shiningboxofjustice | (no subject)

(no subject)

This is the largest, most elegant ballroom you have ever seen. Overhead, golden chandeliers flicker with warm lights, which are reflected on the large, window-shaped mirrors on the walls. A beautiful wooden dance floor sat in the center of the room, with ornately-decorated tables all around it. In the back is a pair of glass doors leading to a balcony that overlooks some gorgeous scenery.

[To play, just comment here to start a thread, or go around and tag other people. You don't have to use the setting described here, either -- you can set it in a different ballroom, or you can start before the ball. It's up to you!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What's there to misunderstand? You needed an escape route, and I covered for you. To be quite honest, I'd seen some of the treatment you were receiving, and I didn't like it one bit.

[ Sheryl smiles and gives an elegant curtsy before beginning the dance. ]

I am used to it. It is an occupational hazard. It seems that just because I sell my voice and my talent to my fans, they believe they can buy me too.

Does that mean you've been watching me? I'm flattered.

[Athrun bows in return and steps right into it.]

Just because you're used to it doesn't make it right, though. A true gentleman treats a lady with dignity and respect. He puts her first, not himself.

It's kind of hard to not pay attention to a famous singer when they're in the room, wouldn't you say?

[ She laughs. ] ... you're quite surprisingly old fashioned. How refreshing.

It seems you know who I am. Why don't you tell me about yourself? Start with your name.

"Refreshing..." That's the first time I've heard that. But anyway, I was born into a well-to-do family, so they raised me to fit the social code.

Oh, yes. I'm Athrun Zala, pilot in the service of the Orb Union.

I see. That makes sense. First impression does tell me that you are privileged ...

... you're a pilot?

[Athrun winces at the use of the word "privileged." He was well aware of the negative connotations it carried nowadays.]

Yes, a mobile suit pilot. Why?

Nothing. [ Trying to change the subject. ]

What made you decide to be a pilot?

...The Bloody Valentine Tragedy. I felt like I had to defend my nation.

Oh, I'm ... sorry. I shouldn't have asked.

It's all right. You didn't know. Besides, that was four years ago now. The wound has had time to heal.

Did you ... lose someone that day?

I don't usually bring it up, but...I did.

My mother.

I'm sorry to hear that.

[ She doesn't say anything, but she could understand. ]

I lost both my parents when I was a kid.

I'm sorry.

...Perhaps we should move to a more uplifting subject.

You might be right. But then again, this dance is almost over ... I'll have to return to those men soon.

What are you going to do to rescue me this time, Mister Pilot?

Why not stay by my side? You could imagine me as your personal bodyguard for the remainder of the night. Besides, I would like to keep talking to you, if possible.

Hnm ... not afraid what scandal something like that might cause?

I doubt anyone would try to make a scandal out of something that involves a veteran of two wars.

You'd be surprised what the press is capable of.

Even if it provokes outrage from the masses?

Are you really that important?

The people of Orb regard me as a hero for what I did in both wars, as does the Kingdom of Scandinavia. And people hate seeing their heroes sullied.

Impressive. But are you sure they will appreciate their hero being seen with a woman with a reputation such as mine?

I don't think they'll see it as a big deal. After all, I used to be engaged to Lacus Clyne.