udxjack-blog

[udxjack-blog]

♞ -  Pleased with her choice, not having fancied a bloody mess beneath his window, the knave held tight and lifted. Automatically his other hand reached out to scoop the miss inside and then steady her. He had never had reason to sneak someone into his chambers before, but now knowing that it was an option certainly provided some usefulness out of the day at least. Sparing a moment from the imminent interrogation, hazel gaze swept over her form, checking for injury, but callused palms did not relinquish their hold.

Annoyance began to overtake the young man and he guided her, albeit more gently than one might expect a robber to be treated, to a gilded Queen Anne chair in the corner farthest from both door and window. In a tone that brooked no complaint, Jack commanded, “Sit.” Arms folded over chest and brows furrowed as he glared. No harm had been done, but it had most definitely been meant and the courtier was not about to let anyone think they could pilfer his fortune and walk away unscathed. “Let’s start with why you were hanging from my window, hm?” Thumb and forefinger spread out the chain of his locket and held it up. “It is quite pretty, however, unfortunately for you, mine. Is this all you were after, or should I begin to tally my things?”

❝ Eʏᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ Bᴇʜᴏʟᴅᴇʀ .

( ℰ  ) »          

            Elara was afraid of being hurt– such was the way of the rabbit, constantly afraid. Would he beat her for being lusting after something that was not hers to take? Would he merely scold her, injuring her pride and all hopes of befriending him, and tell her to leave. A quiet whine slipped through her rose lips as he stole away the shining necklace, but her eyes brightened at the sight of his outstretched hand.

Would his skin feel like silk, smooth plains of his palms caressing her own? Or, would they be rough, sculpted by this harsh world and a true reflection of the many adventures and dangers he’s endured. Oh, she was slightly flustered, which only made her own hands sweat and her grip on the window ledge weaker by the second. And she didn’t want to die so young, not having seen enough of the world’s beauty to greet death without any regrets or a longing to continue to live. No, it was far too soon for her heart to stop. So the white rabbit allowed it to continue pattering away as she reached for his hand, placing her entire faith in the man and his charming eyes to whisk her up to safety. 

[udxjack-blog]

♞- Vibrant guffaws rang out from a lithe form with total abandon. Jack laughed so hard he had to clutch at his abdomen. Why in Wonderland hadn’t he ever thought of that? At last, he calmed down enough to praise the other with a bemused shake of his head, “Well, at least you’re outfit isn’t the only thing hilarious about you. I’ll admit to being curious as to what exactly this bedroom activity entails.” The scamp had the audacity to waggle brows at the other before adding, “New tricks always come in handy.”

“Speaking of which, let’s teach you some.” Coarse digits help up two discs, one slightly bigger than the other. “These are your weapons. The large fellow’s a squidger and poor itty bitty thing here’s a wink.” Bending at the waist, he placed the wink down and nodded at the cup in the center of the table. As he spoke, Jack carefully flicked his squidger across the top of the smaller disc and down it’s edge, “The point is to get the wink in the pot, but it may take you a few strokes.”

As the wink landed just short, a scant few centimeters from the glass he glanced up at Cathal. “Got that part? It’s your first time, so just worry about getting it in for now.”

tiddly winks | NYB

{♙}

“TIDDLYWINKS,” CATHAL REPEATS. “sounds like something one does in the bedroom.” he scans the table and settles on, “white. after all, games imitate life.” feeling pleased with himself, he rests a palm flat on the table. “continue, continue. i’m all ears.”  

[udxjack-blog]

                                    { @udxjulian· }

♞- There were very few occasions in which the ever arrogant knave disliked himself and feeling frozen to the floor officially made that moment one of them. As he spotted Julian, looking even more warm and cuddly than normal, walking past, it took every scrap of self-control to keep from clutching at the others leg and begging for a hug. The minutes drew on and it became steadily more evident that he was not going to be rescued and gifted a kiss for his poor frozen backside.

Oh well, Jack had always been more the saving type anyway. Getting out from under the divan was harder than going in, stiff muscles groaning with the effort. Recalling the matter of hide-n-seek after a beat, Jack crept up behind Julian as silently as he could.

At the exact moment arms wrapped around the others shoulders, he whispered, “Got you.” Next thing he was aware of, his body had acted on it’s own accord and a chilly nose was nuzzling into his date’s neck. He mumbled against the soft skin there, quite unwilling to withdraw from the warmth until the other male pushed him away, “You’re really bad at this, but that’s okay. I like it.”

