Kurt was waiting for Ororo in the foyer when she came down the stairs. She wasn't sure what to expect from him. After all, he had never dressed up for such an occasion, and she had no idea how he would be able to blend in. Even having no idea what to expect, she was taken by surprise. In fact, she almost didn't recognize him at all.
For one thing, his face was now a pale, but natural, flesh tone. He wore partially-tinted glasses, just dark enough at the tops to make his yellow eyes look hazel instead. His long, black coat hid his tail completely, his accompanying black gloves disguised the distinct look of his tridactyl hands, and a fedora covered the points of his ears. He even wore shoes, which must have pinched his feet terribly. Ororo stopped on the stairway as she took in the sight.
He grinned and bowed deeply. "I fear I have no hope of outshining you tonight. My only hope is that I do not detract from your beauty."
"There's not much chance of that." Ororo smiled, at once embarassed and flattered at his praise. She had picked out a tight, floor length white dress with a slit up to the thigh and silver embroidery that followed diagonally from the curve of her ample hip to the hem under her opposite arm. The bottom of the dress was loose and flowing from the calves down, and longer in the back than in the front. Ororo wore diamond earrings to match the embroidery and silver shoes with low heels so she wouldn't tower over Kurt. She had her beautiful white hair in an updo with glitter for accent. To Kurt, she looked like a jewel. His mouth hung open as she took his arm.
"You look like a million dollars." she said to him as they walked to the garage where the Rolls was kept. "Couldn't have done the makeup better myself."
He held the passenger side door open and helped her into the car."You learn some interesting things in the circus. It takes quite a lot of practice to make it look 'normal', though. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to cover up blue skin without looking like a drowned man?"
He closed her door gently and hopped over the cab, clearing it as casually as one might step over a crack in the sidewalk. Ororo had to admit it was faster than walking around to the driver side door, but it was also much flashier, and she had to wonder if the two were of equal importance to him.
Ororo made an amused face Kurt couldn't see, then asked him when he got into the driver's seat, "So are we going to teleport up to the restaurant once we get there, or are we going to do it the old fashioned way and take the elevator?" She felt a little nervous, wondering if Kurt knew how to drive. She put on her seat belt and programmed the radio to a jazz station.
Kurt allayed her fears as he pulled out smoothly into the driveway, then onto the street proper.
"Nein, I've learned the hard way about that," he said. "Makeup just comes off after a few 'ports. I never understood why. And I thought you didn't like riding along with me on such trips. It would hardly do to make you ill before dinner, would it?"
Ororo smiled and put her hand on Kurt's knee, patting it in an unconscious gesture of comradre. "The elevator it is, then. I think you're going to like where we're going."
She resumed staring out the window, but Ororo's mind wasn't on the scenery. She was as nervous and exited as a schoolgirl, though her calm and sophisticated exterior didn't show it. She remembered when they had first met, and he had held her face in his hands, telling her not to be so angry. She had shuddered and melted, though she tried desperately not to show it. She was sure Kurt could see it in her eyes, though, that instant attraction. She had never met anyone like him. Still, she was going to play it cool and see what this guy's game really was. He seemed so tough, yet so innocent. It was hard to read him. It made him all that more intriguing. Ororo usually had trouble trusting people, but something about Kurt put her at ease. And tonight, for a while at least, she was going to forget she was the ice queen.
They wound through the countryside, then into New York city itself, where the traffic picked up. It gave Kurt a great deal of time to ponder the situation. Usually it was the man who surprised his lady with an outing. In this case, Ororo had something specific in mind while Kurt was kept in the dark. Ah, well. They were an unconventional couple; why should the evening break tradition. From a practical standpoint, he didn't know New York at all. He would not have known where to begin.
They finally pulled into the parking structure and came to a gentle halt. Kurt walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for Ororo, then presented his hand. She took it, and they walked together arm in arm.
"So tell me," he asked. "Have you been to this place before?"
"No, but I've heard a lot about it. It's ritzy little club the jetsetters like to hang out in. It's got a huge dance floor." She smiled at him hintingly..
They stepped into the lobby and got into the elevator to the 65th floor. Ororo was suprized that they were alone. She repressed a snicker as a naughty thought ran through her mind about how some couples took amourous advantage of the long ride up. ::Oh Goddess...:: she thought to herself. ::He's getting to you already. Who's the REAL creature of the night here?::
They cast nervous but friendly glances at each other instead as the car soared upward at a swift pace. Ororo leaned against the railing and Kurt stuck slightly to the wall as he gripped the railing a little too tight, his tail thumping nervously. Ororo wanted to laugh, but didn't.
"Is something wrong?" she asked with a concerned face.
"Nein. Just that riding in elevators makes me a little...claustrophobic." he offered her a weak smile. To his suprize, Ororo put her hands on his shoulders and gave them a gentle massage. He closed his eyes in bliss at this new and welcome distraction, and she continued her minstrations. His tail flopped to the floor and the tip of it swished slowly.
"Is that better?" she said low in his ear, pulling his hat down a little more over his pointed ears.
