regency au } { of parties and reunions

[anendlesswar]

Claudia: [Marcel Gerard likes to throw a ball or two, and while they are not the fancy to-dos that she's learned to expect of some of the higher court locations, they balance out by actually being fun. And, given that they're a healthy mix of commoners and nobles, she and Jason can go together without attracting too much attention. As she arrives with Hope and Ben, she glances over the crowd, looking for her date]

Ben: [since he is leading both women in, he leans over to his sister easily] I haven't seen your intended since I left to the island, then home. Will I even recognize him now that he's left the court life?

Claudia: [gives her brother an amused look] He hasn't gotten an entirely different face, Ben. He still looks the same. [but she does agree that a lighter outlook on life can lift a person, so she's curious about the end result]

Jason: [his face may not have changed, but his posture has. He isn't closed off and hiding in the shadows, instead being in the middle of things and relaxed. He'll enter with a few other gentlemen from town he has gotten to know, dressed in a simple tunic under a wool sweater. When he sees Claudia, his face brightens and he will excuse himself to join their little group] Lady Mikaelson, Lord Hale. I'm glad to see you've both returned home safely.

Hope: You seem to be doing well. In much better spirits than when we left, at least.

Jason: Yes. It's been satisfying in starting to form a new life, even if there are still a lot of scars that need healing. [ he smiles at Claudia] Lady Hale has been very helpful in that regard.

Claudia: [ smiles back at him] I do enjoy being helpful.

Hope: Hopefully we'll be able to see each other more, now that the business with the Doctors is settled.

Jason: I would enjoy that, when my job allows.

Ben: A job?

Jason: Well, more like an apprenticeship for now.

Hope: Where are you working?

Jason: At the tavern operated by Landon's mother.

Hope: Seylah is a good boss. I'm sure she's teaching you a lot.

Jason: Right now it's mostly about cleaning, but once I can keep the place clean and have extra time, then I can start learning something else.

Hope: Good. I'm gad things are going well for you, then.

Ben: As am I. [mainly because it meant his sister was safe]

Jason: Thank you. Now, if I may, I would love to invite Lady Stilinski to a dance. [he held out his hand, a half bow as he looked up into her eyes.]

Claudia: [she takes his hand with a smile before nodding] I would love to.

Ben: [and he will let her go--not like he could stop her anyway-- and looked at Hope] Shall we dance?

Jason: [and he will lead her to the dance floor and set his arms for her to meet him] I've been looking forward to this all day.

Hope: [glances back to him with a smile] That would be lovely.

Claudia: [eyebrow raise as she steps into his form] Have you?

Jason: Of course. Now that I've been working and I don't see you every day, it's making me excited for the times I do get the pleasure of your company.

Claudia: I've been looking forward to it as well. For us to have more of an ... expected courtship.

Jason: It's still strange to me, living a normal life. Sometimes I don't know what to do, and it confuses and excites me both. Is that strange?

Claudia: [shakes her head] I don't think so. I think when your life is prescribed for you for so long, it can be disorienting to be without a plan, but in the end, the control of your life is yours.

Jason: I used to think I was in control, but it was just an illusion. Here, though, it is, and I can already feel that difference.

Claudia: Good. I'm glad. You deserve control of your own life. Everyone does.

Jason: Of course, the main thing I want to do with my new control is to find ways to charm you.

Claudia: [her smile widens] Well, I do enjoy being charmed by you.

Jason: I was planning on bringing you flowers tonight, but I didn't finish my chores in time to get them. So instead, we'll have to sneak into the garden later so I can gather some for you.

Claudia: That sounds lovely.

Jason: [but for now, he will happily spin her around the room, enjoying her company as the evening continues on]

Claudia: [and she will enjoy all the dancing, because it is her favorite part, but will enjoy it even more when he finally sneaks her out to the gardens]

Jason: [which he will do when he sees that Ben is very occupied with people talking to him, putting a finger to his lips and guiding Claudia to follow him as they slip away]

Claudia: [she follows easily, keeping her hand in his as they slip out into the darkness of Marcel's gardens]

Jason: [and when they are far enough away that he hopes will leave them mostly undisturbed, he turns to her and cups her cheek with his free hand, thumb brushing along her cheek] I've missed you.