The obvious at this point truth that the scamp liked Julian, plain and simple, was displayed by sweet kiss placed against a round cheek. “Being that cute when you pout ought to be illegal. Let’s try something else.” Sliding around to aim a cheeky grin, he continued, “Think you can keep up with me instead? An all-out surrender is about a thirty kisses fine, but I’m willing to accept them graciously.”

adolescent heart | NYB

[ @udxjack· ]

as he rattled off the numbers backwards, stuffing the butterflies back down into the hole they came from. they were in a middle of a fairly innocent childhood game therefore it obviously was not the time for julian to fantasize about further lip to lip contact with a certain attractive knight somewhere else in this room. however it served as a nearly impossible feat as the numbers dwindled down to zero.

happily, he skipped off - not quite literally - to seek out a certain person in hiding. after all, he did say he wasn’t going to go easy, which means he will definitely be putting in more effort to find the hidden male. with poised steps, the male silently eased his way around the hall, peeking in small nooks and crannies, mostly in more what others would call obvious hiding spots.

pouting after what felt like centuries of searching, the male let his feet drag - just a little - as he continued to search, eyes on the look-out for anything out of the ordinary. “jack,” he called out, voice almost coming out as a whine. he wasn’t going to give up without trying but when his efforts just didn’t seem enough, the male knew when to call it quits.

“just because i wasn’t going to go easy,” he complained softly to himself, “doesn’t mean you need to either.” bottom lip still jutted out into a full blown pout as he attempted to call for the other a few more times until he revealed himself.

[udxjack-blog]

♞-Sanguine splattered arms curved around the wounded man's body with utmost care, cautioning, “Try to hold on. I’ve got you.” Every bit of common sense told him to keep a brave face as legs lifted and bore the brunt of Julian's weight, but the noble’s terror-to-confidence ratio was dismal at best for the first time in his life. All manner of beings burst into fits of screams or manic laughter around them, some fighting back with fervor among the mob and others fleeing just like them.

The knave had never thought of some higher power, or at least anything higher than Her Majesty, but while lengthy limbs began to churn in an adrenaline fueled haste, a stray wish that those creatures would be kept occupied long enough for the pair to slip by without any further molestation filtered out. Carrying Julian left the both of them vulnerable, but Jack couldn’t bring himself to risk his dea— erm, friend’s wounds becoming worse.

Spying another wave of guards turning a corner ahead as he wavered between a brisk walk and sprints, the knave sidestepped into a nook, back pressed against the wall and breath locked tight in rigid lungs. Fearing to look away should worse come to worst, eyes fought the pull to squeeze shut in some lingering childhood mentality that what was not seen could not see.

Only a few moments that seemed like eons after the murderous forms had shuffled past, did he look down at the weakened male in his arms. “You’re not okay, I know, but can you go on right now?” Harsh profile, in vast contrast to the velvety soft tone used, leaned forward to glance down the hall, “I can try to dress some of the worst cuts and buy a little more time. ”

run away with me | pt.2

[ @udxjack· ]

the two were off, enjoying their private time until the sudden eardrum bursting screams and whistles broke the tranquility surrounding him. knowing of his date’s duties and loyalty to the queen, the liddell twin didn’t hesitate to let the other leave first. reassuring himself that he could at least keep himself from harm’s way, the male set off to possibly find his sister in hopes she was safe. despite refusing to acknowledge his sister’s lover, the younger twin trusted that if he truly loved the female, he’d keep her safe.

heading in the opposite direction as the escaping bodies with the assumption that his sister was still inside, julian pulled out the pocket knife he tucked in his suit earlier that day. one can never be too careful. holding the blade defensively, he managed to weave through the crowd before halting in spot at the horror unfolding before him.

fear and shock holding him as a captive, the stunned male became an easy target for the attackers. before he could remove himself from such a vulnerable position, the air was forced out of him as he collided with the marbled floor. a choked scream escaped from his lips before sustaining more wounds on his body. several severe injuries littered his body partnered with bruises and minor cuts by the time another body rushed towards him.

whimpers of pain bubbled from his chest as he stared at the other with pain filled eyes, willing the tears to stay. “i-i-it’s not.. your fault,” he managed to stutter out, one hand grasping the other’s clothing while the other pressed to his side, in hopes to slow the bleeding.

