Masquerade Ball

@❂Kangjoon -It was more than a little entertaining for Johnny to watch the other's face shift from apparent irritation (if the incredible eye roll was any indicator) to a familiar cheeky grin. His own smirk grew into a smile at the other's words-
Madly.
-he joked, setting the extra glass aside and raising his own to drink from it. The gentle caress along his jaw stopped the motion in it's tracks, instead he turned lightly into the touch. As an afterthought, he hoped that the comfortable sigh he gave wasn't too audible... Affection is a weakness for Johnny, especially small unprompted gestures like that.-
Mm. While as one of the hosts tonight, I figured I should dress up a little, make myself presentable to a higher class.
-the roll of his eyes was apparent in the way he almost groaned 'higher class'. They both knew that flattery would get the man nowhere, but that pet name... That was a different story. He was glad that his mask covered the light pink tint he was sure flared up in his cheeks, but the way he bit his lip was out in the open.-
Is understated really the right work? I had someone tell me it was tacky for a werewolf to wear a mask like this.
-he laughed, mostly at himself, because it was a little tacky. But it was funny to the wearer and that was what mattered. He hummed quietly as he finally took a drink of his champagne.-
Hmm. I think you can survive one night without seeing my face, don't you? Or are you starting to fall in love with me already?
-he teased-

@❂Changkyun The smile that painted the other's lips was belying of his words; speaking of him being something horrifying, when in all reality, he looked every bit the princess - by way of being a prince - that Haewon with. Tutting quietly, his head shook side to side a few slow times, lips pressing together in a look of amusement. "I don't think me dealing with the Prince Charmings of the world is the best idea. A wolf in sheep's clothing is no less a wolf, and still just as likely to snap as any other." He could easily say that he was one of these wolves, but doubted being so honest upon first glance. Then again, he would hardly be one of the charming, princely men that they were referring to either - at least, in anything other than looks, so he was sure that the smaller male could surmise where he fit into the grand scheme of things.
Allowing the second song to carry them through another dance, Haewon stilled his feet before he could steal a third dance, not wanting to be so presumptuous as to steal more than he had already. "I should thank you and let you find one of these Princes that would be so befitting of such charms. I doubt that hiding with a monster is how you planned on spending your evening." His visible brow wiggled teasingly, shadowed eye curled up into a warm crescent shape to match the smirk that toyed at the corners of his lips.

@⚰Taeil Taemin who had been standing at the entrance for a little too long hadn't realized anyone was watching him, let alone approaching him. Just as Taemin was going to make a swift escape a rather handsome fellow suddenly appeared. Now, Taemin wasn't a rude person, he was actually a little too nice for his own good, but he had to admit he felt a little happy that he had a reason to stay just a bit longer. "Of course." He bows back and gently slips his hand into the others soft ones.

@⚰Seokjin Ten glanced up, and his lips curved in a tiny smile. "Hello," he greeted as soon as the older vampire was closer. "Yes, I remember you. I'm still, well, Ten." It was the name on his work uniform, since it was easier to pronounce. "Ah, thank you. I feel a little too fancy, though." He waved one hand at his mask. "You look well as well, though. And I am enjoying myself -- trying, anyway. Oh, no thank you, I'm fine." He smiled again. "It's a nice setup," he murmured.

@❂Taemin https://i.imgur.com/PKjp66j.jpg

Taeil had been lounging near the refreshments for far too long, merely observing as people went about their business and some stopped to chat or started to dance. His gaze roamed the crowd, darting from person to person before moving to one of the entrances. A newcomer there caught his eye, and the vampire casually approached him. He made a neat bow and offered the male, who he guessed was a human, his hand. "Might I have this dance?" he inquired, his eyes which were dark brown thanks to a set of contacts glittering behind his mask.

https://tragicmountain.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/m7099blkclear.jpg

Taemin sighed, how the hell did he get invited to this thing? It wasn't like he was against parties but... wearing suits? he hadn't worn a suit like this since he was fifteen. Taemin wasn't really a party person, sure he worked in a club but he was behind the bar serving drinks to people who liked to party. Word got out about this place and the club shut its doors tonight in case any staff wanted to go, whelp here he was. "Maybe I should just go?" He mumbled to himself as he set foot into the place. It was massive and gorgeous, his father being a business man he was used to occasions like this... well... not anymore.