"Thank you, Ororo. You have a healing touch." There was a slight vibration coming from his throat.
She paused momentarily. Did she just hear this man purr?
The bell sounded and door suddenly opened.
"We're here." she said, letting go of him as they stepped out.
Both of their faces lit up when they saw how beautiful and atmospheric the club was. It felt like they had stepped into an art-deco club of the early 1930s. The lighting was low and tinged with soft shades of amber, the tables arranged on different levels, all overlooking a subtly-lighted ballroom dance floor. There was even a spot for a live orchestra, though it wasn't occupied at the moment.
Kurt surreptitiously curled his tail back up under his coat as they were approached by the concierge. This low lighting would hide a multitude of sins, but some things were just too obvious to ignore. The concierge looked to them both, politely, fixing on Ororo as she mentioned their reservation. Kurt knew his scars were plainly visible at this distance, even with his hat and the low light, but the staff was too much a professional to pay them any mind. Their attendant led them cheerfully to their table without so much as a furtive glance.
After orders were taken, and the waiter had departed, Kurt reached across the table and took one of Ororo's hands in his.
"You seemed to put special emphasis on the dance floor," he said. "Can I assume dancing is something you are interested in?"
Ororo's eyes lit up at the touch, and she said somewhat mischieviously, "I would love to dance with you, Kurt. I'm sure all those acrobatics in the circus will come in handy." She squeezed his hand gently and took a sip of her wine with the other, her eyes never leaving his.
"I have seen how it is done in old movies," he replied, smiling, but careful not to show his needle-sharp teeth. "There is only so much room for acrobatics, and many of my best moves use my tail. That is hardly appropriate here."
Ororo almost spit her wine out at this last statement, and let loose her first laugh of the night. Still chuckling, she dabbed her dribbling chin. Her foot shot up in the process and accidentally tapped him in the groin. She regained her dignified composure and added, "Why Kurt, I believe you just booked a flight to Soddom and Ghamorra. What's a good Catholic boy like you doing tempting me with dirty tail dancing?"
"You horrid woman!" he whispered, unable to keep the laughter from his voice. "You spoke of circus acrobatics, and in the circus I used my tail for trapeze work! What did you think I meant?"
Ororo blushed, feeling guilty and giddy at the same time. She put her hand over Kurt's and apologized. "I'm sorry. Maybe I should lay off this wine."
The waiter brought their food. Kurt thanked him, and they started eating.
After her swallowing her first bite, Ororo looked up at him. "How's your tai....I mean, your steak?"
She half expected Kurt to choke on his meal for that comment, but he didn't. He stopped for a moment, then finished his bite. The look he gave her was not embarrassed. Instead, it was almost...sly? He folded his hands in front of him on the table and leaned forward, just a little.
"Liebling," he said softly, "I think I should warn you. I have heard every 'reference' to my tail that you could possibly imagine. You will have to be very creative to surprise me, let alone shock me."
Now it was her turn to be surprised as she felt something warm brush her bare ankle, then her instep. Apparently, with his long coat and the floor-length tablecloth, he felt secure enough to let his tail under the table.
Ororo did a sharp intake of breath and her eyes grew wide momentarily at the shock of this new, almost kinky sensation. The soles of her feet also seemed to be directly wired to a more intimate part of her, and she had to close her eyes and swallow at the tickling sensation that ran through her. It was all she could do to yell "Check please!" but she didn't. She NEVER let men see her acting like this, like a giggly, horny schoolgirl. What was it ABOUT this guy? Then again, she hadn't been out on a date since she couldn't remember when, and Kurt was...different...in more ways than one. He was the most perfect blend of roughish gentleman she had ever met. Without trying, he drew out her vulnerable side, and for some reason, Ororo didn't mind.
Thankful for the low lighting, Ororo swished her wine playfully and returned the caress under the table with a nudge from her now un-sandaled toes. She slid them slowly over the tip and first few inches of the shaft of his tail.
That sly look was gone, replaced by a bit of stunned surprise. Ororo was certain no one had ever touched him in this manner. She could see his jaw clench as she felt the tail rapidly slide out from under her toes, and she heard and felt "something" bump against the central table leg. So he had a weak spot, did he? She calmly reached out with her foot again, and was close enough to feel the warmth of his skin when suddenly that warmth was gone. He'd moved it, probably back under his coat. Oh, well. The game was fun while it lasted.
He was casually eating his vegetables at that point. "If you want to keep that up, you'll have to work harder."
Why that little--! He was playing with her! He still had his tail under the table, and was daring her to find it!
And find it she did. She went right to the source as she scooted her chair close to him and felt his backside under his coat.
"You can't hide THIS end from me." she teased, squeezing the base of his tail playfully two times.
Well, THAT had an effect. She grinned as he almost jumped out of his seat. Apparently, that tail was pretty sensitive near the spine. Unbeknownst to Ororo, his tail whipped around the table's pedestal, wrapped it tightly, and jerked spasmodically. Sometimes that damn thing just had a mind of its own. To keep the table from tipping over, he dropped his silverware and gripped the edge with both hands. Thank God she couldn't see him blush under all the makeup. She slid her hand away, but still stayed very close to him, and his tail resolutely refused to unclench with her so near.
