Well, I was in blue earlier. I’ll remember to wear that suit for our next rendezvous.
[ Clay rolls his eyes and smiles more than she allowed herself, seeing that flicker of almost-affection. He remembers the metaphorical olive branch and reaches into an inside pocket of his jacket. ]
I saw this and thought of you. At first I wanted to thank you for being here with it, but… that doesn’t seem appropriate. I just want you to have it.
[ He’s explains with a lack of his usual air of surety as he fishes for and retrieves the felt box. Holding it out with his right hand, it’s now wrapped and bowed with a turquoise ribbon. ]
Before you badger me for my taste in jewelry- you don’t have to keep it; I was just thinking about you this week. [ Missing you this week. ]
You’ll have to let me know when; I may have plans with “other company.”
[ It’s a bit of a low blow, and a risky one at that, using his own quote on him, but it’s been hard to hide how much it had irked her, even now. She looks him straight in the eyes as she says it, blue-green locking on amber as if to challenge him to contradict her. She only breaks it when she sees the small box, and reaches over to pluck the box gently from his hand, her fingers lightly brushing his skin.
After pulling gently on the ribbon, she feels a short stab of anxiety at the seeing the gentle curls of the olive branches surrounding the soft off-white of the pearl, her eyes flicking back to his face in near-panicked study to see if he knows what the gift implies. Seeing nothing unusual, she visibly relaxes, her fingers tracing the golden leaves of the setting. ]
Olive leaves. How literal.
[ She shuts the lid gently and hands it back to him, trying to calm her features. ]
I’ll keep it, but please hang on to it for now. This dress doesn’t exactly have pockets.
Of course. On both accounts. [ The necklace returns to the pocket sans ribbon, which is wadded and put into his pants pocket instead. Don’t litter.
The reaction makes him wonder. It was an accidental play on words with his intention, but he’s now sure that she is Greek, if nothing else. Sirens had roots all over but Greece had more than its fair share of mythology around them. Olives and laurel leaves making her stare accusingly at him. I see. Check.
Clay looks for a server floating around with drinks instead of bite-sized, paper-plated appetizers. He brings one to Cadence and waits for her to meet his eyes again (they really are beautiful-) before smirking over the rim of his drink. He lifts it before sipping. ]
[ Clay keeps his composure, despite his natural urge to correct her. Something about her demeanor since he arrived kept him from biting back. There’s a strange small vibration of vulnerability that he doesn’t want to scare away. And it’s not like he’s even trying to get laid- he just wants her to trust him? Fuck.
He takes a larger sip of his drink and puts a reassuring hand to the small of her back. ]
Mm. Not what happened this time. I cancelled because of work.
[ If Cadence was waiting for a rise out of him, she’s disappointed. She mirrors him by nursing her champagne as she’s led from behind, trying to study his face again for some sort of reason for his subdued response. ]
…Shame. Probably shouldn’t burn through your contact list like that, you might run out of options.
[ Clay chuckles and opens his mouth- but before he can reply he’s pulled into a polite conversation with the director of the nonprofit. Literally the person who organized this event. It takes the rest of his glass of champagne but he slides away with a cheek ache from that sideways smile. ]
What was I saying- Options. Right. No. I’m- well, extremely picky for anything longer than a one night stand. I hate people. It’s the actual reason I cancelled but I-
[ Gesturing the empty glass at the retreating person he was talking to prior. ]
Have to “be polite” sometimes. You probably…
[ He sighs and looks at her with an amused expression. Feeling the need to let her know he’s teasing- and he absolutely is- he reaches for her hand. ]
[ Cadence isn’t one to linger like some sort of mindless accessory, but her alternative company isn’t exactly much better; it’s not much longer after Clay steps away for his obligatory networking conversation before Cadence has some over-confident Wall Street broker practically pawing at her dress. Where she may have entertained that kind of attention to rile Clay previously, she finds herself with zero tolerance for it to tonight: she quickly shuts the horny former frat bro down and meanders towards the side of the massive gala hall until she reaches the open bar to order something a little harder. It’s here, nursing her cocktail, that Clay finds her.
