The gala was being thrown in a museum, which made things far more complicated for Ezekiel. Getting in was easy, no one had questioned them or suspected even a slight lie at their identities. Cassandra was radiant in an emerald gown that showed her chest off in a sweetheart curve, and was tight satin that hugged close to her body in before it flared dramatically at her hips to cascade in layers of tulle. Around her neck was a triple layered pearl necklace that matched the tear drop pearls at her ears, and over the top of her elbow length white satin gloves. Her hair was in an elaborate curled crown, and several curls hung from either side to frame her face and highlight the graceful lengthy curve of her neck. In her hair were pearl and emerald hair combs that Jake had presented to Cassie as a present ('borrowed' by him, at Ezekiels suggestion from the library. Historical significance only, Jenkins checked.) Her make up was simple, red lips, shadowy eyes, and slightly blushed cheeks. It wasn't like she needed it anyway. Ezekiel had his hair gelled and combed back, and wore a simple classic black tux, Jacob and Cassie had talked him into wearing an emerald bow tie to match her dress. They each had a small hidden earpiece and microphone in their ears that was undetectable by the metal detectors they had to walk through. Cassie had her hand tucked into the corner of Ezekiels arm, and they slid into the main gala room of the museums reception with ease. Cassie was hiding barely suppressed squeals, and Ezekiel wasted no time in bowing dramatically, "a dance, for the lovely lady?" he asked sweetly. She curtsied, and Ezekiel had to suppress his comments on how adorable she was. Instead he offered her his arm and swept her onto the dance floor, Ezekiel led Cassandra easily through the waltz played by the small string quartet, and ensured that no one noticed her lack of polish on the dance floor by being amazing. "Where'd you learn to dance?" she asked curiously, the melody had shifted to a slower song, and the many coupled bodies on the floor were each engaged in their own quiet conversations under the expensive chandelier. He shrugged, "dunno. I just kinda did. Studied YouTube, took some dance lessons, danced some pretty boys off their feet." Cassandra smiled, surprised that he'd been even slightly serious about her question.
They were dancing through the shifting music speeds for nearly half an hour before their target showed up. The music lulled, and the introduction of their hosts commenced, then the music started back up again. "Okay, let's go," Cassie said. As she went to move Ezekiel pulled her back, and spun her to hide what her intent had been.
"No," he said. "It'll look suspicious, we dance a few more times, I go get us drinks, and after ten minutes or so of waiting you come over and make a scene." Cassandra stared at him, ashamed that she had been so overwhelmed by the party and dress that she had forgotten the plan. She nodded, "why am I throwing a tantrum again?" she asked worriedly. Ezekiel fixed her his best roguish grin, "trust me. You'll have a reason." They kept dancing, and as the seconds passed each became nervous at the silence of the earpieces in their ears. When Ezekiel deemed enough time to have passed, he separated from Cassandra and escorted her to one of the tables lining the edge of the shiny dance floor. She sat less than gracefully in a velvet upholstered chair, and brushed a fallen strand of hair from her face as she watched the dancers and hummed swaying to the music as she waited for Jake to announce her cue to move. Cassie had basically entirely forgotten the plan, and was too busy blushing and sending demure smiles in the direction of a fellow chair occupier with icy white dyed hair, and a dusty rose pink smile when Jacob ordered her to move. "'Kay, Cas. Go, Jones has a fight all lined up." The deep chuckle in Jakes voice made Cassandra bite her lip as she walked carefully over to the bar at the back of the hall. Her eyes calmly looked for Ezekiel, and even though it wasn't a date, she was still furious at the thief for his choice of argument starter. He had his jacket off, and was happily laughing and chatting with their target...who just so happened to have his hand hidden beneath the countertop resting on Ezekiels thigh. Said targets date sat slightly away from them looking like the picture example of the phrase 'jilted lover.' "Edward Jones," Cassandra announced. She played up her fury, and noticed the jilted brunette snap her head up and glow with joy as she anticipated a fight. Ezekiel turned, "oh, hey, Cas" he acknowledged quickly, then turned back to their target. "Excuse me? So this is what you call 'getting a drink'?" she asked furiously. Ezekiel turned, looking guilty and annoyed. Acting to her acting perfectly. "What, I can't have fun?" he asked arrogantly. Cassandra strode forwards and glared. "You promised you wouldn't. You said tonight would be just us having fun, instead you try to screw the first damn piece of ass you come across."
