maskormenacelogs | ( christmas lyrics here )

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( christmas lyrics here )

WHO: dorian + you!!
WHERE: his house ( + cullen's house ) in heropa
WHEN: saturday, dec 17
WHAT: party time, excellent
WARNINGS: nnnnone at the mo

[ Just after sundown on Saturday, the conjoined backyards of Dorian and Cullen are transformed into a fun, wintery landscape. And those who know Dorian, know this is a great feat since he doesn't even like to be cold and certainly has never looked at snow favorably at all. However! Tis the season!

Or something like it, anyway.

When guests arrive, they'll be lead to the back of the house where there is a modest gazebo housing a table and some chairs—all of it handmade, right down to the gazebo itself. ( Thanks in part to Cullen who did most of the backbreaking work!!! Dorian totally helped, though. ) Inside is a spread of finger foods ranging from savory to sweet to veggie. To the side there's an array of booze. Because if there's one thing Dorian has way too much of, it's alcohol. There's mixers, too, but. Who needs those? And beside those bottles of alcohol are a smattering of wine bottles in various different flavors. Because, guess who's been shirking duties testing mustache products and instead cultivating a magically grown vineyard? That's right, Dorian. This party serves the purpose of using every guest as a taste-tester. ( Congratulations!! ) The typical assortment is there, white, red, rosé. But, there are a couple infusions he's trying out: one that is far more fruity and less tart, one that tastes like a warm summer afternoon, and there's one in a small crock so it's warmed and the spices waft tantalizingly on the air. ( Be sure to drop in a cinnamon stick! )

There's a path through the small vineyard that leads to Cullen's backyard. Along the way, roughly about the middle, there is a moderate archway. And it's clear someone's been doing their research about these Earth holidays. Because this thing is loaded with twisting and lush green mistletoe. Enjoy that little pitstop!!

On Cullen's side of the yard is a wintery landscape. Not a stitch of green grass shows through and the snow isn't melting at all. Guess being a mage is good for something, right? There's a large bonfire crackling away that, also, never seems to abate. Surrounding it are comfortable places to sit and baskets full of little snacks to roast over that open fire. Hot cocoa and the mulled spice wine are available over here as well.

While there are the little strings of white lights around, there's also little baubles lighting paths and sitting around to shed a little more light. Blue-white in color and won't flicker if touched.

Guests are free to stay the night if they care to, Dorian's more than happy to share space in his home. Before everyone departs, however, there's little gifts waiting for everyone ( because that's what this season is all about, right? giving gifts! ) that contain a small bottle of his wine, a little box of chocolates and a small pack of some stick on mustaches. Because, hey, they might not be as grand as his, but he's got a sense of humor. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Dorian will literally be e v e r y w h e r e during the night. Wherever he is needed or wanted, he will be there. Social butterfly that he is, he will be flittering around from place to place and make sure everyone is attended to. While this isn't the sort of affair he is used to throwing, he's used to parties in general and is striving to make sure each guest has a good time. ( Everyone wants a good Yelp review!!!! ) Can he get u anything? Please let him know!

Later on in the evening he will migrate toward the bonfire and join in any revelry to be had there—be it song or story. In fact he'll be happy to share stories of his own while there. In fact, he may even rope some people into playing cards, and he'd be more than happy to teach Wicked Grace or Diamondback. Because what's better to close out the night than drunken gambling, right? Right. ]

( feel free to hmu with anything at this generic prompt or catch me via plurk

honnleath if you want something more specific as i am happy to oblige! )

Wicked Grace?

[That's the best card game name Alfie's ever heard. Of course he's going to agree to play.]

Yeah, all right. But you're gonna have to show me the ropes, mate.

[ Well, whatever entertains his guests!!!

Dorian pulls out a deck of cards. It's similar to what one might expect a deck of cards to look like, except it's not really your standard fifty-two pick-up. Someone got a design your own deck and the art on them isn't half bad! Dorian spreads the cards face up on the table in front of them and points to each design as he says so; ]

All right, it's not so hard. We've different suits than what you might be used to. From lowest to highest: snakes, daggers, songs, knights and angels. [ He points to a card with an angel wearing a dark cloak. ] This here is the Angel of Death. The game is over when this card is drawn and discarded.

