[ Whatever Cadence finds in his gaze seems to satisfy her well enough; in lieu of her usual mocking, Clay even earns a kiss to his cheek for his troubles. ]
A little antiquated, but it’ll work. You’re just showing your age.
[ She grabs at his bow tie to pull him down closer to her heights, lips grazing his ear. ]
[ Clay chuckles and his chest does some sort of tightening he almost forgot could happen. It makes him wince and he puts it to the back of his mind. With the hand still holding her waist, he pulls Cadence ever so slightly closer. The uncertainty drops from his eyes and he turns toward the kiss and lifts one of his brows. ]
I don’t believe we’ve discussed age actually; always a touchy topic.
if he calls her a cougar he’s going to be a handbag
[ Clay snickers at that and hums with continued amusement. ]
Antiquated is a... an accurate word for me- I’m probably far older than you, but I’ll save that for the second date—
“Clayton!”
[ Clyteus turns and greets a suit with a smile and a nod, but the balding man keeps coming toward the pair. He turns to Cadence before rolling his eyes and makes to kiss her ear affectionately but whispers in it first. He looks about to brace himself for torture as the footsteps reach him. ]
President of Sykes - yes, that Sykes in the portfolio - I have to be nice for a minute.
[ Cadence resists the urge to roll her eyes at his seemingly boundless self-assurance, electing instead to smooth out a now-wrinkled part of his lapel in lieu of a reply.
It’s not an argument she cares to win this time anyway.
Cadence is about to suggest they make the rounds again around the main ballroom, at least before the first item biddings start, when she’s beaten to the punch by the balding executive moving towards them. ]
I’m aware; play nice and take your time.
[ She moves her head towards him as she says it, getting their lips inches apart before gently shoving him back towards his business acquaintance. ]
[ Clyteus is all smiles but they’re strained ones for the executive as he’s pulled from Cadence’s eyes. There’s something in the look he gives them before he goes to shake hands and talk money. Thankfully, after a few moments of faux playful and vaguely threatening banter there’s a mass movement toward the ballroom for the unveiling of items to auction. A final handshake and an offer for golf which Clay accepts - without irony - quite gladly. A sport he can actually get behind playing. It involves lots of standing in sunlight and smacking things with a metal object. ]
Anything interesting? [ He asks quietly into Cadence’s ear when he finds her and comes behind her to sit in a foldable empty chair. The two beside her were- irritatingly noticeably- filled before the dragon found her after getting separated by the throng. ]
[ Surprising herself slightly, Cadence feels the urge to hang back rather than renew her mission to tease out more trade secrets from old, drunk blowhards. (Besides, the night is still young, she tells herself.) She indulges the feeling, taking a complimentary champagne flute from an aspiring actor-turned-caterer and retreating back to stand against a large, white pillar at the edge of the main ballroom.
She’s loathe to admit it, but the look suits him; for all his grimacing and whining, it’s clear how he’s amassed and more importantly kept the fortune she’s now saddled with saving from international tax authorities. What’s she’s typically (and for the most part rightfully) chalked up as bravado is clearly a clear, ruthless competence she can appreciate; even without reading lips he’s clearly controlling the conversation, securing what she’d been pressing him on for half the night. Scanning her eyes over the clean lines of his suit, the way that collar cuts a sharp, parallel line with his jaw, also doesn’t hurt the view...but even complimenting him in her head feels like a betrayal of her principles, and she swallows the remaining half-glass of champagne in one gulf in compensation.
Luckily, she doesn’t have to sit with that thought too long before he rejoins her. She takes the continued physical proximity with a fairly calm indifference, leaning out for a moment to hand her now empty glass back to another caterer. ]
Nothing too impressive: a couple high-priced 19th pastoral and equine painting, a couple antique jade lion sculptures, and a few Ming Dynasty vases. Have a nice chat?
Oh, I do rather like horses. [ Clay snorts with derision. Animals, in fact, didn't like him - shocking. Except perhaps snakes - but his cobra Rachmiel was many years ago now. Far before they became popular as "weirdo" pets and before aquariums. ]
I think so. I'll be golfing next month it seems, so I'll have to research conversation to keep for a couple of hours. ...Did you get me a flute?
[ He frowns rather petulantly, looking around for another caterer who has a full tray. His eyes catch the Ming dynasty vase she aforementioned, so he's slower to bring his attention back to her. ]
You must be a delight during the charity polo matches. A bunch of panicked, wide-eyed animals and you in the middle with a mint Julip.