Her voice had gotten steadily louder, and she had backed off to spin and gesture at him furiously. It took all Ezekiels efforts not to high five her and reccommend she become a proffessional actress, then small tears began to form in her eyes. "It's not like you didn't know I was gay," 'Edward' argued back weakly. He noticed that he had rapidly become the centre of nasty glares, and saw that Teddy's date looked positively heartbroken for Cassie.
"That doesn't excuse the fact that apparently my company isn't good enough, oh no, it's fine telling everyone you're here with me so they think you're straight, so long as you don't actually have to spend time with me!" she practically shrieked. Her hair was coming loose, and the tears spilled inky mascara tracks down her cheeks as she gesticulated and stomped angrily. The music had stopped, and all eyes had gone from Ezekiel to Cassie. She fell to her knees, and between her sobs yelled "never mind. You don't care about someone unless you can sleep with them." Teddy shot his date a look, and with a sweet smile for him, and a glare at Ezekiel she stood, brushed off her dress, and went to help Cassandra who still sniffed and cursed him to her feet and murmered about finding a bathroom to fix her up. Ezekiel turned, groaned and allowed his head to smash into the bar top in front of him. Teddy placed a hand on his back, "perhaps you should be less in the public eye at this moment in time." He suggested gently. The words drew the vicious glares that were aimed at him into focus, and he nodded. The two of them stood, and Ezekiel recognised the path they were taking to one of the art exhibits the museum held. "Nice work you two. Cas is currently having herself fixed up in the ladies loo down the left hall of the main gala room." This Ezekiel knew was for his benefit, in case he needed to grab Cassie and run. "Cas, Jones is in the Tullman art wing, room 2." In case she needed to find him.
Neither of them replied, but Jakes voice in his ear was a comfort, and took the edge off the vicious glares and filthy looks he had earned as a result of him and Cassies 'fight.'
"So, which baby do you think is the ugliest?" They had stopped I'm front of a large wall sized painting of a shit ton of butt naked cupids and scanty clad goddesses eating grapes and drinking wine. The sudden question drew a shocked laugh from Ezekiel, he pursed his lips and looked the painting over. "Third from top right corner, it looks possessed." He said decisively. Teddy sat down on the wooden floor of the opposite wall to face the monstrosity, and pushed his brown wavy hair back. Ezekiel sat down gingerly besides him, "what about you?" he asked their target. "Bottom right next to the dove," Ezekiel couldn't help arguing. "No way. At least that kid is in proportion, my one looks like it's been sawn in half, plus it's heads on backwards."
Teddy laughed, "you think Chuckie doll baby is uglier than the weird pasty dough child near the dead red eyed bird"?
Ezekiel nodded, by this point they were basically crumpled up dying of laughter as they continued spitting insults at the painting. All whilst Stone ranted and lectured Ezekiel about the details and importance of the slagged off painting. "God," Ezekiel wheezed. "I can just hear my mate yelling at me." Teddy raised an eyebrow, "They an art buff?" Ezekiel shook his head, "They have degrees and doctorates in art history and stuff, I can just hear him yelling at my lack of culture." He missed Teddy's reply due to Stone muttering, "It's a bunch of masters actually." In his ear. "Sounds as chilled as your lady friend," Teddy commented. "Cassies not like you think," Ezekiel defended instantly. "I mean yeah, she made a scene. But I had it coming, I mean I invited her to hide my sexuality, no wonder she's pissed." Ezekiel argued, and Teddy nodded. "What did you tell her? If she already knew you were gay?" he asked. Ezekiels tried not to notice the dimples in Teddy's cheeks, the olive oil gold tan on his skin, or the way his cheeks flushed the colour of pink wine from the champagne they both still carried, and Teddy drank. Ezekiel sighed, loosened his tie, and shrugged his jacket off. "I told her it would be one last outing where we dressed up and hung out before I officially came out to my parents." The lies were smooth, and Ezekiel actually felt kinda bad for lying to the boy who was only a year older than him. "She took your betrayal well," Tddy said. Ezekiel was about to argue when he continued, "even if you technically didn't do anything wrong." He finished. Ezekiel shrugged, and listened to the rambling voice of Jacob in his ear as he ranted about the ugly cherub painting. "You don't think so?" he asked softly. Teddy shook his head. "I hope she's okay," Ezekiel said, hoping that Stone would catch on. "I'm sure she's fine."