His voice trembled just a little. "Woman, you are an awful cheater."
The orchastra starting up distracted them from any further prehensile tail pursuits.
Thank you, God, Kurt thought.
Kurt wasted no time. He forced his tail to unwrap, then slid it back up under his long coat.
"May I have this dance?" he held out his hand.
Ororo took it, and they approached the dance floor. They were not the first ones out, as several couples whose tables were next to the floor were already there. The big band opened up with "Begin the Begine", a relatively slow number, designed for getting acquainted instead of making a splash. Kurt gave another silent thanks. Not only did this allow him to remember all those Grace Kelly movies, but it allowed him to gauge the skill of the other dancers. As much as he desired to impress Ororo, the last thing he wanted to do was attract undue attention.
No showing off, he repeated to himself. No showing off. The last thing you need to do is have people staring too much. Just keep it at a reasonable level...
Of course, at the same time, he was hoping that some couples here knew what they were doing. The second-to-last thing he wanted was to be constrained by mediocrity. The floor grew more and more crowded. Slow numbers drew the old as well as the young. Then, with very little warning, the band launched into something much faster. The floor swiftly cleared of the older or less-experienced dancers, who clustered along the edges to watch. With all the twirling and flinging going on, the dancers needed room. Kurt felt himself grinning. The Rainbow Room must have been a regular haunt for dancers; the couples who remained on the dance floor were competition quality. He had no fears of standing out from this crowd.
"Let me know when you tire, liebling," he whispered into Ororo's ear.
That was all the warning he gave.
Ororo was thankful for her athletic training at that moment, because she had to immediately compensate for the sudden jerking of her arm. She almost stepped on Kurt's foot as she was spun around. But she kept up with him and the dancing got more intense.
The heat from his body enhanced his natural musky smell and permeated her nostrils. It made her more aggressive. She matched each of his moves with instinctive grace and speed.
Kurt half expected Ororo to call for a halt after a few dances, but she never did. She kept going, practically daring him to keep up with her. It wasn't until the band broke for intermission that they actually stopped. Kurt glanced about the dance floor as they moved back to their table. Some watched them specifically with a bit of impressed appreciation in their eyes. Belatedly, he realized that he and Ororo were among the very few couples that never sat a dance out, and they weren't regulars. And he was still wearing that coat. He'd managed to stick out again.
"Wanna get outta here?" Ororo asked him. "I could use some fresh air. The beach isn't far." She was hot and now the exertion of energy was starting to sink in. And it wasn't just that. She just wanted to be alone with Kurt.
Oh, good. He wouldn't have to embarrass himself by asking first. God must have been smiling on him this night. Not that he was winded, but the attention made him uncomfortable. It was one thing to be in the spotlight behind a mask, another to be an unwilling center of attention.
That, and his shoes were pinching something fierce.
"As you wish," he responded softly.
After the waiter was paid, they made a discreet exit out the door and down the elevator to the waiting car. On the way down, Ororo stood close to Kurt with her arm around him this time, and even ventured running her hands through his hair under his hat. His tail practically put a hole through the wall at this unexpected gesture, and he felt his adreniline shoot up faster than a thermometer on a hot summer day. He grabbed his tail roughly. Stop that! You're embarrassing me!
Slow, deep breaths, Kurt, he thought to himself. You've got to stop overreacting like this. She'll think you have no control over your own drives.
He almost didn't retract his tail in time as the doors opened again. They edged their way past a dinner party of six that wanted on, then made their way to the car.
"I fear I will need directions to the beach," he told her as he turned the key in the ignition.
Ororo gave him the directions, and Kurt drove off. "That was wonderful, Kurt." she said, smiling over at him. "We should do that again sometime." She paused, thinking. "It's a warm summer night...are you up for a swim?"
"Ah...well...I don't have any swim trunks...." He trailed off as Ororo reached into the back seat and produced a small bag. "You planned this, didn't you?"
She merely grinned in reply, pulling out a navy blue set of swim trunks. "I even made sure there was a hole for your tail."
"So that's why you grabbed it! You wanted to make sure you had the size right, yes?"
"Among other things."
"Are all American women as.....forward as you?"
"I'm actually on the mild side compared to some." she said innocently. "Besides, it's good to get out of my role of saving the world for a change."
It was a short drive and they talked little on the way. Part of it was nerves. Part of it was Kurt's feet were starting to kill him. In about half an hour they arrived at the dark, deserted beach. After Kurt parked the car, Ororo slipped off her shoes and let her hair go free before opening the car door.
"There are no changing rooms here," Kurt noted, looking around.
Ororo grinned as she grabbed her swimsuit from the bag. "Then I will have to rely on your decency not to peek, won't I?"
Kurt just stared, slack jawed, as Ororo turned her back to the car and began to strip. She was actually going to change here, in the open? He quickly turned away, looking for a wall or something for his own use.
