44. Dinner and a Dance Party
General Summary
May 20 Session
We open on pulling into the airship dock in Midnight. There's a bit of a docking fee, probably 2 coins. You get there late morning, party is that evening.
Education isn't really formalized; she did a year of classroom stuff in Dawnharbour but otherwise it's been a series of practical experience and tutorings that eventually hit a point where she got a consensus that she is peer with the people teaching her and gets to introduce herself as a wizard and not an apprentice/student. She probably already had a formal announcement kind of party with her parents and their friends and some extended and favorite teachers. Julius was probably there, maybe hangs around in if Shiv told him Marwa's invited to the 'actual' party that she's having with her friends, will let Shiv know to tell her that he'd love to see her while they're both on the ground if she has time while in town.
They would have realized that they were going to hit Midnight with lots of time to spare before party time. "Normally I'd head to Shiv's place if for no other reason than just to let her know I can make it tonight, but she's almost certainly locked down with family stuff until the eleventh hour. I guess we need a place to stay while we're here, though. Unless you feel like hiking from the Docks every day"
Marwa’s expression makes it clear she doesn’t want to walk back and forth if she can help it
Smile "Yeah, that's what I thought."
“Let’s find something here in town. Did you have an idea of when you wanted to visit your parents?” I gauge his expression as I ask this question. “Sometimes if I know I have a potentially awkward conversation coming, I do it when I know I have plans after so I can use that as an excuse to leave, if I need to. Sort of a, ‘Gotta run, Shiv’s party.’ Sort of thing.”
There's a flash of anxiety, swiftly settled. He listens to what you say about excuses, and kind of chuckles. "Making an exit isn't a problem, I can always just make something up anyway. Yeah why not. It's Tuesday, so mom's home at least. I don't know dad's schedule these days."
“You sure? We can do this on your timeline.”
"I was going to say I literally don't have anything else to do aside from drop off a singular library return, which can wait, but it occurs to me that I didn't get a chance to say hi to anyone but Shiv last time we were here."
“By all means, show me your city, Mika Oliviera. Let’s go say hi to your people.”
"On the other hand, Shiv might actually murder me if anyone else finds out about us first."
She laughs
"Ugh, fuck it. Let's get my parents over with. I'll see people tonight. Inn first. Same place we stayed before fine, Rifter’s Rest?"
“Works for me. Just checking comfort levels - I know we…” she pauses with a smirk, “spent lots of time together on the ship, but are we thinking one room or two? Cool either way, just know if you prefer two I will bother you in yours until it’s time to sleep.”
A huffed laugh, "I mean, yeah, one's fine. To be honest since the sleeping thing it's kind of felt like a waste for me to take up a room when all I really need's a desk and somewhere to sit."
“It’s not a waste, you deserve space to yourself just like everyone, even if you don’t sleep.” I say it quietly, but my expression is genuine.
It’s clear from his expression that he hadn’t thought of it like that, but he squeezes your hand appreciatively all the same. "Moot, anyway."
I kiss his cheek. “Lead on.”
It's a fair walk from the docks, but not exhaustingly long, just long enough for you to feel certain that making this hike PLUS the distance to wherever else you wanna go further into town every day is absolutely not worth whatever comfort and fiscal convenience might come from staying on the ship Mika probably pokes his head in a courier to get a quick same-day note sent to Shiv that yeah, you can both be there PS good luck surviving Society all afternoon
“Are you encoding this one?”
"No, I'd like her to actually get the message."
“Fair.”
So they book a room and it's getting toward lunch hour at this point and Mika's torn between procrastinating home visit by saying they should eat first and knowing that showing up unexpected is absolutely not going to be a problem if they just have lunch at his parents' place. He probably settles on getting it over with, like he already said. He's not one to waffle once committed to a course of action.
He can clock that Marwa is quieter as the time approaches to leave. Fiddling with her clothes, Nimbus an ever present tuft of cloud at her shoulder.
As they're walking there he'd give her hand a squeeze, turning to face her while walking forward. "You okay?"
Since deciding to head there right away instead of after lunch his sort of, annoyed anxiety has been replaced by a familiar flavour of stubborn determination.
“Course! Just…nervous, a little. Which is silly, I’ve already met them and they’re wonderful.” She shrugs
His expression softens a bit. "You're gonna be fine. They're not going to like, grill you or anything." He hesitates, "It's just... been a while. And dad has... kind of a pessimistic streak. But we're trying this thing where we don't predict what people are going to say in advance - no matter how much pattern recognition we've got - so."
“It would be their right, I’m sure several of my parents grilled you throughout the course of our stay in Auria.” She gives a sheepish look at that. “You’re right. Very wise of you, Cri would be impressed.”
"High praise."
The rest of the walk passes without much conversation, or on easier topics. The street is familiar, looks pretty much the same as the last time you were there. Rose still knocks the door open and bolts out to meet you both, yapping her head off. Mika drops to his knees to give her the BIG PATS before taking your hand again and heading for the ajar door. There's a yummy, savoury smell coming from inside. He knocks on the doorframe as he steps through, but doesn't wait to be admitted. Rose is on your heels, sniffing all the stories of where you've been.
As predicted, Melody's home, and it's just her at the moment. She's already standing because there's a window so she looked out when Rose started making noise, got a great big grin. Yanks Mika for a hug, says something to the effect of "what are you doing here?" but delighted, like she had no idea he'd be visiting. She clocks your held hands and her smile makes creases at her eyes. She asks if you do hugs.
“I sure do. Great to see you again, Melody.”
You get a bear one. "Good to see you too! Please, please sit down. Coffee? Have you two eaten?"
"I got it, and no." Mika doesn't feel fully capable of sitting still, so he makes for the kitchen, reaching for mugs first. There's already a pot on.
“It smells incredible in here, whatever you’re making.”
"Oh it's just leftovers - there's enough for more if you two are hungry." She's already got a sandwich with some kind of chicken-and-sauce concoction on a plate. There's a pot on the stove, hot though the fire's out. Mika drops off a mug of coffee by your elbow, just how she likes it - extra cream, extra sugar. The fact that he brings her coffee warms her heart every time. Makes her feel so special.
He goes to investigate the food options, tries to lift the lid, immediately aborts because the fire's out but the pot's still hot, grabs a towel and tries again.
"Bread's in the-"
"Top one, I know."
Melody's smiling over her mug, looking between the two of you. "So…how long's this been going on?"
Mika glances to see if she wants to take this one, so if she immediately goes for a coffee sip he'll take it. She’s nervous and trying not to show it. She’s happy to let him lead this conversation and she’ll join
"Not long." <mental counting> "Huh. Not even a week, actually." He slides a plate of what Melody's having in front of you, then sits in the seat next to you with his own. Rose is whining for shares, he swats her nose (not forceful) and she sighs, lies down. He reaches for her hand under the table.
“God, this is so good. Do I have you to thank for teaching this guy to cook, by the way? Or was that his dad? He made dinner the other night for the whole party and it was amazing.”
Mika has to put down his coffee quick because this question makes him laugh. Melody shoots him a rueful look "Oh gods no, I didn't even make this batch."
"You can tell because the apartment's still standing," Mika snickers
Marwa looks at Melody with such sincerity. “No judgment. I can barely boil water. It’s so bad they don’t even let me do kitchen duty anymore.”
"You make a decent helper, though." Affectionate side glance
She squeezes his hand under the table and smiles at him. “Thanks.”
"Well you've one up on me" Melody laughs, "Reheats only for me. I don't know that I can claim to have taught this kid much of anything, actually." She smiles fondly, "He was already a genius when we met"
"<Well that's not true>" Mika says immediately, in Infernal. A point she concedes in common "Okay except maybe a little language lessons."
"Also I was an idiot. I'm not going to say I remember perfectly but I know I gave you a hard time."
Melody shrugs, her smile unmoved. "You were being protective, for a decent reason. We got there eventually. But I don't want to discuss history. Mirage I know your name and that you're from Auria and almost nothing else. You're part of the mercenary company, right? What do you do?"
Side glance from Mika like this is absolutely not his question to answer, or decide how to answer.
The food and the warm reception has loosened her up a little bit and she’s falling back into her regular bubbly nature. She answers Melody genuinely, spinning tales of picked locks and fooled guards. Tells her about her work testing security before she joined the party. “Mama would not have approved of me using my ‘powers’ for anything but good, of course.”
There isn't disapproval in Melody's face when she says what she does, but her listening smile isn't excited. She relaxes about it more as Marwa talks, laughs at her stories, smiles approvingly when she talks about her parents not approving of sticky fingers misused. Marwa is in full “impress the parents” mode so she only tells the most interesting, safe stories.
The next move is to ask for some clarity on what Mika does - he dodged this both his last visits and he's gonna try to dodge it again. First by letting Marwa lead the conversation, and then when it hits a pause and Melody looks at him and starts to open her mouth to say something by interrupting with, "Hey is dad home today?"
"Yeah, he should be home around dinnertime - how long are you two in town again?"
Mika shrugs. "Got somewhere to be around sundown (which is well after dinner since it's summer), and then... until we have to go, I guess?" He'll look at you for confirmation on the last point
I nod at him. “There were a few things we wanted to get done while we’re here but until we get the band back together, I think we’re on a short break.”
Melody beams. "Well I hope you both know the door is open. Unless Saulo and I are both out. But then, you know where the key is." This last to Mika, who shakes his head and makes some comment that they really should change that up sometimes. Maybe adds something snarky like he doesn't need it if you're with him anyway.
Melody would laugh, "Locked doors never kept you in, anyway. Were you two staying for dinner, then?"
I look at Mika to gauge his thoughts, let him take this one. He was very mildly annoyed at Saulo’s delay but it was predictable. And he doesn't want to make a second trip to break the news to his dad.
"Sure. There enough for four, or?"
"Depends what we're having."
Mika gets up to check the cupboards "I mean it's gotta be my turn at this point, right?"
He notices they’re short a couple things, offers to pick up what's missing on a market run. Melody says sure, she has a couple take-home's to work on anyway if you two want to stretch your legs in a bit. You can walk Rose at the same time.
“Sounds like a plan.”
With dinner plans settled she wants to know - not how you met because she knows you worked together for a while already, but how this started, it's a very "Okay, so that's settled. Now tell me everything.”
Mirage can clock that Melody is genuinely just happy for you two and is being supportive. She doesn't ask like, what's the word, accusatory/contentious questions, but it's not like eggshells, she's just not that kind of person.
Marwa's the storyteller. Mika's turn to take a coffee sip. Marwa has been very conscious of letting Mika take the lead here, not talk over him or for him, but that said she's happy to fill silences and ease whatever worry of Melody’s she can about this unknown woman dating her son.
