Andrea wasn't usually one for swanky parties or frivolous festivities. She tended to celebrate holidays in the comfort of her own home, alone and in her fluffiest pj's. She tended not to agree with spending exorbitant amounts of money on yearly events unless they benefited someone else, somehow.

But this year...

This year she had someone else to think about beside herself. Erik and her had been together for a few days, but she still needed to consider his place in her life now. This year she had someone special to ring the New Year in with, and it was driving her mad trying to figure out what to do! Should they go witness the ball drop in person? That seemed like a frightening prospect what with all the people who showed up every year. Would he be open to staying in with her and watching it on TV? Was that boring?? What if they just went out to dinner? What would she wear?!

After the third time visiting her closet and shifting around dresses she most likely wasn't going to wear on the big day, she had all but given up on finding a good plan.

...And then Carol called.

"Andrea, hello!"

"Hi, Carol, how are you?" They chatted for a moment about work and such, upcoming events in the coming year, before Carol dropped a bomb on her.

"So you're coming to the New Years party, right?"

"Oh, well... You know I don't usually go to those types of events, Carol." She fidgeted with her phone against her ear, sipping a cup of tea while looking out over the street below.

"Yes, I know, but this year we will be hosting a variety of big names at the party. They could very well be future donors, and you know how important that would be to the cause! We can't have a proper party without one of our key volunteers!"

Her whole body flinched and she froze with her cup at her lips. Crap! Carol had a point, and she didn't like it. It would be strange to have the whole crew there to form a bond with potential donations, minus her.

She was trapped and she knew it. "Well, you have me there I suppose. I can't argue if it's for the benefit of the org."

Carol giggled over the phone and the sound send a chill down her back from fright. She was in danger, terrible terrible danger.

"Great! I'll send along all the details shortly. Oh, and it's a bring a date type event. Bring someone, or someone will be assigned to you at the party! You know Steve reached back ou--"

"I'm fine! I'll fine a date just fine! Go ahead and send me the info and i'll get it all worked out."

After exchanging goodbyes and before Carol could press her for more info, she got off the phone. She knew what she needed to do next, but would he say yes?

---

The day, er, night had come. She had found a new dress to wear, as well as some new heels to match. Her date and her were due to be at the party in a little under an hour. She finished up pinning the last few curls of her hair up, snakes delicately wound together in an elaborate mass of curls and sparkling pins. A hair place she went to occasionally had helped her with the style. She finished off her look with a shade of burgundy lipstick, checked to make sure her contacts looked fine, and adjusted the lacy synthetic gloves she had managed to find.

SHe felt... very well put together, she supposed. Her dress was a little shorter than she normally wore, but the sales woman had been a real charmer so she bought it. Apparently it suited her legs.

Now she was just waiting for Eric, wondering if he would like her look, and what he would be dressed in. She had wanted to match to a certain degree.

Erik supposed when it came to most holiday celebrations he was, for a lack of a better word, dull. He wanted nothing better to get a ton of food, hang out somewhere comfortable and just.. be. Unfortunately crime never took a day off and he never really had to consider a night home alone. Frustrations were easily vented on people doing crappy things to their neighbors. This year was going to be far different it appeared. Erik would not have been surprised to spend the night eating some delicious dessert from somewhere in the sanctity of either of their places. 

That was not how it was going to be. Erik had been co-opted to join Andrea in a social event of which he was spectacularly nervous for. Running security and keeping people safe was one thing. You could maintain the per miter and the basic 'bodyguard suit' made you all but invisible to most of the fancier classes. It was an entirely other order of magnitude to.. mingle.. socialise.. and all those other horrible things. A few days out and he had a fancy party to go to.

Mercifully he had an arrangement of tailored suits to wear five in all. Only one had ever seen use. It was ushering in the new year and he figured he could get away with some razzle dazzle. So he appeared outside her door in a wonderfully tailored three piece suit. Fidgeting to make sure everything was in place and looking nice. To him only one opinion mattered. He knocked and she answered. Helping himself inside with a little smile and he made his way towards her bedroom with a little knock on the open door. Then he saw her.

