cuddlecity | EVENT: A VERY NICE BALL.

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EVENT: A VERY NICE BALL.

Blink, and a week goes by; close your eyes, and the evening of the fifteenth comes to life, the cool glow of moonlight illuminating the quiet streets of the city. For once, it seems like the entire city's come to a standstill — many of the local businesses have closed early today, with signs advising they'll reopen first thing in the morning, and even the dependable, cheerful squawks of the street vendors have hushed for the time being. Hurried as this year's event may seem, the annual celebration is a city tradition that's not to be missed; bakers and booksellers alike know this all too well, and any lingering souls in their shops will be gently but firmly shooed to the exits by late afternoon. They've got to get all dolled up too, after all, and such finery takes time.

Whether the Social Committee's video enticed you or you've been dragged by the metaphorical scuff tonight, the Samhain Ball hopes to offer you an evening of seasonally appropriate escapism. There's something for everyone tonight, from the comforting swells of smooth jazz and upbeat swing pouring out from the stage where a live band plays, to the mouth-watering smells and tastes of a gourmet plated meal served early in the evening, to even the simple beauty of the decorated ballroom itself.

The first hour or so of the evening allows for guests to enter at their leisure through double doors at the north end of the ballroom, where all are greeted by the smiling faces of Flora and Cornelius in their matching cream pantsuits. Should you choose this main entrance, you and your companion — or companions, if you've brought more than one — will be announced in grand style, befitting the occasion. (Savvy — or sneaky — attendees may note the auxiliary entrance on the west side of the ballroom. Follow the garden path, and be mindful of the sprinklers. They do have a tendency to go off at the wrong moments.)

Take a look around, and soak in the sights. The ornately carved ceiling of the ballroom has been obscured for the evening with tasteful black draping dotted with the gentle glow of strung lights. It lends a twilight quality to the evening, enhanced by the soft flicker of tea lights placed at the center of each table on the east side of the ballroom and the sconces hung on the wall throughout. Each table, too, features a soft cream tablecloth and a bounty of autumnal florals, perfectly arranged to match the golden chairs surrounding. There's plenty of seating for all, and no assignments — feel free to claim a table for you and yours, and free your hands of anything you may not wish to carry.

The slow fade of music from the stage signals attention to a single woman illuminated by spotlight, whose silhouette should look familiar to anyone who's spent time in the city. With a small, tired smile, Mayor Drake welcomes you and yours to the city's annual Samhain Celebration Ball; her speech is short, but touches on the importance of the holiday, from the appreciation of the harvest to the welcoming of the new year, and reminds both natives and visitors alike to take time in the coming months to cherish their blessings — including this most immediate one, the promised Samhain feast.

Once you've settled around a table, the ballroom welcomes you to chat with strangers and friends alike, encouraging conversation with soft instrumental music and the quiet, pleasant generosity of passing waiters carrying flutes of happily bubbling champagne. A little liquid courage never hurt anyone, after all.

Dinner is an affair in itself, plated and served by hushed but skilled waiters whose capable hands whisk courses in and out with no more than a smile. No matter your dietary preferences or needs, there's an appetizer, entree, and everything in between available for you — simply raise a hand, and a member of the waitstaff will be at your side to assist in taking your order when you're ready. Linger as long as you like at the table; there's no rush to leave, but when you're ready, let the swells of the music from the stage entice you to the west side of the ballroom, where a dance floor's lit by the warm glow of so many twinkling lights overhead.

The music itself goes on through the wee hours of the evening, so there's plenty of opportunities to fill your dance card with any number of partners. The songs themselves vary from gentle waltzes perfect for cheek-to-cheek swaying to faster rhythms suited for swing dancing's signature dips and twirls, and requests are always welcome if you've something particular in mind. There's even a microphone tucked to the side, just in case you feel the urge to croon with accompaniment to someone special as the night goes on.

Of course, if you don't feel like dancing, or just need to rest your feet, there's plenty of entertainment tucked in the hall. In a small room just off the ballroom, you might find a collection of old-fashioned photobooth machines, ordered on accident and set here where they won't clash with the rest of the decor. They're operational, of course, and free of charge; feel free to take a few silly photos, but be sure to wait for them to print. There's the gardens, too, equally decorated with twinkling lights, though the effect is muted by the moonlight that trickles through the canopy overhead; the adjoining hedge maze and walking paths have often been a perfect site for quiet walks and romantic interludes in years past.