Claudia: [leans into his hand] I've missed you too. Between you being busy at work and Ben being back, we haven't had a lot of time together.

Jason: No, but it does make these moments all the more special, doesn't it?

Claudia: I suppose. [but she still misses having him all to herself]

Jason: You seem sad by that. What do I need to do to make it better for you?

Claudia: [she shrugs, tipping her head up and taking a step closer] I'm sure you can think of something.

Jason: But sweet Lady, your brother is back home. [said as he steps them further back into the shadows]

Claudia: [follows his lead as they dip out of view] Fortunately he has his own lady to distract him.

Jason: There is that. And it is my job to distract you. [and he will lean down to kiss her]

Claudia: [smiles into the kiss as she kisses him back, pushing herself up on her toes to meet him - but since they're in public, she will keep an ear out, just in case someone is coming]

Jason: [and he will keep his hands in all the proper places, sorry, as he kisses her deeply]

Claudia: [that's okay, she's good with just the kisses. her arms wind around his neck to keep him close, running her fingers through his hair]

Jason: [she'll get a happy noise. He no longer flinches at her touches, craving them more than anything else.]

Claudia: [and she does love those sounds, and the fact that he doesn't flinch away from her. she just wants him to feel safe with her, no matter what]

Jason: [he does, more than anyone in his life. And just because his hands had to remain still doesn't mean his lips must, and he will kiss down along her jaw]

Claudia: [closes her eyes as her head tips back, giving him better access to her neck as does her best to keep her mind focused on any footsteps that may be coming her way]

Jason: [she has to be the one to do that, since he's just a normal human... anyway, he'll focus on that spot on her neck she enjoys being kissed, teasing gently as to not leave any kind of mark on her]

Claudia: [she shivers softly as his lips touch that spot, knowing what it means, but not really knowing how to articulate it to him. but she does like that he pays attention, even if she hasn't told him why that spot is important. but a pair of voices enter the garden and she stops, eyes opening and holding him still as she waits to see what they will do]

Jason: [when she stills, he stills, slowly standing back up and drawing Claudia deeper into the shadows out of pure habit]

Claudia: [she holds her breath as she waits, listening but eventually the steps retreat and head back into the party, and they're alone again] They're gone.

Jason: That was close. I should probably bring you back.

Claudia: If you must.

Jason: I don't think you'd want to come back to my room at the tavern.

Claudia: No, that's probably not a good idea. And it would be odd if we snuck away to our little hidden room in Hope's house.

Jason: Right now, yes it would. Especially with your brother returned.

Claudia: [nods] So I suppose we will have to be good, for now.

Jason: For now. We can't upset his delicate sensibilities.

Claudia: [sigh. stupid brother] Is it terrible that I wish he went back to the island? [not really but he really is ruining her fun]

Jason: [chuckles] No, it is not. And I don't think I've been working long enough to get time to go on a trip to your parents manor with you either.

Claudia: [shakes her head] Our parents manor would be worse. We would be surrounded by werewolves.

Jason: Then we need to find your brother a hobby, preferably one away from the manor. [grins]

Claudia: [she laughs] Perhaps he will make some demanding friends in town.

Jason: Hopefully ones that won't bring him to the tavern to notice that I'm missing in that moment.

Claudia: You are allowed to take the night off on occasion.

Jason: I am, but not many. Not for awhile at least. As it is, I need to be back when this starts to wrap up for the afterparty that Seylah says will follow at the tavern

Claudia: Mmmm. Then I should make sure that we make the most of this then. How would you like to spend our time?

Jason: Well, I did quite enjoy the dancing, but I'd rather it be more private.

Claudia: [tips her head to the side] Well, I think we can hear the music from here.

