☠ 01 : Something to Take the Edge Off

[_devil_inside]

Who: _devil_inside and somarium
Where: Random bar in the Residential District
Style: Prose preferred
Status: Open like a whore's boudoir.

Comments

[lastyears_model]

"You seem to be doing well enough on that front for the time being, I'm enjoying myself, at least." She couldn't help but smile in gratitude, even if it had been a facade which she was certain it wasn't, it would have been best for the silver haired man to just continue pretending with her anyway. Being deceived by a charming man for a night of dancing in a run down bar wasn't going to kill her, as it were. Despite it being strange, pressed against and dancing with someone she barely knew, a good time was being had and for the reporter, that's all she cared about in the moment.

Her eyes followed his gaze for the brief glance he shot toward his bottle. Elena could more than agree with him on the fact that she, too, hadn't expected to meet and greet with anyone in here this evening. She had just wanted a shelter from the shivers she was getting outside for a few minutes, a drink so they wouldn't gripe at her for being in there without being a customer and then she was planning to head off on her merry way back home. It was funny how things turned out, never what they were planned to be with this one but always ending with a good time despite it all. Running around with Nate and Sully had showed her that, actually. Although she'd never admit to either one of them anything that would glorify what they did for a living.

And in that brief moment of his closeness to herself, Elena's cheeks flushed to a deep crimson that even she didn't think was possible to color her otherwise fair skin. She had even let a tiny gasp escape her lips from being overwhelmed at his touch, she hadn't been expecting it, after all. Tensed in his arms for that slight moment, she calmed and relaxed once more, although had squeezed his shoulder rather tightly in her startling. Unfortunately, there simply wasn't any way for her to hide the fact that she'd just been taken by complete surprise.

"D, Definitely sharing the sentiment," was that a stutter? She inwardly groaned but didn't allow herself to visibly show any annoyance with it.

[_devil_inside]

Yeah, Dante totally lived for that. Secure in the knowledge he'd just about blown her mind, the devil hunter carefully kept his smirk hidden, letting the stroke to his rather large ego just inflate that oftentimes downtrodden thing to somewhere resembling pride. He was good, he knew that and yes, he'd used his skill with the ladies to his advantage when it was necessary, he'd never deny that. But despite all of his experience, and contrary to rumor, the man was hardly a lecher.

Thus why he followed up on Elena's flusteredness with merely a chuckle before spinning her at the end of the song, bringing her back against him as the last strains of the guitar faded. They stilled and he smiled down at her, but was unable to help dipping his head to gently kiss her cheek, giving her hand a squeeze before stepping away.

"Mighty fine dance, Miss Elena," he drawled, ushering her back to the bar and their spots at it. Dante retrieved his blade then polished off the last of his whiskey before extending to her a hand. "Well, it's 'bout time for me to get goin', babe." Bright blue twinkled and his smile was sincere. "Thanks for the dance. And the company."

[lastyears_model]

The man was clearly trying to put her to her death via flustering her. Cheeks red, she couldn't hide the smile that tugged her pink lips at his kiss, small though it may be, it was there. Somewhat embarrassed, the blond followed the man to the bar to if anything grab her drink in order to swallow down the cold liquid that remained in her glass, a sort of attempt to lessen the color of her cheeks with it's coolness.

"You're certainly smooth on your feet, Dante," the woman most definitely insinuated of his smoothness in more than one way. Glancing to the hand that had been brought her way, she smiled and took it for a gentle shake. It had certainly been quite the evening, much more eventful than she had originally assumed that it would be. The word 'babe' would always throw her off, if anything because she didn't see herself as one. "I should be thanking you, actually."

With a soft nod, she glanced to the floor at the gaze he had on her. It wasn't often that she felt shy, so perhaps it was time to brush that aside and like him, offer a bit of a 'gift' in thanks for the good time. Lifting her chin, the blond moved in to press her lips to his cheek for a kiss of her own. "Anytime you need someone to help you dance your troubles away, then." She chuckled.

"Goodnight, Dante."

[_devil_inside]

No matter how old he became, even tottering along in with a walker, Dante would never be too old to turn down a lady's affection. And he could tell Elena was nervous and far too shy to be that good-looking, so, sensing her intent, lowered his head and met her halfway, offering his cheek like a good lad. And he managed without his normal teasing reciprocation, which was monumental in its rarity.

Pulling back with an easy smile, he nodded and straightened the collar of his aged coat. "I'll keep that in mind, Miss Elena." Blue eyes twinkled a final time. "And might just take ya up on it."

Dante gave the old man behind the counter a jaunty salute, instructing old Pops to "take care of the lady" before turning and strolling for the door with an easy grace born of self-assurance and comfortableness. It closed behind him and a few minutes later, the roar of a motorcycle engine shattered the night, then faded into silence.