While a perfect world might allow such a charmed evening to last forever, unfortunately all good things must come to an end, and as the late hour of the evening gives way to the promise of dawn, a familiar tune is played to signal the end of the event. As the lyrics go, you don't have to go home... but you can't stay here. Time to make your way to the exit, and see where else the night takes you.

Whew, talk about words. Should you need a recap: be pretty, because this is a fancy event. Bring a friend or come stag, whatever you choose; eat, drink, dance (or don't) and be merry, for this is an event without any dramatic accidental consequences. Well, except the sprinklers... and maybe your own excessive consumption of champange, but that's up to you!

And, though we say it every time, please don't forget that your mod team is here for you with answers to any questions you might have, whether related specifically to this event or the game in general. If you have any further questions specific to this event, we encourage you to ask away on our QUESTIONS COMMENT here in this post. If you have general questions, or prefer a more private venue, our GENERAL INBOX (and SCREENED INBOX) is always available for you.

Enjoy your evening, cuddlers, but if you would, please — save the last dance for us?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Something to work towards, but I really wouldn't subject you to my cooking at this point. Honestly, you're better off just leaving me with the swords.

[ She could joke about it now. But back when she'd prepared a Thanksgiving feast for her entire Sunnydale family, she hadn't found it so funny when they'd complained. Buffy was capable of a lot of things, but not cooking.

She had been nodding in the affirmative before the twirl became a misstep and managed to untangle them before she repositioned his arm. ]

Re-do? And you're doing fine, even with that fumble. Maybe you're no Fred Astaire yet, but it's not like you need to go around dancing in the rain. Perfectly okay with taking it easy.

We still need to arrange for you to teach me swords. I can teach you the lasso, maybe gun-spinning, if you like?

[He also wants to learn how to use a sword, so it's very selfish of him. Not to mention, he very much likes to think of a woman who knows how to handle herself with weapons, so there's no bad side to this. He grimaces when he fucks up the turn, sighing as he gives her a wary look.]

I never know what half the words people say here. It's all fancy and English and very strange and I'm not.

[Really, he swears, Mexican cowboys from the 1800's are perfectly normal as far as he's concerned.]

Just name a time, I'll work out the place. And the equipment. Oh! Gun-spinning. I wanna look cool. Plus at least I won't have to actually shoot anyone here.

[ Buffy had only ever had to show the basics to her friends, so it was going to be new territory for her to teach someone properly. And there was definitely a part of her starting to feel the urge to show off and let Vasquez see what she was really capable of.

Buffy's smile was a little more apologetic this time and she shifted so that his arms slipped around her waist and hers slid around his neck. Not entirely unlike the way they'd danced at the Deviant but this time she wasn't grinding against him or trying to get his shirt off. This time she just guided him into a gentle sway. Who cared what the lessons had tried to teach him? She really was fine with simple. ]

And I'm probably not the best girl for you to keep hanging out with if you want proper English. My Spanish is... atroz. I need to make more of an effort.

[Vasquez is never going to rule out the need to shoot someone, because you never know when someone might be plotting against you or coming to murder you or any other number of things that he doesn't think about regularly. So yes, he'll keep his gun license and be ready, but he won't seek it out.]

We'll find a day, then.

[He readjusts his fingers on her waist, finding himself more comfortable versus the strange position from before, sliding them a little further so that he can tug her in against him, moving slowly to the music.]

I know enough English, but it's the modern slang I don't understand. It's all different from the English I learned as a boy. That, I can get by with.

[ For as long as there's no vampires looking to suck anyone's blood, Buffy is embracing the whole weapons down retirement thing. Even if there's this constant restlessness at never quite exerting enough energy. Or maybe it was just the fact that she'd gotten used to going out every night and hitting a lot of bad guys. ]

As long as it doesn't clash with any shift Faith gives me, I am all yours, V.

[ The dancing had been too formal even for Buffy. This was better. This felt more intimate. She smiled at being pulled in closer, eyes flicking over his face and the slicked back hair and trimmed beard. ]

By the way, have I told you enough times yet that you clean up pretty well? I'm definitely filing this mental image away for later.

