i work nights and you work days {alger/copper} || masquerade

[gamemaker kelsier]

Despite the fact that balls like these were often boring, despite the fact that after a very long time of no conversation with his father, attending was the first communication that he received and despite the fact that his bones honestly ached with exhaustion, he was here.

He meant to enjoy himself.

It was not often that society found it acceptable for one to appear in a mask and he found that he liked it more than he had thought he would. There were no young ladies bent on giving him their arms, no fathers with messages for him to pass on to his distinguished father and no women trying to tell him of the merits of their offspring.

He was allowed to lean against the wall, quite out of the way, hidden comfortably behind a very large, very ornate pillar.

His only mistake had been in choosing a mask without a hole for his mouth. He had assumed that going without would put people off speaking with him and to his joy, he had found this to be true. However, it was hardly fair that he it was nearly impossible to get drunk beneath a mask like this. 

Honestly, it was difficult to drink anything at all. A shame, really, but even getting sick on Capitol standard punch was not worth it when it came to remaining anonymous. For the first time in a very long time, he was enjoying himself. 

His eyes searched the crowd, trying to eek out the different masks, wondering if he might recognize someone. There were a few unmistakables, those that could not pull of the idea of 'anonymous' even if they tried. 

He watched them with a sad sort of fondness. The younger Capitolites milled around the dance floor as the elderly looked on, still managing to make deals and place bets even in this chaos. He could not place himself among them, he no longer felt like one of them. It had been a long time since he had.

The feeling, the knowledge of this should have saddened him.

He only felt relief.

[Python]

[presto][/presto]

m a s q u e r a d e

Tonight is going to be perfect.

I’ve been preparing days’ in advance. When my family received their invitation to attend the President’s ball, my heart flew out of my chest. I had to contain my excitement so I didn’t make a fool out of myself in front of everyone. Special events like these happened once a decade, and I knew from the moment I held the invitation in my hands that this was destined to be my own special night. I had to plan everything. There was so much to do! I had to shop for the perfect attire – the perfect amount of glamour to wow everyone at the ball – color coordinate, pick and choose from my collection of jewelry (it’s not as easy as you think, especially when I have to add a mask to the equation), and design a mask. That was the most important piece; the theme of the ball. Mystery and desire, two of my most favorite things.

The easy route would be to buy a mask and then choose an outfit accordingly. Nu uh. Tonight would be different. As soon as I read the invitation I closed myself in my room and sat in front of my desk. I don’t use it much; it’s meant for activities like studying and reading, but when I read I like to sit on my plush pillows with a bag of chocolates in my lap. Desks make your back stiff, but this time I needed it. I found a spare pencil in one of the drawers, hunted for a piece of scrap paper underneath my bed, then sat down and started designing. I think I spent at least two hours trying to find the perfect concept. I needed something with pizazz, something with color. Something that reflected me as a person, and it also needed to be different. Unique. Impressive.

I have a lot of connections. When I brought my design to an old friend, he was happy to mold it into a dazzling reality. He said he used the feathers of real birds to ensure quality softness. The sequins were the hardest part because there was so many of him, but he’s an expert and I trust him so much. I’m glad I did, because it’s perfect. Every detail is there.

Also, it changes colors.

Exposed to any amount of light it fades from blue to red, and from red to purple, and from purple back to blue. When I settle it in front of my eyes, I can hardly recognize myself. I’m beautiful with or without the mask. My outfit matches. I look like a whole new person in front of the mirror, and I can’t help but smile. All of this effort was worth it, and tonight was the night to show myself off to The Capitol.

It is custom to arrive to special events in a horse carriage – except mine is a bit empty. It’s just me and my driver and the lovely white horses, and while my heart ties itself into knots all I can really do is look outside at the lights. Tonight I know I’m going to enjoy myself, but there’s already something missing, I can feel it like a bruise in my chest. Parties are always more fun when I bring a date. One person comes to mind, her blue streaks and chipper smiles and strawberry lips, but that’s a dead dream. I’m supposed to be over it by now. Somebody else special to me is going to be here, anyway. I just have to find him.

There is a blare of music and voices, and I’m scooting in my seat to peer outside. I can see performers juggling wooden columns of fire, and I see the elegant fountains spraying their water high up into the air to bathe the birds. I’m giggling with excitement and I remind myself to stop fidgeting. Voices echo on every side of me. I know we’re pulling up to the entrance, I just have to be patient.

When I step down from my carriage, I split my lips into a charming smile and escort myself inside. Everything is extravagant. An Avox offers me a drink, and I accept it immediately. It tastes of sweet lemonade and cherries. I feel like I’m in a dream.

Now all I need is a friend.

word count: 721, graphics: rook

[Python]

[presto][/presto]

m a s q u e r a d e

I’m on a stage.