[udxjack-blog]

                                        { @udxjulian· }

♞-Numerous occasions had forced the roguish young man to keep hands to himself, but they never enjoyed the struggle, especially not then when all he wanted to do was cup that sweet face. The other’s positive response gifted for seemingly innocent affection between friends had a strange bubble of sunshine warmth buried in Jack’s chest threatening to burst from the brittle confines. Innocence and the knave were about as far apart as arsenic and sugar, however. There was a distinct desire to run his thumbs across the most adorable set of cheeks in all of Wonderland, keeping them glowing bright all night and the game seemed to be a good first step.

“I wouldn’t dream of asking you to,” he replied automatically, keeping a lid on how much he’d rather have the other be hard anyways by some miracle of self-control. Tip toed steps led down the corridor, gears inside a mahogany topped head attempting to work out the very best position to take and spying a divan, the scamp got an awful idea. With minimal effort, albeit a slight groan at the tight fit, lithe form shimmied its way between the furnitures bottom and the floor.

With winter chill having infected every spare inch of the castle, Jack had to fight off a bout of shivers while patiently waiting. Now that he considered it, maybe this was too good a spot. Then again, it didn’t really matter which one of them lost, he was the winner either way.

Scarcely had enough time passed for Julian to finish counting then the knaves teeth began to chatter and the brunt of his folly hit. What kind of hope did he have of being a good kisser with such a condition? He made a mental note to have some braziers placed even in the lesser used wings and halls from now on.

adolescent heart | NYB

[ @udxjack· ]

stifling his giggles with his palm, the male huddled closer to the potted plant. it wasn’t as if he was hoping to stay hidden, after all a kiss from the latter didn’t seem like a terrible idea. in fact, if he were able to without it involving a childhood game, that’d be quite lovely but he wasn’t one to voice that thought out loud. at least, not with others - especially the person involved - around. so instead, he continued to hide (not exactly in the best place but it’s not like he’s wishing to win anyways) in a quite obvious spot as the other searches.

with each number voiced out, his heartbeat begins to quicken, nerves making him almost unable to contain the jitters. the clacking of shoes against the marbled flooring sent shivers of excitement down his spine, head peeking up slightly (despite it possibly giving away his spot) to sneak a peek at the other male.

just as he thought he was in the clear for at least another couple seconds after jack’s statement, the male breathed a sigh of relief, glad his hiding spot didn’t seem too obvious. that was until a sudden waft of cinnamon and a hint of fresh fabrics assaulted his nose. before he could escape his fate, a pair of lips pressed against his ever so slightly.

plush lips slotted with his as the blood flow rushed to his head. as everything began to fade away, julian gently responded, lips twitching (against his will) upwards before the other pulled away. red paint splayed across his cheeks and the tips of his ears as he shyly smiled at jack, eyes peeking from behind his fringes.

“okay,” he nodded quickly, hurrying to get up and set off to count. “i won’t go easy on you,” he called behind his shoulder, feet stopping at the spot where the other had previously been.

[udxjack-blog]

♞ -“I never said you couldn’t touch. Let’s not get has— Wait, steal?” In a tone far too high pitched, the young man started, stepping back as though he’d been slapped and nigh instantly regretting the instinctual action.

Brows furrowed, lines marring his forehead to match those around pert lips. Callused fingertips set to rubbing at temples while he contemplated the exact situation, fearing he may have misconstrued again. Voyeurism was a far cry from thievery. Ah, yes, and then it occurred to the noble, his prized possession, of course.

The piece of simple jewelry would hardly catch the best price of all his various embellishments, most ignored and forgotten in a chest. But, Jack should have known better than to leave it in plain view.

So muddled in confusion had the knave been that only when he fixed an unwavering stare on the miss, did he realize how lovely she was or  remember her precarious hold. Crossing the last remaining distance, one hand snatched up the locket while another was offered out with an unwavering, minuscule smile. “The ground's going to hurt you if you don’t let me help you in. Whether I will remains to be seen. The choice is yours.”

❝ Eʏᴇ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ Bᴇʜᴏʟᴅᴇʀ .