You get by really well, trust me. Honestly? A lot of it just comes from movies and TV and you have mucho to catch up on. You'll pick it up the more you talk to people. Which I know is not always your favourite thing.

I still have to meet this Faith of yours, see what I think of her.

[He thinks that so long as Buffy's opinion remains decent, the woman has a leg-up, though he also knows better than to guarantee he's going to like someone. Then again, on the other hand, he has a history of liking people that most don't, becoming friends with people who ought to be frustrating and annoying.]

Haven't had a reason to clean up in a while. I spent three months without a mirror, things got let go.

[He's vain enough to admit that he's grateful for the chance to dress up and work against that wildness, but still, he also thinks it will only be for special occasions. Easing her in against him, he gives her dress an appraising look.]

You look very good too, you know. Even if you are talking about talking to people, who could be very annoying and make me want to shoot something.

You know what? I'm really looking forward to hearing all about it.

[ Buffy wasn't even sure which way she wanted to place her bets. It could either end in Faith and Vasquez drinking heavily and bonding, or one of them getting thrown across the room. She was hoping for the former. Not that she needed Faith to approve of the cowboy, but it would hold the truce between them. Maybe.

She blinked at his comment, trying not to smile as she considered the fact that she really was starting to develop a type; tall, out of time, and lacking in mirrors. ]

Understandable, and hey, you had the scruffy thing working for you too. Pretty sure you won't ever actually look bad.

[ Buffy grinned at the compliment. She would have maybe twirled for him but she was enjoying the closeness far too much. ]

Thanks, V. I was hoping you'd approve. How about I do you deal? For every conversation you don't enjoy I'll give you a kiss.

The scruffy thing was also because I didn't trust a man with sharp things at my neck.

[ Five hundred dollars is a lot of reasons why things didn't happen, like haircuts and spending nights with women or going into towns. None of it had been worth his life. That's not so much of a problem here, he's discovering. ]

You're making me want to not enjoy a lot of conversations, B. This is a dangerous thing, you know.

[ He's been thinking about more than just a kiss since that night with the drinks and the dancing. He had restrained himself then, but he's not sure he could do it again. ]

Just so I prepare myself, should I be expecting you to sleep with one eye open?

[ Not that she couldn't blame him for still expecting the worst. It was an adjustment for most people used to a life of danger. Buffy probably shouldn't have been as quick to let her guard down and relax, but honestly? She was just tired. And probably selfish in wanting to forget about Slayer duties. ]

Well, I figure it's the fun kind of danger. And since we both sorta like danger, why not?

[ She gave him a wink and started to laugh before she let her arms slide down from around his neck and her hands rest against his biceps. To say she had been thinking about more would have been a lie, but she also felt nervous like it was her first time. Unsure about how to bring it up, or if she should. She still felt foolish about the other night despite it not being entirely her fault. ]

It's a bad habit, but yes, I do.

[It had been how he stayed alive, and even then, people like Sam Chisolm still managed to track him down, so he's not sure what else he could have done. Now, he doesn't worry about that, but he also can't go and stop himself from worrying about it all the time.]

I like fighting and danger where I know I'm going to win. Danger where my head might be on the line? Okay, then, yes, still entertaining a bit.

[He can't help his shiver when she touches him a little more, as needy and wanting for it as he is. He inhales deeply and gives her a half-lidded look as he steps in a little, brushing some hair back from off her face.]

If I took what I wanted, would you be cross at me for it?

Got it. I'll try not to make any sudden movements of my own.

[ And she wasn't really one to judge. It was still highly possible she slept with a cross nailed to the wall, and garlic hung from the curtain rod. That was definitely going to take some explaining, but baby steps. ]

We definitely have that in common, but I guess I also kinda got sick of the easy wins. I needed the real challenges.

[ But maybe Glory had been too much of a challenge. Buffy had sacrificed herself so the others could survive. So her sister could live. But at least she was here now.

She instinctively rose to the touch, trying to close that gap between them even further. ]

I think I'd be cross if you didn't. You've earned whatever you want to take.