So she grins in his direction and answers Melody’s question, “Came back from a work trip and it just slipped out. We’d been close friends for a while, and so I was nervous about endangering that, but I guess I worried for nothing.”
As much as Marwa was nervous to come in here and have this conversation every time she looks at Mika, those nerves visibly fade. He's impressed at the elegant way you smoothed out all the not-for-home-topics in the story. He also can't help smiling when you retell it. He'll fill in bits and pieces but he's letting you lead on this one.
"What did the rest of your party think?" Melody wants to know.
"Cri sounded like a teakettle. Boss and Saeldor had a running bet."
Melody guffaws at that point
“In short, no one was surprised.”
Melody wants to know if your parents know yet, and generally to know more about your family and where you come from, just in a general you-as-a-person way. She also is genuinely confused about how living in the sky works, logistically.
Once they hit the topic of her family Marwa is happy to go on and on, and invites Mika to add his perspective too. He both enjoys listening to her and has an air of "isn't she amazing" as he does so
It's been a long, long time since he brought anyone home, he was probably a teenager. Maybe sixteen or so, and even then he wasn't enraptured like this. It's heartwarming. Melody wasn’t being cautious, but she does have a bit of background anxiety like "I GOTTA MAKE THIS A GOOD MEET-THE-PARENT I CAN'T RUIN THIS FOR HIM."
She's also very pleased to hear about how committed Mirage’s family was to making sure he didn't get away with skipping meals or otherwise neglecting himself
“Belligerently so, one could argue.” Marwa adds, which gets a hum of agreement from Mika.
"Well don't think you're getting away with any less while you're here, mister."
Speaking of food, she'll ask if they need leftovers to take home to which Mika replies that they'll be fine, but they should head out if they're going to buy food before dad gets home. He will say the magic W word to get Rose all excited. Before they head out they get another hug each, and Melody says something quiet to Mika that makes him smile sadly, and say "Thanks, I know."
Once they're out of the house Mika breathes relief, partially. Wants to know how you're doing, and assure you that they don't have to go back for dinner if she needs a break.
“No, I’m okay. Your mother is a gem of a person, truly. Can I help with prep tonight? What do you need.”
"I think dad and I will probably have it covered. I'm hoping his favourite will put him in a good mood," he laughs but it's a little strained. "Well, transparently it's mine too. We're not missing much. Fish and onion. And it's not for dinner, but I saw coffee's low." He thinks of something, then glances at you, a little apologetic. "Maybe some fruit or something for you."
“What? No, that’s fine. I can handle myself, you don’t have to get anything special for me. Aurian food trained me pretty well, I think. Are you worried about how your dad might react to this?”
He does an eyes-only flinch. "I don't know about 'worried,'" he says, careful, thinking through his words. "I just... listen like I said it doesn't even matter. He doesn't get a say. But I don't think he's literally ever been on board with anyone I've ever told him about- which for the record is not that many people," he adds with an abashed haste. "And in fairness he's been right more than once. I'm just not excited for the doomsaying. You'll be fine. He won't say anything to your face. Though I'll reiterate that you can have some fun with Eu posso te entender," A halfhearted smile.
I thread my fingers through his as I hold his hand. “I’ll be more than happy to stick around and prove him wrong. You know I live to be contrary.”
He plants a peck on your cheek as you're walking. "Sure do."
“I won’t take it personally. He wants you to be happy.”
"Mm." Agreement, but distracted. He has Unvoiced Thoughts on this rationale.
They finish up shopping pretty quick. It's a street market, and Mika wishes he was more up on what prices are standard around here these days because he feels like his haggling game's off. But you get under-original-offer on stuff, so hey, a moderate win. You get a bone for Rose while you're there, she keeps stopping to try and chew it right away and Mika ends up carrying it.
You've made it back and are putting stuff away / getting pots and pans out when the door opens. Saulo's obviously surprised to see both of you - he didn't know you were visiting.
"Ola, filho, and... Mirage, yes?" He's looking between the two of you, I think you're at the table visiting with Melody and Mika is a couple steps behind you attending the kitchen. He's not frowning but he's got a kind of furrowed-brow look that could be lingering surprise or an attempt to figure out if he's home because Something Happened or if it's just another surprise visit.
“Yes, that’s me!” And then I try and say “good to see you again Saulo” in Chultslang, like I’ve been practicing.
"Você também," He replies, which Mika would have told you means "you too" but after making the above face. Mika's got a "that's my girl" kind of smile glance for you.
"O resto da sua empresa também está aqui?" which she can maybe clock "here" at the end but the rest is rapid and outside likely things she would have learned.
She gives panic face,
Fortunately for her Mika answers in common, after wiping a look of mild annoyance from his face. "No, just the two of us."
"Hm." Saulo processes this. Melody encourages him to get his boots off and change out of work clothes which do, admittedly, smell like a construction yard, so he tramps off to one of the doors at the back of the room, comes back a minute later and joins Mika in the kitchen, asking in a take-charge kind of way what he's making. Seems pleased when Mika answers.
The silent assessing/processing has faded to reserved caution. Saulo's conversation is directed almost exclusively at Mika. He's not ignoring Marwa, he just doesn't quite know what to make of her.
Melody offers things to bring Marwa into the conversation. Saulo's questions are normal "how was the trip here" kind of ones. Every now and again he'll direct a rapid string of Chultslang at Mika, who always answers in common with a face that says he's thinking more about translating and then answering each time it happens.
Going by the answers none of these questions are particularly aggressive, but he's annoyed they're not asked openly. Mika doesn’t say outright that you're dating, he doesn’t really have to. He seats himself next to you when dinner's served, and behaves toward you as he has through the day.
Saulo asks how the business in Auria went, which both Melody and Mika absolutely clock as an opportunity to hear more Noor Shenanigan Stories.
Marwa is happy to oblige.
She spoke very little once Saulo entered the space, not out of fear but respect, but here at dinner she's taking opportunities to throw out tension-easing jokes, any that she feels safe making, and she sees this is an opportunity to get the table smiling at Noor antics. So she glosses over the yucky stuff like Amir and the Teeth, but mentions how much fun she had introducing everyone to her crazy family. “And then I conspired to have Miss Rose come for a visit, which was so fun. My parents already miss her.”
Mika is still visibly touched by the thoughtfulness. Rose has been circling the table wanting scraps the whole time. Saulo listens with the same polite pleasantness you got in your first visit. It’s not restrained but it's not Melody's belly laughs and shining-eyed excitement.
Marwa’s gaze slides off of Saulo’s and lands on Mika’s and Melody’s. More comfortable. When dinner's over Melody gets up to do the washing up because having been long-term-vetoed from cooking that's her contribution to meals. Marwa stands too, goes over to help dry, and Saulo says he's going to let the dog out and asks if Mika wants to join him in a way everyone can clock as not-really-a-question. He says sure and gets up like he was expecting this, pausing by you to grab your hand for a quick squeeze and say softly that he'll be back in a minute.
I give him a smile that's maybe a touch too bright, but then head over to the sink to help Melody and occupy my anxious hands.
As the door closes behind the guys Melody will give you a sideways smile and tell you you'll be fine. Saulo always takes a minute to come around on any kind of change.
I give a half smile. “That’s fair. I did just kind of show up out of nowhere.”
Melody is impressed just by the fact he brought you home, never mind that he's barely taken his eyes off you all day.Marwa blushes and her gaze flickers over to where she saw the guys head outside, “Well. Your son is one hell of a guy.”
Melody smiles at this.
The guys are gone for more than "a minute", longer than you need to take a dog out to the yard and back. They're just out front. There's patchy grassy area between the smash houses and the street. During pauses in the conversation Marwa can hear muted, muffled Chultslang, increasingly rapid, overlapping.
Mika comes back in first, looking tired, annoyed. But mostly tired. Saulo's behind him, looking neutral. Impenetrable. You're beginning to see where Mika gets his pokerface from.
Mika's saying sorry to leave abruptly but you both have somewhere to be.
I make my goodbyes then, give Melody a hug, thank her for her company.
Melody could clock how important parental approval/liking was to her, knows it's going to take a while to get that from her other half, and that it's far from a sure thing no matter how sweet and good for Mika she actually is. She wants to basically commend her for sticking through the visit and express how happy she is for the two of them, Mika couldn't have found anyone better.
Marwa squeezes her real tight, and whispers “Thank you.”
Melody didn’t announce her sentiments to the room, but it's not whispered. Mika can pick it up, and has the most appreciative look in response.
I march over to Saulo before we leave, big defiant grin on my face, and I hold out my hand to shake.
He looks mildly surprised in a pleasant way. He was probably expecting you to just scurry away - wasn't aiming for that, but given that he knows what Mika Making A Quick Getaway looks like. You'll get a handshake in return.
“Thanks for dinner. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.” I’m making eye contact, and it’s a firm handshake. Not aggressive, but not shy either.
He'll thank you for your company, and probably say something to the effect of 'keep Mika out of trouble for us.'
“Do my best, but he’s usually the one keeping me out of trouble.” And then I’ll skedaddle
An eyebrow raises in Mika's direction as you both make your way out. Mika got his Melody hug while you had that interaction. Mika seems happy to change gears immediately as you head back to the Inn to get ready for shiv's party.
“Hey. You okay?” I have my hand on his shoulder.
He'll glance at you, then exhale, like he debated for a second but knows there's not much point trying to poker face this one. "I'm annoyed. And right. Which would usually counterbalance annoyance but here we are."
“Am I a salacious temptress here to bring you to a life of crime and ruin?” I wiggle my eyebrows dramatically.
He laughs, I think her drama faces are hard not to chuckle at. "Not quite. I'd rather not tell you the specifics to be honest. They hardly matter - he's always got some reason or other."
“Okay. Well. We got time. And also a party to get to. But if you change your mind and want to talk, I’m here.” And I give him a comforting kiss.
"I know. And I appreciate it, really. But it really makes no difference. He's wrong, I know he's wrong, he knows he can't change my mind, and that's that."
“So stubbornness is a family trait, then? At least your mom seemed to like me. She's so freaking nice, I almost cried there at the end when she told me all those kind things.”
He kind of chuckles about the stubbornness thing. "Small sample size, but it seems so. I never met any of dad's extended, and mom just has a sister in Highport - thassit" He's looking at you sidelong like he's thinking or organizing words in his head.
“Whatever you’re thinking about, you can say it. I am the daughter of Lydia Noor, and I appreciate directness.”
He smiles, but the confrontation makes him drop eye contact for a second. "You still don't have to answer if it's an overstep. I was just... and there's no reason you would have said, he wants to know if all your parents were already together when you came along, basically.”
“They were, yes. Baba and Dad were together first, and then they met my mom. And then my mom found Pops, and he came last. But the rest is history, I suppose. Are you wondering if I’ll go out looking for other lovers?”
