Dancin until dawn.
[The hardest part about keeping a secret is the waiting around. Nick's better at surprises and delayed gratification than most, but even he's having a hard time keeping a lid on this one. It takes planning, though, setting up a really romantic evening, even one as juvenile and silly as this. Thankfully, between Ellie and the Vaultie's pack-rat tendencies, Nick's managed to set up something genuinely pretty nice.
Nick had thought about clearing out the upstairs, but the odds of Hancock just wandering up there were too high. Instead, he cleared out the floor below theirs and went to work. The decorations were top notch, he'd figured out how to get SNOW to play music down here. Had set up spotlights, metallic streamers, the whole nine yards.
No high school prom had ever looked more prom-like. Vaultie had even provided balloons.
He had the whole thing sewed up, prom, romantic food, he even wore the nice outfit that the Vaultie had given him. All he required now was Hancock.
Nick tried to remain inconspicuous as he meandered through the Old Statehouse, but he was dressed to the nines. The look Farenheit gave him was longsuffering, but she didn't say anything otherwise. When he finally got to Hancock's door--he knocked and adjusted his tie.]
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So long as they're machine washable... otherwise we're gunna be goin through a lot'a rugs
[ Hancock's not exactly obnoxiously entitled, not every single erection needs immediate accommodation; he can breathe, think Unsexy thoughts, wade through the next few minutes until his body clues in that the current activity doesn't require 'active hardware'.
Nick makes thinking unsexy thoughts a real challenge though-- almost an impossibility. For the moment Hancock seems perfectly comfortable (utterly shameless) strolling around with enough of an erection that pulling down his dress is deemed too much effort. Absolutely no one present should be surprised. ]
I'm never partied out, it's just a clever illusion so the normal folk don't get too jealous of my ungodly stamina
[ Despite his theatrical boast (the mess on his face and clothing) the ghoul sways forward, fitting himself comfortably against Nick's collar and wrapping his arms around his ribs. Hancock squeezes with affection fiercer than his fatigue, a pleased hum in his chest as he nuzzles against the side of Nick's throat. ]
Ya wanna retire somewhere private? I'm game, just don't say it's because I'm tappin out, got a reputation n'all
[ Ala Hancock's good spirits, he's blowing smoke out of his ass. ]
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[Nick admits quietly, really basking in that lovestruck look on Hancock's messy face while he can. This party is about as private as their own bedroom, the Vaultie's presence doesn't shift the needle much for Nick anymore. The mess they've made of themselves, though, is both unbecoming and vaguely sticky and..well...Nick's gotten a little spoiled with his clean, hermetically sealed apartment. Being able to keep clean really lines up nicely with his fastidiousness and obsessive compulsive nature.]
Anyone asks, we can blame it on me. It's gettin past my bedtime.
[Nick runs a hand up Hancock's back, holding him as he nuzzles his neck. He casts a look at the buffet table of food and then glances at the Vaultie on the stage. A bit of thought has Nick whistling to the supine synth.]
I can pack it all up in a few, take the rest of the night off, yeah? Thanks for the music...and the accompanyment.
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[ He murmurs without a hint of hesitance against Nick's collar, extremely contented to be cradled (filthy) to the spot. Happy is a particular choice of word for Hancock here; not comfy, not fine, but happy. He lingers where he is for a few more seconds before drifting back on a rasping reluctant sigh. ]
Deal. Needed a new fall man, nice'a you to volunteer
[ Hancock chuckles like warm cider as he weaves his fingers through Nick's and draws him along at a leisurely pace across the (mostly) sparkling open space. ] Anythin' I don't feel like doin'? Sorry, Husband's got a bed time, I gotta book it
[ Evaris, meanwhile, affirms his new quest acquisition with a 'thumbs up' gesture and an agreeable hum in his throat. ]
You got it Nick-otine~ Outta here as soon as I can find my legs
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It isn't until Nick steps through, into the elevator, that he realizes just how much dancing they've done. In the party room time seemed like a suggestion, everything was a hazy blend of now, then, and the future, and he was living for it. The elevator exists in stone cold reality and even Nick can feel the last few hours in his joints. He huffs a happy but tired sigh as he hits the button for the floor above.]
I'm thinkin that might actually be the best night of my life. So far, that is.
