Masquerade - These Masks We Wear

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"I've no clue. I just... want someone to talk to, that's all. Does it matter?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"It does if I'm the person you're trying to build that relationship with." He leaned forward, "I've gone all my life without something like this getting in my way, why should I change that now?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"I don't have to be in your way," she insisted. She sighed. "Caden, I know you're used to people trying to fight you, but I'm not. No mental games, no nothing. Just me."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

He watched her critically, "and who is 'just you?' If the 'you' I've known all these years should be completely disregarded, if you are to be believed, then what should I be anticipating?"

Edited June 27, 2021 by The Ward's Guard

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

"Riva is a lonely old woman who's grown tired of torturing and longs for real human interaction, that's who she is," she snapped. "Anticipate more dinner dates and gifts, because I actually want you to like me."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Then more importantly," he leaned back into his chair, "what are you expecting from me?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

She quieted. "Some sort of reciprocation, I suppose."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"And what would that entail? Forcing myself to go to these dinners? Giving you gifts as well?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva paled, deeply hurt by his mocking tone. "Well... yes. We're married, Caden, tha-that's what..." She found herself tearing up and cursed her weakness. 

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden sighed, briefly taken aback by her apparent sincerity. "You have me here and now, Riva." He leaned forward, "I won't lie, I don't want to be here. But I will stay for the meal, and I will let you try to convince me that this isn't a waste of my time. Now, if we were to do one of those 'dinner dates,' what would I talk about?" He wanted to hate how intrigued he was by this conversation, but he knew he wouldn't truly make up his mind until the night was done.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

“Well, I don’t know, anything that comes up.” She wiped her eyes, some of her carefully done make up coming off as she did so; just another thing to curse. “What are we having for dinner?”

Edited June 27, 2021 by Zephrun's Imperium

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I don't know how familiar you are with my eating habits," he looked away while she wiped away her tears before meeting her eyes again. "But I eat whatever the chef places in front of me."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

“Oh…. Do you have a favorite food?”

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

He shook his head, "I did at one point, but years eating whatever they serve you in the field changed that." He tilted his head, "that's partially true."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

“Mm. I’m sorry. I can’t really cook anything besides cookies and fudge, but I’m rather good at that. That and drinks of any kind.”

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"That's why there's the chef," he gestured towards the door that led to the kitchen.

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

She nodded. “It was quite good last time. I’m excited for tonight’s meal.” She bit her lip and stared him down. “You have very nice eyes, Caden.”

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Okay," he raised an eyebrow but he didn't break eye contact. "Why mention them?"

Edited June 27, 2021 by The Ward's Guard

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

“Why not? I had nothing else to say and they struck me.”

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"It is not how I would have tried to make conversation, especially since there's not much to my eyes, anyways." Caden looked away, "I don't know why you'd even bring them up."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

“They’re like pure gold!”

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"And yours sparkle like the stars, but pierce like the sun." He paused for a moment, "my point was going to be that I hadn't brought that up, but I seem to have undone that argument, so I'm not sure what to say."

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

Riva looked at him in wonder, a slow smile climbing up her face. “Thank you,” she gushed. She had to look away as a blush exploded over her cheeks. “Really.”

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden nodded, "it's been a strange night." He looked at her quizzically, "are you alright?"

[Zephrun’s Imperium they/he]

“I’m….. I’ve never been complimented before.”