newsalvations

[newsalvations]

florian was very much aware that his ex husband was back in alexandria, though the two had hardly seen one another. it was probably for the best that they kept their distance. it wasn't even a concern for florian that he may run into his ex, these sorts of things were not something joachim would have normally liked.

the fairy took the opportunity to feel up his muscles, this was clearly a man who took care of himself and his body. he wondered who was under the mask, but didn't want to ruin the surprise. not yet, at least. "i think we should find a place with a bit more privacy…" he said in a low voice, being guided inside and through the crowd of people. "so are you from here, handsome?"

funny enough, joachim should have cared more about who he was talking to at the event. one of his past hookups, the father to his child, and his son were all walking around somwhere. still, the fae was drinking away and spooking people whenever he could catch them off guard. that was why he had a pleased smile on his face the more that they interacted. finally he was out of the caves and allowed to have some fun.

hook and sinker. joachim moved his hand up and rest it on the bottom of the stranger's chin, lifting it up a bit without removing his mask. "i think it will." then he moved his hand down, placing it over the other's. "shall we go back inside or find a place a little more private to help you relax?"

#( interactions: florian silverstone )

[newsalvations]

these sorts of things weren't something lysander had ever really been a part of, so he wasn't entirely sure how he was supposed to go about it. he couldn't recognize anyone in the crowd and although he usually didn't have a problem interacting with others, the siphoner couldn't help but feel out of place in a room like this.

he'd been standing off by himself, enjoying the champagne given to them when someone approached him who was bold. "i'd love another drink," he smirked under his mask as he turned his body to give the other his full and undivided attention. "though i wouldn't mind trying you out."

David was excited about the ball, mostly because it meant that no one would have preconceived notions about him. Just like he wouldn't have them about anyone else. People would often throw themselves at him because of his looks, reputation, and family name. Although being completely disguised made it difficult for anyone to know it was him. They would have to rely on connections and personality, which is why he wasted no time wandering around, interacting with different people, and occasionally watching others in his black, white, and gold mask.

The only downside to the whole affair was that he couldn't share and enjoy himself with his friends and family. They were all lost in the crowds of people, and it would take forever to find them. Not to mention, they were disguised and he wasn't sure what they were up to. That's when someone caught his eye, and David wasted no time walking up to him. "You look like you need a drink, so let me get you one, or I wouldn't mind if you drank me up." // @newsalvations

#( interactions: lysander finch )

[newsalvations]

Paul Rudd in Diggers (2006)

#( visage: florian silverstone ) #( physics: florian silverstone ) #he would not dress like this lol but

[newsalvations]

if oz was going to be honest, he didn't really give a fuck about all the decadence of the masquerade ball. it was a good reference to his art in the future but his mind was focused on something else, getting himself off by finding whatever pretty twink he could get his hands on. that was the figure who he was all over right now. "thanks," he said with a grin though most of his face was covered under the thick mask that had been made specifically for him. it was a shame that he couldn't see who was under the others mask but maybe that was made this all thrilling. the anonymity, not even knowing what kind of face might be lying underneath. "looks like you need someone to take care of you." his hand quickly ran down the others side, stopping at the hip. 

hearing a voice approaching him, paxton glanced up from his the glass that he had been sipping at, a soft smile forming on his features “hi, handsome.” the floral fae greeted, lifting his glass up to his lips and taking a drink. paxton loved a good party, hot men, dancing, alcohol, what was there not to love about that? i mean, the masks did bring it down a little bit, he liked to see all the pretty faces, see who he was flirting with. he was a very sociable person so he normally thrived in situations like this but right now there was only one thing that was on his mind and that was getting pounded like there was no tomorrow. so here he was, scoping out the crowd of partygoers, attempting to find someone who would fulfil those needs. “don’t you look good tonight? I love your outfit” he noted, eyes lingering on who he assumed was a strangers mask, it was truly stunning. the seashells, the colours (which were his favourite part), props to whoever made it, it was beautiful.