[ Cadence also lacks an affinity for animals; most land-based frighten at seeing something so tied to the sea on land, and those of the sea are just aware of enough of what she is to maintain a respectful distance, only coming if called.
She doesn’t quite laugh at his petulance, but a sharp breath and a curling smile is probably the best he’ll get from her tonight regardless. ]
I didn’t know how long you’d be. But it’s easy enough to get another round, [ She gestures to a male caterer she’s caught staring, reeling him in towards them. ] see?
[ She takes two by the stem, and nods the man off, the slight glaze over his eyes lifting as he leaves her influence. ]
[ Clay smirks, appreciating the dry humor in her response immensely. He responds as she starts to summon the caterer. ]
Ah well, I bet on hockey rather than ponies for a reason. [ His fingers brush hers when he takes the flute. ] Why yes, I do see. Now that alone almost makes you worth the expense, dear.
[ He clinks her glass against his, looking over her with what looks like affection. But he must be thinking about the upcoming round of golf again. Quickly, he jumps to another topic of conversation. ]
Do you play? Or any other sports? [ The smile is hidden behind a sip of champagne. ] ...Swimming?
[ She gives him an unimpressed and slightly withering look for the poor joke, sipping her drink without breaking eye contact. ]
Hilarious, really. No, I’ve never been terribly into any sports.
[ Well that’s not strictly true; she found wrestling and discus amusing when she was younger, and she’s always enjoyed watching sailing. But that was hardly recreational back then, and she’s not looking for more of his sea jokes. ]
But if you’ll recall, most sports weren’t really proper for a lady until recently. Nowadays it seems like every moron thinks he can impress you with court side seats. Hard to say what’s more annoying.
So you are older, it seems. If that’s recent. The question is how long you’ve been singing, isn’t it?
[ Clay smiles thoughtfully, and tried to place her. Based on that statement he puts her back at least a couple hundred years. ...He’s done much worse. He can take the sting of saltwater if it means not feeling ancient.
Another sip of champagne as he looks her over but breaks eye contact first to eye a passing plate of hors d'oeuvres. It stinks of raw fish and he flits back to Cadence. ]
No sports then. What do you like to do outside of... work?
[ She takes another sip as she pointedly refuses to answer implied question. ]
Long enough. And please, you have to have several hundred years under your belt as well. Some of those land deeds were older than the Mayflower.
[ She watches the tray pass by as well; she debated taking some since she’s no hunting this evening, but it’d basically be empty calories. ]
Like I have a wealth of free time; my clients’ antics tend to make long days for me. [ A pointed look. ] And I believe you’re already familiar with my other major time commitment.
[ He grins and moves closer to her by allowing a person with a walker to pass behind him. The assistive device has him actually moving again to give them room and he sighs. ]
My family may have been pilgrims; you don’t know.
[ At that moment he looks down and realizes how close he had gotten and clears his throat before he motions that he’s going toward a piece of art across the room, his free fingers grazing her wrist as he walks toward it. ]
I’m sure you make time for yourself. I imagine you are a fan of something when you are between meals, work, and sleep. [ Sirens sleep, right? Why didn’t that come up in his research? ]
People manage much shorter lives than us. It’s actually impressive, honestly.
[ He's still digging it seems, trying to get a nugget or two of her backstory, or at least interpersonal information she's not willing to concede. Preferring not to lose out on his behaving by throwing him a defensive verbal barb, she elects instead to go with her other default distracting tactic. ]
Yes, I do enjoy some other recreational activities...
[ She slides one hand underneath his jacket to press against his chest, quirking one eyebrow with a knowing look. Her other hand rests again on his neck, runs a line back and worth where spine meets skull. ]
Are you set on sticking around to win that vase, or...?
when u see a typo in the last post and now its fate is sealed
[ Clay knows it’s evasive. He’s very aware, in the back of his mind. However, he's also is a strong martini and three glasses of champagne deep with not much else on his fire-filled stomach. Even without the alcohol, it usually doesn’t take much to get Clyteus to bend to carnal desire.
There’s a dramatic sort of stall as he looks toward the vase with consideration. A small sigh of defeat. ]
I think I’ll survive without it. I believe there must be a hotel nearby with vacancy, if you want to accompany me?
[ A smile that shivers at her touch just a bit. He looks down and meets her eyes and feels the need to make sure she agrees, despite his immunity to her charms. ] ...All part of your compensated responsibilities tonight, of course.
[ The double pat she gives his lapel is only slightly condescending. ]
Good man. [ Man. Lizard. Whatever. ] That sounds great; I'm partial to The St. Regis or Lowell myself.
