I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

[dorothygaleattheball]

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy was a little breathless, listening to this man - this gorgeous, strong, beautiful man - say all this to her. No man had ever acted this enamored with her before; not in Oz and certainly not in Kansas. “Oh, I can say with complete confidence that making me feel incredible is well within your power, mister.” Dorothy gushed, holding his handsome face in her delicate hand. “You’ve been doing that since we started talkin’.” Her back hit the soft grass and then he obscured her view of the brilliantly starry sky overhead - which, in her opinion made for an even better view, anyway. Her lashes fluttered closed as their lips connected again, parting and moving in tandem against each other as they poured their passion and need into each other. She wrapped her arms around him, her hands grasping at his broad, powerful back as his hands began to explore under her skirt at her suggestion. She gasped as his hand made contact with her soaked panties, her core throbbing with need under the thin fabric. She realized he was shoving his pants down and soon she could feel his erection prodding at her soaked cunt, letting her know exactly how matched his need for her was to hers for him. “Oh…oh, my…you’re such a man…I…I need you inside me like I’ve never needed anything else in my whole life. Please.” She begged, kissing at his lips, along his jawline, and then down the column of his neck while one hand slipped from around his back to palm at his powerful chest, egging him on.

[masquerade-superboy]

Superboy’s heart raced at Dorothy’s words, feeling her warmth and energy radiate against him. Her soft voice, laced with that delicate plea, was enough to keep him right where he wanted to be, wrapped up in every second with her. “Dorothy, your wish is my command,” he whispered, pressing a kiss just beneath her jawline and letting his lips linger there as he traced slow patterns along her waist. He hooked a finger into the underwear and pulled it off. He was gentle and loving as he pressed his cock head into her. The way she clung to him, her touch on his chest, sent a spark through him, grounding him in the incredible moment they shared under the stars. He pulled back just a bit to meet her gaze, his fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, and his voice softened. “I want to make this as perfect as you deserve,” he murmured. And then, unable to hold back any longer, he thrust forward at a steady pace, letting his need pour through, every movement filled with the desire he felt for her. He took her hand in his, fingers intertwined together as he passionately kissed at her neck.

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy whimpered, biting at her bottom lip as their foreheads met in their intimacy. “And yours is mine too…for the record. I don’t think there’s anything you could ask of me that I wouldn’t do for you right now.” She squirmed a little in an attempt to help him peel her soaked panties off her - when they were finally gone there was nothing left in the way between his throbbing erection and her desperately drenched folds. She raked her nails across his back, urging him in and gasping when his cock pushed into her, filling her up so perfectly that it made her eyes roll back in pleasure. She blinked up at him, hearing his promise and not doubting for a single second that he’d make good on it. Soon, her capacity for language was obliterated by the powerful thrusts against her sex, pounding into her at a steady, relentless pace that had her arousal gushing against him, her head lolling to the side as he sucked and kissed at her neck. She ran her fingers through his short hair, holding her slight body to his much larger one as he fucked her like she was his. “Oh…oh yes…please…you can…mmm…you can go as hard as you want. I can take it. I want you to just…mmm take me and make me yours, please!” As she spoke her roaming hands found the bottom hem of his skin-tight shirt and worked their way under the fabric to feel his abs flexing through every thrust.

[alionforhalloween]

"I don't think anyone would blame you for losing your cool a bit with someone who was trying to take your pet," Lion pointed out. "I certainly won't hold that against you. Especially not when you're being so good for me right now. I've met a very good girl on occasion. Usually they enjoy getting on their knees and using their mouths to show me how happy they are to see me."

[dorothygaleattheball]

"You'd be surprised. I didn't have much help keeping her from taking him." She said, shuddering a the memory. "But I appreciate your understanding, Mr. Lion." The girl added shyly. Her big brown eyes widened at his suggestion, arousal tingling from her core at the very thought. "Oh... Like this?" She sunk to her knees, her checkered skirt flaring out across her thighs as she looked up at the imposing lion towering over her. She leaned in and pressed a kiss to his bare, muscled thigh, letting her tongue slip through her lips to taste his skin in the process. "You're the king of the jungle, aren't you? It's only fitting that I service you accordingly..."