It’s not enough to elicit a laugh out of her, but she does twist her lips slightly, still intrigued by his change in demeanor. ]
No, can’t say that I do. [ She tilts her glass towards said frat bro, who’s seemingly found a compatriot to complain about his striking out with. ] It’s a little easier to feign politeness when you’re actually treated like a peer, in my experience.
[ Clay is flattered by what he insinuates as a possible compliment- that he may actually be impressing her; hence her change in demeanor. He’s not sure that’s quite what she meant by it, but the insight is appreciated and he carefully takes note of her priorities. They align to his delight- and dread- with his more than he would have expected. He feels a dull ache in his chest- and then then the full weight of her check in reaches his psyche.
“Like a peer” - he feels the ache fall to his stomach. Clay was well known in this arena, and if anyone swept in within the three minutes he was talking and turned away he can imagine what was said. Turning his shoulders from Cadence, he looks toward where she gestured, looking a little murderous. The narrowed eyes hone onto the one who seems to be sparking pity and sympathy from the others in the little foursome chatting away. His eyes return to her only to make sure. ]
[ There’s a twist in Cadence’s chest that she can’t quite place the root cause of (and a far more familiar feeling lower down) as she stares at him.
Jesus, okay. ]
…the one on the left.
[ It’s not that she can’t fight her own battles, they both know that perfectly well. But there’s a specific look in Clay’s eye right now, an almost predatory ruthlessness she can appreciate and empathize with, especially now that it’s working directly in her favor. ]
Be right back. [ He kisses Cadence's cheek and walks toward the wall the aforementioned shit stain and his friends are grouped against. One of the women who’s with another suit- whose back is turned to where Clay found Cadence- was watching Cadence afterward a bit more closely than the rest who had already moved onto another conversation. Upon Clay looking toward Shitstain (tm), she first tapped her partner and he waved it off. Now she was actively walking away from the other three as Clay came toward the wall, which finally had him turn around.
Clay quietly dismissed the bigger man, addressing Shitstain with what seemed to be a question first. The way Clay speaks, shifts his weight, speaks again, points back at Cadence, made it clear what the topic was. After a few more words back and forth, Clay points an inch from Shit’s chest and cuts off some remark he didn’t like. He never hit the other man, but he turns around only after the one who’d spoken with Cadence was looking mollified and incredibly worried.]
I’m sorry you had to deal with that waste of space. I didn’t want you to have to do that after already enduring him, so I hope it’s all right that I educated him a little bit.
[ Cadence watches the exchange intently from her perch near the bar, her expression intense but otherwise unreadable as Clay quickly and succinctly dresses down the man in front of his presumed work “friends.” Her eyes follow Clay as he makes his way back to her, taking a long sip from her drink until he’s right in front of her. ]
[ Nice job, dumbass. A thrill goes down his spine, and he wishes suddenly he had as much alcohol now as she just did. ]
I’m not sure how private it can get here-
[ He looks around for somewhere that might be promising, his forehead creased. Not that he’s nervous. No one ever hates getting asked, “can we talk” right?
Something promising- it looks like storage or a unisex restroom around the corner from the mens and women's’ rooms. Mouth dry, he nods toward the discovery and holds out his hand to let her lead the way. ]
[ Cadence’s eyes flick to his face, still as inscrutable as before, before following his hand to the door off a partial sideway blocked by one of the curtains the venue crew had clearly hung up for the event. ]
I guess that’ll do.
[ She takes his arm and leads him towards their pre-determined destination, disturbingly calm. Once sure no one had watched them enter, she gently shuts the door behind them and looks him over from head to toe…before taking three short steps towards him, yanking him down by the tie, and crashing their lips together in a bruising kiss. ]
[ Clay’s breathing is kept even but he’s disturbed by the coolness she’s exuding. It’s inscrutable at this point and he’s not sure what to expect when the door shuts behind him. There’s a pique of curiosity when he does note that she’s intent on being cautious- why would- ]
Ha-h-
[ Cadence knocks the breath he was taking into his lips from him, stealing it into hers. Without missing a beat, anticipation makes him shudder, his chest pushing into hers as she pulls him down. One hand goes behind her head, the other to her hip as instinct takes over.