Ororo heard the muffled bamf of air inside the car and glanced back. Kurt was gone, but all of his clothes, including glasses and hat, settled empty to the driver seat. He could teleport out of his clothing? That had possibilities.... In a second he returned, and she could see him leaning against the driver's side, his back to her.
"Any time you're ready, liebling," he called over his shoulder. "You women always take so long to get ready...."
Kurt walked into the water, savoring the cool, form-fitting feel of the wet sand under the soles of his feet. Without realizing it, he was digging his toes into the packed sand as he went, leaving odd little trenches in the beach for the tide to wash away. The water was a bit of a shock to him, colder than he'd expected. It could have just been the fact the night was so warm, but he felt goosebumps raise on his skin from the chill. Why did Ororo think it was so warm?
Of course, this is a woman who summons up snowstorms, he thought. Cold water must be nothing to her.
Better to get it all over with at once. He dove in after her, closing his eyes against the salty brine. He came up a second later, then swam to her side.
"You ok?" Ororo asked as he surfaced. "Are you cold?" He looked even sexier with his hair flattened and wet, the ambient light glancing off his shoulders and face in an unearthly way. Goddess, he was beautiful! It was all she could do to keep from throwing every limb around him she had.
"It's just the shock of hot night to cool sea," he answered. "I'll get used to it."
She still seemed a bit concerned. He wasn't about to let her remain that way. He curled his tail around her leg and tugged gently. She gave a startled squawk.
"Watch out for eels," he said, grinning, as he tugged again.
Ororo giggled nervously as she had to dig her toes into the sand to keep from falling over. "Have you been baptized, Kurt?" she asked innocently, putting her hands on his shoulders.
"Oh, no you don't!" he laughed, waving a finger in her face. "I'm not falling for tha--"
He expected her to kick his legs out from under him, push him back, or any other such thing. He probably SHOULD have expected what she actually did. She grabbed his shoulders, yanked him close, and kissed. Kurt found himself quite off-balance, which made it easy for her to shove him back under the water. Suddenly he disappeared from under her grasp, the water moving in to fill the void. He reappeared bare inches behind her.
"Again you cheat!" he shouted in mock indignation. "This time I show no mercy!"
He lifted her up out of the water, pinning both arms to her sides. She kicked at him, laughing, and was met by his tail. It had been so long since anyone played "rough and tumble" with her that she'd forgotten she was ticklish, but Kurt and that tail of his reminded her soon enough.
If this were a movie, Ororo couldn't decide if it was "From Here to Eternity" or "Alien Nation." Where before in the club she'd felt like a pampered lady, now she felt like a naughty schoolgirl playing hooky with the kid from the bad side of town. She could hardly breathe between spitting sand from her mouth and laughing hysterically. And Kurt had her right where he wanted her, like he'd had this planned all along!
"K-K-Kurrrt...BWAAHAHAHAHAHA!...KURT! STOP!"
Kurt pulled her to him and held her close until she recovered strength enough to stand. His tail slapped the surface of the water close by. She turned to look at it, a little concerned that he might start it all over again. He also looked back at it, grinning widely.
"I'm sorry, liebling, but you were the one who grabbed it back there," he said, laughing. "I think it wants to get back at you."
"Now, I don't think that will be necessary." Ororo said, squeezing his shoulders with one hand while reaching down to the base of his tail with the other. "I was thinking more along the lines of...compensation."
She stroked the first few inches of it gently at the same time she started nibbling on his pointed ears.
"Uh...Ororo...you shouldn't...." A sharp intake of breath through his teeth. "That's....You're...uh...."
Ororo pulled back, but still kept her arms around him. Her own breath was heavier with her mounting passion. "Too soon?" she asked, her voice betraying disappointment.
He looked down and away, and she had her answer. This *was* too fast for him. He wasn't comfortable with it, not yet. He opened his mouth to speak, and she just knew he was going to apologize. She placed her fingers over his lips, and he silenced.
This one, she thought to herself, was going to take a bit of training.
Unnoticed by the two, there was another man making his way from parking lot to beach. There was nothing sinister about him, or his intentions, even if he did have a camera in his hands. With the light of a full moon, and sensitive film, it was a perfect night to work on his favorite hobby. He stopped as he saw a tall, beautiful woman waist deep in the ocean. She had one hand up in front of her face, and seemed to be staring off into the distance. Such fluid grace. Was she a dancer, or a mime, or an actress? She reached up with another hand and seemed to stroke something in mid-air. Definitely, some kind of performer, probably working on a routine. Just beautiful. A lovely image. He raised his camera and sighted in, careful not to startle her.
Unfortunately, as he was new to his hobby, he'd forgotten to shut the flash off. When he squeezed the trigger, the night suddenly lit up with a burst of light, and he suddenly saw that the woman was with someone else. Someone who wasn't there before. Someone with a tail that stuck up and out of the water for several feet. The would-be photographer's jaw dropped in shock, and he kept his hand on the trigger, the camera continuing to shoot, the flash continuing to go off over and over and over.
Kurt and Ororo gasped and snapped to look at the beach, at the blinding strobe of light. Someone was taking pictures. Someone was taking a whole ROLL of pictures. Kurt made a frightened sound in his throat as he grabbed Ororo tightly. There was a wrenching darkness, and then they were standing right next to the car.