I’ve made my grand entrance, I’ve taken my first drink as a sign of hospitality – now I’m in center stage, and the party is my oyster. I take another drink from the Avox’s tray. Her mask is shaped like a pink butterfly, and it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. The flavor of my beverage explodes against my taste buds. It’s not strawberries and sweet lemonade this time, but something stronger. There’s a warmth tingling in my throat as I set the glass down and thank her. She’s a doll, so I kiss her cheek and scamper off to the dance floor.

I see bodies swaying, I see beautiful gowns and tuxedos and everyone is veiled behind some sort of decorative mask. The beauty stuns me. There’s an air of mystery and I can taste it when I lick my lips. It’s addicting. I don’t know who anybody is and it makes my heart pound. I’m looking for someone, but it will be impossible now. Of course I’m disappointed. I want to see him so badly, it makes my heart heavy like lead. But there are other ways to enjoy myself! I can see it all in front of me; the dancing, the people, the laughing, the lights, the streamers, the drinks. I see a table of food on the other side of the room, and I wonder what goodies they prepared.

I almost gasp at the chocolate fountain. Chocolate is one of my absolute favorite foods, and in melted form it’s even more exquisite! I coat a strawberry and pop it in my mouth, flicking the toothpick into the bin nearby. It’s so sweet and savory I close my eyes and hum. There are others foods too – bananas, marshmallows, apple slices, all of these things that I can’t resist! I know I can’t eat it all, or else I’ll have to run an extra mile to burn it all off. I eat two more strawberries and decide to indulge again later. Another Avox offers me a tray of drinks, and I take one. This one has a wine-like tang. I thank him and peck his cheek too. He looks taken aback but I just smile and scoot past him, muttering ”Pardon,” because I feel bad for him having to stand here in everyone’s way.

The dance floor is calling my name so I return to it. I’m eager to kick start my night with this lovely song, but I need a partner. I can’t be seen dancing by myself after I just got here! I look around and see a man standing around the edge of the mayhem. I can tell he’s a man because he’s built like one. His mask looks like it’s an ice sculpture, and I can see his blue hair peeking out. It reminds me of Lola. I would always hold her blue strands between my fingers and push her cute button nose. She was so cute.

I can’t dwell on the past, I refuse! I approach the ice man and ask him for a dance. My hand wraps itself around his and I’m smiling, trying to pull him along. I’ve always been open about my sexuality. If he declines, it’s okay. I’ve learned to accept everything.

He doesn’t say no, so I lead him underneath the colorful lights and we dance. Our bodies are pressed together for this heartfelt slow song, then the music changes and I separate. We swing our hips and I can see everyone around me, they’re all following the fast-paced rhythm. I laugh. The next few songs are like this, party music. The best way to sweat.

I’m breathless, and I thank my partner for his dance with a kiss on the cheek. I need some air and some water, or maybe more liquor. I return to the table of food and smile. I should’ve asked him for his name, but that would ruin the fun.

word count: 655, graphics: rook

[gamemaker kelsier]

He watched with interest as the many party goers arrived. He had allowed himself an early entrance, only to keep out of interest's way. Perhaps he should be more social, as his status suggested he be but if he was masked tonight then no one could complain about his lack of interest in the socialites in the room.

It was not his fault that they were all so silly and boring. That was the fault of the society that they grew up in. He did call a few of them friends but they were the only exceptions to this rule. His eyes searched the crowd and he spotted an absence of light, a shorter young man in a mask akin to his that seemed to hold the night sky. He made a note of his general place in the crowd in order to keep a watchful eye on him, always the caretaker even on nights meant for relaxation.

He searched again and he caught sight of the person he was looking for. It was them without mistake. Their mask was ridiculous, changing colour before his eyes in a way that was definitely meant to catch the attention of everyone in the room. He settled back to watch this individual, a deep, contented enjoyment filling him up as he watched them have a good time. On one or two occasions, he almost left his place at the wall to offer him a dance but a sense of decorum held him back.

Rightly so, the blasted peacock was already dancing with someone else. He had missed his chance. He grit his teeth in annoyance beneath the mask and leaned back stiffly again as he watched them travel across the dance floor.

The person he was so focused on had to have known that he was here, watching. Of course they wouldn't think that he would care so much, due to his apparent lack of interest in them. So he tried to enjoy the fact that they were having a good time rather than wither away in jealousy but it was difficult when this was a perfect opportunity to be his prince charming for at least one night.

He was still struggling with what he might do when someone seemed to direct a comment at him, despite his obvious lack of interest in the populace of the room in general. “What are you? Some kind of Avox?” a woman in a dress and jeweled mask said to him. He looked her over carefully, trying to gauge her social standing despite being unable to see her face. It didn't really matter much. Since this ball was open to all Capitolites, the likelihood was that everyone in this room was below him. Even the idea of entering a conversation with this woman exhausted him. She seemed to prowl between the pillars like an uncomfortable alley cat.

