riverviewlogs | introductory mingle: carnivale

Entry tags:

introductory mingle: carnivale

who: everyone in Riverview!
what: Introductory Log and Carnivale Celebration
when: July 1st - July 9th
where: Anywhere around the city.
warnings: please put any necessary warnings in the subject lines

carnivale

In the days leading up to July 1st, residents new and old will notice preparations beginning, a flurry of activity getting the city ready for the upcoming celebration: Carnivale. This holiday is in celebration of music, and the onset of summer and warmer weather. The celebrations are marked by street parties, an extensive program of live musical performances, with a large parade (and paid holiday!) capping it off on July 8th.

celebrating music, and summer

After a couple of months of low-key or even solemn celebrations, it's time for Riverview Quarantine to throw a good, old-fashioned party. Carnivale is a city-wide festival that pretty much everyone gets into, and many residents take the entire week off so they can enjoy all the festivities. With events ranging from impromptu street parties, free live musical performances, food stands, themed club nights, adult lounges with kink shows, and topped off with a massive party parade, the holiday has a lot to offer for anyone who likes to sing, dance, and show some skin!

i. street parties and food

One of the staples of the Carnivale festival is the spontaneous street parties and food trucks and carts. It's not unusual during the holiday to turn a corner and run into a group of people dressed in bright colors and sequins having an impromptu party with a few drinks, and then be invited to join right in! Carnivale is a celebration of music as well as summer, so most shops and stalls will be blasting danceable music into the streets to facilitate these little street parties - it's considered a sign of good luck for the owner of a business if an impromptu Carnivale celebration starts up in front of their door.

Considering the proliferation of street parties and people out and about to celebrate the warmer weather, local business owners also take to the streets. Food carts, stands, and trucks pop up on almost every street corner offering a wide variety of food from savory treats to sweet desserts. Many of the carts are offering one free item to anyone dressed up for Carnivale - anything shimmery, shiny, or brightly colored will do!

ii. live musical performances

One of the major roads in the city center has been completely roped off for the entire week, and all along this street, various temporary stages have been set up, each with a nice hefty sound system. Volunteers hand out printed flyers, and digital boards are set up here and there with schedules of various performances that are all free to attend, ranging from well-known popular music artists to new up-and-comers or independent artists who are looking to make a name for themselves. This event is very widely advertised around the city, and is accepting entries until the very last minute.

At couple of the acts might be familiar faces to some of the residents.

Eichi Tenshouin has signed up himself and his friend Tsumugi Aoba into the music festival as a first-time appearing idol unit called "Higanbana." Dressed in all white with splashes of color (blue, largely, with only their headsets being a red spider lily), they carry a very commanding and angelic image together. They'll have a routine that emphasizes their great harmony with each other, taking turns doing solo lines and joining together to show off each of their talents. Singing and dancing, they interact heavily with the audience and will encourage a lot of involvement with speaking between songs and gestures, winks, and so on. Basically, they intend to make this Riverview's very first prominent "idol performance".

For his performance, Otabek Altin will start with rock remixes of a few popular pop songs. He wants to make sure that it starts off with recognizable pieces for some people, and he certainly thinks it is something that could get people excited even if they don't know it. Then, it shifts into a few original songs. They are upbeat, rock songs that he put together with the intention to make people dance and move, since he is a DJ. He'll end his set with a slower piece he put together that is also an original. Through the entire performance, he's focused and quiet, though he may occasionally try and excite the crowd with a few words.

Any other player-characters who are musically inclined are more than welcome to assume their character was fit in for a performance, and can post up a top-level with a rundown of their performance to get bonus Activity Points for posting a mingle!

iii. carnivale parade

The other main attraction of Carnivale week comes on July 8th, which is a paid holiday for everyone in the city. The Carnivale Parade will be starting out by City Hall and winding through downtown in a lazy pattern so everyone in the city has a chance to see it. There will be all sorts of floats, dancers, marching bands, with all sorts of clubs, businesses, and other organizations represented. The theme is theatrical, big and showy, bright and colorful, sparkly and shiny, with loud music and lots of glitz and glamour. Observers can expect great music, excellent dancing and marching shows, neat vehicles provided by classic car clubs, the fire, police, and Perimeter Guard. They can also expect a lot of party favors, whether it's a sparkly plastic beaded necklace, a fan to take the edge off the heat, candy, popsicles, a temporary tattoo, or any number of other little treats or toys to be tossed into the crowd - some of them fit for kids and teens, others of a more 'adult' nature handed out a bit more discreetly to anyone who looks the part.

And make sure you wear your waterproof mascara - Carnivale floats have a tendency of spraying or spritzing water, both in an unspoken competition to see who can make the biggest water-refraction rainbow in the air, and to keep observers cool in the new summer heat.

iv. adult: lounges and kink exhibition

Thanks to the Carnivale tradition of showing as much skin as possible, some event organizers' minds have turned to topics of a more adult nature. In the evenings, residents may see clubs doing "lounge nights"; these adults-only events have bouncers IDing everyone at the door to ensure they're 18+. The themes may vary, from very specific niche themes like 'golden age superheroes' to broad themes like 'rainbows,' and each event is clearly marked as what it is - all-nude or clothing-optional, and can host events ranging from amateur to professional exotic dancing, food served off of nude bodies, anonymous masked hookups, or just provide a comfortable space where casual sex is encouraged with whoever happens to be around. Various legal substances can be found at these lounges, but nothing that would cause violation of consent, and every substance would be clearly labeled and have warnings to ensure that no one partakes unless they choose to. Please be sure to warn in the subject line for sexual content or drug use (since some mild party drugs are legal in Riverview).

