alexmarkovna:
—
Alex shook his head. “You say that you’ve never had it happen and then list two instances when that exact thing happened,” he countered smoothly, trying not to roll his eyes as well when he noticed the way that her eyes lit up when she spoke. Or the loud laugh that followed him admittance that he was going to return the suit in the morning as the tags were tucked away. If he did get any blood or food on it then he was going to be stuck with the bill which was not something that he was particularly interested in. Not when he had only gotten the suit for tonight and tonight only. “All that you would see is me disappearing into the back where no one can find me while everyone else is caught in the middle of the fight you started.” A tight lipped smile pressed onto his features, though it was fading slightly as he glanced at the moving crowd of people that were getting closer. But he did his best to stand his ground to keep by her side rather than leave her by herself because of his own damn problems, none of which were something that he wanted to put on her.
He glanced down at the suit, fidgeting with the cuffs once more before he gave up on feeling overly comfortable in it compared to the normal clothes that he often wore for work. Or around town. He couldn’t even remember the last time that he had been in a suit or if the reason had been a good enough one in the first place to don it. Not like tonight. Still, as he considered her opinion — that was when he took in the reaction she had with his own. She always looked nice, more put together than he would ever hope to be, but there was something more tonight that he noticed. And he was sure that even if she couldn’t tell, he wasn’t the only one that noticed. “You more than look the part, even if this isn’t your usual scene.” He was the one that felt ready to crawl out of his skin. Though he had to pause, catching himself from blatantly staring at her when she mentioned a dance — “So what you’re telling me is that the suit wasn’t enough?” This time he couldn’t help the rough chuckle that slipped out between his lips then as he had to look away. “Most would be happy with what they’ve gotten so far tonight,” he told her with a sideways glance. “Not be looking for a way to get everything and more — especially when we both know that your pouting doesn’t work on me.” Or so he told himself.
-
“Well, I don’t count my pets fighting over me. They’re a little biased. The other instance...valid.” Nia chuckled. “You know, I’d start the fight and leave when the commotion was at a height. Sometimes I can be a little devious.” That was truer than he knew. Nia used to pride herself on never having many tells, but when Alex smiled, no matter if it was a barely there smile that faded quickly, her own smile came in wordless response every single time. It was rare to see, and in her mind it was absolute incredible every time it happened.
She watched him fiddle with his suit again. She couldn’t fight another smile. “You know, it won’t magically turn into a different shirt,” she teased. “I could try to turn it into one, but the horror if I couldn’t turn it back.” Nia was only joking, she wouldn’t dare do any magic in this packed place. Though living with rules was something she hadn’t done when she was with her father. Rules were new to her, especially when magic was her first instinct. It was her turn to fidget with her dress when he told her she looked the part. “I think unlike you I might actually keep mine. I doubt I’ll have a reason to wear it again, but maybe I want to walk around my place in a fancy dress one day.” It would probably collect dust in her closet, but she’d have the memory. Nia couldn’t fight her laugh at his words. “Oh the suit was more than enough, and again you’re the most dashing man here, but would I be me if I didn’t at least ask?”
She looked at him then, brown eyes meeting his. “Please? One dance and we can leave. But not on the dance floor. Over there,” she pointed to the unoccupied balcony away from everyone else. “If I accidentally step on your toes I don’t want everyone to see.” That wasn’t actually the reason. Nia knew just by observing that Alex wasn’t comfortable in this crowded place. She’d seen the way his eyes darted to the crowded dance floor.