Whoah! That was all his brain could register for several long moments. His eyes traveled down her body, slowly drinking in her form before travelling back up again. A little heat touched his cheeks and he hadn't known when the grand smile had appeared on his face. She was a bright and shining star in his eyes and now she most certainly looked the part, even if his eyes drifted back to her thighs a few times. The little lump in his throat wiggling a few times before he could speak "Moya mechta, there is none more beautiful." Little clouds under his feet had brought him closer and he kissed her cheek feathery soft.   

She was struggling to get one last earring in when her bedroom door edged open and there was her date for the night. She turned while securing the back on her earring and caught sight of him.

Woah!

He was dressed to the nines and it was a far cry from the outfit she had last seen him in.

Not that she didn't like any of his other outfits, he looked good in just about anything, even a hand towel.

Blushing, she met him half way with a dazzling smile. Returning his kiss left a little imprint of red on one of his cheeks. She smoothed out the front of his suit with her hands. "You look fantastic, my dearest." Her snakes poked their little snouts out where they could in greeting, but were otherwise trapped securely in her hair. Even Sloth had been bundled away for the evening.

"I must confess I am nervous. I do not tend to go to these types of functions..." The Greek took a few steps away to grab the little purse she would be taking with her, and the snapped back to his side in an instant. She didn't plan on leaving it all night.

"... but with you here I think I will manage just fine."

She checked the time on her phone before tucking it back into her purse. There was still a little time, so they had no need ro rush. She decided to lean in and swiftly kiss him on the lips. She'd help him wipe the red away later. "I missed you."

It had only been a day.

Her kis sent him blushing again, damned cheeks seemed to lost all control and cohesion around her. Then she called him dearest and a little 'aw shucks' look crossed his face as best as he could manage without looking 12. Seeing her snakes try to great him his already tattered heart took a uppercut at their cute little snoots trying to get to him and he passed a tender hand over her hair to do his best to spread the love as he could without mussing up her nicely turned out hair. 

Eyebrows raised a bit at her admission and he conceded a bit as well. "I am usually the guy on the outside looking in not swimming in the tank. I have learned I do not enjoy crowds." Which was the closest he would probably say right that moment they put his paranoia to 11 and having to tapdance his way through conversations with so many people left him drained. As she stepped away he appreciated the vew from the back and nodded in agreement with her. 

"Together we should persevere." 

Then she kissed him, on the lips no less. It sent a wonderful electric pulse through his body and he grinned. He hadn't wanted to mess up any makeup she applied, but she opened the door for more affection and she just hadn't known it yet. "I missed you too.. although maybe I should have stayed away longer to get a real kiss out of you." He challenged with far more bravado then he felt, if his thundering heart was any indication. Leaning in for his own kiss that was started innocent enough and ended after a thorough exploration had been conducted of her mouth. As with all good things it came to an end and he pulled away. "Mmmmm we are going to be late if we keep that up though. Shall we go?" Trying and failing horribly to not sound disappointed at the forced seperation.

"It was such short notice I had to bring my own vehicle. I hope you have an appreciation for practical vehicles.." His van had at one point by a colorful invisible individual been called the 'creepy stalker van.' It wasn't quite as boxy as a true 80's style kidnapping van, it was far too modern for that, but it was still a full sized van he used for running passangers and supplies around to people that needed them.  

 

Ah, they were in the same boat then. Fortunately for him it would be her name buzzing on people lips, so she would be able to alleviate any tension caused by the crowded atmosphere. She was more than happy to do it if it meant he could have a more relaxing evening. "Yes, I think we shall."

After her little peck on the lips, it seemed she had stoked the fire a little. Stay away longer? She pouted at the little barb he sent her way. "You wouldn't dare!" She tried to make the pout extra convincing, even though a smile was tugging the corners of her mouth.

