1537/Lute and Sarracenia Go Dancing

Lute and Sarracenia Go Dancing
Date of Scene:	09 February 2015
Location:	Southern Urbania
Synopsis:	Lute takes Sarracenia dancing, and things go well, then bad, then okay.
Cast of Characters:	188, Sarracenia

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Lute (188) has posed:
     It's beginning to approach evening in Southern Urbania. The ballroom itself already has the lights outside turned on, for soon the sun will be setting. The place is quite beautiful. It actually is designed a bit uniquely; it looks much akin to the design of ancient Rome. A large marble building, with various pillars supporting its roof. Though Valentine's Day is not quite here, it has a number of decorations for the holiday right now. Hearts, strands of pink and red garland, and a few ice sculptures of cherubs are outside. Yes, this is quite a ritzy place.

     Lute stands outside, waiting for Sarracenia's arrival. Lute himself is wearing quite a fetching suit. It is fancy, but stylish, with a nice black tie. Fairly form fitting, as well, though not innappropriately so. He also has a pair of white gloves on, as well.

     Yeah, Lute dresses up surprisingly well. He flicks at his hair a little bit, looking down the road, waiting for Sarracenia. He has offered to send a limo for her, and he is unsure if she accepted the offer or not. Yes, he is really going all out for this. He has began to understand Sarracenia's style, and the lifestyle she wants.

     Even if this date will probably be the biggest stretch on Lute's budget.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia was surprised to hear the limo had been arranged for her, but how could she pass up such a regal mode of transportation. The limo pulls up in front of Lute and comes to a stop before the driver steps out and moves to the back door. He opens it, and the first thing to emerge is a dazzling red high-heeled shoe attatched to the end of a long leg. Then, the princess stands, wearing the dress Lute sent her. She seems quite satisfied with how it looks on her, even if the torso area hugs her body a bit more tightly than is usually acceptable for a princess. There is no doubt all eyes will be on her tonight, with those rubies shining across her body and her hair spilling about her shoulders and down her back.

     She is not carrying her hammer for once, but she still has her purse. She smiles with the arrogance of a woman who knows she looks amazing when she approaches Lute, then holds out a gloved hand toward him. "Greetings, dear Lute. I see you do know how to conduct yourself in a gentlemanly way." she says, seeming quite satisfied with how the date is starting. Even if she would never admit it was a date. "And the location you have chosen is magnificent. Perhaps even worthy of me." she adds as she looks up at the building.

Lute (188) has posed:
     As the gloved hand is offered to Lute, Lute immediately knows what to do. He kneels down a bit, of course making sure his suit will not touch the ground. Taking the hand, he places a kiss on it. He tries to make sure it is not too long, and not too short. He's playing with fire, here, and he knows it. Sarracenia is the one most likely to get pissed if he messes up. Every detail /has/ to be done with care. This is one of those rare times where dumb!Lute is actually trying to mentally communicate and get advice from his other half, to keep things in order.

     As he stands, he smiles, as charmingly as he can. "Well, I will be doing my best to be a gentleman through the whole night. If I do something to offend you, though, feel free to let me know. A woman as beautiful as yourself... Well. One should not do anything to make such a woman mad."

     He moves to take her arm, unless stopped. Wrapping his own arm around hers, to lead her inside.

     "Well, I tried to find the best ballroom I could. Though, it pales in comparison to you, sadly. Though, I must say, you look absolutely /stunning/ in that dress. I am glad that you like it."

     As he leads her inside, the bouncer at the front door just nods, and lets them in. Yes, Lute paid extra to make sure they could get past the actual ticket lines to get inside. He got them on the VIP list. And, the inside of the place is quite beautiful. Though these are definitely not Roman, chandeliers made of crystal light the room. A few tables are around the edge of the dance floor, and there is a buffet table with food and punch. Lute smiles, looking at Sarracenia.

     "So. Would you like some punch or food, first? Or shall we get to the dancing?"

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia looks pleased as Lute kisses her hand, and even moreso as he takes her arm. She wraps both her arms around Lute's arm. "Do not worry about that. I am not one to keep such things to myself." she says as they move inside. She is again surprised as they are given VIP service.

