The bright taste of champagne on Gideon's tongue was dull and diluted in comparison to the way Elisabeth Fiorelli lit up the space around them with her tact and wit. Even while facing his brother, he listened with reserved interest as she responded to each person in turn, a thin smile evident behind the rim of his glass as he nursed his drink.

"That it does. It's a nice turnout so far." Gideon's umber gaze swept over the large foyer and found it to be full almost to capacity. The crowd seemed to be practically begging to be released and experience the rest of what the museum had to offer.

"Let's hope everyone is on their best behavior," His eyes cut to Gunner Graves. "And that the museum is still in a state to admire by the end of the night." Even in their thirties Gideon couldn't help the impulse to make sure his little brother stayed out of trouble.

With that reminder in his ear Gunner departed, leaving Gideon to face Elisabeth Fiorelli's mocking smile with a restrained one of his own. The interjection from August Black, however, spurred him on in his response.

"Then feel free to trust in me for the evening," He'd incline his head in assent, catching Elisa's gaze through the holes of his mask. "As I'll gladly take your first dance."

Gideon would wait for her response, but then he'd feel his attention tugged at by someone at the periphery of his vision. An ordinary-looking man whose obvious nerves made him stick out in the throngs of eccentric millionaires and celebrities. Ordinary yet familiar Hm. Could it be?

With a slight bow, the professor excused himself from the group, saying to Elisa in particular, "Until we meet on the dance floor."

Scanning the room while walking to where he last saw who he thought might be john nelson, Gideon lost the man in the crowd for a moment. His brows knitted slightly as he continued his search until he finally found, huddled near an empty bar top, someone whose body type and physical demeanor reminded him a lot of his drinking buddy. Beside him was the musical talent for the night, Niky Racz.

Gideon slid himself into the space beside john nelson, so that John was sandwiched in between him and Niky.

"They've got quite a few interesting cocktails on the menu tonight, if either of you are interested." His eyes flashed to the DJ briefly, but inevitably landed and remained on the office worker between them.

"One of my favorites is the Sazerac. If you enjoy cognac, I highly recommend it. Some say it's the world's oldest cocktail, so it's worth a try just to taste a bit of history."

Gideon explained through a thin-lipped smile, his tone pleasant and conversational.

• suit check + mask
• ty for first dance dibs Elisabeth Fiorelli
• behave lil bro Gunner Graves
(watching you Summer Atreides)
• over by john nelson & Niky Racz

☉

"oh shit! how rude of me."[break][break]

he turns to Kyrenai Black, somehow forgetting to acknowledge her in his toast.[break][break]

"sorry! i swear i'm not drunk yet."[break][break]

raising his glass of gin and tonic towards her, he offers a toast.[break][break]

"wishing you all the best as well for the new year."[break][break]

notes:[break]
- suit to match his gf[break]
- vibing at the bar[break]
- chilling with PENELOPE LIVY Aurelie Lefevre Genevieve Cromwell Kyrenai Black

[attr="class","ooc"]CIAN MAHER[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-kecleon"]

Hazel was actually looking forward to the masquerade, it was actually rather cute. Of course, the other man didn't let on to such a fact. His husband kept such things close to the chest, but Hugo had long since learned to approximately read him by then. They arrived a little later than Hazel probably liked, being that he was usually so prompt. Fashionably late, Hugo insisted. Even being the partier himself, a stuffy ball was not his idea of fun, admittedly. But there was also something gaudy and enjoyable about masquerades. They were tacky, in a good sort of way.

At the very least, it would do well for him to at least attempt to appear posh and maybe get some additional contacts in the mean time. Very likely there would be at least someone he recognized. Despite his somewhat obnoxious nature earlier in his years, he had somewhat subsided from any foreseeable spotlights. Why? He wasn't exactly certain. He liked to say it was because he'd found what made him happy, which was the easiest and most obvious responses. Yet, unfortunately, his husband could see through him too.

For reasons well beyond his understanding, he felt tired. Maybe it was simply due to the fact he'd been a chaser of the limelight and was tired now of running. Maybe he was old, hell if he knew.

"Meeting with anyone of interest?" Certainly there had to be a reason that his introverted husband wished to go to this gaudy affair. Though he doubted the younger man would say it was because he wanted to have fun, which was a shame. "Did I tell you you look handsome, by the way?" He did, several times now.

---

- wearing tailored suit & mask
- arrives 'fashionably late' with husband, @albrecht.