She wasn't fully expecting the level of hunger in the kiss he gave her that ended up being there, but it wasn't unappreciated. She ended up pulling him nearer, arms sneaking around his shoulders as her legs went a little weak. She simply melted into it for as long as she could, until he pulled away. A little frazzled, she moved to pull a tissue from the top of her dresser so she could wipe her smudged lipstick away. At least it had dried enough before hand that they both didn't look like sad clowns. Thank the lord for modern cosmetics!

"Anymore of that and I will not want to go!" She laughed, clicking a little compact mirror shut and returning it to her small purse. "And then all of the event staff will just try to drag me to the next dozen parties they hold every year."

She looped an arm through his, delicately smoothing out the front of his nice looking suit that she had rumpled again as they headed for her door. She paused to lock it momentarily, and then it was one short elevator ride down to main floor.

"Practicality should be my middle name," She joked,"I've never one to get mechanics or bodywork, or whatever it all is." She'd been in a car that was pretty much falling apart at the seams. Not much got under her skin after that. "It's fine with me as long as it gets from point A to point B in one piece."

Bidding the buildings security guard a good night, they were out in the open air.

Erik certainly wouldn't dare or he might if she ever gave any indication he was hanging around too much. The pout had almost been too much and he was glad he stopped that horrible heart wrenching thing with a full on kiss before it could cause too much damage to his sensitive heart. Once it was done he got a tissue and wiped his own mouth just to be safe. No point in causing undue embarrassment for being called out on it. That would have been awful and he didn't think he OR Andrea could survive some sort of public display like that. Erik thought he might be projecting just a bit though.

A grin tugged at his lips as she laughed and he shrugged yet again. "I wanted to be sure you were still thoroughly interested." A brief pause enabled him to continue. "I also feel slightly less nervous so thank you." UGH! More parties and functions.. better to just rip the band-aid off fast and get the whole circus done with to maximize their future time together.. whatever it was. "Then I will refrain till the end of the night.. is that an acceptable compromise?" It suddenly feeling a bit hotter as he even dared to say it and deliberately ignored the touch of sweat that felt like it appeared on his back.  

Once comfortably entangled with her, he escorted her out and down. A soft little noise slipping from the back of his throat as he remembered her attempt at acrobatics in that very same elevator and flushed a bit. Then glancing at her dress he flushed more at his thoughts. She spared him from thinking overly on it as they stepped out into the chill air.

"Note to self not mechanically inclined. It does do that very well though and comfortably if not fashionably." Escorting her to the black van he had parked closeby in an area reserved for something he hadn't bothered to take notice of. Guiding her to the passenger side and helping her in all gentlemanly like as he failed in his attempt to not look at all the skin her dress showed. The sudden required separation left him giving her shoulder a soft impromptu touch before he closed the door and scurried to get into the driver side. Short moments later they were off and on their way.

"Anything I should be aware of before we arrive? A game plan who we need to get through before the night is out?" The conversation giving him the excuse to look over when he dared. Adoration plain in his eyes despite the dim atmosphere of the interior.

Still thoroughly interested? She'd hardly stopped thinking about him. He had invaded every waking thought, and even some of the sleeping ones, and she couldn't have been more pleased. She tried to cover an excited shiver with a shy smile at the notion that the night would end as pleasantly as it had started. "I'll look forward to that."

After settling herself in the seat with his help and adjusting the hem of her dress, she buckled herself in and waited. She was a little giddy, if she were being honest with herself. They were both dressed up and fancy, and going to a party. Though she didn't like parties persay, going to one with Erik gave the whole ordeal a lovely silver lining she was rather looking forward to.

She caught her hem lifting a little again, exposing just a peek of a very familiar garter, and she pulled it back down. "Well, considering that I do not go to these events normally i'll hazard a bet on everyone wanting to snoop as to what I am doing at this one." She angled a very fond smile his way, adjusting a few strands of hair from her face.

"I think most are familiar with you, but... er... well, there might be a lot of questions about us showing up together." She could feel herself blushing already. She was sure there would be plenty of 'Are you dating?' and 'How long have you been seeing each other'. She was not mentally prepared for it, seeing as she didn't quite have a solid answer.

