You nuzzled your face a little more into the crook of their neck. You were thankful Bloodhound had opted for one of their less bulky respirators for the evening. The hands resting on your waist wrapped tighter around you, pulling you almost flush against their body. You had to remind yourself to breathe when you heard a small hum of content next to your ear. The music and laughter from the party seemed so far away, so disconnected from the two of you. Your movements were no longer in time with the music, you were in time with each other.

How many of Mirage's 'special cocktails ' had you downed? Apparently enough to give you the courage to ask the hunter if they would dance. You weren't surprised in the least when they informed you they had never danced before. But you were surprised when after some hesitation, they extended a hand to you.

Bloodhound hadn't kept a close eye on you throughout the evening. They hadn't begged the gods for strength when they saw how your outfit hugged your frame, nor had they stepped out for some air with the hope of you joining them. And they definitely hadn't scoped out a more secluded location in the garden for the two of you. Their breathing remained steady when you asked them to dance, and that rare smile didn't flicker across their hidden face.

That was their story and they were sticking to it.

Free of their ubiquitous armour, a sight only seen behind closed doors or in the company of friends, the smell of incense was more noticeable on them. One of your reasons to ask them to dance was to give you a distraction from their current attire. When you first saw them in the fitted suit you swore you had died and gone to heaven. It took every ounce of energy to keep your jaw clenched so as to not let it fall agape in awe. Subtlety was one of Bloodhound's strong points, the same could not be said for you. There had been many times you'd removed yourself from a situation to avoid potential embarrassment, especially around Bloodhound.

You could feel the alcohol begin to relax the filter between your brain and your mouth. Although they would never admit it, it was having the same effect on your dance partner. This was dangerous and unknown territory for both of you.

You examined the side of their face, appreciating the intimate view. From the way the straps of their respirator lay against their skin, to the curves of their goggles. Do they leave a mark? A faint outline on their skin after wearing them for so long? Can they see in full colour, or is the world slightly muted for them? Do they take time to pause on their hunts to remove them and see the world around them in full colour? What colour were their eyes? If you asked them, would they tell you, or would they remove their coverings and show you? By the gods, you wished for the latter.

Your gaze lowered to the strap of their respirator. A small buckle on each side holding it in place. They had removed it in your presence many times before, but this was the first time you had paid attention to it. Gloved or not, their hands were so dexterous to be able to undo such a delicate thing with ease. You would be a liar if you didn't admit you had wondered what else those well-trained hands could do. Would they be gentle with you, keeping control at all times, or would they let that lustful beast hidden deep inside take over?

That's when you noticed it. It was so small you weren't at all surprised you missed it. As they moved their head to allow you access to their neck, the slightly elasticated strap had shifted, revealing something few had the honour of seeing.

Skin.

You had two choices, you could shift the strap to keep them completely concealed, something they would appreciate…or…

"You know…if it wasn't for that mask, I would have kissed you by now." You moved your hand to the strap to expose more skin. Their movements came to a halt and you felt them tense slightly. "But I suppose this will have to do for now." Before any objection could be sounded, you placed a light kiss on their cheek. Returning the strap to cover them, your head rested back on their shoulder.

"I will be sure to remove it for the next time we dance." Their hand twitched on your lower back. "I-if you wish for there to be…a…next time." The stutter they tried so desperately to hide made you blush. Blóðhundur never stuttered, they were never lost for words. At least that's what they thought before they met you.

"I would like there to be."

You felt the hunter rest their head on yours as you continued the slow movement of your dance. "Perhaps someone a little more secluded." Although they had allowed themselves to enjoy the moment, they were still very aware of their surroundings. A habit they found hard to break.

You smiled to yourself. "It's a date." Your eyes shot open and you pulled back when you registered what you'd just said, waving your hands dismissively. "I didn't mean…well I did but…I don't-"

Bloodhound clasped your hands in theirs. Your eyes met your reflection in their goggles. You heard a smile in their whispering voice. "It's a date." They guided your hands back around their neck, pulling your body completely flush against theirs.