alnifolia | OPEN POST;

[ She tiptoes a little to whisper into his ear, not at all worried about how it might look to others. After all, at a high society party, it's not entirely out of place to be whispering secrets. In fact, it's almost a celebrated sport. ~~And now they are in Orlais.~~ ]

Hey. I have no problems with using sex appeal on a job. Actual sex is different. Okay?

[ And then she stands down and begins to lead them further through the gardens. ]

But I agree. I'm sure the servants would be more than willing to assist us, right Mr. McClain?

[ He doesn't comment on what she whispers -- for now, at least. Instead, he nods politely, as any ass-kissing assistant might. ]

Absolutely right, Ms. Gunn. Should we have a look around, for now?

[ She takes another tiny sip from her glass and flashes a cordial, diplomatic smile. For the other guests who might be watching them, for sure. ]

Yes, why don't we do that? Perhaps we can make some connections while we're here, yes?

[ We can scope out more people to target in the future. ]

Of course. Networking. [ There's a teasing edge to his voice. ] Why not simply enjoy yourself, Ms. Gunn? At a guess, I'd say you've already got enough on your plate.

[ She puts on an intrigued expression, quirking a brow at him. ]

Are you suggesting that I work too hard?

Depends -- is that too impertinent of me to suggest, do you think? If so then, of course not.

[ Kasumi can only really respond with a soft chuckle, as soon enough they're approached by another guest of the party, a man who appears, for lack of a better term, "sleazy." Although Peter may not recognize him, Kasumi certainly does--this man runs a rather well-loved house of companions in town. It doesn't surprise her at all that he would be here, considering his clientele consists exclusively of wealthy businessmen and politicians. As for those under his employment--well, Kasumi respects them enough, but the rumors about what goes on behind the closed doors behind more closed doors are worrisome enough that Kasumi gives Peter's arm a light squeeze, as though to signal him to pay attention.

This guy could definitely be a connection in the future. ]

Ms. Gunn, is it? It's so nice to see new faces around these parties. I was beginning to get bored of these people.

[ Kasumi feigns a bashful but coy expression. ]

Sorry, I'm afraid we are in need of an introduction, Mr.--

Please, my dear, call me Tibelius. Everyone around here does.

Very well, then, Tibelius.

[ In a fluid motion, he grabs the glass from Kasumi's hand by its stem, then with his other, takes her hand and bows down to kiss it. ]

[ At the man's approach, he had offered only a polite nod before glancing around the room, but Peter redirects his attention when he feels Kasumi's hand tighten lightly at his arm.

And then the guy -- Tibelius, apparently? -- is taking Kasumi's glass, and Peter's eyes narrow. Pretty smooth, admittedly, and the move might've been more charming on someone whose shirt wasn't open to his sternum and wasn't wearing quite so many chunky gold rings.

If they weren't playing parts, Peter would take his own glass and poor it down the guy's open shirt. As it is, he's supposed to be Ms. Gunn's assistant, so he keeps his mouth shut and watches the exchange. Kasumi may feel the muscle of his arm stiffen with the way he restrains himself.

Be proud, Goto, that he's not causing a scene. ]

[ She is so, so proud.

She also wants that drink back, but her cordial smile remains even at Tibelius' display of would-be chivalry. ]

I'm charmed, good sir, but...

[ She slips her hand out from his grasp at the earliest opportunity, hooking a finger as though to say, you have something of mine. Tibelius catches on, and with a haughty chuckle, hands Ms. Gunn back her glass. Ms. Gunn gives him another courteous smile and a nod of her head in response.

He turns to Peter with his own courteous (but still decidedly sleazy) smile. ]

And you must be Ms. Gunn's companion for the night, yes? What a lucky man you are. All the news floating about neglected to mention that she was... involved with anyone.

Edited 2015-05-01 20:03 (UTC)

[ When Tibelius turns his attention to him, Peter's expression remains neutral. He glances over at Kasumi for a second, and says flatly, ]

Ms. Gunn enjoys her privacy, sir. You'll understand if she keeps her affairs to herself.

[ She glances back at Peter, and for a similarly quick moment, a corner of Kasumi turns upward ever so slightly into a smirk. ]

That's would be correct. And Tibelius, this is my assistant, James McClain.

[ Tibelius roars with a laugh, now, and almost aggressively claps Peter on a shoulder. ]

Forgive me, my good man. It was an honest mistake. Would you, perhaps, mind giving your boss and I a moment--

[ Kasumi takes the liberty of interrupting, there. ]

James goes wherever I go. I'm sure you understand. Whatever business you have to say to me, you can say in front of him as well.