"There will be a few prominent figures there... Alexander Vasterio, Maurice and Yvonne Felton, and a Gerik Levonyan." She fiddled with the clasp on her purse while they drove. "I have met Yvonne and her husband before on another occasion. Alexander I have heard of, but never crossed paths, and I have never heard of Mr. Levonyan." She hadn't had time to try and research the name, either, so she would need to introduce herself at some point.

"Mr. Vasterio has a few properties scattered around the city and dabbles in the stock market I am told. We are hoping to not only establish a direct line to a few charities he might have an interest in, but also possibly a partnership on getting him to invest a little more in the security of the properties he owns. A lot of them are run by organizations that make it very hard to known mutants to get or keep apartments from them."

Her expression pinched slightly with how the whole situation made her feel. "If negotiations are successful we can help him maintain the image he wants... and i'm sure many deductions next tax season. But! We might just be able to make life a little easier for a chunk of people in this city."

She shot a happy grin at him.

Erik had settled into a nice little routine of driving and looking over at her when he felt it was safe to do so, and probably a few times that weren't given the state of all American driving abilities. It was as if he had one some celestial lottery as he got a peek of a familiar something wonderful. The fact he managed to stay on the road and in the lines after the heavenly sight he considered it a win. The pleased smile and damnable blush were jsut inevitable aftershocks. even his heart was picking up tempo and he battered it back down harsher then police brutality. 

"Ah so you have to find a diplomatic way to say your schmoozing without schmoozing? What is that word.. ah! Networking?" Attempting to placate her mild distress in this particular matter.

Oh.. she brought up very good points he hadn't considered given his particularly infantile maneuverings in social stratas. It appeared it was up to him to rectify this particular situation with utmost clarity. A soft buzz of a hum echoed softly from within him as he thought of an appropriate answer. Suddenly aware of the proper answer his chin jut up slightly and he smiled over at her.

"You are my person." Nodding resolutely and his lips continued to move. "And I have seen you since the day I first laid eyes on you Mechta." A soft but definitive emphasis placed on the word to disillusion it simply meant the dictionary definition of the word. Smiling fondly back over at her in what he hoped was a reassuring fashion. He had answered the question right? Consoling himself that he had until she decided to say something to the contrary.

For some reason all the names vaguely resonated in his head, but couldn't put faces to them. Grateful for her explanation and their mission. It made it easier to think of it as a mission or task to stave off the growing disconcerting feeling that was starting to pervade him. It was beginning to sound like this whole dinner was a big deal and he didn't want to mess it up with for his favorite person. Internally he settled on a minimal interference for maximum impact situation. 

"I will do my best to support you where I can. Though as far as kissing babies and shaking hands go I am.. uncomfortable. It appears that this is a break the ice sort of party though? It shouldn't be too formal, especially since it is New Year's Eve.. right?" His knowledge set contained a great many things, but idiots guides to socializing only got a person so far without practical experience. A thoughtful glance at his date with her happy grin made one blossom on his face in turn. At the very least he would find one person's company quite enjoyable!  

"Yes, more or less. It's not quite as glamorous as tv shows portray it either. Far too many uncomfortable people pretending to be comfortable for hours on end." It was one of the downsides of her work. Nobody could just do a simple lunch to go over plans anymore. Everyone had to throw a party. It was an exhausting waste of money. Not to mention the heels she has chosen to wear. She really shouldn't have let that woman choose her shoes.

Erik's response to her voiced conundrum floored her. She was his person? Since the day he'd met her!?

Her face colored instantly and she felt a swarm of butterflies bust to life in her stomach. How did he keep coming up with such romantic things to say? Things she had never heard before. He also had this tendency to look at her in a way that she was sure she had never seen cross another person's face. She needed to remind herself again that falling to fast was bad.. it was never recommended, and yet...

"Το αστέρι μου, η καρδιά μου είναι γεμάτη από σας." She was putty in his hands. Every time he looked at her, her skin prickled like a breeze had swept by.

