darkestxdreams

[darkestxdreams]

He certainly was not going to complain about her saying he was handsome, and even if Rance thought she looked even better, he was willing to concede. "Alrigh', if you're insistin' that I'm handsome, guess I can live with that." While he definitely played it up a fair amount, he did still hope to one day make it into a rodeo, so the whole cowboy aura was also something he liked to cling to. But having Tari's stamp of approval meant a lot. "Glad you approve. Long as you're ok wit' bein' out an' about wit' a cowboy!" Feeling her touch his face made him murmur in enjoyment, though it seemed she was aiming a little higher. When Tari took off his hat and put it on her own head, Rance chuckled. She looked great wearing it, much better than he did, and it really complimented her outfit. "Ah, now that's perfect! It looks much better on you. You look like you're ready t' ride, cowgirl!"

"Hmm unfortunately due to lack of evidence that I can interact with your argument is null and that means we're back to you being handsome." She smiled, her hands reaching out to find the fringe on his jacket. Tari couldn't help but chuckle when she found it. "I love that you play up the cowboy thing for fun when you want to."

Her fingers found his face, brushing over the stubble on his jaw before trailing up till she found the brim of the hat. Lifting it up off of his head carefully she set it upon her own and tapped the front up like some desperado that had just swaggered into a saloon. "There. Now we really match."

#violenttempest #{{ rance interactions }} #{{ rance & tari }}

[darkestxdreams]

That was a mighty big coincidence, but then again, Etienne had not said anything to her about what he was going to wear, so unless they were suddenly really in tune after having slept together, it probably was, sadly, a coincidence. However, that did not mean he was going to shrug it off. "Oh o' course. Totally a coincidence," he said, nodding, though his continued smirking said otherwise. She could say what she liked, but she could not erase what had happened, and if it made her feel better to think of it as a pity fuck, he was just fine with that. "If you wanna tell yourself dat, sure, you go righ' ahead. If I've gotta be a lapse in judgement, I can live with dat. 'Cause I know I'm de best lapse in judgement you're ever gonna have." Granted, as Helena pointed out, she had not finished, which was definitely not something he usually experienced. But that only served to give Etienne motivation for a potential future liaison. Still smirking, he replied, "Ah dat only means I gotta try a few new tricks next time t' change dat outcome."

"This-" She motioned to herself, "-is purely coincidental. There is nothing that you can try to made a thing out of." Helena warned him. "You didn't make an impression, I am not pleased to see you. What happened was a lapse in judgement on my part. A moment of weakness. That's all. May as well call it a pity fuck at this point. It's not like you'd have managed it off your own merit."

She was angry and embarrassed and ashamed of her own actions. Sure Helena didn't make a habit of sleeping with people she liked but that usually meant she was indifferent to them. "Besides, it's not like you have anything to be smug about. We both know I didn't finish."

#violenttempest #{{ etienne interactions }} #{{ etienne & helena }}

[darkestxdreams]

"Aw, what a li'l cutie!" Rance said, reaching out to take the plushie, "Not surprised people been buyin' these up, 'cause you did such a good job! But that's so sweet o' you t' make one jus' for me. You'll hafta let me do somethin' for you in return!"

where: cassie’s booth who: rance slade (@darkestxdreams)

Cassie smiled as she saw her brother approach her booth. “I made a lil Desperado for you,” she said, holding up the crocheted horse plushie. “A girl came by and nearly bought me out, but I made sure to save this one because I made it for you.”

#ambercast #{{ rance interactions }} #{{ rance & cassie }}

[darkestxdreams]

This was not the sort of thing Cyrus was used to in Huntsville. He definitely could not remember any parties like this from his younger days. Figures, things in town would get looser once all hell broke loose. Not that he would have stayed even if things like this had gone on before, but still. He was not really used to dressing up, and he probably had not followed the theme well in the first place, but hey. It was a party, and he was trying to enjoy himself. When he saw Cyan, he had gone right up to him and started talking, not even thinking that he might not have announced his presence well enough. "Hey Cyan, did you see that person with--" he began, but jumped himself when Cyan jumped. "Oh damn, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. It's these stupid goggles, right?" He pointed to the crazy spiked goggles on his head. "I was just trying to follow the theme, but when I'm not even sure what the hell the theme is, that's kinda hard to do. But at least I'm not like that person over there." He gestured behind himself. "That's what I was trying to say before. It looks like they're actually wearing a kitchen sink. I'm not sure anyone can top that."

