bakerstreet | fancy ball meme.

fancy ball meme.

FANCY BALL MEME

Time to go to the ball! Early or late, the food is exquisite, the music is an endless dream and the tide of taffeta creates the most wonderful wave around you. Are you here to find true love, to steal, to impress, to dance, or just for the incredible food? Perhaps you'll meet "the One"!

RULES
• Leave a comment with your character's name and fandom.
• RNG for a number between 1-10 to get your options. Mix and match!
• Have fun!

SCENARIOS

001 DANCING | One person asks another to dance.
002 MINGLING | Chatting in one of the lavish rooms or in the gardens.
003 INTRIGUE | You're not here to while the night away. Heists, assassinations, kidnappings, political backstabbing...your purpose tangoes with the more sinister.
004 LOST | The castle is huge! One person is lost, the other knows where the ball is.
005 MIDNIGHT | The clock has struck, your clothes have turned to rags!
006 KEEPSAKE | It might not be a glass slipper but someone has lost something and you're here to return it.
007 HOSTING | Ugh. Why are you doing this again? Oh. Yeah, your family, kingdom, or business is hosting the whole affair.
008 LIVERIED | Ball? You're here to work! Who else is going to clean up the sick on those rose bushes? Tsk.
009 MASQUERADE | A party with extra mystery. Remove the mask if you're feeling daring.
010 WILD CARD | Choose your own type of encounter!

(adapted from a meme by

sockle)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[tl;dr: Jing Yuan is a general of a space fleet called the Xianzhou Alliance, modeled after a sci fi ye olde China. He's a well-known figurehead within his canon and earned his rank through winning an important battle entirely bloodless. He'd be the perfect high ranking figure for this kind of thing. Need a dance partner and you're: a politician, another military official, someone with social standing, or just a regular person here for a good time? Jing Yuan might be your guy! 👉👉]

Edited 2025-05-19 04:25 (UTC)

( info, but the gist is that he's an accidental and unwilling time traveler who slips from one era to another. "intrigue" is likely the reason he's here, but i'm open to other ideas and starters. assumed cr is great. )

( the time and place is irrelevant when it's always the same: bluff his way into a party either with fake credentials or ones lifted from an unconscious man, and complete a job. this time it's an assassination. or it's a heist. maybe? who knows? with the way he's gallivanting around the party — entertaining the men with boisterous stories, dancing with women, and gulping back cups of alcohol or punch — maybe his job is to have fun.

with this guy, who knows what he's up to? )

[ Character Info | Preferences | Plotting Contact ]

A Demon Lord. Orphaned at birth, the bloodthirsty nature of the Netherworld beat the youth out of her at a young age. As she grew up, she climbed the ranks through a combination of manipulation and violence. Her capricious nature can have her acting like a outgoing friend and then a cynical bully on a whim. Particularly fond of pets and kids, however.

Dressed for the occasion. She is here to have fun, whether that means playing along with the ball or stirring up trouble.

(( Honestly this is his jam ))

"You're not here to while the night away."

Percy's voice curls at the edge of Dorian’s ear like smoke—warm, conspiratorial, and just sharp enough to sting. His hand rests low at Dorian’s back, deceptively casual, guiding them through the slow rhythm of the waltz. Around them, nobles chatter and laugh, unaware—or pretending to be.

"You think I asked you to dance for the view?" he murmurs, lips ghosting dangerously close as they turn. "I needed a moment where no one would question why my hand is on your body, and your pulse is spiking."

He smiles—slow, wicked, amused.

"There’s a countess with a blackmail ledger tucked beneath her petticoats, a spy posing as a valet, and a vote hanging in the balance that could unravel a very delicate piece of my empire."

A dip, subtle and intimate. He doesn't break eye contact.

"You, Dorian, are not here because I trust you. You’re here because you’re just reckless enough to make things disappear and just pretty enough that no one looks too closely when you do."

He leans in closer—mouth near jaw, breath warm.