For the weekend from July 7th-9th, there will be a kink exhibition in one of the large exhibition centers downtown, limited to characters 18+. The exhibition is a sexy adult informational convention featuring various kinks and fetishes. Whether you're into leather, latex, lace, or anything else, you'll be able to find the clothes, toys, guides, books, erotica, fiction, and a wide variety of other interesting stuff to explore. While the atmosphere is sex-positive and there are private and public (for the voyeurs and exhibitionists in the room) venues for having sex, it's definitely focused on exploration and information about different stuff to try.

v. roommates or wildcard

Feel free to use this prompt to meet new roommates, for the purpose of getting to know each other, or hit up one of the mod-posted prompts for each Communal Floor. Or if you have an idea for a prompt that isn't in this list, set during Carnivale, feel free to write it up!

visual inspiration

click on thumbnails for larger view

Credit: image i: Roger Patterson Jr.; image ii: Syd Mead; image iii: screencap from the movie Paprika; image iv: siamon89

navigation

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Re-L was a strange one, but she had an intriguing no-nonsense way about her and a clear focus that almost made it seem as if she was completely unaware of the kind of aloof and unattainable allure she had. He'd noticed, and can't imagine anyone else hadn't... but he admired her as he might any of the women in Lestallum. Strong and in full command of their destinies. He can't help but think that someone like Re-L bowed down to no man.

He's had plenty of opportunities to see her in action. There have been enough times where he's found himself staring down the barrel of her gun during stealth training in the Abandoned City - their mature version of hide and seek, complete with hand to hand combat to up the ante. Other encounters where he saw her glaring down some new social challenge; the overly glittery house party, drinks at the bar. Her as a little girl, dropping a crown of wild flowers over his brow - 10 years too old and her even younger.

He's seen a lot of her but not so much as right now, with their bodies close in this darkened corner of the lounge, their island of privacy as drink makes him loose enough to chance a kiss, mouthing at her neck as she savors her drink. His arms wind around her small waist and he pulls back just enough to taste the sweetness of her beverage as soon as she discards it. He can feel a stinging heat where her nails have dug into his skin, but it only serves to heighten his interest. This Carnivale is really something else. Something else and infectious.

Never did he expect that they'd be here, taking their first exploratory steps towards whatever it was they were seeking. ]

[ Carnivale was a hell of a thing - but then again, Bajikan had been just that, too. The anonymity of the entire thing is what makes it easier - no one around here really knew her - there was no surveillance or whispering eyes around who might spread around who she was currently sidling up to like some sort of irrelevant fire brand. Gladio, too, makes it easier, even if he might not really even understand why. There's just something about a man this strong, this attractive, who also knows how to behave himself ... He's happy to peacock around, in other words, but she knew, even without discussion, that nothing of this would move past them.

And that, perhaps, is what's most and incredibly important to her. A sense of privacy even beyond the fact that they were dark figures in a secluded space, long fingers weaving in to his hair as a shiver rolls up her back, a shivering breath as she nearly misses the nearby table with her glass. Both because his facial hair is a new sensation and the obvious, of course. He'll feel that little shudder with his arm around her waist, bulky against her in all of the best ways. She's not too far gone to realize what she's - what they're playing at, here, and yet.. it's fine. She knows what she's playing at, knows what this may lead to and it's all already acceptable. They both need something here, clearly, and whatever that was she was willing to give in the moment.

Their lips meet again as sh turns back to him, pressing up on to her toes even slightly. She's used to being a little on a level playing field to him, to be fair, but it doesn't stop her from running teeth along his bottom lip, from pressing in for more after one of those hooded looks. It would seem that she's not thinking in terms of words at the moment, and more in expressing what she wants by showing him, instead.

Which, at the moment, seems to be him and more of him. ]

[ In a way, Gladio is almost as grateful for Carnivale as he is for the friends who are seeing him through a tough spot. The unannounced departure of Ignis and Noctis back through the Portal again was a surprise but not so much as the lack of a message. It made him wonder if there was some unspoken message, that he was expected to follow.

That morning, there was no scent of coffee, warm even in the hotter days of summer, to greet him when he left his room. No seductive scents of Iggy's latest culinary masterpiece to welcome him home at the end of the day. Likewise the bags of trash in Eichi's apartment started to disappear one by one, hauled out by him because that's yet another mark left behind when Noctis and Ignis left. He was found sitting on the couch on the balcony, brooding for hours at a time as he struggled with the past and wondered if something had gone wrong, if he needed to head back, if it was his fault.

Thank the Six for the friends he's made, and for Iris too, who filled up the empty places in his heart - not perfectly - but enough to remind him that he's here for a reason... he's just still figuring that part out. One such exploration was now taking place, with the intimate tasting of Re-L's skin and the warm press of her body against his, the even hotter kiss - plush lips and hard teeth in a delightful combination he hadn't experienced before. The scrape burns and teases at the same time, her lips soothing right after. He pulls away when she does, his large hands smoothing along her waist and back. He leans his forehead against hers and smiles. ]

Someone's getting into the spirit of the festival. [ He keeps his voice low, the shelter of their dark corner of the room giving the illusion of privacy. ] Better be careful. You keep kissing like that, you're going to turn me on.