     She looks around at the beautiful place, then giggles. "Oh, dinner -and- a dance?" she says, smiling. "That sounds wonderful. And while we are dining, we can enjoy watching the others dance." she says as she awaits to be seated.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute smiles, leading Sarracenia to a table. Of course, he is a total gentleman, and pulls her seat out for her. But, of course, as not a /total/ gentleman, as she is seating her self, he looks down at her from above, glancing at something that is much easier seen from that angle.

     But, before Lute sits down, he glances at the buffet. Smiling.

     "I'll get your food for you, of course. Any particular preferences?"

Sarracenia has posed:
     The princess takes a seat happily, not noticing the slight non-gentlemanly act thanks to Lute's efforts so far. She waits to be pushed forward to the table, then smiles to Lute. "I would like a nice salad, and and some grilled chicken with mushrooms." she says in answer to Lute before she looks around the place again.

     "What sort of music do they play here?" she asks when Lute returns to the table.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute grabs the food that Sarracenia requested. For himself, he gets a bit of steak and mashed potatoes, because he is that kind of man. He is also the kind of man who is skilled enough to carry two plates and two glasses without dropping them. He sets them at the table, and smiles at Sarracenia. The glasses have punch in them; who knows if it might be slihgtly alcoholic, though.

     "A lot of classical music, mostly. The reviews of this place were in fact /quite/ good, so I trust htem fairly well."

     And with that, some music starts playing. It's starting off with a nice, simple waltz, which the people are dancing too.

     Lute smiles at Sarracenia, "I'm guessing that you learned to dance in your kingdom? Probably as part of how you were raised, to be a princess?"

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia is both impressed and curious about Lute's ability. Was he a waiter as some point? Still, she doesn't say anything. "Classical music? Excellent." she says before the music starts playing. She smiles as she listens, then takes a bite of her salad.

     As Lute asks about her upbringing, she nods. "Indeed. Formal ballroom dancing was required for me as I grew up. In fact, the waltz they are playing sounds kind of familiar." she says, smiling happily at now the evening is going.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute smiles, and nods. He takes a sip of his drink, before beginning to cut into his food a little bit. "Well. I was born into a fairly well off family, myself, but I still only got so much of the 'culture' stuff. It must be great, having been raised in an even higher society. I imagine birthdays and celebratory holidays with presents must get you quite a bit... ...Though, I really /should/ make a note. When /is/ your birthday? I should make a note of that."

     He tries to, casually, stretch his legs a bit. His goal, of course, is to rub his own leg against Sarracenia's a bit. Yeah, it's probably a fairly obvious move. But he's trying it anyways. To distract a bit, he takes a bite of his steak while doing so, though. To make it seem more likely to be accidental at least. Unless she is receptive.

Sarracenia has posed:
     At the mention of birthdays, Sarracenia blinks before looking down, her demeanor quickly shifting to sadness. "...oh...I did get quite a few presents on such days..." she says quietly, though doesn't exactly sound happy about it. She blinks again when Lute asks about her birthday. "Ah. My birthday...I hardly celebrate it. It is just a reminder that I am getting older by the day and no hero has chosen me yet." she says.

     When Lute's leg brushes hers, she sighs softly. Despite what Lute might have expected, she doesn't yell at him. She does move her leg away, though. "But, just for the record, my birthday is April 16th." she says before she regains a bit of her usual haughtiness and continues on her salad.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute is of course a bit dissapointed at not being able to play footsie. But, as Sarracenia starts being a bit depressed, he's a bit worried. That was not in fact his intent! But at least she is cheering up a bit, and telling him her birthday. But, he leans forward a bit. Though his elbows aren't on the table, his hands are clasping and his arms are leaning against it a bit.

     "I still wish I could be your hero. Honestly, I don't see why not. Yes, you don't like being my second wife, but. Well. You could always think of it as me being your 'first husband'."