[masquerade-superboy]

Superboy's breath caught as she spoke, his hands tightening slightly on her small frame. Her words sent a thrill through him, and he chuckled softly, shaking his head in wonder. "All I know is that you're amazing, Dorothy" he murmured, leaning in to kiss her again, slow and gentle this time. "Good, good. I'd hate to think you felt like you had to do this." He met her gaze, a warm, earnest look in his eyes. "I want you to feel as incredible as you make me feel." With a soft smile, he bent down, lowering her onto the soft grass beneath them, the stars just visible overhead. He hovered over her, one hand cradling her cheek as he leaned in to kiss her again, faster this time, pulling eager kisses from her lips. His hand gently moving beneath her skirt. “I don’t need any proof, Dorothy, but…” he still wanted to feel. Large hand palmed against her underwear. He wanted her to feel how much he wanted this as well, so he forced his pants down. Without pulling their lips apart, he began rubbing against her wet underwear, letting her feel his length.

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy was a little breathless, listening to this man - this gorgeous, strong, beautiful man - say all this to her. No man had ever acted this enamored with her before; not in Oz and certainly not in Kansas. “Oh, I can say with complete confidence that making me feel incredible is well within your power, mister.” Dorothy gushed, holding his handsome face in her delicate hand. “You’ve been doing that since we started talkin’.” Her back hit the soft grass and then he obscured her view of the brilliantly starry sky overhead - which, in her opinion made for an even better view, anyway. Her lashes fluttered closed as their lips connected again, parting and moving in tandem against each other as they poured their passion and need into each other. She wrapped her arms around him, her hands grasping at his broad, powerful back as his hands began to explore under her skirt at her suggestion. She gasped as his hand made contact with her soaked panties, her core throbbing with need under the thin fabric. She realized he was shoving his pants down and soon she could feel his erection prodding at her soaked cunt, letting her know exactly how matched his need for her was to hers for him. “Oh…oh, my…you’re such a man…I…I need you inside me like I’ve never needed anything else in my whole life. Please.” She begged, kissing at his lips, along his jawline, and then down the column of his neck while one hand slipped from around his back to palm at his powerful chest, egging him on.

[masquerade-superboy]

Superboy's smile turned into a soft grin as he held her steady, his eyes filled with playful lust. He kept her close, savoring her every reaction, feeling her excitement match his own. "You really like this, huh?" he murmured, his voice low and warm. The way she looked up at him, flushed and vulnerable, tugged at something deep inside him, making him want to keep going, to keep that look in her eyes. He leaned in, brushing his lips over hers slowly, letting the kiss build all over again. One hand moved to cradle her head, forcing his other hand under her rear side, keeping her anchored to him as they kissed, long and deep. Superboy couldn’t ignore the heat rising in his pants, especially with the way she was pressing against it. “Dorothy… we can keep going,” he murmured, his voice a little unsteady, “but this isn’t just a ‘thank you’, is it?”

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy ducked her head, brushing her nose against his as she giggled, "I do... It's incredible bein' up here in your arms. I almost feel weightless." She explained in a quiet voice, her cheeks flushing as she spoke. "I don't suppose that feeling's down to your super-ness, is it? Or maybe...maybe I'm just particularly weak for a strong man." Before she could embarrass herself further, they were kissing again, and she was damn grateful for it. The kiss was so sensual, so hot, and perfect in every way - Dorothy never wanted it to end. "Oh no. No, this is so much more than that." She replied breathlessly. "I want this just as much as you do, I swear." She implored, leaning forward and kissing him deeply again. "If...if you'd like proof as to how badly I want this and...and you...all you'd have to do is reach under my skirt and feel how wet I am for you." To hide the blush that tinted her cheeks at having said something so bold, she buried her face in Superboy's neck, sucking hot, open-mouthed kisses against his skin as she waited to see if he'd take her up on her suggestion.

