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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 19:43:10 GMT -5
(( Sorry! fixed it! I don't know why I used that name again... *facepalm*))
Octavius mock-pouted at Veronica. "I hate you." He then turned to Alice and grinned too sweetly at her. "Alice, dear, truth or dare?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 19:48:00 GMT -5
Alice jumped, startled at the sudden inclusion. She stared wide-eyed in shock as she considered her options.
"She'll do a dare!" yelled out Veronica, "Let's see her youthful vigor!"
"Ah, a-alright," said Alice, not wanting to offend the older woman, as a sinking feeling settled in her stomach.
((Truth was probably more IC, but I want her dared, so in comes Veronica))
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 19:56:15 GMT -5
Octavius stood up and started pacing. "Oh dear, sweet Alice, you are in my power. Whatever I say, you will have to do...decisions, decisions..." He pretended to be thinking for dramatic effect, earning a chuckle from Cassalina and an eye-roll from Maxwell. "Why don't you take off your robe, and show us what you're hiding?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 20:05:58 GMT -5
Alice turned bright red as Veronica burst into laughter at Octavius's dare. Her mouth flopped open and she couldn't help but blush even more. She was trembling and felt her mouth dry up. She didn't want to say no and ruin the game, however, and began slowly fumbling with the knot. Her eyes were solely trained on the floor.
"Choco-lame, where have you been all my life?" asked Veronica, before turning on Alice. "Strip! Strip! Strip!"
Still keeping her head fixed on the ground, she thanked Merlin she'd borrowed some bruise removal paste to clear the bruise on her neck from Cassalina's kitchen. Finally the dreaded moment happened, and the blasted knot came undone, earning Alice more cat-calls from Veronica. Slowly she slipped off the white robe, her eyes fixed solidly to the floor.
"Done," she said softly, her face resembling a tomato.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 20:15:51 GMT -5
Octavius whistled at her. "Well, you're quite the cutie, aren't you?" Cassalina fidgeted in her seat, turning almost as red as Alice did. This caused him to let out a deeply amused chuckle. He looked over at Maxwell, who seemed to be pretty uncomfortable himself. "So, what do you think of her, Maxie?"
Maxwell looked away. "I think she looks rather...lovely." he answered lamely, scratching the back of his neck in a show of nervousness.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 20:20:40 GMT -5
"Lift your face dear! We want to get the full view! Do tell me she stays like this all game, Chocofreak?" asked Veronica, smirking at Alice.
"And its your turn dearie, why don't you go ahead?"
She watched Alice ask Cassalina in a small voice, "Truth or Dare?"
Alice now had her gaze fixed on a clock behind Octavius, her face refusing to lose it's color.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 20:26:54 GMT -5
"Of course she does." he said, grinning. "It's more fun that way."
Maxwell glared at him. "It's my house, and I say that it's her decision."
"But it's my dare!"
"Chocola-"
"Fine!" he grumbled. "You can put it back on now..." he glared at Maxwell. "Spoiled-sport!"
---
Cassalina thought about it for a moment, biting her lower lip. "I'll pick dare." she murmured, surprising Octavius and Maxwell with her boldness.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 20:31:46 GMT -5
Alice felt a heavy relief as she went to cover herself up. She moved much quicker than when taking the robe off, and was wrapped up tightly in it. She just heard Cassalina's acceptance of a dare, and Alice wondered what was appropriate to dare the kinder woman. She didn't want to upset her obviously.
"Um, I dare you to... Er... Drink three cups of fire-whiskey in a row?" she suggested, hoping it was daring enough.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 20:36:13 GMT -5
Cassalina sighed in relief. "Thank you." she whispered. She took her three shots and grimaced at the burning sensation each time. Honestly, how could people like Maxwell and Octavius drink this all the time? Her cheeks warmed as a side-effect of the firewhiskey.
"I chose Veronica." she said, feeling a little braver now. It was probably just the drink - liquor made her do the strangest things sometimes. "Truth or dare?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 20:37:15 GMT -5
"Truth, unearth my dirty secrets," she said with ease.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 20:41:52 GMT -5
"What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?" she asked, smiling a bit. "And make sure you take the truth potion first!"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 20:47:21 GMT -5
Veronica sighed, and took the truth potion, already knowing the incident.
"When I was seventeen, I proposed to my school Headmaster on accident. I had been waiting for my boyfriend, and I saw my headmaster. Thinking he was my boyfriend, I rushed to propose. Of course I was rejected, but I had never felt so embarassed in my life! Especially since he yelled at me for running off to get married without a career," she said,, and waited for the turth potion to wear off.
