( open ) time is tickin' I cannot waste it love

[scarcastically]

CHARACTERS: Erik Stevens + Everyone / Mingle! I’m not the boss of you.
LOCATION: Open Field near ish the Palace
DATE: Sometime in July
CONTENT: Party, drinks, dancing.
WARNINGS: N/A


( i. party hats )

[ this had been the stupidest condition of his goal, but it’s a doable one so erik handles it the way he would handle any kind of mission; single-mindedly. he gets to work and makes a couple of dozen party hats of various colours and size. some might seem too small, others too big, a few that are just right, no he doesn’t accept constructive criticism. ]

Just put the damn thing on, it won’t kill you.

( ii. food and stuff )

[ unfortunately there are constraints. if they were back in usa, setting up the supplies of food and drink would be a cinch. however, he’s working with fantasy asian cuisine, out of which he knows half of. still, his position as a nobleman’s attendant gave him a hefty salary and he put it to good use. there are plenty of caskets of booze, all the kinds he could find and various eateries and snacks. some from the palace, others he cobbled together with the use of their kitchen like basic butter cookies and wafers.

eat, drink, he’s not here to card you kids ]

( iii. dancing )

[ and of course, there’s music. lively music, slow tunes. erik managed to hire a band (like three people on instruments but details). the sun was setting, the breeze was cool and maybe for a brief moment, you want to enjoy yourself. give up your worries for a day. the light hits the flowers, giving the scenery a warm orange glow.

grab a partner and have a little fun. ]

Comments

[bossily]

That you're good with people, even if it isn't genuine.

[He's been good with the nobility, same as she has. It takes a certain kind of person to be able to do that.]

You're either trained to do it, or it's out of experience.

[But she can't really leave it at that since it reveals just how much she has been watching and observing, so she adds on a flirtatious-]

And you're attractive. Doesn't take much to notice that, though.

[scarcastically]

[ hmm. he'd had to be more careful.

erik winks. ]

But it came last on the last? Shame.

[bossily]

[She laughs, giving a shrug of her shoulder.]

It would've been a bit superficial to lead with that, don't you think? Besides, I tend to admire someone's intelligence and ability to be cunning over how well they're able to catch my eye.

[scarcastically]

[ erik cocks his head. ]

You might be givin' me too much credit over throwing a party

[bossily]

[She looks confused for a moment. It's enough to make her stop dancing, which I forgot they were supposed to be doing until just now.]

You think this is about the party? This is a simple checkmark next to a personal goal. It isn't anything more than that.

[scarcastically]

[ erik hums. ]

And have you managed your goal?

[bossily]

[Shit. She can't deflect this one.]

Not yet. My goal won't be considered complete til we're back on the station.

[It's the truth, and she's pretty sure that doesn't count as useful information. She hasn't spoken about her personal goal to anyone yet.]

[scarcastically]

That bad, huh?

[ everyone seemed to get the weird ones. maybe erik will land one next time. ]

[bossily]

I couldn't tell you, even if it was.

[Which is clue enough as to what sort of goal she's got. it's not the end of the world, at least. She'll be fine even if she cracks and winds up failing.]

[scarcastically]

[ real bad. ]

For something like that, sounds like sabotage.

[bossily]

[She arches an eyebrow.]

I'm hardly the sort of person that'd be able to properly carry out sabotage.

[scarcastically]

[ erik's teeth flash, gold glinting. ]

Try the other one. It's got bells on, I hear.

[bossily]

[That surprises her, and tips her head to look up to him.]

Other one?

[scarcastically]

I think you can do a lot more than you let on. And people underestimate you while doing it.

[bossily]

[So he's got her figured out. A part of her, anyway. The smile she gives him is one she'd typically use to disarm someone. She won't bother wasting her time trying to do that with him. He's a smiler too.]

But you wouldn't do that. Underestimate me?

[scarcastically]

[ he cocks his head at her. ]

I don't underestimate anyone. Keeps me on my toes.

[bossily]

And that's why I like you.

[She reaches up to pat at his chest.

...wow, he's really muscular.]

You won't turn me away if I ask you to help me learn how to fight.

[scarcastically]

[ he is, but she might feel some strange aberrations. almost like extreme scarring. ]

Naw, I'm equal opportunity when it comes to fightin'. Got a style in mind?

[bossily]

Dunno. What's the most efficient for someone my size?

[preferably something with stabby weapons, since she promised the Doctor she wouldn't use guns]

[scarcastically]

There's a couple. With or without weapons, depending on how athletic you are.

[bossily]

Let's start without. I'm athletic enough, but figure it's better I get stronger before I try stabbing things.

[scarcastically]

[ a slow nod. ]

I'll work something out.