[masquerade-superboy]

Superboy’s cheeks warmed at her words, feeling something stir as she looked at him with that soft, admiring gaze she seemed to have since they met. “Those folks back home are clearly missing out,” he replied, his tone soft but firm. “They didn’t get the chance to see you the way I do.” As her blush only deepened, and he couldn’t help but smile, finding her shyness endearing. When she leaned in, pressing her lips to his, he felt a jolt run through him. The softness, the warmth—it was all more than he’d expected. His hands gently traced along her thighs, his hold steady, savoring the moment as they kissed. Superboy pushing it further, while slowing his steps to a stop. The hedge walls around them seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them under the night sky. That is until Superboy realized he had been walking into a dead end… or a quiet, private spot. At her playful remark, he chuckled, their faces still close. “Adorable doesn’t even cover it,” he murmured, his voice a bit rougher. “I’m more than willing to keep going if you are, Dorothy.” With that, he leaned in once more, brushing his lips over hers, feeling a mix of excitement and something deeper as he held her close, up against a hedge wall. Not realizing how hot he was getting for her, as well, until an eager moan was drawn out of his lips.

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy gushed at his praise; not feeling as though it were entirely warranted, but she was powerless to protest against him; not when his eyes were boring down on her like that, making her feel small and weak, but only in the best possible way. All of this led up to a passionate kiss, which she moaned into when she felt him returning it. They remained like that for what felt like a delicious dozen minutes - Dororthy held effortlessly up in Superboy's arms while they made out under the stars, only separating when the need for oxygen (probably on her part) demanded it. She bit her bottom lip, a thankful, whimper of a moan slipping from her mouth at his praise. Something about a man calling her adorable in that deep, domineering tone had her feeling so much naughtier than the aforementioned adjective would normally suggest. "Oh, yes...k-keep going. Oh, I don't know what I'd do if you'd stop." She admitted quietly as they kissed some more, their tongues lapping at each other hungrily as her back hit the wall of the nearest hedge, prompting her to cling even tighter to his strong frame. She could feel his hardness rutting against her, driving her even crazier with need. "Oh...gosh...you feel...mmm...so big... You're big everywhere."

[masquerade-superboy]

"I do, miss." Superboy’s breath caught for a second, her words and touch pulling him completely into the moment. He swallowed, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. “Peculiar, huh? I know, I don't know you too well, or where you come from, but I think I like peculiar.” he replied softly, voice lower. She was close enough that he could feel her heartbeat, her warmth. “You made it special first... with that kiss.” he added, his gaze meeting hers, taking in the blush on her cheeks. Her suggestion hung between them, and he felt heat rise to his face. But he didn’t let her go, tightening his hold on her instead, feeling the way her fingertips traced along his chest, almost electric against his shirt. “If that’s what you want…” he murmured, his own hand shifting, just enough to brush gently down her thigh, below the hemline of her skirt. "How about another kiss? Or... tell me,” he continued with a teasing glint, leaning in a bit closer, “what can I do to make that blush turn even redder? It's adorable.”