Each player is dealt five cards and the rest of the deck is drawn from in exchange for a card in your hand. The object of the game—as in most card games—is whomever has the highest hand wins. For example: two knights and three daggers is a better hand than two snakes and three daggers. So, it's typically a good idea to favor the higher suits. But, should you wind up with four of a kind, well, that's certainly better.

Now, when you draw the Angel of Death, you're supposed to announce it. However, this game is made for cheating. [ See? He could've lied about it and just thrown Alfie into the wind. ] So, there's always a little bit of wiggle room. I suppose you could say the true object of the game is to never get caught. [ He gives a playful little wink. ] Have I got you so far?

[Alfie likes this game already.]

You have. Yeah. Shall we start?

[He has a good pokerface and isn't afraid to cheat. He's ready for this, Dorian.]

[ Excellent. Sounds like this will prove to be an entertaining game!

Dorian scoops up the cards to shuffle them properly, deals then leaves the deck between them. He arranges his hand, not giving anything in particular away. One brow lifts slightly as does one side of his mouth in a slight smile. ]

Do I need to give you a practice run before we play proper?

Not at all. Are we betting?

[He does have a bit of cash in his pocket - not a lot, but he wouldn't be willing to bet a lot anyway.]

[ During a lull in the evening, Cullen seeks Dorian out, partly to check in and see how everything's going and partly because he just needs a break from trying to be more social than he actually is. He waits for a moment when he isn't speaking to anyone else, then slips in to his side, lightly touching his back to get his attention. ]

You've interesting friends. [ It's softly said so no one overhears, tinged with amusement instead of complaint. ] I had to stop the cat from digging up one of the vines. And his owner accused me of... [ A slight pause. ] I'm not precisely certain. Having untoward intentions for his partner?

[ He shakes his head, chuckling under his breath. Of all the people to be accused of being untoward, Cullen tends to rate himself as the least likely. ]

How does your evening go?

[ Being a social butterfly has its drawbacks. Mostly because he hasn't spent nearly enough time chatting with Cullen. Clearly this is a flow in his plan. But, that's rectified by Cullen before Dorian has the chance to do it himself. The moment he feels that touch against his back, he sways slightly to lean against him, giving a bright smile as he does so. Except it falters almost as soon as it shows. ]

What? [ Dorian's brows furrow and he glances out over the space. It takes him a moment before he figures out just what and who Cullen means. A pained look crosses his features and he sighs, lifting a hand to rub at his temple. ] Maker take that man. Don't worry about that. [ He waves his hand as if that will brush it all away. ] Not another thought.

[ He turns a little more toward Cullen and rests his hand briefly against his chest. ]

My night has been progressing quite nicely. [ His smile gets sharper at the edges, the intent of what he means so clear in his eyes. ] Much better now. Where have you been hiding all night?

[ From the expression that crosses Dorian's face, Cullen can tell that it's not precisely nothing. But as he doesn't really know the cat's owner, he's not terribly concerned about it. Especially since Dorian doesn't seem to be.

He meets that smile with one of his own, not quite as sharp but no less genuine. ]

I have been tending to the refreshments. And keeping an eye on the animals.

[ And whatever other things might require his attention and keep him away from the more difficult task of socializing.

Looping an arm loosely around Dorian's shoulders, Cullen nudges him toward said refreshments. Host though he may be, he still deserves to enjoy the party a little himself. ]

Come on. Let's take a break for a few minutes, shall we? Enjoy the fruits our of labor.

[ That... is a pun. Perhaps not a great one. But he's making the attempt. ]

[ Of course he's keeping an eye on the animals. Of course. That doesn't shock or surprise Dorian at all. But, for what it's worth, he can see Cullen doesn't appear to be too harried and that he's as relaxed as Cullen can be, and for that Dorian is pleased. It means the night is more successful than he anticipated.

He's easily lead by Cullen, heading toward the refreshments. Dorian hasn't spent much time eating and more of that time talking and drinking. ( No one would be surprised by that, either. ) So, it's likely a good thing that he starts picking at some of the food. Which he will do, after he rolls his eyes in an exaggerated fashion and puts on the airs of a man so troubled. What a horrible pun!! Cullen's sense of humor is an interesting thing and Dorian enjoys when that particular muscle is flexed. He's not the uptight, straight-laced man that others seem to think. ]

Truly terrible.