[ While it's.. slightly lonely, here in Riverview, without her normal companions and those she may have called friends from her own world.. in a way it's also relieving. Mainly in that she doesn't have to go through things like losing people to the portal. Not to say that Carolina going back, or Yuuri disappearing, had been easy, but it made it easier having only known them for a short period of time. Hopefully they were happier where they were, back in their homes, or where ever they'd been taken. The only choice she had, in those moments as well as here and now was to make the best of whatever the hell she had here.

Part of what she had here and now, apparently - was Gladio. For this moment, at least. Who knew past tonight but, for the moment, all of that's in the rearview.

There's much better things to focus on at the moment, like the rough press of his scruff on her more tender skin - a new sensation, considering Vincent had never really grown a beard, and certainly not enough to feel it. As they pull away she can't help but to touch, even with their faces still at such close proximity, blue eyes still intent and focused on what she could see of his face. It's rough, but not overly so, something that might be worth getting used to instead of doing her usual and attempting to get him to shave. She leans her (slight) weight in against him a little harder as his hands smooth along her back, nuzzling her nose against his with a insubstantial motion.

Gladio points out that she's 'getting in the spirit' and her teeth find her own lip this time, a coy look away, and then back to him through her lashes while she thinks of something snarky to say : ]

Well I thought it was better than watching you pout anymore, and it's easy enough to give. [ Though the mention of risking turning him on.. Her expression evolves for coy to cocky in the moment, eyes haughty and mouth set in a pleased little curl, bumping her hips toward his in a playful motion. She's not nearly as even with him in height as she normally is, this way, but it's close enough. ]

Did you ever stop to think that maybe, just maybe, that's the point? [ There's a small raise of brows, and she leans in for another ghost of a kiss, meant to tease him as her arms circle his neck with a lazy pace. ]

Though I guess the end choice in that relies on you.

[ It's something Gladio can relate to, after spending so much time in cramped quarters without an ounce of privacy - be it in a car, a tent or motel, there was always the eyes of the Imperials that hunted them down, or the public eye scrutinizing their soon to be King and his Shield. His life had been for preparing for this duty, and as he laid down to the buzz of the tattooist's needle giving him the Shield's mark upon acceptance, he felt like he was ready.

He was born to this, his life for his King.

But now his King and his Chamberlain both went back through the Portal, and quarantine couldn't really care less. His importance and rank was lost to them, which was a blessing for a time. They got to play at leading normal lives, or pretend they were using this time to hone their skills, gain allies and power that theoretically they could take with them for the hard times ahead.

But Gladio wasn't ready to go back with them, not after what he's seen. And besides, there was Iris. Still, all this led to him with a troubled heart and mind, stuck in a rut of brooding until friends stepped up to pull him out of it. Friends like Re-L, with her aloof and brusque manner seemed well suited to barking orders and articulating just what kind of expectations she wanted to be met. The kind of woman who demands you keep your distance or tugs him closer because it's about what she wants, not what she thinks she's supposed to respond because of the attention he gives her. Gladio likes that in a woman, strong in body and will. ]

I was brooding. There's a difference.

[ One pairs well with sad music and rain and still managing to maintain some semblance of masculinity. Pouting? Totally not the same. That's what kids do, or Prompto... in any day ending in y. ]

I wanted to say thanks for cheering me up, but seein' where this might be going, that might be uh... awkward.

[ He smiles, letting his hands roam up her back. One circles around her waist, tugging her flush against his body while the other traces a line over one shoulder and arm as they drape around his neck. He's hoping this is out of mutual attraction and this chemistry he's felt, not pity. Six, don't let it be pity. ]

Oh, that's what that was? Brooding? [ She can't help herself and, really, giving Gladio some kind of shit seemed to be the best way to cheer him up or get his mind off of things. She'd paid enough attention to know that, at the very least. Even if she'd been partially angry to be taken to yet another place that wasn't The Rabbit and her destroyed version of Earth.. Riverview, and the people here, weren't terrible. Perhaps it's a little selfish of her to push aside how Vincent might be doing (no need to worry about Pino or Kristeeva, it wasn't like autoreivs needed anything other than a recharging) - but since when hasn't she been a little bit selfish, if not mostly?

For the moment she's focused on this, though - the lounge around them, the occasional person who strayed a little too close and took her attention for a few moments at a time, the music and voices in the background. It's easier to hear him, when he's closer, and easier for her to make the excuse to kiss, even if he'll warn her about turning him on. ]

I didn't really know there was much of a difference between the two, in the end. They're both sullen and over thinking. [ Not that it's all terrible, particularly if it lead to this. Not that she would've held off for very long just.. time and place would have had to be correct.

The lounge, and carnivale itself, is a perfect opportunity and.. maybe she's had enough of solitude for a little while. Even Re-L manages a short huff of a laugh, at his comment about awkwardness, eyes rolling. ]

I think there's a simple solution for awkwardness, actually - [ With little delay she'll tip her chin to press their lips together again, unable to keep her fingers out of his hair for long once she does. Couldn't make things awkward if he couldn't keep talking, right? ]

Mmhm.

[ Absolutely brooding. Not at all sulking or feeling sorry for himself no matter how on the nose it is. ]

Harsh, but not inaccurate. No promises I won't stumble here and there but... I appreciate the concern.