"So, tell me, darling... are you going to behave tonight?"

A pause. His smile turns razor-sharp.

"Or shall we give them something to whisper about after the blood dries?"

To be honest, Dorian had been a bit surprised when the older noble had asked him to dance. He remained skeptical as they stepped onto the dance floor, and even though he couldn’t help shivering a little as the older man leaned in close, hyper aware of the hand on his lower back, he couldn’t help feeling rather intrigued as the man spoke.

He followed Percy’s steps easily enough, familiar with the dance. As Percy dipped him, he glanced at the crowd, as if looking for the people Percy mentioned.

And while Percy’s description made him frown, he remained ever curious.

“That depends,” he finally answered, trying to keep a cool head. “What exactly are you expecting from me, and what are you willing to give me for it?”

[ M/F for shipping ]

[ info & permissions! ]

[ Intrigue! Disguise! Let's go! ]

[Almost certainly 3, he would not willingly be at one of these things otherwise-- but it can be mixed with other options!!]

Edited 2025-05-20 03:51 (UTC)

[ fancy ball, coruscant party, chandrilan wedding, tomato, tomahto. ]

[On the face of it, there is very little reason why they should take an interest in Senator Beldran of Vrixeen—

No. That's inaccurate. She'll rephrase.

On the face of it, there is every reason for an exclusive purveyor of fine art and his assistant to be taking an interest in Senator Beldran of Vrixeen. Senators, after all, are the bread and butter of high tier establishments in this part of Coruscant, and any opportunity to expand their client base is a welcome one. Beldran is among the many senators newly elevated this Investiture season, and already he is showing signs of wishing to improve both his own status and that of his planetary system. An ostentatious display of wealth and culture could be just the thing.

No, it's their rebel contacts — those who have an inkling of their real goals in cultivating any acquaintance — who might question Beldran’s use. Vrixeen is a wholly unremarkable Mid-Rim world, neither located near any major trade routes nor possessed of any unusually valuable resources. The man himself is no more remarkable than the system he represents: no strong convictions in support of the Empire or against it, as far as one can tell, other than what is required by political expediency. His predecessor had been a man of conviction, vocally opposed to the PORD and other such Imperial overreaches. Gone now, of course.

What Beldran does have is a crippling awareness that he is no longer a big fish in the very small planetary pond of vrixeeni local politics, a desperate desire to appear important, and a son who is a rising young star of the Imperial Navy. A man might let all manner of things slip, in the course of trying to impress others with how very knowledgeable he is.

Kleya sips elegantly from her glass, favours a passing Imperial officer with a vapid smile, and lets her slow orbit of the Vrixeeni Embassy's grand ballroom carry her unhurriedly back into Luthen’s shadow]

The light in here would be just perfect for that mirialan glassware piece, don't you think?

[Imperial Admiral Harn Grendreef had a daughter. This was perfectly normal, nothing to worry about, as long as it didn't interfere with his responsibilities. There came a time, of course, when a daughter was a responsibility, and that was when she needed to be introduced to society. This required quite a party with all accompanying headaches. Grendreef requisitioned a new assistant to help organise the damn thing, which took several months to plan.

Finally, the day arrived. And praise the Emperor, everything was going swimmingly. Damn right it should, Grendreef was using his shore leave for the purpose. Not that spending time on Coruscant was so unpleasant. Big civilian dos just weren't his favourite pasttime.

Ah, but here was someone interesting. Grendreef accosted Luthen Rael to talk at him for a while—]

[Grendreef:] The necklace looks wonderful on her. I know jewelry is not your usual stock in trade but we appreciate the exception. My assistant is the one who turned me onto you. He's dancing with her right now. In fact, here they come. Sward, look who I found. Rael, you must know Joreth Sward.

["Joreth Sward", in perfect uniform, elegantly released Grendreef's daughter's hand to bow his head to Luthen.]