A startled look like that hadn't even occurred to him - you’ve never discussed exclusivity. "No - just.. just wondering." That derailed his train of thought a bit.
“Oh. Okay.”
Marwa, getting the sense that his conversation with his dad had something to do with her parents, notices her hackles come up in response. Thinks to herself, he can shit on me, but not them.
I think he's confused, looks worried. "Did I say something wrong?"
“No. You didn’t, I just. I don’t want to pry, but I wondered if your dad had something to say about my parents. Made me a little defensive, I guess. Even in a place as open as Auria, I still got shit from other people for the way I was raised.”
Relief. This is something he can fix. "No, nothing like that. To be honest I kind of expected it, too, but I think he just assumes that's normal there."
Her expressions relaxes.
"I was just thinking about when dad and Melody were dating and wondered if you'd ever dealt with that kind of thing, that's all."
“Oh! Oh, no I haven’t.”
"That's fine. I've never had my mom flex multi century wisdom to win an argument, so." like he wants to leave it at "we can't relate on everything and that's okay"
“It is rough, literally never winning an argument with her.”
He chuckles at that. He'll admit winning arguments with Melody unfairly easily in the beginning, very aware that she would concede almost any point to avoid his disapproval and lost stepmom-cred.
“Well, at least you had a few years of that. No grace period for me. But hey! We got a party to go to, don’t we!? What are you gonna wear?” Marwa organically switched gears to hype mode, starts floating off the ground a bit.
He shrugs, he'll change shirts cause this one still smells kind of like fish, but otherwise pretty much what he has on. It's not a formal event. “Hope you’re ready because my outfit is gonna knock your fucking socks off, pal.”
He knows at this point, having spent time with her in a place where she has her full wardrobe, that Marwa will take any excuse to pull out the stops on her outfit though. "Looking forward to it"
Back at the inn, he's just waiting outside the door, amused and smiling at her excitement. She's so cute when she's all hype like this. He reminisces about how long it's been since he's seen all the people he used to hang with here, wondering how much has changed, hoping he can pick things up again. Hoping they'll let him. He doesn't have much to offer in the way of explanation for not visiting or writing.
She interrupts this train of thought with her grand entrance, which is just her opening the door but you know when you know you look good, you feel good? The expression on her face says, “yeah I know.”
He's thunderstruck. "Damn."
“Too much?” And she does a little spin
"Not at all."
He puts his arms around her, hands on her waist. "We don't have to go anywhere you know. Marwa was very right. Socks knocked off. Twitterpation activated.
This is absolutely the reaction she was aiming for - tongue tied and affectionate. Mission success.
“Don’t tempt me. Shiv would never let us hear the end of it.” She's in his arms and just pressing kisses into his cheek and jawline
"Fuck, you're right. At the risk of repetition though, damn."
“Sweet talker.” He gets one last kiss to the side of his neck and then she backs up. “Let’s go have some fun, yeah?”
Breath-through-nose laugh. "Let's."
It's not a long walk to Shiv's chosen location. It's below the street level, you have to go down some steps. Wouldn't know there was anything there if Mika didn't point it out. Soon as you open the door the music hits you; the door has a sound ward on it but the indoors is thaumaturgy'd to heck. There's a line but not a crazy one. There's an absolute TANK of a tiefling clearing people to go in this isn't a world where people have ID cards but he's making them say their birth year on a localized Zone of Truth
Marwa can clock recognition on Mika's face when he sees the bouncer, and I think Raj clocks him before it's their turn, has a "is that..." kind of squint and then an eyebrow jump of 'oshit', but he is a consummate professional and his attention is on the individual at the head of the line so until it's their turn he's not saying anything.
I give him a quick handshake to not hold up the line “See you on the other side.”
He gives a grin, salute-wave. Mika would quickly ask who's here already Raj will clock his reason and confirm Shiv's here and so's most of the gang. Mika can clock there's something Raj isn't saying, but as you said the line is moving so there's no time to press. His height is not usually an issue and everyone looks short next to Ta'lok and Saeldor anyway but entering the bar-which-is-more-like-a-club Mika is reminded that "finding my 5'1" friend in a crowd" is on the list of things that are easier for the tol types.
Shiv spots them first, waving to flag you down even though she absolutely clocked Nimbus signaling her location already. Big arms in the air like she's directing aircraft, she's so hype to see you both, and then she sees you're holding hands.
Marwa’s laughing in excitement
She sees neither of you let go when you come to a stop, "OH MY GOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDDD". It's a squeak - a loud one but a squeak
I give her a giant hug, “CONGRATS BITCH”
The redhead she was chatting with looks amused but is hanging back to let the hype happen. "RIGHT BACK AT YOU BITCH WHAAAAAAAAT"
She's looking back and forth between you and Mika, who's kind of chuckling with a "yeah, I know, get it outta your system" kind of energy.
“Surprise?” I chuckle
"Not in the least, you two weren't fooling anyone. It was her who spoke up, wasn't it"
Mika looks affronted. "Of course it was. She's perfect. Your point?"
"That Saeldor owes me a pack of hash next time your group's in town, and also that you're off the hook regardless", her expression smug.
“What are you talking about? We are both so dark and mysterious.”
Shiv then takes Mika by his shoulders and looks up at him. It takes her a minute to manage sternness through the grin, but she does it, ad then she says, “Listen I don’t have to tell you if you hurt this absolute gem of a woman I am coming for you with the full force of my vengeful fury, and you cannot escape me.” He's kind of startled but he replies, “Yeah, obviously.”
She lets him go and he's still a little unsettled because it's usually the OTHER PERSON who gets that warning.Mirage throws her head back and lets out a loud laugh, like she also didn’t expect it
“Thanks babe.” Gives Shiv a wink, gets a big stage wink back.
"Long time no see" from the redhead who clocks the conversation winding down. Shiv will hasten to introduce you to Molly while Mika concurs that it's been a while. Molly's the kind of cool friend who's not going to say anything about his absence right now. Maybe not ever, unless he brings it up. Won't change anything and risks killing the party vibe. It's a brief interaction she observed but I think Marwa still came off pleasant/fun, she's genuinely pleased to meet you, asks how you two met.
I’d tell her that we met when we joined the same adventuring party. “Annoyed the shit out of each other for a while, that was fun.”
She gives Mika a sideways smile like yeah she could see that. He definitely was a more amiable and open person when they last hung out, but he's always been a stubborn shit.
“But then we were friends. And then randomly like, four days ago, I blurted out my feelings and here we are. Match made in Celestia.”
Molly AWWWWWs, it's sincere. Your story is very cute. She'll jokingly tell Mika that he's losing a step with her beating him to the punch like that, which he'll take on the chin with a chuckle like "Well look at her, can you blame a guy being nervous?"
Siobhan is hanging back to let you and Molly get acquainted but once you've got a rapport going she'll acknowledge that she knows you don't know many people here beyond her and Mika and now Molly, and start flagging someone down, and a 6'1" lizardfolk with smooth black scales streaked with five striking yellow lines ambles over
"Oh holy shit, you're actually here!" His voice is deeper than you'd expect.
Mika's smile is big, genuine.
"Hey Beni, wouldn't miss it."
"You still a fistbumper?"
"Ye."
Offers a fistbump which Mika happily blows up, then turns to you "And who's this?"
"Beni, this is Mirage. Mirage, Beni. Beni is cool people."
He laughs. "Beni tries. Nice to meet you"
"You a hugger, handshaker, or a fistbumper?"
I’ll give him a hug. He gives good hugs. Long arms. Warmer than you'd expect for a cold-blooded guy.
“Nice to meet you, Beni!”
“Likewise!”
Shiv pulls Mika aside while you're getting acquainted with Beni. It's loud enough in here that the few paces that Shiv pulls him over are enough to mute them unless you wanna eavesdrop with wind magic. You clock that she pulls him over, says something to him, nervous, kind of cringing he's taken aback, surprised, maybe concerned. Shiv asks him a question, worry in her face, and he nods, looking slightly dazed, but it seems to be assurance/assent. She wants confirmation. He gives it, more assertively. Then she lets him go.
Beni's noticed you're both un-boozed at the moment and wants to know what you're drinking; he can buy your first one and introduce you to Storm and Nissa, who are hanging out at the bar right now, at the same time. Mika rejoins you as this is asked. I order two mocktails, something fun and bubbly.
You get to the bar and Beni orders for you two, says he's pacing himself, and leads you to where a grey-tabby Tabaxi and a statuesque water genasi are sitting. The tabaxi raises two fists as you get closer "MIKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HELL YEA! Bro are you back??"
"Just visiting."
Storm gives him double fistbumps with GUSTO. The genasi next to him, whom Beni introduces as Nissa (he introduces Storm too), is sipping something blue and fruity. She waits for Storm to blow over, as it were, then gives Mika a good to see you and you a nice to meet you. She likes your outfit, you're SLAYING
“Thank you! Back at you, I’m obsessed with that skirt.”
"Oh thanks, Molly made it, actually. Have you met Molly yet?"
“Uh, red hair, right? Yes, we met her earlier. She MADE that? Incredible!”
"Right? She's a heck of a seamstress."
Mika's chilling, enjoying seeing you connect with these people, knew you'd make friends, you always do, it seems effortless to him and why wouldn't anyone like you?
Marwa is loving getting to see all of these different people from Mika’s past, and everybody seems really cool.
Nissa also clocks the vibe and will ask directly how long you've been going out. She has that "aww, honeymoon phase" face when you tell her only a few days
When Nissa's asking how long you've been going out etc Storm will ask if Shiv knows yet, Mika nods, says she gave him the Warning and everything. Storm clarifies, "Wait, gave you?" and Mika responds, "Yeah."
Storm just says, "DAMN." He absolutely has no poker face so you can absolutely clock that when it was confirmed that you two are an item he looked relieved for a second.
I look at Mika and joke, “Your friends are cool if I break your heart, I guess, but you’re not allowed to break mine?”
Beni's hanging out for this conversation too. He laughs when Mika mentions getting Warned, comments that Shiv must really like this one
"I mean I'd like to think they'd have my back? Unless I was genuinely the problem, then I'm still getting my ass kicked for screwing it up" He kind of laughs it off but roll social graces
There was a brief second of startlement/hesitation before that statement. How his friends would react if he got dumped is an untested theory, there's a tone of "...right?" to it.
Beni moves the topic. "So who else have you met besides Molly and I guess you already knew Shiv?"
“Oh! That absolute unit of a man outside, the bouncer. Raj.”
A smile. "Raj is good people - he'll come party with us when he's off and it is all of our job to keep Storm from sneaking him beers before then."
Storm snorts, "He wouldn't drink them if I did."