"So, Octavius, truth or dare?" she asked.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 20:51:15 GMT -5
"Truth." he said, crossing his arms. "And good luck because you don't have anything on me."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 25, 2012 20:52:51 GMT -5
"Who says I want anything Chocolat-ani," she asked with an eyebrow raised. "I never hear any praises from you, so tell us your favorite thing about everyone in the room and why."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 25, 2012 21:07:24 GMT -5
Cassalina burst into a fit of giggles at the helpless expression on her brother's face. While a genuinely good person, he isn't one for serious compliments without some kind of joke. Maxwell had an amused expression on his face, brow raised.
"Oh, this should be good." he said in that silky tone of his. Octavius sighed, as he was passed the truth potion. He drank the smallest amount possible, looking as though he'd been made to eat something bitter.
"Fine...let's get this over with." he said in a resigned tone. "Alice, I don't know you very well, but I admire your innocence. It's a trait that is so rare in the world today. Maxwell, I admire the strength of will that you have - I'm a lazy bum, so there are times when I don't finish everything I'm supposed to." he paused, as though regretting what he was going to say next. He cleared his throat. "Veronica, you're the glue that keeps this group going. I admire your ability to stay on task and keep us from drifting apart."
He then looked to Cassalina. "I admire your ability to bounce back from the worst things life has to offer." he turned away. "When our parents died, you were the one who made me smile when nobody else could. For that, I thank you."
Octavius plopped back on the couch and poured himself a generous amount of firewhiskey.
Cassalina flushed, not sure what she should say about that. What could she say? That was one of the deepest, most personal things he'd ever told her. She felt a tear slide down her cheek. "You're welcome." she whispered, smiling.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 26, 2012 0:19:12 GMT -5
Veronica nodded, a smile on her face. Privately she was pleased deeply by Octavius's claims. They made her feel warm and soft again.
"I knew you were a softie, though, I do wish it was my sexuality you admired the most," teased Veronica, "Now it's your turn."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 26, 2012 0:42:14 GMT -5
When they first started this silly game, Maxwell hadn't seen the point. What good would a game do? It couldn't bring Brayden back, nothing could. But as he got drawn into the game, he started to enjoy himself, and the aching void in his heart melted away for a moment. He knew it wouldn't last - this sort of peace never did - but it was nice.
They were really trying to keep him from becoming depressed, so the least he could do was return the favor. But what had really gotten him was Octavius' speech. It showed how close the Purists had become - they were united by more than a desire to save the world from magical creatures. They were good friends, maybe even family.
"Maxwell, truth or dare?" Octavius asked, completely catching him off guard.
Maxwell smiled indulgently. Oh, what the hell? Might as well make things interesting... "Dare."
Octavius' grinned so hard that he risked his cheeks falling off. "Alright, it's getting late, so we're going to have a little fun! Everyone, off the couch, or risk being thrown off!" he pulled out his wand.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 26, 2012 0:45:18 GMT -5
Veronica stumbled up, Firewhiskey moving through her system. She felt slightly dizzy, and her inhibitions were gone. She gave Octavius a raised eyebrow, wondering what he was up to.
Alice stood up similarly, however, with no alcohol coursing through her system, she was quite a bit more stiff and nervous. What did the man have in mind now?
"Well?" asked Veronica when everyone was standing.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 26, 2012 0:55:30 GMT -5
Feeling zany, and staggering from the booze he'd partaken in, Octavius temporarily banished the furniture, so that they had plenty of room for what was about to happen. Then, he walked over to the sound system sitting in the back of the room, and pressed play.
A fast song started to play.
"Maxwell, you're going to lead everyone else into a dance, with Alice!"
"No."
"But you have to. It's a dare!"
"He's - hic - got you there, Maxwell." Cassalina giggled, staggering even more than he was. Octavius smirked knowingly. His sister rarely - if ever - drank enough to actually get smashed. Oh, this was going to be fun! Maxwell's huff of annoyance only made it even more satisfying.
Maxwell rolled his eyes, but Octavius caught the slight twitch of a smile that came with it. "Oh alright..." he walked over to Alice and held out his hand. "Alice, would you care to dance?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 26, 2012 0:59:35 GMT -5
Once again, Alice found herseld blushing a bright red. Might as well paint my cheeks the color and move on with it, she thought. For some odd reason, the number twelve haunted her as she nodded shyly.