( ℰ  ) »          

            The voice caused her to jolt, which wasn’t the best thing to do when one is dangling from a window. If it wasn’t for her toes quickly finding a small ridge in the bricks to rest on, she would have fell. Rabbit’s feet were lucky, after all.

Her fingertips whitened as she clung over the ledge and her eyes were wide, but not out of fear. She was transfixed again by beauty– this time, by the creature who was slowly creeping towards her with his iridescent gaze. 

She wanted to pluck his gem-like eyes from their sockets.

  “I was only looking! Never would I touch, never would I steal–”

Elara stammered, knowing her excuse was weak and barely believable. But it was hard to think when the stranger was such a delightful specimen. Yes, even living beings could captivate the maid and place her under an incredible spell. It was her biggest weakness, her most deadly vice. However, it could also be her biggest motivator. For her arms were aching and her fingers had grown numb, yet she still clung on, not for her life, but so she could continue to gaze at his marvellous features. 

   “Will you hurt me? Won’t you allow me look?”

[udxjack-blog]

                                          { @udxjulian· }

♞-While a countdown was muttered automatically, he wondered just when he’d last had so much fun. The knave presented a picture of perpetual enjoyment as best he could, but the truth was far from idyllic. Pulse quickened as spoken numbers came into single digits and the childish man may have turned around at three rather than one, but what was a few seconds between friends?

Each step clacked against polished floor as he crossed the space, hazel gaze sweeping every square centimeter with single minded determination. Bending to peek behind each bit of furniture, he recalled not hearing the opening of any doors so stuck to the main hall.

At last the lengthy male caught a glimpse of his quarry behind a plant, hardly inconspicuous and an oft reckless mind dared to hope it might just be intentional, but decided to be charitable anyway. “Oh dear, I certainly didn’t expect to take this long,” was stated to an opposing wall. “That’s going to make winning all the sweeter, I hope you know.”

Forever impatient, the courtier decided he’d boosted the other’s ego enough and as silently as possible sank to all fours a few steps from the flora. The supposed adult moved forward stealthily, barely able to keep from giggling. Stopping right in front of Julian, an index finger gently tapped at the loser’s head, chirping shamelessly, “Found you!” That same digit followed the contours of a handsome profile to stop beneath Julain’s chin, carefully tilting it up while simultaneously leaning forward. With his heartbeat crashing in ear drums, thin lips pressed against the fuller set, hesitantly at first but increasing insistence with every second that passed. Finally pulling back with an unabashed grin, he whispered, “Best two out of three?”

adolescent heart | NYB

[ @udxjack· ]

julian’s eyes gleamed with a twinge of excitement and curiosity at the wide space in front of him. he felt honour that the other male would willing to bring him to such a location in hopes to spend alone time with him. this was definitely something that he’d definitely prefer to do over anything else (well, almost anything.) bouncing childishly on the balls of his feet, the younger male beamed before turning to meet the other’s gaze.

“ridiculously fun,” he retorted, eyes disappearing as a toothy grin spread across his face. it had been, what seemed like, centuries since he’d last played the nostalgic game. “a kiss, really now?” shyness replacing the previous emotion as he stared thoughtfully at the male before him.

the younger liddell twin knew better, having made sure he knew all the proper rules and regulations prior to moving with his sister. however, a kiss involving jack sounded like a dream that he was more than willing to transform into reality.

despite the sudden bashful change in his attitude, his feet quickly took off just as jack had turned to count. “no peeking!” he exclaimed before dashing quickly in hopes to find a hiding spot. obviously one that wasn’t exactly too difficult to spot but at least made him seem like he was trying.  spying the potted plant several feet from where he paused, the male hurriedly crouched behind, curling into a ball in order to further conceal himself.

[udxjack-blog]

run away with me | pt.2

                                                           { @udxjulian }

♞- As whistles rang out, sharp features swiveled over the crowd, willowy form already beginning to push its way through. One thought prevailed on the Knave of Hearts mind, “Where’s the Queen?” He had always harbored Her Majesty’s best interests in his core and the fear that sent bile rising up his throat over her safety was a natural, immediate response. For the life of him, the courtier couldn’t figure out why everyone seemed rooted where they stood. Becoming increasingly more rough with his shoves, the young man dashed across the marble floor only to skid to a halt before an advancing card guard.