“A fellow troublemaker? Good to know, good to know.” I put my fist out to storm for a bump with a conspiratorial grin.
He'll blow it up, big sharp tooth kitty grin back.
"So that means you haven't met Candace, Elijah, or Zebyn. Zebyn's using he or her today, whichever is easier." Beni continues. “Zebyn and Candace are both off dancing at the moment. There - the green-haired gnome in the flower skirt, and the girl in the purple shirt?"
"And Elijah?" Mika asks.
"Went out for a smoke" Storm answers.
Mika snorts, "Since when's he smoke outside?" *
"Since a minute ago, I guess."
"You dance, Mirage?" Nissa asks when the silence goes on.
“All the time! And this is a great song.”
Mika will obviously dance with you if you ask but he has no issue with Nissa stealing you either. Nissa makes jokes about stealing you in another sense almost certainly, but he knows they're jokes. I’d say I want to dance, and whoever wants to come with me should come too
Mika knew he had to act fast, so he says with a smile, "Shall we?"
“Yes please.” And I put my hand in his. I clocked that Nissa looked like she was gonna ask, I’d say, “Wanna dance after?”
She smiles big and still manages to look elegant, "Absolutely."
You get on the floor and make your way over near the others Beni pointed out - Zebyn and Candace, both of whom break step to immediately be like "WHAAAAAAAT YOU ACTUALLY CAME!?"
Candace has an "I've heard so much about you" for you in addition to the 'nice to meet you' that Marwa's gotten from everyone.
“Only good things, I hope!”
"Absolutely! You're apparently a 'certified badass' and I want to hear all about it."
Candace makes you promise to let her buy you a drink later. Zebyn is also pleased to make your acquaintance. Mika compliments the skirt and he's like thanks it TWIRLS and demonstrates
“Pleased to meet you both. And hell yes to the drink Candace, but first we dance!” I grab Mika and yoink him to me a little.
Zebyn's twirling Candace away already
He steps into it like it was planned. You look. So stunning. He's trying to remember why they left the inn again, can't seem to recall. His eyes are locked pretty completely on you the entire time and he's not like, all over you, but it's not not flirty
Marwa is never freer than when she’s dancing. She is living in the moment, enjoying the music, enjoying being able to be with Mika this way without fear. She's totally into it and him Minibit — 5/20/2025 9:29 PM
Eventually, Nissa will steal Shiv and get out there. Nissa clocks your vibes with Mika and will make some kind of "oh he's got it bad" comment to Shiv and the two are going to shamelessly gossip about you the entire song.
When the song ends Zebyn flags Molly down like he's been wanting to talk to her and they get a table
After a song or two, Nissa steals Marwa. Mika won't fight her on it, he's not a possessive type and you already indicated you're okay with it. Candace takes Shiv in that case. Zeb went to a table, and Mika's not in a dance with strangers mood, so he'll rejoin Beni and Storm at the bar.
Nissa's having fun dancing with you, compliments your moves, asks if you're trained.
“Thanks! Yeah, had lessons, until I was 16. But this dancing is way more fun than that!”
"Right? Freestyle is the best style."
She'll ask what kind of dance you learned, and will share her vocation. She teaches classical but like, with a freestyle/contemporary twist? Very Dirty Dancing kind of thing.
“Oh that’s so cool! No wonder you’re so good. Most of my instructors were stuffy old dudes who only liked formal waltz stuff.”
She laughs, she can picture it, she's probably met enough first-time students and parents of students who expected the same and did not react well to the reality
"Not a slow dance person then?"
“Oh I do like a slow dance every now and then but this is much more my speed. If you teach walk in classes, I’d love to swing in sometime! Maybe I can drag Mika with me, too.”
"Ohh, that'd be interesting. Never been able to wrangle him over before, but you seem... motivating. I don't know if you've noticed" she says, sarcastic in a friendly way "but you're dating the biggest sap in the Realms."
“I know and I fucking love it.” I say with a big, genuine smile, and I glance over at him with heart eyes. He's definitely back to the bar watching you.
As you're looking at Mika looking at you, I think Beni's standing and Storm's on one side also facing the dance floor and a fourth person comes in, leans on the bar to flag the bartender, on the opposite side of Storm from Mika. Human man, blond hair tied up, sleeve tattoos and a chest/throat piece visible because his shirt's just an open vest. And you obviously can't hear from over there but as soon as he opens his mouth to order Mika's face visibly falls for a second. He recovers quickly though.
“Who’s that?” I ask out loud
Nissa follows your glance, and has kind of a gauging-your-facial expression when she looks back at you, "Oh, that's Eli. He and Storm go way back, and I think Shiv adopted him after they ran into each other trying to tag the same statue or something like that."
“Nice. So most of you are troublemakers, then.”
Nissa laughs, "A few. Storm keeps his trouble in the bar scene, though, and Mol's a total homebody. Shiv Mika and Eli are the real rogues."
“Love a rogue.” Marwa said with a smirk.
Something about your choice of words made her bite her tongue before the affirmative "Absolutely." The look on Nissa's face before her agreement was a sort of "no kidding"/"AYUP apparently". From Marwa, Nissa senses curiosity and maybe a touch of hesitation if she sees Mika’s pause, wondering “do I need to run interference? No he’s a grownup and can take care of himself get over yourself”
The song's ending and Nissa glances back toward your friends by the bar. She's debating something briefly then she'll ask if you wanna dance some more or if she should give you back to your boyfriend and she says this last with like, a teasing emphasis, because she absolutely clocked your heart eyes.
“I’m going to go get a drink, actually. But I’m sure I’ll catch you out here again before we leave!”
"It's a date!" /imkiddingorami wink.
I make my way back to the bar and ask for another mocktail, and if Mika’s not embroiled in conversation I’d say to him, “Did you see my smooth moves out there?”
Tattoo dude - Eli - is swivelled on his barstool, talking to Mika across Storm, who's leaned back to allow conversation and has a fratbro version of "oh lord here we go" on his face. It looks as you approach like Mika's being pitched on something, and he's shaking his head no but you can see the gears turning in that brain of his. He looks up soon as you get close enough to say this, and I think calm and fondness replace everything else on his face. "You ask that like there's anyone else i nthe room.” Stool next to him is free.
I sit next to him, and he gets a cheek kiss for being so damn sweet. He's just kind of smiling, lost in your eyes for a hot second. I am all flushed and happy from dancing, but I see the new guy and introduce herself with a lift of her glass.
As her eye contact leaves his, Mika will kind of remember who else is in the room .
“You another one of Shiv’s? I’m Mirage, it’s nice to meet you.”
H was politely averting his eyes while you two were being goo-goo-eyed, "Eli, nice t'meecha. You do fistbumps or?" His accent's pretty identical to Mika's, which has been slowly reasserting itself since you got here.
I stick my fist out for a bump
Quick grin, bumps it but he's gotta lean a bit to do it across both Storm and Mika. He asks what you do when you're not tearing up a dance floor. “I’m an adventurer! I get in places I’m not supposed to be and take stuff I’m not supposed to take.”
Eyebrow jump. "That's a helluva career change" This is said to Mika, who shrugs. Mika's listening with like, an above-average level of attentiveness
"You still bouncing?"
"Evry day" smirk.
Mika rolls his eyes.
"Don't laugh, it might hurt your face. More." Eli snarks.
The reference to Mika’s scars draws a sharp look from Storm and Mirage.
“What do you do for work, Eli?” She asks.
Mika's jaw clenches. Angry. But doesn't dignify it with a response
"Oh, kind of odd jobs," Eli says, easily. "We've got a few things in common, I think."
“I see. You a lone wolf or do you have coworkers?”
"One or two. Whole big happy family". Mika's anger has been fading to disbelief.
"Dude. I thought you were smart."
"Hey. I didn't come here to get lectured. I don't gotta explain shit to you."
Storm is doing "hey now let's be chill" hand motions, looking around to see where Beni went, but I don't think it's needed, Eli stands down, "It's cool, man. I'm good."
Mika's still staring in disbelief.
Marwa’s eyes are going back and forth like a ping pong ball
"You don't have to look at me like I walk off piers for a living" Eli laughs, but it's a little strained. "S'just work, man."
"For now. I swear to god if you're bodied next time I'm in town I'm making Shiv bring you back just so I can yell at you."
Eli snorts and he shouldna done that mid-beer-sip - it goes up his nose a bit. "Ow, fuck" but he's still laughing, for real this time
“So, Storm.” Mirage interjects, “if you were a fruit, which one would you be?” She takes a loud sip of my drink through the straw
"If you say anything but 'the one sitting next to me' its friends off" immediate and grinning from Eli. Storm laughs, relieved at the easy, safe question
"Fine, but then a watermelon's my second choice. Big, always welcome at a party or on the beach, refreshing as fuck."
“That is a fabulous answer.”
Storm wants to know what fruit you'd be
“Well mangoes are my favorite, so I’m gonna go with that. Colorful, sweet, goes with everything.”
A smile like "Yup thats you" from Mika, whom Storm rotates the question toward.
"Whatever goes well with mangoes."
Storm laughs, Eli rolls his eyes but its over a smile
He'll answer with "I'm already the finest fruit in this bar, next question please."
"Are the bands new?" Mika asks, indicating the less-complete sleeve on Eli's left side.
"New-ish. Still working on the in-between bit." He shifs his gaze to Mirage, curious "You got any ink?"
“Not yet. Haven’t figured out what I want, although I’m sure I’ll get something someday.”
"Cool, cool." He asks if you have any ideas but won't like, press about if it's still a vague "some manner of body art would be cool" thought. Mirage’s thoughts aren’t very concrete, more vague ideas about lightning.
Raj is off work, shows up and orders a pint of some house brew because he knows what's good here. Eli offers to buy it for him and Raj smoothly tells him he'll accept only on the understanding that he does not get a date as recompense, to which Elijah does a "damnit" fingersnap.
The gang scans Mika's smile as just "someone made a decent joke nearby me" but Mirage can clock both nostalgic solidarity and genuine appreciation for the attempted levity.
“Raj, it’s gotta be rough. Being so cute, surrounded by gay boys. How do you survive it?” I have a playful smile on my face.
"He could squish all of us with his little finger" sighs Eli
Mika snickers.
Raj has a hapless smile, "I manage"
“What a trooper”. And I clink my glass with his.
He wants the how-we-met how-long-you-been-together spiel, which we’ve told that a few times tonight, but we’ve got it down to a science at this point.
Eli did finish his beer right when Raj started asking for the run-down, but he didn't seem to object to the flavour at any previous point so the very brief look of discomfort on his face probably has more to do with why he peaces out for the dance floor at that point than the timing of the finished brew.
Raj 'awww's at all the right parts of your story, genuinely charmed.
