Mr. Dunstan had clearly seen her as a challenge to be overcome and once that had been accomplished the allure had fizzled.
To hell with him.
Taking a deep breath, Reilly purposefully released the tension that had gathered in her shoulders and returned to people-watching. Her lips curled as she finally spotted a familiar, and not unwelcome face. As she came to stand beside him, Reilly ran a hand along his upper arm, appreciating the lean muscle beneath his suit jacket.
"Stephen. It's been a long time. How are you?"
Startling out of the reverie he'd been in since Cassie had excused herself to talk to an old classmate, Stephen glanced down at the familiar brunette; one he'd been all too familiar with once upon a time. "I've been well, Reilly," he said, taking her hand from his arm and brushing a kiss over the back of it. "And yourself?"
"Busy, as always," she replied with a smile. Stephen had always been an easy companion and a rather delicious shag. Reilly rather wished her mind wasn't so occupied with other matters, so that she could enjoy his company again. Merlin knew she needed it. She wasn't in the right frame of mind for that, though. Pity. "Are you here for your own enjoyment this evening, or have you been coerced into philanthropy once again?"
Glancing up from her conversation, Cassie spied a serious-looking, dark-haired woman speaking to Stephen. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him kiss the woman's hand. "Excuse me," she said over shoulder as she started across the room.
"My own enjoyment, and a worthy cause," he said, releasing her hand. "My friend Padma is the mastermind behind tonight's festivities, so I'm here in support of her."
Reilly opened her mouth to respond, but was stopped short by the arrival of a quite young blonde - very obviously Stephen's date for the evening and just as obviously wanting to ensure Reilly was aware of that fact.
Cassie fit herself tightly against her boyfriend's frame, pasting a polite smile on her face. "Oh, I'm sorry. I hope I'm not interrupting."
Buggery fuck. "Of course not, love. Reilly, I'd like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Cassandra Montgomery. Cassie, this is Reilly Chambers, a friend of mine from school." After a fashion.
"Pleasure," Cassie granted with a nod toward Stephen's 'friend'. The tension in her boyfriend's body left no doubt that this was not a Padma or Mandy type friend. Reilly Chambers was a former lover.
She knew she had no justification to be bothered by this woman. Cassie had plenty of men in her past who could turn up at any time. No one had ever accused her of being the most rational female though, and Cassie was bothered. "What do you do now that you and Stephen are no longer students?"
Reilly managed not to laugh as the young woman metaphorically peed on Stephen to mark her territory. Hopefully her old 'school friend' wouldn't be too upset with her for having a bit of fun with his girlfriend. "I run an escort service." Her eyes ran over Cassie slowly from head to toe. "You're just lovely. Do you work?"
Cassie blinked.
Biting back a snicker, Stephen sent Reilly a look over his girlfriend's head. "Cassie works for the Committee on Experimental Charms," he said, trying not to roll his eyes; his girlfriend was being territorial and his former lover was baiting her. This could only end in bloodshed.
"Oh wonderful." Smiling brightly, Reilly brushed a kiss to Stephen's cheek on the side that didn't have a girl who couldn't be much older than a seventh year attached to it. "I think I see Michael and Astoria. I ought to go say hello. It was very nice seeing you again, Stephen. I hope you two enjoy the rest of your evening."
"You as well, Reilly," Stephen replied, giving her a small nod before she turned and walked away. Giving an inward sigh, he turned to face the irate, possessive look on his girlfriend's face. "Hallo, love."
Watching to make sure the other woman kept going, Cassie frowned. "Did she just ask me if I'd like to be her whore?"
Stephen snorted. "Not quite. She runs an escort service, not a brothel." Although from what he'd heard, whispers in certain circles, Reilly did in fact run more than just an escort service.
She tipped her head up to meet his eyes. "You've been to bed with her?" She tried to keep the question from being accusatory, but things like that needed to be out in the open.
"Yes."
The frown that followed was inevitable. "I don't like her. You'll need to remind me later that you want me now." It wasn't often Cassie was willing to admit being insecure and ordinarily she might've played it off as a joke but she didn't this time. Honesty was important in relationships. At least that's what she'd been told. She'd never actually been in one before.
"I need to remind you?" he asked, one brow raised; it wasn't like Cassie to be insecure. Normally, she was very bold and assertive about how she felt and where she stood. This was something new to his girlfriend. "You mean you could forget that I want you?"
"Not exactly," she started, trying to put her feelings into words. "She's very pretty and a little intimidating and you had obviously been with her. I just felt vulnerable. I..." Love you. The words popped into her mind and Cassie's eyes opened wide in surprise. She knew immediately that it was true, but love was not something she'd ever thought much about. That was why she was acting so out of character. She loved Stephen and she didn't know if he felt the same way about her. Shaking her head, she pushed the thought away. This was no place to spring something like that on her boyfriend, and she needed to get used to the idea herself. "I'm just being ridiculous."
He laughed and pulled her into his arms. "No, you're not being ridiculous," he murmured in her ear, one hand stroking her hair while the other rested just below the small of her back. "I don't exactly enjoy the thought of you with other blokes, no matter how long ago they were."
"There's no one I want but you." It was the most she could say just this moment. Kissing him softly, Cassie hummed against his lips. "I still want that reminder when we get back to your flat, though."
"I think that could be arranged," he murmured. In fact, it already had been arranged; there were candles, chocolate covered strawberries, and champagne waiting in his master bath for them to indulge him after the evening's festivities had concluded.
"Good. Let's get our mingling out of the way so we can move on to the fun part of the evening," she said, pulling out of Stephen's embrace to link her arm with his.
"I like the way you think, love."