Smiling at her secret message, she reached out to put a hand on his arm gently. "I like that. I am your person, you are mine." An electric tingle shot up her spine. Her snakes shifted restlessly.

As for the party... "If this is anything like the ones I have heard about, it will be terribly awkward as a bunch of my seniors drink too many cocktails and try to rope anyone they can into dancing." She chuckled nervously. "I do hope you will forgive me for not wanting to dance. I am terrible at it and would like to avoid embarrassing myself any more than I normally do." She still had so much to learn about Erik... so much she wasn't sure about, or didn't know. How did one go about asking though?

"There will also be absolutely no pressure on you what-so-ever to be anything other than yourself. You are doing me a wonderful favor by coming with me, but you are under no obligations to anyone but yourself." She didn't want him to feel like he needed to put on a mask and join in with the schmoozing, as he had called it. That was her job for the night.

"And please, if you at all get uncomfortable let me know? I can cut this event however short you need it to be. I'll just cram in all my sales pitching at the very beginning."

She checked her phone again for the time. They would be there soon.

--

The event had been booked a year in advance due to the popularity of the venue chosen. The Midtown loft and terrace was super popular for weddings and birthdays, and New year eve. It was located on the highest floor of the Midtown building in the heart of Manhattan.

The inside was decorated with couches, chairs, and tables. A few bar tables with bar tenders waiting for tips. Elegant white cloth hung from the ceiling in big swooshes, trailing the rest down the walls. Hundreds of box lights in varying colors scattered around the dark edges, flooding the large rooms with mood lighting. A few large tables of different kinds of dinner foods were scattered around and constantly being refilled.

Outside on the patios that overlooks the city more chairs could be found, as well as more mood lights. They had a great view of where the fireworks would be going off.

For this event in particular, there would be hired security at the door as well as scattered inside, considering quite a few of the names that were coming.

Andrea fished their tickets out and tried to squash her nerves as a parking attendant signaled them towards a valet parking zone.

"Are you ready, dear?"

Even he knew where his strengths lie. It was not parties. Even security professionals had to network from time to time, but he was more of a lead by example or one on one conversations then mingle around in a semi-pretentious party. Were parties like clowns? Everyone assumed everyone else like them and they were all too polite to say they would rather have lunch at the local buffet then drink too much and attempt to dance poorly? Erik grunted a soft agreement, it wasn't like tv shows in the slightest.

Acknowledging and reciprocating his words he felt like he was going to float of the seat. He wanted nothing more then to turn the van around and spend the evening cuddling and kissing her parties be damned! She had responsibilities though, important ones and he wasn't going to be the reason they got derailed. "No that is alright. I wouldn't mind a few slow dances with you though and we probably should just to keep people from being too forceful about it. As far as being embarrassed goes just remember everyone will have had more to drink then us and you could not embarrass me. We could even use it as a code!" The thought suddenly seeming far too good not to share. "Say one of us wants to break off a conversation we just tell the other person we want to dance." Nodding appreciatively at the thought. Seemed like it should work fine.

"Please. Is it really a favor if the person is pleased to do it? I get to spend a wonderful evening with you. What could be better than that?" Taking a moment to chew on some words before finally figuring out what he wanted to say. "I will attempt to be myself, but I am more of a.. chameleon in these situations. Being what I must to survive them even if it means not being myself. The opportunity to help so many others is on the line so you must do what you must without thinking of me overly much." Reaching over with a hand to squeeze her own arm reassuringly and conveying he appreciated her thoughtfulness regardless.

~~

They had arrived and he was feeling more nervous then ever. For some reason being nervous was one of those things the animal part of the human/mutant brain sensed and emulated. Drawing in a slow breath through his nose and exhaling through is mouth in an old meditation technique. Hearing her words he smiled then blushed as he said the words, attempting alleviate some of the sudden severe atmosphere. "I am ready to see your lingerie as I help you out." It was half instruction and half joke to try and soothe some of the nerves. He would have to find out whoever sold her the dress later and send them a thank you note and a pile of cash. Pulling into the valet parking he hopped out and tossed the keys to the attendant and swiftly found his way to her side to open the door and help her out with a grand smile.