Gives Mika a shoulder thump and makes some respectful comment about "damn good pull" that's less objectifying than "damn, good pull."
Education isn't really formalized; she did a year of classroom stuff in Dawnharbour but otherwise it's been a series of practical experience and tutorings that eventually hit a point where she got a consensus that she is peer with the people teaching her and gets to introduce herself as a wizard and not an apprentice/student. She probably already had a formal announcement kind of party with her parents and their friends and some extended and favorite teachers. Julius was probably there, maybe hangs around in if Shiv told him Marwa's invited to the 'actual' party that she's having with her friends, will let Shiv know to tell her that he'd love to see her while they're both on the ground if she has time while in town.
They would have realized that they were going to hit Midnight with lots of time to spare before party time. "Normally I'd head to Shiv's place if for no other reason than just to let her know I can make it tonight, but she's almost certainly locked down with family stuff until the eleventh hour. I guess we need a place to stay while we're here, though. Unless you feel like hiking from the Docks every day"
Marwa’s expression makes it clear she doesn’t want to walk back and forth if she can help it
Smile "Yeah, that's what I thought."
“Let’s find something here in town. Did you have an idea of when you wanted to visit your parents?” I gauge his expression as I ask this question. “Sometimes if I know I have a potentially awkward conversation coming, I do it when I know I have plans after so I can use that as an excuse to leave, if I need to. Sort of a, ‘Gotta run, Shiv’s party.’ Sort of thing.”
There's a flash of anxiety, swiftly settled. He listens to what you say about excuses, and kind of chuckles. "Making an exit isn't a problem, I can always just make something up anyway. Yeah why not. It's Tuesday, so mom's home at least. I don't know dad's schedule these days."
“You sure? We can do this on your timeline.”
"I was going to say I literally don't have anything else to do aside from drop off a singular library return, which can wait, but it occurs to me that I didn't get a chance to say hi to anyone but Shiv last time we were here."
“By all means, show me your city, Mika Oliviera. Let’s go say hi to your people.”
"On the other hand, Shiv might actually murder me if anyone else finds out about us first."
She laughs
"Ugh, fuck it. Let's get my parents over with. I'll see people tonight. Inn first. Same place we stayed before fine, Rifter’s Rest?"
“Works for me. Just checking comfort levels - I know we…” she pauses with a smirk, “spent lots of time together on the ship, but are we thinking one room or two? Cool either way, just know if you prefer two I will bother you in yours until it’s time to sleep.”
A huffed laugh, "I mean, yeah, one's fine. To be honest since the sleeping thing it's kind of felt like a waste for me to take up a room when all I really need's a desk and somewhere to sit."
“It’s not a waste, you deserve space to yourself just like everyone, even if you don’t sleep.” I say it quietly, but my expression is genuine.
It’s clear from his expression that he hadn’t thought of it like that, but he squeezes your hand appreciatively all the same. "Moot, anyway."
I kiss his cheek. “Lead on.”
It's a fair walk from the docks, but not exhaustingly long, just long enough for you to feel certain that making this hike PLUS the distance to wherever else you wanna go further into town every day is absolutely not worth whatever comfort and fiscal convenience might come from staying on the ship Mika probably pokes his head in a courier to get a quick same-day note sent to Shiv that yeah, you can both be there PS good luck surviving Society all afternoon
“Are you encoding this one?”
"No, I'd like her to actually get the message."
“Fair.”
So they book a room and it's getting toward lunch hour at this point and Mika's torn between procrastinating home visit by saying they should eat first and knowing that showing up unexpected is absolutely not going to be a problem if they just have lunch at his parents' place. He probably settles on getting it over with, like he already said. He's not one to waffle once committed to a course of action.
He can clock that Marwa is quieter as the time approaches to leave. Fiddling with her clothes, Nimbus an ever present tuft of cloud at her shoulder.
As they're walking there he'd give her hand a squeeze, turning to face her while walking forward. "You okay?"
Since deciding to head there right away instead of after lunch his sort of, annoyed anxiety has been replaced by a familiar flavour of stubborn determination.
“Course! Just…nervous, a little. Which is silly, I’ve already met them and they’re wonderful.” She shrugs
His expression softens a bit. "You're gonna be fine. They're not going to like, grill you or anything." He hesitates, "It's just... been a while. And dad has... kind of a pessimistic streak. But we're trying this thing where we don't predict what people are going to say in advance - no matter how much pattern recognition we've got - so."
“It would be their right, I’m sure several of my parents grilled you throughout the course of our stay in Auria.” She gives a sheepish look at that. “You’re right. Very wise of you, Cri would be impressed.”
"High praise."
The rest of the walk passes without much conversation, or on easier topics. The street is familiar, looks pretty much the same as the last time you were there. Rose still knocks the door open and bolts out to meet you both, yapping her head off. Mika drops to his knees to give her the BIG PATS before taking your hand again and heading for the ajar door. There's a yummy, savoury smell coming from inside. He knocks on the doorframe as he steps through, but doesn't wait to be admitted. Rose is on your heels, sniffing all the stories of where you've been.
As predicted, Melody's home, and it's just her at the moment. She's already standing because there's a window so she looked out when Rose started making noise, got a great big grin. Yanks Mika for a hug, says something to the effect of "what are you doing here?" but delighted, like she had no idea he'd be visiting. She clocks your held hands and her smile makes creases at her eyes. She asks if you do hugs.
“I sure do. Great to see you again, Melody.”
You get a bear one. "Good to see you too! Please, please sit down. Coffee? Have you two eaten?"
"I got it, and no." Mika doesn't feel fully capable of sitting still, so he makes for the kitchen, reaching for mugs first. There's already a pot on.
“It smells incredible in here, whatever you’re making.”
"Oh it's just leftovers - there's enough for more if you two are hungry." She's already got a sandwich with some kind of chicken-and-sauce concoction on a plate. There's a pot on the stove, hot though the fire's out. Mika drops off a mug of coffee by your elbow, just how she likes it - extra cream, extra sugar. The fact that he brings her coffee warms her heart every time. Makes her feel so special.
He goes to investigate the food options, tries to lift the lid, immediately aborts because the fire's out but the pot's still hot, grabs a towel and tries again.
"Bread's in the-"
"Top one, I know."
Melody's smiling over her mug, looking between the two of you. "So…how long's this been going on?"
Mika glances to see if she wants to take this one, so if she immediately goes for a coffee sip he'll take it. She’s nervous and trying not to show it. She’s happy to let him lead this conversation and she’ll join
"Not long." <mental counting> "Huh. Not even a week, actually." He slides a plate of what Melody's having in front of you, then sits in the seat next to you with his own. Rose is whining for shares, he swats her nose (not forceful) and she sighs, lies down. He reaches for her hand under the table.
“God, this is so good. Do I have you to thank for teaching this guy to cook, by the way? Or was that his dad? He made dinner the other night for the whole party and it was amazing.”
Mika has to put down his coffee quick because this question makes him laugh. Melody shoots him a rueful look "Oh gods no, I didn't even make this batch."
"You can tell because the apartment's still standing," Mika snickers
Marwa looks at Melody with such sincerity. “No judgment. I can barely boil water. It’s so bad they don’t even let me do kitchen duty anymore.”
"You make a decent helper, though." Affectionate side glance
She squeezes his hand under the table and smiles at him. “Thanks.”
"Well you've one up on me" Melody laughs, "Reheats only for me. I don't know that I can claim to have taught this kid much of anything, actually." She smiles fondly, "He was already a genius when we met"
"<Well that's not true>" Mika says immediately, in Infernal. A point she concedes in common "Okay except maybe a little language lessons."
"Also I was an idiot. I'm not going to say I remember perfectly but I know I gave you a hard time."
Melody shrugs, her smile unmoved. "You were being protective, for a decent reason. We got there eventually. But I don't want to discuss history. Mirage I know your name and that you're from Auria and almost nothing else. You're part of the mercenary company, right? What do you do?"
Side glance from Mika like this is absolutely not his question to answer, or decide how to answer.
The food and the warm reception has loosened her up a little bit and she’s falling back into her regular bubbly nature. She answers Melody genuinely, spinning tales of picked locks and fooled guards. Tells her about her work testing security before she joined the party. “Mama would not have approved of me using my ‘powers’ for anything but good, of course.”
There isn't disapproval in Melody's face when she says what she does, but her listening smile isn't excited. She relaxes about it more as Marwa talks, laughs at her stories, smiles approvingly when she talks about her parents not approving of sticky fingers misused. Marwa is in full “impress the parents” mode so she only tells the most interesting, safe stories.
The next move is to ask for some clarity on what Mika does - he dodged this both his last visits and he's gonna try to dodge it again. First by letting Marwa lead the conversation, and then when it hits a pause and Melody looks at him and starts to open her mouth to say something by interrupting with, "Hey is dad home today?"
"Yeah, he should be home around dinnertime - how long are you two in town again?"
Mika shrugs. "Got somewhere to be around sundown (which is well after dinner since it's summer), and then... until we have to go, I guess?" He'll look at you for confirmation on the last point
I nod at him. “There were a few things we wanted to get done while we’re here but until we get the band back together, I think we’re on a short break.”
Melody beams. "Well I hope you both know the door is open. Unless Saulo and I are both out. But then, you know where the key is." This last to Mika, who shakes his head and makes some comment that they really should change that up sometimes. Maybe adds something snarky like he doesn't need it if you're with him anyway.
Melody would laugh, "Locked doors never kept you in, anyway. Were you two staying for dinner, then?"
I look at Mika to gauge his thoughts, let him take this one. He was very mildly annoyed at Saulo’s delay but it was predictable. And he doesn't want to make a second trip to break the news to his dad.
"Sure. There enough for four, or?"
"Depends what we're having."
Mika gets up to check the cupboards "I mean it's gotta be my turn at this point, right?"
He notices they’re short a couple things, offers to pick up what's missing on a market run. Melody says sure, she has a couple take-home's to work on anyway if you two want to stretch your legs in a bit. You can walk Rose at the same time.
“Sounds like a plan.”
With dinner plans settled she wants to know - not how you met because she knows you worked together for a while already, but how this started, it's a very "Okay, so that's settled. Now tell me everything.”
Mirage can clock that Melody is genuinely just happy for you two and is being supportive. She doesn't ask like, what's the word, accusatory/contentious questions, but it's not like eggshells, she's just not that kind of person.
Marwa's the storyteller. Mika's turn to take a coffee sip. Marwa has been very conscious of letting Mika take the lead here, not talk over him or for him, but that said she's happy to fill silences and ease whatever worry of Melody’s she can about this unknown woman dating her son.
So she grins in his direction and answers Melody’s question, “Came back from a work trip and it just slipped out. We’d been close friends for a while, and so I was nervous about endangering that, but I guess I worried for nothing.”