The pitch creatures wobbling about them were the truly horrifying part, however, as the familiar guards began to tear into guests and sludge limbs swung about the crowd. Dropping to his knees just in time to narrowly avoid a wayward strike, everything almost seemed to freeze in the frenzied miasma of fear that hung heavy in the atmosphere.

Feeling his stomach drop about twenty meters, large ears picked up on a cry over the din. How he could pick out this particular sound from all the others, Jack probably would never figure out until it was too late, but lengthy limbs set into motion before beleaguered mind could scarcely command them to. Barely managing to dodge the various attackers, sustaining a few cuts and close calls, the noble managed to aim a series of jacks before him, but the encroaching masses never seemed to shrink.

Restless eyes scanned the area as more and more screams filled ear drums and, despite all his loyalties and intentions, the knave placed his Queen on a mental back burner. A gentleman never forgets his obligations and one Liddell was very much his concern, having brought Julian to this event in the first place. At least, that was how he chose to rationalize it to himself.

Scarcely able to breathe, at last the worried man zeroed in on his target, and promptly felt all the blood rush from his face. “W-wha—” With a negative shake of his head, the knave abandoned a line of questioning to insist firmly, worry lines creasing forehead and the corners of his mouth. “We need to get out of here, now.” And in the next breath, as gentle hands sought some undamaged purchase to move Julian, he whispered, not sure if his date could even hear, “I’m so sorry.”

[udxjack-blog]

puddles

                                          { @udxceph }

♞ - Jack Seymour was not the type to cry and moan about every little bump and scrape dealt in the line of duty. Surely, Her Majesty would not tolerate such a nuisance of a subject for long even if he did. However, the rapscallion would gladly search out a remedy for someone else.

Breath harsh and ragged, the willowy man paused before the healer, hands on knobby knees and skin flushed. Finally, a set of mismatched eyes stared up while he struggled to form words in between gulps of oxygen. “S-some rose balm, please.” Straightening up, with what definitely sounded like a creak to over-sized ears, callused digits brushed back damp mahogany strands from the knave’s flushed face. “Sorry, it was a bit longer of a jaunt than I’d expected.”

Since he’d taken up his little quest, the Seymour heir had been doing all sorts of things like this to provide his sovereign with a better class of subjects. Not once did he regret such actions either, for there was no one more deserving of his best efforts and a proper land for her dominion than the Red Queen. The nimble fingers that withdrew a small coin purse from his pocket bore the calluses of every effort dedicated to his liege and the contents of teeth flashed at the other, in an effort to hurry business along, were gladly offered up for someone else’s sake.

[udxjack-blog]

♞-“It’s only fair considering everyone else is suffering great offense over your horrendous taste, but I’ll let the matter drop for now.” There was something about what Cathal said that elicited throaty chuckles from the youth. Perhaps, simply because, despite a vastly inflated ego, Jack could hardly picture himself as anything more than a juggler, trying to keep everything from crashing to the ground.

Pausing, he considered the wager with a carefully blank expression. On one hand, the Knave of Hearts could not think of a single lady in the assemblage that he might be ashamed to perform such an outrageous act with, but this was not a typical occasion, nor was he entirely free to do as he pleased. No action, no matter how small, was without its angle in Queensland.

“Only your shirt against me parading the very best parts of an alluring physique, the sights of which few—” a cough was buried against the back of his fist as eyes widened briefly before he continued, ”have had the great pleasure to view? Hardly seems equitable chum.” In good conscience, the nobleman could not renege once he’d thrown down the gauntlet, however.  Heaving a soft sigh, at last he nodded and reached out to shake the other’s hand in good faith. “Alright then, as gentlemen with honor on the line. Wait,” the corners of pert lips turned down, forehead marred with lines, “do you even know how to play?” Mismatched eyes scrunched shut as thumb and forefinger met at the bridge of a bumpy nose. “Well, I suppose I could give you a rundown of the rules and object, since I’m such a kind, caring soul.”

“The game is tiddlywinks and I’ll be using red, of course. You may choose whichever other color you like and we’ll begin on a step by step teaching basis.“ Jack crossed arms over his chest, fingertips tapping on pristine shirtsleeves while he patiently waited to begin.

tiddly winks | NYB

{♙}

CATHALS STICKS A hand out for the man to shake. “what do you say? do we have a deal? an agreement between gentlemen?”