@❂Sicheng "It is. Very." Baekhyun agreed, tearing his eyes away from the painting after taking in all the intricate details. "It gives me such muse." He could already hear the notes of a piano piece inspired by the artwork coming together in his head. "I love things like this. Classical art, classical architecture, classical music..." he gestured at the musicians playing. He wished he could go up and join them. He'd definitely feel more at home performing than he did awkwardly standing around in a room crowded with mysterious, masked strangers.
"Is that your way of asking me to dance?" the small male tilted his head, looking up at the other. "You're actually the first person to speak to me so far." he admitted. "I know the point of the ball is to socialize, but for me it's just... a little scary I guess... being in a room where vampires and werewolves hide behind masks and you can't really tell who's human and who could be a danger... No offense..." he quickly added, having no idea of the other's race but not wanting to upset him, especially if the other could possible kill him.

@⚰Sehun *hums softly in agreement*
Definitely a good incentive for people to come. In more ways than one...
I wouldn't say no to mind-blowing , but drunk is hardly amazing. It's usually sloppy and rushed and not even that enjoyable. Sober is much more appealing...
Ah, I see. Well that certainly makes sense. Is it working so far?
Are you even here to socialize then? *eyes you curiously, a spark of interest in his bright, silver eyes*
*chuckles and shakes his head* What brought you here?
So you have heard of me. Well there goes any air of mystery about me.
A simpleton, hm? I hardly believe that.
I beg to differ. For one thing, you have a better vocabulary than probably half the people here.
You're interesting.

https://78.media.tumblr.com/19405f83dc357be906857721c76d7793/tumblr_pb62hrKlEa1tpa97to1_540.jpg

@❂Sicheng Feeling lost and anxious, Baekhyun looked around the room, amazed by how large and impressive the mansion was. He'd always wanted to go to a masquerade since he was young. They always looked so cool in movies, but now that he was here, he wasn't sure he belonged. Being a music major and a concert pianist, he certainly appreciated the music, but he didn't know anyone and was too intimidated to ask anyone to dance, especially knowing that they could be a vampire or a werewolf. Sure, he was a werewolf himself, but he had only been one for a few days and was still quite scared of unhuman creatures.
Grabbing a glass of what he hoped was champagne, he wandered off to stand against one of the walls and out of the way, debating on whether he should leave or not. As he was backing up, he accidentally bumped into someone's shoulder.
"Oh I'm sorry. Excuse me." he immediately apologized, glad that he someone managed to not spill his drink. "Wow." he exclaimed, gazing up at the gorgeous painting.

@⚰Seokjin /laughs a little, averting my gaze
Much easier said than done, sir.
/doesn't react too terribly to being touched, a bit of a flush coming to my cheeks, only to be further reddened by your words
/reaches for a glass of champagne, more to keep my hands busy than anything
Ah, will...will do.
/nods, as though confirming my words, before taking a sip, feeling fairly flustered already

*wanders in, not really sure what he's doing here; he can't really believe he's been introduced to the creatures of darkness, when not even a week ago, he was a human just like any other and oblivious to the existence of werewolves and vampires*
*he's dressed in one of the suits he would usually wear for one of his piano recitals and feeling rather out of place despite the fact that he's dressed up like the other guest and blending in just fine; he really doesn't know anyone here, and he wouldn't be able to recognize anyone even if he did*

@⚰Sehun It does. *he admits with a grin*
That's very true. We are meant to have fun and enjoy this evening, and laughter is certainly a part of that.
*watches the stranger's hand as he touches the exaggerated nose, an amused chuckle escaping the clan leader*
It's definitely possible that you could be, but I doubt you are. Most of our kind are devilishly handsome. It feels like you're wearing that to make a statement or as a joke rather than to make people assume you're ugly.
*and then his hand is kissed, amusing him even further*
My, my. What a gentleman. Perhaps the host isn't the only one of royal blood here.
*he scans the room, eyeing Seokjin for a second, his lips curling into a smirk before turning back to you*
Touche. Wonho is simply an alias anyways.
*he shrugs before taking a step closer*
You intrigue me. You seem... different than the other guests here tonight....

@⚰Ten It was the butterfly wing that caught Seokjin's eye. It was gorgeous and unique, and the librarian couldn't help but make his way over. "Well hello there." he smiled at the younger, recognizing him once he got closer. "Well if it isn't the flower shop owner. Do you remember me from the other day? The chocolate cosmos. I'm Seokjin." he took in the boy's outfit. "You're looking incredible. I'm glad you came. I do hope you enjoy yourself this evening. Can I get you anything?" he offered, attempting to extend his hospitality as the host.

