Secret Blossom Ball Event Finished

Opeila sighed quietly and looked around. She didn't mind people being late normally, if it wasn't a person she wasn't sure about if he was just late or secretly murdering someone in a dark corner.
Alright, maybe she was exaggerating. A little. Actually, Opeila had no idea, what her date was planning, she was only very sure, that he was planning. Something bad.

Opeila looked for someone else now, her friend Flash, who she had promised to stay near. She couldn't see him, probably meaning that he couldn't see het either, so the brunette made her way back to the dancefloor. And Burnett wasn't anywhere near either... Somehow that worried her.

Only to meet the person who she had looked for.

As nervous and scared as Opeila might be, she was not blind to good looks. What still seemed like an understatement, looking at Vladimir.
Neither was she blind to a boys' charm.

The first year had seen other pairs this evening, shy, excited boys and girls. How was this third year so confident? Because he had no reason not to be. It was not like he fell for her, this was not a date, she reminded herself. An interrogation. No date. She would respond with the same confidence. Or at least as much confidence as she could bring up.

He stopped in front of her and bowed lightly. Opeila couldn't help a little smile. Yeah, she indeed wasn't blind to that kind of charms. Everyone did love a bit of affection, right? ... Probably not, but Opeila didn't care.

His compliment sounded a little sarcastic in her ears though. The pause.
Not that she minded, it amused her a lot actually. "Well you..." She would leave the same pause, looking at him. "...Don't look bad either."

Opeila's nervosity came back when he pulled out a box and opened it. A bracelet. A... beautiful bracelet. One that she would have worn with the greatest excitement, if it wasn't Vladimir Athanatos who gave it to her.
That possibliy meant, that something was wrong with it.
He was wearing gloves. Was he avoiding to touch the bracelet maybe?

"...That is beautiful...", she murmured, looking at the bracelet. She didn't take it out. She didn't touch it. She only touched the box.

Vladimir asked if it was too soon for a dance. Opeila looked to the dancing floor. "...I guess it is not.", she said smiling.

@Vladimir Athanatos
Mentioning: @Flash Holmwood @Jack Burnett

Interacting with @Breana Oliveire
Mentioning @Ruka Tân @Flash Holmwood

Not that she had explicitly told Flash that Ruka was her date, just that she had a date, but she was still upset that he hadn't put two and two together of Ruka and Willow sitting next to each other. Ruka had asked Flash for his first dance by the way they were moving to the dance floor. It infuriated her. As soon as Flash was available she would be swooping in to dance with him and figure out just what was going on between him and Ruka, because obviously there was something. At least on Ruka's end, he couldn't take his eyes off of Flash. It made her wonder just what had happened at her and Alan's birthday party that suddenly had them acting way closer to each other. Not that whatever affection that was sprouting there excused Ruka's behavior. She wasn't bad company, at least she thought so, but here Ruka was ditching her as soon as possible. Suddenly she wish the painting she gave him was enchanted to spontaneously combust. But it wasn't, so she had to deal with it.

The attempt to repress the emotions almost had failed but a familiar Ravenclaw approached. A brightness returned to Willow, though it wasn't at the level it was before. Willow passed the wave back to her and laughed a little bitterly when Breana asked if she was alone too. "Breana, you look absolutely lovely. Your dress is beautiful, it suits you. But my whole date situation didn't start like this, but he has ultimately decided to hang out with my best friend instead." She shrugged it off and gestured over to the dance floor where Ruka and Flash were. "Please join me, my fries and I would love to have your company. Do you want some?" There was still a few left, still somehow warm by some sort of enchantment probably. She would shake this off, she always did. She wouldn't let this ruin her entire night when she could still end up surrounding herself with friends.

||Interacting with @ Victor Moore ; Mentioning @ Rafael D'Spacito @ Lydia Cooper||

When Wren walked up to Victor he dropped and shattered the mirror he was holding.

“I’m so sorry,” she apologized quickly,“I didn’t mean to startle you”

She looked around her and saw that there seemed to be a theme. So many girls had on dresses that looked like they belonged to princesses and apparently Victor thought so too because he said he had taken a ‘damn princess to the dance’ were his exact words. Wren wasn’t sure if that was good or bad. What came next was stuttering. He couldn’t even greet her without messing up his speech. This told her that he had meant what he had said a bit ago as a compliment. She enjoyed making boys nervous and chuckled. She thought it was cute.