[Sward:] We never interacted directly. A pleasure to finally meet you, Mr Rael.

[Grendreef's daughter made a sound in her throat and tilted her head, and Grendreef harrumphed:] Yes, yes… excuse me, gentlemen, needed elsewhere. Sward, entertain Mr Rael for a bit, won't you? [And, taking his daughter's arm, Grendreef swept grandiosely away.

Luthen was left alone with the assistant.]

[~~Joreth Sward~~ Cassian Andor:] Are you enjoying the party, Mr Rael?

[ Especially interested in something post-coronation! ]

[He's here on work, and while his vibrant attire is certainly colourful enough to blend in to the opulence of this place, it's so eclectic that he sticks out like a sore thumb.

...And yet, no one else seems to pay him any mind. Maybe he's part of the troupe of entertainers...? But he doesn't seem to fit in with any of them either.

The servants seem to notice him though, and he seems to be passing the time idly gossiping with them rather than anyone of seeming importance.]

[Voicetesting; canonmates preferred for now]

When they were told they were going undercover to a ball, Haji had assumed he would be placed with the orchestra and spent his evening there and watching the crowd. So when Julia shoved a masquerade mask into his hands, he could only blink.

Silently lingering near a wall, the tuxedo he had on looked perfect, his hair loose as the mask obscured part of his face. He didn't need to look for Saya, he could always find her. No, instead, he kept shooting bored glances at the girl trying to talk him into a dance. Part of him knew it was rude to say no, but he wanted too.

This was not what a Chevalier should be doing. When she finally outright asked, he held a hand towards the blonde. "Of course." The first words he had spoken since she started chatting at him. Blue eyes landing on Saya as he silently led the blonde to the middle of the dance floor, the band playing a soft waltz. Easy.

Balls and dances were nothing new to Saya given how she grew up in the Zoo and was raised to be a proper young lady— it was part of the reason why she had been given Haji as a servant all those years ago. In spite of all the proper training and courses she was forced to undergo, she never did quite find comfort in this kind of atmosphere. The stuffy dresses, the inflated egos swirling about and the lack of general good food always seemed to drive her towards the edge. Tonight was no different even if they were undercover and focused on their mission of finding and stopping Diva.

Still she was dressed for the part; a tight white dress with ruffles, earrings, a long black wig to hide her true hair, and a pearl-colored mask adoring her face. She made her way out onto the ball room floor and began to weave between the guests, keeping an airy and light facade but something immediately drew her ire—

Seeing her Haji with another woman. She very well knew the reason why he'd give in and dance with her, but she couldn't help how the very sight of him touching someone else sent her blood boiling. So she immediately pulled a nearby dancer who had been pestering her for a dance and began to lead them towards where Haji and this girl were, getting close enough to speak.

"Having fun? You two look like a lovely couple really, maybe you could give us some hints on how to look so good...."

The dances he had known before being given to Saya would never be acceptable even in this modern dance hall. No, he learned to be the perfect gentlemen for her, just as Joel required of him. Part of that meant not upsetting other ladies if he could help it. To deny her would be rude, and that could draw attention.

Attention already divided when Saya came into view with her dance party. His face didn't react. Well, most might not be able to tell, maybe she could see the jealousy in his eyes. His expression otherwise perfectly schooled. Before he could even attempt to speak, his dance partner spoke up.

"Thank you! Isn't he just yummy!" A deep breathtaking from Haji, not saying anything. "The trick is to always find a man whose almost as gorgeous as you are. You won't have any trouble with that." Wait... was she flirting, wait Saya?

Hopefully none of Diva's chevaliers are around while they are distracted.

With her own hands settled onto her dance partner who seemed mostly distracted by Saya's appearance and dancing, she huffed a little as she waited for an answer from Haji— instead the response came from the other woman, leaving Saya just a bit surprised as she wasn't sure what to expect.