After assisting her down he slid a hand to the small of her back as he walked with her. Waiting at the entrance attendant checked their tickets. Once immediately inside he gently guided her down the hallway and to a little cranny out of view of most of the people. Easing himself so they were face to face he smiled warmly and his heart beat hard. "I want you looking your best and relaxed." Was all the explanation he gave. Leaning down he kissed her cheek softly and trailed soft kisses to her neck. While he did that his hands did their little work smoothing out her dress here or there. At the very end he slid his hands tenderly down the full length of her back slowly, only the slightest hesitation as he passed over her perfect behind. Once finished his hands found their way to her hips and he withdrew his tender soothing kisses from her neck and smiled at her warmly. "Feeling more relaxed now?" The whole act had been rather cathartic for him and he found new courage in facing a paranoiacs worst nightmare up above.   

She was really into his idea for a code work to escape awkward situations, even if the thought of slow dancing with him had steam coming out from her ears. Could she handle that? Everytime he got to close she just wanted to go further. She would need to keep herself on a tight leash in order to not embarrass herself fully.

She was also touched by the thought he had put into the evening. His consideration for her and what she was working toward never failed to amaze her.

"Thank you."

As soon as they were pulling into the valet, her work mask slipped on. She needed to be collected and calm, and--

He ruined it. He went and mentioned her unmentionables. She jerked a little in her seat and her hands flew to the Hem of her dress. Busted! He had noticed after all! "I-,I... I thought you might like.." she cut herself off, flustered and blushing. She remained like that as they parked, he got out and came around to her side. It was a new feeling for her to dress up specifically for someone.

She tried to save a little face and fight the blush back, but failed. All she could do was smile bashfully and hope it wasn't too obvious she was flustered because of Erik.

She managed to get the heat in her cheeks a little under control by the time they were actually inside, but then her date had to go and pull her off track again with an impromptu physical inspection that left her wondering if this had all been a huge mistake. The trail of kisses and ministrations had the opposite effect from what he intended, and the soft whine that left her was proof of it.

He was evil. She was courting the devil himself. Lord have mercy on her soul.

"I-i am entirely not relaxed in any way, shape, or form and I think you know that." Her fingers curled in the lapel of his nice jacket and she leaned closer. "... You are going to get me in trouble." She was so close she could have kissed him, she could feel his lips already even with the fraction of a gap between them. All it would take was just one tiny movement to-

She pulled away, blushing and heart beating in her ears, but talking some sense into herself a little. "We will be late..."

The implications that she thought he would like her lingerie couldn't be dwelled on for long. They were however staggering. Had she expected him to see them at some point in the night? Was she going to show herself off later? REBOOT get back on track Erik. "I do." Was all he managed to say before getting them inside.

Oh.. she had whined. That was very much the opposite of his intended effect. What had he been thinking? Was he thinking at all? Suddenly he wasn't too sure there had been all that much internal deliberation in his actions. Just poor rationalizations. Hearing her words sent him flushing anew and he did look a bit sheepish. "I am sorry." At this point he was certain if he was allowed to lead any sort of anything with her around it would cause oodles of trouble. He could feel her breath on his lips his own heart beating with anticipation of the kiss.. and just as swiftly the intense wanting wasn't delivered upon and what could only be described as a growl purred out from the back of his throat. 

He heard her very sensible words and for a moment he just held their wrangling himself into some semblance of order. Finally he pulled away some and reached up to cup her cheek softly before nodding. "Your right, I am sorry."

Somehow he doubted it would be the last of his many embarrassments he could earn himself throughout the evening. Gently he guided her to the elevator and moments later they were on the terrace. Thankfully currently enclosed to ward off the cold December weather. Seeing all the people that were gathered about he noticeably tensed and his usual fluid almost cat-like movements turned rigid and awkward. God's help him this place was a security nightmare. Tearing himself away from his professional and paranoid brains he glanced to her. 