Jason: Good. [And he will pull her back into his arms, a dance where she is much closer to his body and as they move, their bodies press against one another, sliding in time to the music]

Claudia: [and she will lean into him, closing her eyes and letting her head rest against his shoulder]

Jason: [and he will pepper the top of her head with little kisses as they dance until the song ends, where he will lean in and kiss her once more]

Claudia: [hums softly as she kisses him back, savoring what will likely be the last one until they have the opportunity to be alone again]

Jason: [which it will, and he will walk her back to the party] When may I call upon you again?

Claudia: I'm not sure. It will depend on what Ben has in mind. But I will send word as soon as I know it.

Jason: Good. And always know there is a seat by the fire waiting for you if you wish to come to the tavern to see me.

Claudia: I know. Might want to save two, just in case an escort is insisted upon.

Jason: There is always one for Lady Hope. [a teasing grin]

Claudia: [she laughs] I will make sure she's aware.

Jason: [and he will return her back properly, then give her one last kiss on the cheek] I will see you again soon, I promise.

Claudia: [nods] See you soon. [and she will sigh and return to her brother's table]

Ben: [chuckles as he watches Jason leave] It's a shame he couldn't stay longer.

Claudia: It is. But he's expected back at the tavern to help with the gathering after.

Ben: Of course. [he thinks a moment] Would you like to go?

Claudia: [shakes her head] It's just an excuse for overly drunk men to be loud and bawdy. I don't think it would be that enjoyable.

Ben: Well, I was thinking you could spend more time with him tonight that way.

Claudia: He has to work, Ben. Especially with that crowd, he doesn't need me being a distraction. If it were a quieter night, maybe but not this one.

Ben: [nods, and turns to her] I just want you to know, I remember the stories about how Mom would sneak away to spend time with Dad before he was a Lord. Jason may have given up his title, but I'm not going to be one to keep you from having time with him. I trust him to have your best interests in mind when you're together.

Claudia: I appreciate that. He is very respectful. [when she wants him to be]

Ben: Good to hear. [he has to be the good one. As long as she doesn't get herself into trouble, and no one lets their mom know, he's willing to turn his head so Claudia can enjoy her life]

Claudia: [she would appreciate it if she knew, but he also likely knows that she hasn't been this way with just any man she met at court. it's just because it's Jason and Jason is important to her]

Ben: [he does. And Jason's done a lot to earn his goodwill to make him relax too. Plus, he needs to focus more on his own betrothed so they can get to their own wedding day.]

Hope: [would very much appreciate that] Hopefully with things less demanding we can spend more time together, the four of us.

Ben: Yes, as well as with your other friends. [he's no longer nervous about being the odd man out in her pack]

Hope: Oh, I'm sure we'll have plenty of that. As well as time with my mother.

Ben: And eventually, just tome together.

Claudia: [Hope's smile widens and his sister has had enough] Well. I'm going to head back to the manor. You two enjoy your evening.

Hope: Do you need someone to walk back with you?

Claudia: [shakes her head and scans until she sees MG.] I'll get Sir Greasely to escort me.

Ben: Sleep well, sister.

Hope: [Claudia nods and leaves the party, and Hope inches closer] So. Now that you no longer are required to be a chaperone for the evening, I can have you all to myself.

Ben: Yes, you can. It's been awhile since we've had an opportunity like this.

Hope: So I'm thinking more dancing and possibly a stroll through the gardens?

Ben: As long as I'm the only name on your dance card.

Hope: Always.

Ben: [and he will stand up and hold out his hand] Then let us dance.

Hope: [takes his hand and off they go to get swept away, enjoying the music and moving through the motions]

Ben: [and he's enjoying the dancing, and just being here in Orleans, starting to come into his own person the longer he is away from his family and trying to find his own way.]

Hope: [is just enjoying the feeling of being home with him and helping make him feel like he could have a home here too]

Ben: [he does, and she'd notice that he's more relaxed, and his anger is much easier to handle in the lifestyle that her home exudes. He smiles easier, laughs, and worries less, focusing instead on himself, and of course, making her happy]

Hope: [smiles at that] You seem happy.

Ben: I am. [and he will twirl her around the floor] The atmosphere here is a lot different than home. Spending time here, then going back for that short time... I feel more free here. Relaxed.

Hope: Good. I'm glad. I want you to feel at home here.