It's odd, to be suddenly surrounded by something that feels so much like home, but unable to identify himself with it. Face half-painted like a mechanical skull and a wild, asymetrical suit dotted with mirrors and salvaged computer chips, it almost feels like one of the LA parties he used to frequent, down to the undertow of egos just barely perceptible- unless you'd spent years being dragged around in those circles.

And yet, he feels more lost than he has for a while, stood here holding a bottle of liquor, waiting for Sissy to come back from talking with friends they don't have in common. He should be the life of the party- he used to be, a socialite like his mother, albeit one mired in vices far worse- but instead all he can think about, all he's ever managed to think about, in groups like this, after that day in the gym.

someone here is a murderer. Maybe several people. And you are not safe.

He jumps, terrified, suddenly, and whirls as someone speaks behind him. "Wh-What- oh. Hey, Sorry, Cyrus, scared the shit out of me... what uh, what's up?"

@darkestxdreams

#containatrocity #(( cyrus interactions }} #{{ cyrus & cyan }}

[darkestxdreams]

As confident as Etienne was in his appeal to ladies, he was still pretty surprised that he and Helena had ended up spending the night together. Their discussion had proven that neither truly hated the other, but still. He had not expected that would lead them into bed, yet after a few drinks, it had happened just the same. But while he might be a bit surprised internally, externally he was definitely going to be smug, and when he caught a glimpse of Helena's outfit and seen that she too had chosen purple for her attire, his smugness level increased exponentially. She, however, did not seem too keen to encounter him, so he kept his distance for a while before finally springing himself on her. As expected, she did not sound pleased. "What's de matter, chere? You sound like you ain't pleased t' see me. Can't imagine why, 'specially since you even went outta your way t' match wit' me." His smile broadened. "Seems I made quite an impression on you."

Location: Avant Garde Ball

It had taken Helena only five minutes into arriving at the ball to realise her mistake. Catching a glimpse of Etienne across the hall she had realised they accidentally matched and as a result if he saw her he was going to be insufferable. She'd thought she'd gotten away with not running into him because she hadn't spotted him out with the booths and performances. She shouldn't have hoped too much that the night would pass without incident.

Realising her afternoon was going to be spent avoiding him she made a point of heading in the opposite direction whenever she saw a flash of purple. It was working until she lost sight of him completely. Helena scanned the crowd a few times to be sure, maybe he had left? Was she in the clear? Letting out a breath she turned and instantly walked into him.

"Shit."

@darkestxdreams

#violenttempest #{{ etienne interactions }} #{{ etienne & helena }}

[darkestxdreams]

As soon as Rance had seen Tari, he had been at a loss for words. Obviously she looked beautiful as always, but seeing that she had made a point to match his outfit as well had flattered him so much. "Oh come on, don' make me talk 'bout how silly I look when you're lookin' so dang nice! Whoever picked that out for you sure knew what they were doin'." Their color scheme might have matched, but her outfit looked so much nicer than the ensemble he had thrown together. "Ok, you really wanna know how goofy I look? I've got a fringed jacket, boots with a crazy pattern on 'em, an' o' course th' obligatory cowboy hat, an' like I told you before, it's all in blue. So believe me, I look like a total dummy. Definitely not lookin' handsome at all."

Location: Avante Garde Ball

"Now I know this is usually where a date would no doubt tell you how handsome you loo but since I can't see that for myself I feel like it's only fair that you describe in detail how you look." She teased, her fingers brushing along his shoulder trying to visualise the details of his shirt.

"I tried to match based on what I was told. Got someone else to pick it out for me."

@darkestxdreams

#violenttempest #{{ rance interactions }} #{{ rance & tari }}

[darkestxdreams]

Etienne chuckled as he took a drag on the cigarette. He might have a thick accent, but he was one hundred percent American. "Thanks, but don' worry. I'm not foreign; I'm jus' Cajun. From New Orleans, t' be precise. So yeah, I seen plenty o' de US. Includin' lots o' places I'd rather be stuck in dan here." He chuckled again at hearing the explanation. He definitely could understand something like that. "Hah, I like dat. I did somethin' similar with chips from casinos for a while, but dey ain't half as useful." And once the casinos had wised up to his cheating, he stopped saving chips, not wanted to be reminded of that fact.

