Summer allowed him to whisk her away to the floor, holding the skirt of her dress up to avoid tripping as they entered the already crowded area. However, as she stepped closer to him, she felt as though it was a more intimate affair, unbeknownst of the other dancers.

She met his smile with a sly grin of her own, taking his hand and holding it in a proper position to dance while she pressed closer still as his other rested on her back. A soft chuckle left her throat as she began to follow him in time.

"You inferred correctly. It's been something I've done on many occasions. I was trained in Kalosian etiquette, and proper dance was something I had to master," Summer pointed out softly. "Not to mention I would take any opportunity to dress myself to the nines."

Summer swayed to the rhythm of the band, allowing him to take the lead despite his rusty skills.

"I don't mind, so long as a handsome man spend a moment of his time with me," she cooed, a sly smirk crossing her lips.

"Tell me, what spurred you to want to attend a masquerade, especially one of this size?"

Gunner Graves

☉

Summer hummed her agreement. Of course she'd think highly of herself. Everything in her life practically led up to the moment she took over her father's company. That what her entirely life had been leading to, though it was supposed to be a natural take over rather than patricide.

She wouldn't admit that to anyone except those closest to her, though. Such as BARNABY FINCH.

"The director? That's quite impressive. It's important to have friends in high places." Summer had heard of the director once or twice. GIDEON GRAVES, if she remembered.

Summer twirled, leaving his side for a graceful spin until she spun back into his grasp. She placed her hand gently against the nape of his neck, allowing herself to grow comfortable in the little space they shared.

"I agree. You can partake in a festive occasion without even knowing your partner. However, it's a little sad to think as well, don't you agree? Not knowing who's hiding behind the mask. What if you never see them again?" she questioned against his ear, her eyes half-lidded as she gazed up at him.

"Though it's a bit freeing, too." Her eyes flitted across his face, a brow raised yet hidden behind her mask.

"Would you indulge me in a few more moments of your time after our dance comes to a close, my good sir?"

Gunner Graves

☉

Summer hummed, as though she considered his question thoroughly and thoughtfully. Of course, her previous request was acknowledgement enough for her desire to stoke his flames. But would she grace him a true answer to the question?

Perhaps not.

She tilted her head slightly, granting him fair access to the expanse of her neck as he placed a kiss there. It made her skin tingle, a shiver of pleasure rolling down her spine as countless things they could do spurred in her mind.

"Perhaps we can go somewhere more private. I think it'd be uncouth to hog the dance floor in such a way..." It was tease, of course, but she winked all the same.

Withdrawing so he could follow her, she extended her hand for him to take, picking a direction to walk in where there was no one to bother them. Some would think a quiet museum, where there was little light except for a few exhibits lit, would be creepy. Intimidating.

Yet, she was thrilled.

"Quiet enough?" Summer prompted, turning back to face Gunner.

Gunner Graves

☉

Summer observed him as he looked around, examining his surroundings. She wondered what sort of man he was, what he did, since he was so attentive and trying his best to keep them from being caught by unsuspecting eyes. Summer could only make a few guesses, as his ROTOM flutter out of his earpiece.

A guard? Perhaps.

Summer watched the red light flicker out, leaving them alone. Then she turned back to the man in front of her, removing his mask from his features. If she didn't find him handsome before, he was definitely moreso now.

So she did the same, resting hers beside his. She peered up at him, face to face at last, as she replied, "Summer. A pleasure."

With that, Summer raised her chin to meet to meet his gaze before closing her eyes, allowing his lips to touch hers. One of her hands rose, reaching to touch his jaw as the chaste kiss became something deeper with her initiation.

Gunner Graves

☉

Summer's hands slipped behind his head, pulling him closer as everything seemed to become almost frantic. While everyone was busy entertaining themselves, they were sure to be missed in the main hall at some point.

Yet, she didn't want this to end. Not yet, at least.

She rolled her head to the side, allowing him to kiss down her neck. Wishing that there could be more there, though she understood the need to avoid attention grabbing. Her hands explored his torso, feeling his muscles underneath the expanse of his suit.

Her leg stuck out from the slit in her dress, allowing him free range as she met his lips again. Summer felt almost dazed as he looked at her, pulling away to confirm their intentions. Goosebumps rose across her skin, as she pushed herself against him. Chest to chest.

"Don't stop," Summer murmured into his ear, grabbing his tie to pull him to her once more.

Gunner Graves

☉

Summer couldn't help the chuckle that left her lips as he pressed her against the wall, caught with his own lips as they met hers. Her hands explored the expanse of his chest again, having to remind herself not to grab ahold of his shirt lest it become wrinkled.

Her skirt was held aside, her legs wrapped around his waist as she trusted him to hold her up. The glittering diamonds scattered over her chest almost caught ahold of his clothing as she leaned close.

A long sigh escaped her lips, pleased beyond all measure. She consumed him with fervor and fire, trailing small bites that weren't going to mark his skin across his jaw and his neck as he spurred forth. Her breath was airy against his ear, a few soft noises escaping her.

Luckily, no one came to find them.

Summer found herself arching back against the wall, still holding tightly to Gunner as they came down from their high. Her chest heaved as she caught her breath, having held it for a moment too long it felt like. She allowed herself to slumped against him as he held her tightly.

"We haven't been gone too long, have we?" she murmured against his ear, stroking his hair with a certain gentleness she hardly reserved.

Gunner Graves

☉

Summer continued to stroke his hair as he climbed down from his high, allowing him the time he needed to regain a sense of thought and control. Animalistic behaviors were set aside for a more calming and dignified one. She kept her legs wrapped around his waist as he held her.

Until she was being set down. There was a small moment of gravity pulling her down, trying to stabilize her balance as she felt heavy once more. No longer light as a bird in Gunner's embrace. He'd finally spoken, regaining a sense of mind as he confirmed her suspicion.

As she cleaned up, she wondered if he'd done something like this often. Or was he as high strung as she'd previously imagined? Summer folded away the handkerchief to hand back to him, should he wish to keep it or discard it.

Summer straightened her dress down, allowing her dress to flow elegantly once more as she fixed a few wrinkles and straightened it over her chest again. She finally met his gaze again, though it seemed fleeting from the corner of his eye. A smirk graced her lips as she watched him finish getting ready again.

With a final kiss, Summer murmured to him once more. "Take care of the lipstick on your face before you leave, my dear. See you around, yes?"

Blowing a kiss with her hand extended, she took a glance at herself in the mirror of a bathroom hidden in the corner before making her way to the floor again. Leaving him to look at her as she left.

Gunner Graves

☉