Delicate fingers folded his trouser flaps away, brushing at his member. “Thou art kind, who says so,” Summer whispered. “Take these off.”
Monthly Archives: November 2012
Charity Ball | @shoottothrillindustries
Summer checked herself over in the mirror one last time. She was never comfortable with the way she looked, far less when she dressed up. But the letter had specified formal dress, so formal dress it was, makeup, heeled shoes and all. She’d braided her long hair into a double coronet around her head and accented the burgundy dress with garnet jewellery.
Probably she ought to be grateful to have her work recognised, but then again recognition had very little to do with what she did as a heroine. It was simply something that needed doing that she was capable of doing, that was all. But the folk who had organised this charity ball didn’t seem to think so, and they wanted the empath Summer Rainault, who had, in their words, ‘helped save so many lives during and after the Manhattan Incident,’ to be one of their guests of honour while the rich and powerful of New York City celebrated the end of the cleanup.
Summer anticipated being largely ignored while the attendees swarmed around better known heroes like Captain America and Iron Man. Which, honestly, was fine by her. Making polite conversation with people who were largely unaware of her existence, all the while knowing just how little truth was in their words, had never appealed. She smiled, posed, and waved to the paparazzi on her way in, hiding how awkward and out of place she felt. Once inside the ballroom, Summer found a corner quieter than the rest, acquired a drink, and tried to ignore all the butterflies in her gut.
Normally, Tony was all for the attention press and events brought. He was always obnoxious, loud and visible, and always made sure to have a good time – probably at someone else’s expense. That night, though, between JARVIS breaking down and the migraine from hell, he was sliding quietly along between dignitaries. He’d stop to shake hands or answer the same three questions about his company. Truthfully, he and Steve were just there to make an appearance. Clint was probably around somewher— oh, yes, look, he was under the orchestra pit, I’ll be damned…
He caught a glimpse or two of Summer in the first hour or so. When the dignitaries started grating on his nerves too badly (he made one cry, he was sure, and he’d done it with a charming smile), he backtracked behind the crowds in her direction. If anyone was willing to deal with his brooding silence, it would be her.
“Hey – enjoying our party as much as me?”
“I’m not even sure that’s possible, Mr Stark.” Summer gave him a slight smile, raising her glass to him. He looked damned good as usual, elegantly turned out and perfectly at ease in it. “Your parties are legendary.” Why did it have to be him who spoke to her? As if being dressed up at a formal event wasn’t nerve-wracking enough.
Oh, they’d spoken a couple times in the past, briefly and in passing and always, always in a working environment. Summer didn’t have time for nerves when she was suited up, didn’t have time to be aware of who was really behind the golden mask of Iron Man. And the thrill of his voice down her spine was just more fuel for her abilities.
Tony leaned his shoulder against the wall beside her chair, rubbing his temple, “This is hardly one of those. I’ll show you some time. One of the classy ones with dubstep and club dancing… Honestly, I’d rather be playing X-box right now.” Or asleep, in the lab, anywhere…
He glanced down at her – unlike on the field, she seemed ill at ease in this setting. Yet, she looked the part flawlessly. “I love the dress, by the way…”
Somebody popped open another champagne bottle, and Tony flinched at the loudness of it. He motioned to the back doors. “Wanna head out? I know maybe a dozen places where the people aren’t as fake and obnoxious as this.”
“We’ll be missed.” It was a half-hearted protest, at best. Tony Stark was famous for doing what he wanted, and she knew she’d not be missed. Despite the organisers’ insistence on her attendance, almost no-one knew who she was. Oh, she’d been politely greeted by many people, and equally politely dismissed. She might as well leave.
With Tony.
“Yes, fine. Let’s go.” Summer glanced around and left her glass on a nearby table. “Before someone misses you.”
“I’m the help,” she told Jack. “People don’t help me, I help them. It’s the way it works. I accept that. I just — sometimes I have to get away. I have to run and hope I can run fast enough to escape myself.” Reaching out, Summer touched Jack’s arm. “Please don’t let my hurting make you hurt. I couldn’t bear that.”
He looked at her hand on his arm. “… But what if I want to help you so you don’t feel like it’s too much?” He asked softly, smiling at her. “You don’t always have to be the one taking everything on..”
