FreckersFrog

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan should have expected this much from Lucien. He knew that the Nephilim had always been concerned for him, even before he had discovered his curse, Lucien was overprotective of anyone that was not himself. Still, he was comforted by these words, it seemed he was not the only one who wanted the two of them to be on equal footing.

He allowed Lucien to pull him in and touch their foreheads together. He gripped the hand he still held even tighter as he felt Lucien's hand on his cheek and neck. His heart was so full he felt it might burst.

He could think of nothing to say, so he tilted his head up and kissed Lucien on the lips, leaning into him hard for a few seconds before pulling away again. There was a moment of silence, then he smiled and bark-chuckled, "Bacon breath..."

Faolan hadn't realized until last night, but he had spent far too much of his life being scared and isolated. He never wanted to feel that way again, so he decided to embrace this happiness full force. As long as Lucien knew that they were not safe, truly, and would never be as long as they lived, he felt he could relax, at least for now.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Geralt was pleased to see that Ivory had taken her first displacement so well. The first time he had done it, he'd vomited, but that was a long time ago and he had been pushed much farther through space. He smiled at her, noting the stumble but not commenting on it. There was no need, he could tell the sensation had not been all too pleasant for the vampiress.

Still, he applauded her gumption. He smiled, cocking his head slightly, and said, "That's what I like to hear." He took a long sidestep towards her and reached out again, this time not pausing before he tapped her on the shoulder.

This time, he sent her to the middle of the room. The height change would be a little jarring, he knew, but the distance was still not as far from here to there and here to backstage. She reappeared exactly where she was supposed to.

You are giving this away already...I thought you might be more prudent with our skills. The voice said, scolding him.

Oh, please. They were going to find out anyway. The more secretive I am, the more they will ask. Better this way.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Geralt wasted no time, nodding as soon as the word had left Ivory's lips. "Good," he said, then took one step closer so he was just within arm's reach of her. "Now, I'm going to give you a little hop to start. You'll still be on stage, I don't want to go flinging you across the grounds until you're accustomed." There was a slight pause, then he reached out towards her shoulder slowly with his pointer finger extended. He looked her in the face to be sure she would accept his touch, then proceeded when she didn't stop him. He simply tapped her on the shoulder with one finger and she disappeared in a wreath of black smoke.

Ivory reappeared faster than the blink of an eye, only a foot away from where she had been standing. This made no sound, and the smoke was the only visible factor with Geralt's...well, his "partner's" ability. As long as this was done in darkened area of the stage, there would be no giveaway.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan felt his heart being squeezed as he heard the agony in Lucien's tone. He hadn't meant to frighten him or cause him any pain, but he needed Lucien to know that, while they could be free behind closed doors, they would never truly be able to express their feelings in public. The chance of them being seen by the wrong person was too great. He had heard that Americans were more tolerant, less zealous, but he through his time here he had seen how false this rumor was. People were cruel everywhere, no matter the soil they stood on, and evil dwelt in every person's heart.

He met Lucien's eyes again as he reached out to him, and wrapped both of his hands around the Nephilims. He turned in his chair and leaned forward, never breaking eye contact, and said, "I will never let that happen to you, to us. I need you to know that, Lucien. You never have to be afraid when we're together." He paused a moment, making sure that his dedication could not be questioned. "I just wanted you to know...it's not safe for us out there." He nodded toward the window, "We need to be careful, even more now. We've always done a good job of keeping our heads down...seeming "normal", but now..." he looked at their clasped hands but did not let go, "I don't want to lose this."

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Although she had tried to hide it, Geralt could see the surprise on Ivory's face. Although he was used to this reaction, he relished it more with her because he was sure it was harder to attain than with the layman. At least he knew that she could be shaken.

"I didn't think so." he said, maintaining his smile. "This will be the easiest part for you, honestly. It's a little...different, at first, but once you get used to it, its as easy as, well, standing there."

He took a step toward her, but put both of his hands behind his back before adding, "And I do have to touch you, I hope that isn't a 'deal-breaker'." Although this part could have easily been a lie that he was sure Ivory would believe, it was actually true. One limit to his abilities was that whatever he was "magicking" had to come into contact with his hands. This was true for larger things, and especially humans, although smaller and inanimate objects were much easier to manipulate. The gramophone, for example, required no effort. Levitating someone was a little harder, but still second nature. Teleporting himself was not difficult, but moving someone else without damaging them or their parts required some concentration.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Geralt happily obliged Ivory with the gramophone, then watched the performance with his usual intensity. Listening to Cora's song had helped to lift his spirits if nothing else, and he felt a renewed sense of promise as he'd entered the tent to continue their practice. It seemed, however, that this positive attitude was not needed at all. Ivory had seemingly completed her practice to stunning effect. Not one slip of skin or silk occurred during this final pass. Try though he might to find a flaw, it was impossible.

He let her question hang in the air for a moment, silence slowly filling the void of the space. After that, he simply shrugged and shook his head, "I'm going to have to leave you alone more often, if it always produces results like this," he said, then stood and added, "It is, indeed, finished."

