May I Have This Dance?

Valon surveyed the room annoyed; too many people had been hanging off of him begging for a dance but he wasn't interested in any of them. To be honest, he'd much rather be spending his time here at the ball with his butler, Vedant, but Valon gave him some time to himself to mingle and have fun.

He was severely regretting it but Vedant deserved it.

With an irked sigh, Valon made his way to the bar deciding which drink he'd like to order to try to drown his sorrows in, even though it was unlikely to happen because of his high alcohol tolerance. Perhaps he'd indulge in some food too, but he'd be willing to bet it wouldn't be as good as his butler's.

…

With a careful glance around the room, being mindful not to catch any wandering eyes as he adjusted his rose decorated mask, Rosemond walked through the rings of dancing dolls. He had always been a fan of this seasonal masquerade, but even he had to admit there was always a time when the crowds became stifling instead of welcoming.

He was sure he would lose himself if he had to endure yet another dance with any of his mentor’s business partners. If Rosemond wanted to be free of it, he had to find a place to hide inguise of mingling. 

When he decided to stand near the bar, he was able to finally take a soft breath. He leaned against the counter, making sure not to crush any of the roses he wore.

…

Valon sneered feeling a sudden presence next to him; glancing, his annoyance was quickly replaced with excitement seeing a familiar face.

“Well, well, look who we have here,” Valon grinned, speaking to Rosemond.

He was happy to have happened upon a friend since the party so far had been, quite frankly, unenjoyable. At least now, Valon would stay occupied longer so that Vedant could continue to enjoy himself. Valon flagged down the bartender so they could get his and Rosemond’s drink orders.

…

Rosemond raised an eyebrow, curious over who was talking to him, only to smile brightly when he realized he knew this doll. “Valon, dear, how wonderful to see you.”

He didn’t want to crumble his friend’s outfit with a hug, instead he patted him lightly on the shoulder.

“How good to see a familiar face, I was beginning to think I was the only person I knew here.” He laughed beneath his raised hand, a soft amused sound.

…

“Ha, the party's really starting now that I'm here,” Valon laughed.

He waved to the bartender signaling he was ready to order after they finished making the drink they were in the middle.

“Anyone begging to dance with your pretty face yet?” Valon teased.

No doubt Rosemond had, almost anyone would be smart to try to be seen with people of status like Rosemond and himself; if his friend had been irked with various strangers asking for a dance, Valon’s presence should deter them for now.

…

“Well you certainly know how to liven a room, my dearest Valon,” Rosemond replied easily, always quick with his compliments.

Although his expression changed as he snorted, quickly trying to hide the sound by clearing his throat, “I fear I have had too many dance partners for tonight.”

He sighed softly, trying to adjust his corset as he looked back at the dance floor. “Or perhaps I’ve just been overrun.”

…

“Fair enough,” Valon chuckled, “hopefully I can provide some sort of reprieve, I'm not very approachable you know.”

He could come off quite intimidating, giving off an air of power, along with being quite blunt and cruel to those Valon couldn't be bothered with. However, with a friend like Rosemond, Valon reigned in the less savory parts of his personality since it was a friendship he'd like to keep.

Valon frowned as he saw a stranger approach the bar and stand a bit too close to Rosemond; it was clear the stranger was eyeing his friend, more than likely trying to strike up a conversation. He gently guided Rosemond to take his spot, moving himself in between them. Valon turned to sneer at the stranger, a clear warning to fuck off or else. He turned his attention back to Rosemond when the stranger decided to scurry away.

…

Rosemond shook his head with a polite smile. “My dear, I would hate to call you unapproachable. You’re good company.” Much better than any he’s had tonight, all things considered. 

He paused, trailing off from another word he was trying to start when he felt a presence next him. Rosemond almost found it amusing, some buns weren’t usually so confident given his height was a neat six foot, but it was also honestly annoying. Luckily he didn’t have to eat a word when Valon moved him, even going so far as to scare off that stranger.

Rosemond laughed, his shoulders slightly shaking, “I see I’ve been rescued, thank you my hero.” He found it so endearing of his friend to worry for him.

…

“Ha, any time,” Valon grinned. “Figured you'd had enough of people like that.”

Valon glanced around to make sure no one else was tempted to approach either of them. Taking a sip of his drink, he was satisfied when he saw that either people had become wary of approaching or were paying the pair no attention.

“So, how have you been? It's been a bit since I've last seen you.”

…

Rosemond sighed, “If it wasn’t for my mentor, I imagine I would have had to deal with fewer people.”

Although he wasn’t truly upset with his mentor, Rosemond just didn’t like being shown off like a pedigree imp. Valon was honestly a blessing with how easily he kept other dolls from approaching them.

“Oh I’m sorry about that, work keeps me so busy lately. I’ve been alright, dear, I’ve even began a new fashion collection since I’ve been given some free time.”

…

“Don't apologize,” Valon reassured. “Life happens.”

Though Valon wasn't kept busy with a job, he understood some of his friends were; he couldn't hold that against them. Valon was lucky his husband kept the money flowing in.

“A new collection?” He asked, curiosity peaked. “Do tell, I love seeing the things you come up with.”

…

“Life happens, hmm that really is something I’ve been thinking of lately.” Rosemond shook his head, raising a hand to adjust his mask, “But really it’s more of the past instead of the present.”

He laughed quickly, realizing that sounded a bit depressing, “Oh yes a new collection, you know me and my florals but I have been experimenting with the wilted flower. Beauty in all things you know.”

…

Valon nodded sympathetically; the past could be a fickle thing.

“Wilted flowers, that is quite interesting,” Valon hummed.

It really was quite a unique take; there was beauty at the beginning and end of everything.

“Any particular flowers or themes in particular for it?”

Valon himself was quite into fashion so he was eager to hear more details to see if it would be something he would be interested in buying for himself once Rosemond released the collection.

…

Rosemond seemed to brighten, his hand gesturing out in front of him as he spoke, “I was thinking of snapdragons or something similar. When my wedding bouquet wilted, I realized the flowers looked like little skulls.”

He waved his hand quickly, “Oh but don’t assume I’m going for the more morbid, they’re still pretty outfits, just with a touch of the end.”

…

“Mark me down as interested, I'd love to see it all when you're done.”

Valon could use some new additions to his wardrobe, he couldn't wait to see Rosemond's collection.

Valon signaled to the bartender for another drink.

“Did you want another drink, Rosemond?”

…

Rosemond nodded, “Of course! I’ll make sure to send you a few things I think you’d like. Maybe to even show off to that husband of yours.”

He did like when his clothing was shown off, it was always fun.

“Oh no, drink too much and I’ll end up leaving with a doll I shouldn’t.” 

…

Valon cackled at Rosemond's words.

“I get that. My tolerance is pretty high so once I start feeling it I know to slow down. Also, my faithful butler knows when to cut me off.”

More than a few times had Valon gotten a bit too tipsy at a party and his butler needed to reign him in.

“And I appreciate the gesture, Rosemond,” Valon thanked his friend. “I'll be sure to keep an eye out for anything you send me.”

…

Rosemond chuckled softly, “I suppose we both best be careful with a drink.”

He shook his head once again and smiled, “Of course, of course, now why don’t we enjoy the rest of the night.”

With that the pair continued their conversations, lost in the middle of a ballroom and in between the patterning of music. Two red buns alone.