Bully [TAG: Didiane]

[POPPY DELACROIX]

Why did her father always insist on attending these events? Furthermore, why did he always demand that she attend with him? He didn't force her older brothers and they were apparently the ones who would inherit the family business despite the fact that they were complete morons but, then again, maybe that's exactly why he didn't want them there. Poppy could hold conversations with the best of them. Years alongside her father taught her how to nod and pretend to listen, she always knew the right things to say, how to dress, and present herself even if the whole thing was an elaborate lie. At nineteen she held more responsibility than witches and wizards three times her age. More secrets too. Many more.

"You don't know how to make a Cosmo? Seriously?" She scoffed at the bartender in utter disgust and disbelief (something she was used to being most of the day). "It's practically just vodka, lime, and cranberry juice and some bloody Triple Sec there's like nothing simpler." Eyes narrowed glaring at the man who was practically shitting on her whole evening just by saying 'Sorry, Miss'. It was as if he had slapped her. "Just march your bloody behind over there and pick up each bottle, pour, and slide it over here. For the love of Merlin, just hand me the bottles and I'll do it my damn self just like everything else." She let out a dramatic, exasperated sigh more for effect than anything else.

"Can you believe this incompetence? I have half a mind to-" Turning to complain to the person who had saddled up beside her deciding that they would have nothing better to do than listen to her prattle on that is until she saw who it was. "Holy shit." Didiane Maisonete. That bleach-blonde hair and fair features were unmistakable. "If it isn't Hogwarts' resident bastard." She responded with a little smug smile. Whether or not that bit of information was true her schoolmates made sure to project it for a bit of fun if only to keep the attention off of them and their own insecurities. Didiane had been the perfect target. "I didn't realize that this gala was for charity." Yup. Old habits died hard or not at all.

[DIDIANE MAISONET]

Galas had never been Didi's happy place, and she certainly wasn't having a change of heart now. No, her grandmother sent a rather ominous missive, something about how Didiane couldn't just be seen stumbling out of Quidditch after parties, alongside an invitation to the gala. The message was clear and as loathe as Didi was to listen to the old hag she knew better than to completely cut ties with such a valuable connection. So they persisted, Didiane Maisonet drawing an eye to the family name with her performance on the pitch and in return she wasn't completely cut off.

Thank the gods the rest of the family tree hadn't deigned to show up with her already in attendance.

Unwilling to get too caught up by any old man trying to chat her ear off about something or the other she wouldn't care about, Didi stuck to the edges of the room. That was the worst part about these things, alongside being propositioned by some old as dirt wizard for themselves or to arrange a dinner with some relative of theirs. It was a wonder what growing up to be pretty and successful had managed to do to her reputation (at least, for some of them). Didi managed an unexpectedly interesting, if brief, conversation with Randolph Spudmore about the upcoming Firebolt incarnations before he was distracted by a hand on her shoulder. Just the touch had the hair on the back of her neck rising and when she turned to face the man she found herself wondering if she would be able to get away with subtly grinding her heel through his foot.

"Yes?" She was more than peeved, narrowed eyes glaring up at him (as politely as can be) and brushing his hand off her shoulder. The man didn't take the hint and trundled on with pointless small talk; the last match this, her family that, his business this. Didi hummed, if it could be called that compared to a polite grunt, until she had enough and excused herself brusquely. From there it only took a bit of dodging and evasion for her to find the bar. It wasn't uninhabited but compared to the rest of the night it felt like the promised land.

Sidling up to the bar Didi perched herself on a stool, carefully smoothing her dress out, and impatiently waited for the other patron to finish berating the bartender until the voice turned on her.

"Wow, Hogwarts' resident bitch," she shot back, a bit off kilter. Just her luck that as blessed as Didi might have been for her family not to be in attendance, her luck ran out when it came to little miss Poppy Delacroix. "And here I was thinking I recognized the voice raining hellfire on the poor barkeep." If the first comment hadn't made it clear that it was Poppy, actually looking at her certainly did. Didi cursed her inattention, from one trap to the next.

"Well, for someone meant to be charitied, I'm certainly not feeling very charitied." Nice comeback Didi, let it roll off your back. The end of the night felt nowhere near close enough. "Barkeep I'll have -" Didi paused, considering exactly why he was just being reamed out "- whatever's halfway decent."