When the answer finally came and it was clear the other woman was actually being friendly to her [the flirting flew right over her head], she was left with a deep blush in her face. Whatever jealousy she felt, whatever ire she had towards the situation was immediately disarmed by the polite compliment.

"Um....thank you, that's sweet of you...", she said, softly turning her attention away before thinking of what to say next. It was difficult for Saya to turn her ire towards this girl when she had been polite, after all, it was technically Haji's fault for dancing with her. So she turned her attention back to him and spoke.

"You got really lucky with this one, she sounds like a keeper. You should really be grateful."

Her partner was lucky to get to dance with her. He had no idea just how lucky he was. Yet, Haji stayed silent for now, the answer from his dance partner normally he might not notice it as flirting with others, but he's watched for far too long how people react to his queen.

The girl giggled happily, a little bubbly, moving gracefully along. "You're welcome!" She replied with that same cheer that she had been speaking to Haji with before asking for the dance.

Finally, when the question was directed his way, he couldn't and wouldn't avoid it. "Saya..." A touch of chastising in his tone. "I am grateful to be here with you." The words spoken honestly but in that say soft way he usually speaks since Vietnam. His eyes went to the dance party. "This is Saya, I am attending the party with her. And Saya this is..."

"Maria! I never told you my name, silly." That one made him have to work not to react, he couldn't even pin why that bothered him. The girl still smiling looked at Saya's partner. "Do you mind if I cut in? We can let these two take over." That was unexpected, but if Saya's partner said yes, well, that would get Saya that same hand offered her way. The silent request for a dance with her.

As the atmosphere around them became strange, Saya for the moment focused back onto her partner, offering a shy smile to them. She continued on dancing with him, keeping a bit of a distance before her attention was returned back to the conversation at hand.

“Oh….you—“, she said before being cut off. She wasn’t expecting him to actually acknowledge her or even bring up their relationship at all. The revelation truly left her stunned as she nervously looked at her dance partner and then back at the girl Haji had been dancing with.

“It’s nice to meet you Maria, I’m sorry for interrupting your dance.”, she said with a more sullen tone. She truly hadn’t meant anything by her jealous and possessive words, especially when the other girl was so polite and sincere. Yet before she could truly do or say anything else about it, she was already being let go of by her partner and pushed right into Haji’s arms as Maria and the other man joined up. “It’s quite alright—“, the man said, before leading the other girl a bit further from the two.

“I’m sorry Haji I…I should control myself more, especially when we’re working.”

It was strange, even Haji could feel it, yet he said nothing about it. Just the softest noise made when she was all but pushed into his arms. The hand dropped for a second while Maria was led off by Saya's previous dance partner. Haji's eyes lifted to Saya's then.

Taking in her words. "It is fine, I do not mind in the least." It was true, part of him would always enjoy her possessive side. "I was merely being polite." He explained, not too worried about the job yet. No screams and no signs of any of Diva's chevaliers.

"May I have the rest of this dance, Saya?" Once more offering his hand, but leaning in to kiss the back of her hand if she took. Sure, they may draw attention, but it would be worth it.

Despite rushing into the situation with all of her jealousy and intense emotions, it was so easy for someone as kind and gentle as Maria had been to disarm her and leave Saya feeling foolish over her behavior. She very well knew Haji had devoted himself to her despite the trials and tribulations that came with their relationship and life together up until this point. To not trust him and be so insecure made her feel like a child all over again but his gentle way of assuring her made her restless feelings settle for now.

"Even though I don't deserve it, yes you may...", she said as her hand lifted up and rested upon his. She was still trying her best to focus on the current task at hand but little by little all of her attention was starting to fall on him. This kind of dancing was so restrictive and stuffy and yet with him? Saya was starting to feel excited about it.

"You know...you're too forgiving. I behaved poorly, you shouldn't be so willing to forgive me."

Maria had been very kind, even if Haji was certain she had been flirting with Saya. She seemed a free spirit and he felt no ill will, even the annoyance of less than 10 minutes ago was gone. It was all trivial and not worth losing precious moments with Saya.