For one thing, his face was now a pale, but natural, flesh tone. He wore partially-tinted glasses, just dark enough at the tops to make his yellow eyes look hazel instead. His long, black coat hid his tail completely, his accompanying black gloves disguised the distinct look of his tridactyl hands, and a fedora covered the points of his ears. He even wore shoes, which must have pinched his feet terribly. Ororo stopped on the stairway as she took in the sight.
He grinned and bowed deeply. "I fear I have no hope of outshining you tonight. My only hope is that I do not detract from your beauty."
"There's not much chance of that." Ororo smiled, at once embarassed and flattered at his praise. She had picked out a tight, floor length white dress with a slit up to the thigh and silver embroidery that followed diagonally from the curve of her ample hip to the hem under her opposite arm. The bottom of the dress was loose and flowing from the calves down, and longer in the back than in the front. Ororo wore diamond earrings to match the embroidery and silver shoes with low heels so she wouldn't tower over Kurt. She had her beautiful white hair in an updo with glitter for accent. To Kurt, she looked like a jewel. His mouth hung open as she took his arm.
"You look like a million dollars." she said to him as they walked to the garage where the Rolls was kept. "Couldn't have done the makeup better myself."
He held the passenger side door open and helped her into the car."You learn some interesting things in the circus. It takes quite a lot of practice to make it look 'normal', though. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to cover up blue skin without looking like a drowned man?"
He closed her door gently and hopped over the cab, clearing it as casually as one might step over a crack in the sidewalk. Ororo had to admit it was faster than walking around to the driver side door, but it was also much flashier, and she had to wonder if the two were of equal importance to him.
Ororo made an amused face Kurt couldn't see, then asked him when he got into the driver's seat, "So are we going to teleport up to the restaurant once we get there, or are we going to do it the old fashioned way and take the elevator?" She felt a little nervous, wondering if Kurt knew how to drive. She put on her seat belt and programmed the radio to a jazz station.
Kurt allayed her fears as he pulled out smoothly into the driveway, then onto the street proper.
"Nein, I've learned the hard way about that," he said. "Makeup just comes off after a few 'ports. I never understood why. And I thought you didn't like riding along with me on such trips. It would hardly do to make you ill before dinner, would it?"
Ororo smiled and put her hand on Kurt's knee, patting it in an unconscious gesture of comradre. "The elevator it is, then. I think you're going to like where we're going."
She resumed staring out the window, but Ororo's mind wasn't on the scenery. She was as nervous and exited as a schoolgirl, though her calm and sophisticated exterior didn't show it. She remembered when they had first met, and he had held her face in his hands, telling her not to be so angry. She had shuddered and melted, though she tried desperately not to show it. She was sure Kurt could see it in her eyes, though, that instant attraction. She had never met anyone like him. Still, she was going to play it cool and see what this guy's game really was. He seemed so tough, yet so innocent. It was hard to read him. It made him all that more intriguing. Ororo usually had trouble trusting people, but something about Kurt put her at ease. And tonight, for a while at least, she was going to forget she was the ice queen.
They wound through the countryside, then into New York city itself, where the traffic picked up. It gave Kurt a great deal of time to ponder the situation. Usually it was the man who surprised his lady with an outing. In this case, Ororo had something specific in mind while Kurt was kept in the dark. Ah, well. They were an unconventional couple; why should the evening break tradition. From a practical standpoint, he didn't know New York at all. He would not have known where to begin.
They finally pulled into the parking structure and came to a gentle halt. Kurt walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for Ororo, then presented his hand. She took it, and they walked together arm in arm.
"So tell me," he asked. "Have you been to this place before?"
"No, but I've heard a lot about it. It's ritzy little club the jetsetters like to hang out in. It's got a huge dance floor." She smiled at him hintingly..
They stepped into the lobby and got into the elevator to the 65th floor. Ororo was suprized that they were alone. She repressed a snicker as a naughty thought ran through her mind about how some couples took amourous advantage of the long ride up. ::Oh Goddess...:: she thought to herself. ::He's getting to you already. Who's the REAL creature of the night here?::
They cast nervous but friendly glances at each other instead as the car soared upward at a swift pace. Ororo leaned against the railing and Kurt stuck slightly to the wall as he gripped the railing a little too tight, his tail thumping nervously. Ororo wanted to laugh, but didn't.
"Is something wrong?" she asked with a concerned face.
"Nein. Just that riding in elevators makes me a little...claustrophobic." he offered her a weak smile. To his suprize, Ororo put her hands on his shoulders and gave them a gentle massage. He closed his eyes in bliss at this new and welcome distraction, and she continued her minstrations. His tail flopped to the floor and the tip of it swished slowly.
"Is that better?" she said low in his ear, pulling his hat down a little more over his pointed ears.
"Thank you, Ororo. You have a healing touch." There was a slight vibration coming from his throat.
She paused momentarily. Did she just hear this man purr?
The bell sounded and door suddenly opened.