He then gestured to the gigantic vase of flowers saying they were for her and that he went a little overboard.

“No, Victor, I think it’s really sweet! I can just set them over here until the ball’s over then take them back to my dorm. They’ll really liven up the place and trust me the dorms need it.”

After the flowers came the box of chocolates. Wren loved chocolates. He said that she wasn’t fat or anything, but that was not something you said to a girl. It didn’t make her mad but he had obviously not interacted with girls that much.

“I understand. Thank you, Victor. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness. I love chocolate and roses.”

In answer to her earlier question about what he was doing, he replied with ‘Nothing’. The typical answer for a boy, but she wasn’t going to pry. She heard him mutter that she wasn’t that way, and she wondered

“I’m not what way?” she didn’t want to say it out loud in case it offended him or something, so she decided to ask him if he wanted to dance.

“Do you want to dance Victor?”

A quick glance around told her that Rafa was not yet here and that he better get here soon or his date was going to end up dancing with someone else.

She smiled at Victor and waited for his reply.

Open to interactions
Interacting with | Dale from a distance
Mentioning | Everyone who has entered since my last post on page 4

Sometimes you get one small break before the flood gates open and let all the people through. One would think that she might have been away for hours and suddenly 25 new people to take photographs of appeared out of nowhere. Good thing it hadn’t been hours and merely minutes and that they were all spaced out a little.

Harper Pena arrived in an adorable pink, floral, lace dress. She looked like a cute little pink cream puff in her dress. *Click* Flash Holmwood was someone she had seen during that dreadful night in the Slytherin common room but also again at the joint birthday party for Willow and Alan. He was dressed in a respectable blue suit with a white undershirt escorting Evelyn Decipio wear a dress similar in color to her date topped with a beautiful white fur. *Click* It was easy enough to see a small conspiracy blooming. Was she correct that Victor and Marion would not make it out of this ball alive? It certainly seemed that way. Many people, including herself, were watching them occasionally.

Her attention was drawn by a garish looking pink and floral patterned suit. Who had such a terrible fashion sense? She did not expect it to be her friend Dale Kurt making such terrible decisions. She stifled a laugh, however, when he struck his pose she lost it. Her silvery voice ringing out in laughter at him gaining control of herself just enough to get a photo of his ridiculous suit. *Click* Before once more breaking out into giggles. He would never live this down. Thomas Lestrange entered in Slytherin robes with seemingly an agenda. She watched him survey the area and find Selim before disappearing once more. Santario would not have gotten a photo of him at this time. He put her on edge and had cut the mood. Thomas was one of the people that had been there when Marion was confronted and while Santario did not remain in the altercation she had a feeling Thomas was not one to cross.

Katrina Walker entered in a teal dress with her hair done up elegantly. It was a shame she would probably not leave this ball looking as beautiful as she came. *Click* Annie Morgan appeared in ruffles pastel blush in color. *Click* The prefect should know, better shouldn’t she? Surly that dress was very flammable. Beautiful yes, but a fire hazard. At least her arms were free and clear for inevitable chaos. Arlo Reynolds one of the shorter boys in their class by a lot. He appeared to be dressed in a normal black robe and some slacks. *Click* He would be quickly lost among the tulle and flair of the ballgowns out there. Hopefully, he didn’t suffocate. Donald Fish entered the ball with no care in the world who saw him. His garish outfit screamed look at me! He was as loud as Victor Moore without the style. *Click*

Dan Palmer, however, did have style. Enough to mostly make up for the lack of ever wearing shoes. One of these days she had a feeling the quidditch captain was going to regret not wearing shoes but apparently it hasn’t been a problem, yet. *Click* Ami Procoppio/Chad Preoccupied was embellished from head to toe in purple and gold. Although Santario could not particularly place this student at this time they wanted to be seen. It no doubt would take long before this one drew a crowd to themselves. *Click* Astrea Soleil Neptune entered in an extravagant beige ballgown with a slit up the side that probably wasn’t appropriate for someone her age. That seemed to be a theme with girls and their dresses though. Her heels were terrible for running but no doubt great to stick through someone’s eye. *Click*