"Oh, She's good." Jacob chuckled, "Tell rich boy he's going home alone tonight."
"It was nice of your date to help her like that," Ezekiel knew Teddy was gay, he had come out after his dad struck it big...he just couldn't figure out who the girl was. Teddy coughed, pulled his tie slightly and smiled nervously. "She's not technically a date," he explained "she's my assistant."
Ezekiel blinked, "assistant? But you're gorgeous, why would you need to bring your assistant?" Ezekiel wasn't pretending to be confused, Teddy was gorgeous. Lean and compact with svelte hips, and muscled arms distinctive even through the tuxedo jacket he currently wore... Plus, a billionaire. Teddy blushed, and Ezekiel seriously considered kissing him right there, "I try. The dates always get their hopes up, they think it means more. I don't like being accused of leading people on. Svetlana gives me the chance to come here and talk to people without worrying about if my dates are expecting diamonds." Ezekiel silently muttered screw it, and when Teddy raised his eyes to look at him Ezekiel leaned in and caught his lips in a sweet short kiss. When they broke apart, Teddy smiled and Ezekiel winked. "Rest assured, I'm not after diamonds."
Teddy watched him, "then what are you after?" he asked curiously, his voice was low and playful. Ezekiel leaned in, and batted his eyes "another kiss would be nice. A proper kiss." Teddy raised an eyebrow, crossed his legs to face Ezekiel, who followed suit, and leaned in with a smirk.
This kiss was heated and gave Ezekiel the opportunity to slip the cufflinks from Teddy's jacket with ease, he transferred them to the secret compartment in the toes of his shoe with one hand. Then, having done that, he focused on kissing the holy heavens out of Teddy. He tried not to feel exposed without Jakes comforting prattle in his ear, or acknowledge how cut off from Cassandra he was. Ezekiel wasn't sure why, but despite enjoying the kiss his mind raced with ways to extricate himself from the situation. He was saved only by the interruption of security who firmly told them they were to return to the party. They pulled away, Teddy more embarrassed than Ezekiel.
Teddy stood, and promptly began to flip out at the lost cuff links when he noticed his cuffs were loose. Ezekiel pretended to help look around where Teddy had been sitting, and found an appropriate time to slip a fake matching pair from his trouser pocket, and find them with a relieved flourish. Teddy didn't check them over at all, simply reattached them whilst security guided them from the room back to the hall. "Cassandra is heading back to the hall. Ezekiel will meet you in there." Jacob told Cassandra, Ezekiel didn't hear the silent snub he gave Ezekiel by not talking to Ezekiel. There exit was easy, they hid amongst the now crammed hall, lost their respective romantic intetests and slid one after tge other behind a curtained door and silently without comment on the others less than immaculate appearance, stepped through back to the Annex.
They were dancing through the shifting music speeds for nearly half an hour before their target showed up. The music lulled, and the introduction of their hosts commenced, then the music started back up again. "Okay, let's go," Cassie said. As she went to move Ezekiel pulled her back, and spun her to hide what her intent had been.