     He shrugs his shoulders a bit, "Though, really. I'm surprised men aren't lining up to woo you. It might be they're too intimidated, though. You need a /really/ great man, a strong and powerful Multiversal figure. They might just be scared of living up to your expectations, and living up to the duty of marrying a princess. Something they are fools to be scared of."

     Lute does, in fact, believe this stuff. But, it is also being emphasized to flatter her as well.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia rolls her eyes as Lute brings up a point she has made herself quite clear about. "Your life was not high enough if you do not understand that, Lute." she says, shaking her head. "To you, marrying a princess brings you fame and honor, not to mention a beautiful wife. But to me, if I married a man who was already married, that means I am -losing- rank and privilage. My parents would never support such a marriage, and what little prestige I do hold in my kingdom would amount to nothing."

     She smiles softly as Lute speaks up on her behalf. Her usual reaction would probably be stammering or blushing, but with her emotions already focused on more difficult things, she just smirks lightly. "They -are- linking up to woo me, but wooing is not what I want. Any fool can woo a girl. Only a true hero with strength and courage can defeat the odds of a difficult situation and prove himself.." She pauses a moment, then giggles. "...or herself or itself...worthy of a princess like me."

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute shakes his head a little bit. "That is... A little sad, I admit, that I'm not /quite/ worthy. though... I suppose, really. If I can prove myself a hero to you, it might work. You recently opened up to the idea of your hero not necessarily being a man, correct? Maybe I can even prove to you that it'll be me."

     He takes in a bit more of his steak. He's getting closer to done with it. He's trying not to eat /too/ fast, of course.

     "...Though. Maybe I /should/ try to conquer my own kingdom. Get myself some more prestige. ...Though, I could also simply be trying to hard. People keep telling me I do that?"

     Another shrug.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia is nearing the end of her salad as well. As Lute persists about the subject of his worthiness, she smirks. "You might be worthy, Lute, but...you would have to be more worthy than any other for me to even consider accepting you as anything more than a friend. And, I am not sure I personally would ever be able to accept being the second wife to anyone." She takes another bite, then holds the fork to her lips as if considering. "Yes...I am sure your first wife would come to harm eventually."

     She pokes at her salad a few times, then nods. "Having your own kingdom would be impressive. It sounds as though you are well on your way. You have many powerful creatures at your command, and have surprised many people with your battle prowess and intellect. Both of which you keep hidden well beneath a veil of stupidity. A veil that I am starting to suspect is either an act or was imposed on you somehow."

     She takes another bite, then smirks again. "Which is both a blessing and a curse. From what I have heard, your 'smart' half is impossible to get along with. Unlike this side of you, which is quite tolerable."

Lute (188) has posed:
     The big about 'his wife coming to harm' does worry Lute. But, as he thinks on it... They could really deal with that later. You know, sort it out, play it by ear, that type of thing. What's the /worst/ that could happen?

     "Well, it'll take a lot of effort to conquer a land... Though. That will fairly definitely be my next goal. Would you be willing to help me with it?"

     And... The subject of hits intelligence. And he sighs. "I... Well. Let me think of how to put this. It isn't all an act. Some of it is. I overplay it. But, like. Well. I just don't get what is wrong with acting /completely/ on impulse. Do what I want, when I want, who cares what people think. So say I feel like kissing a girl? I do it. I see something I want? I take it. Who cares about what happens? And yeah, there are times I don't get things, but like. Eh. So what? I still know a lot anyways."

     "But my other personality is a total dick. Really. Even if he is objectively smarter than me."

     Lute takes a sip of his drink.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Princess Sarracenia considers the request for help. "Hmm...I could help conquer a kingdom, I suppose. It is usually frowned upon for a princess to help in such a thing, however." she says as she finishes off her salad.

     "As for your behavior..." Sarracenia smiles. "As I said, you are quite tolerable. Though you are sometimes boorish and inconsiderate, you have proven to be a gentleman and a capable combatant. I much prefer this you to the other you. Even if I do not allow either of you to be my hero." she says, then holds out a hand. "Shall we have our dance, now?"

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute smiles, getting up from the table. He takes Sarracenia's hand, and helps her up from her chair, like a gentleman. He speaks, sounding appropriately happy, "I'm... glad you prefer me. And, I am more than happy to dance."

