Senecio adn Tide II

[Mirach]

Senecio walked confidently as all eyes turned towards them, enjoying a moment of looking dashing in his new clothes.

[VisAnastasis]

The ball Sage organized was indeed quite extravagant and tasteful, and despite some time had passed, it still wasn't that late, and by this time, with distance from the play, the atmosphere lived up a little.

As the song about Night of roses was playing, they walked in, and their late arrival stole the attention - on one hand, it was still not usual in fashion for a man to wear a dress, the least, a tall supernatural creature like Tide, and on the other hand, Senecio was beautiful, to begin with, and outfit Alpha created for him was both complementing his beauty and making him shine, like he hoped, fit by the looks for the title of a partner of a demon king.
Though, it seemed more, by the Beings that were still present and masked, with an inhuman feature easily mistaken for a disguise here and there, that Senecio was looked favourably for something else. While he could feel lot of attention and gazes, some more open, some less, some more friendly some more cautious, he felt he was looked upon favourably. Was it that some of them could sense their intimacy, was it that their looks matched so well together was it the way Tide held his hand close, and the way actor held onto Tide confidently before everyone, not being hesitant to be seen as his partner? Whatever mix of the different reason it was for different humans and Beings that knew them, while some of the people tied to theatre that hated Senecio seemed displeased with extravagance of his display, he felt general curiosity and favorability from factions close to Tide, and as importantly - from Tide, who held his hand somewhat unsurely, as if he wasn't used to being at such events with a lover.

[Mirach]

Senecio leant a bit more heavily on Tide's hand for a few steps as he realized he could sense the feelings of others towards him. But as the feelings were mostly positive, he was encouraged by them and decided to deal with the fact that he can feel them later. Now he just went with it and enjoyed the attention. He bowed to Tide, asking him for a dance.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide must have mistook his leaning on him for a bid for encouragement, and he held him closely. When Senecio bowed for a dance, he seemed dazed by his grace and elegance for a moment, standing before him like a stone in awe, as if he forgot about the world. Then, he came to himself, and actor could feel his vulnerable hesitancy despite the mask, as he took actor's hand, and led him to the pool, lightened up by candlelight. There were couple of gasps around, from those that didn't know Tide's powers well, when they stepped upon the surface of the water like it was as solid as marble, and moved freely upon it.

[Mirach]

Senecio drank the moment like wine - the music, the lights, the moves of the dance, Tide's touches... All of it together was life and he was alive to enjoy it. He almost felt drunk with the feeling as he danced with Tide on the water.

[VisAnastasis]

The demon seemed entranced with Senecio's expressions and attitude, as it was as clear as day to everyone that actor enjoyed himself and was happy to be with him without a shred of a doubt. With sharpened perception like this, Senecio felt an unusual tinge of emotions from Tide, that seemed to be taking root more and more with everything they shared - a wave of admiration and amazement.
To Tide, whom most of the partners, even if adoring his personality, would still be either somewhat unsure or desired to be secretive about him, fearing the backlash of their cultures, it seemed to be an enchanting experience, to have someone that danced with him so readily and openly, for everyone to see... There was a timid wonder shining through his fingertips as he would brush along his skin as he moved with him, and unsure, but growing pleasure as one dance exchanged another, and then another one.

The actor could feel Tide's attitude was freer and freer more accepting Senecio was towards him before other people - it may have been one of the reasons behind Tide's deep desire to show his love before the whole world, the fact that he was not often shown love openly before the world, from his Beings, because it was dangerous in war to reveal who he really was to them, from human partners, because his nature and existence were hard to accept to most of their fellow humans back in the past. But Senecio's casual acceptance seemed to leave deep impression on Tide, and with bated breath, he held him closer and closer, as the next song that began after - definitely orchestrated by devious Hans - was a slow romantic waltz.

[Mirach]

Senecio was entranced with understanding Tide's feelings even though it was getting a bit overwhelming all at once and he was tiring with the dancing. And there was one thing slightly annoying to him as they got closer for the waltz - his head was somewhere around the level of Tide's waist and he didn't see his eyes, even hidden behind the mask. He pulled on Tide's hand lightly. "Lift me," he whispered with an upwards gesture, a solution for both problems.

[VisAnastasis]

Demon didn't reply right away, as if surprised with the request, probably because Senecio was always self conscious about how others sow him and didn't like to appear childish. Slowly, he reached  beneath his arms and raised him, trying to figure out a dignified position - it the end settling for having him sitting straightly but comfortably on one arm and leaning against his shoulder, while with other he could still hold his  hand.

" Better?" He whispered to his ear, his voice a little hoarse with feelings, as it felt as if things like those, even though they may seem little to many, were one of Tide's desires and fantasies - to hold his lover close before everyone, to show of with their closeness, and tease people from the theatre that thought ill of him in the crowd with how much actor is his, not theirs anymore - perhaps those little posessive things being the remnants of territorial nature of early Beings.