Percival Rainwood came in a sensible outfit… A lot of sensible outfits from the boys tonight. Well mostly anyway. The suspenders were a good change of pace. *Click* Reid Kovacs someone she briefly had gotten to know closer to the beginning of the year. He looked smooth as always in a mix of charcoal grey and black. His shoes a match to her own and another’s at the ball. *Click* Oswald Vanigton wandered into the ball decently underdressed though he would not find himself alone for those unprepared. Realistically he might actually be better prepared. *Click* Logan Baird came out in a pale yellow dress decorated with florals. Maybe it was just the light but did that dress have a deep V neckline? Naw, probably just the light. *Click* Ginerva Tsuchiya was drowning in pink tulle, but so were half of the other girls here. The leaf embellishments on her dress, however, were lovely. *Click*

Hanako Tone may have known how to match his accessories to his shoes but that was about where the specialness of his outfit ended. It was sensible and the shoes were stylish but a vest or waistcoat would have helped pull it all together. *Click* Damion White choose to dress himself in purple velvet and black. It was an interesting decision not necessarily bad but a bit dated or was velvet coming back? *Click* Breana Oliveire showed up in a stunning ball gown decorated with pink lace florals. The colors that she chose really suited her and her hair pinned back was gorgeous. Santario really hoped she would stay that lovely by the end of the ball. *Click*

Cecily Quinn paused at the entrance which gave San the perfect moment to snap a photo of the girl. *Click* She was clad in a very cute sunflower sundress and… no shoes. Like Dan, before her, that may or may not have been a good decision. No heels were definitely a good decision but no foot protection at all? We shall see. Alexander Varellion looked dapper in his classic black suit and tie. Playing it safe but sometimes safe wasn’t bad. *Click* Emory Montgomery made her way in a pink and green floral dress. It certainly was interesting the way the vines were designed up the shoulders. *Click* Piérre Marchonné was incapable of showing up to something without trying to be the flashiest thing in the room. Although it didn’t outdo Victor in his white angelic look or Donald’s head to toe gold ensemble. Regardless he looked quite regal even if he was carrying a broom. This was one kid San could never peg what house he was truly from. *Click*

Vladimir Athanatos the boy who sold the tainted candy around valentine’s day. Wherever he showed up nothing good happened, ever. *Click* Something wicked has arrived and what torment will be to follow? It does not bode well for anyone involved. As he walked off Santario touched the part of her skirts where her wand was hidden within its pocket. Unlike the mass of the other students here, Santario was a 12-year-old who didn’t manage to somehow have a knife or dagger on them. No, she just had her quick wits and her wand. Hopefully, that would be enough. It had to be.

Another lull in the entrances of students to the ball would allow her to stoop down and once again change her film out. Soon she would need to start taking pictures of people having a good time not just entering the ball. She decided that she would wait a little longer for any stragglers before turning her full attention to the others already there.

Outfit | Locket | Hair | Camera bag

When Althea first heard of this secret ball, she was hesitant to go. She knew that it would be unwise to attend a ball that was organised by children around her age, especially if the teachers cancelled the original one.

But then, Althea was a kid. She was curious and wanted to be seen as a cool and easy-going person, and to do that, it would mean sneaking off to this secret ball.

Decisions were made, and before she knew it, Althea was putting on a simple dress she somehow had in her trunk in the changing rooms. She had twisted her forever-messy chocolate brown hair into a tight bun with a cheap hair pin, hopefully looking more presentable.

Running to the quidditch pitch in her usual boots, looking the most fancy she has ever dressed in years, Althea walked slowly into the pitch. She was impressed by the decorations, to be honest. It was quite well done considering students hosted this event.

Althea was just about to look for some fellow Hufflepuffs to hang out with when she spotted a certain Slytherin boy. Hanako Tone, the Slytherin that was as arrogant as the Alpha of a wolf pack, was standing there in formal wear.

Althea had been minding her own business these days, leaving him alone, and she decided that it would be a wonderful time to make up for it.

She fished out a book she had brought in case she got bored, approaching the boy sneakily. She made sure to be only a half a meter away before stopping behind his back.

Althea then whacked her business partner's head with the book, making sure that it was gentle enough to give him just a memorable bruise.

"Hey Tone, missed me?" Althea chuckled with a smirk.

