Chocolate, Wine, and Stars

Today is another showing of The Celestial Rhapsody.

The walls are lined with velvet drapes in deep shades of burgundy and silver, interspersed with spotless, ornate mirrors that make the space feel infinite. Along the edges of the massive room, low-lit alcoves offer semi-private seating with silk velvet cushions and marble topped tables.

The theater has been rented out specifically for a massive private show. Elite succubuns across all businesses have gathered for an exclusive evening of luxury and entertainment. The grand party room before the show brimming with so much cash the thought of it makes Parallaxa dizzy.

Paral pulls his hand away from the curtain border separating the hall from the party room. He closes his eyes and takes a deep steadying breath. Acting on stage is one thing, performing for high-class fans is another. 

--*--

Duvall sips his drink, squinting into the crowd. There’s tons of sexy rich people he’d like to mooch with, but there’s only one (besides the star of the show) that he’s waiting for. Amun Ramses. Damn buck rarely shows his face, even in private parties like this, but inside sources tell him that he’ll be here tonight.

Duvall taps his foot impatiently, taking a moment to glance at the clock, though it’s the same it was half a minute ago. Ugh. He swings back what's left in his wine glass and huffily trots off towards the buffet. If his inside source was wrong he’d definitely find a way to get that little bastard fired. Would serve them right to get his hopes up!

He’s been trying to get it good with Ramses, the motherfuckin’ Wine Baron, for months now! A partnership would be genius, and Ramses is a smart man. He’d surely see his vision. Duvall peers at the treats available and chuffs at the empty chocolate swiss cake pan, what type of catering is this?! He’s not some middle class bum who doesn’t have pastries available at all times. 

He glances around quickly before his eyes land on a roll sitting on another patron’s plate. As he strolls past, he swaps it out with a few carats before shoveling the cake roll into his mouth. 

“Mmm mmm…” Duvall wipes his face, dumping his handkerchief elsewhere on someone's table before vanishing into the crowd again. 

Ah-ha! Shimmering rainbow antlers, concerned surrounding whispers. He must be here. 

--*--

As expected, the front of the room briefly falls silent when he enters. Ramses scans the crowd, already recognizing some faces. He’s here because he’d like to see the play. Nothing else, despite all the pariahs who’ll attempt to bother him tonight. He brought Davkovich along, since his personal assistant had other matters to tend to..

"Excuse me," Davey clears his throat as he speaks to a tender who’s walking past, “A bottle of Château Bungaux or a Montrachet Grand Hop for mister Ramses, please. With a side of brillat-savarin cheese and an aged comté. Thank you.” 

The tender nods and hurries off after anxiously eyeing the envy bun behind the toothy smile of the sloth bun.

Ramses hums in satisfaction as he makes his way to a booth. He needs to sit—his leg is killing him. He’s been slacking on his stretches and exercises again. So much work he must do, he’d have less work if he wasn’t the only competent soul in Burrowgatory. Thankfully, the crowd parts to let him through, and, surprisingly, no one has hounded him with business requests yet. Odd. He’d expected it the moment he stepped through the door.

Davey beams behind his boss. Oh how wonderful! This type of party isn’t his thing at all. But Ramses requested him here. Hehehe! Lucky him!

He stands besides the booth until Ra gestures with his eyes for him to sit. There’s a comfortable silence for some time, until Ramses sighs and speaks.

“How are you as of now?” 

“I’m good! Though, I should be asking you that, sir. Those stair steps were quite steep.” 

“All I need is some rest, and then–”

“AHA! RAMSES!”

Davey’s head jolts in the direction of the shout, but Ra knows who it is. He simply slides his eyes shut in preemptive exhaustion and peacefully exhales out of his nose.

“I had a gut feeling you were gonna be here,” Duvall throws out his arms and approaches with a big smirk.

“Duvall von Bonbon,” Ramses greets flatly, his voice betraying neither annoyance nor welcome. He gestures vaguely to the opposite side of the booth. “Sit. Or don’t. Your choice, as always...”

Duvall slides into the seat without hesitation, Davey having to hastily scoot to the side. A self-satisfied, toothy grin on Duvall’s handsome face. “Oohhh, I’m sitting, alright. Been meanin’ to catch you—important matters to discuss, y’know.”