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy blushed, ducking her head slightly and looking up at him sweetly through her lashes. “You’d be one of the first…but somehow, your liking of my peculiarities more than makes up for all the folks back home who don’t understand me.” The deep tone of his voice made her cheeks redden, and then the pigment only deepened when he mentioned the kiss she left on his cheek. “Oh…that was…well, I was going to say it was nothing, but it wasn’t. It was something. Something I don’t do to just anyone - just the men who quite literally sweep me off my feet.” She gushed, gasping softly as she felt his powerful arms tighten around her, keeping her flush against his strong, statuesque body. “It’s what I want.” She affirmed. Dorothy couldn’t think of anything better than finding a quiet corner of the maze to lose herself, with this superhero in, under the stars. Her breath hitched at the feeling of his hand traversing her thigh, pushing up and under her skirt along her delicately sensitive skin. “I can manage that…” She said, blushing as she leaned in, angling his face towards hers and pressing her lips soundly to his. She let them linger there, inhaling deeply in order to prolong the exchange. When the need for oxygen forced them to separate she was panting, her fingers threading through his hair as she fought to collect herself. “You…really think it’s adorable, huh?” She asked, giggling breathlessly, their noses still touching. “I think I look like a ripe ‘ol tomato - but if that’s your speed, you’re welcome to keep kissing me, handsome. I can almost promise I’ll only get hotter for you if you do…”

[masquerade-superboy]

Superboy chuckled, feeling a little rush of excitement as Dorothy’s eyes lowered, modest but playful. “Guess we both found a surprise in here, then,” he replied, his smile widening. “Honestly, can’t say I expected to meet anyone like you tonight.” He gave her a warm look. “Glad to hear you’re not complaining, though. Maybe we can make this maze a little more special together.” Superboy’s heart raced as Dorothy nestled against him, her arms draped comfortably around his shoulders, and her soft kiss on his cheek left him practically glowing. He tightened his hold just a bit, making sure she felt secure in his arms. “Well, getting you out of here safe and sound is the least I could do,” he replied with a grin, his voice warm. “But hey, if you’re offering to repay me… I can’t say I’m not curious what you’ve got in mind.” He started down the maze path, confident strides taking them forward, but his gaze kept drifting back to her. "So, tell me, Dorothy,” he added with a playful tone, “where would you want to go next, once we make it out?”

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy held herself tightly to the man’s shoulders, although up in his grasp, she felt relatively weightless - like she could go completely limp and she’d be just as secure as she currently was. “Anyone like me, hmm? I hope you mean that in a good way.” She teased, “I’m thought to be sort of peculiar where I come from.” She looked around at the lush hedged walls, and suddenly got the sensation that she didn’t want to leave after all. If she could spend the whole night trapped in here, wrapped up in a superhero’s arms, would that be the worst thing? The blush on her cheeks gave the answer away: it absolutely wouldn’t be. “You’ve already made it quite special, mister…but if you think you can somehow top yourself, I won’t stand in your way.” She laughed, nuzzling affectionately at his neck. “Maybe…maybe we don’t need to leave for me to repay you. I could repay you now - right here…if you’d like.” She offered, her lashes fluttering flirtatiously at him, one hand dropping from around his shoulder to trace lazy patterns across his strong chest. She appreciated him thinking ahead - it meant that he wouldn’t leave her once they made it through the maze; but for now, with the way her arousal was flushing hotly at her core, which was pressed to an obviously rippling set of abs under his outfit, all she could think about was him, laying her down and showing her exactly how /super/ he was.

[masquerade-superboy]

“Just don't go getting lost again.” he said, unable to hide the grin on his face. The way she toyed with her dress caught his eye, and he couldn’t help but admire how animated she was while talking about her adventures. "I'd like to hear it. Maybe over a drink, or something?" As she began to blush, he felt a surge of confidence. “No trouble at all. I’ve got this!” He scooped her up effortlessly, her laughter filling the air and making him chuckle too. It felt nice to hold her, and he enjoyed the way she settled into his hold. “Oh, I can see just fine if you lean your head on my shoulder.” he reassured her with a playful smile. “Being super also has its perks, like x-ray vision.” He adjusted his grip a little, making sure she was comfortable. “Ready to keep moving, partner?”