#( interactions: oz michaels )

[newsalvations]

the mask he was currently wearing had been gifted to him when he was given an invitation to tonights event, he didn't know where it came from but it would have been a shame to not use something that was so beautifully crafted for him. he assumed there might be other guests who had the similar masks, if not the same, but every single mask in the ballroom seemed to be uniquely made for that persons. despite the wings covering his eyes, he could still see through them and navigate through the room. "uhh... yeah, i don't know how but i can see pretty normally with these." he didn't have an explanation on how the mask worked but didn't bother asking either. "i thought i'd be doing the same thing." he took a half step back when the blonde started waving his hand in front of his face.

and just like that, the stranger seemed to have forgotten he was there and resumed eating. artie awkwardly waited for a moment or two, looking around the room to see if he recognized any of the faces but no such luck. maybe he'd just head back to the bookshop and get an extra hour or two of sleep. that was when the stranger seemed to remember he was there again and offered him food again. "yeah, i'm actually kind of starving-"

he was cut off, suddenly the guy was standing up straight and dusting himself off. "a riddle?" he looked around, wondering if biard or angelo were pranking him right now but they were nowhere to be found. "yeah, i guess i could answer a riddle." was this guy a sphinx or something?

"yeah," he answered with a warm, unembarrassed laugh and nod of his head as the other seemed surprised with how much food thomas had gathered for himself. "whoa, wait, how did you see all this? you can see through that?" he questioned with an almost childlike sense of fascination as he looked up at the other's mask; and the feather's covering his eyes. in fact, thomas went so far as to lift his free hand and wave it in front of the other's face as if he couldn't see him. "that's pretty cool. if i had that mask i'd be walking into walls and tripping over everyone."

chuckling, clearly amusing himself with the thoughts of him wearing a mask that obscured his vision like that, thomas picked up chocolate covered strawberry and unceremoniously popped it into his mouth; taking a minute, or two, to chew it without acknowledging that the man was still with him.

"oh, yeah," blinking, he seemed to snap his attention back and remember that he currently had company. "people tonight clearly don't know what's important. do you want some? i have plenty... but, actually, wait..."

turning to face the stranger, thomas pushed away from the surface to stand up straight. smoothing out the front of his suit, he fussed over his appearance for a second to make himself look better before speaking again. "first," he furrowed his brows and deepened his voice to make himself appear more serious. "if it is satisfaction you seek, you must first answer my riddles three."

#( interactions: arthur ashe )

[newsalvations]

bayram could hear his mother telling him to mind his own business and leave other people alone, he knew he should haven't been snooping around other people's rooms that were left unlocked but curiosity killed the cat. right? the harpy knew he should have just returned to the party by now but there was a part of him that was captivated by the stranger who seemed to like him, clinging to his bicep that bayram noticed he flexed to show off. the guy didn't seem to want him to leave, maybe even flirting with bayram who couldn't hold back the grin that began forming along the edge of his lips. 

he could understand that, the town could be intimidating to someone who had just arrived. when bayram first moved down here five years ago, he brought his brothers and parents. what would he have done if he didn't have such a strong and supportive system to help him adjust? of course the harpy didn't know what this stranger was, but he must have been drawn to alexandria for a reason. "well, you know me now. that's a start, isn't it?" of course neither knew the others name but he seemed to be opening up to bayram quite easily. perhaps the masks helped ease those nerves that might normally be there?

"no, don't apologize." bayram had been a shoulder to cry on for many people, this was a role that seemed to come naturally to him. he didn't hesitate to take the bottle from the stranger and take a drink for himself, before offering it back to christopher. taking a step forward, he guided the other back to the bed so they could sit and relax. "i'd much rather have company like this than be down at the ball. the music isn't as good as the hosts think."

"no, it's fine. really." the human argued as he swung his feet over the edge of the bed so he could pull himself up to stand. despite originally wanting to take a breather for himself and be alone, he found himself gravitating towards the stranger; even going so far as to close off the space between them so he could gently place a hand on the other man's bicep, cupping over the muscle, to show that christopher wasn't telling him to leave. "if our roles were reversed i'd be a bit curious too; i'd want to know how shows up to the so called event of the year and almost immediately hides." he teased, himself mostly, with a soft smile.

"nerves?" he offered in defense of himself. "which is why i grabbed this... which, i'm not sure if i was allowed to take the whole bottle so let's just keep this between us." the man laughed weakly under his breath as he took a few steps back to pick up the handle of tequila; eyes cutting back over through his mask to glance at the stranger darkening his doorway. "i don't know anyone," christopher added on, unprompted, as something made him feel like he needed to at least try and a make a case for himself to the handsome stranger. "th-that's one of the reason's why i'm in here by myself, and why i'm in here in general. surprisingly the mask's don't help the whole feeling out of place thing..."

"sorry, i don't know why i'm dumping all of that on you. here," he twisted the cap of the bottle, breaking the seal, and took a swig of the tequila before smiling and holding it out for the stranger to drink from. "i'm making things awkward, the least i can do is offer you a drink."