[ She's trying to make out what exactly that look is for, why he seems so intent; however, uncomfortable with examining it too thoroughly, she labels it as a softer variation on his already self-imposed infatuation with her. He'll learn, as they all do...it's simply a matter of how much she has to double down on that lesson.
In the meantime though, why not have a little fun? As a treat. ]
[ Clay smiles then, and it’s lustful but with the implication of something softer. His expression, while desirous, is deeper rooted than that usual smiles he gives to women, something fairly new but he can’t presently see it to be disturbed by it. At current, he is a bit too intoxicated by her aura and the alcohol to consider it, but were he able to rewind and observe it later, he would... perhaps feel a bit discomfit. ]
Hmmm. I believe I have an outstanding favor waiting to be exploited at the St. Regis, as a matter of fact.
[ He leans in then, holding her face and kissing the other side of her jaw with a low hum. ] I’ll make a call and then summon my driver?
[ Now, Cadence couldn't give two shits whether or not Clay actually does have an outstanding favor; that was ultimately just the ends justifying their means.
But the obedience to her whims? Definite turn-on.
Cadence turns to bare her cheek for his kiss, exposing her neck for easy access and closing her eyes for a moment as he travels southward. For any other woman, it would've been a submission, a surrender to that pleasure.
With Cadence? Always hard to tell if the viper was lulled or simply lulling you. ]
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no subject
A little antiquated, but it’ll work. You’re just showing your age.
[ She grabs at his bow tie to pull him down closer to her heights, lips grazing his ear. ]
And yes, I very much enjoy it.
no subject
I don’t believe we’ve discussed age actually; always a touchy topic.
if he calls her a cougar he’s going to be a handbag
It is...especially for women.
[ And by her dangerously light tone, also for men who want their evenings to remain pleasant. ]
oh no instead let’s have him be smug
Antiquated is a... an accurate word for me- I’m probably far older than you, but I’ll save that for the second date—
“Clayton!”
[ Clyteus turns and greets a suit with a smile and a nod, but the balding man keeps coming toward the pair. He turns to Cadence before rolling his eyes and makes to kiss her ear affectionately but whispers in it first. He looks about to brace himself for torture as the footsteps reach him. ]
President of Sykes - yes, that Sykes in the portfolio - I have to be nice for a minute.
no subject
It’s not an argument she cares to win this time anyway.
Cadence is about to suggest they make the rounds again around the main ballroom, at least before the first item biddings start, when she’s beaten to the punch by the balding executive moving towards them. ]
I’m aware; play nice and take your time.
[ She moves her head towards him as she says it, getting their lips inches apart before gently shoving him back towards his business acquaintance. ]
no subject
Anything interesting? [ He asks quietly into Cadence’s ear when he finds her and comes behind her to sit in a foldable empty chair. The two beside her were- irritatingly noticeably- filled before the dragon found her after getting separated by the throng. ]
no subject
She’s loathe to admit it, but the look suits him; for all his grimacing and whining, it’s clear how he’s amassed and more importantly kept the fortune she’s now saddled with saving from international tax authorities. What’s she’s typically (and for the most part rightfully) chalked up as bravado is clearly a clear, ruthless competence she can appreciate; even without reading lips he’s clearly controlling the conversation, securing what she’d been pressing him on for half the night. Scanning her eyes over the clean lines of his suit, the way that collar cuts a sharp, parallel line with his jaw, also doesn’t hurt the view...but even complimenting him in her head feels like a betrayal of her principles, and she swallows the remaining half-glass of champagne in one gulf in compensation.
Luckily, she doesn’t have to sit with that thought too long before he rejoins her. She takes the continued physical proximity with a fairly calm indifference, leaning out for a moment to hand her now empty glass back to another caterer. ]
Nothing too impressive: a couple high-priced 19th pastoral and equine painting, a couple antique jade lion sculptures, and a few Ming Dynasty vases. Have a nice chat?
oh no i got them feelings
I think so. I'll be golfing next month it seems, so I'll have to research conversation to keep for a couple of hours. ...Did you get me a flute?
[ He frowns rather petulantly, looking around for another caterer who has a full tray. His eyes catch the Ming dynasty vase she aforementioned, so he's slower to bring his attention back to her. ]
welcome to the party bucko
[ Cadence also lacks an affinity for animals; most land-based frighten at seeing something so tied to the sea on land, and those of the sea are just aware of enough of what she is to maintain a respectful distance, only coming if called.