"No," he said. "It'll look suspicious, we dance a few more times, I go get us drinks, and after ten minutes or so of waiting you come over and make a scene." Cassandra stared at him, ashamed that she had been so overwhelmed by the party and dress that she had forgotten the plan. She nodded, "why am I throwing a tantrum again?" she asked worriedly. Ezekiel fixed her his best roguish grin, "trust me. You'll have a reason." They kept dancing, and as the seconds passed each became nervous at the silence of the earpieces in their ears. When Ezekiel deemed enough time to have passed, he separated from Cassandra and escorted her to one of the tables lining the edge of the shiny dance floor. She sat less than gracefully in a velvet upholstered chair, and brushed a fallen strand of hair from her face as she watched the dancers and hummed swaying to the music as she waited for Jake to announce her cue to move. Cassie had basically entirely forgotten the plan, and was too busy blushing and sending demure smiles in the direction of a fellow chair occupier with icy white dyed hair, and a dusty rose pink smile when Jacob ordered her to move. "'Kay, Cas. Go, Jones has a fight all lined up." The deep chuckle in Jakes voice made Cassandra bite her lip as she walked carefully over to the bar at the back of the hall. Her eyes calmly looked for Ezekiel, and even though it wasn't a date, she was still furious at the thief for his choice of argument starter. He had his jacket off, and was happily laughing and chatting with their target...who just so happened to have his hand hidden beneath the countertop resting on Ezekiels thigh. Said targets date sat slightly away from them looking like the picture example of the phrase 'jilted lover.' "Edward Jones," Cassandra announced. She played up her fury, and noticed the jilted brunette snap her head up and glow with joy as she anticipated a fight. Ezekiel turned, "oh, hey, Cas" he acknowledged quickly, then turned back to their target. "Excuse me? So this is what you call 'getting a drink'?" she asked furiously. Ezekiel turned, looking guilty and annoyed. Acting to her acting perfectly. "What, I can't have fun?" he asked arrogantly. Cassandra strode forwards and glared. "You promised you wouldn't. You said tonight would be just us having fun, instead you try to screw the first damn piece of ass you come across."
Her voice had gotten steadily louder, and she had backed off to spin and gesture at him furiously. It took all Ezekiels efforts not to high five her and reccommend she become a proffessional actress, then small tears began to form in her eyes. "It's not like you didn't know I was gay," 'Edward' argued back weakly. He noticed that he had rapidly become the centre of nasty glares, and saw that Teddy's date looked positively heartbroken for Cassie.
"That doesn't excuse the fact that apparently my company isn't good enough, oh no, it's fine telling everyone you're here with me so they think you're straight, so long as you don't actually have to spend time with me!" she practically shrieked. Her hair was coming loose, and the tears spilled inky mascara tracks down her cheeks as she gesticulated and stomped angrily. The music had stopped, and all eyes had gone from Ezekiel to Cassie. She fell to her knees, and between her sobs yelled "never mind. You don't care about someone unless you can sleep with them." Teddy shot his date a look, and with a sweet smile for him, and a glare at Ezekiel she stood, brushed off her dress, and went to help Cassandra who still sniffed and cursed him to her feet and murmered about finding a bathroom to fix her up. Ezekiel turned, groaned and allowed his head to smash into the bar top in front of him. Teddy placed a hand on his back, "perhaps you should be less in the public eye at this moment in time." He suggested gently. The words drew the vicious glares that were aimed at him into focus, and he nodded. The two of them stood, and Ezekiel recognised the path they were taking to one of the art exhibits the museum held. "Nice work you two. Cas is currently having herself fixed up in the ladies loo down the left hall of the main gala room." This Ezekiel knew was for his benefit, in case he needed to grab Cassie and run. "Cas, Jones is in the Tullman art wing, room 2." In case she needed to find him.
Neither of them replied, but Jakes voice in his ear was a comfort, and took the edge off the vicious glares and filthy looks he had earned as a result of him and Cassies 'fight.'
"So, which baby do you think is the ugliest?" They had stopped I'm front of a large wall sized painting of a shit ton of butt naked cupids and scanty clad goddesses eating grapes and drinking wine. The sudden question drew a shocked laugh from Ezekiel, he pursed his lips and looked the painting over. "Third from top right corner, it looks possessed." He said decisively. Teddy sat down on the wooden floor of the opposite wall to face the monstrosity, and pushed his brown wavy hair back. Ezekiel sat down gingerly besides him, "what about you?" he asked their target. "Bottom right next to the dove," Ezekiel couldn't help arguing. "No way. At least that kid is in proportion, my one looks like it's been sawn in half, plus it's heads on backwards."
Teddy laughed, "you think Chuckie doll baby is uglier than the weird pasty dough child near the dead red eyed bird"?