"Ah, a-alright, Maxwell," she said shyly, placing her hand in his to allow him the lead.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 26, 2012 1:15:41 GMT -5
Octavius played the first song - a slow, traditional waltz. He reveled in seeing Maxwell's look slightly flustered, though that didn't compare to Alice - the seemingly innocent girl was positively red. Snickering, he pointed it out to Veronica and Cassalina.
A vein on Maxwell's forehead twitched when he heard the waltz playing... of all the things Octavius could pick, why that? But he didn't let his slight irritation stop him from showing Alice a good time. If he was going to be made to dance, he was going to do it properly.
One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. He allowed the music to carry him away and flow through his body, but made sure to carefully lead Alice along. He didn't want to make her even more uncomfortable. "You're doing rather well." he whispered to her, impressed. "Have you danced like this before?"
Cassalina glanced at Veronica and thought about asking her to dance, and found herself going red at the thought. Normally, this is all there would be to it - every time there was a possible chance to do something about her growing need, Cassalina would back off in fear of coming on too strong. But tonight wasn't an ordinary one.
Brayden's death had left a huge hole in her heart, and all she wanted was a distraction of some kind. For a little while, she needed to forget her worries. She grabbed the firewhiskey and took a deep, burning swig of it.
"Cassie, did you just -"
Cassalina looked Veronica right square in the eye. "Dance with me, please?"
(( If you don't like this, let me know and I'll modify it))
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 26, 2012 1:24:03 GMT -5
Veronica found herself smirking at Octavius's sense of humor, he was ever so funny. She was surprised when suddenly Cassie grabbed a glass of firewhiskey and drained it. What had gotten into her friend? And then she asked Veronica to dance. At first Veronica was startled, but seeing the grief in Casse's eyes, she smiled and took her friend's hand.
"I'll lead," said Veronica, swinging an arm around Cassie's waist and beginning the traditional steps to the waltz. "My, you are an excellent dancer, who taught you?"
Alice was incredibly flustered at being so close to Maxwell, his hand on her waist, as the two moved to the beat of the music. She rather liked the feeling of dancing with Maxwell however, it was relaxing. He was a marvellous dancer, and twirled her around with ease. When he praised her, Alice couldn't help but smile up at him.
"A little, when I was younger with my father," she responded, "Though, it's really your skills at dancing and leading that have us doing so well. Do you dance often?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 26, 2012 1:44:31 GMT -5
"Why thank you, Alice." he said, smiling at her. "Yes, I have. It is practically a requirement in high society." This was far different than those stuffy galas he'd been to in the past. Things were far more comfortable and relaxing because of it. "But of course, it's nowhere near as free-spirited as this."
---
"Mostly from my father." she said, blushing. "How about you? You're really good yourself." And it was true. Veronica led her across the floor, practically gliding with each stride. Her movements only showcased the wild beauty Cassalina had always associated with her.
---
It wasn't a perfect dance - Veronica and Cassalina had quite a bit to drink, so their movements were slightly sloppy. But Octavius found it pleasing to watch at any rate. They moved in their own time, and even though it wasn't anything like the pure-blood galas and dances he'd been to in the past, Octavius was satisfied.
I was right after all. he thought smugly, polishing off the rest of the bottle.
Even Alice and Maxwell were getting into the spirit. The shy, reserved girl followed Maxwell's movements perfectly - a sign of a great dancer. For now, there was something bubbling at the surface, but to Octavius, Alice's reactions felt more like the kind of admiration one would show a hero. It wasn't love, but she did seem to care. Even so...
I'd better watch out for her. he thought warily, eyes narrowed. I'll figure out your game, Alice. You'd best watch yourself.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 26, 2012 1:51:25 GMT -5
Veronica smiled at Cassie's blush. It was so demure and sweet like her.
"From my older brother, he was always the stuffy one," said Veronica, yawning. "Perhaps it's time for bed? Let's head to our rooms, the others can follow when their ready to sleep.
Alice laughed a little at Maxwell's words, "Free-spirited? I think we're completely missing the beat, despite our correct steps."
She began to yawn slightly as Maxwell floated her around the room. She didn't want to give up the dance just yet, however, and let him continue. He was leading after all.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 26, 2012 2:06:10 GMT -5
"I think we should stop for now, Alice." Maxwell said, noticing that she was starting to get tired. "I think we've had enough fun for one night."
----
Cassalina nodded, though she felt rather dissatisfied. She wanted to continue dancing with Veronica...to feel some physical form of comfort. But, she couldn't ask for that. It would be too awkward. And just like that, the courage she'd had before faded away.