[ There's something irresistible about feeling someone's fingers in his hair, maybe it's because it's only the kind of touch that is intimate - because lets face it, no one pulls Gladio's hair with hostile intent. He doesn't let anyone get that far. ]

Hooh, I like where this is going...

[ Gladio murmurs against her mouth, wrapping his arms around her body. She's slim and tall, feels good in his arms with little bending down or standing on toes for anyone to enjoy a kiss. It goes on uninterrupted, allowing the warm press of lips to evolve into more. He bites at her lips with his, turning his face slightly to change the angle, allowing him to deepen the kiss without bumping noses. He gets so wrapped up in the sensuality of it that his hands run up and down her back, with one hand straying far out of bounds and rounding over her backside.

Here's for hoping that doesn't earn him a smack, or worse. ]

I don't know if it's concern so much as you're not good company when you're pouting - excuse me, brooding.

[ There's a little laugh that huffs its way out of her before Gladio presses back, and then it's lost to a warm little noise of appreciation. The gentle touch to his hair becomes one hand taking a (for now) gentle hold of dark hair. She's never actually done this in such a public place, even tucked away in a corner, but none of it phases her in the moment, too honed in on what he's doing, what she's doing in reaction, how it all works together in their own little way. It's nothing like she's ever really experienced before, but she doesn't hate it - in fact his bite at her lip sends a bit of a shock up her spine, a shudder through the rest of her, any sigh or sound she might've made snuffed out as he changes the angle.

It's on a bit of instinct that she makes perhaps a bold move, tongue flickering out to trace along his, questing, asking permission even if she's not entirely sure what the hell shes doing or what drives her.

There's a small sound of surprise that escapes as his hand moves down, but no smack comes. Instead she lifts up, on to her toes, as if inviting him to lift her, if he wanted. There's a sort of possession here that she doesn't necessarily mind, in the context of it, though there may be a gentle tug on his hair in return, a soft noise rising up her throat that may only be just audible to him through the din around them.

Still no smack, though. ]

[ As soon as he feels the light, soft touch of her tongue against his lips, he opens them for her, slipping his own over hers. Pulls hers into his mouth with a gentle suction so he can taste her in full. It's easy to get wrapped around her little finger with a kiss like this one, it seems driven on instinct rather than practiced technique, and somehow that feels even better. There doesn't seem to be any going through the motions here.

An amused around rumbles in his chest as he feels her shift against him, stretching out her height by standing on her toes, and that light sound of desire is barely perceptible from the negligible distance between them and the intimacy of their dark corner. His hand takes a bolder grab, gripping her backside and responding to that subtle hint by picking her up and leaning her lithe body against the wall.

His hips move on their own, bumping once against her as he lifts one leg around his waist, then stops. He pulls back from the kiss, just enough space to allow conversation.

She's wearing a skirt, and that was not appropriate. He lowers her leg. This is the second time he's let the mood of this festival infect him. He laughs, nudging her nose with his. ]

Maybe we should get out of here.

[ Formulas, when it came to something so primal and wanting as this - seemed a little worn down. Besides, there's no fun in going through motions when they're seemingly flying by the seat of their pants with this entire encounter, a latent desire let loose by the atmosphere of carnivale. There's no more sitting back, now, not now that they're pressed so close and he's reacting so well to her forward attitude -

Even Re-L is a bit amused as she's lifted, a soft laugh rumbling in her chest for a moment before she feels the press of the wall against her back. There's a small part of her that begins to hesitate, even as the natural reaction is to wrap her legs around him to stabilize herself. She picks her opposite foot up to join the one he's lifting despite a passing thought that this may not be the smartest plan. She's a little too caught up in the moment to come up for air and suggest her place at the moment, willing to see it through a little longer for the hell of it.

But thankfully Gladio is perhaps slightly more responsible, a harsh breath pushing past her lips as he pulls away, a bit rosier in the face than her pale make-up typically gave away.

The suggestion isn't a bad one, not with the direction things seem to be going in, and eventually she manages to release him, hands moving subconsciously to tug her skirt down and make sure it wasn't hiked up in a way that might give them away more than this corner make out session. She nods, trying to catch her breath and her words by attempting to play it cool. ]

We should. I have an apartment, now. Unless you've got your own place? [ Well, it was worth the offer, right? ]

And I don't mean one of those communal apartments with a towel on the door, or something, either.

[ His pulse is definitely racing, interest coursing through his body as he fixates on what too-brief moment they just had, like they were thinking the same thing. It doesn't help that they've stopped, still want more, and are currently plotting their plan of escape in pursuit of that connection they just had. Problem is, where.

If it had just been Ignis... no, his 33 year old failing pile of garbage version of himself from the world's worst possible ending made sure that it would have been awkward too. ]

Hah, uh.

[ About that. He's got a shared apartment. A kitchen, a balcony, living room. Effectively a two-bedroom apartment. But considering he's held conversations with his neighbor through the walls, there's not really much in the way of privacy. Definitely better than some dark corner of a lounge, he notes, watching her adjust her skirt with a not-so-distant look of amusement. ]

We're not all up in each others' business like in one of those communal apartments, but the walls on mine are pretty thin.

[ And his little sister just moved into Ignis' old room. He's... not going to take friends into his room and risk having her come home in time to hear a bed creaking suspiciously.