"We're here." she said, letting go of him as they stepped out.
Both of their faces lit up when they saw how beautiful and atmospheric the club was. It felt like they had stepped into an art-deco club of the early 1930s. The lighting was low and tinged with soft shades of amber, the tables arranged on different levels, all overlooking a subtly-lighted ballroom dance floor. There was even a spot for a live orchestra, though it wasn't occupied at the moment.
Kurt surreptitiously curled his tail back up under his coat as they were approached by the concierge. This low lighting would hide a multitude of sins, but some things were just too obvious to ignore. The concierge looked to them both, politely, fixing on Ororo as she mentioned their reservation. Kurt knew his scars were plainly visible at this distance, even with his hat and the low light, but the staff was too much a professional to pay them any mind. Their attendant led them cheerfully to their table without so much as a furtive glance.
After orders were taken, and the waiter had departed, Kurt reached across the table and took one of Ororo's hands in his.
"You seemed to put special emphasis on the dance floor," he said. "Can I assume dancing is something you are interested in?"
Ororo's eyes lit up at the touch, and she said somewhat mischieviously, "I would love to dance with you, Kurt. I'm sure all those acrobatics in the circus will come in handy." She squeezed his hand gently and took a sip of her wine with the other, her eyes never leaving his.
"I have seen how it is done in old movies," he replied, smiling, but careful not to show his needle-sharp teeth. "There is only so much room for acrobatics, and many of my best moves use my tail. That is hardly appropriate here."
Ororo almost spit her wine out at this last statement, and let loose her first laugh of the night. Still chuckling, she dabbed her dribbling chin. Her foot shot up in the process and accidentally tapped him in the groin. She regained her dignified composure and added, "Why Kurt, I believe you just booked a flight to Soddom and Ghamorra. What's a good Catholic boy like you doing tempting me with dirty tail dancing?"
"You horrid woman!" he whispered, unable to keep the laughter from his voice. "You spoke of circus acrobatics, and in the circus I used my tail for trapeze work! What did you think I meant?"
Ororo blushed, feeling guilty and giddy at the same time. She put her hand over Kurt's and apologized. "I'm sorry. Maybe I should lay off this wine."
The waiter brought their food. Kurt thanked him, and they started eating.
After her swallowing her first bite, Ororo looked up at him. "How's your tai....I mean, your steak?"
She half expected Kurt to choke on his meal for that comment, but he didn't. He stopped for a moment, then finished his bite. The look he gave her was not embarrassed. Instead, it was almost...sly? He folded his hands in front of him on the table and leaned forward, just a little.
"Liebling," he said softly, "I think I should warn you. I have heard every 'reference' to my tail that you could possibly imagine. You will have to be very creative to surprise me, let alone shock me."
Now it was her turn to be surprised as she felt something warm brush her bare ankle, then her instep. Apparently, with his long coat and the floor-length tablecloth, he felt secure enough to let his tail under the table.
Ororo did a sharp intake of breath and her eyes grew wide momentarily at the shock of this new, almost kinky sensation. The soles of her feet also seemed to be directly wired to a more intimate part of her, and she had to close her eyes and swallow at the tickling sensation that ran through her. It was all she could do to yell "Check please!" but she didn't. She NEVER let men see her acting like this, like a giggly, horny schoolgirl. What was it ABOUT this guy? Then again, she hadn't been out on a date since she couldn't remember when, and Kurt was...different...in more ways than one. He was the most perfect blend of roughish gentleman she had ever met. Without trying, he drew out her vulnerable side, and for some reason, Ororo didn't mind.
Thankful for the low lighting, Ororo swished her wine playfully and returned the caress under the table with a nudge from her now un-sandaled toes. She slid them slowly over the tip and first few inches of the shaft of his tail.
That sly look was gone, replaced by a bit of stunned surprise. Ororo was certain no one had ever touched him in this manner. She could see his jaw clench as she felt the tail rapidly slide out from under her toes, and she heard and felt "something" bump against the central table leg. So he had a weak spot, did he? She calmly reached out with her foot again, and was close enough to feel the warmth of his skin when suddenly that warmth was gone. He'd moved it, probably back under his coat. Oh, well. The game was fun while it lasted.
He was casually eating his vegetables at that point. "If you want to keep that up, you'll have to work harder."
Why that little--! He was playing with her! He still had his tail under the table, and was daring her to find it!
And find it she did. She went right to the source as she scooted her chair close to him and felt his backside under his coat.
"You can't hide THIS end from me." she teased, squeezing the base of his tail playfully two times.
Well, THAT had an effect. She grinned as he almost jumped out of his seat. Apparently, that tail was pretty sensitive near the spine. Unbeknownst to Ororo, his tail whipped around the table's pedestal, wrapped it tightly, and jerked spasmodically. Sometimes that damn thing just had a mind of its own. To keep the table from tipping over, he dropped his silverware and gripped the edge with both hands. Thank God she couldn't see him blush under all the makeup. She slid her hand away, but still stayed very close to him, and his tail resolutely refused to unclench with her so near.