[dorothygaleattheball]

Idly, Dorothy reached up, toying at the curls in her pigtails, her eyes ducking modestly when Superboy essentially asked her out. "I didn't know what I'd find coming in here, but a date certainly wasn't at the top of my list...not that I'm complaining in the slightest, of course." Biting her bottom lip, she met his gaze flirtatiously, just as she was scooped up into his arms, her legs wrapping around his waist and her arms draping over his strong shoulders as if she were made to cling to him like this. "My..." She swooned between giggles - she would've fanned herself if her hands weren't busily splaying across his broad, muscled back. Dorothy followed his suggestion easily, leaning her head onto his left shoulder, gazing up into what she could figure was a very, very handsome face as she settled comfortably in his grasp. "I'm ready, mister." She replied sweetly, then, taking a bold impulse and leaning in closer to press a soft, lingering kiss to his cheek. "Thank you for offering to get out of here alive. I'll have to find some way to repay you once we're out of dodge."

[striderattheball]

Strider was beginning to think sitting to enjoy his meal and drink near the apple bobbing contest was a mistake. There was a general air of silliness that he wasn't a big fan of. There were great evils in the world and these silly people were shoving their faces in water to get apples that they could just grab with their hands. The latest contestant seemed to be having a different reaction though. Her face was a mask of fear. It brought out the protector in him. If he could ease the fear it was his duty to do so. He pulled his pipe from his lips and shook his head, face hidden total shadow. "No. There are no trees about. Those apples were most likely purchased at the market. These city folk rarely pick their own crops."

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy set her wide eyes on this mysterious man, her bottom lip trembling. "O-Oh, well - that's good then. I'm not very familiar with the customs of city folk, being from Kansas and all - so it's good to know that I won't be pelted by these apple's trees if I were to try and...n-nevermind." She added quickly,. realizing how insane she must sound to anyone who hadn't gone through Oz like she had. "I appreciate the reassurance, mister. And if it wouldn't be too much trouble, would you mind standing by while I go and get one for myself?"

[doctor-deather]

The doctor came across the shakey girl, a smile creasing along his face. "Oh? Afraid of an apple? You know, one a day keeps doctors like me away," he chuckled darkly. "No, I can't imagine they are," he said looking around, "and at the very least, they're not in this room," he pointed out. "I think you would be fine if you're really jonesing for an apple."

[dorothygaleattheball]

"Well, n-not the apple! Of course, I'm not afraid of the fruit. It's just that I've been to a place where their trees aren't very nice, and...oh, never mind." She sighed, her shoulder slumping slightly, even though her lips quirked into a smile at his joke. "And suppose a girl isn't interested in keeping a doctor away? We should probably avoid the apples altogether then, right?"

[alionforhalloween]

"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you," Lion said gently, though he stayed where he was, using his height to his full advantage. He set a hand on the nervous woman's waist. "I can't imagine that you wouldn't ever be sweet and polite, even if the circumstances called for it. You're a very good girl, Dorothy, aren't you?"

[dorothygaleattheball]

She gasped as his hand - or his paw(?) set on the swell of her hips, drawing her in closer to him. "Oh...w-well, I sure try to be! Of course, I'm not perfect. One time, this horrible woman tried to take my dog from me. I wasn't very sweet or polite to her...but...but I don't see any reason to be anything but to you." She added, flushed as her ruby slippers seemed to carry her even closer to this brawny lion. "Do you...have a lot of experience with very good girls?"

[dorothygaleattheball]

Bobbing for Apples.

Dorothy stood a few feet from the barrel of water, topped with a layer of floating apples. Her bottom lip trembled - she'd be walking around all night and she was positively famished. However, fear locked her in place, her ruby slippers planted to the turf as memories flooded back. Someone was behind her, asking if she was okay. At least, that's what she thought they said. Dorothy nodded, her cheeks flushing as she opened her mouth to explain herself. "I'd like an apple, but...I have a rather traumatic experience tied to them that I'm trying to conquer. The trees from which those apples fell aren't...around here, are they?" She didn't know how to explain to some normal person that back in Oz she had dozens of apples hurled at her by very angry apple trees - they'd think she was crazy! But then, maybe she looked crazy already, so what did she really have to lose?

