This crew depends on me...

[chaos_magnet]

As long as we're living and breathing, there's more we can do. We just have to be strong enough. captain . earther ACTION TEXT HANDWAVE

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text (with attached picture) un: Lugosi

[cleptes]

[ Attached to the text message is a selfie of Bela in the night club, her smiling face illuminated by the neon lights. She is also holding a couple of glowsticks.]

Hi.

I dislike rave music as much as the next person, but I'll make an exception if you come down here and show me off some of those twenty-fourth century dance moves.

Oh, and there's a dress code apparently. I'm sure you'll get away with a tank top and some shorts.

Hope to see you soon.

[chaos_magnet]

Thanks for the warning, because losing my clothes was jarring enough the first time.

Give me a minute and I'll meet you at the bar?

[cleptes]

You're welcome. I know you'd give me an advanced warning too.

Alright. I'll see you shortly and have a drink waiting.

→ acton ; 'Hypa, hypa, you're pretty and I like ya / Move your body, girl, all night long'

[chaos_magnet]

[ James boldy (and somewhat nervously) shows up topless, hoping that the club will provide something to accompanying the obnoxiously tiny swim trunks. Though he was prepared for feeling like a fool, what they hand him isn't all that bad, it's just that the whole outfit (the demons said the shirt remains open or he can go without), looking down at himself, still triggers asshat syndrome. Or tooly douchbag, maybe.

There's a prolonged sigh before Holden weaves through neon and nudity and the like to locate Bela. The picture didn't quite do her justice, because the level of hotness elevates at seeing her in the flesh. A lot more flesh than their previous encounters. He's starting to think that this night may not go the way in which he was envisioning when first reading the text message. ]

[cleptes]

[ Bela doesn't know what he is going to turn up when he arrives, but she wouldn't be surprised if the demons decided to have a little fun with him. It took a lot of charm on her part to convince the demons to let her get away with some clothing.

She is leaning against a table, two tall glasses of some bright blue liquid placed in front of her - Bela doesn't know what's in them, but the pink straws make it fun.

When she sees him standing in front of her, Bela smiles widely and takes a long moment to appreciate what he was wearing - or not wearing, in this case. He looks damn good and it absolutely increases her attraction to him. ]

Hi. It's nice to see you again.

[chaos_magnet]

[ The drinks are ignored in the moment, his gaze too distracted by the way Bela's glow sticks highlight her figure, and he rubs at his chin with a smile wide enough to display teeth. James uses the excuse of excessive noise brought about by the music, the patrons, as he leans in a bit to be heard. Only, there's a breath wherein he doesn't know what the fuck to say, and a nervous laugh precedes -- ] I don't know if this is what I had in mind when I extended that invitation, but it'll do.

[ As he retreats, the blue and pink colors catch Jim's eye and he nods at the drinks. ]

Did they give those to you or did you buy them?

[ He has very little doubt that they aren't drugged if they were just freely given. ]

[cleptes]

[ The club wasn't the ideal place for quiet conversation, but the thumping music and the thrum of the crowd is a distraction, drowning out any kind of negative thoughts that could stray into her mind. Even more distracting is the company, and she leans in when he does to hear him. If anything, it's an excuse to get closer. ]

I thought we could use a bit of fun first. We don't have to stay all night, and I still want to take you up on the invitation to go to your room.

[ Her smile turns playful as she reaches for her drink, nodding at his question. ]

I bought them. Exchanged for cleaning up a couple of hallways. Nothing I can't handle. [ She could give up some of her time. ] I think the staff here must like me, because they could have had me doing something a little more risque instead.

[chaos_magnet]

[ Distractions are a damn welcome thing since coming back. ]

What's not to like?

[ James shifts slightly to grab his own in turn, raising it high enough to goofily look through the blue hue at Bela. He winks and lowers it to a more comfortable, albeit normal, position. ]

If it puts you more at ease, though, the night club portion seems to give more leeway than the sex club. For future reference. My only interactions have been for coffee related things or alcohol, though.