As much as Marwa was nervous to come in here and have this conversation every time she looks at Mika, those nerves visibly fade. He's impressed at the elegant way you smoothed out all the not-for-home-topics in the story. He also can't help smiling when you retell it. He'll fill in bits and pieces but he's letting you lead on this one.
"What did the rest of your party think?" Melody wants to know.
"Cri sounded like a teakettle. Boss and Saeldor had a running bet."
Melody guffaws at that point
“In short, no one was surprised.”
Melody wants to know if your parents know yet, and generally to know more about your family and where you come from, just in a general you-as-a-person way. She also is genuinely confused about how living in the sky works, logistically.
Once they hit the topic of her family Marwa is happy to go on and on, and invites Mika to add his perspective too. He both enjoys listening to her and has an air of "isn't she amazing" as he does so
It's been a long, long time since he brought anyone home, he was probably a teenager. Maybe sixteen or so, and even then he wasn't enraptured like this. It's heartwarming. Melody wasn’t being cautious, but she does have a bit of background anxiety like "I GOTTA MAKE THIS A GOOD MEET-THE-PARENT I CAN'T RUIN THIS FOR HIM."
She's also very pleased to hear about how committed Mirage’s family was to making sure he didn't get away with skipping meals or otherwise neglecting himself
“Belligerently so, one could argue.” Marwa adds, which gets a hum of agreement from Mika.
"Well don't think you're getting away with any less while you're here, mister."
Speaking of food, she'll ask if they need leftovers to take home to which Mika replies that they'll be fine, but they should head out if they're going to buy food before dad gets home. He will say the magic W word to get Rose all excited. Before they head out they get another hug each, and Melody says something quiet to Mika that makes him smile sadly, and say "Thanks, I know."
Once they're out of the house Mika breathes relief, partially. Wants to know how you're doing, and assure you that they don't have to go back for dinner if she needs a break.
“No, I’m okay. Your mother is a gem of a person, truly. Can I help with prep tonight? What do you need.”
"I think dad and I will probably have it covered. I'm hoping his favourite will put him in a good mood," he laughs but it's a little strained. "Well, transparently it's mine too. We're not missing much. Fish and onion. And it's not for dinner, but I saw coffee's low." He thinks of something, then glances at you, a little apologetic. "Maybe some fruit or something for you."
“What? No, that’s fine. I can handle myself, you don’t have to get anything special for me. Aurian food trained me pretty well, I think. Are you worried about how your dad might react to this?”
He does an eyes-only flinch. "I don't know about 'worried,'" he says, careful, thinking through his words. "I just... listen like I said it doesn't even matter. He doesn't get a say. But I don't think he's literally ever been on board with anyone I've ever told him about- which for the record is not that many people," he adds with an abashed haste. "And in fairness he's been right more than once. I'm just not excited for the doomsaying. You'll be fine. He won't say anything to your face. Though I'll reiterate that you can have some fun with Eu posso te entender," A halfhearted smile.
I thread my fingers through his as I hold his hand. “I’ll be more than happy to stick around and prove him wrong. You know I live to be contrary.”
He plants a peck on your cheek as you're walking. "Sure do."
“I won’t take it personally. He wants you to be happy.”
"Mm." Agreement, but distracted. He has Unvoiced Thoughts on this rationale.
They finish up shopping pretty quick. It's a street market, and Mika wishes he was more up on what prices are standard around here these days because he feels like his haggling game's off. But you get under-original-offer on stuff, so hey, a moderate win. You get a bone for Rose while you're there, she keeps stopping to try and chew it right away and Mika ends up carrying it.
You've made it back and are putting stuff away / getting pots and pans out when the door opens. Saulo's obviously surprised to see both of you - he didn't know you were visiting.
"Ola, filho, and... Mirage, yes?" He's looking between the two of you, I think you're at the table visiting with Melody and Mika is a couple steps behind you attending the kitchen. He's not frowning but he's got a kind of furrowed-brow look that could be lingering surprise or an attempt to figure out if he's home because Something Happened or if it's just another surprise visit.
“Yes, that’s me!” And then I try and say “good to see you again Saulo” in Chultslang, like I’ve been practicing.
"Você também," He replies, which Mika would have told you means "you too" but after making the above face. Mika's got a "that's my girl" kind of smile glance for you.
"O resto da sua empresa também está aqui?" which she can maybe clock "here" at the end but the rest is rapid and outside likely things she would have learned.
She gives panic face,
Fortunately for her Mika answers in common, after wiping a look of mild annoyance from his face. "No, just the two of us."
"Hm." Saulo processes this. Melody encourages him to get his boots off and change out of work clothes which do, admittedly, smell like a construction yard, so he tramps off to one of the doors at the back of the room, comes back a minute later and joins Mika in the kitchen, asking in a take-charge kind of way what he's making. Seems pleased when Mika answers.
The silent assessing/processing has faded to reserved caution. Saulo's conversation is directed almost exclusively at Mika. He's not ignoring Marwa, he just doesn't quite know what to make of her.
Melody offers things to bring Marwa into the conversation. Saulo's questions are normal "how was the trip here" kind of ones. Every now and again he'll direct a rapid string of Chultslang at Mika, who always answers in common with a face that says he's thinking more about translating and then answering each time it happens.
Going by the answers none of these questions are particularly aggressive, but he's annoyed they're not asked openly. Mika doesn’t say outright that you're dating, he doesn’t really have to. He seats himself next to you when dinner's served, and behaves toward you as he has through the day.
Saulo asks how the business in Auria went, which both Melody and Mika absolutely clock as an opportunity to hear more Noor Shenanigan Stories.
Marwa is happy to oblige.
She spoke very little once Saulo entered the space, not out of fear but respect, but here at dinner she's taking opportunities to throw out tension-easing jokes, any that she feels safe making, and she sees this is an opportunity to get the table smiling at Noor antics. So she glosses over the yucky stuff like Amir and the Teeth, but mentions how much fun she had introducing everyone to her crazy family. “And then I conspired to have Miss Rose come for a visit, which was so fun. My parents already miss her.”
Mika is still visibly touched by the thoughtfulness. Rose has been circling the table wanting scraps the whole time. Saulo listens with the same polite pleasantness you got in your first visit. It’s not restrained but it's not Melody's belly laughs and shining-eyed excitement.
Marwa’s gaze slides off of Saulo’s and lands on Mika’s and Melody’s. More comfortable. When dinner's over Melody gets up to do the washing up because having been long-term-vetoed from cooking that's her contribution to meals. Marwa stands too, goes over to help dry, and Saulo says he's going to let the dog out and asks if Mika wants to join him in a way everyone can clock as not-really-a-question. He says sure and gets up like he was expecting this, pausing by you to grab your hand for a quick squeeze and say softly that he'll be back in a minute.
I give him a smile that's maybe a touch too bright, but then head over to the sink to help Melody and occupy my anxious hands.
As the door closes behind the guys Melody will give you a sideways smile and tell you you'll be fine. Saulo always takes a minute to come around on any kind of change.
I give a half smile. “That’s fair. I did just kind of show up out of nowhere.”
Melody is impressed just by the fact he brought you home, never mind that he's barely taken his eyes off you all day.Marwa blushes and her gaze flickers over to where she saw the guys head outside, “Well. Your son is one hell of a guy.”
Melody smiles at this.
The guys are gone for more than "a minute", longer than you need to take a dog out to the yard and back. They're just out front. There's patchy grassy area between the smash houses and the street. During pauses in the conversation Marwa can hear muted, muffled Chultslang, increasingly rapid, overlapping.
Mika comes back in first, looking tired, annoyed. But mostly tired. Saulo's behind him, looking neutral. Impenetrable. You're beginning to see where Mika gets his pokerface from.
Mika's saying sorry to leave abruptly but you both have somewhere to be.
I make my goodbyes then, give Melody a hug, thank her for her company.
Melody could clock how important parental approval/liking was to her, knows it's going to take a while to get that from her other half, and that it's far from a sure thing no matter how sweet and good for Mika she actually is. She wants to basically commend her for sticking through the visit and express how happy she is for the two of them, Mika couldn't have found anyone better.
Marwa squeezes her real tight, and whispers “Thank you.”
Melody didn’t announce her sentiments to the room, but it's not whispered. Mika can pick it up, and has the most appreciative look in response.
I march over to Saulo before we leave, big defiant grin on my face, and I hold out my hand to shake.
He looks mildly surprised in a pleasant way. He was probably expecting you to just scurry away - wasn't aiming for that, but given that he knows what Mika Making A Quick Getaway looks like. You'll get a handshake in return.
“Thanks for dinner. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.” I’m making eye contact, and it’s a firm handshake. Not aggressive, but not shy either.
He'll thank you for your company, and probably say something to the effect of 'keep Mika out of trouble for us.'
“Do my best, but he’s usually the one keeping me out of trouble.” And then I’ll skedaddle
An eyebrow raises in Mika's direction as you both make your way out. Mika got his Melody hug while you had that interaction. Mika seems happy to change gears immediately as you head back to the Inn to get ready for shiv's party.
“Hey. You okay?” I have my hand on his shoulder.
He'll glance at you, then exhale, like he debated for a second but knows there's not much point trying to poker face this one. "I'm annoyed. And right. Which would usually counterbalance annoyance but here we are."
“Am I a salacious temptress here to bring you to a life of crime and ruin?” I wiggle my eyebrows dramatically.
He laughs, I think her drama faces are hard not to chuckle at. "Not quite. I'd rather not tell you the specifics to be honest. They hardly matter - he's always got some reason or other."
“Okay. Well. We got time. And also a party to get to. But if you change your mind and want to talk, I’m here.” And I give him a comforting kiss.
"I know. And I appreciate it, really. But it really makes no difference. He's wrong, I know he's wrong, he knows he can't change my mind, and that's that."
“So stubbornness is a family trait, then? At least your mom seemed to like me. She's so freaking nice, I almost cried there at the end when she told me all those kind things.”
He kind of chuckles about the stubbornness thing. "Small sample size, but it seems so. I never met any of dad's extended, and mom just has a sister in Highport - thassit" He's looking at you sidelong like he's thinking or organizing words in his head.
“Whatever you’re thinking about, you can say it. I am the daughter of Lydia Noor, and I appreciate directness.”
He smiles, but the confrontation makes him drop eye contact for a second. "You still don't have to answer if it's an overstep. I was just... and there's no reason you would have said, he wants to know if all your parents were already together when you came along, basically.”
“They were, yes. Baba and Dad were together first, and then they met my mom. And then my mom found Pops, and he came last. But the rest is history, I suppose. Are you wondering if I’ll go out looking for other lovers?”
A startled look like that hadn't even occurred to him - you’ve never discussed exclusivity. "No - just.. just wondering." That derailed his train of thought a bit.