[He can feel the ring on Hancock's fingers, tangled between his.]
Can't seem to stop smilin. Must be a glitch.
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[ It's not a real question, despite the inflection; the way his thumb affectionately traces Nick's knuckles suggests he's more than glad for the sprawling time-limit promised by the ring on his finger. The gentlest hum of radiation from the metal is doing wonders to dull the aches the evening had carved into him, slowly and steadily easing the pains in his knees and the rawness of his throat. ]
I could think'a worse positions for your mouth to lock up
[ Hancock lounges against the wall of the elevator for the brief duration of the ride, seeming to enjoy the display of debauchery he's been made into. He tries again (deliberate, sensual) to arrange the clingy dress down his front but-- no, nuh-uh, naddah dice, the thing is too soiled. Instead he abandons the dicey display and wriggles out of the garment, pulling it over his head and balling it up casually under his arm. ]
Think I can make it from here to our place without anyone catching me streakin?
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[Nick teases. Watching him wriggle out of that dress was a sight, but seeing him standing there in the buff--except, of course, for his new jewelry--is one better. The elevator ride is a short one, but Nick still can't quite make himself wait. He steps closer, free hand bracing against the wall alongside his lounging fiancee, casual as you please.
His smile is fixed, even as he goes for debonaire, there's nothing for it. He's just too happy.]
I was gonna help you out of that. Seeing how you're freed up, want to help me out of mine?
Not like anyone else might need to use the elevator.... >>;
Oh, right. I'd offer to put it back on, but... look I don't got many taboos, but crawling back into a well used dress is solidly in the 'Maybe' category [ It's good natured banter as much as it's actually true, the ghoul's voice all warm and wry with amiable avidity. ]
What, right here? In the elevator? What'll the neighbors say?
[ He's laying it on pretty thick here, a serpentine smirk underscoring his languid rasping teasing. Hancock's hands go wandering down Nick's front and then floating back up beneath his shirt, bunching the fabric against his wrists. ]
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Let 'em yap. [Nick has to bend down to press his forehead against his fiancee's. It had been comfortable with him in heels, same height all evening, but this little bend is the motion Nick's worn into his servoes. This is more comfortable. However, no sooner has Nick bent to kiss his brashly nude date than the elevator slows to a halt.
The doors chime and open, and Nick draws back with a little sigh.]
Such a short ride, what a shame.
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[ It's a real mockery of a complaint; really, Hancock is just having way too much fun playing at one of his favorite kinks; they've done it before, played at imaginary audiences, but Hancock can't turn own engaging in one of his classics, even just a little. An imaginary cage suits him just fine; making a game from the simple urge to be close to his loved one is exactly to the ghoul's taste. ]
Wait a sec [ Hancock folds himself against Nick's chest, head tucked against his collarbone in a posture like suggests meekness even while his tone is brazen and teasing. ] I changed my mind, don't want no one to see me in the buff... cover me up, won'cha love...?
[ Absolutely a play to steal his signature Few More Seconds, but the way he huddles up against Nick's chest (as though there is actually a chance of an unwanted witness) is pretty convincing, aside from his snide savoring chuckle. ]
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[Nick asks, even as he shrugs off his suit jacket and, like a proper gentleman, drapes it over his poor under-dressed date's shoulders. Seeing Hancock play at meekness is a real trip, Nick'll admit it, but he can try to play the opposite of that little role. Nick's suit jacket sits narrow on Hancock's shoulders, but that doesn't make much difference. Just for the show of it, Nick wraps an arm around his waist and draws him in closer, even as he turns to the apartment.]
Well you just stay real close. I'll protect that modesty of yours. [How he says this with a straight face, even Nick doesn't know, but he manages and puffs up like a big man as he guides his newly demure fiancee into their own apartment. It's absurd, but he's in an absurd mood, flying high on sheer delight.]
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[ Of course the offer of Nick's coat is utterly unnecessary, so Hancock shows his appreciation of the debonair play by huddling into the jacket proper, as though he actually has a scrap of propriety left worth protecting from the imaginary by-standers in the imaginary hallway that does not even exist. ]
Mighty kind'a ya. Don't want the neighbors to think you're steppin' out with some kinda jezebel or somethin now, do we?