     He leads Sarracenia to the dance floor. As they get there, a new song is playing. A rather cheerful, romantic dance song. Lute, of course, moves to take the lead. And of course, he will dance very much like him. He will dance in the ballroom style, of course. One of his hands moves to place itself on Sarracenia's back. As in, lower back, as low as he thinks he can go without getting his foot stomped on by heels. His other hand takes hers, to lead her in the dance, of course. And, of course? He is going to try and hold her as close to himself as possible.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Princess Sarracenia is guided to the dance floor, and in her good mood she just smirks as Lute moves his hand so low and holds her so close. With how tight her dress is, he would get a nice feeling against his chest as he holds her close. "Remember. You are a gentleman." she says as a gentle warning when she feels his hand testing the boundries of just how low it can go.

     She allows him to lead, of course. After all, it is the man's role traditionally. She follows his lead, her movements as graceful as an elf or faerie or something. When he turns them, her hair and her dress billow outward a bit, and if he twirls her her dress rises and billows until it hits his leg.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute stops at the comment. He tries not to let out a sigh of dissapointment, but Sarracenia can probably tell anyways. It is worth noting, though? Lute is not nearly as graceful. He isn't /botching/ it, but he simply doesn't have too much serious ballroom dancing practice.

     But, as said earlier: If the desire crosses Lute, he'll take it. And so, the temptation is there. Even as they dance, he continues to observe her beauty. He enjoys the contact with her. And, finally, as the first song they have danced to wraps up, he moves in. His lips, moving to hers, for a kiss.

     The other half of Lute is basically constantly telling him to 'ABORT ABORT ABORT!' and that this is probably a bad idea. But, of course, he is doing it anyways.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Princess Sarracenia didn't expect Lute to be an expert dancer, so she isn't too surprised he isn't all that graceful. She is still enjoying the dance though. She even starts laughing every now and then and there is a constant smile on her face. It is just about the perfect night for her. Beautiful dress, wonderful venue, not entirely unappealing companion...

     And so as the song comes to and end and they end up pressed together on the end note, the mood is just perfect for Lute to make his move.

     At first, it even seems like it worked! Princess Sarracenia's eyes widen for a moment before a blush colores her cheeks and she actually starts to lean into the kiss.

     Then, her brain catches up with the situation, and a distressed little 'mhu!' escapes her before she pushes Lute backward forcefully. Considering how she wields that hammer, it is probably more than enough to send Lute stumbling back. "Y-you little..." Her fists clench, then she turns on her heel and storms back toward the table. Even from behind, Lute can probably see how badly she is blushing.

Lute (188) has posed:
     And, with Sarracenia's push, Lute ends up falling back, and stumbling. Of course, this is drawing a /bit/ of a scene. This is not a place where such a thing happens all that often, after all. But. Most places usually don't have Lute, or Sarracenia, on dates with them.

     "---waaaait what did I do wrong?! It looked like you liked it at first! But... Ahhh, are you mad it was your first kiss? Is that it? Or was I supposed to ask your permission first or something? Seriously, though, I even told you earlier if, that if I felt like kissing a beautiful woman, I did it! And you're /really beautiful/!"

     He doesn't run after her, but he walks at a brisk pace.

Sarracenia has posed:
     The princess huffs as she realizes Lute is coming after her in the gentlemanly fashion. "What did you do wrong?! I made it clear this was not a date! Those who are not dating do not kiss! And yes, that was my first kiss! I was supposed to share it with my hero! Not my strange, often incompetent, somewhere between friend and annoying companion!!"

     She is fighting very hard to keep from screaming, and Lute can probably tell that by how fast she is walking and how her feet are stomping and her hands are clenched. She stalks back to the table and scoops up her purse, then stomps toward the door.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute runs after. He's doing his /best/ to make sure she doesn't leave without him. This is, of course, becoming quite a scene, and now everyone is watching.

     "...Uh. Look, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was your first kiss! But please, at least let me help you get home. I'll ride in the limo with you, and I'll behave! I'll do anything you say! Please?"