[ He continues to look blandly at Tibelius, but there is a certain smugness in his eyes.

He also deeply hopes Kasumi didn't just accidentally invite the guy to a threesome, because gross. ]

Ms. Gunn is a busy woman, sir. If you would prefer, I can make a note to contact you in the future, should you like an appointment.

[ No, God no, Peter. Jeez.

She would never have sex with her assistant. Or with a pimp. Much less at the same time.

In any case, she nods at his suggestion. ]

A great idea. Surely, we don't have to talk business this very second, do we?

[ Tibelius seems to at least have enough tact to recognize that she doesn't want to talk to him, so he straightens out the collar on his very open shirt and smiles. ]

As you wish. We shall chat again some other time, then, Ms. Gunn. I think you'll find that I can be very convincing.

[ And with that, he takes his leave, and Kasumi shoots Peter a look.

What an asshole. ]

[ Peter's expression instantly dissolves into one of disgust, and he's not entirely worried about being caught, seeing as how quite a few of the other guests had reacted to his passing in much the same way. He shakes his head, quirking an eyebrow at Kasumi when she turns to him.

He also takes her glass away as a server with another tray passes, exchanging it for a fresh one. This glass he holds out to her with a pointed look at Tibelius' retreating back.

Evidently he wouldn't put it past the guy to try and slip something in her drink. ]

Interesting man. Worth a visit, don't you think?

[ And she pointedly looks back at Peter, taking the glass with a nod. Good call, partner. ]

Certainly. We should set up a business meeting sometime, yes?

I'll be sure to get in touch with his people. I'm sure the connection will be a lucrative one.

[ He nods. ]

Back into the fray, ma'am?

Back in to the fray.

[ She takes another quick glance around the room, not taking note of the guests, this time, but of those working at the party--security, hired caterers, the host's own servants, companions...

In the mean time, she leads the two of them towards the entrance in to the hall, now. The gardens are nice and all, but inside is where they need to be. ]

What do you think, James? Shall we give the help our compliments? They've done such a fantastic job with this, after all.

[ He flashes her a quick smile. ]

It wouldn't go amiss, surely.

[ She gracefully leads them over to a table being furnished with plates of food by one of the servants, and she sets her drink down on the table to catch her attention. ]

Hello.

[ The way the servant responds, skittishly, almost, when she sees that one of the guests is trying to talk to her tells Kasumi all she needs to know about how Mereeri handles his help, and she can only imagine that they all received a rather upstanding do not talk to anyone or even make your existence known speech before tonight's event. ]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.

That's... That's okay.

I just wanted to let you know that you all have done such a lovely job with everything, tonight. I'm sure the other guests appreciate your effort, as well.

[ The truth is, they probably don't, but that's why Kasumi's here. ]

Um... Sorry, ma'am, I'm not supposed to talk to the guests.

Just a quick chat. [ He puts on his most reassuring smile -- which, as it stands, is bright and charming and oh, so inviting. ] I mean, where's the harm in some small talk, right? And besides, we initiated the conversation -- you could hardly be blamed for that, could you?

[ She nods humbly at the woman, offering her a reassuring and warm smile. ]

I will personally speak to your employer if you get into trouble, ma'am. I promise.

... Right. Okay. Um, thank you. Ma'am.

[ All to eager to keep the conversation short, the servant does a curt little bow at Peter and Kasumi, hiding her face behind the tray she had been holding, and promptly takes her leave. It almost looks like she's retreating and Kasumi glances up at Peter. ]

Could've been worse, but something tells me it'll be difficult to get anything out of them.

[ Peter watches the servant's retreating back with a frown, then turns to keep an eye on the crowd; he's careful to keep his expression neutral and uninterested to avoid undue suspicion. He lowers his voice when he responds. ]

Says a lot about the way he treats his help, I can tell you that much.

Yeah, no kidding.

[ Kasumi similarly takes stock, paying special mind to the host. Luckily, he seems preoccupied with the group of gorgeous women fawning over him (and his money).

She pulls Peter down to whisper into his ear like any boss would totally do to her assistant. ]

What do you think, James? Should we try and find someone with looser lips, maybe?

[ He shrugs his free shoulder. ] Who've you got in mind first, boss?

OPEN POST;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

I hope you ate lunch

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

sigh i never hit post...

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

❖
OPEN RP POST ① Pick a character ② Pick a prompt (or DIY) (shamelessly and selectively pilfered from bakerstreet's Random Scenario Meme) ③ Do the thing!. table code by betterdolphin