She doesn’t quite laugh at his petulance, but a sharp breath and a curling smile is probably the best he’ll get from her tonight regardless. ]
I didn’t know how long you’d be. But it’s easy enough to get another round, [ She gestures to a male caterer she’s caught staring, reeling him in towards them. ] see?
[ She takes two by the stem, and nods the man off, the slight glaze over his eyes lifting as he leaves her influence. ]
Cheers: to a good time on the green.
no subject
Ah well, I bet on hockey rather than ponies for a reason. [ His fingers brush hers when he takes the flute. ] Why yes, I do see. Now that alone almost makes you worth the expense, dear.
[ He clinks her glass against his, looking over her with what looks like affection. But he must be thinking about the upcoming round of golf again. Quickly, he jumps to another topic of conversation. ]
Do you play? Or any other sports? [ The smile is hidden behind a sip of champagne. ] ...Swimming?
no subject
Hilarious, really. No, I’ve never been terribly into any sports.
[ Well that’s not strictly true; she found wrestling and discus amusing when she was younger, and she’s always enjoyed watching sailing. But that was hardly recreational back then, and she’s not looking for more of his sea jokes. ]
But if you’ll recall, most sports weren’t really proper for a lady until recently. Nowadays it seems like every moron thinks he can impress you with court side seats. Hard to say what’s more annoying.
no subject
[ Clay smiles thoughtfully, and tried to place her. Based on that statement he puts her back at least a couple hundred years. ...He’s done much worse. He can take the sting of saltwater if it means not feeling ancient.
Another sip of champagne as he looks her over but breaks eye contact first to eye a passing plate of hors d'oeuvres. It stinks of raw fish and he flits back to Cadence. ]
No sports then. What do you like to do outside of... work?
no subject
Long enough. And please, you have to have several hundred years under your belt as well. Some of those land deeds were older than the Mayflower.
[ She watches the tray pass by as well; she debated taking some since she’s no hunting this evening, but it’d basically be empty calories. ]
Like I have a wealth of free time; my clients’ antics tend to make long days for me. [ A pointed look. ] And I believe you’re already familiar with my other major time commitment.
no subject
My family may have been pilgrims; you don’t know.
[ At that moment he looks down and realizes how close he had gotten and clears his throat before he motions that he’s going toward a piece of art across the room, his free fingers grazing her wrist as he walks toward it. ]
I’m sure you make time for yourself. I imagine you are a fan of something when you are between meals, work, and sleep. [ Sirens sleep, right? Why didn’t that come up in his research? ]
People manage much shorter lives than us. It’s actually impressive, honestly.
no subject
Yes, I do enjoy some other recreational activities...
[ She slides one hand underneath his jacket to press against his chest, quirking one eyebrow with a knowing look. Her other hand rests again on his neck, runs a line back and worth where spine meets skull. ]
Are you set on sticking around to win that vase, or...?
when u see a typo in the last post and now its fate is sealed
There’s a dramatic sort of stall as he looks toward the vase with consideration. A small sigh of defeat. ]
I think I’ll survive without it. I believe there must be a hotel nearby with vacancy, if you want to accompany me?
[ A smile that shivers at her touch just a bit. He looks down and meets her eyes and feels the need to make sure she agrees, despite his immunity to her charms. ] ...All part of your compensated responsibilities tonight, of course.
no!! that's the thing i'm sensitive about!!
Good man. [ Man. Lizard. Whatever. ] That sounds great; I'm partial to The St. Regis or Lowell myself.
[ She's trying to make out what exactly that look is for, why he seems so intent; however, uncomfortable with examining it too thoroughly, she labels it as a softer variation on his already self-imposed infatuation with her. He'll learn, as they all do...it's simply a matter of how much she has to double down on that lesson.
In the meantime though, why not have a little fun? As a treat. ]
i didn’t know you were so sensitive!!
Hmmm. I believe I have an outstanding favor waiting to be exploited at the St. Regis, as a matter of fact.
[ He leans in then, holding her face and kissing the other side of her jaw with a low hum. ] I’ll make a call and then summon my driver?
jokes on you: i'm always sensitive
[ Now, Cadence couldn't give two shits whether or not Clay actually does have an outstanding favor; that was ultimately just the ends justifying their means.
But the obedience to her whims? Definite turn-on.
Cadence turns to bare her cheek for his kiss, exposing her neck for easy access and closing her eyes for a moment as he travels southward. For any other woman, it would've been a submission, a surrender to that pleasure.
With Cadence? Always hard to tell if the viper was lulled or simply lulling you. ]
Sounds like a plan.