ofenigmas

[ofenigmas]

There's no desire to influence Savannah's opinion of him in a positive light. There's little reason he'll have any sort of run-in with her for the rest of the year, at least. Whitney didn't talk much (at least to his recollection) about their sibling relationship growing up, but he'd inferred the idea that it was something akin to his own siblings; blood didn't necessarily make anyone close. Reuben adjusts the cuff of her sleeve, fighting a smirk as if the conversation is almost entertaining. Almost. "What about your charming little evening could be so terrible that you're desperate for a verbal punching bag, even from me?" He tilts his head, only then looking at Savannah, with a smile that doesn't meet his eyes. "I may be a mere Spade, but it nearly seems as if you want to talk to me at this rate."

As Reuben proclaimed that he wouldn't have touched her if he knew, Savannah let out a haughty huff. "Then at least we can agree on one thing." She might be a bit desperate for attention, but her younger sister's cast offs were beneath her even accounting for that. Still, he is an excellent target for her souring mood, even if he hasn't done anything truly deserving of her ire. "Aw, and here I thought we were having such a lovely conversation. Eager to be rid of me so soon?" The sarcasm in her words dripped like syrup, but at least being catty towards Reuben made her feel marginally better. Not that she intended to thank him for that.

[ofenigmas]

K, no entertainment? "Yeah, man, that's exactly what I'm saying, no entertainment." Her and Izzita? Jaren's starting to wonder if there's been a misunderstanding. This kind of aggression rivals the time he was sleeping with two sisters, and not going to an event with a girl he's been perfectly polite to all evening?? They haven't even kissed, and he's done far worse things than kissing at the Pavilion?? If there's one thing he can do, it's talk his way out of a situation, though. "Look. It's Santi, right? I don't have any beef with you, okay? Your sister is gorgeous, and we're friends. She just came over to give me business advice, because she's had one longer than me, and we went to the event together after. Do you really want to fight me over her being an intelligent woman with friends?"

Confusion overtook the protectiveness Santiago felt, his brows furrowing as his grip on Jaren loosened. "¿Que? No entiendo." The hell was this gringo saying? Was he trying to say he wasn't trying to sleep with Carmen? "Hey, the fuck dude? You don't think she's beautiful enough? She knocks all the other chicas out of this city! Her and Izzita!"

[ofenigmas]

While the rest of the night might be a deception, the laugh that escapes Giselle is genuine. "Catchup? By all means, let me help." She reaches for two champagne flutes off the tray of a nearby server and hands one to Kayla. "To being hot," -- there's a knowing glance that her best friend must have witnessed Doug in the Lust Trial with her own eyes -- "not at all horny, but horrifically good at damage control." Maybe this feeling will fade by tomorrow, or perhaps it's just the champagne, but Giselle feels buoyant enough to believe today can't be labeled a loss just yet.

Her expression softened, catching on to what Giselle wasn't saying. They could talk about it some other time then. Kayla gasped as she nudged the other. "A few flutes? Damn bitch, weren't even gonna wait for me? Now I have to play catchup." So sure enough Kayla tipped the entire flute worth of champagne into her mouth like a shot. "Also nope, actually keep the compliments coming."

[ofenigmas]

Adeline blinks once, as if Laurie's words are too dull to have heard correctly. There's boredom in the straight line of her lips, but something like mild amusement is evident only in Adeline's eyes. "What an eloquent manner of speaking. You must be your family's pride and joy." It's not that Adeline has any semblance of knowledge of the Sinclair hierarchy. No, she's only implying the bar is low. A tilt of her head follows, mocking curiosity. "I'd argue you don't do much relaxing with as hard as you try. Unfortunately, I've grown out of show-and-tell. Unless... are you implying you're the main event? In which case, when did you resort to bullying or pleading your way into selling a few tickets?"

Okay, if one more person at that fucking party acted like they didn’t know her— “Now that I’m looking a little closer,” Laurie started again, her gaze shamelessly looking over the other again. “—Maybe I mistook you for another Virtue princess who always looks like she has a stick up her ass.” Casually side-stepping so she could be in Adeline’s view, she smirked. “Do you and your goody two-shoe friends ever relax?” But it was the other’s amusing question that brought a sly grin. “You wanna know about my pastimes, huh? If you want a show and tell, just say so.”

[ofenigmas]

alice hoffman practical magic

kofi

[ofenigmas]

The reassurance might not leave him defensive if it had come from Evelyn herself, or even Enver. From Xiu? His jaw tenses instead. It's not that she's wrong; it's that she's right that bothers him. Unwilling to concede defeat, Reuben only glances around the room, anywhere but at the person beside him. "It's not Evelyn I'm concerned with." There are far too many powder kegs of individuals in one place to predict any anomaly or danger. Evelyn can defend herself, of course, but she shouldn't have to do it alone. And besides, what else is there to do here when his roommate is preoccupied with who Reuben assumed was his ex-girlfriend?

