(Untitled)

[ambitious_woman]

[There is a Reinette, who if not perhaps completely lost to the 'hijinks' of it all is certainly getting into the spirit of things. She is on the very top floor, legs submersed into one of the outdoor baths. She is wearing swimwear, of all things. For a woman accustomed to wearing layer after layer of corsetry and silk? Well, the feel of the water

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[hostclubdaddy]

[and have a French kid looking about the place with his BFF. He stops short as he sees Reinette from behind.]

M -

[and he speeds up, getting closer, but upon coming around and actually getting a look at Reinette's face, his expression turns embarrassed and slightly apologetic.]

- oh, I'm sorry. I mistook you for someone else. Pardon the intrusion.

[but he remains where he is, a little awkwardly, still looking at Reinette as if he's searching out her features for something.]

[ambitious_woman]

[oh, but she is curious all the same, and for the moment cannot take fault for him feeling something like the same. She studies him evenly]

We have been brought to these baths with little warning and even less wardrobe. There is little I would call an intrusion now.

May I ask whom you thought I was?

what a failure!

[hostclubdaddy]

[is still staring]

...just someone I haven't seen for a very long time.

[and a bit of a nervous laugh]

I guess you're right. Finding ourselves here could be an intrusion. But I do hope you're enjoying your time so far.

[and the stare is still there, still awestruck, but he realizes Kyouya is there, and is glad that he can ask Reinette her name]

I am scared to ask who is setting the grade curve

[ambitious_woman]

[she grew accustomed to being stared at a long time ago. And whispered about. And plotted against. This is all very polite, truly]

Jeanne-Antionette Poisson. Though you will find that most here address me as Reinette. A bit of childhood whimsy that seems to have followed me.

[she arches her eyebrow]

Do you wish to know if I am enjoying my time here? Or your intrusion into it?

That really is terrifying D:

[hostclubdaddy]

[processes that and awkwardly follows Kyouya's lead, although Tamaki isn't nearly as smooth about it as he usually is. He doesn't hold the bow very long either, rising back to his full height again.]

Madame de Pompadour. That means people come here from different times.

[his mind roams for the briefest of seconds, but his attention remains on staring at Reinette. He is unsure how to answer her question, and then a little embarrassed]

Both questions, maybe?

For us, not you!

[ambitious_woman]

[her features slip back slightly, into something more controlled. More courtly. It rarely followed her here]

I see that I am recognized. I had not thought I brought my titles with me.

[she was not entirely certain if it bothered her. But she was sure that the not knowing did]

But yes, this play draws people from countless times and places. Have we met before and I do not recall it? Or am I merely some dusty painting on a wall that you walk by on occasion?

Wait, why do I get to gloat? I mean...of course I gloat :D!

[hostclubdaddy]

[and he's a little shocked at first to hear that French, but relaxes a bit hearing his native tongue once more. He's happy at the sound of it, but it also adds to the surrealness of the situation as well.]

[in French until further notice]

Ah, right, of course. I am Suou Tamaki, and this is my friend Ootori Kyouya. It's an honour to meet you Madame. Unfortunately I must say we have never met before.

Don't wear that face too long, it will stick...

[ambitious_woman]

[The French slips over her at music, however formal. This is the French she was forced to sit in rooms and practice for months, delaying the beginning of her time with Louis. Whatever part of her resents her, there is another part that cannot deny its beauty. Or the power she felt in conquering it. She answers in kind]

It is a pleasure to meet you both. May I inquire as to how you know me?

Am I Bovvered?

[hostclubdaddy]

It's a great pleasure to meet you, Madame.

[and something clicks and the staring is still there, but he is much more present now, his body language returning to somewhat normal]

How has your stay been so far? If there is anything you need to make your time here more comfortable, I'd be honored to be at your disposal.

[and a much more fluid bow then before]

Wait -- what were we talking about?

[ambitious_woman]

[She watches while the emotions play over his face, thinking to herself how expressive it can be. Once upon a time it might have been something she honed for her theater]

Instead now Reinette watches them both, and the subtle play between them. These are her entertainments now]

This place is challenging, but in a way I find pleasure in. But you are the newcomers here. Both of you. Surely it is my place to inquire after your comfort?

I think we agreed it was Star

[hostclubdaddy]

[he notes that eye flicker, and somehow being called upon for something, even as simple as the term 'hot springs' helps him relax a little more. Despite registering Kyouya looking to him though, his gaze still stays on Reinette.]

Ah, yes, these hot springs are a welcome surprise. Is this your first time visiting such a place?