[POPPY DELACROIX]

"That's me." Poppy all too calmly countered with a smug smirk. She had been called far worse... and by cousins! If Didiane thought that little remark would lose her a wink of sleep she had another thing coming. Poppy was practically a dragon with how armor heavy her thick skin was. She had survived the magical equivalent of high school at the top of the student hierarchy, she was the only girl out of several brothers and the smartest out of all of them... This was just another drop in the bucket and she had every intention on collecting. 

"You seem so thrilled. Please do try to save some excitement for everyone else. It's sure to be a long evening." Poppy lectured coldly, her voice oozing with sarcasm as her tanned fingertips wrapped around a goblet stem bringing the dark ruby red fizzing liquid to her mouth. "Such venom. Maybe you are a Slytherin after all." And with that she took a sip. Hot plump, red lips wrapped around the smooth glass as she tilted it toward her allowing the spritzy liquid both cold and hot all at once to course down.

The old man that had been talking Didiane's ear off again approached her and it was clear from the other woman's face that she wanted nothing to do with it. Poppy had half a mind to leave her to her own devices but there was just something about this man, the status quo where men could run the gamut while women like them just had to take it, that had her blood boiling. Didn't she say this was a charity event? Well here was her charity. 

"Honestly Otto Nelt. Must you bring your droll from the Magical Currency office to where we're meant to have fun?" The older man stared at her dumbfounded by her boldness but also fully registering who she was. "The lady is occupied so why don't you take your usual bloody boring stories about how much money you have, how many lake houses you own, and how your kids adore you when just yesterday Samantha was telling me how you couldn't even be bothered to send her a birthday owl." A moment of quiet as all of that landed she then waved her hand, rolling her eyes. "Ta-ta. See you hopefully never." And with that she turned her back on him blocking his view of Didi and he eventually sulked off.

"I absolutely loathe these things..." Her dark eyes glanced down at the blonde woman's formfitting dress. "Normally." Hm... Very nice. Not that she needed to tell her that. In fact, it was probably extremely wise not to lest her little secret come out. Enemies would be the most likely to spill the beans and what was this mousey girl but one of the first enemies that she had ever made as a girl? Oh well, hindsight was 20/20. How was she supposed to know the quiet, nerdy, electric white haired girl would turn into a freaking supermodel? Or maybe she should have just been nice to everyone and hedged her bets later in her adulthood when she was on the prowl for her next conquest. Whatever.

"She'll have a Horntail Spritz." Poppy ordered for her with the confidence that many men twice her age held when trying to impress younger women. No. MORE than. "I promise that it's well past halfway decent. It's on it's way to about good." The bartender mixed the drink and slid it to Poppy who left it on the bar counter for Didi to take.

"Well?"

[DIDIANE MAISONET]

Knowing a barb was a complete miss and watching it harmlessly ping off its target's armor were two completely different things. Didi would say she was losing her touch (that barb had truly been pitiful) but Poppy always had been a completely different beast. One that she hadn't taken much care to study growing up given that she was the prey to their clan of hyenas. There was time to learn now.

"I certainly wouldn't want to waste the excitement on them." Didi drolled, daring a glance back at the crowd, "I doubt half of them would know what excitement was if it bit them on the arse." As much of a nervy little thing she had been growing up Didi had managed to learn a thing or two about excitement in the last year. "And you haven't even seen my bite." Didi's lips quirked up in a bit of a smirk before that faded, just a bit, when her eyes fell to Poppy's lips and followed the bob of her throat as she swallowed.

It truly was unfair that childhood mean girls could grow up to be hot. What gave them the right?

The man from earlier was practically on top of them before Didi noticed, her face pinching at the sight. She'd just opened her mouth to give him a bit of a stronger rebuke when Poppy started talking. Immediately Didi's eyes were drawn to her, it felt rather like watching a documentary and Didi's brows rose as Poppy tore the man to shreds. Gods, that was attractive when it wasn't directed at her. Actually … that wasn't something she needed to examine too closely right now. At Poppy's dismissal of him Didi gave him a one-fingered salute before ducking back behind Poppy. Surprisingly charitable of her Didi thought, humming softly under her breath.