He let the silence drag on between them for a moment longer before he finally straightened up from his place against the wall. This was not because he deemed it a good idea to speak to her properly, only because the peacock he had been watching was finished his dance and standing near the food table. He adjust his cuff links then and turned to face the young lady. Stupid questions are a given at an open party like this, but whenever he got one, he always gave the asker the same general response. "How dare you speak to me," he said, voice cold before walking past her.

Stepping across the ballroom floor, underneath the lights of the party, he understood then why his father had made him wear this mask. People winced at the light that he refracted, unable to stop themselves looking at him. His mask demanded attention. He despised it.

He stopped in front of the peacock, bowing slightly and holding out a hand in invitation as the next song began.

[Python]

[presto][/presto]

m a s q u e r a d e

I take a banana slice this time. It’s stuck at the end of a toothpick and I can roll it between my fingers beneath the downpour of chocolate. It’s one of the sweetest sensations I can imagine (not as delicious as my favorite chocolate, of course), but it leaves a hot, dry feeling in the back of my throat and I have to soothe it with a drink. There are iced beverages at the end of the table, non-alcoholic. I sip one and swish it around to guess the flavor. Tastes like tea! It’s bitter and I don’t I like it as much as the chocolate. I’m into the sweet drinks, the ones with pretty colors and flavors. I know they’re bad for my teeth but I always get them cleaned and whitened at the dentist.

I have another banana slice in my cheek when something twinkles in the corner of my eyes. A young man is dressed handsomely from head to toe, his mask like a collection of stars and diamonds. It steals my breath, but I don’t feel as jealous as much as I feel enamored. It shields his face from forehead to chin. For that reason, it’s definitely not my style. There’s something professional about it. His posture and manners scream “businessman,” yet the air of mystery is making my blood buzz. He’s bowing and offering me his hand for a dance. I have to hastily grab and napkin and wipe the corners of my mouth to make sure I don’t have any chocolate spots. That would be embarrassing!

I’m not about to say no to my new prince charming, so I smile and gently take his hand. The timing is perfect; a romantic song is playing when he leads me to the dance floor, and I’m more than eager to interlock our fingers. Up close, I still can’t guess the identity behind the silver mask. It’s dazzling underneath the lights, not quite blinding but definitely distracting. I know exactly who I want it to be, but I can’t raise my hopes. It's more than likely a stranger, someone who admired my mask and my smile. He carries himself the way he would, but there are many businessmen who move and behave in this sort of manner. I can’t tell them apart if they’re all wearing masks.

”You’re very mysterious,” I say, a second song allowing us to try a new dance. Our bodies fit together perfectly. I’ve convinced myself that it’s not him, simply because I don’t think he would be interested in dancing with me. If he was, he would ask me first, right? If only this prince wasn’t so determined to hide his identity. He hasn’t spoken a word, not even in response to my compliment. He must want to retain the mystery at all costs. I think it’s charming. He’s playing along so well with the theme of the party, I can’t help but admire him. I know exactly which pair of lips I want to see underneath this mask, and what voice I want to hear. I shouldn’t be distracting myself with such empty wishes. I should cherish the moment.

I lose track of time. His movements are so smooth and calculated, it’s easy to synchronize with him. My cheeks are starting to ache from smiling, and when we finally separate I can’t help but feel a little disappointed. I’m never going to know his name or see him again. It’s a cold pinch in the pit of my stomach but I smile it away, still grateful that he approached me. ”Thank you for the dance,” I say, and then I lean in and kiss the pretty diamond mask where his mouth is supposed to be. I close my eyes for the full effect because I know his lips are right there, hiding. I want him to remember me.

I smile again and let go of his hand.

word count: 654, graphics: rook

[gamemaker kelsier]

HIDE YOUR FACE SO THE

COPERNICUS FENWICK

WORLD WILL NEVER FIND YOU.

Dancing with Algernon is a drug.

There have been times when his friend had arrived home from a ball or a party drunk and ecstatic. He'd lifted Copper from his chair and swung him around his bedroom in a staggered lope, crashing them into chairs and disturbing the peace of his work space. He'd never minded much. It had made him happy to interlock his fingers with his best friend's and stumble around the room to the fevered humming of his best friend. When they'd both had enough Copper would put Algernon to bed in his large four poster and Copper would get on with his work until the sun rose, taking a few breaks to glance over at the sleeping beauty resting so sweetly on his covers.