I've had too many challenges. The last battle I fought, that was how I got my scar. I was the lucky one to survive, but odds were against me. Four of us died, out of seven. It's maldita, bad luck.

[He's not feeling such bad luck right now, though, drifting in and staring down at her, clucking his tongue against his teeth a few times as he debates his actions, pressing his hand to the small of her back.]

You're not drunk, no? No strange feelings outside of the normal tonight?

Wow, those are some pretty crappy odds. I'm so sorry, V. I'm still trying to even picture what it must have been like in those times. Even though you survived, I'm glad we both ended up here.

[ Buffy rose up completely on her tip-toes to bump her nose against his, giving him a softer smile as the swaying seemed to slowly becoming to halt even if the music was still playing. She couldn't deny that her heartbeat kicked up a notch either in anticipation. ]

I'm clean, promise. I have only had a limited amount of alcohol and none of it was gold or mysterious. This is just me.

You saw the scar, that's where it's from. You can't argue what a Gatling gun does for damage. It's better for me that I'm here. After, it would've been bad too. Too much hiding, too much loneliness.

[He aches from that loneliness even here, sometimes, when there are people and the distance closing between them means that those old touch-starved instincts are kicking in and he needs something more than just a touch. Careful not to ruin her hair, he lets his fingers rest lightly on the back of her neck as he bends down for a kiss that's neither slow, nor hesitant. He knows what he wants, now.

It's this, a sure kiss as he presses against her body, knowing that she's not drinking anything strange and she's herself. He hasn't had a cigarette in hours, his breath tasting of mint from the sorbet he'd eaten, and though he doesn't press, he's hoping she responds and gives him the permission he's silently seeking.]

[ Buffy made a mental note to look up later what a Gatling gun even was. She wasn't joking when she said she had no knowledge of guns.

Plus he was kind of distracting when he touched her like that, and kissed her. Her feelings of loneliness certainly weren't on the same level as his but she had been trying hard to forget just how close she'd come to having more that night at The Deviant.

The heat behind the kiss was a pleasant surprise and her hands moved up his arms once more as her fingers curled into the material of his jacket and she hung onto him while kissing back. There's no holding back, no fear that she was overstepping because it was just the two of them now. No funky drinks, no trying to ignore base needs.

The kiss deepened and Buffy could feel warmth prickle up her spine and spread across her skin. ]

[When she moves to grab him, Vasquez's brain kicks into high gear when it decides that this is sign enough that she wants more, surging forward and deepening the kiss as he lets his lips part, a bandit still in this in that there's little gentleness in the way he uses his tongue and teeth, a hand on her back as he walks them towards the nearest hard surface he can find.

Once he's got her against a pillar, he moves that hand on her back to her thigh, bunched in fabric as he moves to grope at her ass a little.

He might try and act pleasant, nice, but there are some base urges and things he does that could definitely earn him a slap, but he trusts her to give him one if he goes too far.]

[ Buffy could easily take care of Vasquez if she thought he was going too far. Bandit, or not. Height difference, or not. But the way he kisses her and pins her against the pillar, well, she doesn't fight him off, but she does fight back.

She can do rough. She can do hungry. She can do a lot of things, but the ruffle of fabric and the way it gets between his hand and her thigh reminds her that they're not somewhere they can easily finish what's about to be started.

Of course she also wasn't going to stop it immediately either. She was pretty sure the citizens of Cadelle had seen worse. An arm shifted to slip under his, fingers now grabbing at the back of his jacket as she fought the urge to use the pillar for leverage and wrap herself around the cowboy. There was also the slight danger that she might put a dent in some of the furniture and construction if she didn't check her strength. ]

[This is more like it. Vasquez has been hungry for touch for a long time, but there's nothing like a devouring kiss to ease off some of that need, his fingers curling and wrinkling the dress fabric as he holds it, rocking his hips a little forward because while he's not intending to end up sprawled out on the floor, there are baser impulses in him that are hard to deny.

He doesn't mind at all his shirt and jacket being yanked, almost wishing that she would keep going, so if that's his thought, then he should say something.]

Don't worry about messing up my shirt. If you want to touch skin, I wouldn't mind.

[His words are low, teasing, a hoarse echo of his normal tones as he leans back in, both hands on her hips to hitch her up a little, half like he's tempting her to wrap her legs around him.]