Ben: I am. And I do. [he will pull her a bit closer] I was afraid at first, but now I can't see myself having a life with you anywhere else.

Hope: Good. [and she leans in to kiss him softly] Because we will probably have a very long life here.

Ben: I'm looking forward to it. [and he will kiss her back]

Hope: And if you are committed to staying, that means we have to start planning a wedding.

Ben: That is if you still wish to marry me.

Hope: I would love nothing more.

Ben: Good, because I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you.

Hope: [smiles wider, then it turns a little bittersweet] I just wish my father could have met you. He would have liked you.

Ben: I would hope so. [and he cups her cheek gently] And I'm certain he would have made sure I knew how lucky I am to have you.

Hope: Oh, he would have put you through your paces. But he would have approved in the end.

Ben: That's good to know. Though I'm curious how our fathers would have gotten along.

Hope: ... Probably like oil and water.

Ben: Good thing our moms are the calm, reasonable ones then. [grins]

Hope: [laughs] How fortunate for us both.

Ben: So, now that my sister and Jason have been out of the gardens long enough to air them out of whatever they chose to do out there...

Hope: [looks up at him with a smirk] I don't think they were doing anything that terrible.

Ben: No, but I still don't need to smell them.

Hope: Fair enough. [tips her head to the side] Are you saying that we're absconding to the gardens now?

Ben: Yes. And my sister will be happy she got to go first. [holds out his hand to her with a Stilinski style smirk]

Hope: [laughs] I think she'd rather not think about that at all.

Ben: Then let's go somewhere she can't hear us.

Hope: [nods and takes his hand] Lead the way.

Ben: [and he will link her arm with his and they can take a nice stroll into the gardens themselves]

Hope: [and find somewhere quiet where they can have more time to themselves]

Ben: [yup, a nice, shadowy corner where he can give her a proper kiss]

Hope: [she does enjoy those proper kisses. she also knows that they've spent so much of their courtship surrounded by werewolves that they likely haven't had many opportunities like this. they're so rarely alone]

Ben: [no, especially when most of them are family. But here, after all they've done in the last few months, they can steal this moment for themselves. So he pulls her closer, kissing her with a need that he hasn't really let go of before with her]

Hope: [hums softly into the kiss, winding her arms around his neck as he pulls her in, allowing her curves to press closer and fit against his]

Ben: [he responds to her in kind, his hands slipping down to her hips and then one to her lower back, fitting them against each other perfectly]

Hope: [and as their kiss intensifies, she takes a step back, pulling them further into the shadows until she finds something to lean against]

Ben: [oh, a hard surface. That's nice. He can pin her hips up against that with his, deeping their kiss in the process]

Hope: [sucks in a breath at that, one hand sliding up into his hair as enjoys that pressure, pushing up on her toes to meet his height]

Ben: [oh yeah, he enjoys it too, and he'll meet her press with his own, the hand not on her back sliding up her ribs, just under her chest]

Hope: [she arches up into his hand on instinct, a feeling of want curling inside her, but doing her best to keep a handle on those wants]

Ben: [his lips pull back an inch, his eyes looking into hers] You okay?

Hope: [glances up and nods] I'm fine. I just want ... [more? him? she isn't really sure she has the words yet] ... irresponsible things.

Ben: [breathy chuckle] So do I. But I will only go as far as you want.

Hope: Mmmm ... I want a lot. It's probably good that we haven't been left alone like this before.

Ben: It's like they know us too well. [a quick kiss] I love you, and I won't do anything to hurt you.

Hope: I love you too. And I know you wouldn't. [she tips her head back to look around. she doesn't want the first time they're fully together to be like this. but that doesn't mean she wants to stop quite yet either. she looks up at him and murmurs] Kiss me.