"I must disagree." He replied softly, once he kissed the back of her hand, he shifted to lead them into the dance. A waltz was not as exciting as modern dances, but Haji did not know those or did not care to learn more like. This was perfect as far as he was concerned.

Shaking his head a moment without missing a step. Blue eyes peering down at her. "There is nothing in this world I would not forgive you for. It was a simple misunderstanding." After a quicker turn to keep to the pace of the music, the chevalier added. "You are not upset, are you?"

With the lull of the music in the background filling the room with a more soft and romantic ambiance, Saya found herself being moved by a single kiss on the back of her hand. Her eyes were wide and full of softness for the man before her, yet as they continued dancing, she couldn't help but shake those feelings of guilt. There was so much Haji had put up with because of her— his arm being a major point of contention for her. Yet without hesitation, he forgave her each and every time.

"No I'm not upset with you over it. I'm more just...upset with how immature I was being. I should trust you, we've been through so much together and I know your loyalty is with me. I....", she ended before tightening her lips together. She continued dancing, swaying a bit as she contemplated on what to say next. Should she tell him that she loved him? That she was grateful for all that he did?

Surely he knew the full scope of her feelings.

Music always had a way of helping him focus since everything went wrong. Sometimes even before. The woman who held his heart had gifted him with the means to play that music, a way to get lost in the past or help those around him find some solace. There were far too many hours in the day for one who doesn't need to sleep or eat. Well, eat food, anyway.

He did everything he could not to acknowledge his arm outside of combat. To him, that arm was a sign of his betrayal to her. He ran. He never should have run. If he hadn't Haji never would have met Nishi. Not that he had told Saya about his friend back in Kowloon, it did not matter. The mission and Saya were all that mattered.

Giving her a knowing look instead of pointing out she had always been a little immature, and it never bothered him before. Instead, he leaned his head in closer. "I know." The words spoken softly. He didn't need her to say it, even if his heart craved to hear those words. "I will always be at your side."

There was a heaviness to his words, something almost spoken but it remained lingering in the air between them as they swayed and held each other during the dance. It was difficult for her to come to terms with all the horror that came with being her and being associated with Diva. The damage it brought to other people was a terrible side effect that she wished she could erase but she couldn't— and despite the closeness the two shared, the intimacy, it still felt selfish to Saya to say those words.

So for now she remained silent, taking in his own words gently before her head turned around a bit to catch a glimpse of Maria and her previous dance partner. It seemed the two were getting along well and it made her smile softly. Finally she spoke.

"Thank you....and it seems those two are getting along well. I always wondered what it would be like to be happy and free like that."

There was so much he wanted to say, feelings weighing heavily on him, but words he couldn't and wouldn't let out. Not yet, not while he had a promise to keep. A promise he hated more and more every day. Even now, with her in his arms, swaying on the dance floor together. Haji hated the idea of killing her, still, his desire did not matter. Only hers.

Blue eyes shifting as she smiled and spoke. Seeing Maria and the other dancing the girl laughing full of life. "Indeed, perhaps you have made a match." Just the lightest touch of teasing. It couldn't be helped. Shrugging his shoulders as the music was slowing to stop, and yet, he didn't pull away to stop the dance. "You knew at a time. I remember when you were once happy." Thinking of her laughing with Kai, Riku, and George. Himself and Joel, even.

"You're right....but that was temporary.", she said, softly bringing her gaze down to the ground. Soon though, a different thought came to mind before her gaze rose up and caught sight of those deep blue eyes. It was a happy time for her, but one born of ignorance, of the truth being hidden from her and not knowing who or what she really was. If she had to think back to a real happy time, perhaps it would be back in the Zoo with Haji. However given that she was also ignorant to who and what she really was as well, was that also a pleasant time?

It didn't make sense for her to explain herself though because in the end none of it mattered. The outcome of her actions and endeavors were all the same; she was set to die at the end of everything regardless. Perhaps that meant she should be open with Haji about her feelings but....for now this was the best she could do.