     The limo /is/ still waiting outside, at least. But even Lute admits, odds are, she's going to take it back /without/ him.

Sarracenia has posed:
     The princess is aware it is becoming a scene. Which is all the more reason to hurry and get out of here. She increases her pace, holding her purse by the strap in bashing territory rather than actually putting it on.

     As they near the limo and Lute is pleading with her, she doesn't even turn to look at him until she has a hand on the door handle. She opens the door, then finally turns to face Lute again. Her face is still quite red. "If you want to help me..." She grits her teeth, trying to keep the moisture that is building in her eyes from spilling over. She fights back a whimper, then huffs. "...stop trying to win me! I refuse to be second wife to anyone!! Not even for a strong, heroic, s-slightly stupid..." She fights back another whimper, then turns away again. "Why...why do you have to...be so..." There's a heavy sniffle and a shudder, then she turns to look over her shoulder, just one eye coming into view. "...I cannot be second wife. I must be first." she says, her tone pretty darn cold. "And until you accept that, we have nothing further to discuss."

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute is... honestly unsure of what to do. He actually is surprised. This is nowhere near the first time he has driven a woman to tears on a date. But, this is the first time where it is for reasons of confused emotions and feelings for him. Of wanting to be with him, and yet having monogamy be in the way. Or at least, this is what he is guessing at.

     But, even though this might be the /wrong/ choice, he moves to give her a hug, from behind. A tight one. He isn't even trying to grope or /anything/.

     "I'm sorry... I... I have to admit, I can't imagine how you feel. I have, and always will be, a man who feels love to many women. I can't control that. The only thing I can think of is... Maybe I could divorce my wife, marry you, and then remarry my wife, so she comes second? ...But I don't think that would work?"

     And, then he says, once again, "I'm sorry." He totally means it, even.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia gasps as Lute wraps his arms around her and hugs her tightly. Her head droops and twin streams of water trickle down her cheeks. "You...you would really do that...for me...?" she asks, then she goes still. Could she really ask that? It does mean a lot that he would even suggest that, but still, she doesn't think he offered because he likes her -more- than his wife.

     She doesn't know what to do. Lute has been the only person so far who genuinely liked her and didn't run away screaming after she hit him with a hammer or left him to die in a spaceship crash. And what about her being saved like Princess Peach has been? It is pretty hard for someone like her to just abandon a dream like that. So, with her mind reeling, all Princess Sarracenia can do is stand there.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute nuzzles Sarracenia's head a bit with his own. He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a handkerchief, a uses it to wipe at Sarracenia's tears. And, despite him being worried about her, he still tries to smile.

     "Look. We can find a way to make this work. For now, though... Well. This... Has to have been a bit tiring. Maybe we should get in the limo? ...Then, you can at least sit down a bit."

     He still is hugging her, of course, and will continue to do so until she wants him to stop.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia reaches to take the handkerchief as Lute dabs it at her eyes. Then, she nods and slips into the limo, allowing Lute to slide in beside her. She settles into the seat farthest from the door, then hugs her arms around herself.

     "I...I don't know...I always wanted a hero who had eyes only for me. I am supposed to be the most important woman in his life. The only woman he needs to find satisfaction in his life..." she says as the driver prepares to take them back to wherever it is Sarracenia landed an airship in this place. She looks toward Lute, and frowns. "And I will never be that to you. That is abundantly clear. I will merely be one among many."

Lute (188) has posed:
     It is worth noting, that the inside of the limo? It wasn't like this before, but. There are now tons of red roses inside, along with a number of black ones, as well. Lute sits next to Sarracenia, and tries to let her lean against him a bit. He'd even put a hand in her hair, to rub at the back of her head to comfort her.

     "...I don't have a solution. Sorry. I am sure if we work at this, though... We can find /something/. I'm sorry for making you feel this way, though."

     He moves to kiss her, but on the forehead. Trying to calm her, but likely making things a bit worse.

     "But, like... Maybe for tonight? Let's just forget this all. Pretend we're the only two people in the world."

