Written Wonderland

Juniper hadn't realized he was holding his breath until Stephen spoke again, at which point Juniper attempted to casually let it out. This was good. This meant Stephen would probably start talking about the venture to some of the people he knew. Yes, from a business and networking standpoint, this seemed to be going really well. Juniper was already beginning to have more trust in Serio's judgment, and altogether, it was making him more confident throwing in his lot. 

And...then the blush at thinking about talking candidly with Stephen brought Juniper out of his business mind again.

Juniper had just enough time to collect himself before Stephen turned his attention once again toward him. 

"I came from Chicago, which is up-and-coming, but it has a long way to go before it matches New York. More and more of my investments were happening out here, so I decided to come see was all the fuss was about in person. Can't say I've been disappointed," Juniper said with a touch of a sly grin that he hoped partially concealed whatever blush still remained on his face. Let it never be said that Juniper didn't enjoy playing with subtext. 

"But what about you? Were you just overseas for the wedding or do you spend a lot of your time out there?" Yes, small talk. He could do this. Surely. But Juniper kept shifting his eyes slightly as if unsure where to look, though he just wanted to stare at Stephen and take in his whole aesthetic, partly out of a desire to update Juniper's own paradigms of possibility around male beauty but also because Stephen was just damn beautiful to look at. 

"Just for the wedding," Stephen answered smoothly at first, though there seemed to be a very slight hesitation in his voice about it. His gaze blinked to the side briefly, contemplating whether - or how? - to elaborate.

"I hadn't been back in a couple years, actually," he finally delivered with a soft shrug as he pulled his gaze back to Juniper, his lips still smiling pleasantly through it all. "It was rather nice to see family that I hadn't seen in a while, but it's good to be stateside again. The company here is so much more lively - and I can get away with a lot more, being the queer Brit." He spared Juniper a brief wink at that, his weight shifting just-so, incidentally (or not) highlighting the slenderness of his waist beneath his suit.

"Well we're certainly glad to have you back, Pemberley." Serio chimed in, and lightly clapped the man on the shoulder. "For now, I see another soul I should probably introduce Mr. Lane to."

"Mm, of course," Stephen gave another graceful nod of understanding. "Don't be strangers."

Serio nodded in return, and started striding away, though plenty slow enough to give Juniper a chance to give a lingering farewell to Stephen, if he desired.

((OOC: And, I can continue from there if Juniper doesn't have much, but I didn't want to make any assumptions about the nature of his and Stephen's farewell lol))

Juniper was grateful he did not, as far as he knew, have a propensity for sudden fainting as the combination of Stephen's wink and the glorious display of his well-tailored suit washed over him. Juniper didn't want to lose track of Serio, however, and certainly did not want to be seen gawking over Stephen, queer Brit as he may be. 

"It was a pleasure to meet you," Juniper said, figuring that was casual enough, but couldn't help but toss in, "and I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other" as he turned to match Serio's stride. Onto the next introduction, then. Juniper sincerely hoped the next person would not be quite as stunning as Stephen. A man can only hide so many blushes. 

But, more and more, Juniper was gratified that he had been entertaining Serio's plans about this new club. This was already, easily, more fun than anything Juniper had ever considered investing in back in Chicago.

True to his word, Serio brought Juniper to another acquaintance of his and made with introductions and brief chit-chat, just as he'd been smoothly doing all night. Something about it seemed just slightly lackluster though. Perhaps this person just wasn't as interesting, or perhaps Serio was less in it than usual, for some reason. Perhaps a combination of factors. The conversation ended quickly - though smoothly enough - and from there Serio lead Juniper over to a table filled with snacks, where he started filling a small plate with some veggies and hummus.

"Truth told, Stephen was the main person I wanted to introduce you to tonight," he said casually after briefly and subtly eyeing their surroundings. The only other person particularly nearby the table at the moment was at the other end by the desserts, eyeing the strawberries and, Serio guessed, debating how many was appropriate to put on his plate. It was that Cory fellow from the other night, once again with an unbuttoned jacket and a loosened tie. The fit of his suit was more on-point this evening, though the overall look was just a bit more bland. He certainly wasn't trying to stand out today, which Serio supposed was in-line with dawdling by the snack table. But enough passively analysing that.

"He'll be useful on a couple different fronts, I think," Serio continued as he finished loading his plate, "Hopefully I didn't pull you away too soon - I just know he can come on a bit strong sometimes."

Juniper was grateful for the reprieve of a less interesting acquaintance of Serio's, which gave him plenty of time to gather himself and attempt to assure himself he did not completely act the fool in front of Stephen. He found himself distracted thinking over his blunt comments and risked further blushing but managed to keep his inner self-critic under control for the most part. 
 