[cleptes]

Charmer.

[ Though she doesn't mind the compliment at all. Nor the goofiness, or well, anything really. He's managed to endear himself to her, and become someone she enjoys the company of. ]

It does, actually. Although. I did have a quick look into the sex club before, just out of curiosity. Probably for the best that you just stuck to the coffee and alcohol, James.

[ She sips from her drink, then continues, a light tease in her tone. ]

But then, I do wonder what would make you blush.

[chaos_magnet]

I saw it when I did a tour of everything. If it works and it's not harming anyone. [ His shrugs reads 'who am I to judge?' because Jim certainly does not. At least, not where consensual sex is concerned. He saves his judgement for those deserving to be tried.

He too takes a sip, curious about the taste and finds that it's decent enough. He can do this. Once upon a time, flirting was second nature. How hard can it be slipping back into that skin? ]

You're welcome to find out.

[cleptes]

That's fair. [ She nods, not disagreeing with him. Bela just preferred a lot more privacy when it came to things like that.

When he responds to her teasing in a positive way, she thinks about the best way to approach this. There's been a hint of flirting in their previous conversations, but she wants to be careful, and not push too hard. ]

I am? [ Her smile widens as she sets down her drink, more focused on him than anything else. Bela moves a little closer into his space, brushing her fingers along the inside of his wrist of his free hand, testing the waters. She watches for his reaction. ]

Because I would really love to find out.

[chaos_magnet]

[ James also prefers privacy, never having been one for exhibitionism. It's at least one reason to avoid the place to thus avoid the risk of involuntarily publicly displaying himself. And his, ahem, affections.

Coffee eyes dart to the touch, and without realizing it, he's licked his lips. James looks back up at Bela, head still lightly downturned, and he gives her a belated, albeit impish smirk. He nods once and adds his drink to hers. Using the proximity opportunely, he stamps a kiss on Bela's cheek and reaches for the hand that touched his wrist. ]

You mentioned dancing...?

[cleptes]

[ He's saying a lot without actually speaking. Between the lick of his lips and the smirk, Bela gets the impression that he's on board. She's holding her breath when he leans in to kiss her cheek, remembering when he did it before, after their trip to the library. After clearing her throat, she glances down at their joined hands before nodding. ]

I did, yes. I'm used to a more formal setting, but I'm sure we'll work it out between us.

[ Taking the lead, she guides them towards a free spot on the dance floor and reaches for his other hand, looking up at him with a smile. ]

[chaos_magnet]

[ A song that Holden is unfamiliar with conveniently beings to play, and as it seems like it will more or less be on the slower side, James mentally says 'fuck it' and decides to take a plunge of sorts and freely gives her both appendages. ]

Formal as in ballroom?

[ If Bela can lead, James can attempt to follow, seeing no reason to accommodate both of their dance styles. And it gives her an opportunity to show off. In the sexy little outfit. Against him. ]

[cleptes]

[ The song is unfamiliar to her as well, but when in Rome. She wants to dance, so she's going to dance, and have fun with it. ]

Yes. I've been to numerous fancy parties.

[ Maybe she will teach him something new with her style, despite it being a while since she's done a thing like this. Before she does that though, she listens to the song to figure out what kind of moves would work. Then she slips her left arm around his back, moving in close against him and keeping her right hand where it was. ]

We can start with a step forward, then a step to the side with the right foot, then one back and repeat, starting with the left foot next time. [ Simple, right? ] You'll need to put your arm around me though.

[chaos_magnet]

[ He unfocused his gaze only for her explanation, seeing the moves in his head and nodding afterward with an air of determination. Though the closeness was evident, it still manages to make James react physically, lower abdomen muscles tightening before relaxing.

Even though he's doing as told, speaking through the motions, he can't help but tease. ] Do I need to do that?