#( interactions: bayram sahin )

[newsalvations]

the anonymity of the masquerade ball was making lysander a bit bolder and so forward with the stranger. he'd never had a problem picking up bed mates but there was something about not knowing a thing about the guy you were hitting on, even their face was a mystery that brought a certain thrill to the siphoner.

there was no doubt the guy was playing hard to get, not something lysander was particularly fond of doing with whatever food it was he was about to eat… though he decided to entertain it. maybe it was those abs that was giving him the motivation to do so. "well, i don't think anyone can truly gauge my skills except for myself.. though i've been thanked by just about every partner i've ever had." he said, taking up the space between them.

although lysander didn't like the stranger trying to make him jealous, his voice remained unphased. "i didn't know people needed to prove themselves to get some action." clearly annoyed, he contemplated for a second of what he could possibly do. "alright, you want to see what i've got to offer." lysander turned around to discreetly bend over and show off his ass to the stranger, grazing against his crotch for a second while he pretended to pick something up from the floor.

there was a confident, borderline arrogant sharpness to the smirk nestled in the right corner of holden's mouth as he kept his eyes on the approaching man. he was attractive, every bit a good visual representation of the heretic's type (despite the mask) but holden wasn't the type to make things easy.

he wanted to try and play with his food before he gave in and devoured.

"how do i know that your opinion of yourself isn't unfairly biased?" he challenged, he teased, as he cocked his head to the side. his posturing carried hints of feigned disinterest as he glanced around the room, letting other strangers borrow his attention for seconds just to annoy the man with him; to make him want holden to pay attention to him and him alone.

"you look good, i'll give you that," reaching out, holden breached the other's personal space to adjust and smooth out his tie, patting it against his chest with an almost mocking glint in his eyes as he leaned forward to whisper in his ear; his head angled to keep the horns on his mask from knocking against the man with him. "but like i said, i don't know you. i don't know if you actually are... how did you put it? quite good? why don't you give me a demonstration... get me hard without using your hands. right here, right now..."

"should be easy for you unless you aren't as good as you think you are."

#( interactions: lysander finch )

[newsalvations]

This was a world that Lysander never truly felt a part of, his parents were part of an old and powerful coven in the northwest. Were these sorts of masquerades the same ones his parents had attended and even hosted? Lysander would never know, his father was the last person he'd ever want to see again on this earth.

"Well, I wouldn't know since I don't know anything about you." But perhaps that was the point, Lysander wasn't entirely sure. "Be someone who is looking for some adventure, maybe a bored husband looking to spice up his life… Even if it's under someone else." He wasn't always one to be so lewd like this, but why not throw caution to the wind? The anonymity made Lysander feel bolder than normal.

"It's been alright. It's certainly kept me on my feet, though I don't know what I would have ever expected." Lysander couldn't normally use his powers at will like most witches, though everything about the ball felt… odd.

"Lysander," Tao repeated, rolling the name on his tongue as if tasting its flavor. His lips quirked into a smile. "A pleasure." He took a sip of his champagne, surveying the room over the rim of his glass.

Tao's gaze swept across the room once more, taking in the array of masked figures. Each one a carefully crafted persona, a character for the night's grand stage. Some were bold and flamboyant, others more reserved, but all held an air of intrigue. He found himself drawn to the subtle nuances, the small gestures and body language that hinted at the person beneath the mask.

Turning his attention back to Lysander, Tao offered a slight shrug, the champagne flute swirling gently in his hand. "I haven't quite decided," he remarked, a mischievous lilt in his tone. "It rather depends on the circumstances, doesn't it? Who would you have me be?"

He locked eyes with Lysander, a faint smile playing at the edges of his lips. "So, how's the party treating you, darling? Up to your hopes? Or are you over this big masquerade already?"

#( interactions: lysander finch )

[newsalvations]

it had been ages since florian last went to an event like this, he had so many responsibilities in his life that he didn't feel like he had the time for something like this. paxton, however, was eager to attend the ball and florian always felt better when he could at least keep an eye on his only child. not because he didn't trust paxton, but the young fae was his entire world and florian wanted to protect him.

"oh," a smirk began to curl around the edges of his lips when the stranger said that. he certainly knew how to flirt and it was working. "well, if you think it will help me relax." it wasn't common for someone to make a move onto florian like this, but he'd take it. approaching the bearded figure, he gripped onto the man's muscular arm.

being able to read people, even if he didn't interact with them a lot anymore, was a part of his job. as a general, he had to make sure he knew who were good soldiers and who were close to having a breakdown. now, he wasn't going to know much of anything until the masks came off. that part made him sigh a bit, wondering how he was going to get around that.

never let your guard down. that was one of the first things that joachim was taught as a child and stood with him all these years. he couldn't help the low chuckle that slipped from his mouth. it wasn't judging the mysterious guest, it was just thinking back on how he would've been shamed for being startled.