[ Except there's amusement in Dorian's tone and he doesn't act like he's all that put out. Instead he just pops a piece of chocolate in his mouth, chews thoughtfully for a moment then takes a small drink of the wine currently in his hand. It's a nice mix, he thinks, and wonders if he can use this in some manner. ]

I hope you don't mind terribly, but I'm inviting myself to stay at yours this evening. [ Dorian slips his arm slightly around Cullen's back, his fingers already dancing slowly, teasingly, along the line of his spine. ] I've extended my hosting duties until morning and would prefer to rest comfortably in a bed.

[ Cullen counts himself fortunate that Dorian appreciates his sense of humor. All too often, he encounters those that don't. Either it's too dry or the sarcasm is mistaken for insult, or in the case of those subjected to it during his templar days, it simply wasn't appropriate. But Dorian seems to enjoy it. Even encourage it.

So it's with fondness that a slight smile curves his mouth as he listens to Dorian feign offense at his pun. The smile becomes a little less faint when Dorian invites himself over for the evening. Cullen casually drapes an arm around his waist in return, though neither so closely nor tightly that it hampers his range of movement. A chocolate and a sip of wine isn't nearly enough and Cullen means to encourage him to eat a bit more before the night is through. ]

A bit presumptuous, aren't you? [ The lofty tone and upraised eyebrows are countered by a slyly teasing tone and an open smirk. ] Perhaps I intend to keep the bed for myself.

[ He doesn't and Cullen trusts that Dorian knows him well enough to realize that he would offer the bed to him without prompting regardless of their circumstances. Then, a moment later, Cullen shifts to a more serious tone. ]

Is everything all right? Should any of your guests require more than a room for the evening, surely there's something more we can do.

[ One of those people getting roped into gambling is Dorian Gray, who looks like he's having the time of his life. He's drunk enough to be comfortable but not enough to get drunk drunk. And hey, the party's moved to the bonfire, so Dorian's moved with the party.

The idea of card games though makes him give Dorian P. a little grin. Oh he hasn't played card games in ages. ]

Honestly, as long as it's not whist, I'll play anything.

[ This is exactly what he wants to see, though. Is people having fun and enjoying themselves. They might not all want to be here, but sometimes one has to make the best of the situation they're in.

Drinking and gambling is the quickest way to do that. ( In most cases... )

Dorian gives an answering sort of grin; ]

I'm afraid I've not heard of whist, what is that?

Oh, it's a terrible game, [ Dorian idly remarks, with a wrinkle of his nose. He's still having a good time as he talks, it's just a good time with some shittalking of whist involved ]

It involves paying attention to the cards and teamwork. I'd much rather play something like poker instead—I'm better at bluffing.

[Alfie hadn't been planning to come to the party, at first - but he is in Heropa for the evening, and when word starts to get around about the guy who's turned his Floridian backyard into a snowy winter wonderland, he's curious enough to go check it out.

He pops back to Maurtia Falls to pick up his overcoat, and shows up about two hours late. He's neither the first to arrive nor the last to leave, but he'll still spend some time wandering around the yard, poking at the snow curiously to see if he can find any difference between the magicked stuff and the real thing. The food also turns out to be really, really good, so he can be found in that area a lot as well, focusing more on the eats than on the wine. It is, on the whole, an impressive party.

And on the way out, he presses one of those stick-on mustaches onto the front of Dorian's mailbox.]

[ In hindsight, he probably shouldn't have brought the lynx. But Dorian had told him about the guy who could talk to a dog that could understand everyone else and he'd been hoping to get some insight into the feline mind. And maybe figure out where Leon came from.

Which is how they end up here, Leon crouched on a low branch of a nearby tree, stubby tail twitching as he eyes the guy a few feet away, and Felix standing off to the side, wondering if he ought to get involved or just see what happens. He wants to see what happens, but he suspects someone—Locus or Dorian—will give him shit if he lets his cat wreak havoc and harass the other guests. ]

Hey, guy. [ As he calls out, Felix sidles over between Alfie and Leon. ] You like cats? Out of curiosity.

[Alfie, already in the process of moving the fuck away, raises his eyebrows at Felix. What is it with the people here having pets that can eat people? At least, he's assuming that this is someone's pet.]

I wouldn't call that a cat, mate.

No?

[ It's not entirely a serious question, but it isn't really a joke either. Felix looks from Alfie to Leon, arching an eyebrow. ]

Is it called something else here? [ Snapping his fingers, he points at the ground. ] Leon. Don't you embarrass me in front of people. Get down.