[ Buffy struggled to catch her breath as the kiss broke long enough for him to speak. She was actually a huge fan of Vasquez giving into his needs. This was even better than the club the other night. Maybe because she really was in her right mind this time.

Her tongue ran over her lips as she smiled, but her eyes were dark as she looked at him, the blue all but gone as her pupils dilated. She grabbed at his shirt and jacket again, considering whether or not she wanted to follow through and touch his skin.

She did, however, wrap her legs around him despite the layers of her dress and the fact that moments ago she had made a decision not to. It brought her up higher, and she cupped his face between her hands as she kissed him again.

And then her mouth slid along his jaw, and up to his ear so that she could whisper and still be heard. ]

Maybe we should take this outside. If I touch skin again there might not be a guarantee I'll stop this time, bandito.

[This is definitely the kind of night that Vasquez didn't entirely plan for, but it's not like he can complain. His breath is short, but his eyes are alight with possibility as he drags her legs around him to hold on tighter, rocking his hips against the dress in a move that shows that he very much would prefer to be doing something else.]

Outside, then. Is outside really going to be better? I don't know about you, but I don't usually get off from people watching.

[Not lately, when he's paranoid about who those eyes might belong to. Not to mention, Faraday is around the city somewhere and the last thing he needs right now is that teasing coming from him, but outside is still better than having to stop. Especially when he's so close to having a very pressing problem in his pants.]

You could have fooled me considering what's happening right now, V. Maybe we can find a quiet corner in the maze?

[ Was that even possible? Buffy was quietly grateful that her dress seemed to envelop Vasquez as well, disguising the way his hips moved even if she could feel it all too well.

She swallowed, her mouth becoming dry even as she let slip a quiet laugh and rest her forehead against his while she tried to think and come up with a plan and honestly, patience really was never one of her virtues. ]

Or are you just ready to leave? I know you didn't want to talk to anyone but you didn't have to seduce me just to stop having conversations.

[ Not a complaint. Really not a complaint because she was quite happy being his Buffy-shaped buffer if this is what it meant. ]

I got caught up in the moment. You can't tell you didn't either.

[Maybe she doesn't have as much physical evidence going against her as he does, but he thinks that he can see the way that she's looking at him, the way she's reacting, and that means that he's not the only one who's being affected by this. Heart pounding, he tries to keep some composure, because he's generally better at this.]

Are you sure you don't want any more dances? We went to an awful lot of lessons, I want to make sure the lady gets what she wants.

[He's ready to go, but he wants to make sure that he teases her just a little, but also that she confirms that she wants this more than staying.]

Oh no, I did. I'm definitely having a moment. I'm not even going to pretend otherwise.

[ Buffy pressed another kiss to his lips, getting used to the feel of his beard. It was a different sensation. A rough tickle that left her tanned skin slightly red. She was pretty sure she was not going to come away from this without a new appreciation for facial hair.

She lifted herself up just a little, still hanging onto him easily as she surveyed the crowd. Could they make their escape with him carrying her? Would he even be willing? Or was she honestly going to have to try and steady herself on her feet? ]

V, I think it's safe to say there's only one kind of dance I'm interested in right now. We'll have other chances. Something tells me this city loves a party.

[The groan that comes off his lips when she kisses him again speaks to how unfair he finds it when he thinks about the fact that they're still in public and he wants to do so much more. Grimacing, he eases back with all the willpower he has, even if he's holding onto her and not willing to let her back on the ground.]

I'm not even too fond of parties, honestly. Only reason I really came was for the good food. And, maybe, because someone beautiful invited me.

[ Buffy was right there with him as far as thinking it was unfair went. Why did they always have to be in public when things were starting to heat up? Although this was much, much better. Vasquez was just as willing as she was. She jerked her thumb in the direction of the exit and maybe had to bite back a smile as she thought about 'save a horse, ride a cowboy' now having extra meaning if he was about to carry her all the way out of here. ]

Well, this someone beautiful is telling you that in future, you are allowed to just straight up tell me that parties suck and to go stick it. Or at least convince me of the benefits of staying in. Because I'm pretty sure we're about to discover quite a few.

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