[udxjack-blog]

♞-On occasion, between daring self imposed quests and typical duties presented for the bearer of his title, Jack found court life uneventful. Wandering about the grounds of Queensland aimlessly, he swept a gaze around, placid smile overcoming sharp features. At last hazel hues alighted on a favored figure and lengthy limbs led him over to her in record time.

“Well, if it isn’t Wonderlands loveliest blossom! Good day Lady Rose.” Flashing one if his infamously winsome grins, the younger sank to his knees next to her, disregarding any potential damage to fine garments. “Don’t tell me you’re planning to do all this by yourself?” Wavy tresses bounced with a soft, negative shake of his head. “Please, allow me to assist. It’s always a pleasure to bask in your company.” 

cherry wine,

wednesdays are for tending to the rose bushes in the west. so, she sits upon the grass and prepares to plant new little roses into a fresh patch of earth; careful as ever to keep dirt from her dress, rushing nothing (quick work rarely finds beautiful flowers, she has discovered) and never thinking of much besides her duties. palace life and court work is ever so busy, after all—especially for a sheltered nobleman’s daughter as herself.

and there aren’t many people at this time of day, because the sun is only coming down and people are only waking and preparing for the night. but she quite enjoys the aloneness sometimes, the occasional passing of click-clacking heels and hushed whispers that she has come to ignore. and she continues to work, absorbed in the seconds of her doing.

[udxjack-blog]

                                      { @udxjulian }

♞ -A vague notion that he was being childish and silly prickled at the edge of Jack’s senses. It was typically an unfavorable trait that persisted now into his twenties, but the knave had less a chance of breaking it than suddenly growing a second head. Familiar corridors seemed to fall behind in the blink of an eye and callused hands only relinquished his hold on the other for palms to connect with the door handle behind his back. “Honored guest of the Red Queen,” pausing just long enough to slip in a cheeky wink, he continued, “and my own, personal favorite, I present to you the greatest entertainment Queensland has to offer!” It took every iota of extra effort to keep the phrase, ‘at least outside of my bed’ from escaping in addition to an already brash statement.

With an unrepentant grin, he pushed open the double doors and swept an arm out grandly. “We used to play here when I was little and Papa was busy with his duties. I doubt anyone will wander upon this locale tonight.” The eldest Seymour child glanced about the unlit hallway and adjacent rooms fondly.

Uncharacteristically unsure and bashful, index fingers met before him and head bowed. “It is alright to tell me I’m being ridiculous.” Hazel gaze fixed on Julian from beneath feathery fringe and a canine clamped on bottom lip. “I just want you to have fun.” Shrugging thin shoulders, the scamp offered up his idea at last, “So… Hide and Seek? Loser gets a kiss, of course. Those are the standard Queensland rules.” Covering up mismatched eyes, Jack leaned his forehead against the door jamb. “I’ll even give you extra time since I’m such a nice fellow.”

adolescent heart | NYB

[ @udxjack· ]

the other’s bold comment painted his cheeks a bright shade of red, almost rivaling the colours of the decorations carefully placed on display across the grand castle. the male never seemed to bore julian with the way he would act whenever they were together, not even for a second. just as he was about to playfully scold the latter and warn him to be more careful about what he says, the other had already placed a plate of cherry pie (they’re absolutely to die for) and leading him out.

on most occasions during events like these, julian would attempt to halt his partner’s actions and request that they stay a while longer to at least greet his sister before disappearing. however, it completely slipped his mind the moment a warmth pressed against the small of his back, cherry pie in hand as he silently munched on it. an excuse of his own so it would seem that he was simply too occupied to protest. however in reality, he was the one that also agreed to such an act.

“and now i can hear your soothing voice,” he replied boldly, the red once again returning to his cheeks as if they were meant to be there since the beginning. luckily for the younger twin, he had finished majority of his pie (only crumbs were left to be honest) before his date had excitedly pulled him along for another crazy adventure. letting a genuinely pleased laugh bubble from his core and fill the space between them, the dark haired male followed along, enjoying the sudden feel of youth and warmth that washed over him.

[udxjack-blog]

                                        { @udxjulian }

♞- “It’s hardly rude to call a spade a spade. I assure that you may refer to my derriere as adorable any time you like and I shall never take affront!” Stretching to his full height and adding the distance of tip toes, Jack scanned the room. “See, no one’s coming to claim my head just yet.” Setting down again to rest eyes on a more desired sight, the playful man batted lashes at his date. With a low whisper that only the quiet male could hear, the audacious youth leaned closer, “Julian Liddell, you are very much a man after my own heart.”