[masquerade-superboy]

Superboy liked how this citizen looked at him—like the hero he aspired to be. Despite their strange first meeting, her gaze filled him with a sense of pride, and he hoped to make her proud as he led the way out of the haunted maze, now fully committed to keeping his cool. “I’d like to visit sometime! Maybe I’ll make it to your side of Kansas, and we can hang out,” he offered with a genuine smile. “I get it, though. New people can feel pretty overwhelming. Did you manage to find something to bond over with them?” He tilted his head with curiosity. “Do you get lost in unfamiliar places a lot?” With a confident grin, he puffed out his chest, giving a little show of strength. “I don’t really have that problem, Dorothy. I’m… well, my strength is super.” He extended an arm for her to take, eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. “Now, do you prefer the over-the-shoulder rescue?” He easily lifted her, resting her stomach on his broad shoulder. He set her down a moment later, then scooped her up into his arms. “Or bridal style?” He grinned, cradling her gently. “Or… maybe the one where you wrap your legs around my torso?” His eyes sparkled with playful mischief, leaving the choice up to her.

[dorothygaleattheball]

“I’d like that very much, Sir,” Dorothy responded cordially - and she meant it. She didn’t have many friends where she came from; at least, none of which were handsome enough to make her feel flushed with little more than a glance like Superboy could. The idea of running around her aunt’s farm, getting up to all sorts of trouble with such a gorgeous stud made her tingle in the best possible way - but for that dream to come true, they first had to make it out of this maze in one piece. She toyed with the hem of her criminally short, checkered blue dress as she spoke. “Oh, we did. By the end of it all, I was actually quite fond of them. We all realized that each one of us was looking for something that we thought we didn’t have when really, we had what we were looking for all along. It’s a terribly long story, I’m afraid, but we can add that to the list of things to discuss once we’re out of this maze and safe back home in Kansas.” She stated cheerfully, her eyes dropping to the man’s built chest, her red lips parting on their own accord. “Oh my…” She practically whimpered. “I see, well - if you’re sure. But if carrying me becomes any trouble at all, you can set me down, okay?” Before she could even register what was happening, she was being hoisted up into those powerful arms and thrown over his shoulder. Giggling, she squirmed playfully, truly in awe at how easy that seemed to be for him. Then, she was back on the ground only to be scooped up once more, her arms wrapped around his shoulders now, her ruby slippers dangling jovially as she settled in his hold. “Oh…” Her cheeks flushed a pretty pink. “I…I like the last option, but won’t that make it difficult for you to see where you’re going? I don’t suppose your vision is super too, is it?”

[masquerade-superboy]

“I’ll protect you from anything, Miss,” Superboy assured, a hint of pride in his voice. “But if you happen to see a green tiger, no need to worry—that’s just my friend Gar. He can… well, he can turn into animals.” His gaze swept around, curiosity sparking. “Do you get many bears around here?” He gave her a reassuring smile. “No need to thank me, really. I’m here to help—” He froze as the mention of Kansas hit his ears. The word seemed to light a spark in him, and he immediately crouched down to meet her at eye level, placing his hands gently but firmly on her shoulders, his grip a touch stronger than he intended. “Did you say Kansas?” he asked, his voice thick with wonder. “My dad’s from Kansas! He grew up in a little place called Smallville. Maybe… maybe you know him?” He caught himself mid-sentence, realizing he’d almost revealed more than he should. His expression shifting to a sheepish grin as he recovered. “I mean… it’s nice to meet you, Dorothy.” Superboy straightened, brushing the thoughts aside but unable to shake his excitement. “Hey, if you’re up for it, I could carry you right now,” he offered with a warm smile, "and you can tell me about Kansas."