“I don’t suppose I can stop you if you feel that way.” A very faint smile crinkled around her eyes. “Though I’ve no idea what you think you can do.” Summer let her hand fall, wrapping both arms around herself.
He shrugged a shoulder. “I could be your friend?” Although he shied away from the idea of ‘friends’ or anyone closer than an acquaintance.
“You don’t really want that,” Summer commented softly. “I wonder why? What is it you do want? The shadows run very deep in you, honey.” She looked him up and down, distracted out of her funk. “There’s such a sense of age about you.”
Lady Archer | @the-warrior-king
“My lord,” Summer touched his hand, leaning down from the saddle, “Henry, don’t worry about me.” She gave him a joyful smile and nudged Petal into a trot. In what short time could a whole world change. It was as if the sun had come out from behind the clouds of her mind, dazzling her with brilliance.
She wondered how Henry would choose to pursue their relationship. Would he be secretive, guarding her from the world in some wild attempt to protect her? Would he court her after the manner of kings, with gifts and public attention? She hoped neither. She hoped it could be quieter, casual touches of hands in the corridors, stolen kisses in the mornings, heartfelt and thoughtful gifts. A continuation of the simple kindnesses that had led her heart to him in the first place.
Henry smiled as she rode away and he turned back to the fields, taking Pointers – who had his fill of water – he mounted once more and made his way to the castle.
It was empty now at this hour of the day so he made his way to the kitchens to take some food, and to tell the chefs to prepare a meal for him, but nothing too elaborate – he planned to take Summer to his favorite place in all the castle, and there they could not take large feasts of food.
Summer tried to clear her mind of bemusement, making sure Petal was well tended, offering careful apologies to Bertha and the maidservant, supervising the clear-up of her night’s drinking and illness. A pulse of impatience beat in her veins, wondering when and how she could see Henry again, as opposed to the King in all his rulership. Henry the man was all she wanted.
But if they were to be together, she would have to accept the existence of Henry the King as well, and the way his duties would intervene between them periodically. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Summer picked up the book he had read to her from, turning it over in her hands. She’d finish her tale and wait for him to send for her.
nestinghawk liked your post: Charity Ball | Open Starter
nestinghawk liked your post: Charity Ball | Open Starter
[I see youuuuuuu. Come and plaaaaaaayyyyyy.]
Charity Ball | @shoottothrillindustries
Summer checked herself over in the mirror one last time. She was never comfortable with the way she looked, far less when she dressed up. But the letter had specified formal dress, so formal dress it was, makeup, heeled shoes and all. She’d braided her long hair into a double coronet around her head and accented the burgundy dress with garnet jewellery.
Probably she ought to be grateful to have her work recognised, but then again recognition had very little to do with what she did as a heroine. It was simply something that needed doing that she was capable of doing, that was all. But the folk who had organised this charity ball didn’t seem to think so, and they wanted the empath Summer Rainault, who had, in their words, ‘helped save so many lives during and after the Manhattan Incident,’ to be one of their guests of honour while the rich and powerful of New York City celebrated the end of the cleanup.
Summer anticipated being largely ignored while the attendees swarmed around better known heroes like Captain America and Iron Man. Which, honestly, was fine by her. Making polite conversation with people who were largely unaware of her existence, all the while knowing just how little truth was in their words, had never appealed. She smiled, posed, and waved to the paparazzi on her way in, hiding how awkward and out of place she felt. Once inside the ballroom, Summer found a corner quieter than the rest, acquired a drink, and tried to ignore all the butterflies in her gut.
Normally, Tony was all for the attention press and events brought. He was always obnoxious, loud and visible, and always made sure to have a good time – probably at someone else’s expense. That night, though, between JARVIS breaking down and the migraine from hell, he was sliding quietly along between dignitaries. He’d stop to shake hands or answer the same three questions about his company. Truthfully, he and Steve were just there to make an appearance. Clint was probably around somewher— oh, yes, look, he was under the orchestra pit, I’ll be damned…
He caught a glimpse or two of Summer in the first hour or so. When the dignitaries started grating on his nerves too badly (he made one cry, he was sure, and he’d done it with a charming smile), he backtracked behind the crowds in her direction. If anyone was willing to deal with his brooding silence, it would be her.