Interactions : @Hanako Tone

Interacting with @Flash Holmwood and @Evelynn Decipio
Mentioning @Willow Anderson
Closed to Interaction

As Ruka left Willow by herself once more, there was a twinge of guilt making him look back at her one more time, pursing his lips at the sight she made. She had pulled the plate of food in front of her, betraying her pretence of not having eaten anything while he had been gone, not that he hadn't assumed that straight away.
It was strange to him that she would just stay by herself considering how many friends she seemed to have. A part of him had assumed she had only asked him to come here with her because she knew that he didn't exactly have any friends to go with and she had felt bad for him. The way she looked now, however, she seemed genuinely upset and disappointed with his very apparent lack of attention.

He felt bad, but it only lasted for a moment as he refocused his attention on the goal he had in mind.

As expected, Evelynn was polite enough in her reaction to his sudden interruption. He didn't know much about her but the mere fact that Flash thought her to be good company for an event like this told him that she was able to follow polite etiquette even in the most frustrating of situations. Her compliment about him looking sharp made him smile, whether it was genuine or just something said out of politeness; At least she hadn't called him handsome and prompted another wave of panic to shoot through him.
What he hadn't quite expected was the snide remark about Jack's fedora being missing from his outfit, and he let out a surprised little chuckle, a smile spreading his face as he shook his head lightly at her.

"I have retired it a while ago," he said vaguely. Evelynn didn't exactly know that he had been wearing the fedora to replace Jack's presence in his life after the Valentine's party so his words may not have meant much to her, but if there was any chance she may have noticed him and Jack spending time with each other again he figured she would be able to connect the dots. If not, it wasn't like it was any of her business who he was keeping around for company anyway.

He could see a curiosity in her eyes as she let her gaze drift from him to Flash and he couldn't exactly blame her. The two of them did not in any way seem like they belonged at the same events together, much less joining in a dance.

Where Flash was all confident elegance and poise, Ruka was nothing but laid-back nonchalance.

While she was clearly not about to protest outright, Evelynn seemed to be surprised when Flash actually accepted Ruka's request to dance, her eyebrows raised in a question she wasn't going to get an answer to. Their backwards, messed up relationship was something nobody was going to be privy to, at least not as long as either of them could help it; Flash had a reputation to uphold and Ruka was not the kind of person to spitefully ruin someone's life like that.

With a polite nod and smile in Evelynn's direction, Ruka took a step back, eyes focusing on Flash. The Slytherin didn't bother to school his expression into one of polite pleasantness, so the second they stepped away from Evelynn and onto the dance floor, the Fire Dancer dropped his own facade. The two of them had no need to pretend with each other; They had no real social ties, no reason to keep up an act when they were talking to each other.

Sighing heavily, Ruka turned to face Flash, stepping close enough to be a little uncomfortable considering the last time they had been in such close proximity to each other, but he had other things on his mind, and despite the fact that the memory of the other boy's fingers on his skin made Ruka's skin crawl, he grabbed for Flash's hand with dedicated purpose, placing his other on the Slytherin's shoulder as he started them off swaying lightly to the music.

Ruka had never learned any kind of traditional dance, but it didn't take long for Flash to lead him into the right steps. Having grown up with performing arts as his daily bread, and with a natural affinity for this type of movement, it didn't take very long for Ruka to adapt to the dance, feet moving swiftly alongside Flash's without stepping on any toes.

"Who are you watching?" he asked bluntly once they had settled in their movements, finally able to move his concentration from his own feet to the matter at hand. "And why?" Just like there was no need for them to keep up a friendly exterior with each other, there was no reason to lead into the conversation with pleasant small talk. They didn't owe each other anything. His question may betray to Flash that Ruka had been keeping an eye on him since he had first spotted him, but he couldn't bring himself to feel any shame in that.

Flash must have realised by now that Ruka liked to observe, liked to figure out people's thoughts and actions and ulterior motives, no matter how much he liked or disliked or even cared for them.

"What are you guys up to?" he continued as he let his gaze drift past Flash's shoulder - he was too short to be able to look over it - to get a good look at the rest of the crowd. He wondered which of those many fish in the sea was the one Flash had dedicated his night to because it clearly wasn't Evelynn.

Refocusing his attention on Flash, Ruka raised his eyebrows in question, eyes sparkling with determination that would betray that he wasn't going to let this topic go. Whether Flash had any resentment towards him or not, Ruka thought there was a certain level of trust between them.
No matter what, the Gryffindor was convinced that Flash thought him smart enough at least to be filled in on whatever it was he was planning for the night.