[ He keeps the placement on Bela's lower back at a polite enough height, but the pressure is ever so slightly possessive. ]

[cleptes]

You do. [ Bela replies firmly, though it's all for show as she is smiling a moment later. ] Once we've done a few more steps, you can give me a spin.

[ Her arm rests about half-way down his back, very aware of what moving it lower could mean. She's being respectful, though she isn't objecting to way he's holding onto her now – it's bold and it makes her skin tingle a little, but she likes it. ]

Just try not to let go, yeah?

[ A smirk. ]

[chaos_magnet]

I have no intention on letting you go tonight, Bela.

[ Maybe something is in the air, maybe something was in that drink? Maybe James just wants to replace shitty memories with more fulfilling ones, but regardless, he's said it and James gives her hand a squeeze for emphasis, unable to stop smiling. He's keeping his movements loose to follow hers, accommodating for their height difference along the way. He only forgets once, yet manages to not crush her toes. ]

Was the ballroom dancing part of the thief life? The better to blend in, or something else?

[cleptes]

[ That was the right thing for him to say.

Bela practically beams at his words, the smile meeting her eyes as she squeezes his hand in return. She can't remember the last time when she allowed herself to be this carefree and to have fun. The more they dance, the more relaxed she becomes, quickly forgetting about having to be so formal with the steps. ]

Pretty much. It's easier to lift from a pocket when you're distracting people with a dance, able to get closer to them than usual. And, I had to blend in too. Look the part.

Disarm them with my charm.

[chaos_magnet]

[ He spins whenever it feels appropriate and tugs with slight earnest to bring her back. ]

And that smile.

[ Bela had a smile that could be charming or alluring, depending on their curvature, and he subconsciously looks at them now. When he realizes it, however, James doesn't remove his eyes at first, not until he asks -- ]

What was your success rate?

[cleptes]

[ The song changes to something else, but Bela pays it no mind. She'd much rather focus on the person she is dancing with. After the spin, she laughs. ]

You've got a nice smile too.

[ There's plenty more compliments she could give. His smile is one thing she noticed not long after they met. Well, that and his eyes.

As for the question? It has Bela laughing again because firstly, no one has really asked her and secondly, it's something she hasn't thought about for a while. Stealing was like second nature to her now.]

Terrible, in the beginnning. With practice, I got better over time.

[chaos_magnet]

[ If James notices, it's only in the back of his head, as he's content with their pace. He knows that eventually he'll have to show Bela something as well, but eventually isn't now. ]

As it goes. I wasn't that great at hauling ice in the beginning, but it's probably a lot easier than stealing. Although, I could argue it's more dangerous. [ A beat, and Jim adds -- ] Wasn't so handy with a gun my first time, either, but you can't stay in the Navy if you don't get acquainted with such things.

you get a gun icon as well c:

[cleptes]

It does sound more dangerous. I don't have to go into space to steal. [ Which isn't a dig, by the way. She's still as fascinated by the whole thing, just a little apprehensive about how vast and dark space was. ]

I had to take a few shooting lessons before I got confident in handling a firearm. [ No military training for her. ] It was the only way I could protect myself from, well - unsavoury characters.

[ Disgruntled clients, interfering hunters, to name a few. ]

Twinsies!

[chaos_magnet]

You could, though. There are factions that ask for "special taxes" to pass through ports and other places.

[ James makes an indication that he means to dip her, and though it brings their heads closer together, he doesn't bridge the gap by way of a kiss. But he does wait to see the sort of reaction it draws out of her. ]

Maybe we could do target practice some time. Just to stay on top.

[cleptes]

[ The dip means she has to hold onto him a little tighter, and Bela can't help a momentary glance at his lips when they're this close. She lets out an audible breath before looking at his face again.

Then he makes that suggestion so she does answer. ]

We could do that, yeah.

[ Maybe it was the closeness, the not quite kiss and the heat coming from his body, but she can't help herself when she speaks again, her tone playful. ]

In my experience, staying on top has its benefits.