Senecio adn Tide II

[VisAnastasis]

A shadow of pain lingered across Tide's aura, but he also seemed smitten by such a beautiful image.
" If... If no kind of peace is negotiated with Spirit realm, it could never be. It would be an trap ready to happen. But... It is so nice to imagine... " He whispered." But why not twice a year, then?" He got distracted and asked with adorable puzzlement as he understood statement literally." If they would be taking about it month before and after, it is only three month of talk a year, it seems too little. If we make .. if we would have made it two times per year, it would be six months of talk. That would be twice as impressive... "

[Mirach]

"Or we make it so grand they will talk about it six months before and six months after," Senecio smirked, leaning on Tide so he could carry him to the pool.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide, while holding onto the thread of their conversation, was easily distracted by the chance to help him to the pond, after he was assured it's alright, carrying him with trembling, hopeful joy, still frail, but growing firmer by the second.
Suddenly, before stepping on the pond again, he stopped as he remembered something.
" Seine... " he finally addressed him by the nickname again, not name, as if testing the work, as he spoke. " I am... quite certain by now Eros, Hans and Alpha deliberately manipulated you to come back... Do not look in that direction, but they are sitting at the same table, drinking wine and murmuring suspitiously like damn traitors they are... " he murmured suddenly, as if he tried to distance himself from that fact, and do not look away either " But still... those words about wanting to hear me sing... were they really part of a performance before others, or not? Did Eros put you up to say that, or did you really want it? "

[Mirach]

"Eros said that you planned to sing," Senecio admitted. "I wouldn't know otherwise. And I'd really like to hear it."

[VisAnastasis]

" It's not really a special plan for this occasion alone. I just always sing and dance for my people, to raise the Spirits, and I always choose at least one song, " he smiled vulnerably, despite proud at his little pun. " I would not feel honest enough if I were to sing a happy tune right now, fit for a dance. Something more personal and somber would suit me.  But if you'd not mind that, I think I would feel inclined, to sing for everyone. The questions I have are obvious - are you too tired for both dance and song? I am a little worried if you'd fall asleep before you hear me... " he blushed. " Because I feel like would like you to hear it, too... "

[Mirach]

"I won't fall asleep, it's too loud here," Senecio said. "As long as you're holding me, I'm fine. Just don't put me down and expect me to stand, that might not end well."

[VisAnastasis]

" That sounds like a challenge, then. Why would I suddenly want to act against my own interest? I know I want it like this more than you... For you, this might be thin border where my childishness barely doesn't scrape by your elegance... " He smiled shyly, as, reassured, with start of a song, and actor in his one arm, he held his other hand shyly, like they did before, checking if it is alright, with a mix of desire, uncertainty and hope." You will tell me if it gets too much for you, right?" He whispered to his ear. " I am a demon, I get no tired. When you have danced enough, and want the change, tell me, alright? "

[Mirach]

Senecio nodded, taking Tide's hand. He leant closer at the demon, leaving no space between them, for both more intimacy and support.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide's hand was trembling with the feeling of being seen like that in public, but with pleasure, not shame, like Senecio in matters of love, unexpectedly shameless in parading what he enjoyed it. This time he was more self conscious of his feelings, as he knew Senecio could feel  them, but he could not hide he found immense pleasure in acting like this. His mental state was still a bit frail, but he faced it with renewed hope, and shyly, he allowed himself and through it the actor to feel how he did. He let him feel how much it meant to him to show everyone he knew that he found someone who was not ashamed of him and was fond of him so openly with no hesitance, that he had someone sure. To him, it was the world, and in turn it made him feel a beastly posessive protectiveness, as he held actor in his arms, a glint of desire growing all the more with actor's gentleness to him, that made him hard to breathe. He let actor feel it, his mind still a little frail with experience, his moves more self conscious and solemn than last time, but determined to not falter. It seemed this was his way of fighting for their day, a hesitant but concious step forward he tried to make to respond to Senecio's, show of his feelings despite the fears of being rejected.

[Mirach]

They danced a few dances like that, but during the last one, Senecio stiffened at one point, scanning the crowd with narrowed eyes. It seemed he found something he was looking for, because he turned his attention back to Tide. "Enough of dancing," he whispered when the song ended.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide immediately nodded, not asking him what he had seen, not right now. Immediately, with light easy movement, he stepped out of the pond, carrying him away as inconspicuously as possible.
" How about a song then, maybe? " he whispered, trying to sound neutral so Senecio could make a preferable choice, but not able to hide hopefulness that he will say yes - it was a double-edged sword, feeling other's feelings because, like this, the actor would know what the other person preferred and the knowledge would influence his choices more.