[Mirach]

Senecio found a position for himself that was comfortable but still graceful as he wasn't limp in Tide's arms but still straight and moving slightly in the rhythm of the dance, just being level with Tide's face so that he could look him in the eyes, which actually looked more graceful than the size difference in such a close dance.

[VisAnastasis]

With fiery feathers in his hat, and intricate detailed mask and clothes, Senecio was indeed the star of the night, and being able to hold him close was a treat to Tide - he was the one dancing but he still seemed swept off his feet with actor's grace and elegance, and how easily actor adjusted to his height. While before he held his mask lower so his eyes couldn't be seen well by others, he moved it up a little so actor could see them, and even without any sensing ability, it would be easy to read how enchanted he was. He couldn't help himself, with the romantic dance, and with actor's freedom, but feel free himself - and after a moment, he raised his free hand and caressed actor's cheek, lightly, as one would touch a frail bird, his hand trembling with both care and desire that were hard to suppress, as it seemed actor's acceptance and grace were terribly attractive to him, leaving him weak and breathless.

[Mirach]

After a few dances like that, Senecio was getting overwhelmed with those feelings, just barely stopping himself from reacting to them like to a normal conversation. He was also tiring faster now, despite not having to do much actual dancing. "Last dance, please?" he whispered into Tide's ear, a bit regretfully because despite everything he was enjoying the dancing a lot.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide smiled at the regretful tone wonderingly. He swayed the last time in the dance before he suddenly embraced tiring actor warmly, with eager hunger. With the protective gesture, he gracefully leaps away from the water, carrying the actor away from the centre of attention, going towards one table at aside, next to the musicians, where Hans, who sat at the corner table with Alpha, waited for them.

[Mirach]

As they sat down, Senecio leant at Tide tiredly. He just breathed deeply for a while, trying to deal with his new sense now they weren't the centre of attention.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide was worried, rubbing his back lightly, not knowing what's wrong, and Hans, while having some ideas, didn't comment it, just seemed rather focused on restraint, as if trying to not draw attention to himself and distract the actor from dealing with this.
Alpha Centauri, though, didn't have such regards - it seemed he was the kind of person to deal with things straightforwardly, without qualms.
" Hi there, beautiful, " he addressed him, offering him a glass he just filled. " Aren't you a little too focused on others right now? That's just too unhealthy hobby for a human brain, sugar. How about you focus on a drink? Don't worry, I edited out all the alcohol and left just the taste for you, little pumpkin... " he spoke soothingly, as indeed, it was quite plausible, for someone who is sensing these for the first time, it was hard for an actor to focus away from such intense feelings.

Alpha's feelings towards him were peculiar but refreshing - he could feel the aeons in the look of his glowing eyes on a face of darkness, but not as weight, but as weightlessness, as, while the elated feeling it gave had a majestic regal impression, there was warmth and friendliness to his choices and opinions. He seemed to be charmed by Senecio and interested in him, both in friendly and entertained way, fit for such high ancient Being that wasn't bitter with age, but all the more amiable with knowledge of uniqueness of every new moment, always looking forward to what's next. It was rather amusing feeling, as it seemed he felt for Senecio as one would feel for a cute waddling kitten, but still thought of him as equal and held growing respect for him, which was quite entertaining combination.

[Mirach]

Senecio accepted the cup thankfully, the taste indeed helping him to center himself as he was able to focus on a different sense. He emptied it slowly and then pressed his temples, feeling slightly less overwhelmed. The new sense was still demanding much of his attention though, as he wasn't able to ignore and tune out unsubstantial sensations like one learns with time of using a sense. "I can sense how you feel..." he whispered to Tide a bit shakily. "I can sense how everyone feels..."

[VisAnastasis]

Tide's eyes widened, but then, he suddenly felt embarrassed and his cheeks under the mask flushed red, as he realised how unashamedly drawn and attracted he felt to the actor he was since they came here.
" Like... just a bit of everyone's feelings, right? Not an insane amount? " He asked unsurely, while Hans seemed to have uncertainty of another kind.
" And just the present feelings, right?" He whispered." Not like Eros... Past feelings, if you focus on it?"
" I really doubt mutation would go that far, sugar," Alpha reassured them." Normal minds would  not be able to withstand what minds of personification can for sure.  Eros basically experiences all the world's emotions at once, little Senecio would go mad if he had that much insight, and having insight into anything too distant, well, he can't know if he doesn't try to look, but is bound to give him a headache if he looks too far... "
" But it still looks too much even now..." Hans murmured.
" His mind is probably struggling to adapt best way to filter perception it is capable of..."
" Can't humans just... Conciously control it? Like you decide to squint eyes?"
" No, Tide," Alpha explained patiently." Adaptable mind is more your thing than Being thing. Not every mind is as flowy as yours, and having some backbone isn't necessarily a bad thing for Senecio... Once he adapts he will have firmer grasp on it..."