[ Leon flattens his ears, yawns, and then drops down quietly. Felix turns back to Alfie with a grin. ]

There. See? No harm done.

[ Yet. ]

Mm, he's yours, then. What is it, a panther?

{Alfie isn't exactly up on his large cat species.]

I guess. I woke up one morning and there he was.

[ This is the story of Felix's life. Stuff happens and he's just conveniently in the center of it. ]

He's a bobcat? Lynx? Are those the same thing? I don't know. We didn't have them on the planet I grew up on. Do they have them on yours?

Not in my city. How did he get into your flat?

[That's concerning, Felix.]

[ Felix scrunches up his nose in an expression that's half thoughtfulness and half sheepishness. ]

I have no fucking clue. I... might have had a little too much to drink the night before.

[ Might in this case translating to he definitely had too much to drink and it's a wonder he didn't die again from it. ]

And then you decided to keep it.

[Definitely questioning your decisions here, Felix.]

Well, what else was I going to do with it?

[ That's a legitimate question, though to be fair, he doesn't know what he's doing with it now either. ]

I'd call someone to have it taken away, if it were me.

[ Despite it being a holiday party, Felix shows up wearing a suit: black with a red tie and pocket handkerchief. It's one thing to be gaudy on one's own turf, but he just can't do it when entering someone else's. Especially someone as fashion conscious as Dorian. Aside from the red accents, his concession to the holidays is a Santa hat perched on his carefully styled hair, a ring of evergreen garland dusted with gold glitter circling Leon's neck, and a red and green leash clipped to the lynx's collar.

He won't stick obnoxiously to Locus' side the entire night. He mingles. He tries one of everything in the spread of food and might have more than one glass of the wine. He'll stake out a spot near the mistletoe for a time, though that will get interrupted when Leon climbs up into a tree and Felix, cursing, has to go up after him.

Inevitably he ends up at the fire, glass of wine in his hand, not drunk but pleasantly buzzed. Leon eventually tires of being a menace and chasing the huge dog around and lies down near him.

Unless Locus drags him back of Maurtia Falls, he'll probably end up spending the night just because he's comfortable, inebriated, and disinclined to go back north to the cold right away. ]

Edited 2016-12-13 14:17 (UTC)

[ It's a bit later on when Dorian finds Felix at the fire and slides right in next to him with little hesitation. He, too, is pleasantly tipsy. And, quite frankly, it's not a good party if he isn't that way. His smile is a little loose, his eyes slow to blink. Even though this Felix isn't his Felix, he still likes him quite a bit, considers him a trustworthy friend here. As ridiculous as Felix can be, Dorian doesn't believe that trust to be misplaced.

He nudges his elbow against Felix's side in that friendly sort of way then gestures toward Leon laying nearby. ]

Supposedly Leon told Pup, who in turn told Cullen, who told me, and now I'm telling you, that he likes to make you angry and has no plans to stop. But, he does like you. [ Dorian shrugs a little before taking a sip of his drink. ] Whatever that means coming from a cat.

[ Dorian's a nice guy. He knows how to have fun. He knows when to be serious. He's not a huge buzzkill or an overbearing douchebag. Felix likes him. As much as Felix can like anyone who isn't Locus.

He rolls his head to the side so he can blink at Dorian, then rolls it the other way to check out Leon. Who is still being pretty well-behaved. Probably because he knows Locus is around somewhere and is trying in his feline way to impress him. ]

That's not very nice, Leon. You don't act like a shit to Locus. You shouldn't do it to me.

[ Leon, unsurprisingly, ignores him. Huffing, Felix takes a drink from his latest glass of wine and looks back at Dorian. ]

He's an asshole. Where'd you find Cullen anyway?

[ Dorian watches Felix speak to his cat with a gentle sort of amusement on his face. He can't be blamed for alcohol softening his features or crumbling those walls he's built up so high around himself. Of course he'd deny this without hesitation, but still.

Though, he'd have far too much trouble trying to deny anything once Felix brings up Cullen. There's a disgusting streak of romance in Dorian that he tends to ignore because of various life experiences factoring in and someone like Cullen easily coaxes that out. It's terrible. ( Except for the part where he enjoys it. )

Tilting his head down slightly, he smiles into the glass as if that could hide anything. ]

He was one of the founders, so to speak, of the organization I worked with back home. [ He looks over to Felix with an amused sort of expression on his face. ] I crashed a meeting I wasn't invited to and I suspect he was quite cross with me. But, look at me. [ He gestures to his face, his body. ] Who's truly going to argue with perfection in their presence?