“I don’t know, actually.” Ramses continues to stare, Duvall can’t help but feel a pang awkward and stressed. But it’s just Ramses being Ramses, an unshakable, scary dark opal statue. Damn, blink, motherfucker! Duvall clears his throat.

Duvall leans back slightly, as if putting some distance between himself and Ramses’ unrelenting gaze might ease the tension. It doesn’t. He crosses his arms casually, but the movement is a bit too sharp to look natural. “Anyway, like I said, I’ve got something important. Something that could be big for both of us.”

Davey glances between the two CEOs, reaching a timid hand out to grab the cheese and beverages finally placed on the table, taking a moment to nibble away at the yummy comté. Ramses steeples his skeletal fingers, the crystalline bones clicking together in a way that seems almost deliberate. For some reason, Duvall’s attention is drawn to the sharp curve of Ramses’ long talons. 

“There appears to be a misunderstanding,” Ramses says, his voice polished and steady.

Duvall straightens up,“Oh! Well, I mean, I haven’t even gotten to the best part–”

“That’s not what I’m referring to,” Ramses interrupts, his tone cutting through Duvall’s words, "You seem to be operating under some grand delusion in which a world exists where I actually like you. And, in this false reality your flea-ridden mind hallucinated, I don’t find you repulsive and would agree to any business chicanery you’d spew at me . ”

“Er–”

“Rest assured; I don’t like you, nor do I have any intention of entertaining any deal Sinful Sweets proposes to me or my business.” Ramses reaches out, calmly picking up one of the glasses set on the table before him. Duvall stares, not how he thought this encounter would go! “ You sure? ‘Ya seem to be assuming a lot here. I know you like money as much as I do, sweetheart–”

Ramses raises a hand to silence him, and Duvall almost laughs at himself for the fact it worked.

“We’ve ‘talked’ multiple times, and these dozen-or-so times we’ve spoken I’ve said the same things,” Ra sips his drink.

“And all of those times I don’t think you were listening to me either!” Duvall harumphs, crossing his arms tighter, “You can insult me all you like, but I know my worth–”  

Ramses eyes flick over Duvall’s shoulder, “Parallaxa has arrived.”

“He has?!” Duvall's head nearly spins off his neck as he flings his gaze around, well I’ll be damned! Ramses’ shitass attitude can go to Hell, the real star of tonight is here! Duvall stands and rushes off, adjusting his collar and tie as he fadangles his way through the crowd. 

Davey exhales in relief, sliding down in his seat, “Impressive as always, mister Ramses…” 

“Mmm…” Ra hums, gingerly plucking a cut of cheese to eat. 

--*--

“Hello, hellooo!” Parallaxa waves politely at all the guests, his bodyguards hovering nearby, luckily they’re intimidating enough that nobody is trying to touch him– their wealth and status be damned. He shakes some hands, greets familiar faces. 

It wasn't long until he spotted Duvall von Bonbon confidently stomping his way over. Paral smiles fondly and preemptively gestures to his bodyguards to stand down. Duval takes Parallaxa’s hand and brings it to his lips, his gaze locking onto Paral’s as he brushes a warm, deliberate kiss across his skin. 

A smile tugs at Duvall’s lips, reveling in the attention he must be drawing from the crowd. Now this is what parties are for,“ Pleasure to see you again, Paral.” 

“The feeling is mutual,” Parallaxa gently pats Duvall’s cheek as he moves away, “I knew you were going to be here. I don’t think there’s been a show of mine where you haven’t shown up.”

“Ahhh psh, y’know I love ‘ya, sweetheart. You’re too stunning to miss,” Duvall drawls, waving a dismissive hand. “The party hasn’t been too much for you, has it?”

Parallaxa offers a polite smile, their eagerness  for Duvall remaining mostly exaggerated, if they’re honest. However, he sees the appeal! In moments like this, he can’t help but appreciate the boisterous bun’s presence. He likes playing around and entertaining with him. Parallaxa tilts his head, letting a hint of amusement curve their lips. “Not at all,” He replies easily. “Though I can’t say I’ve had the chance to truly enjoy it yet…”

Duvall’s grin widens as if he’s just been handed an opportunity, “WELL, if that’s the case!” He offers one of his arms for Paral to take, “Let’s change that before you have to go on stage, starshine.”