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy beamed up at the man, admiration swelling within her now that she was under the protection of someone as capable as him. This beat trekking an unknown path with a scarecrow, tin-man, and a lion any day. “I don’t doubt it, Sir!” Her eyes widened as he explained the one tiger they may encounter that she shouldn’t fear. She simply nodded, happy to accept anything as fact, especially after her excursion into Oz. She noticed his reaction to her mentioning her home, smiling and nodding at his enthusiasm. “I’m afraid I don’t - you see, Kansas is a pretty big place, but if he’s from Kansas, and you’re familiar with the place, I’m even more comfortable getting through this maze with you! The last time I had to get out of a place to get back home, I didn’t have anything in common with anyone. It was pretty unnerving, to be honest.” She blushed a little at his offer, biting her lip as she considered it. “I just…wouldn’t want you to get winded this early on. I’m betting we still have a long way to go - what if you were to get tired from carrying me the whole time? Then we’d never make it out!” She stopped, though, her eyes dropping to his arms reverently. He didn’t look like anything would exhaust him - and Oz, was she hoping he’d prove her right on that front.

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy didn't mean to leer for too long - but before she could discipline herself to look away, the lion caught her gaze and returned it, speaking to her and throwing out an impressively built chest. "Why...yes, of course. You look very...intimidating." She stammered, worrying her lips together as she moved in a bit closer, her ruby slippers tapping across the floor. "Forgive me for staring. I know that's not polite - it's just...I've only ever met one talking lion before, and he wasn't nearly as brave as you clearly are!"

[alionforhalloween]

"Intimidating?" Lion asked, pointing to himself, his finger grazing along one of the chains across his chest. "Me?" He chuckled and shook his head, but he did take a step toward the lady and stood up to his full height. "You don't have to worry. I only bite if you ask politely."

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy flushed, her eyes dropping to the gold chain standing out against the lion's gorgeously muscled body. "I'm sure I'm not the first to say so..." She said, softly, biting her bottom lip, willing herself to stand her ground as the lion prowled closer to her, easily towering over her short stature. "Ooh...w-well, despite my ogling from earlier, I am nothing if not polite...so I'll be sure to make that request as sweetly as possible when the moment's right."

[masquerade-superboy]

Superboy was coming down from a brief but intense flare-up. The young hero hadn’t quite mastered his temper—a trait he attributed to the DNA of a certain mad genius. Taking a deep breath, he could almost feel the hair on the back of his neck settle, like an angry dog finally calming. He hated losing control like that, but frustration had been bubbling up ever since he turned one corner only to find yet another dead end. Now, though, he noticed the frightened expression on a young lady’s face.

“I’m so sorry, Miss,” he said, scanning her dress to make sure none of the debris had touched it. He offered a sheepish, apologetic smile. “I know… I just lost my cool for a second.” His shoulders sagged in slight embarrassment as he admitted, “And, yeah, I’d fly us out of here, but let’s just say those powers aren’t cooperating tonight.” He shrugged, standing tall again when he saw that she was unharmed, just startled. When her hand moved to his chest, he instinctively wrapped an arm around her waist, a reassuring smile breaking through.

“Yes, stick with me, Miss. If we get stuck, I’ll carry you out. It’s kind of… what I do,” he added, with a hint of pride. “I’m Superboy.”

[dorothygaleattheball]

Dorothy giggled as the strapping young man apologized for startling her. "Oh, that's quite alright. I've had quite enough of being airborne for one lifetime, anyway." Her eyes darted to the hole in the hedge maze and shuddered. "It doesn't seem you have much control over your powers at all, if I may say so - so let's try the more...conventional approach to getting out of here, shall we? It'll be comfort enough to have someone like you on my arm to protect me from all the lions, tigers, and bears." She preened as the man hugged her tight to his body - instantly making her feel secure and protected. "Why, thank you. Thank you so much!" She gushed, hurriedly grasping at her dress to give him a little courtesy. "I'm Dorothy. Dorothy Gale - from Kansas; it's a pleasure to meet you, Superboy. Really, it is!" Her cheeks flushed a bit at the notion of being carried out. "Oh...well, in that case, I'm almost hoping we get stuck."