Link quirked his eyebrow at the accent - he didn't often run into anyone from Europe in a place like this. "Cool accent - I hope this hellhole isn't the only place you ever got to see of the US." Pausing for a moment, he shrugged. "I tended to lose mine a lot, but honestly, it turned into a game, how many I could steal that had different state slogans. My personal favorite was one from New Hampshire. It says 'live free or die'."

#backmaskcd #{{ etienne interactions }} #{{ etienne & link }}

[darkestxdreams]

He had, and Cyrus was very sorry to have lost that now. Obviously everyone had to adjust to being stuck in town, but at least people who were teachers and doctors and farmers could keep doing what they loved. He could not. Sighing, he said, "Me too. I guess I just have to console myself with the old games in the arcade." He hoped she and her brother could get to check out all the new things in the world from the past decade plus, and if they could all get out, he would certainly show them as much as he could. "Ah, I'm sure you'd get the hang of it. But tell you what--if we ever do get the hell out of here, I promise I'll show both of you as many new things as I can."

“It’s hard to wrap my head around it but it definitely sounds like you found your passion when it comes to your career,” Ruby chuckled. “I’m sorry you couldn’t keep that going when you got stuck here.” It was unfortunate to hear how many people had to change directions when they arrived. She grinned at the thought of trying out some of those games herself. “Getting out would be nice, wouldn’t it? I think I’d be happy to just watch my brother play, maybe try a bit myself but I’m sure I’d be terrible at it.”

#ofescapisms #(( cyrus interactions }} #{{ cyrus & ruby }} #(the end)

[darkestxdreams]

Cyrus Lockwood -- Avant-Garde Ball

#huntsvilleattire #{{ cyrus face }}

[darkestxdreams]

Etienne LeDeux -- Avant-Garde Ball

#huntsvilleattire #{{ etienne face }}

[darkestxdreams]

Rance Slade -- Avant-Garde Ball

#huntsvilleattire #{{ rance face }}

[darkestxdreams]

Yes, Etienne probably could have been nicer to Helena in their interactions. But with the way she had always reacted to him, he just always had enjoyed teasing her. Her annoyance had always been an invitation to bother her in his view. But he had nothing against her, truly, and definitely did not wish her dead. He had always thought the shoe had been on the other foot, so knowing she did not want him dead had come as a surprise. "Oui, I'd say so." He nodded, watching as she headed out of the kitchen. Etienne might have wondered where she was off to, until she announced that she had some bourbon. "Ah, parfait!" He followed her into the living room, noticing she was already downing a glass of it. "Well, leave some for me, hein? Even if it ain't de greatest, I'll take some o' dat." As he reached for the decanter and poured himself a glass, he could not help noticing that she did not seem quite at ease. Not that he had expected them to suddenly have a nice, fun conversation simply because they had both explained that neither wanted the other dead, but still. "Sure you good wit' me bein' here, chere?" he asked, taking a sip of his own bourbon. "I still 'preciate de save, but I really don' 'spect you t' keep me comp'ny. You're completely at your leisure t' ignore me. Jus' pretend I'm part o' de furnishin's."

Helena looked up at him as he spoke, her brow furrowed just slightly. She knew why she didn't want him dead but it made no sense to her to receive the same in return. People didn't like her. Not really. Well one fledgling and an amnesiac but do they count? She had no friends to speak of. No one she spent her days with. She distracted herself with meaningless sex but even that left her frustrated and unsatisfied. Her only somewhat friend was dead.

Looking away she struggled to meet his eye again as she struggled with being considered in someone elses world. It was an unfortunate side effect of living with her father for as long as she did. "Then it's settled." She added awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck as she made a quick exit from the kitchen, searching for open space like it might give her room to breathe. She walked through her living room to the decanter that was set on a side table. "I've uh, I've got what passes for bourbon if you want some." She asked out loud as she poured herself some, quickly downing it as she sought to battle the awkwardness that had surfaced within her.

#violenttempest #{{ etienne interactions }} #{{ etienne & helena }}

[darkestxdreams]

"Wow, that sounds…interesting." Cyrus raised his eyebrows. Obviously there were people who came to town for some pretty varied reasons. At least no one had ever come to drag him back home. But then what did that say about him that he had gone and done it himself? "Yeah I do…I did. They're…not around anymore. And I didn't even get to see them. So my whole trip ended up being for nothing, and now I'm stuck back here. Clearly no good deed ever goes unpunished."