[ He had not intended to ham up this act so much-- but Nick is just too precious, puffed up with an arm locked around the ghoul's waist, that the jet-eyed man can't help but fall in step, folding himself tightly against the synth's side and keeping his stride confined inside the other man's. He can't quite shake off his impish grin, but he does his best to conceal it turning his head and 'shyly' hiding his face against Nick's collar. ]
I can't bare to look, please tell me no one's watchin'
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Not Hancock escalating. If John Hancock had a middle name, Escalation was a real contender. The escalation is to be expected in this and any situation involving the two of them--what Nick didn't figure was how hard demure, shy Hancock would hit. It's got him dumbstruck, the way he ducks his head against Nick's collar. If Nick's coat hadn't been abandoned upstairs, Hancock would have damn near tucked himself inside it and--well--he--
Nick takes a few easy steps into the apartment, arm wrapped securely around Hancock, and has to clear his throat before he can speak. He's damn lucky he can't blush, but he's only got a second or two of grace before his fans kick up and give him away entirely. Nick straightens up, folds his other hand into his pocket and tries for cocksure. He gets about halfway to the mark on that one.]
Nah--don't you worry, nobody around here's got the gall.
It's easy to throw around names until you figure out that jezebel is his Wife. Then, it gets less easy, on account of having their teeth punched out.
[Hancock fits into his side easy. The ghoul is just short enough, and just svelte enough that the spot right at Nick's shoulder and down are practically made for him to slide into. Having him curl up against Nick like this is--well, yeah, it's pretend and a joke at that, but damn. Just--damn.]
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The composes a relieved little sigh, and peeks up from his cozily nestled position; his head tips slightly to the left and right, as though checking for bystanders, before the ghoul takes a turn so he's standing at Nick's front, still wearing that arm slung around his waist. Typically the debonair fellow would favor a unabashed press, draping himself across Nick's chest like silk, but today he allows only the heat of his body to invade the synth. After a beat, his hands settle on Nick's collar, feather-light, and the shorter man carefully puts himself on the balls of his feet to close those sparse inches between them. He's mighty fond of leading Nick around by the tie, but this suits his gambit better.
He 'hesitates' with another quick glance around, stalling in the lead-up before a kiss, absolutely aiming to tease with the promise he bides through false vacillation. The friction he grants is barely a kiss, more a swaying brush of lips at the very corner of Nick's mouth. ]
So protective... makin' me weak in the knees
[ Typically a drawled predatory purr, this time softly uttered with synthetic bashfulness, as the ghoul catches Nick's eyes and then 'hides' as though flustered by the dicey nature of a stolen kiss and murmured confession coupled. He's rarely without a hat (his chosen for the night still chilling upstairs with Nick's trench coat) so he takes advantage of the lacking, tucking his head beneath Nick's jaw and huddling close. ]
Walk me to the bathroom, would ya? Feelin' kinda swoony over here...
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That realization has Nick's fans kicking up higher and this time they pair with something adjacent to shame? Defensiveness? He's not--he isn't some creep--he--but then he's got a bare brush of lips over his and Hancock tucks himself right up under his chin, and Nick's through the other side of his objections.
Turns out he has a weakness for blondes, red dresses, and opportunities for chivalry. He's got some damned predictable turn-ons but he can't even regret that overmuch, not with Hancock in the circle of his arms.]
Yeah?
Don't you worry; I gotcha.
[Nick's first instinct with someone who claims to be swooning isn't to walk them backward toward a door. He really shouldn't, but Hancock's so committed to this that it feels a little bit like a cop out if he doesn't commit alongside him. Nick bends a little bit and shifts his arms, sweeping the ghoul up off his feet and into a bridal carry.
Last time they did this was out of necessity, but the framing had been about protecting his reputation as a chivalrous guy. This time, it's just because he wants to. Nick politely averts his eyes from his passenger's general nudity and meanders across his apartment toward the bathroom.]
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So he formulates a surprised little gasp that is almost Nick's name as the synth sweeps him off his bare feet and curls himself demurely into the support of his chest. He remembers the last time Nick carried him like this-- but what they're doing now? A fun, freestyle remix, and a much kinder memory than post torture patch up. Hancock will take it, gratified in the grit of his atoms that he's found another of Nick's (of their) unspoken enjoyments to absolutely abuse. ]
My Hero
[ Probably too easy to sling that quiet awed praise; it fits the script of dazzled doll, but it's drawn off his dusty past, a context Hancock already provided passing over that precious comic of his. Ah, whatever, good actors use what they got.