He was grateful when Serio began heading toward the food even though Juniper's stomach was flip-flopping the way it always did at social gatherings like these. It's why he tried to always eat a meal beforehand, and today had been no exception. There were some hors d'oeuvres catching his eye, something on a hard biscuit with imported cheese and cranberries, he was certain, and then there were some pastries made with... was that Swiss chocolate? Amelia and Colleen had certainly outdone themselves, even for such an informal option for feeding guests. 
 
Serio's mention of Stephen's name once again made a rise of color appear on Juniper's face, but he remained silent and composed, nodding along casually. Juniper carefully lifted a cranberry biscuit with the best mint garnish from one tray and laid it delicately on his plate. He selected several other matching hors d'oeurvres before turning to address Serio's next comment. 
 
"He sounds very knowledgeable of our target audience, indeed," Juniper said delicately, "And no, no need to worry about pulling me away..." Juniper was about to add a "not at all" for good measure but had looked over at Serio to deliver it as though eye contact might be more convincing. It was then that his eyes alighted upon Cory Carter once again. 
 
Having just been unreasonably flustered by Stephen, Juniper's nervous system was eager to find some other reason to excite itself, and Cory presented just the thing. Seeing him in a--granted more drab--better fitting suit leaning over the strawberries in much the same way he examined the art in the lounge, Juniper felt himself grow heady as though he had consumed significantly more alcohol than he actually had. He should have anticipated that Cory would be invited to such a gathering given that Cory had been in the group of Amelia's friends at the lounge, but he honestly hadn't given Cory much of a second thought after having Serio's investment on his mind. Now, though...
 
"And, really, I should be attending to my own contacts, I suppose. No point in avoiding them forever," Juniper said to Serio playfully. Still, Juniper debated whether he should approach Cory. What would they even talk about? Oh, hello, you're that fellow from the bar, right? That was a nice jacket you had on, then-- No, that really wouldn't do. Fancy seeing you here! Avoiding your company for food, are we? No, certainly not. Juniper wasn't as bold as Stephen after all. But, goddamn it all, he found himself wanting to be clever, to impress this perfect stranger (and, really, every stranger if he were being honest). And would it look strange to go directly from Serio to Cory after Juniper had mentioned his contacts? Maybe not, especially not if he also wanted a strawberry. Or those delicious looking croissants on that end of the table. Yes, that would match everything Juniper presently had on his plate. 
 
Giving a nod to Serio, Juniper casually selected one thing off the middle of the table before moving closer to Cory. Was he really doing this? Apparently. If his less flashy suit jacket was anything to go by, maybe Cory did not want to be noticed. But why come to a party for two of the most eligible women in New York if not for... Juniper cut that thought off. It was too much to bear at present. He consoled himself that he simply wanted to know more about this man. For networking purposes. 
 
As Juniper moved closer to Cory, nonchalantly choosing a croissant that had caught his eye from across the table, he made it seem like he had only just recognized Cory. 
 
“Ah! Mr. Carter! Pleasure to see you again so soon,” Juniper said, and looking over at Cory’s loosened tie and his methodical contemplation, Juniper really, really meant it.

Serio nodded to Juniper with a calm smile, in agreement that it was probably best they part ways and tend to more personal matters for the time being. Enough people had certainly taken note by now that Serio was introducing Juniper around; it’d do for Juniper to go stand on his own legs for a while, and for Serio to return to business as usual before too many folks took note.

As Juniper departed for the desserts, Serio helped himself to some more of the hors d'oeuvres before venturing back out into the party, now a touch more approachable to some different sorts of contacts now that a wealthy businessman wasn’t at his side.

---

“Oh!” By all accounts, Cory seemed to only just notice Juniper once the man spoke up. At first his expression was a little deer-in-headlights, but it quickly smoothed out to the same warm smile he’d given easily the other night at the lounge. “Juniper, wasn’t it? Nice to see you again as well.”

His gaze shifted back down to the food on the table and on his plate - and on Juniper’s plate - and he decided it was finally time to take action. He collected three of the sweetest-looking strawberries, and placed them next to a pastry already on his plate, before also collecting a couple chocolates to array over the remaining empty section of plate.

His eyes might have glanced back to Juniper’s plate once he was done - almost as though checking his work? - but the glance was brief, and quickly returned to Juniper himself as his fingers picked up one of the strawberries. It didn’t quite make it to his mouth before he carried on with conversation, though.

“Enjoying the party?”

… Some part of Cory’s brain worried terribly that that was entirely too boring, but he wasn’t coming up with much else at the immediate moment. Out of some mixture of finding something to do in case awkward silence ensued, and just honestly wanting to get to strawberry-eating already anyway, Cory finally brought the piece of fruit up to his mouth to take a bite.