"I'd say I owed you one for that but I'd rather keep my debts short term." Gods knew what a former housemate could or would do with an open ended favor.

"What isn't there to loathe?" Didi hummed, eyes flicking back towards the party. As mighty a cause she was sure this gala was for she'd rather send a donation in with an owl. Much less painful than rubbing elbows with so many people twice her age or older. "I can't say I see any upside past the charity. What were they even raising for again?" There was something that could be said about the eye candy, but Didi steadfastly blamed that on being surrounded by so many old timers without so much as a drink under her belt.

Didi arched an eyebrow at the rather unfamiliar name of the drink, accepting the glass that was slid to her. She took a rather dainty sip, testing, followed by a bigger drink. It wasn't the best drink she had managed to have in her life, but at this point in the night Didi was prepared to take just about anything. It was certainly better than half the swill she had gotten into at parties before.

"Well, it's certainly better than decent. I suppose you have better taste than I expected."

[POPPY DELACROIX]

She turned around just in time to catch glimpse of her old school chum flipping the bird and smiled, actually amused by the crass gesture. "My oh my... You certainly have grown ballsy in your old age. Must be all of the Quaffles and Buggles or whatever..." She chided in a light, playful tone (not caring much for Quidditch as her little slip up showed)... at least for her. She did like to play with her food before eating it (pun intended) no matter how ill-advised and no matter how insane it could possibly drive her parents. Though she loved them, as much as Poppy Delacroix could love somebody, she still found a sick joy in really sticking it to them with her actions behind closed doors and really giving the old family name a good whats for.

"You couldn't afford me anyhow." She was all too quick to counter about being owed one. While she enjoyed being owed by anyone, as that meant eventual favors, that little line had been far too much fine to utter and it added to her cockiness which she was now getting a bit of a read on Didiane and it appeared that she may like that. Interesting. Very interesting. Come closer mouse, lets play.

"You're telling me you don't enjoy being surrounded by people that you couldn't care less about and that couldn't care less about you, hearing the same dumb stories half a dozen times and having to pretend that they're new or having to wear an ill fitting bodice all damn night." She cast her gaze up and down the woman's form. "Not yours of course. Other peoples'." And she actually meant it but hey... some people viewed gaslighting as flirting. They certainly allowed men to do it all of the damn time. Men. Ugh. Idiots. 

"What are they raising money for again?" 

"Themselves, I suppose." It was true but that hadn't been the question, had it? "Though technically, on paper, I believe it's for the Youth Warlocks of Barcelona." At least that's what the banner and brochures had said. "Though I doubt most of these individuals could even find Barcelona on a map." But she could. She could do a lot of things. She needed to be thirty times better than any male to maintain her standing in wizarding society and in business. She couldn't ever let that slip.

"Here's to better than decent." She lifted her glass in the air clinking it against Didiane's with the practice of a pro. Lightly leaning against the bar she turned to face the hordes of rich and famous, bored eyes scanning her surroundings. They provided little thrill to her anymore, now the woman beside, her that was another story. "And to eventually seeing that bite."She referenced Di's earlier remark with a smirk that was like a cat who had knocked over the creamer much to their own benefit and, if she had her way, this run-in would be for Poppy's. She was always up for a challenge. It kept things interesting in an otherwise boring, male-driven world.

"And perhaps to being better than you expected." There was a knowing sort of tone in this double entendre as her eyes studied the woman. What a world to bless former messes of girls into beauty queens. Hogwarts wasn't the only place with magic it turned out. Nature still had some surprises here and there to offer. Well done. And this magnificent specimen of a woman was clearly checking her out. Caught red handed. "I see that you're a fan of my kurta." She pointed out boldly, arching her back to properly show it off. "It's not very traditional of course, dear father's eyes nearly popped right out of his head when he saw, but traditional is boring and I am not." With that she took another sip of her drink eyes trailing up to the ceiling.