Reducio

Stats
Stamina: 7 ~ Evasion: 8 ~ Strength: 4 ~ Wisdom: 8 ~ Arcane Power: 6 ~ Accuracy: 7

Abilities
The Muggle Condition

Outfit Reference
Top

Reducio

Jeans

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Shoes

Reducio

Thomas emerges from the changing room, embracing the crisp evening air with a timed sip from his flask. Grimacing from burning sensation when the liquid traveled down his throat, a cringy nod lingering a few moments after. Eyeing the orchestra, Thomas beckoned Selim and briskly approached. The more noise the better, he did not want any unwanted eavesdroppers.

Careful blue eyes surveyed the dancefloor, searching for parties of interest. Thomas attempts to grasp Selim’s shoulder, leaning in so the fellow snake could hear him clearly. Upon impact on the boy’s shoulder, a thick padding underneath disallowing his fingers any further movement. There was more to him than meets the eye. Is that… body armor? It’s Lear’s heir himself. A charmed smile shaped his features, a rare moment of honest admiration for another being. Whether Selim’s defensive preparation was habitual, or simply for this occasion, Thomas felt it deserved a notion of his respect. “Unlike many, you came prepared. I like that.”

After a nod, Thomas’ visage returned to the enthusiastic bunch of dancers. First, his eyes found Opeila interacting with a taller boy, strong jaw, nice features, an air of confidence surrounding him—pretentious even. A steady breath of relief escaped his lips, taking another sip from his flask of fire whiskey. He nodded in their direction in subtle nature, his peripherals between Selim and the pair. “The target of the evening. I’m hoping to make…a good impression.” Thomas turned to face Selim, specifying the boy understand who he was referring to. “The boy, not the girl. Vlad, I think it is. He has something I want.” Thomas remained vague in the event of looming unwanted listeners.

Carefully distributing his vision to avoid staring, his blue hues found another party of interest in an isolated corner. The blonde girl he saw earlier was now accompanied by the naïve and adorable half-goblin, Arlo Reynolds. He stood next to Marion in a circle with a few others Thomas has never seen before. Near one of the boy’s feet was a duffle bag. Peculiar. Oh, the harmful affects alcohol seemed to have on decision making, with another sip of his flask, Thomas stored within his breast pocket. He tugged on the cuffs of his suit coat, straightening any lines. The potential humorous interaction was too tempting for the boy, Vlad could wait.

Thomas turned to Selim to offer an explanation, one that he deserved. “I’ve sighted someone I need to speak to. You’re welcome to join me, or…if you’d rather standby and keep an eye on that one.” Another subtle motion Towards Vlad, who appeared to be taking his date for a whirl. “Either way, you have my respect.” Thomas began to approach the group with Marion in his sights, turning back once more to Selim before storming off. “If you do intend to join, a warning: this may get ugly.” His tone lacked urgency or concern, instead a gentle smile and a perked brow accentuated his humorous tone. Was the beverage already kicking in, or was Thomas just a complete ass? Probably both. With Marion in his crosshairs, Thomas fearlessly approached the group of students.

[If Selim opts to sit this interaction out] Thomas would say: “I won’t be long.” Before departing.

Upon arrival near the group, Thomas kept his head squarely in the direction of Arlo&Marion, the others merely background noises if they attempted to intervene verbally. First, with a warm smile he would nod towards Marion, followed by an overexaggerated neck roll to look downward at the half-goblin with a forced friendly demeanor. A lingering sarcastic tone applied to his conceit. “Did you two…plan to dance? Arlo, did you not see the sign? You must be this tall to ride this ride.” With a smirk he nodded to Marion as said ride, placing a palm slightly above Arlo’s head. “Only kidding buddy, if you need a pair of shoulders to sit on so you can see her face, I’m available.”

Muted laughter challenged to break the tipsy snake’s flow, but he repressed it with a turn to Marion. “Honestly…I think we got off on the wrong foot, Marion.” The boy did his best to repress laughter, an attempted impassive expression battled the curl of his lips. “I do hope the shoulder is on the mend.” Was he actually being genuine? Certainly…not. He reached his hand out to the blonde, brows rising. “Allow me to explain over a dance?”

