Title:Saying Hello

Series: Velvet and Leather Fantasy Ball

Author: Toga

Rated: G

 

I give Valmont’s hand a quick squeeze before he saunters off to tend to his hosting duties. It’s thanks for taking the time to show us around, to reassure me about such a big place.

Fancy tends to unsettle me – mostly because I’m fairly certain I’m going to break something. I usually do – I’m a delicate as lead, remember.

Noticing two demon bots that saunter after our host, I try not to laugh. Moths to the flame, those two – of course, Kermie just thinks the world of himself, why wouldn’t he be interested in Valmont. It’d peak my interest too to see a negative of me wandering ‘round.

But I’m after Will passing out hugs and kisses. Scarlet and Tis both look great – fabooness. As always, the Brick House that is Scarlet makes me feel somewhat lacking in beauty and charm, but I don’t mind. Her smile’s infectious to say the least.

And Tis, she’s just sassy.

“Now, ladies, please, allow one spot on your dance card to remain open. I would very much enjoy a stroll around the dance floor with both of you.”

“At once?” Tis smirks over her drink. Her eyes twinkle at my mate and I can see his ever so appreciative smile. He wags his finger at her as he tries to hold back his chuckle.

“Milady, mayhap a waltz t’would still that cunning tongue of yours.”

I think Tis would take him up on that offer right now, but he kisses her knuckle in an apology. “My first must be to our hostess, you understand.”

Shrewd devil. I probably won’t see him the rest of the night. He’s gonna take up residence in one of those holo room and have a good, old fashion, 19th century ball. Of course, I’ll have to interrupt at some point – nothing will tickle me as much as to prance through a sea of whalebone, hoop skirts in my Doc Martens and ripped jeans.

“This is for you.” Pressing her way up, Lina passes a card to Tis and Scarlet. But she’s eying my Amazonian sister, like there’s special meaning. The hair stands up on the back of my neck for a second – not in warning so much as awareness. My eyes snap to my witch and she just smiles at me.

“I’m sorry I missed you the other night,” she continues. “I was hoping you’d come to my…”

“Inaugural greeting?” Her mate swirls around her with a hunter’s eye.

“Debutant announcement?” Unable to help myself, I join in on Poison’s hunt for the proper words. It amuses us, but I don’t think Lina finds us so funny.

Waving us off, she chuckles and smiles. Drinks are offered and off the girls go to fetch. My mate follows suit as he asks them to take him to a holo room. And just as I settle down to catch up with my friends, I spy Logan out of the corner of my eye.

He’s held back from the merry circle of friends, as usual. But he’s got a look on his face – one I ain’t seen before. Waiting for me to notice, he nods when I do. And with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, he turns and wanders off.

Worry turns in my stomach for him.

“So, ladies, what are we doing tonight? Where is everyone?”