Ezekiel nodded, by this point they were basically crumpled up dying of laughter as they continued spitting insults at the painting. All whilst Stone ranted and lectured Ezekiel about the details and importance of the slagged off painting. "God," Ezekiel wheezed. "I can just hear my mate yelling at me." Teddy raised an eyebrow, "They an art buff?" Ezekiel shook his head, "They have degrees and doctorates in art history and stuff, I can just hear him yelling at my lack of culture." He missed Teddy's reply due to Stone muttering, "It's a bunch of masters actually." In his ear. "Sounds as chilled as your lady friend," Teddy commented. "Cassies not like you think," Ezekiel defended instantly. "I mean yeah, she made a scene. But I had it coming, I mean I invited her to hide my sexuality, no wonder she's pissed." Ezekiel argued, and Teddy nodded. "What did you tell her? If she already knew you were gay?" he asked. Ezekiels tried not to notice the dimples in Teddy's cheeks, the olive oil gold tan on his skin, or the way his cheeks flushed the colour of pink wine from the champagne they both still carried, and Teddy drank. Ezekiel sighed, loosened his tie, and shrugged his jacket off. "I told her it would be one last outing where we dressed up and hung out before I officially came out to my parents." The lies were smooth, and Ezekiel actually felt kinda bad for lying to the boy who was only a year older than him. "She took your betrayal well," Tddy said. Ezekiel was about to argue when he continued, "even if you technically didn't do anything wrong." He finished. Ezekiel shrugged, and listened to the rambling voice of Jacob in his ear as he ranted about the ugly cherub painting. "You don't think so?" he asked softly. Teddy shook his head. "I hope she's okay," Ezekiel said, hoping that Stone would catch on. "I'm sure she's fine."
"Oh, She's good." Jacob chuckled, "Tell rich boy he's going home alone tonight."
"It was nice of your date to help her like that," Ezekiel knew Teddy was gay, he had come out after his dad struck it big...he just couldn't figure out who the girl was. Teddy coughed, pulled his tie slightly and smiled nervously. "She's not technically a date," he explained "she's my assistant."
Ezekiel blinked, "assistant? But you're gorgeous, why would you need to bring your assistant?" Ezekiel wasn't pretending to be confused, Teddy was gorgeous. Lean and compact with svelte hips, and muscled arms distinctive even through the tuxedo jacket he currently wore... Plus, a billionaire. Teddy blushed, and Ezekiel seriously considered kissing him right there, "I try. The dates always get their hopes up, they think it means more. I don't like being accused of leading people on. Svetlana gives me the chance to come here and talk to people without worrying about if my dates are expecting diamonds." Ezekiel silently muttered screw it, and when Teddy raised his eyes to look at him Ezekiel leaned in and caught his lips in a sweet short kiss. When they broke apart, Teddy smiled and Ezekiel winked. "Rest assured, I'm not after diamonds."
Teddy watched him, "then what are you after?" he asked curiously, his voice was low and playful. Ezekiel leaned in, and batted his eyes "another kiss would be nice. A proper kiss." Teddy raised an eyebrow, crossed his legs to face Ezekiel, who followed suit, and leaned in with a smirk.
This kiss was heated and gave Ezekiel the opportunity to slip the cufflinks from Teddy's jacket with ease, he transferred them to the secret compartment in the toes of his shoe with one hand. Then, having done that, he focused on kissing the holy heavens out of Teddy. He tried not to feel exposed without Jakes comforting prattle in his ear, or acknowledge how cut off from Cassandra he was. Ezekiel wasn't sure why, but despite enjoying the kiss his mind raced with ways to extricate himself from the situation. He was saved only by the interruption of security who firmly told them they were to return to the party. They pulled away, Teddy more embarrassed than Ezekiel.
Teddy stood, and promptly began to flip out at the lost cuff links when he noticed his cuffs were loose. Ezekiel pretended to help look around where Teddy had been sitting, and found an appropriate time to slip a fake matching pair from his trouser pocket, and find them with a relieved flourish. Teddy didn't check them over at all, simply reattached them whilst security guided them from the room back to the hall. "Cassandra is heading back to the hall. Ezekiel will meet you in there." Jacob told Cassandra, Ezekiel didn't hear the silent snub he gave Ezekiel by not talking to Ezekiel. There exit was easy, they hid amongst the now crammed hall, lost their respective romantic intetests and slid one after tge other behind a curtained door and silently without comment on the others less than immaculate appearance, stepped through back to the Annex.
