Founder's Day [Official Event Thread]

[Tom Marvolo Riddle]

@Poppy​

Toby just went back to blinking as Cecil went off on a ramble, quiet, mildly stunned at the highly positive reaction. He was, decidedly, perfectly happy just listening-- and mentally filed away any information shared with great interest. He curled up a little, nestled against the other man's chest, watching his bright expressions, hearing his attractive voice, feeling his pulse. Cute…

He gave a tiny smile at how pleased Cecil was with the offering, and to show amusement at all of his grouchiness and complaints after that. "I'll see what I can do, on both accounts, as soon as you feel like letting me go. No rush." His eyes fluttered shut for the brief nose kiss.

Toby peered at Cecil curiously. Energetic, even with the agitation. "It's nice. You can just blame it on my sneaking in with food, and forget about this later, if you want," he said, half shrugging, then flushing and perking up at the attention. He leaned in to ghost his lips over Cecil's before kissing him sweetly.

He slumped down again after that, languid. He stared for a few minutes. He didn't usually receive direct approval outside of their screwing around. "Thanks," he said, reaching up to touch Cecil's cheek for a moment. "I missed you, and your backhanded compliments, too."

He made a face. That wasn't adequate. "I like you," he tried again, and figured that was the best he was going to get.

This was the point in their interacting where he was going to awkwardly fumble for some other conversation topic, and end up trying to talk to Cecil about the different types of fabric. Last time, that'd actually gone well, because he'd learned Cecil liked cashmere and given him a sweater. "Do you... are you a fan of fireworks?" He imagined Cecil had about at least forty date options for watching them tonight, if he was, but thought about looking at pretty bursts of color with him and holding hands anyway. He held Cecil's hand now, earnest, since he wouldn't get away with it later.

 

[Poppy]

Vito Rosales​

"Be home by ten. The streets stop being friendly to kids when the clock strikes ten," he told her firmly, nodding. "You have emergency numbers in your phone, as well as a driver that could take you and your friends home. Stay safe. Festivities turn people into animals." He patted her on the head.

"It is nice. It's rewarding. It makes you feel like you're a part of something bigger." He was glad she was picking up these things for him. It further reinforced his thought that respect was learned, not innate. Disrespectful children came from nothing but neglectful parents.

The next thing she said surprised him.

Vito was quiet for a moment. He thought of himself as many things, but "role model" never came to mind. He had to admit, it wasn't easy being him. He shouldered all the hard work so his loved ones would live a better life. He shuffled a bit in his place, taking a sip of his drink.

"Take the virtues and leave the faults. You're much better off that way."

That was that.

@Foxy

***

Cecil Grey Lovette​

Cecil wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close, and taking the kiss with enthusiasm. His heart was drumming in his chest. Blame it on the food, yeah. What did his mom say about that? The best way to a man's heart was through his stomach? He burst out laughing. "Sounds like a plan. When you're hungry, everything's appetizing and all that."

He said he liked him, and Cecil felt like squirming. That was disgusting to think about. He held Toby's face between his hands, meeting his eyes. "That's fucked up, Toby. I'd rather you didn't."

And then he was asking about fireworks. What was this? Were they dating now? What the hell did he want from him? He patted him on the sides, urging him to get off him, heartbeat dangerously loud in his throat.

"Come on, come on. I have like fifteen to look nice and pretty for the audience. We can't sit around and chat." When Toby was off, he stood up and took off his pants, walking over to the costumes, muttering 'pfft, fireworks' under his breath.

@Tom Marvolo Riddle​

 

[Sarrain]

Eroshay had once believed it was cute when adults spoke sternly to her. Cute, because what would they do? Cute because it had been rare for her to be given orders or restrictions. Now, Shay liked it. It made her feel warm, loved, and safe. That probably wasn't the usual reaction to strict rules.

Shay looked away and smiled dreamily. Shay didn't want to leave yet, and really, she didn't have to. Fireworks started at seven until then she could sit with Vito and enjoy his company.