Gladio gets a look on his face like he just tasted something bad, then focuses his attention on Re-L with a nod. ] Your place.

[ She does her best to look unaffected - but it's not really working. There's a certain hungry glaze over her at the moment, and not in the way that a hungry person stares at a meal, either. Well, not entirely at least. There's only so much she can stare Gladio down like a good meal before it just gets weird, if she's honest, and she'd much rather just grab his hand and take him to where ever they needed to be -

His hesitation about his apartment is immediately noted, and somewhere, deep down, she's almost glad. If it's her own place it's easier to regulate times they're in and out, all the little things she finds it reassuring to pull the strings on. Midnight liaisons aren't necessarily something she engages in normally, but.. she's never seen a neighbor, much less heard them, so that's an easy enough decision already made. Thankfully she'll be distracted enough with fixing herself back up to notice that amused glance, lest Gladio earn a bit of a look for his troubles. ]

Well that was a hell of an expression to make.. but fine, my place. [ She holds out a hand with an expectant eyebrow raise, closer to this lounge area than she might've been when she was living in the communal housing. ]

Just don't take me leading you here as an invitation to just show up when you feel like it.

[ Because she can't resist the joke when she has the chance. ]

[ Gladio at least has the good sense to look embarrassed, grinning sheepishly as he ducks his chin and scratches at the back of his head for effect. That sour puss look was not for you, Re-L. He straightens up and drops the act in favor of resuming his usual ease. ]

I make no promises.

[ He teases, thinking he will at least text before he shows up unannounced. This is good, changing locations - it allows them to cool off, think things through as they head there. But Gladio's more than interested and waiting means anticipating. This was an exciting and new flavor to their relationship, a little exploratory fun between friends to spice up their time in quarantine.

So fast forward through the small talk and the stolen glances and the suggestive touches, past pushing through the crowd and the long walk back to her apartment. Get to the good part. The part where they're hardly through her door when Gladio pushes the door closed and winds his hands around her waist and pulls her in with a laugh. It's a playful gesture, but one that says he's thrilled to be finally out of public spaces and where he can express his affection (and desire) without worry.

He noses into that space behind her ear, facial hair tickling her neck as he kisses her skin. A glance from there as he hugs around her waist from behind and he gets a good view of the open plan of her apartment. It's bigger than his place, nicer too. ]

...Nice place. It's just you here?

I will ignore you, you know. [ She supposes that isn't really a bulletin - she's never really faked being overly friendly, in the least bit, but it carries on the banter even if she's telling the truth. Despite the drinks and the atmosphere of the lounge, Re-L knows what she's up to, asking for, maybe even expecting as they make their way to the door. She thinks that, perhaps, they succeeded in being slightly conspicuous. In the moment, though, it doesn't matter all that much. Not when there's building anticipation of what's to come when they get to her apartment, the inkling, of course, of what's to come versus the wild card of, of course, never having done this with Gladio before. Not that she's anything past curious about it, nervousness isn't her style and, really, there's nothing for nerves to take root in when it's a casual encounter anyway.

Waiting until they can reach her apartment in the throngs of people isn't the most ideal, either - though it does allow her enough time to pass back to him a few glances to make sure he's still behind her, laced with every bit of eagerness and anticipation she feels with getting him to a more private space where she's not spending a moment's thought toward anyone lingering too close or what have you. It's easier to focus solely on Gladio, at any rate.

Which is why she presses back and against him as strong arms draw her in, perhaps taking a cue from Gladio's wandering hands, earlier, taking particular care to arch in such a way that it presses her rear conveniently back and in to him. She'll even grace him with a small, contented noise as he kisses her skin, had tipped slightly to the side to allow him the space. ]

Yes. Otherwise I'd be batting you away, right now.. [ Which, well.. may only be half true, but the details aren't important. What is is that they pick up where they left off, and so she decides to turn herself, if Gladio will allow her the room, to face him, a pale hand moving up to keep him in place by the chin for a moment as she leans in for another kiss. She's felt a bit starved for them, in the process of walking over, but that flirtatious little bite as she backs away says it all. ] I don't mind, though.. no roommate means you have more options, here.

[ Gladio doesn't even challenge that first statement. He knows she would, respects that she could exercise that right and he'd feel certainly a tug of regret from any rejection and yet... clearly not his place to dictate or demand.

But he has little opportunity to concern himself with such things now, not when she's backing into him like this. Tantalizing him with her body now that they're alone and behind the privacy and security of closed doors. He hums in approval, running his hands up and down her body as she moves against him, then spins in his arms to face him. He wastes little time in kissing her again, this time full on the mouth - reacquainting himself with the taste and feel of her lips against his.

Her body is warm and welcoming and... strangely more relaxed now they're behind closed doors. Maybe it's him. Who knows, all that really matters is that there's a comfort now that he didn't feel previously. It relaxes the tension in his shoulders, lets him pour it out in his hands and heart and mouth as he closes in on her. ]

I certainly wouldn't be able to get away with this, right?

[ His calloused hands skim up her pale thighs, pushing up beneath the abbreviated hemline of her skirt to follow the curve of her hips, fingers touching the softness of her skin until he feels something different, the thin fabric of her underwear that she wears underneath. He pulls at them, pausing as he draws the fabric away from her skin at the sides for signs of refusal, then rolls them down her legs, letting them fall around her ankles once they've passed a certain point where gravity can take over.