"that's good that you have something to ground yourself in. i'm sure if you want to go inside, there's plenty of other ways to relax though. holding onto my arm the entire night could be a start." was he flirting with someone without knowing their identity? yes.

#( interactions: florian silverstone )

[newsalvations]

icarus could normally read anyone in a room, read their auras as it helped him find their perfect matches nearby. yet, that wasn't the case tonight. his powers seemed to be null and void, perhaps the fates were telling the cupid to take a night off and focus on himself for once? it certainly was something he needed to do.

the cupid had lost his shirt and jacket earlier that evening, he'd always been a champion of wearing less clothes but mortals were far too prudent. "oh, i need to convince you to come dance with me?" icarus wrapped his arms around the others neck to guide him out to the dance floor, sliding one to grab the nephilim by the hip. "i appreciate you showing your beautiful off, humans can be so prudent and stiff."

as a nephilim, he could normally tell instantly what kind of creature every single person in this room was, but these masks were throwing him through a loop, so he decided he would people watch for now, study the crowd. until his eyes came to rest on one of the most stunning creatures (and that was saying a lot considering how many beautiful people were here) he had seen all night, he watched him dance around the room, moving between people until he found his way to Antonio.

“i don’t know, watching you has been pretty fun so far.” the fallen angel hummed, eyes running up and down the mans naked torso, taking in every inch of him. “maybe I could be convinced to come dance with you, I never say to having a gorgeous man grinding on me.” He hummed, pushing himself off of the wall, he was wearing a sheer see through black top, which done a great job and showing off his thick pecs and well defined abdomen, a pair of grey pants, and a black belt that tied the outfit together. his mask though, that was the real masterpiece of his outfit, it was a cream and gold mask with wings that matched his own on angelic wings.

#( interactions: icarus lovelace )

[newsalvations]

LEO WOODALL as Dexter Mayhew "1988" — One Day (1.01)

#( visage: oz michaels ) #( physics: oz michaels )

[newsalvations]

ANT-MAN (2015) dir. Peyton Reed

#( visage: florian silverstone )

[newsalvations]

#( musings: oz michaels )

[newsalvations]

#( musings: arthur ashe )

[newsalvations]

masquerades weren't exactly new for arthur, his family had been old money rich from new england. the circles the ashe family ran in were known to throw all sorts of extravagent events like this but the key difference was that those had been filled with people artie knew his entire life and kids he grew up with. he'd only been in alexandria for six months, only collecting a small handful of friends.

at first, the bookstore clerk hoped he could run into thomas and angelo but they were nowhere to be seen. he mentioned the ball to the them, did they ghost him? because of that, he was sitting alone in the back of the ballroom and watching other people dance. around an hour or so into the event, artie could hear his stomach growling. scanning the room, he saw a corner where plenty of food was sitting. perfect.

"oh, is this all yours?" he asked, realizing this wasn't the food table but someone's plate instead. the stranger seemed to be hoarding a lot of the food, or so it seemed. nobody seemed to paying the two of them any mind, more focused on dancing the night away or sneaking off to the rooms upstairs. "yeah.. i don't think they even realized there was any food to eat."

event: masquerade ball location: the chateau muse: thomas langford

everyone seemed to gravitate towards the middle of the room, dancing and mingling as their disguises allowed for a playful air of mystery; some huddled around the drinks trays, or made their way upstairs with their keys to take full advantage of the evenings activities.

thomas, however, had pushed a tray of empty glasses off of a counter and onto the floor so that he could prop up his elbows as he devoured a tray of snacks he'd gathered from various tables. priorities.

people weren't avoiding him, per say, but in a room full he was somehow on his own-- but that quickly seemed to change. looking up through the pastels of his mask, the bell on one of his mask's horns jingling softly, he stuffed the food in his mouth into his cheek so he could offer a lopsided smile as someone approached him at his makeshift table.

"you know, it's criminal really," he started before the stranger could say anything to him, his hand gesturing towards the party behind him as he held onto a comedically phallic piece of fruit, "all this good food and no one is paying it any attention. what could be more important than free food?" he teased, his eyes closing as he winced through swallowing the food in his mouth he hadn't finished chewing; the stolen keys he'd collected because he felt like dangling from the chain around his neck as he turned to face the other man fully. "it's embarrassing, really. i feel bad for everyone else. they're missing out."