His voice trembled just a little. "Woman, you are an awful cheater."
The orchastra starting up distracted them from any further prehensile tail pursuits.
Thank you, God, Kurt thought.
Kurt wasted no time. He forced his tail to unwrap, then slid it back up under his long coat.
"May I have this dance?" he held out his hand.
Ororo took it, and they approached the dance floor. They were not the first ones out, as several couples whose tables were next to the floor were already there. The big band opened up with "Begin the Begine", a relatively slow number, designed for getting acquainted instead of making a splash. Kurt gave another silent thanks. Not only did this allow him to remember all those Grace Kelly movies, but it allowed him to gauge the skill of the other dancers. As much as he desired to impress Ororo, the last thing he wanted to do was attract undue attention.
No showing off, he repeated to himself. No showing off. The last thing you need to do is have people staring too much. Just keep it at a reasonable level...
Of course, at the same time, he was hoping that some couples here knew what they were doing. The second-to-last thing he wanted was to be constrained by mediocrity. The floor grew more and more crowded. Slow numbers drew the old as well as the young. Then, with very little warning, the band launched into something much faster. The floor swiftly cleared of the older or less-experienced dancers, who clustered along the edges to watch. With all the twirling and flinging going on, the dancers needed room. Kurt felt himself grinning. The Rainbow Room must have been a regular haunt for dancers; the couples who remained on the dance floor were competition quality. He had no fears of standing out from this crowd.
"Let me know when you tire, liebling," he whispered into Ororo's ear.
That was all the warning he gave.
Ororo was thankful for her athletic training at that moment, because she had to immediately compensate for the sudden jerking of her arm. She almost stepped on Kurt's foot as she was spun around. But she kept up with him and the dancing got more intense.
The heat from his body enhanced his natural musky smell and permeated her nostrils. It made her more aggressive. She matched each of his moves with instinctive grace and speed.
Kurt half expected Ororo to call for a halt after a few dances, but she never did. She kept going, practically daring him to keep up with her. It wasn't until the band broke for intermission that they actually stopped. Kurt glanced about the dance floor as they moved back to their table. Some watched them specifically with a bit of impressed appreciation in their eyes. Belatedly, he realized that he and Ororo were among the very few couples that never sat a dance out, and they weren't regulars. And he was still wearing that coat. He'd managed to stick out again.
"Wanna get outta here?" Ororo asked him. "I could use some fresh air. The beach isn't far." She was hot and now the exertion of energy was starting to sink in. And it wasn't just that. She just wanted to be alone with Kurt.
Oh, good. He wouldn't have to embarrass himself by asking first. God must have been smiling on him this night. Not that he was winded, but the attention made him uncomfortable. It was one thing to be in the spotlight behind a mask, another to be an unwilling center of attention.
That, and his shoes were pinching something fierce.
"As you wish," he responded softly.
After the waiter was paid, they made a discreet exit out the door and down the elevator to the waiting car. On the way down, Ororo stood close to Kurt with her arm around him this time, and even ventured running her hands through his hair under his hat. His tail practically put a hole through the wall at this unexpected gesture, and he felt his adreniline shoot up faster than a thermometer on a hot summer day. He grabbed his tail roughly. Stop that! You're embarrassing me!
Slow, deep breaths, Kurt, he thought to himself. You've got to stop overreacting like this. She'll think you have no control over your own drives.
He almost didn't retract his tail in time as the doors opened again. They edged their way past a dinner party of six that wanted on, then made their way to the car.
"I fear I will need directions to the beach," he told her as he turned the key in the ignition.
Ororo gave him the directions, and Kurt drove off. "That was wonderful, Kurt." she said, smiling over at him. "We should do that again sometime." She paused, thinking. "It's a warm summer night...are you up for a swim?"
"Ah...well...I don't have any swim trunks...." He trailed off as Ororo reached into the back seat and produced a small bag. "You planned this, didn't you?"
She merely grinned in reply, pulling out a navy blue set of swim trunks. "I even made sure there was a hole for your tail."
"So that's why you grabbed it! You wanted to make sure you had the size right, yes?"
"Among other things."
"Are all American women as.....forward as you?"
"I'm actually on the mild side compared to some." she said innocently. "Besides, it's good to get out of my role of saving the world for a change."
It was a short drive and they talked little on the way. Part of it was nerves. Part of it was Kurt's feet were starting to kill him. In about half an hour they arrived at the dark, deserted beach. After Kurt parked the car, Ororo slipped off her shoes and let her hair go free before opening the car door.
"There are no changing rooms here," Kurt noted, looking around.
Ororo grinned as she grabbed her swimsuit from the bag. "Then I will have to rely on your decency not to peek, won't I?"
Kurt just stared, slack jawed, as Ororo turned her back to the car and began to strip. She was actually going to change here, in the open? He quickly turned away, looking for a wall or something for his own use.
Ororo heard the muffled bamf of air inside the car and glanced back. Kurt was gone, but all of his clothes, including glasses and hat, settled empty to the driver seat. He could teleport out of his clothing? That had possibilities.... In a second he returned, and she could see him leaning against the driver's side, his back to her.