“Hey – enjoying our party as much as me?”
“I’m not even sure that’s possible, Mr Stark.” Summer gave him a slight smile, raising her glass to him. He looked damned good as usual, elegantly turned out and perfectly at ease in it. “Your parties are legendary.” Why did it have to be him who spoke to her? As if being dressed up at a formal event wasn’t nerve-wracking enough.
Oh, they’d spoken a couple times in the past, briefly and in passing and always, always in a working environment. Summer didn’t have time for nerves when she was suited up, didn’t have time to be aware of who was really behind the golden mask of Iron Man. And the thrill of his voice down her spine was just more fuel for her abilities.
Shooting Star | @wordlesswarlock
Summer’s tone went wry. “It doesn’t look like I have any choice in the matter.” One hand rubbed at her forehead. An awkward silence fell. “Um … do you think I could borrow a book? Something to read, just to pass some time? I don’t want to keep you from anything you need to be doing.”
Oh, sure, smiled Merlin as he went over to one of Gaius’ bookshelves. Most of the books in here are medical books. Is that alright? And don’t worry about distracting me. I was just heading back here, anyway. He had planned to go to sleep once he’d gotten home, but he couldn’t just go to sleep while there was a patient and Gaius was out. It was irresponsible, not to mention rude.
“If … it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me about you, then? I can’t even think how you manage to survive /here/ of all places with,” Summer flourished a hand at him, “so much power. I mean, at least I can talk, I don’t have to resort to telepathy, so I can keep my powers hidden … ” She gave him an unintentionally appealing look. “I never found anyone else with magic.”
Another blush spread across Merlin’s face and neck. He wasn’t quite used to people mentioning how much power he had. Some days it’s difficult, and some days it’s easy, especially because Arthur thinks I’m an idiot. With most people, I don’t use telepathy, though. I write in a journal or mouth what I want to say. He sighed sympathetically at her expression. I’m sorry… I know how difficult that is.
“Don’t you ever get a chance to stop hiding?” The fact that he blushed so easily over it fascinated her; did no one ever praise him for it either? “At — at home, I don’t … so much have to hide. I don’t go about telling people, but I know many of our people have guessed that there is more to my skills at healing than simply … herbs and potions.”
It must be horrible for him, she thought. To be here, of all places, in the centre of the Purge, and bound in service to the heir to Camelot, and never be able to be honest about himself with anyone. Always keeping secrets, always lying. She gave an involuntary shiver of sympathy.
Mun and Muse Current Mood
bloodofanarchangel encountered the firechild
Shooting Star | @wordlesswarlock
“That’s terribly sweet of you! All of it!” Impulsively she kissed Merlin on the cheek. “You, sir, are an amazing person. Is there anything I can do to help you out in exchange? I know some healing …” Summer tried to get up, but that turned out to be a mistake. Most of the muscles in her body screamed in protest, and a throbbing ache started in her head. “Or not,” she finished, falling back. “Sorry.”
An embarrassed blush spread across Merlin’s cheeks, and he wished that he didn’t have such fair skin. If you want to help, then please just rest for now. And you have nothing to apologize for.
Summer’s tone went wry. “It doesn’t look like I have any choice in the matter.” One hand rubbed at her forehead. An awkward silence fell. “Um … do you think I could borrow a book? Something to read, just to pass some time? I don’t want to keep you from anything you need to be doing.”
Oh, sure, smiled Merlin as he went over to one of Gaius’ bookshelves. Most of the books in here are medical books. Is that alright? And don’t worry about distracting me. I was just heading back here, anyway. He had planned to go to sleep once he’d gotten home, but he couldn’t just go to sleep while there was a patient and Gaius was out. It was irresponsible, not to mention rude.
“If … it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me about you, then? I can’t even think how you manage to survive /here/ of all places with,” Summer flourished a hand at him, “so much power. I mean, at least I can talk, I don’t have to resort to telepathy, so I can keep my powers hidden … ” She gave him an unintentionally appealing look. “I never found anyone else with magic.”