@⚰Sehun *raises a brow upon hearing the other's deep voice complimenting him*
*gazes up at the tall stranger, suppressing a laugh as he takes in the grotesque mask shielding the man's face*
I'd say the same, but I can't see the handsome face hidden beneath that large proboscis.
*he chuckles softly, eyeing the other's body up and down and liking what he sees so far*
Wonho. *he extends a hand to the other vampire* And you are?

(Sehun's mask got me dead lmfao)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUNOfNad59Q

@❂Donghun Don't be so nervous~
*reaches out and gently pats your shoulder*
Why thank you.
*tilts his head when he notices you checking him out*
If you'd like to dance at some point, let me know.
*winks at you*

Outfit: https://pin.it/ihk4p55utgpetc
Mask: https://pin.it/5wbbzkp7snlmzc

/Exists one think that never had change, even when he was human. He doens't like to dress up to much but he figure being a ball he have to do so, althouh he was not so much over dressed/
/Walk out inside the ball taking his mask for a couple of minutes to observe around the wall with a curious and hunting smile/

@⚰Seokjin /can't help but jump, head turning quickly to the direction of your voice
/settles when I see you, returning your smile with a half-embarrassed one of my own
Ah, thank you. You look really nice.
/my eyes can't help but trail your figure for a moment, but I catch myself fairly quickly

https://78.media.tumblr.com/6f1a91d9121316536e85e5e68c4b54bf/tumblr_pb5x5laTQa1tpa97to1_540.jpg

*strides into the room, dressed to the nines in a tux and mask, his hair slicked back and a smirk on his lips as he scans the room, taking in all the guests*
A room full of hotties.
*he murmurs to himself, humming in approval*

@❂Donghun *appears by your side, a gentle smile gracing his lips*
Hello there. Welcome to the ball.
I love your suit. Please help yourself to anything you'd like.

@❂Haewon "Not at all. You just startled me." Starting a fight was the least appealing way this night could go. Changkyun frowned a little at the thought of all the hours he'd spent getting ready going to waste because he'd decided to throw a punch that wasn't strictly needed. Especially because it was a fight that he obviously couldn't win. Not with this guy... The smaller man couldn't help but laugh at himself after having his mask choice turned around on him, but his feet didn't falter. It hadn't been intentional, the mask had stood out with it's simplicity, nothing dangling off of it and no feathers. That had been one of the conditions: no feathers on the mask and it was sparkly, which definitely succeeded in grabbing Chnagkyun's attention. "Touche. Maybe I should have thought about that." It wasn't often he showed genuine smiles to total strangers, but one found it's way onto his lips. "Maybe we should switch. I can be slightly horrifying and you can deal with every 'Prince Charming' looking to sweep people off their feet tonight." He joked.
When the first song ended, he half expected the stranger to let him go, thank him for the dance, and send him on his way to find the person he'd come with. Not that he wanted that. In fact, he was more than alright with staying here and dancing instead of wandering like a lost puppy. So, when the stranger made no attempt to pull away; neither did he. There were far worse ways to spend the night and he wasn't exactly sure why he felt the need to keep justifying it to himself.

@❂Changkyun Inky black eyes focused on the shorter figure that was held tight to his body, head cocking slightly. Some people really went all out, he thought to himself, lips curling upwards into a teasing smirk as he let the other speak, the sparkle of the mask highlighting the colored lenses that added a further layer to the anonymity of the other. "You really think starting a fight would be the best way to begin the night?" Haewon hummed, feet moving as though he was skating across the floor, a well-practiced sort of ease coming from the imposing figure as he moved with every confidence in the world. Despite his large frame, he was light on his feet, and pleasantly surprised to find the same of the other male. "Besides, anyone that shows up in a crystal mask should expect to be swept off their feet... That's how the fairy tale goes, right?" The tone remained the same, warm and teasing despite the monstrosity of a mask worn - and it was a fair indicator of Haewon's nature. The duality of soft words and calculated, cold actions the nature of this beast.
As one song slipped into the next, tempo changing and beat picking up, Haewon refused to relinquish his hold on the smaller figure, keeping him as a sort of plaything for the time being. The Cinderella effect was certainly working to an advantage for the other male, crystal mask and blue eyes hiding the fact that he was clearly uncomfortable in this setting and wearing a suit that was tailored to someone else's frame. It had the medical examiner curious, taking note of such things and tucking them away, filing information for later use, should the need arise. This little curiosity was exactly what the doctor ordered to keep him from going mad at tonight's festivities.