[ But, in all seriousness... Dorian looks toward the fire then, a distant quality taking over his gaze and his tone. ]

We didn't really get along at first—though I didn't with many as people tend to hold their prejudices. Not only because I'm a mage but from Tevinter as well. [ He exhales a breath on the next word, as if that is taking all the misfortune of that particular topic with it; ] However, eventually, we did find common ground through various means and became friends. I never imagined things to become this way, but you'll find no complaint from me in that regard.

[ BUT OKAY. Enough of this sappiness. Dorian turns a concerned gaze to Felix, his brows bowed in question. ]

Has anything changed for you?

[ He doesn't want to go. That's first. He doesn't want to go because he doesn't like parties. Or people. Yet somehow he winds up going. And, truthfully, it's not the worst thing that could happen. It's not a huge, crazy affair. It's quieter than any party he's ever been to and there's no obnoxious pulsing beats of trashy songs digging into his skull. There's still people, but he's either left alone or spends a bit of time with Cullen and his dog. So, overall, it's not the worst thing that could happen.

Eventually, he finds Felix again and sighs when he spots him. Setting his empty glass down, he silently makes his way over and comes up behind Felix, leaning in close to murmur lowly by his ear; ]

Stop watching people under the mistletoe.

[ Pervert. ]

Oh my God, I'm not watching them.

[ He's not. Not the way Locus makes it sound, anyway. It's true that he's watching to see who crosses into the mistletoe's sphere of influence, but what they do underneath it doesn't interest him anymore. All he cared about in that respect was learning what the socially acceptable parameters are. It's a different time. A different world, too. For all he knew, it wasn't just kissing that a person was supposed to do.

Ignoring the way Locus' proximity makes the nape of his neck prickle, Felix tips his head back and around so he can catch sight of him out of the corner of his eye. It doesn't matter that he probably can't see the way he lifts his eyebrows. He injects the lofty expression into his voice. ]

Someone is always on me about planning. So I did. I planned very carefully.

[ Spinning in a circle so tight it doesn't require him to take a step backward, he faces Locus and, before he can escapes, catches the front of his shirt in his hand. ]

Like a hunter. [ He grins. ] And I caught you. Plan successful. No wonder you like doing this shit.

[ He isn't overly surprised by Felix's reaction. Why would he be? It's Felix. Predictable his his predictability. He does give him a dubious sort of look, like he doesn't believe he wasn't watching these people for... well, for whatever reason. Felix does a lot of things Locus doesn't understand. And it's probably better that way, honestly.

When Felix moves, without thinking one of Locus' arms goes around his waist. He does sigh, though, that can't be helped. Felix somehow always manages to get those. ]

Only because I allowed myself to be caught.

[ Because if there's one thing about Locus is that he doesn't get caught in traps. Or, well, tries not to anyway. Because he tries to plan ahead for the inevitable. He maintains a flat expression, but the fact that he hasn't moved away or pushed Felix away speaks enough for itself. ]

Wouldn't the purpose be to catch me underneath, not to the side?

[ Felix, your planning sucks. ]

[ None of it goes unnoticed. Not the looks or the sighs, which Felix is so used to receiving now that it's a wonder he hasn't become desensitized to them, and not the touching either. That isn't exactly foreign, but it's been such a rarity over the last few years that it's kind of new again anyway.

It's weird how it's like that. Felix tries not to think about it too hard. ]

Ordinarily, yes. [ His agreement comes immediately, and so brightly that it's clear that he's proud of himself. If you weren't you.

[ That isn't a criticism. He's still half-grinning and half-smirking as he says it. ]

But you are you and you're too crafty for that. You'd expect underneath. But did you expect the side? [ Waggling his eyebrows, he shakes his head. And very pointedly does not release his grip on Locus' shirt. ] And because it's right there—[ He points to the mistletoe with the forefinger of his free hand. ]—now you have to kiss me.

[ This time instead of sighing, he rolls his eyes. Felix gets a lot of those, too. It's not that Locus is put out by this, not really. It's just... this is how they are. If things were different, then. Well, things would be different.

But, they're not. And so far that seems to be okay and working for them. To some degree, anyway. Whatever working for them means.

Whatever. Now isn't the time to really spend time thinking about this.