That politely averted gaze inspires some coy improv; Hancock huddles into the cover of his borrowed suit jacket, slides one hand
sensuallyshyly across his chest (protecting a modesty he does not in fact have) and delicately crosses one knee over the other as though terribly bashful about his half-aroused, thoroughly debauched state. ]You're such a stand up guy, Mr. Valentine. Takin' such good care'a little ol' me. How did I ever get so lucky?
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The look he throws Hancock is closer to a cringe than anything else, but his expression is all adoration for the ghoul in his arms.]
Gonna have my fans stalling out, you keep that up. [Nick can't blush but he's doing his best impression of someone that can. If he had blood, he'd be red up to his ears. Amused, he adds, softly:] Damned predictable is what I am, and you got me on the edge of an overheat just being cute.
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[ The way that last word crosses his tongue sounds obscene, somehow. Hancock has eased the throttle on his demure coquette act for the moment, slid into a casual friendly affection that is amorously defensive on Nick's behalf. ]
Be a real shame to overheat ya just by talkin to ya... without meaning to, anyway.
[ Hancock shifts his weight to suggest he's ready to be placed down, and his approximating-overclocked fiancée seems to get the idea. With his feet on the floor, Hancock still doesn't go far, leaning atypically gentle against Nick's chest and unweaving the knot of his tie. ]
If you're feelin hot under the collar... maybe time to ditch the collar? I was supposed to help you outta this mildly soiled attire, wasn't I...?
[ He removes Nick's tie criminally slow. ]
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Hancock's so gentle undoing the knot in his tie that Nick doesn't even feel the tug of it. If he weren't watching him do it, it would have slipped Nick's notice entirely. The pull of that silk against his shirt is whisper quiet, drawn out as far as it'll go by Hancock's fingers.]
I think that was suggested.
[Nick's got one arm around Hancock's waist, committing the other one to the same hold is easy as anything. He's still feeling a touch bashful, but Hancock's right--he's clever, it's not like Nick wears that particular proclivity on his sleeve. That Hancock figured him out is hardly a shock--]
You're damn good at playing cute and innocent. Every day I learn about some new talent of yours and it never stops being impressive.
[Nick's not exactly playing, not with the quiet compliments. He means it and everything about him is sincerity tinged with some flavor of fond awe. His smile pulls a touch wider as that thought completes and Nick adds:]
And now I get to punch anybody who calls you a jezebel. If that ever comes up.
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Think I got bit by the theater bug once? Privileged information, don't go passin' it around
[ Leisurely the slighter man begins to pick apart the buttons of Nick's top, not quite as brazen as his usual composure, but not quite shyly either. His motions certainly savor their slowness, like dripping honey. ]
Can't have folk thinkin' their Mayor is the dishonest type
[ He explains, not quite brags, and releases a puff of dry sandy snickers at Nick's avid readiness to protect the honor of his wife. ]
Probably easier ways to get my blood hot than roughin' up a guy defending my honor, but yeah, I'd dig it
[ Buttons all undone, Hancock all too delicately peels off Nick's shirt, taking his sweet time to savor every drop of closeness and intimacy he can wring from the drawling motions. ]
Bonus points if ya stake your claim afterwards
[ His impish wink punctuates the retreating flutter of Nick's shirt. Dexterous radiation-tanned fingers dip down the synth's front, languidly wandering towards his belt. ]
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It only occurs to him now because the shirt he's wearing isn't his usual one, so it feels just slightly strange when he bends his arms to shrug it the rest of the way off.
It's funny, he can remember warning him about touching about as clearly as he can remember Hancock's own reticence to undress. Now he's got the ghoul stark naked and undressing him. The novelty of it, the closeness, warms his core.]
Stake my claim? We talking pinning you to a wall and making out, or threatening everyone in earshot because you're with me? Cause I could go either way on that one.
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Hmmm... [ A theatrically pensive look crosses Hancock's face as he takes his time to weigh each option ] Probably gunna depend on the situation? But soft answer? Both.