It’s all of a breathless moment before he opens her mouth under his and it’s nothing like encounters past- they felt routine, practiced, a means to an end. This is someone he’s fucked but never kissed- not like this. A kiss that feels like air you needed after being underwater- He feels a hot pit in his stomach as he desperately touches his hands to her available skin and against her dress. His mouth moves under her jaw, gently and expertly grazing teeth against her neck. ]
[ Cadence leans into the physicality of it all like a plant seeking sunlight, pressing herself against Clay’s chest while her hands snake along his arms and neck to pull him even closer. She opens her mouth all too willingly, breathing him in with a hum in her throat.
It’s good, this new intimacy they’re exploring; Cadence has kissed her conquests before, usually even rougher, but there’s a hunger to this that’s different to her prior trysts or even her need to hunt. She tries to will herself to stay in the moment, not unpack all the reasons behind the new sensation and lose all the pleasure that comes with it.
It’s fine. You’re giving him a reward, but only because you felt like it. Nothing more to it
She pushes him back further until he’s up against the door, gripping his neck for dear life and pulling his tie with her free hand then thinking better of it. She breaks them apart with a sudden start, breathing fast but not taking her eyes off him. ]
How—how badly do you need to stay through all of this?
[ The grip on his neck is almost too much, and the little prudent voice telling him that they should take this somewhere else is nearly outmatched. He takes in a sharp breath when she pulls back- and again he resists his baser instincts to pull her close again. His eyes soften and flicker from her gaze to the line of her neck and back, and he shivers; his fingers linger over her waist, continuing to so gently press their hold. ]
I can be convinced to be sick.
[ Clay can’t look away from the new expression in her eyes. His other hand pushes into her hair, threading some of it back from the delicate line of sweat on her hairline. Fuck me- ]
Or I would need escort you home, if you’d rather fall suddenly ill.
[ Cadence leans into his touch as he pushes back her hair, eyes fluttering shut for a moment as she inhales to try to steady her breathing again, but otherwise not breaking eye contact. ]
I think I may be feeling a little faint. Might even have some vertigo coming on.
[ Her grip around the back of neck loosens for a moment, ready to straighten them both up to be able to leave, before tightening again when she realizes what else she’s implying. ]
[ Still so careful. Atta girl. Clay smiles and hums appreciatively, deciding the best course of action. ]
My driver is waiting for a summons. It only makes sense to make one trip, in that case. I live outside Astoria; would that drive be okay in your- condition?
[ He lowers his hand to the space below her hip, gently touching, massaging lower and feigning a concerned look. Such a pitiable illness. ]
[ Cadence snakes her free hand lower, playing with the belt loops on Clay’s dress pants and the clasp of his belt with not-so subtle meaning while she contemplates.
It’s…it violates her typical rules, going home versus a neutral location where she can dictate the terms more easily, make sure there’s no confusion on where she stands emotionally. That said, Cadence is feeling somewhat okay toeing her own self-imposed lines tonight; she can always leave as soon as they’re done, and she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t curious about what a modern dragon lair looks like. ]
Maybe; I think we’d have to leave soon though. I’d hate to faint and cause a scene.
[ Clay’s lips part infinitesimally as one hand reaches into his pants pocket for the phone. The lock screen reads 9:50pm. Close enough. ]
Yeah. I know it’s- No, I have company. - Mm. - We’ll be outside.
[ The phone is replaced into the pocket, and suddenly it becomes real all at once. In his current state it feels like the obviously right choice. But part of him nags about letting a stranger inside.
…Is she a stranger anymore? Clay cocks his head and fixes the once pushed aside strap of her dress, since she was so kind as to put his tie back in order. He speaks more quietly than he intends, almost reverently. ]
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no subject
[ Clay rolls his eyes and smiles more than she allowed herself, seeing that flicker of almost-affection. He remembers the metaphorical olive branch and reaches into an inside pocket of his jacket. ]
I saw this and thought of you. At first I wanted to thank you for being here with it, but… that doesn’t seem appropriate. I just want you to have it.
