GP: Saturnalia Grand Opening

[goodfellow]

It had taken considerably longer than Robin anticipated, thanks to some building code issues that had pushed back his renovations by months, but following the thrown together "preview" on New Year's Eve (that had gone very well if he did say so himself), Saturnalia was finally officially open for business.

The inside of the club looked somewhat different than it had in January: more polished now, better decorations, furniture, lighting. There was still Greek inspiration, particularly in the murals on the walls - modern, graffiti-inspired versions of Greek art and myths, bright colors splashed amidst chrome industrial decor. Most of the employees (bartenders, dancers) were wearing togas.

The grand opening was a hot ticket, but Robin had sent out invitations generously, and instructed the bouncers at the door to let in the beautiful people as usual, yes, but to be rather random about it as well. After all, what was the fun in only the rich and beautiful?

Alcohol was free flowing, and the music was hot, spun by a DJ on a stage who seemed to have the perfect sense of the crowd. He may have even had a little help by magic. Because why leave these things to chance?

Comments

[utterly_mysterious]

"Could you explain that to him?" Angelique asked ruefully, though she hadn't meant to let on, out loud, that she was thinking of a particular face. Immediately, she laughed and shook her head, trying to wave it away. "No, I'm leaping too far ahead. We barely know each other."

Whether she meant herself and Hani, or herself and the mystery him remained unclear.

[whispersoflove]

Anael grinned at her laughter. "Either way, you're in the much better position to explain that to him." Explain, or show, whoever he was.

[utterly_mysterious]

"I could try," Angelique supposed. "If I really wanted to know how he felt."

Did she, though? Wasn't Kersen simply enough fun without dragging feelings into the question?

[whispersoflove]

"If you did," Anael confirmed serenely. Sometimes it was better to try, sometimes it was better not to. Either way, it was up to Angélique.

[utterly_mysterious]

Serenity, that was the feeling she associated with Hani. "When I talk to you, anything seems possible," she admitted, not quite shyly, but more softly. "If I could bottle you and take you with me, I would."

[whispersoflove]

Anael laughed at the thought, not mockingly but out of simple amusement at the image. "And make me your genie. What would your three wishes be, Angelique?"

[utterly_mysterious]

"I can't imagine," Angelique murmured, watching the way he laughed. "I think I'd waste them wishing for beautiful things. A beautiful person, maybe. I wouldn't be smart about it at all, of that I'm very certain. When I should wish for money to live on, peace in the land, all that sort of thing."

[whispersoflove]

"It is so difficult to be smart about emotions," Anael told her with a smile. "I'll wish you a beautiful person, if I ever come across a genie."

[utterly_mysterious]

"Thank you, sweetie," Angelique said with a smile, open and honest. It was a simple thing to say, but Angelique wasn't in a position to turn away even simple kindnesses. "What will you wish for yourself?"

[whispersoflove]

Anael paused, the answer leaping straight to the fore of his mind. It was what he prayed for every day, after all. "The acceptance of Someone who's turned Their back to me. Someone I Love like none other."

[utterly_mysterious]

Angelique appeared first quite struck, and then quite stricken, by Anael's response. She spoke without thinking. "I can't imagine what sort of person could possibly turn their back on you. You're much too lovely and kind. I... didn't intend to bring up a painful subject for you."

[whispersoflove]

Anael shook his head with a small smile, although sadness lingered at the back of his eyes. "It's all right. There is no love without pain, and I'll happily take both."

[utterly_mysterious]

"Love shouldn't have to hurt," said Angelique, doubtfully. "Do you really think that? You can't love without pain?"

[whispersoflove]

"I don't think it's a bad thing," Anael answered, unsurprised that a mortal would think so. They had so little time to realise these things. "Pain is the measure of our attachment. We wouldn't value love as highly if it didn't hurt as it did, when it isn't making us soar over the mountaintops."

[utterly_mysterious]

Angelique considered this for a few sips of her drink, but didn't look completely convinced. "I think I'd rather do without it," she finally said, "but I suppose the next time I fall in love, I'll appreciate it more for being hurt in the past."

[whispersoflove]

There wasn't ever love completely devoid of pain, Anael thought, although there were as many sorts of pain as there were sorts of love - so it was not as if she would get a choice. But rather than press the matter, he smiled, "Aren't you already?" What she had said, earlier, and the feelings he had felt in her at the thought of that man she had mentioned.

[utterly_mysterious]

"I'm considering it," Angelique answered, not intending to be coy. Just... not yet sure. She doubtless felt something for Kersen, but was it enough to call it love? She just didn't know. "Until I know how he feels."

[whispersoflove]

Anael couldn't help the smile that curved up his lips. "Love rarely gives reason much of a choice."