[Mirach]

"If you can squint your eyes in this, I'm still looking for the eyelids," Senecio murmured. "And I really don't know what's an insane amount, having no amount as a reference point. But no past feelings, at least..."

[VisAnastasis]

" It's quite an easy distinction. If it was an insane amount, you would go insane, " Alpha replied with a tinge of discomfort, especially so, since Hans glared at him with that.
" You can't say it so tactlessly! He will freak out for no reason. We still don't know how bad it is. "
" True, and I am saying this because I am looking at the bright side, " Alpha nodded appeasingly, before turning to actor softly. " Sugar, you're clearly not mad, are you? Then, what is there to fear? You haven't realized you have this ability before coming here to the crowd, did you? Like someone may not realize they can see in the dark of the night, but realize so when suddenly tossed into the light of day. I believe it will be best for you to stay here for some more time, sugar. It would be poor choice to return to the dark of solitude before you even know where your eyelids are, for future reference, and this place is a good learning point... "

[Mirach]

"I guess," Senecio said uncertainly. "It's good to know I can go back to the dark if I want. I might try to look around a bit longer, but I'm rather tired already."

[VisAnastasis]

" How urgent it is that we go back? " Tide whispered hesitantly. " I... never go to gatherings with my people, even if they are usually very small, without tending to everyone, and this is quite a big event, as rare as they can be. I would... feel bad if I went without even speaking a bit with Beings that are attending... "
" You already danced quite a bit, but you also wanted to sing for them, " Hans recalled, and gathered his resolve. " How... how about you go and mingle a bit more, Tide? And sing one song, perhaps, when you are at it. We can keep watch over Senecio. I am not steady enough to dance, anyway... "
" And I am not dancing without Hans, so I'm all good too, " Alpha reassured him, " You can leave the little actor in our care. We will keep him safe. "

[Mirach]

"Of course," Senecio smiled at him. "Go talk to your people. I'll be fine here if you come back once in a while. And... would you mind if I try to follow the feelings of your talks? It's so noisy here... or bright? Feeling-y? I fear I have no language to express this... I'd like to try of I can focus on one points."

[VisAnastasis]

" I feel a bit self-conscious... this is a little embarrassing situation, " Tide admitted. " But to be truthful, I will probably at least get distracted by the talks after a while. How about... how about you give me a couple of minutes of headstart first? I'd feel better if I do not know when you begin paying attention, it would be hard to not get myself into the performing mindset otherwise, and this is really something I refuse to perform in... it isn't like a song or dance. Everyone deserves a little bit of attention right now, and I can't have them share it... "
" What Tide is saying, he'd feel the need to act like an all dazzling and amazing leader if you were paying attention, " Hans rolled his eyes. " Since he'd feel the desire to impress you, and he wouldn't be able to focus on others because he'd be constantly obsessed with thinking of what are you thinking of everything he is doing. "
" Oh, the qualms of young love, " Alpha chuckled, filling Hans's glass of drink. " It would have been less taxing on Tide if you just didn't tell him you would like to pay attention to him, but my, this is certainly more interesting... "

[Mirach]

"It's meant to be private talks?" Senecio asked. "I thought you would have let me tag along if I wouldn't be so inclined to sit down... I asked bacause I'm already feeling like spying on everyone, I don't want to spy on you." 

[VisAnastasis]

" It's not private in a sense of sharing most personal deepest secrets... private in a sense, I would still be sharing emotional intimacy with them, as with only me approaching them they feel freer to express themselves, especially some, after the play, " Tide noted unsurely. " It is not the same, if you sit here, or if you come with me. If you were to come with me, we could all share a word together, I could introduce you, you'd get to meet an interesting person or two...  If you just sit and listen, it feels a bit like prying... "

" Come on, let the kid have a brake, " Alpha intervened, waving away a touch more sternly. " It's not like he can hear the words, and it's not like you hate Eros for his perception that's much deeper. He will just get a bit more insight in our world, which would actually be of use to him when you think about it. We don't blame Eros, either, for having all the insight..."

" It's different. Eros can't help but feel everything. Besides, I am not dating Eros... "

" All the more reason to help Senecio who is closer to you, " Alpha continued with dignified firmness and confidence. " No buts. No blaming him when he's not at fault. With you being who you are, he's basically aiming for a position of prince consort, isn't he? " he said slyly. " All the more reason for him to grow to understand your people, isn't it? It will be a good practice to get a feel for their situation. Don't twist your attentive prince consort into a spy, sweet king... "

[Mirach]

"I do feel like prying anyway," Senecio said. "I can't help it, I don't know how to tune it out. I just hoped I could learn to focus it, and precisely because I don't want to feel like prying, I asked you if I could focus on you. Anyone else I focus on, it would be without their knowledge. I'm afraid this is how it's going to be from now on, regardless of how I feel about and whether you like it or not. We'll just have deal with it..."