Given her height, he doesn't have to bend down much, just looks into her face as he rises back to full height and walks forward, cornering her against the wall. ]

Where were we...

[ Re-L is more free behind the closed door of her apartment, unconcerned that someone may see, that there may be something on the line, here, if they're spotted. His hands feel strangely hotter than they were, as his hands touch and explore, arching and giving as he goes. The tactile feel of touch, at least in this situation... is something she can get used to, particularly when there's the feeling of hunger for her but also a sense of appreciation for what's here, what he's able to touch now that they're alone and the door is closed. Re-L finds herself already unbearably hot all over, for some reason, body already reacting as though they'd never even taken a bit of a time out to walk back here.

Their lips meet again and Re-L's hands, at first, curl in to his shirt for a moment, as if asking him to stay in place, before eventually wandering, sliding over the hard plains of his pecs, down to his abs with a low, wanting sound. She may not be the loudest lover in Riverview, but let it not be said that she didn't know (and show) what she liked.

Gladio's fingers trail up her thighs, the roughened skin of his fingers inspiring goose bumps across her body and a warm throb of want between her legs in anticipation of what he's intending to do, watching him with lusty interest. His fingers find her underwear, and finally she decides to answer his question, a soft laugh caught in her throat. ]

No, certainly not. But, thankfully - [ A pause as she coordinate herself for a moment to kick those pesky undergarments away for her to gather up later. ] - thankfully for you, I'll let it slide this time.

[ Well, and probably every time after this, if all went well, but let's not make premature promises, hm? Not when she's pressed back to the wall, looking up at him with lidded eyes for a moment, but then...

Hands and eyes trail down, fingers hooking at his belt and giving a little tug forward before she looks back up, playful. ]

You're going to have to lift me up.

[ Re-L behind closed doors is a completely different person, expressive when she doesn't have what could be many eyes on her - that hard expression softens, she lets her voice out more. It's a thrill to see this gradual transformation, like she's allowing herself to feel and be herself, letting down her guard. It's subtle, but not so much that Gladio misses it.

It inspires his touch all the more, wanting to see how he can make her come alive under his touch. Her laugh is nothing short of sexy, light and breathless as she kicks away the garment and accepts his advances with that same beautiful confidence. There's no shy or flustered denial here, and there's nothing frankly sexier to him than a woman who knows what she wants and has an adventurous spirit.

He draws his large body up to hers, hips first as he yanks on his belt enough to make him bump against her with a smile. One hand slips down her forearm to the fingers that grasp his belt and give them a reassuring squeeze, then he starts to unbuckle his belt, pull open the button and draw down the zipper. Taking his hands away, he puts them on her body, running down the slope of her back and backside, hips dipping forward as he pushes between her legs and hikes her up as if she weighs nothing. ]

Hooh... you're fine with this? I half expected to hear you demand I carry you into the bedroom, but since I don't know where it is...

[ The implication that this will simply have to do is obvious and goes unsaid. He's teasing her, gently, enjoying the thrill and the fact they're on the same page here. She's as eager as he is to get this party started, both of them fired up enough already from anticipation alone. He hooks one of her legs around his waist, holds the over in the crook of his arm under her knee, his hand slipping down the underside of her thigh and beneath her hemline, fingertips grazing over her lips laid bare when he stripped off her undergarment. ]

I've really wanted to for a while. Just hit me if I get too rough.

[ Experiencing many things for the first time has a way with making one adventurous. She'd spent so much time closed up on the rabbit with Vincent and Pino, making herself miserable in the process, that when she'd come out of it.. there'd been nothing to do but to try and force herself to take these changes a little bit better. The Eluvio, and now Riverview, had forced that resolution through, at least when it came to being alone with people or just.. out of the public eye in general. There she still felt the absolute need to close off and become like her old self, back in Romdeau where appearances were everything.

Here and now, with Gladio, it's not so hard to let things fall by the way side. She's in no way shy about her body, finds nothing shameful in finding and getting what she wants, even if other people might've shied away from being so straight forward. There's been enough time spent dancing around one another with little glances and flirting words, close but not close enough when he was showing her proper forms or something of the like. As much as she'd played dumb with Iggy, in the dome, she wasn't so dense as to not see when someone was flirting or when she'd caught their eye. No, it was just a simple decision to ignore it, then, plain and simple.

She'd been about to ask him about his belt when he moves to unbuckle it for her, unabashedly watching him as he unbuckles the belt, pulls the button and zipper, pale hands moving to trace his sides and back as he does so. She's not sure what to expect out of this, honestly, but.. what the hell. The worst was already over hiding in the back, dark corner of a club. There's something about the fact that she knows they're on a mostly level playing field, here, but he's unafraid to reach, touch, take control and show her what they're doing, either. Her skirt is gathered up practically at her waist by the time he lifts her, legs easily opening to accept him between them as her arms move to wrap around Gladio's neck instead, relaxed there as her fingers can't seem to stay out of his hair. ]

It's upstairs but.. I don't mind.. The furniture needs a little breaking in, at any rate. [ Implying that they didn't just have to stay here, even, but she's not opposed, moving for a moment to pull her hair out from behind her shoulders for a little more freedom of movement for her head as he readjusts where her legs fall. It's smart to determine these things, anyway - she's got long legs and they're going to have to go somewhere after all.