[ He’s explains with a lack of his usual air of surety as he fishes for and retrieves the felt box. Holding it out with his right hand, it’s now wrapped and bowed with a turquoise ribbon. ]
Before you badger me for my taste in jewelry- you don’t have to keep it; I was just thinking about you this week. [ Missing you this week. ]
Were you busy with work?
no subject
[ It’s a bit of a low blow, and a risky one at that, using his own quote on him, but it’s been hard to hide how much it had irked her, even now. She looks him straight in the eyes as she says it, blue-green locking on amber as if to challenge him to contradict her. She only breaks it when she sees the small box, and reaches over to pluck the box gently from his hand, her fingers lightly brushing his skin.
After pulling gently on the ribbon, she feels a short stab of anxiety at the seeing the gentle curls of the olive branches surrounding the soft off-white of the pearl, her eyes flicking back to his face in near-panicked study to see if he knows what the gift implies. Seeing nothing unusual, she visibly relaxes, her fingers tracing the golden leaves of the setting. ]
Olive leaves. How literal.
[ She shuts the lid gently and hands it back to him, trying to calm her features. ]
I’ll keep it, but please hang on to it for now. This dress doesn’t exactly have pockets.
no subject
The reaction makes him wonder. It was an accidental play on words with his intention, but he’s now sure that she is Greek, if nothing else. Sirens had roots all over but Greece had more than its fair share of mythology around them. Olives and laurel leaves making her stare accusingly at him. I see. Check.
Clay looks for a server floating around with drinks instead of bite-sized, paper-plated appetizers. He brings one to Cadence and waits for her to meet his eyes again (they really are beautiful-) before smirking over the rim of his drink. He lifts it before sipping. ]
I didn’t end up meeting with her. By the way.
no subject
Oh, then she ghosted you? How sad.
predictably
He takes a larger sip of his drink and puts a reassuring hand to the small of her back. ]
Mm. Not what happened this time. I cancelled because of work.
no subject
…Shame. Probably shouldn’t burn through your contact list like that, you might run out of options.
no subject
What was I saying- Options. Right. No. I’m- well, extremely picky for anything longer than a one night stand. I hate people. It’s the actual reason I cancelled but I-
[ Gesturing the empty glass at the retreating person he was talking to prior. ]
Have to “be polite” sometimes. You probably…
[ He sighs and looks at her with an amused expression. Feeling the need to let her know he’s teasing- and he absolutely is- he reaches for her hand. ]
-or maybe you actually don’t empathize.
no subject
It’s not enough to elicit a laugh out of her, but she does twist her lips slightly, still intrigued by his change in demeanor. ]
No, can’t say that I do. [ She tilts her glass towards said frat bro, who’s seemingly found a compatriot to complain about his striking out with. ] It’s a little easier to feign politeness when you’re actually treated like a peer, in my experience.
no subject
“Like a peer” - he feels the ache fall to his stomach. Clay was well known in this arena, and if anyone swept in within the three minutes he was talking and turned away he can imagine what was said. Turning his shoulders from Cadence, he looks toward where she gestured, looking a little murderous. The narrowed eyes hone onto the one who seems to be sparking pity and sympathy from the others in the little foursome chatting away. His eyes return to her only to make sure. ]
Which one?
that’s hot (respectfully)
Jesus, okay. ]
…the one on the left.
[ It’s not that she can’t fight her own battles, they both know that perfectly well. But there’s a specific look in Clay’s eye right now, an almost predatory ruthlessness she can appreciate and empathize with, especially now that it’s working directly in her favor. ]
/deeps breathing to avoid spitting actual fire
Clay quietly dismissed the bigger man, addressing Shitstain with what seemed to be a question first. The way Clay speaks, shifts his weight, speaks again, points back at Cadence, made it clear what the topic was. After a few more words back and forth, Clay points an inch from Shit’s chest and cuts off some remark he didn’t like. He never hit the other man, but he turns around only after the one who’d spoken with Cadence was looking mollified and incredibly worried.]