He was just a little bit sad that he hadn’t pushed himself to action before someone was paying attention to him, because now he had to exert some effort to remain attentive instead of just enjoying the food. Despite said effort, though, a rather pleased smile tugged at the corner of his lips and his eyes closed just briefly in the moment his teeth sank in, but his eyes re-opened in short order and returned their gaze to Juniper. He hoped desperately that his expression looked curious and nonchalant. In fact is really was, even if something slightly anxious or awkward was peeking through just a touch in his posture, which he seemed perhaps just a bit less aware of than his expression.

((OOC: Serio's available for bumping into Belledor if/when we wanna get to that. I'm also fine to focus just on Juniper and Cory for now. Basically whenever you want Serio to run into Belledor just feel free to set up where she's at. Unless you want her to approach Serio instead, in which case lemme know and I'll set a scene where Serio's at lol.))

Juniper did everything he could not to read into Cory's startled expression but grew briefly concerned that he had been too forward. But, he reminded himself, this was a party, and that's what one did at parties--socialize. Yes. This was well within friendly and good-natured territory, he assured himself.

He was surprised at how warm he felt again at hearing Cory say his name--not to mention how pleased he was that Cory remembered. Juniper scolded himself mentally at that, however. Didn't he himself take every opportunity to remember names? It was crucial for his line of work, after all. But, Cory didn't seem terribly interested in those types of social games, which made the fact that he remembered Juniper's name that much more notable.

He found himself unable to take his eyes away from the strawberry after the first time Cory lifted it to his mouth. Something about the pause... Like Cory really wanted the chance to savor it. It distracted him so much that Juniper almost missed Cory's question.

Before Juniper could answer, however, Cory lifted the strawberry once again to his lips and this time actually took a bite. The smile that appeared as Cory closed his eyes--a deeply satisfied, relishing smile--relayed such an internal experience and felt incredibly intimate. It was as though Juniper was being allowed into this man's personal experience, if only for a moment.

Juniper found himself simultaneously hoping that he would get to experience Cory take yet another bite and terrified that he actually might do it. It was almost, ridiculously, too much excitement to bear.

Juniper had managed to keep his expression mostly calm and casually focused, though Cory might have seen Juniper's own startled glance when Cory opened his eyes again. Juniper blinked twice in an attempt to clear his head and finally answered Cory's question.

"Yes, I believe I am, though probably not as much as you seem to be enjoying that strawberry," Juniper said this playfully, hoping to sound appreciative rather than make Cory embarrassed, "Good choice with the chocolate. It seems they have spared no expense with the imports." As he said it, Juniper found the renegade version of himself hoping beyond hope that Cory would, in fact, taste the chocolate next while he himself glanced down at his plate and prepared to pick up the small biscuit and its gorgeous mint garnish.

Juniper's comment about enjoying the strawberry did throw Cory off-kilter just slightly - a hint of red touched his cheeks, his gaze swept briefly to the side, and his weight shifted - but his lips held onto that satisfied smile. He returned his gaze to Juniper at the mention of chocolate, though his cheeks gained another shade of blush when Juniper mentioned their expense.

"Mm," Cory nodded, and did indeed set down his strawberry to pick up a chocolate. "The girls certainly do like to pull out all the stops."

He eyed the chocolate a moment, wondering whether it was odd to move on to a new item before actually finishing his strawberry. He only paused for a blink, though - in which his eyebrow lifted slightly - before he went ahead and lifted the chocolate to his lips, once again letting his eyes fall shut as his teeth sank in and the first bit of the taste of it hit his tongue. The smile that tugged at his lips was a little wider this time, but it didn't quite seem due to the chocolate being any more delicious than the strawberry had been (though, for sure, it was up there). His eyes also lingered shut just a half a moment longer, and he let out a satisfied hum before turning his gaze back to Juniper again. It'd be a sec before he could make another comment, though - had to chew that tasty tasty chocolate in his mouth.

Juniper was grateful that Cory seemed to take the comment well and was grateful Cory didn't lose the satisfied expression entirely. Was that a blush on Cory's cheeks? It did certainly look like it. Though, Juniper supposed it was warm in here, and they were wearing suits. And maybe Cory was just shy. But, that didn't really make sense. After all, it had been Cory who introduced himself to Serio and Juniper in the lounge. He did seem a little less comfortable at this party, though. Juniper decided not to read into it. 

But then Cory picked up a piece of chocolate, and Juniper swallowed unconsciously. He hadn't even finished the strawberry first! The completely irrational part of Juniper's mind wondered if Cory could hear his thoughts and then immediately decided that was ridiculous. Juniper watched with intrigue, leaning in ever so slightly when the chocolate touched his teeth. Juniper's blood starting pumping faster when Cory's eyes closed, and Juniper had the incredible temptation to stroke the side of Cory's jaw and down his neck. Good grief, it had been a while since his brain had a renegade fantasy. 