Xiu was good at reading body language, a skill she picked up over the years. "She can take care of herself, Reuben. I would even say she is one of the most dangerous and capable in this entire hall. " And for that she had tremendous respect and admiration for Evelyn. "To worry about her is just insulting."

[ofenigmas]

Sean plays Enrique in the second series of The Gold, now on BBC iPlayer (UK).

[ofenigmas]

A breath of fresh air would not be enough for this event to be something he can suffer his way through. Around every corner is some new memory, some tangled knot that Reuben cannot unravel himself from. It's a reckless thought, particularly when he's already told Enver that he'll stay until after the Trial results are announced. Unfortunately, Reuben is on his way to disappear to the bridge without goodbye. That is, until he spots one more face. Leave. It would be so easy. Ignoring her is the correct move. He's already dealt with both Fell sisters, Xiu, and... Is she distressed? It doesn't matter; she's not his friend to look out for. It doesn't matter to him.

It doesn't matter.

And yet his worn boots carry him across the Pavilion regardless. He doesn't bother with greetings, only stepping close enough that no one else will hear the low pitch of his voice, soft and perhaps threatening to whoever else is involved. "Are you alright?"

@arcanae

[ofenigmas]

Jaren bites down hard on his tongue to not make a terribly inappropriate joke. "Oh, really? Things going on?" He leans forward, elbows on the table in interest. "Come on, man. You can't just be vague like that. Anything juicy?" Raising one hand, Jaren waves over the bartender. "You know what, I'm so confident I'll win that I'll buy you that first drink ahead of time now to celebrate."

Maxie reluctantly slipped into the seat next to Jaren, letting an arm rest over the younger man's shoulder, a faux show of friendship, because this was all for show. "Two boyfriends?" Maxie's eyes went wide, and an impressed smirk twisted the corners of his mouth, "damn, lucky sonovabitch. Didn't know he had it in him." Maxie waved a hand dismissively. "Nah...didn't bet this time 'round. Had things goin' on. Maybe next time. But hey, if ye win big, yer buyin' me a drink or two, got it?"

[ofenigmas]

Elizabeth Lail at the 'Gonzo Girl' premiere New York City 6.14.25

[ofenigmas]

To anyone aware of her ambition, Giselle has a perfectly executed flight plan. The truth is that she only holds an overarching goal, and adapts on nearly a monthly basis in terms of how she achieves it. Styling hair was far from a dream come true. Until the start of the year, she'd been actively pursuing a dreadful lawyer. This is only one more unexpected hurdle, even as some part of her screams that this is too dangerous. Yet, what else might she have to lose after tonight?

Giselle sheds the attempt at 'asking for a friend', taking one literal and figurative step closer towards danger. "I'm not unfamiliar with risk." Her voice is smooth, a velvet-tinged confidence even as she laces her fingers together to keep from shaking. "Name a price, and I'll find a way to pay it. Whatever the currency." There's nowhere else to turn and she's desperate enough to mean it.

Billie listened to Giselle, their brows furrowing as they attempted to follow along with what the other was requesting. Birth records. They couldn't say anything definitively—after all, protecting their own ass was more important than anything in this—and so they shrugged, leaning on the wall behind them. "I mean, yeah. That sort of this could be possible if you talk to the right person. But it's dangerous—there's a lot of risk. Risk comes with a big price."

[ofenigmas]

Her breath catches as she watches Noah approach. It was a lucky dress, and maybe she'll have to beg to keep it after this. Unfortunately, every pep talk she's mentally given herself about being composed and sophisticated is out the window as Angelie reaches, like always, to offer him a quick hug. Alright, so sue her for being an extrovert! "Oh, thank you, Noah! You look per -- great... perfectly great in that attire." Oh no. Maybe the lighting will hide that she's as red as a ripe tomato plant. A subject change will do! "Never stood a chance at what?" Angelie steals a glance at the card tables several yards away. "I hope you weren't planning on gambling."

Noah was trying his best to remain calm. He was on edge about how he was being seen and if he could fit in with either side if he wanted. It was all such a mess. It didn't help his nerves at all seeing Angelie. At any moment, it could all go up in smoke, so he figured that he should enjoy it all while he could, right? He offered a bright smile and a slight wave back, approaching with his hands in his pockets. "Wow, I never stood a chance," he said with a slight chuckle. "You look beautiful, Angelie."

[ofenigmas]

"Oh." It's barely an exhale, one of surprise. Sometimes she forgets that Enver is from the real world (at least, that's what she calls it in her head), too. Maybe I wasn't really looking either, though. An attempt to right herself only lands with Lana sliding down the wall. That's alright, sitting on the concrete is perfect after standing for so long. Still, it doesn't stop her from tipping her head up to inspect him, a flicker of something softer in her expression. "Everyone's looking for something. Maybe you're just really good at hiding it." There's no implied meaning behind it, only a smile laced with tonic-induced joy. "I hope you find it one day. I hope I find... french fries." Wouldn't that be incredible? If Edward won the trial, and instead of confetti, it was just junk food raining down from the ceiling? God, she can almost envision it now.