He looks blandly at the mistletoe, feeling like it's somehow betrayed him for existing. Locus knows he could walk away and not participate in this at all. But, he doesn't. Instead he just glances around, confirming no one is paying them any attention. Not that it really matters, but his personal life is his personal life. Well, and Felix's. What he does or what they do is no one's business. Locus leans down as he lifts his other hand up under Felix's chin to tip his head back just enough to reach his mouth. The kiss itself is chaste for all that he does linger just a touch longer than necessary.

When he pulls back, his arm drops back to his side once more. HIs brows are slightly lifted, his lids considerably lowered. ]

Happy?

[ It's facetious as fuck and said in Locus' typical dry tone. Because he already knows the answer. ]

[ Generally speaking, Cullen isn't the best at parties. He isn't effusively friendly or terribly outgoing, but he isn't standoffish either. This isn't Orlais. And an informal party at his own home, sort of, is a far cry from the stuffy, ostentatious, and utterly ridiculous that was always the nonsense at Halamshiral.

He moves through the garden, saying hello and checking in with people to make sure they have everything they need. Most often, he's found refilling the plates of food and pouring the drinks for anyone who wants one. This is Dorian's party, he's just the help.

There's a moment where he has to break away and go sort out a disagreement between Pup and the cat one of Dorian's friends brought. And another time when he gets cornered by said friend and harangued about something he's still confused about by the time the conversation is over. For the most part, however, Cullen is available to chat and gently tease anyone who happens to get stuck under the mistletoe. It's such a bizarre tradition, but it'd certainly entertaining to watch. ]

[ Parties aren't easy when you're not the life of one and don't care for them, either. Locus has never been good at mingling or making friends. He's been known to just walk away in the middle of a conversation if the other person irritates him too much. It's not something he eels any measure of guilt over. Most people are annoying. But, there have been a few people here that are less annoying and he is attempting to learn how to share space and conversate. It goes about as well as can be expected from someone like Locus, but the point is that he's trying.

So, he finds Cullen later when things are winding down and Felix isn't as high-strung anymore. And Leon isn't causing any trouble. ( He doesn't know why Felix insisted on bringing him but couldn't talk him out of it. ) ]

Whatever he said to you earlier, ignore it. Felix won't do anything.

[ If he knows what's good for him!!! ]

[ Looking up from where he's straightening a bunch of empty bottles—everyone throws things away here but all they have to do is wash out the glass and they can use them again, it seems like such a waste to throw them away—Cullen gives Locus a smile of welcome. It isn't huge, he isn't generally a wide smiler, but he is pleased to see him.

Maybe it's because Locus is a fellow soldier or maybe on some instinctive level Cullen recognizes something in him that's similar to himself. Whatever the case, he likes the guy. ]

I confess I'm still not entirely certain what his quarrel with me was. [ The way he looks has absolutely nothing to do with Locus' personal life. And Cullen isn't actually privy to the details of Locus' personal life. So who Locus sleeps with and who he doesn't isn't any of Cullen's business. Why Felix somehow conflated all of these things together, he doesn't know. ] But it seems as if he simply wishes to protect you.

[ From Cullen? Cullen's innocent intentions? Friendship? It doesn't really matter. Out of respect for Dorian's friends, he's choosing to just ignore the absurdity of it. ]

That is an admirable quality and it does him credit.

[ Fact remains that Cullen is a nice guy. He's nice in a way Locus isn't and never was. He's nice in a way that anyone Locus has known throughout his career wasn't and isn't. He's genuine and doesn't have a taste for duplicity. Basically, he's a good soldier, but an anomaly that Locus hasn't quite figured out. But, he's easy to talk to and provides a side that Locus is still trying to figure out.

Which is why he can't understand why he's actually giving Felix credit for his stupid jealous outbursts.

Locus actually looks pained for a moment before he rubs a hand over his face. He doesn't groan because he's an Adult Who Handles His Shit. ( He does internally though... ) The last thing Felix needs is approval and encouragement to act this way. Felix talks to everyone and makes friends easily because he presents that sort of persona. Locus doesn't and in a place like this it's hard to know who to trust. ( Especially when one has crazy trust issues! ) But, Cullen is one of those people for Locus. Eventually, Felix will have to understand that. ]

The last thing he needs is to hear that sort of encouragement. His pettiness regarding me does him no favors. [ He looks over in Felix's general direction. ] If he does anything, please let me know. [ Then back to Cullen will all the seriousness he can muster ( which is a lot ); ] And I mean anything.