Cory's eyes did stay closed just a moment longer, and Juniper could not tear his eyes away. What was it about this man eating chocolate? Hadn't Juniper seen a hundred men do that before? But Cory was so visibly enjoying it, seemingly for no one except himself. Juniper found himself imagining making one of his gourmet meals for Cory and watching Cory take his first bite. 

Great. Another renegade. Not helpful. Neither was the hum, for that matter. It was quiet, below the din of the party noise, but Juniper caught it, and the fantasy of him stroking Cory's neck appeared again, this time with the addition of the hum, and Juniper imagined the way Cory's vibrations would feel against his hand.

When Cory opened his eyes again, Juniper attempted to collect himself. Surely his eyes were at least a little wider than they had been previously. Now, it was Juniper's turn to look down. Ah, yes, he hadn't even touched his own food yet. He picked up the opportunistic croissant and slowly tore a bite-sized piece of the buttery, flaking pastry, briefly admiring the soft texture of the inner layers before raising the portion to his lips. Juniper's eyes darted momentarily toward Cory again before letting the croissant melt on his tongue. Good gods, Juniper might need to find out who their chef was. He had never been able to get the croissants to come out this well. He had to admit, he was surprised, and it showed on his face, his own eyes closed for just a moment as he chewed. Juniper uttered a shorter, quieter hum himself, and part of him ached and hoped for Cory to hear it. 

Once he was finished chewing, Juniper asked, "How is it that you know Ms. Rayne and Ms. Williams?" Benign enough a question, surely.  

--

Having traveled to New York to find work and distance herself from her previous life, Belledor had not anticipated being invited to a high-class socialite gathering such as this, and in fact, she hadn't been. Her friend Sarah, one of the only people who Belledor knew in New York besides the people at work, had insisted she come along with her and, by all accounts, had snuck her in. Belledor had only met Sarah after a freak accident anyway, the result of a street collision while Sarah was escaping from one of her recent suitors. Belledor had encouraged Sarah to seek refuge in the lounge just before they had opened one night--which Belledor had mixed feelings about and hoped to God Serio and Ren hadn't known or minded--and Sarah had never forgotten the favor. 

Still, Belledor was smart enough to realize that even Sarah was only invited to the party for the sake of propriety since the vast majority of the other guests were male, and Amelia and Colleen were not subtle about their intentions. Nevertheless, Belledor was excited--if terrified--at being at such a gathering, though she stayed fairly near to Sarah in the event that anyone asked her who she was or where she was from. Belledor was terrible at lying. 

Thus far, the story had been that Belledor was Sarah's cousin visiting from out of town, and Belledor was happy to let Sarah do most of the talking, though several of the men had introduced themselves to Belledor, holding her hand in that oh-so-gentlemanly way by means of greeting. Perhaps it was only the dress that was catching their attention. It was Sarah's as there was certainly nothing in Belledor's closet fit for more than a casual after-work cocktail party. It was forest green color with a delicate twist in the front of the fabric that made her neither underdressed or overdressed for the occasion and matched her eyes, which were, in all honestly, the only thing about her appearance that was even remotely intense. The fabric sparkled if anyone got close enough to look.

Everything became somewhat more complicated when Belledor caught sight of Serio at the party. She certainly hadn't expected him here, and he could easily dismantle Sarah's lies about why Belledor was even here in the first place. As the result, Belledor stayed even closer to Sarah, wondering why she had agreed to go along with this at all. But, Serio seemed fairly distracted leading a gentleman she hadn't seen before around, and gradually she relaxed and, dare she say it, started to enjoy herself. Sarah passed her a drink that was light in color and sweet, probably moscato like she often served at work, and Belledor sighed with contentment, her enormously thick brown hair framing her face in the subtle waves Sarah had managed to get to stay in there.

When Juniper opened his eyes after finishing that bite of croissant, Cory’s first and middle fingers were lightly pressed against his lips, and his eyes were just a little bit wider than before. He blinked to the side quickly, and swallowed. When Juniper asked his question, Cory’s fingers lightly dropped away from his mouth and started playing absently with the leaves of the strawberry on his plate as he drew his gaze back to Juniper.

“Childhood friends,” he replied promptly. Maybe too promptly? “With Amelia, that is. She introduced me to Ms. Williams only just recently… I’m pretty new to town, actually. Um, how about yourself?”

Yeah… Cory was definitely nervous. He was making a valiant effort to keep his expression light and interested, and was succeeding pretty well there, but his body language was pretty stiff and guarded.

((OOC: Serio's strategizing his approach, and didn't want to hold Cory back from a post. Rest assured progress is being made on that front too though.))