Aya sighed. “I also came here because of family, but not because of any guilt. My little brother is on the run. I came to take him back to our father, but it appears I won’t be able to complete that mission.” She shook her head. “You must love your family a lot to come back to this place for them.” She looked around, still disgusted.

#ambercast #(( cyrus interactions }} #{{ cyrus & aya }}

[darkestxdreams]

"Yeah, maybe." He gave a slight shrug. They could be right, or maybe more people like that would come in, sad as that was to think about. At the next question, Rance chuckled a bit. "Oh, well, I'm kinda into cowboy stuff, an' when I first got him, he was pretty feisty, always wantin' t' do his own thing. So since he was bein' a bit o' a desperado, th' name jus' seemed t' fit."

Asher nodded again, before writing. Maybe you haven't met them yet. They gave a little shrug as they turned it around before writing again. Why Desperado? He asked, wondering how the horse had gotten his name

#endlessreruns #{{ rance interactions }} #{{ rance & asher }}

[darkestxdreams]

He probably could have, but Etienne did often like to be difficult. "Well I said it now, didn't I?" Background music definitely sounded good, so he nodded immediately. "Oh oui! I'd like some background music! Somethin' good an' lively. Don' wanna put de audience t' sleep! An' yeah, a mic too. Stationary'll be fine. I ain't gonna talk quite dat much."

Her expression was one of clear bemusement and annoyance. Ciara could tell this guy was going to be a headache. "Could have just said that," she pointed out with a frown. "Do you want background music and will you need a mic? We have stationary and attachable ones."

#ciarawinters #{{ etienne interactions }} #{{ etienne & ciara }}

[darkestxdreams]

Etienne did have his lighter on him…somewhere…but if this guy was offering a light, he was not going to refuse it. "Ah, merci. Much appreciated, mon ami," he said, putting his cigarette into his mouth and leaning in towards the lighter. He certainly understood the use for having multiple lighters, but that seemed a very particular thing to steal. "Interestin'. You jus' always worried you might get caught without one, or is dere a more profound reason for stealin' 'em?"

location: outside the library

With spring finally peeking it's way through the trees, Link could stop sticking half his body out of windows when he was craving a cigarette, now able to step outside fully and let the weather cause his cheeks to turn red.

"You need a light?" He'd barely noticed who had approached him out of the corner of his eye. "My need to steal lighters at every gas station across the United States is really coming in handy lately."

#backmaskcd #{{ etienne interactions }} #{{ etienne & link }}

[darkestxdreams]

He cracked a smile, not surprised to hear that Cassie was being protective of her writing. "It was always like pullin' teeth t' have her let me read any o' her stuff, so that don' surprise me. Wish she would read it t' you. What I have seen from her writin's is really good. I jus' know she'd be a bestsellin' author if she ever got published." Rance was definitely nervous, and he had been hoping once the drinks and food arrived, he would calm down a bit. But Tari's next statement took him so off guard that he was glad she could not see the shocked expression on his face.

"Oh…oh!" he sputtered, not at all put off by the suggestion, and indeed agreeing with her that he might relax more at her place. But the thought of being tipsy and alone with her opened a whole different can of worms, though again not anything which even remotely put him off. "Yeah…yeah sure. That sounds good. Let's do that." He gestured for the server to tell them they wanted their food to go, then he stood up and moved to give Tari a hand, feeling better to be leaving the restaurant but feeling another sort of way about heading to her place instead.

She could still hear the nerves in his voice. At this rate they'd never relax and actually enjoy each others company if something didn't change soon. "I've been trying to convince her to read some of her novel to me but she's very protective of it." Her fingers drummed against the table as she thought.

"My roommate isn't at home." Tari blurted out suddenly before realising how that sounded. "I-I just mean... the restaurant setting is clearly making you nervous. Why don't we order our food to go and we can have a drink at my place. That way there's no pressure to act a certain way and we can get as tipsy as we need to so that we feel relaxed." Her cheeks burned with the accidental implication but she tried to ignore her embarrassment.

#violenttempest #{{ rance interactions }} #{{ rance & tari }}