[Mirach]

"I'd love it," Senecio whispered, pleased that he could feel that Tide wants it too and he doesn't have to worry whether such request might be bothering him.

[VisAnastasis]

Tide was too exhausted by all the questioning of if and if not actor's choices and opinions are affected by his new perception, that he just decided to take a rest from it for just a moment, and took it for face value this time, with no second-guessing, as he gracefully walked out from the water into the marble floor.
" Say, where would you prefer to listen to me from? You can stay in my lap despite the attention, or, as you know... " he teased him with a little softer, shier tone making difference between what was and wasn't his preference. " Get back and sit with the traitors... "

[Mirach]

Senecio thought about it for a while. "I don't think I'd be able to focus on the song if I sit with them," he smirked. "I'd rather stay with you."

[VisAnastasis]

Tide finally grinned a little more, as his expression lit up - wearing his emotions on his sleeve, not able to hide he was relieved actor didn't choose to go after all, as if after emotional crisis he felt before, and then the reassurance, he felt encouraged his touch. He held him close as he stepped towards musicians. Would among grand balls be normal, for people to just randomly approach people of entertainment, chat with them, and amiably ask them for a lute and a chance to play a song? Who knew, but Tide, who had his own sense of what is proper, just did so, and who could refuse a giant masked demon? It would be unusual if the lutist protested.
And so, Tide was handed a lute, and without him needing to ask, one Spirit was already bringing him an armchair that could support his weight, and he sat down, gracefully shifting his dress, and placing actor at a side of his lap, like upon a rightfully earned throne. Innocently, with a showy gesture, he put lute in front of him, embracing him as he tuned it. There was all so perceivable silence that fell, and competition, both among crowd and feelings, as one by one, with the news, Beings that were scattered around gathered like moths toward the light, to hear Tide sing, despite demon's simple humble setup, his choice clearly bringing them in center of attention.

[Mirach]

Senecio leant his head on the demon's shoulder, looking forward to hear him sing for his people.

[VisAnastasis]

Demon played out a few notes, slowly getting a feel for it. It seemed he was getting his heart ready as much as the instrument. It was a strange occurrence at the ball, as flocks of guests gathered around them, Beings who gathered to hear his song as if in the same time wanting to see through his worries and seek his warmth.

Tide played, and so, the checking of tones turned into a melody, and then, a tune.... and then a song. If common humans heard it, they would think of it as a love song. Tide could not publicly claim himself a demon king, but there was calm loving kingly dignity to it, and so, through words of love, he seemed to be addressing every one of his people there, and every person felt the song was meant for them. He sang softly, but he put his heart into it, and it held a soft, but caring promise of the bond they all shared will bring good things, and that their future isn't gloom, like the play made them feel, but hopeful. He sang, and despite the mask, he watched over the crowd lovingly, and the crowd gazed back at him, some bold or young ones flocking to sit around him, some standing at his side.

In a perfect world,
One we've never known...
We would never need
To face the world alone.
They can have their world
We'll create our own...
I may not be brave or strong or smart
But, somewhere in my secret heart
I know
Love will find a way
Anywhere I go, I'm home
If you are there beside me
Like dark
Turning into day
Somehow, we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way
I was so afraid
Now, I realize
Love is never wrong
And, so, it never dies
There's a perfect world
Shining in your eyes
And, if only they could feel it, too
The happiness I feel with you
They'd know
Love will find a way
Anywhere we go, we're home
If we are there together
Like dark
Turning into day
Somehow, we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way
I know
Love will find a way
Anywhere we go, I'm home
If we are there together
Like dark
Turning into day
Somehow, we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way
I know love will find a way
I know love will find a way...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayPG7O0YtiE


He sang in language of humans, ever so sweetly and timidly, his renewed resolve turning into sugary hopeful tones, as he was gazing across the crowd though the mask, acknowledging every person he knew one by one. In the end, his gaze finally fell on Hans. Being was quiet, frail still, and a little drunk by now, as well as still bewildered, but he seemed to acknowledge intention behind Tide's song. Slowly, he stood up, and drew attention to himself, as he slowly trying to keep steady on his feet, and walked before Tide. He stood before him seriously for a moment, and demon endured his look as he sang, not burdening Hans with gestures of hopefulness or worry despite he felt it.

He endured it, and Hans rewarded his efforts by sitting down on the arm of the armchair opposite to Senecio, and after a moment, he closed his eyes, and he joined in on the song, The Demon King and Spirit King of the kingdom singing together, a rare and precious opportunity fo their people, many of whom were touched, enchanted, or relieved there seemed to be no hard argue between their kings - and they sang first, on human, language, and then, continued on the same melody and sang the song on the language of Spirits and humming of Demon tonue too, not touching each other, their contact scarce, but still not able to help but be bound by invisible threads of fate that they could not control, and the song they choose to sing together, despite how much they didn't get along right now.

