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fiery_ringThe reception takes place in the Big Top, which is more than large enough to accommodate the crowd. Outside, a large hog roast is taking place, with food and drinks aplenty.
It's a good time for Carlotta to catch up with her friends from school, most of whom she hasn't seen since the start of the war. A few of them have married in that time and brought husbands, some are in work or still at university. A petite, pretty woman, Alison, has brought a daughter of about two; finally a distraction from an incessant need to worry what her hair looks like. A tall, strapping woman, Mirabel, is sporting a burn scar on her face; rumour has it, she has been serving in combat.
The circus folk mingle among the guests, bringing food and occasionally breaking out into acrobatics. At the front of the tent, Fred the Bouncer sits with Wolf, his large guard dog.
It's a good time for Carlotta to catch up with her friends from school, most of whom she hasn't seen since the start of the war. A few of them have married in that time and brought husbands, some are in work or still at university. A petite, pretty woman, Alison, has brought a daughter of about two; finally a distraction from an incessant need to worry what her hair looks like. A tall, strapping woman, Mirabel, is sporting a burn scar on her face; rumour has it, she has been serving in combat.
The circus folk mingle among the guests, bringing food and occasionally breaking out into acrobatics. At the front of the tent, Fred the Bouncer sits with Wolf, his large guard dog.
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 12:38 am (UTC)"You're the one who couldn't stop fidgetin' durin' the ceremony. Honestly, Tommy, he's jus' a li'l fella. I think you'll be fine."
Unless the monkey is packing.
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 12:54 am (UTC)Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 01:05 am (UTC)"Then y'better keep an eye on your ass."
She straightens his collar, and smirks.
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 01:20 am (UTC)Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 03:24 am (UTC)Is your tie too tight, Tommy? Terribly sorry. Must have been a slip of the hand.
She glances over her shoulder self-consciously.
"Y'sure it ain't inappropriate?"
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 04:27 am (UTC)"Inappropriate? No, honey, 'course not." His grin grows softer and he squeezes her fingers reassuringly. "You look fine-- hell, you look better than fine. You look gorgeous. Okay? You can't blame me for keepin' both my eyes on all of you for as long as possible."
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 04:40 am (UTC)For an argument, it's halfhearted at best. She knows he's being sincere, which is why she's smiling so sweetly and leaning into him, tracing patterns against his jacket. But she isn't about to give up an opportunity to tease him. And she is a little nervous, flashing so much skin.
"Thank you."
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 05:06 am (UTC)He lightly presses his hand to the small of her back as he looks out into the crowd.
"See anybody else from the bar here?"
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 05:18 am (UTC)She turns carefully so as not to lose his touch, and points out those she knows.
"The Lady Demeter is here. An' King Teja."
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 05:22 am (UTC)Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 05:30 am (UTC)She smirks.
"But yes. It's been a long time, however she's always been so kind t'me. An' she once helped me an' some very dear friends from certain peril. I'll always owe her more'n I could ever repay."
She pauses, and a look that must be growing familiar to Tommy by now passes through her eyes. Distant, and sad, and just a touch haunted. She blinks, and smiles in Teja's direction.
"He is. An' a very good man."
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 05:43 am (UTC)He understands the look in Kate's eyes, and he knows enough to not ask for details. But the subsequent smile is unexpected.
And maybe his fingertips press a tiny bit more firmly into her back.
"Really."
Is all he says.
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 05:51 am (UTC)The press of his fingers, on the other hand, does surprise her. She turns her head, following the line of his arm up to his face.
"Which part? The peril, or the king? Either way, yes, really."
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 06:04 am (UTC)His mouth twists in smirk and he levels a look at her.
"So, you got a thing for this king or what?"
This may be the way he teases, but there's the sharp tang of jealousy in his tone.
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 06:12 am (UTC)An eyebrow subtly tics.
"He — kinda proposed t'me once."
That doesn't exactly answer Tommy's question. She cares about Teja a good deal, but she isn't capable of giving him that part of her.
"But I'm here with you, aren't I?"
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 06:38 am (UTC)Tommy can't even finish the word because of the short, dry choke of disbelief that cuts him off. He glances away, shaking his head in almost hapless amusement at...everything.
He doesn't take his hand off her back, though, and he slides it further around her waist to draw her in against his side.
"Yeah."
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 06:43 am (UTC)She places her palm flat against his chest.
"Are you jealous?"
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 06:49 am (UTC)"A little."
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 07:52 am (UTC)"Oh, Tommy."
She rocks against him, giving his body a playful shove. She's a little surprised, to be honest. However, at the moment it's kinda sweet.
"Listen. He an' I, we talked 'bout — everythin'. My curse, an' what's happenin' in Texas, an' my feelin's for Doc. An' we agreed we wouldn't make a good fit."
I decided I couldn't give him the happiness he deserves.
I couldn't love him with my whole heart.
And I could never hurt him.
"He's dear t'me, but we're only friends."
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 08:07 am (UTC)Tommy tries. Sometimes.
"Listen, if you wanna-- y'know, go over there and talk to 'im or whatever, go ahead. I mean, it ain't like he's striving to be the center of attention right now."
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 08:16 am (UTC)"All right."
She looks at Teja again, off in his lonely corner, and her expression softens.
"I think I will. Y'gonna be able t'stay outta trouble while I'm gone?"
Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 08:21 am (UTC)Re: Mingling
Date: 2012-08-14 08:23 am (UTC)"If I get too outta hand, I guess you'll jus' hafta come find me."
She'll be counting on it, in fact.
As she pulls away, she gives his hand one last squeeze.