Bestowing an impish grin on the other, Jack brazenly placed a palm against the small of his company’s back, casually placing the plate into his hands, and gently began to lead across the crowded space. Perhaps, in the past, the myriad beings that occupied the grand room would have interested a cocky and spirited teenager, but of late he’d become enamored of peaceful, private rendezvous.

A sigh of relief escaped pert lips as soon as they were through the ornately carved doors, suffocating atmosphere shut behind them. “Much better! Now I can actually hear you laugh, it’s quite becoming by the way.” Index finger tapped against his chin, other hand planted on a bony hip while the gears of an oft naughty mind considered better entertainment for the evening. Suddenly, eyes widened and a light bulb flashed above mahogany topped head. “Done with your pie?” he chirped eagerly, grabbing Julian’s hand without really waiting for an answer. “Come on! I’ve got an idea.” Taking off, barely restraining from running, Jack tugged the other along on course for a secluded section of the castle far removed from the suites being used for the ball.·

adolescent heart | NYB

[ @udxjack· ]

events like these were not julian’s usual definition of a fun night out. in fact, any sort of gathering that exceeded the number of approximately five guests were instantly a turn off for the male. however he wasn’t one to publicly show his displeasure, especially not when royals were present. in the end, he simply followed the orders that were voiced and dressed himself in his finest suit to impress - but only for the sake of his date. he knew better than to appear in front of many others alongside a dashing male and appear like a simple peasant (but in reality, he really is just a peasant) in rags.

as he followed behind his date, almost like a lost puppy, the male halted beside the buffet table. one thing he did enjoy about such events like these were the grand array of delicacies that would appear at the tables alongside the walls. they helped keep the dark haired male’s attention away from the suffocating amount of bodies and the fact that his sister was nowhere to be seen. he suspects that she’s probably happily skipping along with her toy at this very moment. but he refuses to acknowledge it.

a soft bubble of laughter voices itself as he stares back at the male he accompanied to the queen’s ball. “that’s quite rude to call such a spectacular event debacle,” he comments softly, lips still tugged into a smile as he stares at the other. “i will still take you up on the offer for both. one can’t simply pass up on some delicious cherry pie or a chance to escape.” eyes twinkling mischievously under the light beaming from the grand chandeliers from above.

[udxjack-blog]

old maid | NYB

                                       { @udxaloysius​ }

♞ - Edge of a thumb traced the curve of his chin as Jack scanned the hand of cards he’d dealt himself. There were not many card games encouraged in the Red Queens court, (something about the guards threatening to strike), but they’d managed to save Old Maid. Absently fingers rifled through the colorful surfaces, setting aside his matched pairs into neat piles. “Shouldn’t you be out there entertaining the throng of giddy geese on the dance floor Aloysius or dare I feel flattered you’ve decided to spend your time off with little old me?”

The chipper tone to his voice was well fitted to mask a losing hand, his line of sight notably casual as it danced over the undesired element. “Hm, yes, I really do think I dare, but I’m sure that will hardly come as a shock to you.” Inclining his head, Jack indicated the Cheshire’s right to a first turn and held his cards carefully face down to be chosen from.

Sitting in a cozy little alcove of crimson velvet plush wing backed chairs, the pair probably resembled a couple of old friends playing an innocent game away from the tawdry debauchery around the room. Then again, perhaps not with him involved. It had not been very long at all since he’d slipped away, but each minute seemed longer than the last and slim fingers dug out a silver pocket watch from the pocket of his rose embroidered, double breasted waistcoat before checking his hand once more to see what was missing. “Such an odd name for a game, Old Maid is.”

[udxjack-blog]

tiddly winks | NYB

                                                            { @udcathal }

♞ -  Any proper courtier worth their salt knew that the very best parts of balls were the action behind the scenes. In smoky drawing rooms away from the mind numbing chatter and waltzes, they gathered, a shadowy force with sacks full of teeth. People were made or broken in these games and the Seymour heir was glad to give his best effort to uncover the kinds of secrets and ambitions the opposition might hold in the name of the One True Queen, even though it meant sacrificing his own enjoyment of vastly more charming company. 