"After this, we should spend some time together, just the two of us. It's been a very long time where we could just be together in peace, so let's hope everything goes smoothly today."

Nodding softly as she spoke. It did cause a pain in his chest, but nothing he wasn't used to. Nothing that would show on his face. He shouldn't argue, even though he had been ignorant of what was happening when they were there. Being bought the way he had been was the worst thing to happen to him before the massacre and Diva killing him. Yet, he wouldn't trade it for anything. "Maybe so, but that time gave me the chance to walk endless years with you." Perhaps a little depressing for some, but for him, that was his happiness. Those few years between decades of sleep.

An expression did cross his features then. A touch of confusion. Then the lightest of smiles. "I rather like that idea. Only if you are certain." He had a feeling something would go wrong.

He had never been so lucky, and yet? There was a ping of hope. Even if just a few hours walking together would be enough. "If all goes smoothly, what would you desire to do?"

"I still hate that you have to do that, live so many years without me and be forced to roam all alone.", she said softly, her voice straining just a bit. There was so much guilt, she felt and as they continued dancing, it only seemed to weigh her down even more. Despite that though, she knew he didn't want to or rather he wouldn't accept her feeling about this given his own devotion to her. So she decided it was best to move onto that little fantasy she brought up.

As the music began to change behind them, she switched the position of her arms and hands, guiding him towards a new pattern of dancing. In the meantime she thought about his question before finally answering.

"Of course I'm certain, after everything we've been through, the things we've shared I want....no I need more. I want to spend an entire day together showing our true feelings for one another, even if it's the last time. It should be special." The casual embraces and kisses they were able to share between the chaos of each mission and destination they went to in order to search for Diva wasn't enough. Not for someone like Haji who had spent so long without Saya.

"It is not as bad as you may feel." It was his truth, even apart, he could feel her in a way. Knowing she was safe and hibernating while he explored the world. Nothing would be as bad as his time post-Vietnam, but there were many nights of walking through Paris or seeing operas that helped make the time less dreadful. If he could sleep, it would be different. "I know I will always find you when the time is right." Almost like he expected another 30 years. He didn't, hoping for it was damning more to Diva. As selfish as he wanted to be.

Letting her take the lead, he moved fluidly along with her, almost as if a boy again learning from her. It was never a challenge to follow Saya in any way.

A rarity happened then. Haji smiled. Soft and fleeting, never like before her rampage, but it was there. "I would like that very much, Saya. If we are able too." Oh, he had dreamed of such things for so long, but what were the chances an attack wouldn't happen? Or someone would show up? He leaned in, a bold moment, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead without missing a dance step.

[Political gala? Something else? I'm here for it.]

[ Info here. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

fancy ball meme.

Jing Yuan | Honkai: Star Rail

Paul Atreides | Dune

jack klein — original.

Tommy Kinard | 9-1-1 | M/M

no subject

Cassie Cage | Mortal Kombat | OTA

Ashley | World of Darkness | Werewolf

Dorian Storm | Critical Role | OTA

Re: Dorian Storm | Critical Role | OTA

no subject

Midge Maisel | The Marvelous Mrs Maisel

Birdie Lewis | OC | Vampire: The Masquerade | OTA

Locke Cole | FFVI

Ben Solo | Star Wars | OTA

Elia Broch | Star Wars OC | OTA

Isa Trevyal | Star Wars OC | OTA

Arthur Morgan | Red Dead Redemption 2

luthen rael, andor.

3 obv

no subject

will (protagonist) | metaphor: refantazio | ota

Ri!Kusuriuri | Mononoke (2007) | OTA

Nice ( To Be Hero X )

Kleya Marki | Andor

saya otonashi ― blood+

Why hello there. - 009

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Leila Taylor | Captain America: Brave New World | voicetesting

percy de rolo | vox machina