Slowly the edged into the room. Little groups mingled about everywhere doing their own forms of networking or just outright partying. "See your targets?"

She got the feeling that pulling away was just as hard for him as it had been for her. Even him caressing her cheek with the apology was a strain on her self control. She looped her arms back through his with a smile, and they headed on their way.

She had never been to this venue before, so seeing all the decorations scattered around was a bit magical. She was fond of the little cube lights immediately, and made a mental note to herself to see if she could track down a few like them for her apartment. They were very romantic.

"Targets?" She had never hear it phrased that way before. It was very... predatory?

Seeing dozens of people mulling about socializing wasn't new to her, and she slipped into work mode quickly. A polite smile, straight back and lifted chin. She needed to command attention, even if she was linked by arm to someone who had a habit of making her melt.

"Andrea!" A familiar voice carried across the murmuring voices of the party. The Greek flinched, and if she had any fur it would have floofed in alarm.

Of course she would find them this early on...

"Oh, my... look at the number you are wearing."

Andrea turned her head slowly, smile still fixed in place but maybe a tad more strained. "Carol!"

A thin woman in a black hip hugging jumper was standing before them with a devious grin stretching her red lips, and an even more dangerous glint in her eye. She was in her mid 30's, and had green eyes like a cat, with a light blond bob that accentuated her pale feline ears. A tail swayed slowly behind her.

"And the dress looks great too. Legs for days, darling!"

"This is Erik, carol. He is my date for tonight." Andrea patted his arm gently, beaming at him. Carol's eyes flicked from Erik to Andy, and then back, and slitted ominously as she raised her drink. It was obvious that she had thoughts she simply hadn't decided to share yet.

Before she had a chance, Andrea jumped into a handful of questions of her own... Where had she gotten her outfit? It was far more modest than the one Andy had gotten from a place Carol had sent her. How was the party going so far? Had every one showed up? As soon as Carol gave her an answer, she pressed on with another, until the cattish woman had to retreat in order to greet other guests.

As soon as she left, Andrea wilted a little, muttering something under her breath in Greek before turning to Erik. "That was Carol. Whatever you do, do not let her catch you alone. She thrives on everything that has to do with love."

She blanched immediately. "Not that we-- she would just assume that- ...Γαμώτο. Never mind me please."

Wanting nothing more than for the night to be over already, she gave a gentle pull as pointed in the direction of one of the refreshment tables. She could honestly use something to wet her parched throat. Hopefully they had more than just cocktails.

Along the way she pointed out a few of their current big donors, dropping little useful tidbits of information here and there so he wouldn't feel left out of any conversations that might crop up.

She near jumped out of her skin when she spotted Steve, the failed date Carol had set her up on, chatting with someone else a few feet away.

She was surprisingly quick at dragging Erik off to a different, less crowded part of the floor, where Steve wouldn't turn around and bump right into her. She wasn't ready for that can of worms yet.

Peeking out from behind a column that separate one room from another, she sighed. "Disaster averted.... Sorry for dragging you along so suddenly.

Huh, this part of the floor was relatively desolate as people schmoozed a ways off.

Erik couldn't think of a less military inspired term then targets so just shrugged. It did dawn on him however he really hadn't talked to her about what his job was or his past. Erik resolved to correct that as soon as possible once he could go longer then a few minutes in her presence without wanting to kiss or touch her.

Seeing her snap into her professional face made him smile somewhat, it even put a bit of steel into his spine as he dreaded the oncoming train wreck that he was sure his presence would inexplicably cause. He gave the small of her arm a reassuring pat as they began to move only to be called out to. Well Andrea was. He was content to fulfill his role as plus one and arm candy. Feeling his person tense he squeezed her arm and held it there. Striving to maintain his best semblance of poised socialite. It needed a bit of work.