Bending over the cherry wood table, mossy hues lined up his shot, carefully gauging each centimeter between his wink and the target. At last they glanced up to his opponent, brow arching above though his mouth remained firmly lacking in any humorous upturn. “Just what are we wagering here old chap? Obviously pride is on this table, but it’s downright dull if that’s all!” With measured care, the knave straightened slowly only to lean forward with palms against the cold surface. A chuckle threatened to tumble from the recesses of a lean throat as he admitted, “I have the distinct feeling everyone in this room, nay land, would greatly appreciate the loss of your— Can that even be rightfully called attire?”

With a disdainful shake of his head that set unruly locks tumbling and several tongue clicks more in line with a nagging mother than a rambunctious twenty year old, Jack swept a long appraising stare over the other. “All right then, name your bet. I’ve got mine.” 

[udxjack-blog]

♞ - “You don’t w a n t  to?” The gentleman openly seethed. A vein below his left eye began to tick, jaw tight and fists clenched. “Why you— you,” in all of his twenty years, the knave had never run across a perfect pejorative to hurl at the other, realizing his expression could hardly be seen through solid wood.

If he were the bearer of a more magical nature, he would have smote the man where he stood, and lost his best chance for survival, but it totally would have been worth it! Worn out from pounding and pushing with all his might, Jack slumped against the back wall, palms dragging across his face. For a minute, he refused to make a peep, though sullen glare attempted to pierce the opposite surface. Stubborn to a fault, he insisted, underlying heat more controlled, “Fortune favors the bold and I shan’t apologize for being so, even if my success rate is��negligible!”

Breath rushed out like hot steam as the Queensandian pondered his options. Jack had always been and would always be a man of his word, so he did not give it lightly. His suspicions of this area required even extra consideration than normal. If he promised a nameless favor to a stranger, the consequences could be positively treasonous to the loyal man. “I suppose it’s hopeless to ask just what this favor expected of me might be?”

.trapped

「♟」 response to @udxjack‘s meme here!

AN ACTIVE MIND, when bored, always finds something or the other to keep it stimulated, be it productive or destructive. building large and easily triggered traps around the dollhouse likely falls into the latter category, but cathal can’t bring himself to regret any of it as he stumbles across a hilarious sight–one of the letter blocks 「J 」has captured some overly curious creature within its wooden walls, and the desperate scrambling is far too amusing. 

PERCHED ATOP A fallen log, cathal studies the letter block, a smile dancing on his lips. “i don’t think i want to,” he says, voice loud enough to penetrate the block. “you see, i am deriving great enjoyment out of your situation.” drumming his fingers against his cheek, cathal stretches his legs out and crosses his ankles. it would take a minute or two to break down the block at most, but that would require effort he doesn’t want to expend. 

“IF YOU’RE RECKLESS enough to wander around blindly in the dollhouse, then any punishment should be fitting, shouldn’t it?” oh, this is fun. “but i could be persuaded to consider setting you free… for a favour. give and take and all that.”

[udxjack-blog]

why.

                                                                { @udxciel }

♞ - Thundering heart beat reverberated within Jack’s skull and the lump obstructing airways had him suspicious of its inevitable journey to what must surely be an empty receptacle. Where his mind had fled to was anyone’s guess, perhaps the creature hot on his heels had eaten it. A single glance darted over his shoulder told the knave he was still the beast’s quarry and he poured every last bit of energy into evading long enough to get a clean shot on it.

The last ditch maneuver almost seemed to work too, his willowy form dodged between enough trees and undergrowth to build a lead, but the young man hadn’t seen the root bursting through viridian grass just enough to snag his foot. Tumbling head over heels at breakneck speeds hurt, probably not as much as being eaten alive, but a hell of a lot and with a wince, bottom lip clenched between slightly uneven teeth, the nobleman carefully picked himself up, irreparably disheveled, only to realize that he was no longer alone. Rapid blinks were all the communication he could offer at first to the stranger, reaction lost in the throes of pain and surprise, but pounding steps recalled his wits momentarily. 

“Watch out!” Whirling around, the Red Queen’s faithful Knave pulled out a jack and lobbed it at the encroaching mass. After years of training, the motions were more like second nature and sharpened arms struck true, not that he was foolish enough to think that one hit would be able to lay low such an impressive foe.