[ Not being someone given toward gossip often puts Cullen at a loss when it comes to interpersonal matters unrelated to him. Usually, he doesn't care. What people do on their own time doesn't concern him. But every so often, the drama involves his friends or people he knows and sometimes it would be nice to understand it better in order to offer appropriate advice.

Between Felix's strange reaction to him and Locus' response to Felix's behavior, it appears to be one of those times. ]

Of course. [ Cullen dips his head into a nod of agreement. He may not understand precisely why Locus wants to know, but he'll respect his wishes nonetheless. ] Though I would not necessarily consider it pettiness.

[ It's strange, yes, but the customs of people from other worlds are bound to be strange to him. He smiles softly, somewhat amused about the whole thing. ]

In my world, it's customary to fight for the honor of those we care for. Regardless of any other confusion, it is at least clear to me that that is what he was attempting to do. [ With the familiarity of a soldier, Cullen claps Locus on the arm and grins. ] May we all be so fortunate to have such staunch defenders. You have chosen well, my friend.

[ It's a party. Of course Dorian Gray would show up. He's the sort of person who likes to be everywhere and see everybody. A social butterfly, right down to his core. And, of course he'll notice Cullen hanging around on the sidelines, refilling food and pouring drinks. ]

You do know you're not the help, [ Dorian idly responds, as he takes a glass of wine from a drink table. ] I don't know why you're acting like it.

[ Cullen glances up and, recognizing him, offers a subtly friendlier smile than the perfunctory ones he's been giving to strangers. ]

Perhaps not, but I like to keep busy during these types of affairs. [ He jerks his chin toward the party proper. Maybe that's giving away how awkward he always feels during these things, but it's the truth. ] Besides, I shouldn't want to drag Dorian away from his guests.

[ Then, because he does have a sense of humor, Cullen cocks an eyebrow and smirks slightly. ]

Do you have everything you'd like or shall I get you something more?

[ It's because Dorian recognizes Cullen that he's teasing him slightly, giving him a bit of a roll of his eyes as he continues talking. ]

Word of advice? Speaking as someone who's hosted plenty of parties in his day, sometimes you need to be dragged away from the guests. Usually it's due to a dislike of some guests, being tired from talking all night, or...other reasons.

[ There's a salacious smiiiiirk attached to 'other reasons' as Dorian raises an eyebrow slightly. Sexy reasons. He's talking about sexy reasons. ]

Course, how will you know that Pavus needs to be dragged away unless you mingle yourself to begin with?

[ It's the smirk that clues him into what the other reasons might be and as much as he's the opposite of the life of the party in practically all other respects, he grins at that. It's the sort of grin a man who used to get into trouble in his younger years might use. ]

In that case, perhaps a code phrase ought to be established. It might make the process of absconding from the festivities more expedient.

[ The grin shifts to something a bit more rueful. ]

I'm afraid I'm not very adept at parties. [ This is likely not the least bit shocking to anyone who's ever watched him be a stick in the mud, but it's the truth. ] What is it about them that drew you to hosting so many of them?

[ Not very adept at parties. Well, that...is kind of obvious, but Dorian's (for once) keeping his mouth shut. As for the question, he pauses a bit, shrugging before he answers. ]

I like people. What better way to be around people than to host a party?

[ He also likes attention. And what better way to get that attention than to host a party? After all, everyone wants to talk to the host. ]

I suppose another thing about parties is that I can be with people on my own terms. None of that horrible running into people when you're out and about nonsense. I can present myself the way I want people to see me.

[ Cullen doesn't dislike people, per se, but he certainly hasn't the temperament to host parties. Or be the center of attention. He thinks, with a faint upward quirk of his mouth, that perhaps it's a side-effect of being named Dorian. There are certainly similarities between this man and the Dorian from his own world.

That last part though, that has Cullen nodding in agreement. ]

That I do understand. Too often I have been forced to attend events that were held on the terms of others and those were not particularly pleasant. This...

[ He gestures with a brief glance around. ]

This isn't so bad. It's nice to be at one's home instead of the court of a noble.

[ Dorian can't help but nod at that, looking around at the house as he did so. This was much more intimate and much more cozy than some other parties he's been to.

Though the court of a noble? Well there was something he was a bit curious about. ]

Been to many nobility-hosted parties then?

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