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

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.

There was at least comfort in that— if Saya fell into her hibernation, Diva would also do the same and the world would be at peace for at least three decades. However given the nature of things and what went down in Vietnam, it was difficult for all of them to hinge their bets on that. Diva's own cycle was never quite predictable given the circumstances but it was probably best not to think about it too hard for now. Instead Saya focused on the dance, before her attention was drawn to that soft little smile that seemed to land on Haji's lips.

As brief and as tiny as it was— she couldn't help but match it as her hands squeezed him tightly. "Thank you for indulging me Haji...", she managed to say, before thinking how it was selfish of her to ask for such a thing. Yet they were once lovers weren't they? Or rather they still were, but truthfully who knew with how much time had passed and how much things had truly changed.

Still, when that kiss came down onto her forehead, she couldn't help but melt at the warm sensation. Could a creature like her, who festered on the lifeforce of humanity truly be deserving of such warmth? She wasn't sure of the answer but she was sure of one thing; she was happy it had come from Haji.

Their hibernations gave the chevaliers time to do whatever sleepless ones do to pass the long hours when sleep eludes them. He regretted none of it, the loneliness, the pain, nothing. All of it allowed him moments like these. Gliding across the dance floor with the woman who has held his heart for over a century.

Those smiles, even the rarer laughs, those were for her. Others may hear or see at times, but it was still just for her. "You need not thank me for giving me a chance to see to your every whim and wish." The words just a touch playful, the old sarcastic being was still in there somewhere.

Haji had never stopped considering them lovers, even if it had been a long time since that first kiss. Seeing how she reacted to that small kiss, he finally added. "When would you wish to start this day of ours?" A selfish part of him wanted to scoop her up and take off across the rooftops, but he was too much of a gentleman for that. They were technically working.

Thankfully for them both it was far too easy for them to understand each other— anyone else might have been offended or put off by such words, but to Saya they simply invoked nostalgia, a more simple time when the two had no worries in the world. In the Zoo, under Joel's care without knowing what horrors awaited the both of them. Even if they should be focused now, focused on the task at hand, she couldn't help but slip into the moment without any hesitation. So when he asked her such a question, Saya smiled at him tenderly and finally spoke words he might have been wishing to hear—

for centuries perhaps. "I want to go back to where we've been....to that night where you comforted me so many years ago." To the night where he begged her to take her 'medicine', for her sake. Yet despite that, she couldn't see how badly he had wanted her to live. Even in their dancing, so full of life and hope, she couldn't see it.

Still she loved him despite her silence, and her words clearly showed that.

He probably should have considered his words more carefully, but to him, it was a simple truth. Walking with Saya, fighting at her side and being with her are all gifts she has given him. Yes, there is pain, but it does not matter when there is so he has gotten to experience thanks to one tragic kiss.

The smile directed his way warms something in him. He can't help but return it. One of the rarer smiles that shows in his eyes."That night I gave you the comb?" Bursting through her window was not his best moment, but he wouldn't regret it. It brought their first kiss, and a deeper understanding.

"We can certainly try to make that come true. Without smashing through windows this time." Blue eyes shifting from her to see if David and the others were distracted.

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fancy ball meme.

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