Introduced he flashed a brilliant smile "A pleasure to meet you Carol." Carol's perceptive eyes scared him and was grateful when Andrea put her on the back foot with a barrage of questions that would have made an auctioneer proud. As they started talking about girl things and work things and his eyes glazed over partially so he could look around and nod politely at anyone who strayed by. If asked he could have recalled most of the answers. Detecting the woman was moving off to attend to her hostly duties he smiled and gave her a polite nod in parting.

Her arm got another squeeze as her expression muted a bit than eyebrows wriggled up as she.. well had a little panic attack over the love word. Respecting her wishes and attempting to be a good person he let it be even as it stuck like a thorn in his brain. Erik soaked in the briefing with alert attentiveness figuring they could do the networking equivalent of tag teaming people with casual little questions to draw them out then hit them with a charity guilt trip or something.

The sudden diversion away from the refreshments left him a little bewildered until he spotted Creepy Steve. He found himself attempting to reassure her with little pats and affections against her arm. "I saw your failed date as well. Though I do wonder why you were attempting to avoid him. Afraid I will knock him out and stuff him in a closet?" As much of a joke as a offer. Looking around he noticed they were a bit isolated from everyone else and his face noticeably slipped into thought. 

His voice was a bit unsure and squeezed her arm for his own reassurance this time. A plan formed, well more of a sentence. Also a realization he wanted to utter to her first and not one of her friends no matter how much she enjoyed their company. "Are you.. afraid of me talking to Carol, because you think she would make me admit I love you?" Oh raging gods and blazing bullets he said it. Erik was 100% sure he just had a heart attack and his healing power smoothed it over. Well the nuclear weapon had been dropped and now it was time to deal with the fallout.

She blanched at the very notion. "What? No, of course not. I am simply unprepared to face another round of Greek twenty questions at the moment." She also didn't want to have to face the eventual question of what exactly had happened and why she had left with a supposed stranger in such a hurry. There was no way she was the only one who experienced that from him, right? "Though I am sure that would make things a lot easier." Lord, the temptation was strong. She could knock him out herself if she wanted to.

The little squeeze on her arm drew her attention back to him with a questioning look, but upon seeing his face she focused on him fully. He looked deep in thought, about what she didn't know. Maybe he was truly worried about Steve? Maybe the whole event was turning out to be too much for him? Before any questions could spring forward, he dropped a bomb on her.

she would make me admit I love you?

The words bounced around her head, which was suddenly devoid of anything remotely intelligent. She swayed back slightly, eyes wide and lips parted in shock. A thousand thoughts sprang forward all at once, mixed in with paranoia and worry... a little pinch of fear.

This was too early. Too soon. Was she completely over the trauma of the past? Was she ready to throw herself fully into this?? Did he even mean what she thought he did, or was this another mistake? She'd surely heard him wrong, or... or he ha simply meant it like Carol would have forced him to, a misunderstanding, nothing more... right?

Her eyes searched his, she still kind of felt like passing out... to the point she had to grab onto him a little just to be sure. On the inside she was systematically dredging up every single thing he had ever said to her, trying to tear apart some new meaning for her to justify her fears.

She was his person though. His dream.

Jesus, her throat felt awful dry.

The Greek swallowed her fears with a timid smile and closed the distance so she could cup his jaw with both hands. Her eyes were glossy from the mess of emotions inside, but she pressed on. "No... I was afraid she would force me to admit how much I love you." She pressed her lips to his, completely ignoring the fact that she was at a party, and there were people around. Right in this moment a sunflower had bloomed in her heart, stretching the poor old thing past it's limits and overwhelming her completely. She was going to take the chance. She was going to throw herself in fully, with caution to the wind. This adorable, perfect, charming man was everything she wanted. Everything she had ever dreamed.

Party be damned, she was going to kiss him as much as she wanted, until the gods themselves intervened.

...

"Andrea, Oh deary me you do look quite busy, maybe I should come back later~?" Carol popped up out of thin air like a demon, a cocktail in one hand and an absolutely evil smirk on her lips.

"You know, there are some more private areas on this floor you two could escape to? Not that everyone isn't enjoying the show."

Andrea was pretty sure she died right then and there, and her soul was on the journey up to heaven.