Lashes flutter as rough fingers graze over sensitive skin, a soft breath sneaking past her lips before she's looking back to his face, somehow still more needy even in those few spare moments. ]

I'm glad I wasn't reading signals wrong.. [ Though that little smirk seems to indicate that she knew she wasn't - a bit like a cat that got the cream, voice a little lower when she speaks again. ]

Let's just say I'm not as fragile as I look, mn? Necessary roughness won't hurt my pride.

Breaking in?

[ He huffs a laugh, thinking of what an inviting collection of words that was. Paints a pretty picture too, one that lights his imagination with heated thoughts that'll make for a great story he'll never share, kept close to his heart for some lonely time later when he can relive this fantasy made reality.

The scent of her skin when they're this close, the feel of her fingers tracing his sides and the muscles on his back. The pull and snag when her fingers get caught in his wild hair and the feel of her curves yielding under his hand as he lifts her up. He aims his smile into the side of her neck, kissing and mouthing at her skin from that space just under her ear, over her pulse and along her clavicle. He wants to drink in the taste and scent of her, let her feel his mouth and a gentle scrape of his facial hair and his teeth, the wet brush of his tongue. Murmuring as he goes. ]

Since you've said it like that... should I take that to make it my goal to break in every piece of furniture in the place with you or...?

[ He lets the question hang there as he lifts his head and crowds up against her, adjusting himself and her weight against the wall as he grips himself at the base to blindly search for that white-hot heat of her body to sink into. He finds it, nudges the meaty head of his cock against her entrance, but doesn't push in - he slicks up the tip with her arousal and slides it along her lips, nudges against the hood of her clitoris in a tease. ]

Or is here okay?

Well, I have to do more than wait around here, you know.. [ Not that she ever would, but it's a good way to carry on the banter of the moment, habits aside. The place is still pretty pristine, mostly because, well.. it's Re-L. She's not exactly hosting dinner parties or having many people over to dirty the place up. Hell, she's barely got her own knick-knacks around, but it's all something he's allowed to notice about the place when they're good and worn out here.

At the moment she's a little too caught up in this - head tipping back to allow him all the room he needs, skin blossoming in small bits of goose bumps as he moves along the pale skin of her neck. It tickles, ever so slightly, but not so unbearably that it's unpleasant. In fact, soft sounds and hushed breaths slide out in place of anything like sentences, definitely a good thing from someone as opinionated as Re-L. As much as Gladio is soaking in the scent and feel of her, Re-L is doing the same, trying to memorize or at least commit to memory the way it all feels, with him. Not that she's ever writing off a second go, or anything, just... they're busy people. Sometimes, needs needed to be met without the participation of another living being. ]

Mmn.. good question.. [ Her brain isn't as full of blood as it probably should be in the moment, not when Gladio is pressing close like this, the vulnerability of the fact that she's up in the air not nearly as prevalent as her want to just get him in already. Impatience is always her first impulse, but here -

Here Gladio wins a little time with his teasing, teeth immediately pressing in to her bottom lip as a soft whine shoots its way up her throat in a needy tone. Outside of this apartment she'd have never been quite so open, but now - Now she's soaked in to the smooth slide of him against her, that building, maddening heat between her legs that just wants him to get on with it, but in the same breath thrills at the teasing. Extra time to formulate her thoughts isn't all negative, though, as she tries (with only slight success) to shift slightly, trying to maybe find an angle that may allow him to slip in, wanting to feel the girth she's only really had a hint up through pants well and truly. ]

Start here. [ And then, a little huffed laugh. ] And if you're lucky you might get the tour.

[ There's an odd sort of unlived in feeling when he came into the place. It could be in part because she's only just moved in, but also due to her job. Or, perhaps, she's just exceedingly meticulous.

Gladio laughs at the retort. ]

You got it.

[ He feels that shift of her hips, an eager tell that she wants more than he's giving. He circles her clitoris and then lets his cock slide down between her lips, wastes no time in rolling the head of his dick up against her entrance, letting her arousal wet him while stimulating the flushed and sensitized skin. But he's eager to feel more of that white-hot heat of her body hugging his length, so he pushes in, letting his head breach her before he takes his hand away from his cock to grip the back of her thigh. ]

Ungh... [ It's felt like forever since he was with a woman, not that he minds - but as much as he enjoys banter and flirtation, it's rare for him to have the luxury of intimacy. He's almost always on the clock, but here and now in this reality? Time is absolutely on his side, and he was spend it indulging whatever sparks that fly between him and a friend, when the chemistry and the mood is just right.

He groans as he sinks into her, slow and insistent, feeling her body snug around his cock as he buries himself as close to the root as he can risk, watching her expression carefully for signs of pain, his eyes flicking to her eyes and mouth as he feels his relax to pleasure. ]

[ There's a short view of a little smirk as he agrees to her terms - in reality she'd probably let him have his way anyway, but there's no sense in thinking too far ahead when he's so damn close like this. A small, breathless sound eeks past her lips as he makes sure to give her at least a little more of a tease before want she wants, a small attention to detail that sends a jolt up her spine as he stimulates her clitoris again, and even though she wants him inside already ... there's no denying that he's got a way with making sure she's good and ready for him. If it's practice or dumb luck she doesn't care to know, head falling back with a fast breath out as he finally pushes in - ]

Mmnn.. [ Words are hard, actually, even if she's typically full of them even in sarcasm as she feels him press in. That satisfying fullness that she's been craving finally satiated in the moment, easily allowing her legs to spread and be pushed back, her fingers and nails easily twisting and gripping at skin and fabric alike around his shoulders. Thankfully they've played and flirted long enough that there's less in the way of discomfort than there is impatience. The slide of skin against those inner most walls sends a pulsing want right through her, though up against the wall like this there's not much in the way of control for her to have, and (for now) she doesn't really begrudge it.

