Aphrodite Dionaea (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
callipygos) wrote2012-12-01 06:44 pm
callipygos) wrote2012-12-01 06:44 pm
holiday party post
Aphrodite's New York loft is done up to the nines.
The first good look as one enters is of twinkling Manhattan through the big windows, lights bright against a dark winter sky. The windows take up most of two walls; the rest of the space is largely empty, the star of the show a glowingly polished hardwood floor perfect for dancing.
There's a cluster of low-slung couches and chairs at one end of the room, velvet and leather and very inviting. They're situated by the fireplace, which lends them a cozy glow-- though it isn't cold anywhere in here, despite the windows.
Aphrodite is very proud of a few things about tonight:
1) The music, which spans a decent range of time periods and tempos, and will be playing for most of the evening.
2) The decorations, understated but quite lovely: softly glowing lights, silver and gold ribbons wound around columns and draped from the ceiling ... the occasional strategically placed bit of mistletoe.
3) Her dress.
And yes, darlings, there is a very well stocked bar and counter full of snacks.
That's what happens when you enlist the Three Graces to help you plan your shindigs.
The first good look as one enters is of twinkling Manhattan through the big windows, lights bright against a dark winter sky. The windows take up most of two walls; the rest of the space is largely empty, the star of the show a glowingly polished hardwood floor perfect for dancing.
There's a cluster of low-slung couches and chairs at one end of the room, velvet and leather and very inviting. They're situated by the fireplace, which lends them a cozy glow-- though it isn't cold anywhere in here, despite the windows.
Aphrodite is very proud of a few things about tonight:
1) The music, which spans a decent range of time periods and tempos, and will be playing for most of the evening.
2) The decorations, understated but quite lovely: softly glowing lights, silver and gold ribbons wound around columns and draped from the ceiling ... the occasional strategically placed bit of mistletoe.
3) Her dress.
And yes, darlings, there is a very well stocked bar and counter full of snacks.
That's what happens when you enlist the Three Graces to help you plan your shindigs.
Re: Arrivals
Also hard not to notice is the goddess in the red dress.
He's not blind, but he is here with Kate, and Kate is wearing his favorite dress of hers, so all is right with the multiverse.
Tommy himself doesn't really do formal attire unless he has absolutely no choice, but he can clean up nice if he wants to. So this evening he's wearing a black leather jacket over an Aran turtleneck, with neatly fitting dark blue jeans and scuffed motorcycle boots.
Arm-in-arm? Hand-in-hand? Tommy isn't sure how comfortable Kate is yet, but he'll keep his palm pressed to the small of her back as they cross the room together toward their hostess.
Re: Arrivals
She's happy with the hand at her back, though she does brush her arm past his waist to see if he'll take it in his. She's wearing the same dress she wore to Carlotta's wedding, though she's left the fine hat at home in favor of carefully done curls. Her lips are red, and her heels modestly low. She's not the sort of woman who has to have a new dress for every event; waste not, want not. And besides, Tommy's frown was rather epic when she considered wearing one of her fine Victorian era dresses.
There's nothing wrong with layers, Thomas Gavin.
Blinking out of her daze, she offers a warm smile to the stunning goddess.
Re: Arrivals
"Come on in! The water's fine."
Re: Arrivals
"I had a feeling it was you," he says to the goddess, lightly teasing, remembering how she'd given him an alias when they'd first met. "You still look gorgeous, no matter what name."
He tilts his head toward the woman on his arm. "This's Kate Barlow. Kate, the goddess Aphrodite."
Apparently Tommy has acquired some manners.
Re: Arrivals
She goes with the former.
"It's a pleasure meetin' you. Hope I'm not imposin'. Should I have brought a gift? Ah, I should've brought a gift."
She winces, laughing quietly.
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May as well.
"The best gift is bringing yourselves-- you liven the place right up. It's very nice to meet you, Kate."
(Her eyebrow arch for Tommy may communicate something along the lines of, HMMMM?)
Re: Arrivals
"Well, if we don't liven this place up, we must be doin' something wrong."
This may or may not be trufax.
Also depends on your definition of 'livening this place up.'
He promises 911 won't have to be called.
Re: Arrivals
Kate shoots a sidelong look at him, opting not to mention any of their less than lawful exploits to date.
"If anythin' gets broke, y'can take it out of his tab. I'll more than likely be an innocent bystander."
Oh, look. Mischnocence is catching.
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"I knew I was signing up for a few dangerous guests when I decided to throw this thing. Maybe more than a few. Please promise me you'll behave."
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(Although Tommy did come pretty close to it one time, but that's just another level of achievement in pissing people off.)
"I can't speak for this one, though," he adds, giving Kate a light squeeze around her waist. "She's a handful."
Re: Arrivals
Granted, she wasn't angry at Kate, but just being in the presence of all that awesome ire left a very sizable impression on Kate. It's probably rather clear by the look on her face.
She cuts Tommy a warning glare. It's halfhearted at best.
"Y'don't hafta worry 'bout me, Lady Aphrodite. I promise I'll be considerate while I'm a guest in your lovely home."
Re: Arrivals
"That's the spirit. Now, go on and get dancing-- the night won't be young for much longer."
Re: Arrivals
"Well, we'll be sure to get some moves in before the night's done."
He won't specify what type of moves he means. Some of them might take place in the coat room.
"And thanks for the invite! We'll see ya 'round..."
With his arm around Kate's waist, he leads her off to mingle.
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Regardless, there's a familiar-looking cowboy in front of them.
"Miss Barlow," John says, nodding to Kate. "Pleasure to see you here. Pleasure to see you as well, Mr. Gavin."
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"Mr. Marston, good to see you again."
His tone is polite, if a bit guarded.
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"Mr. Marston, it's always a pleasure."
Always, even when she glances sidelong at her escort, a look in her eyes that's in part curiosity as to how he will react.
"Are you here alone, John?"
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He chooses not to comment on the whole Kate/Tommy thing, because...well, some minefields you just don't navigate.
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"Smarter man than most," he remarks evenly.
Yeah, Tommy's done the jealous girlfriend thing before. Jealous and batshit.
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"Then, when she's back, you'll have nothin' t'hide. I still hope you'll spare me the pleasure of a dance, but I'll understand if not."
If anyone should ask, Kate did drag Tommy along to Carlotta's vow renewal; she's only repaying the favor now.
(But she likely wouldn't have come with anyone else.)
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He casually shoves his hands into his jeans pockets.
"Well, better safe than sorry, right?"
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"A peril of the committed relationship, no doubt. But then you'd hafta explain Milliways t'her as well, if she weren't to assume y'frittered away time while things home are so grim."
She lightly touches his arm.
"Be mindful. Y'might find some ladies here rather insistent."
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Fine. He's just going to stand here and sulk.
With composure.
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She laughs softly — awkwardly — quickly running out of small talk. She and Tommy spoke of the conversation the two men had while she was gone, but things are clearly still tense.
She clears her throat.
"Well, I hope y'enjoy yourself regardless. It is, after all, a party."
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