An argument. A cowboy. Sen roulette. That was quite the scavenger hunt, one that wasn’t really presented visually. The best Enver received was his palm being traced as if it were paper. He smirked quietly, shaking his head at the rather amusing nonsensicality. “Sounds fulfilling,” he murmured, his voice lacking some spark but he did hope she was having some fun at least. If that was truly what she had been searching for that night. “Yeah, I’ve been to McDonald’s. Greasy too,” he pointed out. What did you find? Certainly not peace and quiet. There could hardly be much peace when Edgar was still going through hell, and there couldn’t be much quiet either with the partying echoes of the crowd surrounding them. “Nothing interesting,” he murmured, shrugging as he leaned back against the wall again. “Maybe I wasn’t really looking either, though.”

[ofenigmas]

It's second nature that she flushes when Danny takes her hand, because what in life doesn't leave her blushing at this rate? It's such a silly thing for Danny to say. She'd never assumed that he'd be an Alice, so Angelie genuinely cannot fathom anything to warrant such a statement. She squeezes his hand in return. "Thank you, Danny, you look quite handsome yourself! You don't have to be nervous, alright? I promise! If it's the attention you don't like, I can stage a --" She's cut off by Dorothy and Doug's presence on stage.

Esther... Virtue. Lizzie... Vice. Winnie... Vice. Pippa... Virtue. Henry... Virtue, and finally, Danny... Vice.

There's only confusion and mild exasperation in Angelie's unguarded expression. "Wow, I guess this is what happens when they let Doug Ewing write the results down. Do you think he messed up all of them or just yours? Oh, don't worry! I'll see if my mom can talk to them and get this sorted."

"Yeah.. it is a little bit." Danny admitted nervously. "I hope it doesn't change anything between us." He took hold of her hand and gave it a light squeeze along with a smile. "You look lovely today."

[ofenigmas]

It's only after he makes the dry remark that Reuben recalls the connection the Fells now have with the Rejected. He's never particularly associated with Whitney's family, nor associated her with them, so he hadn't considered... Lips part to apologize, and yet no words escape. Let her think him too indifferent to either care or know; it's for the best.

Despite himself, Reuben shifts slightly, finally turning toward her, but only halfway. In another lifetime, he might have stood here in comfortable silence with her, musing why an esteemed professor might have wished to leave the utopian life they lived. Perhaps he'd have complimented the way she looked a silver goddess beneath the moonlight. Then, they'd have found Lenianna and ... Fists clench on the railing beside him. No amount of years will make this less raw, less suffocating.

"I should go," he grits out without continuing the conversation, although Reuben isn't particularly sure whether he's informing Whitney or himself.

I’m not a Rejected, am I? The words they exchanged had a way of having sharp effects. It had always been like that, but in the past, it had been teeming with a competitiveness built on the back of friendship. Now, Whitney wasn’t sure exactly where they stood. But friendship was not the word to describe whatever this was. Had friends turned to enemies? Perhaps that was too extreme of an assumption. Regardless of any coldness in Whit’s demeanor, despite what she may say, she didn’t hate Reuben Valencia. But did he hate Whitney Fell?

The mention of being a Rejected made her think of her own father, his present status having been unknown for years. Whitney tightened their jaw, wondering if Reuben even knew any of that, knew that the princess’s father had fallen from grace. It had been quite the public affair anyway. Either way, she didn’t respond, only narrowed her gaze.

Reuben may have been reluctant to bring up the trial, but he seemed to be trying to deflect from the tension happening between them and their history. Though it was a miscalculation on his part to specifically bring up Edgar, who happened to be connected to a place and time the two of them knew all too well. “I took his course at the academy, though I do not know him personally,” they explained bluntly, turning so that she could eye the distance in front of them. School days. Simpler times. The attempt to keep those memories at bay may have almost been rougher than avoiding the knife hovering right between them.

In another lifetime, maybe Whitney and Reuben would’ve been standing beside one another in trust. Two Virtues with a bond that couldn’t be broken. That should’ve been their life. Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve been.

[ofenigmas]

"Oh! Well, thank you!" It's meant as a gesture of gratitude for both the reassurance and the balance. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Jordan," she tells her roommate, smile widening. "Is there anything new that you want to try? Something a little more new than a new set of Legos."

With all due respect to Jordan, he wasn’t exactly an expert in anything. But he had a bright smile, a heart of gold, and he loved his friends. At least there was that to balance out other areas that were a little lacking. “No, not at all!” he promised. “I think it’s cool to try new things. And if you like it, then that’s great—oh, watch this little curb here!” The warning came after almost tripping over it himself as he continued leading Angelie on in a slow but steady enough fashion.

[ofenigmas]

currently holding it all together with one bobby pin.