Interactions: @Selim Faust @Marion Davenport @Arlo Reynolds

(Open for all rps. good or bad)

Character Outfit:


Percival bit his lip as he lost sight of Hanako's form. The boy was honestly perplexed at the fact that he had lost the boy so quickly. Percival was definitely not a short person, but it seemed like in the sea of people that barely helped. With his attention on finding Hanako, he barely noticed a girl walking towards him.

Percival could not help but let out a small grunt as he collided with another student. With a dazed look on his face, he looked down to see Ginevra looking fairly panicked. Though he had no clue exactly what caused the girl's panic. Percival liked to think that he could keep his calm pretty well, but this past week had not been the best.

The boy opened up his mouth to throw a rude retort at the girl. Though his words were quickly taken out of his mouth as an arm suddenly swung across his shoulder. The sudden weight caused him to rock forward slightly. His gaze snapped to where Hanako stood next to him. Percival's own voice caught in his throat as he listened to Hanako loudly joke that Percival was his stunning date. He really hoped that no one else listened to the obnoxious comment.

"Really?" he said his eyes narrowing slightly at his dormmate's excessive display. Percival had had doubts about listening to Hanako's persuasive words to come to the ball. All in all, Percival was beginning to regret his decision to come to the stupid ball.

Percival curled his fist wanting to force Hanako off him, but the other let go as quickly as he had come. The boy stuck his hands into the pockets of his dress pants. He shrugged slightly as the boy began to try and reassure.

At the mention of Opeila, a frown spread across his face as he thought of the girl. He shook his head slightly to try and clear his head. It would not do him any good to spill his feelings right here at the center of the ball.

Percival clenched his teeth as Hanako called his Parshall. He despised the 'nickname' that Hanako insisted on calling him. The boy had no clue how and why his name had been butchered so horribly. The one thing he did know was that Hanako seemed to enjoy butchering it. "Hanako is it truly that hard to say Percival?" he grit out as he crossed his arms in front of him.

The boy rubbed his temple with his right hand before looking back towards Hanako. The thought of forgetting the sour feelings was honestly an offer that Percival wanted to take. "What do I even do here?" he said relaxing slightly. Some of the more destructive thoughts calmed down a little as he took in their surroundings.

His gaze flicked back towards Ginevra, he awkwardly frowned as he looked at the girl. "Yeah sorry about that I should have paid more attention." he stated.

Interacting with: @Hanako Tone @Ginevra Tsuchiya
Mentions: @Opeila Seilun

Interaction Status: Open
Interacting with @Calanthe Choi
Mentioning @Aaron Jones
Outfit
Søren arrived in casual clothing

When the news of the Blossom Ball’s cancellation reached Søren, he was greatly disappointed. It was the perfect opportunity for him to show off what he was good at. Ballrooms and conversation were Søren’s strong points. However, he wasn’t sure who he had to impress here. It wasn’t like Hogwarts was crawling with likeminded socialites similar to himself, but his parents were adamant that he still chat up everyone and anyone who came across his path.

The news of the secret Blossom Ball was like music to his ears. His parents would get their wish after all. They were somehow more excited than him for the original ball, buying the perfect suit and planning for the suits he would wear in the years to come. Søren wondered what his parents would think about this secret ball. Would they be elated that he would get a chance to mingle, or would they be disappointed in him for breaking the rules and attending. He worried about that for a little while, but as he made the trek from the castle to the pitch, the thought evaporated from his mind.

Søren first passed through the changing room and slipped out of the inconspicuous clothes he walked here with. Then he opened the backpack he brought with him and dumped his attire for the night out on a bench. In the middle of changing, he had the sudden idea to forgo the white shirt his house elf, Goobey, had painstakingly pressed for him with his magic. The final look consisted of the suit jacket buttoned up, with the skin of the upper parts of his chest just peeking out. Was this too risqué for a boy of eleven years? Probably, but no parents or teachers were around to yell at him to take it off.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and exited the changing rooms with a relaxed strut. To admire the decorations that the masterminds behind this event planned and put up, he took a long walk around the pitch. Everyone he passed by received a curt nod and a gracious smile. Some that he was more familiar with were given a kind hello, but he did not stop. He was making his way to the food tables and he would allow no one to deter him. Taking food the minute he walked into a party was disgraceful according to his parents, but, once again, they weren’t here. Chowing down on a mini burger and sipping on a fascinating drink called Yoohoo, he observed the goings-on of the ball.