Ben: As you wish. [and he will, deeply, inching closer so his hip presses against hers again, and his hand inches up just a hair]

Hope: [she leans eagerly into the kiss, keeping him close, and her hand moves over his gently, pushing it up closer until he feels his fingers brushing against her bust]

Ben: [he will take that invitation eagerly, and even if there's at least two layers of clothing between his hand and her flesh, he can still get excited about caressing her breast... and excitement she'll feel the next time his hips press against hers]

Hope: [she does feel that, and she rocks her hips back up against his, wanting him to get some enjoyment out of their exploring. she breaks the kiss to catch her breath, brushing her lips against his jaw]

Ben: [and he will lean his head back, a happy whimper in his throat at her kisses and her hips, his fingers squeezing her breast in response]

Hope: [she sucks in a breath at the squeeze, and one hand curls against his neck, keeping him steady as she moves her lips lower to his neck]

Ben: [he gives a breathy gasp, tilting his head for her. He's well aware of what werewolves do, and he's giving her permission to claim him if she chooses.]

Hope: [she will, one day, but not yet. but she will leave a kiss there, dragging her teeth across the spot gently, just to tease]

Ben: [oh that gets his eyes rolling back before her leans forward and kisses her shoulders, his hands slipping down to grab her thighs and lift her, guiding them around his hips so he can press his hardness as close to her core as he can, grinding against her sensitive spot]

Hope: [gasps a bit at the shift, her head tipping back, hands gripping his shoulders to keep her steady. she tries to meet his grinding hips with her own, following her instincts and the feel of him against her.]

Ben: [it's all above the clothes, so nothing too bad will happen, but he's chasing that feeling he;s held back for so long, and he wants her to feel it too. It's not the best, that will come one day, but it's the best they can do right now, and he wants her to feel it with him]

Hope: [her dress isn't practical for this, she's realizing, but she can still feel just enough, get just enough friction to try and follow him, she moves one hand to her shoulders, tipping his lips back up to hers so she can kiss him deeply]

Ben: [she needs thinner dresses, obviously, but he's trying to help her. He doesn't know to reach down, or the little ways he can help. He just wants to connect to her, and his lips crush against hers as he lets instincts guide his hips to move harder and faster]

Hope: [she's not entirely sure either - she's as sheltered to these things as he is, because there's always only been Ben. but as he kisses her she tries to shift some of the material, pulling some of it out of the way so that ben can get a little bit closer, and she moans at the rock of him against her]

Ben: [it's only ever been her with him too, but the knights talk too much and he has good hearing so he knows the basic things that people in love do. And he loves her with all his heart, and after the near death and everything with Liam, he's been looking for a way to show her that]

Hope: [she melts into the feeling of him against her, taking this expression of love in substitution for the words that neither of them are really good at, and she does her best to keep his pace, her breathing hitching as she starts to find her way closer to the edge]

Ben: [when her voice hitches, it's his turn to kiss along her jaw, his hips repeating the motion that caused it, hoping it was what she needed to join him as he was getting very close]

Hope: [its enough. he rocks against her, pushing her closer and closer and when his lips find that matching spot on her throat, that coiled feeling of longing releases and she shudders in his arms as she falls over]

Ben: [he knows to keep his fangs at bay, but his human teeth and going to graze the spot hard as he joins her, his arms pulling her tightly to him as his hips thrust again and again in that moment of pleasure]

Hope: [she pants as she comes down, trying to catch her breath, but she tips her head to the side and tries to capture his lips as the two of them stay close]

Ben: [he will kiss her back, slowing down but still keeping her close, the hard object behind her helping him keep them both up a moment]

Hope: [eventually, she'll break the kiss and look back at him with a teasing grin] We probably shouldn't go back in like this. [ the other werewolves around will surely catch the scents and know what they've been up to]

Ben: [and he will let her down back to her feet, his hands gently sliding up and curling into her hair] No, we shouldn't. Let's go home.

Hope: [nods and taking his hand they made their way around the back and back towards the Abattoir]

Ben: [and as he leaves her at her rooms] So how fast you think we can plan a wedding?

Hope: [she laughs] I'll discuss it with my mother in the morning. See what she says.

Ben: Good. And when you know, I'll write my father. [gives her one quick kiss]

Hope: [smiles as she kisses him back] I'll see you tomorrow.

Ben: [and he will walk away, giving her one last smile before heading off back to his rooms]

Hope: [and she will sigh, before going to drop into bed with a happy smile]