"I won't have your faults, but I'll have other ones. No escaping that." She pulled her knees close to her chest and rested her chin on them. "Would you consider yourself ruthless?" Shay did, but she didn't want to say it out loud if he would take offense.

@Poppy​

 

[Poppy]

Vito Rosales​

Vito nodded. He wanted to be optimistic, even when he knew that there was a possibility she'd go down the same path he did. He was seeing the signs. He just hoped that at the end of the day, pain or not, that she learns.

"Ruthless?" Vito considered the question. He'd been called that before, but rarely to his face. "I suppose that would be an appropriate way to describe me, yes. I do what needs to be done. I don't sit on things and wait for them to fix themselves. People tend to think that my methods and bluntness are harsh and unnecessary, but at the end of the day, problems are solved and everything is where they should be."

He paused for a moment. "Do you think I'm ruthless? Does it scare you?"

 

[Sarrain]

Does it scare you? What a chilling question. Shay considered it and yes, it scared her, but not because she was scared of Vito. Not exactly. She was afraid because the idea didn't bother her more. If Vito were ruthless (and to be real, could someone who loved so much be ruthless?), why did she feel so safe near him? Didn't Shay admire Vito? And if she admired Vito, she admired any vicious qualities he may have, too.

"You told me that story about the guy at the warehouse and the bloodstain. Is it considered ruthless if you're doing it to protect someone else? And is ruthless always a bad thing? You get things done like you said." She ran her finger around the rim of her cup. "It scares me that I'm so comfortable with it. I feel safe around you and Klaus, and I'm not sure that I should."

@Poppy​

 

[Poppy]

Vito Rosales​

"I suppose it's a matter of perspective. Some may consider me ruthless. Others, just. People think honor isn't appropriate for a criminal to have, but it's what separates us from the pathetic ones." He combed her hair with his fingers lovingly. "I do a lot of things that I know you won't approve of, Shay. But always know I'm doing them for you and the family. You don't have to think of me and Klaus as criminals. You just need to think of us as your dads. And we love you."

 

[Sarrain]

A shiver itched down the length of her spine when Vito combed his fingers through her hair. Shay had never met a child who wasn't put in a state of complete contentment by such an action. She turned her face into the touch, savoring it. Erpshay kept silent for as long as she could, carefully selecting what she wanted to say. So much, Shay always wanted to say so much, but she seldom did.

"I know. I mean, I do things I don't think you'd be too happy about. I don't want to, but something in me screams that I have to. Is that what growing up is? Finding your own way." Shay gulped, stopped herself from rambling. She didn't want to get off point. What even was her point anymore?

"I don't like lying. Not to other people, but especially not to myself. I won't pretend what you and Klaus do isn't..." she made a vague gesture. "I love you guys, too. I don't always know what it all means, or where I'm standing or going, but I do know that. I know I love you guys."

@Poppy​

 

[Tom Marvolo Riddle]

@Poppy​

Cecil was no stranger to hunger, Toby noted rather dryly, and he was the one who played appetizing meal for the attention and violation. He stared at Cecil unflinchingly as his face was held, amused. "I'm fucked up, in case you forgot. Cece, loveykins, my favorite demon. You don't get a choice in the matter, I'm afraid, 'cause you practically signed a contract to give me some perks, after everything. I'm owed at least the right to enjoy being with you. It's karma."

However, he slipped back into awkward rather than his smoother creepy behavior when Cecil all but shoved him away, frowning. He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure what he'd done wrong. Shit, he was so bad at making normal conversation and talking like a person. Did Cecil hate fireworks? Were they offensive to him? His confusion showed clearly on his face. "Okay, okay, sorry," he mumbled, furrowing his brows. "I know I'm bad at social interaction… just fabric again next time, um..."

Toby quickly busied himself like a little frantic mouse. He got together Cecil's next outfit and fussily helped him put it on, swallowing when he paused and tried not to linger. Business and pleasure, far too mixed. He sat Cecil down again when they were done in order to touch up his makeup. "Sorry," he said, softer.