While loitering, he caught sight of a very funny interaction. A boy wearing yellow plaid under a dark suit jacket flagged down a very underdressed Asian girl and asked her if she was a… Yoohoo enthusiast? So there were fanclubs for this drink? Very interesting.

The girl reacted poorly, though, her hostile words causing Søren to cringe. Then she fell and he almost choked on a bite of his burger. The boy walked away, leaving the girl wincing in pain on the ground. Søren laughed until tears sprung to the corners of his eyes. He coughed to dislodge the burger stuck in his throat and swallowed heavily. Wiping away the tears, he decided to have some sympathy for the girl whose pile of food was now scattered on the ground.

“Need some help there?” he spoke with the same smile he had given people on his go-around and extended a hand to the girl on the floor. If she accepted, he would pull her up and start gathering the spilt food for her. Somehow, though, he anticipated she would reject him. If she did reject him, he would give her an even bigger smile and start gathering the food anyways.

Outfit:

Reducio

They walked the short distance to the dance floor in deathly silence. The lack of saying anything at all was communication in its own right-- neither of them wanted to have to explain themselves to the other. Flash didn’t have to explain why he accepted so quickly, and Ruka didn’t have to explain why he was suddenly making contact. Really... wasn’t he just bored, and looking for something to engage him? If true, he was slightly appalled that Ruka would find Willow’s company so uninspiring. Slightly, because he could imagine it very easily. Ruka likely felt more comfortable working her through her meltdown than he was talking about food and friends. Instead he was pulled to Flash, as if by gravity.

Without any fanfare, Ruka chose the follower position, speaking without words. Flash knew two things about Ruka that informed him of all the context he needed. For one, Ruka was a dancer. Flash had seen him perform at the talent show, a kind of dance that was fairly uncommon. It didn’t really have anything to do with promenade, but that didn’t mean he didn’t understand how to move around a partner, how to mind his foot placement and adapt to the surroundings. The other thing he knew was that Ruka grew up living on the streets. Burnett had said as much when he and Rafael were fighting backstage.

It explained the scars, explained why he didn’t have many clothes, why he didn’t care about what anyone thought of him. It also explained what he was asking: for Flash to show him what to do. He obliged, it was hardly an imposition. To start they took it slowly, Flash placing his feet purposefully, watching him as he followed along. A time or two he corrected his form with a nudge of his foot. It wasn’t hard, Ruka was a quick learner, and it was really a very easy dance. Slow, floating, and personal. Fitting for an orchestral piece, the leader role he was assigned gave Flash the control to navigate them around the chaotic dance floor that housed dancers of all ages and ability, a beautiful picture of disharmony.

No sooner had he mastered the technique did he initiate the conversation. Moving about as they were, it would be difficult to string together what all they were talking about without moving right alongside them. Ruka had seen it all written on Flash’s face from across the room. But... where could he even begin, anyway? He had already struggled to explain it succinctly to Evelynn before the ball, but there was too much information, and a good deal of it was conjecture. They were taking a massive, completely avoidable risk in holding the ball. Unleashed from the burden of having to maintain the illusion of calm, Flash winced to be reminded of the precarious nature of their situation.

”Vladimir Athanatos.” Victor and Opeila were also targets, but that was who he was looking for.

As if summoning a demon by speaking its name, Flash saw a couple making their way to the dance floor beside them. One was Opeila, smiling and holding a small box. The other was Vladimir. Dressed in black, grinning as if he were on top of the world. The reaction Flash showed to Ruka-- revulsion. But he had to adapt quickly. He pulled himself back together, his face correcting and his eyes returning.

”Him. With Opeila.” Flash didn’t need to look back to direct the line of sight, Ruka would be able to spot him.

There was a silence again, this time with them making eye contact instead of Flash scanning the horizon. Flash’s eyes softened with a thought that came out of nowhere in his mind. Does Ruka… understand me? He felt he didn’t even have to say the next sentence out loud, but it was important to make sure he had a choice.

”I want to hear what they’re saying. Please help me.”

Interacting with: @Ruka Tân
Mentioning:

Reducio

@Willow Anderson @Opeila Seilun @Evelynn Decipio @Vladimir Athanatos

Action:
Sees Vladimir on the dance floor and asks Ruka to help him eavesdrop on him

Previous posts: Pre-ball, Entrance, Recon, Asked to dance

Closed to Interaction
Unless you're Burnett, Evelynn, Rafael, Opeila, or Vladimir