[DIDIANE MAISONET]

Didiane huffed a light laugh at Poppy's playful tone, giving in to play this little game despite her misgivings, "Oh I've grown in plenty of ways, my quaffle skills aside." She replied almost idly, gently using the straw of her drink to stir the ice in it. For all that she had played the obedient little granddaughter coming here in the first place it was only fair that Didi got to have her own bit of fun. Adulthood had brought with it its own unique battlefield after all, best not waste this opportunity to examine the field.

"Mm?" Didi hummed lightly at the comment about not being able to afford Poppy, arching an eyebrow at the implication, "Well, I've grown quite good at haggling, so I've been told," She might be flying a bit close to the sun here but she hadn't been burned yet Didi thought, taking another longer drink from her glass.

"I can't say I've ever found ill fitting bodices or suit jackets particularly exhilarating, nor talk of weeks old news." These things usually amounted to a hideous amount of small talk and her thanking the gods for the open bar. Good on them, waving that wealth around. Didi's eyes swept over Poppy again, "Yes, thankfully they can manage to dredge up some people who actually know how to dress themselves for these things." The sheer amount of people who thought the cost of material made their outfit fashionable was staggering, yet rather unsurprising.

"The Youth Warlocks of Barcelona." Didiane hummed contemplatively, she couldn't imagine what the group actually did but she doubted it was particularly inspiring. "I wonder if they're made to wander the streets selling cookies or something of the sort. I've heard that's tradition in muggle groups with similar names." The girl scouts, Didi thought her mother had mentioned - though the woman had certainly never considered entering Didi into such a group as it would be 'below their status.'

"To better than decent," Didi echoed, raising her glass to lightly clink it against Poppy's. She fidgeted her straw for a moment before taking another sip. It really was rather good - though she wasn't so certain that would be the case for those patrons further down the bar. If Poppy's reaction had proven anything that could result in an interesting show, though it wouldn't take much to liven up this party. Poppy's mention of seeing her bite through Didiane for a loop for a moment, not necessarily shocked, more briefly unbalanced. "I'll be sure to sharpen my fangs for the occasion." She commented, finding herself almost looking forward to future occasions to match minds with Poppy. Maybe she was a masochist.

"Your kurta is quite beautiful," Didi replied, before finding a light blush dusting her cheekbones as Poppy arched her back. "Our elders might not have the same appreciation for such things but it certainly is captivating." Didiane felt maybe a little flustered, which was as much as she would admit to herself, but at the rather clear invitation she didn't stop her eyes from trailing over Poppy. Maybe Didi felt a bit out of her depth, maybe matching minds with other Slytherin alumni was just different, or maybe that was just Poppy.

[POPPY DELACROIX]

Laughter suited the blonde Poppy found herself making a mental note of against her better judgement (or 'best judgement' as she liked to refer to it as). It was certainly on a different level than the narrowed glares that were practically daggers - though truthfully Poppy relished in receiving those as well. Really, whatever Didiane wanted to aim her way, whether it be amusement or annoyance, the former Slytherin would happily accept any recognition. Perhaps this should have been concerning (and it was) but she would worry about such things when she was out of the line of fire - and she had way more left to fire.

"That remains to be seen." Dark eyes watched how pale delicate fingers pinched the straw that had been pursed between Didiane's pouty lips. Did she know what she was doing? A gesture so simple and yet so deductive. Who was Poppy kidding? Of course Didi didn't. In Poppy's eyes she was the genius, the fox, everyone else were the clueless rabbits for her to do with as she wished... most likely to eat right up. "You will have to show me or else I will have to inform everyone else that you are telling tall tales at the bar trying to impress me." She teased with a certain sort of bite that she couldn't shrug off even if she tried (and she did not).

"Haggling?" She scoffed, now it was her turn to pucker her own lips around the rim of her glass taking a purposefully slow sip. "That is hardly a skill to boast about Maisonet and even though it's not I very much doubt your ability out of the gate." She swirled the last remaining contents of her glass, the ice clinking against the vessel before setting it down on the bar. "Well... Go on." She nodded toward the glass expectantly. "We're both running low on beverages. What will you give me to get you another?" Poppy's brow raised in mild intrigue, awaiting an answer. Perhaps things would get interesting tonight after all even with all of the boring old men around.