“Oh. Okay.”
Marwa, getting the sense that his conversation with his dad had something to do with her parents, notices her hackles come up in response. Thinks to herself, he can shit on me, but not them.
I think he's confused, looks worried. "Did I say something wrong?"
“No. You didn’t, I just. I don’t want to pry, but I wondered if your dad had something to say about my parents. Made me a little defensive, I guess. Even in a place as open as Auria, I still got shit from other people for the way I was raised.”
Relief. This is something he can fix. "No, nothing like that. To be honest I kind of expected it, too, but I think he just assumes that's normal there."
Her expressions relaxes.
"I was just thinking about when dad and Melody were dating and wondered if you'd ever dealt with that kind of thing, that's all."
“Oh! Oh, no I haven’t.”
"That's fine. I've never had my mom flex multi century wisdom to win an argument, so." like he wants to leave it at "we can't relate on everything and that's okay"
“It is rough, literally never winning an argument with her.”
He chuckles at that. He'll admit winning arguments with Melody unfairly easily in the beginning, very aware that she would concede almost any point to avoid his disapproval and lost stepmom-cred.
“Well, at least you had a few years of that. No grace period for me. But hey! We got a party to go to, don’t we!? What are you gonna wear?” Marwa organically switched gears to hype mode, starts floating off the ground a bit.
He shrugs, he'll change shirts cause this one still smells kind of like fish, but otherwise pretty much what he has on. It's not a formal event. “Hope you’re ready because my outfit is gonna knock your fucking socks off, pal.”
He knows at this point, having spent time with her in a place where she has her full wardrobe, that Marwa will take any excuse to pull out the stops on her outfit though. "Looking forward to it"
Back at the inn, he's just waiting outside the door, amused and smiling at her excitement. She's so cute when she's all hype like this. He reminisces about how long it's been since he's seen all the people he used to hang with here, wondering how much has changed, hoping he can pick things up again. Hoping they'll let him. He doesn't have much to offer in the way of explanation for not visiting or writing.
She interrupts this train of thought with her grand entrance, which is just her opening the door but you know when you know you look good, you feel good? The expression on her face says, “yeah I know.”
He's thunderstruck. "Damn."
“Too much?” And she does a little spin
"Not at all."
He puts his arms around her, hands on her waist. "We don't have to go anywhere you know. Marwa was very right. Socks knocked off. Twitterpation activated.
This is absolutely the reaction she was aiming for - tongue tied and affectionate. Mission success.
“Don’t tempt me. Shiv would never let us hear the end of it.” She's in his arms and just pressing kisses into his cheek and jawline
"Fuck, you're right. At the risk of repetition though, damn."
“Sweet talker.” He gets one last kiss to the side of his neck and then she backs up. “Let’s go have some fun, yeah?”
Breath-through-nose laugh. "Let's."
It's not a long walk to Shiv's chosen location. It's below the street level, you have to go down some steps. Wouldn't know there was anything there if Mika didn't point it out. Soon as you open the door the music hits you; the door has a sound ward on it but the indoors is thaumaturgy'd to heck. There's a line but not a crazy one. There's an absolute TANK of a tiefling clearing people to go in this isn't a world where people have ID cards but he's making them say their birth year on a localized Zone of Truth
Marwa can clock recognition on Mika's face when he sees the bouncer, and I think Raj clocks him before it's their turn, has a "is that..." kind of squint and then an eyebrow jump of 'oshit', but he is a consummate professional and his attention is on the individual at the head of the line so until it's their turn he's not saying anything.
I give him a quick handshake to not hold up the line “See you on the other side.”
He gives a grin, salute-wave. Mika would quickly ask who's here already Raj will clock his reason and confirm Shiv's here and so's most of the gang. Mika can clock there's something Raj isn't saying, but as you said the line is moving so there's no time to press. His height is not usually an issue and everyone looks short next to Ta'lok and Saeldor anyway but entering the bar-which-is-more-like-a-club Mika is reminded that "finding my 5'1" friend in a crowd" is on the list of things that are easier for the tol types.
Shiv spots them first, waving to flag you down even though she absolutely clocked Nimbus signaling her location already. Big arms in the air like she's directing aircraft, she's so hype to see you both, and then she sees you're holding hands.
Marwa’s laughing in excitement
She sees neither of you let go when you come to a stop, "OH MY GOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDDD". It's a squeak - a loud one but a squeak
I give her a giant hug, “CONGRATS BITCH”
The redhead she was chatting with looks amused but is hanging back to let the hype happen. "RIGHT BACK AT YOU BITCH WHAAAAAAAAT"
She's looking back and forth between you and Mika, who's kind of chuckling with a "yeah, I know, get it outta your system" kind of energy.
“Surprise?” I chuckle
"Not in the least, you two weren't fooling anyone. It was her who spoke up, wasn't it"
Mika looks affronted. "Of course it was. She's perfect. Your point?"
"That Saeldor owes me a pack of hash next time your group's in town, and also that you're off the hook regardless", her expression smug.
“What are you talking about? We are both so dark and mysterious.”
Shiv then takes Mika by his shoulders and looks up at him. It takes her a minute to manage sternness through the grin, but she does it, ad then she says, “Listen I don’t have to tell you if you hurt this absolute gem of a woman I am coming for you with the full force of my vengeful fury, and you cannot escape me.” He's kind of startled but he replies, “Yeah, obviously.”
She lets him go and he's still a little unsettled because it's usually the OTHER PERSON who gets that warning.Mirage throws her head back and lets out a loud laugh, like she also didn’t expect it
“Thanks babe.” Gives Shiv a wink, gets a big stage wink back.
"Long time no see" from the redhead who clocks the conversation winding down. Shiv will hasten to introduce you to Molly while Mika concurs that it's been a while. Molly's the kind of cool friend who's not going to say anything about his absence right now. Maybe not ever, unless he brings it up. Won't change anything and risks killing the party vibe. It's a brief interaction she observed but I think Marwa still came off pleasant/fun, she's genuinely pleased to meet you, asks how you two met.
I’d tell her that we met when we joined the same adventuring party. “Annoyed the shit out of each other for a while, that was fun.”
She gives Mika a sideways smile like yeah she could see that. He definitely was a more amiable and open person when they last hung out, but he's always been a stubborn shit.
“But then we were friends. And then randomly like, four days ago, I blurted out my feelings and here we are. Match made in Celestia.”
Molly AWWWWWs, it's sincere. Your story is very cute. She'll jokingly tell Mika that he's losing a step with her beating him to the punch like that, which he'll take on the chin with a chuckle like "Well look at her, can you blame a guy being nervous?"
Siobhan is hanging back to let you and Molly get acquainted but once you've got a rapport going she'll acknowledge that she knows you don't know many people here beyond her and Mika and now Molly, and start flagging someone down, and a 6'1" lizardfolk with smooth black scales streaked with five striking yellow lines ambles over
"Oh holy shit, you're actually here!" His voice is deeper than you'd expect.
Mika's smile is big, genuine.
"Hey Beni, wouldn't miss it."
"You still a fistbumper?"
"Ye."
Offers a fistbump which Mika happily blows up, then turns to you "And who's this?"
"Beni, this is Mirage. Mirage, Beni. Beni is cool people."
He laughs. "Beni tries. Nice to meet you"
"You a hugger, handshaker, or a fistbumper?"
I’ll give him a hug. He gives good hugs. Long arms. Warmer than you'd expect for a cold-blooded guy.
“Nice to meet you, Beni!”
“Likewise!”
Shiv pulls Mika aside while you're getting acquainted with Beni. It's loud enough in here that the few paces that Shiv pulls him over are enough to mute them unless you wanna eavesdrop with wind magic. You clock that she pulls him over, says something to him, nervous, kind of cringing he's taken aback, surprised, maybe concerned. Shiv asks him a question, worry in her face, and he nods, looking slightly dazed, but it seems to be assurance/assent. She wants confirmation. He gives it, more assertively. Then she lets him go.
Beni's noticed you're both un-boozed at the moment and wants to know what you're drinking; he can buy your first one and introduce you to Storm and Nissa, who are hanging out at the bar right now, at the same time. Mika rejoins you as this is asked. I order two mocktails, something fun and bubbly.
You get to the bar and Beni orders for you two, says he's pacing himself, and leads you to where a grey-tabby Tabaxi and a statuesque water genasi are sitting. The tabaxi raises two fists as you get closer "MIKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HELL YEA! Bro are you back??"
"Just visiting."
Storm gives him double fistbumps with GUSTO. The genasi next to him, whom Beni introduces as Nissa (he introduces Storm too), is sipping something blue and fruity. She waits for Storm to blow over, as it were, then gives Mika a good to see you and you a nice to meet you. She likes your outfit, you're SLAYING
“Thank you! Back at you, I’m obsessed with that skirt.”
"Oh thanks, Molly made it, actually. Have you met Molly yet?"
“Uh, red hair, right? Yes, we met her earlier. She MADE that? Incredible!”
"Right? She's a heck of a seamstress."
Mika's chilling, enjoying seeing you connect with these people, knew you'd make friends, you always do, it seems effortless to him and why wouldn't anyone like you?
Marwa is loving getting to see all of these different people from Mika’s past, and everybody seems really cool.
Nissa also clocks the vibe and will ask directly how long you've been going out. She has that "aww, honeymoon phase" face when you tell her only a few days
When Nissa's asking how long you've been going out etc Storm will ask if Shiv knows yet, Mika nods, says she gave him the Warning and everything. Storm clarifies, "Wait, gave you?" and Mika responds, "Yeah."
Storm just says, "DAMN." He absolutely has no poker face so you can absolutely clock that when it was confirmed that you two are an item he looked relieved for a second.
I look at Mika and joke, “Your friends are cool if I break your heart, I guess, but you’re not allowed to break mine?”
Beni's hanging out for this conversation too. He laughs when Mika mentions getting Warned, comments that Shiv must really like this one
"I mean I'd like to think they'd have my back? Unless I was genuinely the problem, then I'm still getting my ass kicked for screwing it up" He kind of laughs it off but roll social graces
There was a brief second of startlement/hesitation before that statement. How his friends would react if he got dumped is an untested theory, there's a tone of "...right?" to it.
Beni moves the topic. "So who else have you met besides Molly and I guess you already knew Shiv?"
“Oh! That absolute unit of a man outside, the bouncer. Raj.”
A smile. "Raj is good people - he'll come party with us when he's off and it is all of our job to keep Storm from sneaking him beers before then."
Storm snorts, "He wouldn't drink them if I did."
“A fellow troublemaker? Good to know, good to know.” I put my fist out to storm for a bump with a conspiratorial grin.
He'll blow it up, big sharp tooth kitty grin back.