[ Even odds on if he's joking or serious, that dusk-shadow chuckle is no clear indication; Nick's belt slides free with as much haste as every other action as the ghoul winds the leather around his palm, collecting lazy coils. ]
Not that I can't defend my own honor, mind ya, just love to see a good man bend over backwards for me. Metaphorically. Usually.
[ He can't resist the persistent demanding urge to lounge closer, curling to that spot he fits so nicely against Nick's collar, tucked to his chest, as he slides his fingers beneath the slack of the synth's waistband. ]
Really do appreciate the offer'a chivalry, Mr. Valentine
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Oh, I know you don't need my help. The poor bastard harassing you does--getting socked in the face by a synth is basically the best option for 'im.
[He can't quite resist the urge to wrap a hand around the back of Hancock's head and pull him in, tucking him as close as possible. Bare fingers insinuate themselves on flesh that Nick rarely thinks about, smoothing over his hips, and Nick lets his own hands drift to the nape of Hancock's neck and the small of his back.]
You know, I got the urge for a soak. You alright with sharing the bath with me?
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[ He feels adrift in the most peaceful sense of belonging as Nick closes a hand around the back of his head, and cradles him through a cuddle; he sighs comfortably to the tenderly creeping touch down his neck and spine. ]
Sweetheart suits you as well as me, but I gotta try an' win some points for originality
[ His sated murmurs cut off at Nick's offer to share a bath; Hancock perks up with a soft but delighted smile, already nodding his agreement. Water and Nick don't mix often, Hancock will absolutely take advantage of the rare occasion. ]
Somethin, somethin, toaster in bathtub joke. There, outta the way. Let's do it.
[ One might guess from the ghoul's grin that someone just offered him a shiny new gun to play with; the level of jubilation is quite on par. Kid in a candy store on Christmas eve, or however the hell that goes. ]
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[Hancock's all shiny eyes and soft smiles, jumping at the chance and Nick gives him a fond look as he moves toward the washroom. Or, rather, as he tries to move toward the washroom. Without his belt, Nick's not got much definition holding his pants up and he ends up having to undo them and kick them off. Now the only pieces of clothing that Nick has on Hancock are his hat and shoes, but both those are easily dealt with.
Snow, helpful (apologetic) AI that it is, flips on the runner lights as they step into the bathroom. It's not a great amount of light for getting ready, but the halflight is as dreamy here as it was upstairs. Nick bends to press a kiss to Hancock's forehead before he breaks away and goes to activate the taps and fill the tub.
In truth, he will probably always be jumpy about water, but nowadays he's mostly water-tight. So long as Hancock doesn't dunk him and nobody splashes, this should be fine. It's also a much faster way to clean off all the mess that soaked through his own clothing. It's doubly nice because he has someone to enjoy it with him.]
I'm gonna veto Toaster, right now though.
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[ Hancock's post-buzz state of vision appreciates the low lights as he strolls comfortably into the bathroom. For once in a blue moon he actually manages to toss his clothing into the open washer, and someone really ought to award him several medals for the feat. The kiss to his forehead is quite a fair accommodation, earning a pleased little smirk from the slighter man as his paramour parts from him to attend those taps. ]
Valentine-o-mine, cuz'a the blitzed and beautiful look on your face first time I said it. Think that about covers it? Suppose with the whole pending matrimony thing I could get away with Darlin'... you're so sweet to me, could call ya Sugar
[ He meanders through a few idle suggestions, ears keen for the sounds of struggling fans; he's taking shots in the dark here, but ghouls have fair night vision. He's got an idea where to aim. On the way to the tub Hancock steals Nick's hat (not actually too terrible soiled, thanks to its altitude) and flings it dexterously towards the washer like a frisbee; it catches the corner of the machine and hangs there neatly.
Satisfied with his breezy showmanship the ghoul drops himself into the bath; he can never be assed to wait for the thing to fill up properly unless he's otherwise occupied, and tonight with Nick scrubbing off with him, the impatience treads right into eagerness. He doesn't verbally hurry Nick to join him, still empathetic to the synth's edginess around water beneath his own delight at the prospect of a shared bath. ]
Could cut the extra finesse and just say it plain, call ya my heart. Any'a those ring your bell, Slick?
[ Of course he sneaks in that last one, a personal favorite he can't leave unspoken. ]
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