"It's a kurti actually." Venom that initially stung at the correction was then relieved. "I am impressed however that you knew of either." Most folks didn't. Then again, Didi was not most folks. Far from it. Catching the rise of pink in the pale girl's cheeks her painted lips turned into a smirk. This was now more interesting than before. "My, my, my... Didiane Maisonet, is that a blush I detect?" It most certainly was and unless the woman was sneaking several shots between sips of beverage it wasn't her drink either. Tanned fingers of her right hand skirted over the bar counter, dangerously close to one of Didi's lingering ones. "Is that what you are then? Captivated by me?..." Her suggestive words hung in the air unapologetically (and why shouldn't they? - Poppy was never sorry... ever!).

[DIDIANE MAISONET]

Of all the things that could have amounted from this little charity event, she found Poppy the most intriguing by far. All of the old men and their boring stories could burn for all she cared. Didi allowed her eyes to wander to the other woman as she sipped gently at her drink. Considering. Any interest in Poppy that flickered gently in her was probably ill-advised. Especially when she considered what a force of nature the other woman had been during their years at Hogwarts, and yet she found herself unwilling to tear her eyes away.

"Ah, I can't have you ruining my bar side reputation then. Can I?" Didi murmured with an arched brow, she thought her reputation in certain circles spoke well enough but that was just her. Granted, her head would likely be on a platter somewhere in the family home if those whispers were too loud. Couldn't do anything too interesting lest grandmother find out. "And how should I show you none of my tales are tall?" She asked, her eyes narrowing on Poppy in consideration, a mischievous smile flickering across her mouth, "A demonstration?" They were in the middle of a charity event but that didn't mean things couldn't get a little interesting without the old folks noticing anything.

"You say that, but you've yet to see how good I am at getting what I want." Didiane hummed, cocking her head, "Doubt as much as you'd like, though." She added, eyes flickering down to her nearly empty drink at Poppy's next comment. She blew out a soft sigh and shifted her straw through the remaining ice with a considering hum, eyes narrowing thoughtfully as she considered how to respond. Or rather, how to respond to Poppy. Finally her eyes lit up and she flashed a quick smile before schooling her face and offering Poppy her hand, "Perhaps I could earn it on the dance floor?"

"Ah, kurti then." Didiane corrected easily and just as quickly, she blinked at Poppy's comment about her recognizing it, "Well, it's certainly beautiful, why wouldn't anyone know of such a beautiful garment?" Truly, the amount of brain cells that the old fogies could invest in courtesy over a dozen more dreadfully boring stories was rather great. Didi huffed lightly at Poppy's comment about her blush, even as her eyes traced the curve of Poppy's lips as she smirked. One of Didi's hands rose to brush over one of her own cheekbones, "Perhaps it is," She shrugged, despite the persisting flush.

"Ah-" She paused at Poppy's question, eyes flickering to the woman's hand and unable to stop herself from tapping her pinky against Poppy's fingers. "Who wouldn't be at least a bit captivated? By you?"

[POPPY DELACROIX]

It took a great deal to catch Poppy off guard. In fact, she couldn't remember the last time she had been anything but confident, sure, and on kilter. She wouldn't go as far to say that now was one of those times, she hardly enjoyed giving anyone other than herself the satisfaction but there was still something of note in this little exchange with her former classmate. The awkward duck who had now turned into a swan. Poppy however was a swan turned into an... even sexier swan? Somehow that absurd logic made sense in her head. Good thing she didn't opt to voice it right now. She didn't feel the need to. She was a walking billboard of infallibility and people would be wise not to challenge her. She would always come out on top even if she was grotesquely wrong. Ah, to live the life of the one female Delacroix sibling...

"What little one you have." Pansy teased back lightly, unable to resist. Pansy's reputation far proceeded her before she entered most rooms. To have something as small as a bar side reputation was deemed beneath her or so she thought. Apparently though when it involved the likes of Didiane she was suddenly invested. Strange how things could change over the drop of a hat... or because old men couldn't keep their gross bulging eyes to themselves.

"Ah. A demonstration." Pansy practically purred pleased with the offer and the thoughts that it dredged up no matter how scandalous. Surely not the bleach blonde's intention but fun never the less. "Yes. I think a demonstration would do just the trick." She managed to remain calm despite the ideas her mind was currently entertaining. Taking a slow deliberate sip of her cocktail in a silent attempt to wet her momentarily dry mouth.
 