After the first time, he found himself watching the clock on most evenings, wondering if Algernon would be coming home or not, wishing he could be the one dancing with him at the balls, the dances, the parties. It couldn't be. Copper was betrothed and Algernon was off limits.

Until tonight.

A mask hid his features, concealing his identity. He was faceless, nameless, free for the very first time in his life to dance with whom he pleased.

The only one he wanted to hold was the beautiful young man in his arms already.

Algernon, dancing with him, being with him. It is a drug.

He knew his best friend well. Speaking to him would break the spell, the romance and intrigue that Algernon always sought out in any and all of his various relationships. He had watched romance film after romance film with Algernon and had watched his reactions to them, his dimpled smile of happiness when the boy got the girl at the end, his endless tears when they didn't. It mattered to Algernon and so in turn, it mattered to Copper.

He held Algernon against him carefully during each dance, made strong, reassuring movements in his step so that he would feel relaxed, easy with each movement. It felt like they were made for each other. It had ocurred to Copper more than once that perhaps they really were.

The song ended and Algernon stepped away from him, signalling the end of their dancing together. Copper bit his lip beneath his mask in disappointment. He wouldn't have bothered showing up to this if it weren't for the promise of a dance with the boy he had been in love with for nearly as long as he could remember.

As Copper bowed slightly as a wordless thank-you, Algernon leaned forwards unexpectedly, planting his lips against the cold, hard diamond-exterior of his mask.

Copper watched him from behind the safe anonymity of his mask, eyes wide, a rare blush forming on his cheeks.

This was his first kiss with Algernon, it was hardly satisfying.

He was still stuck staring when Algernon began to turn away fro him, letting go of Copper's hand. An odd desperation overtook him in that moment and he reached out swiftly, taking Algernon by the wrist and pulling him in close to him against his chest. In one fluid movement, he was dipping the boy to the floor in the middle of the dance floor. Chandeliers hung gleaming over their heads and people danced around them, the next song already having begun.

His masked face was close enough to Algernon's that if he pulled it up over his head, he could easily kiss him.

But it was impossible.

He froze.

[Python]

I don’t want him to leave. I’ve already thanked him and offered a goodbye kiss, but the truth is I want to keep him forever. It’s been such a long time since somebody has made my heart race this fast at a party. His face is hidden behind diamonds, yet somehow he has swept me off my feet and left me dazed, and I know it’s not just the alcohol. My cheeks are flushed, probably tinged as red as my mask when it changes colors under the party lights. I’m still winded from our dance, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to turn around and beg him to take his mask off – or at least have another dance. We're so perfect together.

I’m turning toward the food table when he grabs my arm and pulls me to his chest. My next breath leaves me. I grab his shoulder by surprise and I’m ready to rip his mask off now but then I’m falling backwards and the world is tilting. I see glistening chandeliers above my head, bright like tiny suns. I see bodies twirling back and forth across my limited field of vision. The alcohol is leaving me dizzy and disoriented, but I think I know what’s happening.

He’s dipping me.

I wrap my arms around him as he supports me. The detailed patterns in his mask are all visible again, but I’m only looking at the star-shaped figurines in front of his eyes. No matter how closely I search, I can’t find them, and it’s not fair. Will I ever know this prince charming’s eye color? Will he tear off his mask and kiss me right here? I’m breathless in the midst of anticipation, and I know my eyes look wide and dimwitted. I know the alcohol is making my brain fuzzy and exaggerating my thoughts. It doesn’t matter.

I fantasize exactly who I want it to be. I’m playing that dangerous game again, the one that leaves me feeling cold and miserable in the dead of night. I want it to be Copper so badly, but I know he doesn’t love me the way I love him. Yeah, he does have a soft spot for me, but that’s because we’re family. We’ve been living together since we were five years old, it’s only natural to form a bond. He thinks of me as a brother, or a best friend. Anything more is a distant dream.

He’s also going to marry a woman.

He still hasn’t moved a muscle or spoken a word. Something grows in the pit of my stomach – I think it’s nerves, he’s making me nervous. There’s so much anticipation, but I don’t know what it’s for. Is he going to kiss me? Reveal himself? Dance with me? I think about what would happen if it was Copper. I realize I can’t answer my own question because I don’t know. I’ve never seen Copper be intimate with his future wife or anyone else. I do know one thing though; he would smile.

I remember the first time he smiled at me. We were playing hide and seek at the Fenwick summer house, and I managed to climb up a tree to claim it as my spot. Problem was, I didn’t know how to get back down. It was high and I was scared, especially when nobody came to find me. Then Copper showed up and I smiled at him because I didn’t want him to know I was afraid. I never like it when he worries about me. He believed me because he smiled too, and climbed up the tree to be with me.

Now I’m staring at a silent prince, wishing they were somebody I can’t have. I say nothing.