I’m sorry you had to deal with that waste of space. I didn’t want you to have to do that after already enduring him, so I hope it’s all right that I educated him a little bit.
no subject
…Can we talk? In private.
no subject
I’m not sure how private it can get here-
[ He looks around for somewhere that might be promising, his forehead creased. Not that he’s nervous. No one ever hates getting asked, “can we talk” right?
Something promising- it looks like storage or a unisex restroom around the corner from the mens and women's’ rooms. Mouth dry, he nods toward the discovery and holds out his hand to let her lead the way. ]
There?
no subject
I guess that’ll do.
[ She takes his arm and leads him towards their pre-determined destination, disturbingly calm. Once sure no one had watched them enter, she gently shuts the door behind them and looks him over from head to toe…before taking three short steps towards him, yanking him down by the tie, and crashing their lips together in a bruising kiss. ]
no subject
Ha-h-
[ Cadence knocks the breath he was taking into his lips from him, stealing it into hers. Without missing a beat, anticipation makes him shudder, his chest pushing into hers as she pulls him down. One hand goes behind her head, the other to her hip as instinct takes over.
It’s all of a breathless moment before he opens her mouth under his and it’s nothing like encounters past- they felt routine, practiced, a means to an end. This is someone he’s fucked but never kissed- not like this. A kiss that feels like air you needed after being underwater- He feels a hot pit in his stomach as he desperately touches his hands to her available skin and against her dress. His mouth moves under her jaw, gently and expertly grazing teeth against her neck. ]
no subject
It’s good, this new intimacy they’re exploring; Cadence has kissed her conquests before, usually even rougher, but there’s a hunger to this that’s different to her prior trysts or even her need to hunt. She tries to will herself to stay in the moment, not unpack all the reasons behind the new sensation and lose all the pleasure that comes with it.
It’s fine. You’re giving him a reward, but only because you felt like it. Nothing more to it
She pushes him back further until he’s up against the door, gripping his neck for dear life and pulling his tie with her free hand then thinking better of it. She breaks them apart with a sudden start, breathing fast but not taking her eyes off him. ]
How—how badly do you need to stay through all of this?
no subject
I can be convinced to be sick.
[ Clay can’t look away from the new expression in her eyes. His other hand pushes into her hair, threading some of it back from the delicate line of sweat on her hairline. Fuck me- ]
Or I would need escort you home, if you’d rather fall suddenly ill.
no subject
I think I may be feeling a little faint. Might even have some vertigo coming on.
[ Her grip around the back of neck loosens for a moment, ready to straighten them both up to be able to leave, before tightening again when she realizes what else she’s implying. ]
Not my place though. Somewhere else.
no subject
My driver is waiting for a summons. It only makes sense to make one trip, in that case. I live outside Astoria; would that drive be okay in your- condition?
[ He lowers his hand to the space below her hip, gently touching, massaging lower and feigning a concerned look. Such a pitiable illness. ]
no subject
It’s…it violates her typical rules, going home versus a neutral location where she can dictate the terms more easily, make sure there’s no confusion on where she stands emotionally. That said, Cadence is feeling somewhat okay toeing her own self-imposed lines tonight; she can always leave as soon as they’re done, and she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t curious about what a modern dragon lair looks like. ]
Maybe; I think we’d have to leave soon though. I’d hate to faint and cause a scene.
no subject
Yeah. I know it’s- No, I have company. - Mm. - We’ll be outside.
[ The phone is replaced into the pocket, and suddenly it becomes real all at once. In his current state it feels like the obviously right choice. But part of him nags about letting a stranger inside.
…Is she a stranger anymore? Clay cocks his head and fixes the once pushed aside strap of her dress, since she was so kind as to put his tie back in order. He speaks more quietly than he intends, almost reverently. ]
Let’s get your coat.