Getting what she wanted? Interesting choice of words. "Ah, maybe normally but you see, you're up against a pro of selfishness right now and my dear daddy knew what he was doing raising an entitled brat like myself." Words that should have held disgust and shame held none. In fact, she was quite proud of it deciding that she was a regular 'girl boss' for being insufferable at times. Whatever got results! And an offered hand plus the chance of a dance was just that.

"Perhaps." It took every bit of might she had to keep her brow from arching with excitement. She pretended to mull over her 'many' options letting the Quidditch player fret for a moment or two before taking her hand. "I suppose that I have the time." She would make it in any event. Turning around she took the lead pulling Didiane toward the dance floor. Facing her she tilted her head matter of factly. "I lead. You follow." A beat. "I always lead." Because of course she did. If people were staring at two girls paired up on the dance floor Poppy certainly didn't give a dragon's ass. She never did. She, and whoever her sights were set on, were all that mattered (mainly her).

[DIDIANE MAISONET]

Didiane couldn't help a soft chuckle at Poppy's teasing and found herself beginning to reevaluate what she thought of the other girl. They weren't kids anymore. Maybe, as horrible as Poppy might have been during their years at Hogwarts Didi had acquired a taste for it. Or perhaps more likely she was beginning to discover little bits and pieces of redeeming qualities, catching her eye like jewels in the sun. Her younger self might rile at the thought but Didi found herself not particularly bothered, not so inclined to shut down the line of thought. Oh, how some things change.

The purr in Poppy's voice had Didi turning away to glance down the bar top if only to hide how her eyes widened and a light flush rose to her cheeks in response. Instead, she hummed consideringly in response, giving her cheeks a moment to cool before turning back, leaning her chin gently into her hand. "Ah, then a demonstration you shall have." Didiane took a sip of her drink, toying with her straw as her thoughts twisted. There was certainly enough of a desire to impress there, that wasn't in doubt. No, it was just how to do so that Didi dithered over in her mind, maybe it was best to wing it and go with the first thing that came to mind.

Didi could concede that, as far as her knowledge went, Poppy was perhaps one of the most spoiled people that she knew taking into account even the most passing acquaintances. "Mm, I might contest that but even I'm not sure that I could compete." For all that her mother had attempted to keep up airs, one had to actually pay attention to their child a bit more for them to grow so spoiled. While Didiane had never wanted for anything there had been plenty of factors in her life (grandmother, Poppy, etc) to keep her from growing too big a head.

Didiane's eyes remained fixed on Poppy, fingers tapping against her cheek, as she waited for the other woman's response. She couldn't prevent the slip of a smile at Poppy's agreement, leaving her seat as she was pulled along onto the dance floor. The night just kept getting more and more interesting it seemed. A part of her might have rankled before, but at this point, Didi was quite pleased to see where this led. "You lead." Didi agreed easily enough, "I hope you know what you're doing," She added, voice light and a bit teasing.

[POPPY DELACROIX]

A demonstration then? "Is that so?" Poppy's brow quirked ever so slightly intrigued by the bleach blonde's boldness. If you had told her just a year ago that she would be spending the evening at some gala gathering of the rich and richer speaking with Didiane the girl whose life she used to make hell (or hellish) during their schooling years at Hogwarts. Usually cold and judgmental eyes briefly darted downward watching his slender fingers pinched straw plastic, dipping and lifting. The girl's fingers, her nails, any jewelry or lack thereof, Poppy took notice of it all. It all told a story and one that she intended on reading and then using to her advantage.

"You lead."

"I mean, duh." Poppy rolled her eyes as if the notion was the most obvious thing in the world (because to her it was). "Again... Duh." That was the summary but she was more than happy to fill the other woman in. "I always know what I'm doing. Trust me." But what was there to trust? As a girl in school she certainly hadn't earned the blonde's trust, far from it, and yet here she was pretending as though it hadn't happened. Like it was eons ago... And to her school was just that (even if they had only graduated from Hogwarts last spring).

