BALLROOM BLITZ (CHARITY BALL)

[not_polish]

WHO: ANYONE PLANNING ON ATTENDING THE BALL PLUS AUCTION WINNERS
WHERE: a fancy, ritzy hotel in the nicer areas of the city!
WHEN: Saturday the 24th, 7:30pm and onwards
WARNINGS: stuff will probably happen.
SUMMARY: the much anticipated ball is finally here! see all the imPorts and various NPC guests wearing the snazziest of gowns and suits as they talk

Comments

closed to charles

[manlytear]

[It is not long after their arrival that Erik leads the way to a more quiet setting. This is the first time that he has seen Charles in person since their conversation the other day, and he knows that there is no getting out of addressing the matter at hand: that the two of them are both in their best suits and on a date. With each other.

He manages to retrieve a glass of champagne for each of them on the way to the garden, and he now offers one to Charles. A drink might make this easier for both of them.]

[grooviestmutant]

I said no such thing. But I am not like your grandson, and you know that, Erik.

[manlytear]

You speak of these notions in such a derogatory manner. Do not expect me to not assume that you apply your prejudices to others.

And I never insinuated that you are the same as him. I never claimed to be myself.

[grooviestmutant]

-Erik, as far as I am concerned at this moment-this conversation is over.

Your belligerence is too much to bear. [ Charles begins to walk away then, wondering if perhaps he ought to secure himself a secondary drink before attempting to camouflage himself within the crowd. ]

[manlytear]

[One of the benches is suddenly in the middle of the path, blocking the route back to the ballroom unless Charles intends to awkwardly climb over it.]

We are not going back to ignoring this, Charles. You are the one who chose to begin these insults.

[grooviestmutant]

[ Charles stops abruptly at the addition of a bench to his walkway, and he frowns deeply. Rubbing his fingers through his hair, he sighs and drops his hands to his sides. ]

[ His voice trembles when he speaks. ]

Why are you doing this to me, Erik?

[manlytear]

[Erik is shaking slightly from a combination of emotions that he is having difficulty sorting through himself.]

I am not trying to upset you. I am not doing this to sully your immaculate reputation.

[grooviestmutant]

[ Charles turns around with an incredible amount of effort. He does not look up at Erik, instead staring into the ground as if to bore a hole into it. ]

I-I don't understand your intentions. [ Charles hates the way his voice cracks; the way his confidence has diminished as his rage gives way to a frustrated sadness. ]

[manlytear]

[Erik is silent for a long moment. There is less anger in his voice when he finally responds.]

My intentions are exactly what we spoke of the other day. Nothing more.

[grooviestmutant]

[ Charles cannot look Erik in the eye and it pains him to force himself to continue this conversation - though he's not exactly interested in having his path further blocked with metal objects. ]

...To perform homosexual acts with me?

[manlytear]

[Erik has to draw a deep breath. He is still having difficulty applying such a term to himself.]

If you choose to phrase it that way.

[grooviestmutant]

And how else would you describe it? [ He cannot help but sound irritated, and he's crossing his arms, watching Erik with utmost displeasure. ]

[manlytear]

I do not consider myself a homosexual. I hardly expect you to be one either.

[grooviestmutant]

Then what, exactly, are you getting at with your suggestions? What are you honestly, truly feeling?

[ ... ]

Please, my friend. Explain yourself.

[manlytear]

[The request to simply discuss his feelings is a difficult one.]

I am not attracted to men. I am attracted to you.

[grooviestmutant]

[ Charles stares at him for a long moment, having finally lifted his eyes from the ground and stuffing his hands into his pockets. ]

And what do you want from me?