@❂Haewon https://78.media.tumblr.com/5bf06240844d4e6b4e2809e4fb298580/tumblr_mudt92nN5O1s7rzbco1_1280.png

This whole spectacle honestly made Changkyun feel a bit like Cinderella. Growing up the way that he had (dirt broke), this sort of finery was something wholly unfamiliar.
The suit he wore probably cost more than his last semester's tuition, but he couldn't know for sure since it was borrowed anyway. When a classmate had practically begged him to come, not wanting to show up to such an event alone, he had hoped that saying he didn't have a suit would be a deterrent but there was no such luck. 'you can borrow one of mine…’ Rich people. He thought with a small huff. It only made sense, looking back, that when they had entered the ballroom said classmate had vanished. Changkyun hadn't thought of himself as a date, but he'd thought his companion would have stuck around a little longer… he didn’t have much time to search the crowd clinging to the edges of the dance floor, before he was being pulled against a stranger and out into the clearing. For a moment, he considered hitting the man, but resisted the urge when his new dance partner started leading him in a waltz instead of dragging him into a dark corner to exsanguinate him or something of the sort. Changkyun focused on his feet for a moment, quickly falling into synchronization with the other.
“You shouldn't grab people like that.” He chuckled, finally looking up at this stranger and blinking his icy blue eyes (thank you, colored contacts). “I would have felt bad for punching you.”

@❂Kangjoon https://78.media.tumblr.com/ab3f2a5d60a4fb3c4b9623c4895d5dfa/tumblr_pb2h9x0MO41tpa97to1_1280.jpg

-how these kinds of masks were supposed to hide people's identities, he would never understand. Sure, full masks (the ones that make you look like a porcelian doll) do the job, but these ones that only covered half the face at most and a good portion of them were lace... Johnny can only wonder of this was the way masqurades we're originally supposed to work. Maybe it wasn't the masks themselves, but people's willingness to not see the face underneath and to become enthralled with some masked stranger. This thought process likely showed how present he was in situation. Figuring that it wasn't proper for one of the hosts to just stand around twiddling his thumbs, he moved to grab a glass of champagne.-
-a familiar figure caught his eye, different mostly because Johnny was sure he'd never seen the man in a suit, but familiar none the less. With a small smirk, he picked up an extra glass of champagne and approched, leaning lightly into the man's shoulder to be heard over the din of voices and classical music-
You look good in red.
-he smiled and offered the other a long stemmed glass-

https://i.imgur.com/E7QyakU.jpg

The mask was a thing far more extravagant than Ten would have liked, a mass of carefully crafted metal and gems. It was a fine piece, but not something Ten felt comfortable wearing; he would have preferred something simpler, but he was stuck with the gold and blue that complimented amethyst eyes and porcelain skin. The suit he wore fit like a glove, much like the mask on his face. He had removed his piercings for the occasion, upon Taeil's insistence that he couldn't go to a masquerade ball "looking like he worked in hot topic" (how did Taeil even know what that was?) and felt somewhat without them, one hand going up to trace one of his earlobes as he moved through the crowd, acutely aware of which gazes lingered and which moved on.

@⚰Tao *senses your shyness and can't help but smile*
*winks at you*
Well I do hope you enjoy your night, Tao.
Thank you for coming~

@⚰Tao Lovely to meet you, Tao.
I'm Kim Seokjin.
Can I get you anything? Perhaps a drink?
And if you don't have a date, I'm free to dance later if you'd like~

As aggrandizing as it seemed to see everyone in such ornate masks and careful costume, you could still easily pick out certain things worth noticing. The difference between Armani and bargain basement suits, for example; the careful craftsmanship of leather and lace to the cheap calling of feather and lacquer. All of this was taken in from behind the brass-toned mask that hid Haewon's visage from sight, the awkward way people migrated towards the refreshments a complete bore to him. Gathering the first person to catch his eye, he pulled them in to his chest, adjusting their figure to match his posture as he lead them in a waltz. The music wasn't quite right, but he could make due, as long as it meant something was distracting him from the utter disappointment this ball was as far as keeping his attentions satisfied. "I hope you don't mind." His warm tenor poured to the other's ear as he lead them across the mostly empty dance floor, not caring that he was making their haphazard coupling into a spectacle for those that cared to watch as long as he remained entertained.

[]Anybody who cares to dance can jump in!