"So that means you haven't met Candace, Elijah, or Zebyn. Zebyn's using he or her today, whichever is easier." Beni continues. “Zebyn and Candace are both off dancing at the moment. There - the green-haired gnome in the flower skirt, and the girl in the purple shirt?"
"And Elijah?" Mika asks.
"Went out for a smoke" Storm answers.
Mika snorts, "Since when's he smoke outside?" *
"Since a minute ago, I guess."
"You dance, Mirage?" Nissa asks when the silence goes on.
“All the time! And this is a great song.”
Mika will obviously dance with you if you ask but he has no issue with Nissa stealing you either. Nissa makes jokes about stealing you in another sense almost certainly, but he knows they're jokes. I’d say I want to dance, and whoever wants to come with me should come too
Mika knew he had to act fast, so he says with a smile, "Shall we?"
“Yes please.” And I put my hand in his. I clocked that Nissa looked like she was gonna ask, I’d say, “Wanna dance after?”
She smiles big and still manages to look elegant, "Absolutely."
You get on the floor and make your way over near the others Beni pointed out - Zebyn and Candace, both of whom break step to immediately be like "WHAAAAAAAT YOU ACTUALLY CAME!?"
Candace has an "I've heard so much about you" for you in addition to the 'nice to meet you' that Marwa's gotten from everyone.
“Only good things, I hope!”
"Absolutely! You're apparently a 'certified badass' and I want to hear all about it."
Candace makes you promise to let her buy you a drink later. Zebyn is also pleased to make your acquaintance. Mika compliments the skirt and he's like thanks it TWIRLS and demonstrates
“Pleased to meet you both. And hell yes to the drink Candace, but first we dance!” I grab Mika and yoink him to me a little.
Zebyn's twirling Candace away already
He steps into it like it was planned. You look. So stunning. He's trying to remember why they left the inn again, can't seem to recall. His eyes are locked pretty completely on you the entire time and he's not like, all over you, but it's not not flirty
Marwa is never freer than when she’s dancing. She is living in the moment, enjoying the music, enjoying being able to be with Mika this way without fear. She's totally into it and him Minibit — 5/20/2025 9:29 PM
Eventually, Nissa will steal Shiv and get out there. Nissa clocks your vibes with Mika and will make some kind of "oh he's got it bad" comment to Shiv and the two are going to shamelessly gossip about you the entire song.
When the song ends Zebyn flags Molly down like he's been wanting to talk to her and they get a table
After a song or two, Nissa steals Marwa. Mika won't fight her on it, he's not a possessive type and you already indicated you're okay with it. Candace takes Shiv in that case. Zeb went to a table, and Mika's not in a dance with strangers mood, so he'll rejoin Beni and Storm at the bar.
Nissa's having fun dancing with you, compliments your moves, asks if you're trained.
“Thanks! Yeah, had lessons, until I was 16. But this dancing is way more fun than that!”
"Right? Freestyle is the best style."
She'll ask what kind of dance you learned, and will share her vocation. She teaches classical but like, with a freestyle/contemporary twist? Very Dirty Dancing kind of thing.
“Oh that’s so cool! No wonder you’re so good. Most of my instructors were stuffy old dudes who only liked formal waltz stuff.”
She laughs, she can picture it, she's probably met enough first-time students and parents of students who expected the same and did not react well to the reality
"Not a slow dance person then?"
“Oh I do like a slow dance every now and then but this is much more my speed. If you teach walk in classes, I’d love to swing in sometime! Maybe I can drag Mika with me, too.”
"Ohh, that'd be interesting. Never been able to wrangle him over before, but you seem... motivating. I don't know if you've noticed" she says, sarcastic in a friendly way "but you're dating the biggest sap in the Realms."
“I know and I fucking love it.” I say with a big, genuine smile, and I glance over at him with heart eyes. He's definitely back to the bar watching you.
As you're looking at Mika looking at you, I think Beni's standing and Storm's on one side also facing the dance floor and a fourth person comes in, leans on the bar to flag the bartender, on the opposite side of Storm from Mika. Human man, blond hair tied up, sleeve tattoos and a chest/throat piece visible because his shirt's just an open vest. And you obviously can't hear from over there but as soon as he opens his mouth to order Mika's face visibly falls for a second. He recovers quickly though.
“Who’s that?” I ask out loud
Nissa follows your glance, and has kind of a gauging-your-facial expression when she looks back at you, "Oh, that's Eli. He and Storm go way back, and I think Shiv adopted him after they ran into each other trying to tag the same statue or something like that."
“Nice. So most of you are troublemakers, then.”
Nissa laughs, "A few. Storm keeps his trouble in the bar scene, though, and Mol's a total homebody. Shiv Mika and Eli are the real rogues."
“Love a rogue.” Marwa said with a smirk.
Something about your choice of words made her bite her tongue before the affirmative "Absolutely." The look on Nissa's face before her agreement was a sort of "no kidding"/"AYUP apparently". From Marwa, Nissa senses curiosity and maybe a touch of hesitation if she sees Mika’s pause, wondering “do I need to run interference? No he’s a grownup and can take care of himself get over yourself”
The song's ending and Nissa glances back toward your friends by the bar. She's debating something briefly then she'll ask if you wanna dance some more or if she should give you back to your boyfriend and she says this last with like, a teasing emphasis, because she absolutely clocked your heart eyes.
“I’m going to go get a drink, actually. But I’m sure I’ll catch you out here again before we leave!”
"It's a date!" /imkiddingorami wink.
I make my way back to the bar and ask for another mocktail, and if Mika’s not embroiled in conversation I’d say to him, “Did you see my smooth moves out there?”
Tattoo dude - Eli - is swivelled on his barstool, talking to Mika across Storm, who's leaned back to allow conversation and has a fratbro version of "oh lord here we go" on his face. It looks as you approach like Mika's being pitched on something, and he's shaking his head no but you can see the gears turning in that brain of his. He looks up soon as you get close enough to say this, and I think calm and fondness replace everything else on his face. "You ask that like there's anyone else i nthe room.” Stool next to him is free.
I sit next to him, and he gets a cheek kiss for being so damn sweet. He's just kind of smiling, lost in your eyes for a hot second. I am all flushed and happy from dancing, but I see the new guy and introduce herself with a lift of her glass.
As her eye contact leaves his, Mika will kind of remember who else is in the room .
“You another one of Shiv’s? I’m Mirage, it’s nice to meet you.”
H was politely averting his eyes while you two were being goo-goo-eyed, "Eli, nice t'meecha. You do fistbumps or?" His accent's pretty identical to Mika's, which has been slowly reasserting itself since you got here.
I stick my fist out for a bump
Quick grin, bumps it but he's gotta lean a bit to do it across both Storm and Mika. He asks what you do when you're not tearing up a dance floor. “I’m an adventurer! I get in places I’m not supposed to be and take stuff I’m not supposed to take.”
Eyebrow jump. "That's a helluva career change" This is said to Mika, who shrugs. Mika's listening with like, an above-average level of attentiveness
"You still bouncing?"
"Evry day" smirk.
Mika rolls his eyes.
"Don't laugh, it might hurt your face. More." Eli snarks.
The reference to Mika’s scars draws a sharp look from Storm and Mirage.
“What do you do for work, Eli?” She asks.
Mika's jaw clenches. Angry. But doesn't dignify it with a response
"Oh, kind of odd jobs," Eli says, easily. "We've got a few things in common, I think."
“I see. You a lone wolf or do you have coworkers?”
"One or two. Whole big happy family". Mika's anger has been fading to disbelief.
"Dude. I thought you were smart."
"Hey. I didn't come here to get lectured. I don't gotta explain shit to you."
Storm is doing "hey now let's be chill" hand motions, looking around to see where Beni went, but I don't think it's needed, Eli stands down, "It's cool, man. I'm good."
Mika's still staring in disbelief.
Marwa’s eyes are going back and forth like a ping pong ball
"You don't have to look at me like I walk off piers for a living" Eli laughs, but it's a little strained. "S'just work, man."
"For now. I swear to god if you're bodied next time I'm in town I'm making Shiv bring you back just so I can yell at you."
Eli snorts and he shouldna done that mid-beer-sip - it goes up his nose a bit. "Ow, fuck" but he's still laughing, for real this time
“So, Storm.” Mirage interjects, “if you were a fruit, which one would you be?” She takes a loud sip of my drink through the straw
"If you say anything but 'the one sitting next to me' its friends off" immediate and grinning from Eli. Storm laughs, relieved at the easy, safe question
"Fine, but then a watermelon's my second choice. Big, always welcome at a party or on the beach, refreshing as fuck."
“That is a fabulous answer.”
Storm wants to know what fruit you'd be
“Well mangoes are my favorite, so I’m gonna go with that. Colorful, sweet, goes with everything.”
A smile like "Yup thats you" from Mika, whom Storm rotates the question toward.
"Whatever goes well with mangoes."
Storm laughs, Eli rolls his eyes but its over a smile
He'll answer with "I'm already the finest fruit in this bar, next question please."
"Are the bands new?" Mika asks, indicating the less-complete sleeve on Eli's left side.
"New-ish. Still working on the in-between bit." He shifs his gaze to Mirage, curious "You got any ink?"
“Not yet. Haven’t figured out what I want, although I’m sure I’ll get something someday.”
"Cool, cool." He asks if you have any ideas but won't like, press about if it's still a vague "some manner of body art would be cool" thought. Mirage’s thoughts aren’t very concrete, more vague ideas about lightning.
Raj is off work, shows up and orders a pint of some house brew because he knows what's good here. Eli offers to buy it for him and Raj smoothly tells him he'll accept only on the understanding that he does not get a date as recompense, to which Elijah does a "damnit" fingersnap.
The gang scans Mika's smile as just "someone made a decent joke nearby me" but Mirage can clock both nostalgic solidarity and genuine appreciation for the attempted levity.
“Raj, it’s gotta be rough. Being so cute, surrounded by gay boys. How do you survive it?” I have a playful smile on my face.
"He could squish all of us with his little finger" sighs Eli
Mika snickers.
Raj has a hapless smile, "I manage"
“What a trooper”. And I clink my glass with his.
He wants the how-we-met how-long-you-been-together spiel, which we’ve told that a few times tonight, but we’ve got it down to a science at this point.
Eli did finish his beer right when Raj started asking for the run-down, but he didn't seem to object to the flavour at any previous point so the very brief look of discomfort on his face probably has more to do with why he peaces out for the dance floor at that point than the timing of the finished brew.
Raj 'awww's at all the right parts of your story, genuinely charmed.
Gives Mika a shoulder thump and makes some respectful comment about "damn good pull" that's less objectifying than "damn, good pull."
Report Date
07 Aug 2025