He paused once again, and looked at the ground. "But, there is my part to practice now." He took a step forward, and vanished in a swirling vortex of pitch black smoke. It was as though God had suddenly decided to snuff out a candle, to which Geralt was the flame.

Suddenly, his voice came from behind Ivory on the stage, his wicked grin returned. "Have you ever been 'displaced' before?"

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan had quite literally wolfed his food down, barely stopping to breathe and sip the milk that Lucien had brought. When his plate was clean, he still felt as though he could eat a bit more, but was not about to tell Lucien that. He nearly blushed when the Frenchman pushed the last two pieces of bacon toward him, but took them anyway and nodded his thanks.

As he finished them off, he nodded in response to Lucien's question. Although he could tell that he would not like the question he was about to be asked by the tone in Lucien's voice, he knew that the Frenchman would not do this without good reason. He downed the last of the milk, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. The smile that had been present on his face throughout the night and morning was gone now as Lucien finished his inquiry.

He knew that eventually he would have to explain this,. it was best to get it out of the way now. Although Lucien was more worldly than he had ever been, especially in these last two months, Faolan knew there was much of the world that he had not seen. Lucien was so carefree and optimistic that darkness had seemingly avoided him in his life since his childhood, and Faolan felt sorry that he had to hang a shadow over him now.

He looked into the grain of the table as he spoke, memories flooding through his brain as he thought of the answer to Lucien's question. He knew not how to begin except to just say it, "Do you remember what those women said to us outside their house that night...what they called me?" Although that night had been only two months ago, Faolan felt as though it was a distant memory now that he was sitting here with Lucien, wearing only a towel. The two of them had come a long way in one night, it had just taken Faolan two months to work up the nerve to take the first step.

Lucien grimaced a little at Faolan's words. He remembered that night clear as day, and he still regretted not being able to say anything in the Irishman's defense. "I do.." He muttered. "I'm sorry that I said nothing in your defense that day.. I don't think you were completely in the wrong.. I had just wanted to get us out of that situation as soon as possible.." He said a little dejectedly.

Faolan merely shook his head, "No, Lucien, you did the right thing." he reached across the table and placed a hand on top of the Nephilim's, squeezing his chill fingers. "The world is...a cruel place for people like me." he paused, fully realizing what he was finally admitting, "People like us."

There was a paused as Faolan withdrew his hand, trying to come up with the right words to express what he meant without being too...harsh. "I've known for a long time that I was...different. I tried for years to keep it hidden, buried so deep that even I forgot. But...then I met you." He looked back at Lucien then, and smiled before continuing. "As a lad, I tried it with girls but...I knew that something wasn't right...in me," he laid a hand on his chest. "It wasn't wrong, I see that now, but it felt wrong then. I was told all my life that it was," he said this part very quietly, "for two men to lay together. I've seen men beaten, killed...worse, for just others thinkin' that they were...funny." He paused again, glancing out the window to see the passersby in the street below; men and women walking together, and two women together, or else alone, or with children. Nowhere did he see two men walking together as he and Lucien did. "There was a boy in town, when I was young. His mum caught him, I don't know, with pictures of men, adults. But the rumor started that he was doing things...to kids." he looked back at Lucien. "I knew him, since I were a lad. He never did any of the things he said, else he would have done it to me." he dropped his gaze and looked out the window once more. "They hanged him. He was thirteen."

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Cora's attention was slowly peeled from Geralt and thrust back into the song and Lucien's notes. She wanted to make sure this was perfect. Knowing that this was a song Lucien had written just for the occasion, and wanted her to sing it, made her feel as though she wanted to impress him. Although, this was a normal feeling when they performed together, it was compounded by the fact that they had been to this town before. Cora was glad for the distraction, but also wanted to be sure that she contributed all she could to a successful night.

As they neared the end of the song, she watched Lucien make little scribbles on his paper before he turned back to her. She wasn't sure what they all meant, but Lucien was good at explaining and the two never had trouble communicating when it came to this.

"I think you're right!" she said, nodding. "I can go lower, but I think ending high is good, given what the song is about." Lucien had made sure that this song was hopeful and uplifting, he wanted the crowd to feel like anything was possible. Cora admired that in him, his ability to raise people's spirits through song. Maybe they would help to lift his as well.

"Although," she added, before trying the verse again. "I hope you don't mind me saying...but I think the note at the end is too long." she pointed to the last section of the song on his paper. "I think it might be a little more...thrilling, or upbeat, if the note ends more sharply. Is it okay if I try?"

"Go ahead," Lucien said, smiling.

Cora smiled back and obliged him. She tried just the end of the song, taking Lucien's notes into consideration and adding her own little flair at the end. She ended the song with a smile and looked over at Lucien, full of hope that she had made a good suggestion.

He watched her, smiling the whole way, then made a small annotation on his notes to cut the ending line short. "There, perfect."