Octavius sighed. "You're headed to bed already? But the night is still young!"
"And you have work in the morning." Maxwell replied evenly. "What will your employees say when you come to work with a hangover?"
Octavius groaned. "Work...great. The last thing I want to do is work."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 26, 2012 2:13:47 GMT -5
Alice felt a little lonely to be moved from Maxwell's arms, but her own exhaustion made her understand. She watched the banter between Maxwell and Octavius with a smile. It felt like Brayden's death wasn't in this room at thr moment. She wondered if Maxwell would feel it when they seperated.
"Ah, where do we sleep?" she asked curiously.
"Looks like the night is over after all, best get some sleep," said Veronica, "I'll retire myself to my room, Cassie and Octavius anyways have their own rooms here, ah, who wants to show Alice where her room will be?"
As Veronica said this, she had begun moving the glasses to the center of the table and turning of the music. She left the Firewhiskey out. Maxwell would want it later tonight, if her own loss was anything to go by.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 26, 2012 2:18:58 GMT -5
"It seems that you're in capable hands, Alice." Maxwell said, wishing that they could have continued for just a bit more. "Sleep well, everyone." And with that, he walked off, temporarily soothed by their good time.
Cassalina and Octavius walked down the hallway behind him, and they branched off into their own, separate rooms. The moment Maxwell was alone, he walked toward his bed and plopped down on it - not even bothering to undress. He hadn't had enough firewhiskey to be effectively drunk, but the events from today and last night had left him bone-tired. It was only a matter of minutes before he fell asleep.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 26, 2012 2:32:18 GMT -5
Veronica dropped Alice off at her room, before retiring to hers. Tonight had been far too strange. She couldn't help but smile fondly at the memory of dancing with Cassie. She was wondering deeply about Dimitry tonight. Her little boy up in heaven. What if he had survived and been alright, only to die now, at Brayden's age, too young? She sighed, as she tossed her head. Unable to bear her own children anymore, Veronica wondered if she'd ever get a chance at a family when her vendetta ended. It was these thoughts that plagued her inebriated mind as she fell asleep.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 26, 2012 3:04:27 GMT -5
'Loss is a natural part of life...
'Mum! Dad! What's happening to you? '
'...lose their family in worse ways... '
'You weren't there for me!
'Father, I want to follow in your footsteps.'
'Chip off the old block... a hero forever...'
Maxwell bolted up with a start, panting and sweaty. His dreams had been filled with so many voices, fire, pain, screaming and Brayden's corpse calling him out for being a bad father. Head reeling, Maxwell reached for the small trash can near his bed and emptied the contents of his stomach.
With everyone fast asleep, he found himself unable to move past the news he'd gotten earlier that evening. Brayden, dead. His only son, gone forever. And it all because he'd gotten involved in the fight. Maxwell tried to force this notion back - he had things to do tomorrow and needed to sleep. But his barriers wouldn't come up anymore, because they had shattered earlier. His mind hadn't recovered from the blow, and now he was paying the price. The emotions he blocked on a daily basis were coming out full-force, ravaging his mind and heart like a wild, untamed beast.
"Merlin. Merlin. Merlin. Merlin." he murmured over and over again, trembling. "Don't start crying, Maxwell. Don't show weakness." He forced himself to get up, though his legs were far from steady. He staggered through the hallway and into the living room, where a bottle of firewhiskey had been left for him - most likely Veronica. "Fuck it." he muttered, grabbing the bottle and moving to the kitchen table. He just drank from the bottle, because getting a glass felt like too much work. Maybe if he drank enough, he could become numb.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 26, 2012 3:57:25 GMT -5
Alice woke up with a start. She'd had the same dream as last night. A birthday party that ended with her being choked. Uneasy, she got out of bed on her shaky legs and exited the room after pulling on the bathrobe. She needed a glass of water. As she walked down the long hallway, she found herself feeling being drawn to a light. She wound her way down the steps towards a kitchen.
To her surprise, she saw Maxwell sitting in the kitchen. He had a bottle of fire-whiskey in his hands, and seemed to be drinking. Alice wasn't sure whether to turn and head away, or go to him. His heart broken face seemed to beckoning anfriend over. Before she could decide, however, an accident happened.
She had stepped forward a but too quick, not noticing her bathrobe had been caught on a sharp piece of decor. Immediately, a large tearing sound was heard, as a hole was pierced into the robe at the knee level. Embarassed, she looked into the kitchen, hoping Maxwell wouldn't be angry.
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