[Mirach]

Sebecio also felt like the song was meant for him, even if Tide wasn't looking at him. It soothed his headache and brought tears to his eyes. He was glad for the mask then as he leant on Tide more closely.

[VisAnastasis]

While for others, it was also meant for him equally - and while he was watching others, it was him who Tide held. When actor leaned closer against him, it seemed he took it as a positive sign and felt proud and touched with it, a timid, light purring sound heard as he sang. Beings who knew how much public affection meant to Tide also felt reassured and more approving of Senecio, and he could feel their disposition and respect for him rise.
Hans also seemed to approve of this development. There was suppressed weariness and restraint in his aura, but above all, beneath jests and jokes, there was still fierce determination to make sure Senecio's night ends well, as if that meant to him that he had a chance to make things up a little. His song was also meant equally for Senecio - and for him who loved more sparingly, it was probably meant for Tide and Senecio more than for most people around.

As song was ending, he hesitantly put a hand lightly on actor's shoulder, as if to ask him if he is alright, with just a tinge of guilt in his measured feelings, as it seemed Tide's guess was correct and he did 'conspire' with the other two to make sure Senecio would be guilted to come again.

[Mirach]

He could feel the fever under his touch, and Senecio was a bit slow to react to it, but he raised his gaze to Hans and shrugged slightly, as if to say *worth it*.

[VisAnastasis]

After he understood the reaction, Hans grinned, in a defiant playful sort of way, despite his own struggles and bad circumstances of them all, despite the argue with Tide that was weighing him down, his expression as well saying *worth it*, eloquently, so much so that Senecio didn't have to read his emotions to understand.
Tide watched them, as the song ended and he kindly returned the lute to the musician over his shoulder. He looked between both before he gazed at the crowd of Beings gathered for them that erupted into applause with his gaze, some humans following out of impulse too. That brought a little bigger, although still frail smile to his face, as he suddenly turned to the two again.
" I'm... I just have to go around and give everyone a hug or farewell first, and then we can go home, " he whispered quietly to them, as another song was starting. " Is that alright? Can I carry you back to Alpha and Eros for a moment, to keep a look on you? I will only be gone a moment this time, just parting greetings... "

[Mirach]

That brought Senecio back to reality and he nodded seriously. "Yes. I need to speak with Hans."

[VisAnastasis]

Hans got some chills with that, as it was a foreboding feeling to not know what actor would complain of, still, but he put on a nonchalant face, deciding that is the problem to deal within a minute or so, not right away. Tide had a problem, or rather, a hope of not having problems right now, though, as he turned to Hans.

" May I... carry you to the others? Just... just out of platonic reasons. I promise it's not a request out of worry this time... although your steps do still look uncertain..."
" Please do not finish that sentence and ruin this for me. I know you love to do to this... I will grant it, but I am still mad. Is that alright, " he looked at the mask with a defiant expression that could not hide Hans was at the end of his wits and limit too. " You overbearing glorious bastard? "
Tide knew it was best he could get in the moment, and that to Hans, it was a lot to give, so he managed to smile a little, unsurely, but still, with little more determination to hold on and not fall into doubts.
" Alright, it's a deal, you sly evil mastermind... " Both insults they gave each other stung a bit, but they needed to exchange that little salt to start talking as themselves again. Despite still not making peace technically, Hans reached for Tide slowly, and clung to his left arm, while Senecio held onto the right, and he raised them both easily, grinning ear to ear as he walked, with timid pride, with even to himself at this moment unexpected pleasure similar to that of a child parading his favourite toys.

[Mirach]

After Tide put them down and left to greet his people, Senecio leant towards Eros. "You felt that too? Someone who just arrived as we danced... he was surprised to see me. As if he didn't expect me to be here. Disappointed, even..."

[VisAnastasis]

" Yes, " Being, who was prepared to be berated for before, seemed almost glad that wasn't the subject. " I did not want to alarm you, but I realize your perception is too strong, even if unpolished yet... I hoped you would forget since you are tired, " he sighed a little unhappily. " I didn't want to worry you. It is hard to gain intelligence on emotions alone, especially when you only get a brief glance. It was disappointment clearly, yes. A lot of bitterness and disbelief. But the feelings of past didn't reach too far into the fabric of the past. For a start, from that, I am quite sure he was human or at the very least Being or human younger than 40, and yes - he. Different genders or a mix of genders tend to give off different chemical undertones to the feelings. Also, I could not pinpoint him in the crowd, but his past reeked unpleasantly, with disrespect and disdain to you. So, I am quite sure it is bound to be someone you know... "