Cap watched the partygoers get more and more drunk as the night progressed. It was a sight he was used to—frankly, he was just glad not to be the one pouring the drinks this time. Actually, on second thought, he made a mental note to let Remiel know that he was for hire for any future fancy shindigs. Rich assholes tended to tip once they got drunk enough.[break][break]

Swirling his third or fourth cup of mulled wine, Cap noticed a Delibird approaching him dutifully. He glanced around for its owner briefly before realizing it was one of the Pokemon busily handing out gifts on behalf of their people. He knelt down to greet the Pokemon, taking the Pokeball that was offered. Was he supposed to pat it on the head? Tip it? Give it a firm handshake? Before he could decide, it was already waddling away. That answered that.[break][break]

Almost as soon as the first Delibird left, another was tugging on his sleeve. This one even had a festive hat. Cap turned, still crouched at bird-level, and accepted the offered Pokeball with a muttered thank you. It only seemed polite. He watched that Delibird toddle off and eventually find its way back to Alexei Ivanov, a man Cap actually recognized. How had he missed the lone familiar face at this party? He was about to head over to say hi when he was intercepted by Locke Jamison. He accepted the Pokeball and gave the deliverer a warm smile.[break][break]

"Aw, thanks! This is nice."[break][break]

Cap's attention turned back to Alexei and he made his way across the room to the group gathered near the snacks. Ooh, and punch. Pouring himself a cup, he gave Alexei Ivanov a nod in greeting. "Keeping that gym of yours clean?" He wasn't sure if the man even remembered him, honestly. He took a sip of punch and pulled a quizzical face. They did all know this was alcoholic, right?

[break][break]

+ ooc notes

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[attr="class","credit"]milky

Barnaby watched with a good-natured smile as the DELIBIRDs came and went, taking and receiving gifts as they did so. He was particularly interested in the note that Felix had asked one to deliver, but figured it was simply a heartfelt thanks for the present.

When a quiet moment finally came to the pair, Barnaby found that his heart wasn't "merry and bright", but ached for the man across from him. The journalist was keenly observant - it was part of his job - and took in every play of emotion that crossed Felix's face. Surprise, joy, guilt.

Instinctively, Barnaby wanted to console. To comfort. To show Felix it was okay, he was safe now. At least in this small moment they shared. He didn't have to apologize.

Without thinking about potential prying eyes, Barnaby reached out to softly cradle Felix's cheek in his palm.

"Oh, mon beau. It's alright. I don't give gifts with the expectation of receiving one in return." His cheeks somehow reddened even more as he continued, "Your accompanying me to this party is gift enough."

Then, the realization that they were still in public hit, and Barnaby slowly withdrew his hand. Just a celebrity and his hired help, right? Nothing scandalous here... sigh.

Suddenly, one more DELIBIRD rounded the corner and waddled over to the bodyguard. While Felix was dealing with yet another gift delivery, another text pulled at Barnaby's attention. Reading through it, he would have audibly gasped if not for his years of trained composure.

So that's what Felix wrote. He wasn't kidding about being old friends, ha! Still, the journalist was fairly drunk at this point, so his inhibitions were down. He typed out the following response to Martín del Mar with a mischievous smirk on his face:

"😳 that was definitely meant for you, Martín... although, I wouldn't be opposed to finding a private room for the 3 of us 😏😏😏

God, he would regret this come morning.

Felix Gallagher

☉

Mattie can't help but smile when luka chêne kisses Dominic Grey, and when the gorgeous young woman looks to Mattie a half-smile of consent tugs at a corner of her lips. A brief moment later her eyes go wide and a rosy blush blooms on her cheeks, very similar to the one she'd worn while speaking with Martín del Mar. Mattie's eyes once again lock onto the drink in her hand but her expression is much different this time around.


[break][break]

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[attr="class","credit"]milky

The smooth tear of gift wrap, as scissors sail straight through it like a shark, precedes her knock at the door. Remiel sits on the carpet at the center of the study just ahead: surrounded by gift boxes, luxury balls, a wild assortment of gift wrap tubes not unlike a bamboo forest, and at least twelve spools of velvet red ribbons.

He places his scissors down first, beside the scotch tape he’s been accidentally pricking his thumb with repeatedly— courtesy of their sharp tape teeth. And, when he lowers the square of gift wrap he’s cut next, the royal is surprised at who he sees.

Bertram had always been the boldest of butlers employed at the Calcifet Estate. Earl Grey himself notwithstanding. Whether it was Eris Halla’s cute charm, or the opportunity to cast a mischievous smirk at his master as he parted from the door (likely both), Bertram the Bold had revealed Remiel’s secret holiday sanctuary to just about the only person he wouldn’t have immediately sent out with a stern glare.

”Eris?” He blinks, forgetting about the reindeer horns (and red nose) he’d chosen to wear in a sad attempt to get into the ‘festive spirit’. ”What are you doing up here? The party is down there… you should go enjoy yourself.”

---

🎅 —

DECK THE HALLS + Eris Halla

☉

Oh, Martín. Always one to call the bluff. Barnaby shook his head, a small smile on his face... until he looked up and saw Felix's wonderfully excited expression falter. Fuck, that hurt to see. Gut-wrenching.

"Forgive me! Martín del Mar keeps texting. I'm sure you know how insistent he can be." Considering the note he'd written Mars, it seemed believable to the journalist.

As an act of good faith, Barnaby returned his cellphone to the inside of his coat and scooched a little closer to Felix.

"I'm all yours now. Promise."

It seemed Barnaby had thrown caution to the wind in favor of something - someone - more fun. He looked up at the broader man, mere inches away now, cobalt eyes shining playfully.

C'mon. How could you stay mad at that beautiful face?

Felix Gallagher

☉

Felix was normally so reserved and impassive, sometimes Barnaby forgot just how large of a man he truly was. With him so close, however, that fact was now invigoratingly obvious. He loomed overhead like a stark mountain, ready to be climbed and conquered.

Looking up into Felix's pale green eyes, Barnaby saw the hint of confusion there. Of the question - why Mars? He wanted to burn that emotion away. To show Felix Gallagher that he could be desired even above the likes of Martín del Mar .

A gentle hand was placed on the other man's chest, a finger or two slipping between the buttons of his shirt until they touched warm skin. Barnaby reveled in the tautness and power under his hands. At the same time, he leaned in close and whispered breathlessly...

"I want you," Then more assertively, "Now."

Felix Gallagher

☉