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia doesn't push Lute away when he sits close to her, but she does look out the window rather than at him. "You are forgiven. I am, after all, an amazing princess. It is no wonder someone like you falls at my feet, begging me to take him as a husband." she says, her voice lacking much in the way of emotion.

     Then, he kisses her on the forehead, and she notices that there are roses everywhere. Roses that were not there when she first rode in the limo. She looks around slowly, then looks at Lute. He suggests they just forget everything else for tonight. And...

     It is all Sarracenia can take. All the romance, the conflicting feelings, the impossibility imposed by her royal status and her own pride. She sniffles, then whimpers, then gathers up several of the roses and hugs them against her as she softly cries onto them. "...I...I cannot do that...surely you know...a princess must conduct herself properly at all times...I cannot simply forget my position...for someone like me, the press is everywhere..." she says between soft whimpers and quiet sobs.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute uses a hand to try and lift up Sarracenia's chin, just a little bit. He's trying to gently guide her to look straight in his eyes. At which point, well. It's time for Take Two.

     "Don't worry... Here, we are alone. Even the driver has no way to see us."

     And with that, he leans in, a bit more slowly. More obviously. If Sarracenia wants to stop this kiss, it will be a /lot/ easier for her to. But, he tries to move in for a long, deep, kiss.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia's chin is lifted, and she watches Lute move in. For a moment, she imagines letting him. Forgetting the world. It plays out in her mind. And ends just as she imagined, it still ends with her being one of Lute's wives. Not Lute's one wife.

     So, even as she sniffles, she brings a hand up and stops Lute. "...I am saving myself for my hero. The hero that will revere me above all others. You are heroic, but you are not my hero. You are the roving rogue. The man who is heroic, but cannot settle down with only one woman. I..." She coughs. "..I am truly...flattered that you would go to this much trouble for me. No one...has ever done anything like this for me." She wipes at her eyes and hugs those roses again, then turns to Lute. She smiles just a little, then leans in and kisses Lute on the cheek. "Thank you."

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute remains smiling, even though /his/ heart is getting broken a bit. Is this /really/ something the two of them can't reconcile? ...This will make things incredibly awkward between them, in the future.

     But, even though he is stopped... He tries to remain at least hugging, or cuddling her a bit.

     "...Well. I still think that, somehow, we could make it work. But I don't want you to suffer. This is, like... The complete opposite of what I want."

     A sigh. He is, obviously, somewhat dissapointed. He is trying not to show it, though.

     "I'll still be here for you whenever you need me, though. Alright?"

Sarracenia has posed:
     Even though she said she couldn't forget everything, Sarracenia smiles softly as Lute keeps holding her. She leans in against him and actually snuggles against him gently. "We could -make- it work. But, I do not -want- it to work. You see? I am a princess, a crowned princess. That means I will be queen someday. Even if I do not like my kingdom much, I have to conduct myself like a princess. And my pride will not allow me to be second prize, or even same level prize. Not to mention I would never share my crown with another woman."

     Even as she is saying that, she is snuggling in against Lute, her roses still hugged against her. "So, again, thank you, but we cannot be anything more than friends unless you are ready to forsake your wife and all others." She probably wouldn't be this frank usually, but she is emotionally tired right now.

Lute (188) has posed:
     Lute, unfortunately, still thinks this could work. She obviously /likes/ him. Plus, she is fine if her hero is a woman... All he needs to do? Convince her that multiple people, man and women alike, can be her heroes. Convince her that no, it won't be like Lute having multiple wives, but like /her/ having a harem.

     But for now, he'll save this plan for another day.

     "Well... We can still be friends. I'll still wanna be more. But, you know? We'll see what happens. Okay?"

     Besides, he still has the whole 'have Sarracenia kidnapped' card up his sleeves.

     Surely that plan can still go well.

Sarracenia has posed:
     Sarracenia holds her roses up and presses them against her face, taking a deep breath of their fragrance. "Okay. But, do not get your hopes up." she says, despite the dreamy smile on her lips as she leans against Lute, no doubt imagining days with her hero. Whoever that might be.