She'll look serene as ever, really, other than the slight crease of her brow and that coquettish bite of her lip that's an effort to try and keep herself quiet more than anything else. It doesn't take long before she feels his eyes on hers, blue opening to meet his with a slow roll of her back and a little, sighed noise that's two-thirds impatience and one-third just so damn pleased at how filling his feels -

(Size queen here? Never - ) ]

Gladio - [ The commanding edge that usually teases its way in to her voice has long gone, breathy and still low as her heels hook in, pressing, wanting him to press in deep and feel as much of her as possible. Not that he doesn't have all the time in the world for that, just, you know - she's a little curious to know just how deep he can reach, too. ]

Nnn - Gladio, damn -

[ Words and sentences - what are those? ]

[ Gladio huffs an amused laugh at the abbreviated sentences, knowing all too well how it feels. That white-hot heat of her body he sinks into is just on the edge of too tight, but she's so aroused that her body yields to him deliciously. That demanding note in her words betrays a desperation she's certainly not alone in feeling.

He grunts as he shifts her weight in his arms and against the wall, letting his cock shift with him until he draws his hips back and pushes into her again. Urged on by the soft moans, the way she says his name, the burn of her nails printing half moons into the meat of his shoulders. ]

That work for you?

[ Gladio replies, but he's hardly unaffected. He's rendered somewhat breathless as he pushes into her, the snugness of her body feels incredible. When she tips her head back, it invites him to nuzzle into that long neck of hers and mouth over her pulse, his facial hair scraping her pale skin. He kisses along her collarbone - over skin and clothes both - nipping through the cloth when he can't get at her skin. All the while his body rocks into her with strong, purposeful thrusts to get them both going, then pulls his mouth away from her to smile at that strained bite on her bottom lip.

Nice. ]

Haha... I'm thinking yes. But you don't worry about using that sharp tongue of yours to boss me around.

[ He'll wait until her eyes open to flash her a wink. ]

[ She's half tempted to growl out a little 'shut up' as that laugh registers - instead simply giving his shoulder a half-hearted shove. It's not often that she gives in to those deep-buried wants she's beat down for years upon years up until recently. Hedonism comes to mind, though she knows she's no where near the actual definition at this point. Given a few more months, considering th bender she's already on? And she might just be there.

At the very least she's trusting he won't drop her, the press of her back to the wall is too strong and, at any rate, she's got his shoulders hard enough that she could catch herself if need be. The shift of him inside her, though, already so sensitive and ready from waiting to even get here sends a throb of lust through her, ready in the moment to start bossing off the bat, as is her nature. But then he pulls back, a more solid movement that doesn't seem like a tease and suddenly it feels a lot like she can't breathe properly for a few moments.

And before she's gathered her mind enough to do it, he's there at her throat, the rough scratch of facial hair such a difference to the softness of his lips. It's.. new, and not in an unpleasant manner. She's spent so long bossing that to be so thoroughly possessed in a way, for even a moment, is a thrill of it's own. A mental note is made that, next time, she needs to ditch the shirt, wonders what the playful contrast of rough beard vs. soft lips might feel like lower...

That is, if she doesn't find out in the course of the night. As it stands he's already doing a number on her, and though she can't really do much between the wall and his hips, her hands roam, one to the back of his neck, the other dropping down to her clit, careful not to do more than work at a tease for the moment, carefully rolling sensitive nerves under her fingers. ]

I think - ah - you know... [ Though, if it's snark he wants... there's a slight eye roll as he winks, blue eyes hooded in neediness catching his even as said sharp tongue flickers to wet her own lips, leaning closer like she's going to tell him a secret - ]

Don't worry, though. My tongue is capable of more than being sharp, too if you're - mmn - lucky you might get to see for yourself ...

[ He felt that shove, Re-L, and that's not nearly so dissuasive an act to keep him from teasing her. She's really impressive, at least he thinks so, having been used to a more conservative population that finds displays of affection, particularly of the public sort to be intensely embarrassing.

For him? He finds them thrilling. Just by leaning against a wall and overshadowing someone, he can see their interest and excitement grow as he strikes up even the most tame of conversation. But he's big and cuts an imposing figure, and likewise she is tall and lithe and cold, like a statue cut from flawless marble with live suddenly breathed into it.

She moves and he moves with her, rolling against her body as she breathes against him, speaks her orders and expectations in ways he's more than happy to salute to. ]

I hope I am. Now...

[ Gripping her body, he seeks out purchase as he shrugs his hips into her even harder. ]

What was that about showing me how? Want me to throw you over that couch and you can instruct me properly?

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realimperfect - 2017-09-05 02:02 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

introductory mingle: carnivale

iv. nsfw HAHAH SWEATS

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fhdjksgh THERE sorry this went through a few rewrites due to writing insecurity

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OH RIGHT WARNING: here there be raw dog, walling, basically inappropriate use of furniture

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FINALLY DIGS THROUGH TAG MOUNTAIN

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