@unveilstarters

#( interactions: arthur ashe )

[newsalvations]

masquerade balls had never been in lysander's life before now, he vaguely remembered his family going to a few when he was a child but he wasn't allowed to go. instead, the siphoner was locked away in the attic where he'd wait until they returned home and secretly try to master his unique gifts.

it took a bit of an adjustment for him at first, it wasn't like other parties that lysander had attended— normally people just drank beer or whatever liqour was provided and danced to whatever music was popular at the time. this was a lot more formal and he couldn't recognize anyone behind the decadent and elaborate masks that everyone seemed to be adorned in.

he'd been sitting alone at a table when he caught the eye of a blonde, his bare torso was visible and lysander had to appreciate the muscles that were on display for everyone. however, he didn't intend to be caught and could have sworn his cheeks were burning a bright crimson right now.

"i, well i was just appreciating the view." he got up, his hand around the rim of his drink as he approached the stranger. "and i don't know you." he retorted, resting his arm against the side of the wall. "i need to prove myself now?" he cocked a brow, though the grin didn't fade. "well for one, i know i'm quite good." he took a step forward. "and you'll see how good i look without a mask on."

event: masquerade ball location: the chateau muse: holden helsburg

never staying in one place for too long, constantly being on the run, was draining; even for someone as accustomed to that lifestyle as holden. a party was exactly what he needed-- especially one that allowed him to hide who he was and still have fun.

approaching the chateau, he couldn't help but smirk at the mask he'd gravitated towards. it was made to look like stone, the grayish black material of it matching his checkered suit well, but it was the devilish horns that twisted out from the temples that he liked the most. pulling it over his face, his lips curled into a devious smirk and he made his way into the party.

dancing for a bit, various strangers taking advantage of his lack of a shirt beneath his suit jacket as their hands traced over the dips and lines of his muscle, he finally peeled himself away from the crowd to look for something to drink.

instead, though, he found a tray filled with keys and as he went to reach for one purely out of curiosity, he couldn't help but feel a pair of eyes on him.

"i can feel you staring." pinching the key between his fingers, he held it up as he turned to face the man watching him. "what, hoping i ask if you want to help me make use of this?" he questioned as he lightly shook the key in his grip. "i don't know you," he taunted. he didn't need to know them. "how do i know you'd be worth the time?"

@unveilstarters

#( interactions: lysander finch )

[newsalvations]

although bayram's parents insisted that he attend the ball and that they'd be fine for a few hours, he had this nagging thought eating away at the back of his head to go check on them and make sure they were fine. sneaking out of the ballroom, the harpy made his way upstairs until he found his parents room. his mother scolded bayram, telling him she was fine and didn't need anything and he better not come back until the ball was over.

once he was sure they didn't need anything, the harpy finally left and headed back towards the ballroom. the hallway was mostly empty still, the evening had just started so people hadn't excused themselves upstairs to the various rooms made for this very occasion. except for one door that was cracked, although bayram knew he should mind his own business he couldn't help but peak in to see for himself.

it was a handsome guy who was sitting on the edge of the bed, just as he was about to turn around and leave the guy he stepped on a creaking floorboard and got the mans attention. "oh no no," he tried to assure the stranger, taking a step back. "i was heading back myself and saw your door open." he tried to explain. "i shouldn't have been snooping."

event: masquerade ball location: the chateau muse: christopher lane

he had been enjoying himself at the party for a few hours now. maybe this place wasn't so bad after all. keeping one of the key's he'd used earlier in the night, christopher stole-- well, no, he borrowed a bottle of tequila (it wasn't his favorite, but it was better than water) from behind a counter while no one was watching and made his way back up the stairs.

slipping into the room, accidentally leaving the door opened behind himself, he set the tequila bottle down on the nightstand next to the bed and let out a heavy sigh and unbuttoned his suit jacket. he needed a break, that was all. he'd go back to the party in a few minutes, after a few swallows, but right now he just needed some space to breath and relax.

with his back to the door, he began to smooth out the bed in the room so he could sit down on the cover when the sound of creaking floorboards cut through the muddled noise of the ball.

turning around quickly, he came face to face with someone pushing the door to his room open further. "sorry," he spoke up as he held up his hands to show he meant no harm, "i was just taking a breather but you probably need the room," he assumed they had someone with them, he assumed they were wanting to use the room for it's intended purposes, "i can-- i can just leave. i should just leave, head back downstairs and get back in there," he offered with an awkward laugh as he made no genuine effort to move.

@unveilstarters

#( interactions: bayram sahin )