"Any time you're ready, liebling," he called over his shoulder. "You women always take so long to get ready...."
Kurt walked into the water, savoring the cool, form-fitting feel of the wet sand under the soles of his feet. Without realizing it, he was digging his toes into the packed sand as he went, leaving odd little trenches in the beach for the tide to wash away. The water was a bit of a shock to him, colder than he'd expected. It could have just been the fact the night was so warm, but he felt goosebumps raise on his skin from the chill. Why did Ororo think it was so warm?
Of course, this is a woman who summons up snowstorms, he thought. Cold water must be nothing to her.
Better to get it all over with at once. He dove in after her, closing his eyes against the salty brine. He came up a second later, then swam to her side.
"You ok?" Ororo asked as he surfaced. "Are you cold?" He looked even sexier with his hair flattened and wet, the ambient light glancing off his shoulders and face in an unearthly way. Goddess, he was beautiful! It was all she could do to keep from throwing every limb around him she had.
"It's just the shock of hot night to cool sea," he answered. "I'll get used to it."
She still seemed a bit concerned. He wasn't about to let her remain that way. He curled his tail around her leg and tugged gently. She gave a startled squawk.
"Watch out for eels," he said, grinning, as he tugged again.
Ororo giggled nervously as she had to dig her toes into the sand to keep from falling over. "Have you been baptized, Kurt?" she asked innocently, putting her hands on his shoulders.
"Oh, no you don't!" he laughed, waving a finger in her face. "I'm not falling for tha--"
He expected her to kick his legs out from under him, push him back, or any other such thing. He probably SHOULD have expected what she actually did. She grabbed his shoulders, yanked him close, and kissed. Kurt found himself quite off-balance, which made it easy for her to shove him back under the water. Suddenly he disappeared from under her grasp, the water moving in to fill the void. He reappeared bare inches behind her.
"Again you cheat!" he shouted in mock indignation. "This time I show no mercy!"
He lifted her up out of the water, pinning both arms to her sides. She kicked at him, laughing, and was met by his tail. It had been so long since anyone played "rough and tumble" with her that she'd forgotten she was ticklish, but Kurt and that tail of his reminded her soon enough.
If this were a movie, Ororo couldn't decide if it was "From Here to Eternity" or "Alien Nation." Where before in the club she'd felt like a pampered lady, now she felt like a naughty schoolgirl playing hooky with the kid from the bad side of town. She could hardly breathe between spitting sand from her mouth and laughing hysterically. And Kurt had her right where he wanted her, like he'd had this planned all along!
"K-K-Kurrrt...BWAAHAHAHAHAHA!...KURT! STOP!"
Kurt pulled her to him and held her close until she recovered strength enough to stand. His tail slapped the surface of the water close by. She turned to look at it, a little concerned that he might start it all over again. He also looked back at it, grinning widely.
"I'm sorry, liebling, but you were the one who grabbed it back there," he said, laughing. "I think it wants to get back at you."
"Now, I don't think that will be necessary." Ororo said, squeezing his shoulders with one hand while reaching down to the base of his tail with the other. "I was thinking more along the lines of...compensation."
She stroked the first few inches of it gently at the same time she started nibbling on his pointed ears.
"Uh...Ororo...you shouldn't...." A sharp intake of breath through his teeth. "That's....You're...uh...."
Ororo pulled back, but still kept her arms around him. Her own breath was heavier with her mounting passion. "Too soon?" she asked, her voice betraying disappointment.
He looked down and away, and she had her answer. This *was* too fast for him. He wasn't comfortable with it, not yet. He opened his mouth to speak, and she just knew he was going to apologize. She placed her fingers over his lips, and he silenced.
This one, she thought to herself, was going to take a bit of training.
Unnoticed by the two, there was another man making his way from parking lot to beach. There was nothing sinister about him, or his intentions, even if he did have a camera in his hands. With the light of a full moon, and sensitive film, it was a perfect night to work on his favorite hobby. He stopped as he saw a tall, beautiful woman waist deep in the ocean. She had one hand up in front of her face, and seemed to be staring off into the distance. Such fluid grace. Was she a dancer, or a mime, or an actress? She reached up with another hand and seemed to stroke something in mid-air. Definitely, some kind of performer, probably working on a routine. Just beautiful. A lovely image. He raised his camera and sighted in, careful not to startle her.
Unfortunately, as he was new to his hobby, he'd forgotten to shut the flash off. When he squeezed the trigger, the night suddenly lit up with a burst of light, and he suddenly saw that the woman was with someone else. Someone who wasn't there before. Someone with a tail that stuck up and out of the water for several feet. The would-be photographer's jaw dropped in shock, and he kept his hand on the trigger, the camera continuing to shoot, the flash continuing to go off over and over and over.
Kurt and Ororo gasped and snapped to look at the beach, at the blinding strobe of light. Someone was taking pictures. Someone was taking a whole ROLL of pictures. Kurt made a frightened sound in his throat as he grabbed Ororo tightly. There was a wrenching darkness, and then they were standing right next to the car.