Cora's smile widened as she glanced at Akane and Geralt, clasping her hands together close to her chest. She was proud that she was able to contribute, even if it was small.

"Well," Geralt said once the two were done. He had eaten and washed his dish quickly while the two had practiced, listening the entire way. Although he found that he was able to resist Cora's trance, he knew that he would have to keep on his toes if the Siren ever turned her chords on him. She was powerful, probably more so than even she realized, and he had to keep it that way until it was time.

"I cannot thank the two of you enough for allowing me to sit in." He placed his hands flat on the table before standing, "Cora, that was absolutely stunning. And Lucien...well, you are a fantastic Maestro. The two of you...you are doing amazing things together. I can't wait to see how its received tomorrow night." There was a pause as he stepped away from the table, "But, alas, I too must leave you. Ivory and I can't have you two stealing the show before its even on!" he winked at the two of them, then began heading back toward the big top where Ivory awaited him.

Illyana had not noticed that Geralt had left, she had been so absorbed in her book and calmed by Cora's song. Once the silence had permeated the area enough, and she realized that she had run out of pages to read, she looked up. Her sandwich was...mostly gone, but there was still almost a quarter of it left. She noticed then that Geralt had left, and glanced around before closing her book. "Well, that was a bust." she said, looking to Lucien. Seeing the look on his face, she looked down at her plate with a frown before popping the rest of the food into her mouth.

She chewed, swallowed, then showed him the clean surface of her plate. "All done," she said, before walking to the dish station to clean her plate.

He entered the tent to find that she had ceased her practice. Either Akane had been correct, or she had simply given up. He doubted that the latter was true.

"Ah," he said, rolling up his sleeves as he walked toward her. "I see you're finally taking your break. Have any luck without me?" he knew the answer to this before he'd finished the question.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Faolan could not wipe the smile from his face if he tried. Every touch from Lucien made him happy, he could feel the warmth in his chest growing with every moment they were together. He hoped it would never have the chance to fade.

He secured the sheet around his waist, but it still hung a bit loose, and made his way over to the table. His mouth began to water before he even had sight of the food. Lucien had known him long enough to realize that the more physical activity the Irishman partook in, the more food he could pack away. He had always been a big eater, even as a child, which owed to his larger-than-average size now. He was grateful that Lucien had taken him into account with the choosing of the items on the plate, but would have eaten anything at this point. His stomach growled audibly as he took a seat and began serving himself.

He filled a plate and paused as he held a strip of bacon to his lips, then glanced at Lucien. He looked at him for a moment, knowing that the half-smile that was there now would be there any time Lucien was near.

Lucien met his eyes and held them for a moment before smiling back and asking, "What, can't take your eyes off me?" playfully.

Faolan shrugged and said, "Guess not," before he began eating, watching Lucien for a moment longer before turning to his food. "Thank you," he added after he devoured the first strip of bacon.

Cirque D'étoiles (1x1, FxM, MxM, FxF)

Cora pulled her eyes away from Geralt to listen to Lucien's notes. She leaned in, intently focusing on what he was saying, and nodded her understanding when he finished as the blush faded from her cheeks. Though she had an otherworldly voice and the ability to sing any note given to her, she never had an ear for composition. Mostly when she had sung on her own back home, they were little trills and humming sounds that she had made up and hardly anything ever had actually words--or lyrics--in them. Since coming abovewater, Lucien had helped to cultivate her talent to an extreme level. Now, not only did she know how to sing, but she knew what was pleasing to the ear of others, and even all the different terms that went along with it. She was glad for Lucien's assistance, without him she felt her voice would have been wasted. She was always glad when their last nights came, it gave her the opportunity to showcase her talent, it was a nice change from swimming around a bit for viewers, and honestly, she still didn't understand what everyone found so enthralling about that.

"Okay," she said, and cleared her throat before continuing. She opened her mouth and glanced at Geralt before beginning again. Noticing that the Magician's eyes were on her, she sang with a smile.

Illyana, who had been reading at the other end of the table to put some distance between herself and Cora's powerful voice, looked up at Lucien as she was addressed. At first, she was confused, but then she looked down to see the tiny bite she had taken out of her sandwich and understood. Although the medium had never been a big eater, which is why the others in the troupe insisted that she was so small, she was often so distracted by her reading that she would forget she was even hungry. It was up to Lucien, and Faolan...when he was here, to make sure she did not skip meals accidentally.

She gave the Ringleader a mock glare before taking another small bite out of her sandwich. She made to set the food down, but noticed Lucien's eyes were on her and took a second bite before doing so and turning back to her book.

Geralt watched all of this exchange with luke-warm interest. What he was truly ready to experience was the full force of Cora's vocal talents. Her abilities could be extremely useful to him in the future if she was as powerful as he thought. He made sure to steel himself before she began again, confident that he could withstand the soothing power of it now that he knew what to expect. He gave her a small wink as she glanced at him, noting her grin as she realized he was watching her.