"The question is... do you?" It was fun to flip things on their head. Poppy enjoyed keeping everyone else guessing while she knew all of the answers or held of the cards. Like her dearest father she needed to be in control at all times. She practically got off on it (or quite literally did). Ignoring the looks and gazes some were throwing their way Poppy confidently took Didiane's hand and waist and began to sway and move to the music. More than a few whispers followed them. Poppy again seemed to not mind in the slightest.

"Are you bothered by it?" Poppy boldly, but unbothered, noted, dark eyes watching the other girl's face sure to catch any tells. "They would have talked anyways whether we danced or not..." Being talked about (in most cases) was a good thing. Meant you were doing something right. "As long as father isn't around I simply can't be bothered to care horribly much. And if it gets back to him I'll just deny it." She shrugged, reaching out she gave the Quidditch player a little twirl.

TAG: DIDIANE MAISONET

[DIDIANE MAISONET]

"I suppose I'll have to trust you then." Saying it out loud felt like she was giving an inch but inviting Poppy to take a mile. Didiane might not trust Poppy with anything important; her reputation, her safety perhaps. But with a simple dance? Surely trust was easy enough to come by for that, it wasn't like the other woman could do anything horrible to her unless she, say, dipped her into a punch bowl. So trust, she could trust this much at the very least, no matter how odd it may be for her to admit to any trust in Poppy.

It was … strange to be held so close, to be swaying with Poppy like this on the dance floor. She didn't want to admit that she was actually kind of enjoying herself. "Oh, I've taken lessons, I certainly know how to dance." Whether Didiane knew how to play along with this show they were putting on, whatever game it was that Poppy was playing, was another matter entirely. And wasn't that another thing that she wouldn't be admitting tonight.

The looks didn't bother Didiane so much as the constant feeling of eyes on her judging, away from her isolated corner. It figured, when she was so used to playing in front of audiences and yet these were the eyes that bothered her. Not Poppy's eyes on her though. That was another feeling entirely.

Still, Didiane glanced up to meet Poppy's eyes and shook her head, "Not particularly." She hummed, eyes fixed on Poppy's for a moment longer before she glanced back to the masses. "They always talk, why not give them something to talk about?" And wasn't that a gauntlet that Didiane was throwing down. But, then she couldn't allow Poppy to keep towing her along all wide eyes all night. Might as well throw her own kindling on the fire.

Didiane chuckled as she spun, coming back to settle in Poppy's hands again. "Oh, it can make grandmother grumpy but there are some things she can be grumpy about." There were some things she'd muscled her grandmother into accepting (figuratively) and that was one of them.

[POPPY DELACROIX]

"Looks like it..." She'll have to trust her? When did anyone ever utter those exact words when dealing with Poppy Delacroix? Never was the immediate answer. Oh well, suppose there was a first time for everything. How intriguing! Still, as with most emotions, she wasn't in a place to let it show. Showing anything the populous, usually male, would dub you as weak and Poppy was not weak. She couldn't afford to be. Far too much was at stake. Which is why, even as she continued to lead Didianne in a slow, swaying, and some would say intimate dance that she had to be mindful of where she looked, how she moved, even with how she breathed. 

Lessons? "Apparently so." But she couldn't allow herself to slip into play nice territory. Oh no. That would be far too complicated. "Perhaps by the end of this evening we can wager if you should get your money back." There. That was more like it. "So I heard that your team is last in the league. Was that before your arrival or simply much of the same?" Yeesh. She went right for the jugular with that one. Couldn't help herself - old habits die hard after all or, in Poppy's case, not at all.

Their eyes met, Didianne's sweet gaze met with darkness in Poppy's and for a split second there was something more. Of realization perhaps? A split second of vulnerability behind the bravado, mysteriousness, and entitlement. As quickly as it arrived, it was gone again, pushed deep down to the pits of her subconscious. No room for anything light and whimsical here. Just judgement and harshness.

"They always talk, why not give them something to talk about?" 

"Is that so?" My, she was being daring wasn't she? But was it for real? Poppy was tempted to call her bluff but managed to show some willpower and abstain. "And where is dear old granny this evening? Six feet under or three bottles of wine beneath?" There was something to be said for subtlety - Poppy didn't have any nor did she care to.