central_librarymods | The Winter Ball

The Winter Ball

The Winter Ball

As the Library prepares for the turning of the seasons, another of its rooms opens to the patrons. It is different than the others with a wide, sweeping marble floor inlaid with patterns of holly and snowflakes that is uncluttered by books and shelves. Music drifts through the hall, hinting that the patrons should dance. Do not worry about the gently falling snow; none will slip upon the marble unless they wish to do so.

Tables are scattered well away from the dance floor to allow patrons to gather and talk in small, intimate groups. Along one wall is a table stacked high with holiday foods from dozens of different realities. Evergreens decorated with globes of colored lights and frost remind the patrons that not everything fades with winter's cold. Presents can be found beneath the decorated boughs. Everywhere is a reminder of holidays from worlds near and far, some grounded in reality and some that patrons thought only existed in imagination.

The Library welcomes each patron and wishes each to enjoy an evening of music and festivities. Happy Winter Holidays to all who have answered the Head Librarian's invitation!

Prompts

The Dance Floor

1. Filling Your Dance Card. Each patron will find a dance card in his or her possession. Each being is encouraged to fill the card by dancing with five different people. Those who do will find a surprise waiting for them beneath one of the evergreen. (See note below)

2. Dancing on Air. Sometimes it feels like a song will sweep you off your feet. During this musical number, that can be literally true. While in the midst of a dance, patrons might notice that they're feeling lighter than usual and their feet barely touch the floor. That's because they've started to float above the dance floor. It may be unsettling at first but once the song ends the patrons be earthbound again.

3. The SnowBALL. Someone forgot that this is a formal dance, not a playground. When a patron steps on a certain pattern of snowflakes on the floor, snowballs will begin to fly. Patrons shouldn't worry too much if they in the middle of the action. These are magic snowballs and will not ruin gowns and suits. They can even be lobbed at other patrons if someone is feeling mischievous.

Mingling

4. Eat, Drink, and be Merry! The food at the buffet looks tempting and this time there are not magical side effects (except what might happen in the reality that the food is from). Enjoy a few treats from another world. Enjoy a drink or two... just remember that someone most likely has spiked the punch and that could have exciting or disastrous results!

5. Don't be a Wallflower. People who stay too long in one spot will find small winter flowers and leaves growing around their feet. These are harmless, but encouraging patrons to mingle and move and socialize with each other; especially dance.

Winter is the Darkest Time of the Year

6. In the Dark of the Night. If a patron wanders too far away from the main group, he or she will notice that the candles don't seem as bright and the fairy lights seem to fade. The Library is dark, darker than normal. Nothing more illuminating than a candle, except where Patrons gather. Those who wander away might find themselves lost and need someone to rescue them from the shadows that linger beyond the ball.

7. Tick Tock. In one corner of the ballroom, patrons might notice an item that looks strangely out of place. The old grandfather clock is decorated with scenes of different winter holidays that seem to draw the eye... and the unwary patron. Get too close and the clock case will spring open and a boggart will appear. Those familiar with a certain wizarding world might know the right spell that will banish the spirit and find themselves able to cast it with ease. Those who don't may find themselves confronting their greatest fears.

8. The Mirror of Dreams... and Nightmares. Like the Mirror of Erised, the mirror will show a patron the most desperate desire of a person's heart. At first this may seem innocent but some will be unable to look away and later... The forces that inhabit the Library may take an interest in what patrons see and these visions might come back to haunt them later.

((Note: The dance card prompt will allow players to earn extra points for the event. If a patron tags with prompt 1 and has five patrons tag their entry and the player returns those tags, they will earn extra points. The Cat will be available for dances if someone adds an ooc not to their prompt. Special thanks to

wanna_bash_heads mun for assisting the mod team with the prompts. This will also be included in the test drive to encourage new players into the Library.)

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"You did but just in case we end up facing another demon..." Hopefully they wouldn't but at least he'd be training Sebastian soon and Jace was in the Library. The thought was reassuring since they could never be certain what the Library might throw at them. "Maybe I should train you in weapons and the right time to kiss."

His expression remained serious as he made the suggestion, lips twitching as he fought back a smile when Sebastian kissed his hand. Heart fluttering, he had to remind himself that they were in public and more than just chaste kisses would be inappropriate. "I hope you can. I like showing the people how much I care about them." Having an audience around didn't seem to stop that impulse.

"I think an hour then we check in with the others before deciding if we can sneak away." If Magnus and Jace wouldn't miss him, then he'd slip away with Sebastian.

"How to Kiss Your Partner While Fighting Demons sounds like a good title for a college course. Are there any clothing requirements? I left all my leather pants back in New York."

Sebastian was enjoying kissing Alec's hand. He'd forgotten the room and the people and for the moment it was him and Alec.

"I'm giving the party an hour." He smiled, feeling warm and happy as he leaned in to kiss Alec one more time. It made his heart flutter and drop into his stomach, like butterflies. he could definitely get used to kissing Alec anywhere, anytime.

"Partner? Does that mean things are official?" he teased. Alec had assumed that they were but he hadn't wanted to push. Sebastian might not be ready for something serious. He might have thought of them as boyfriends but he wouldn't ask Sebastian to define it until he was ready.

His smile turned almost shy as Sebastian kissed his hand. It was odd to feel shy since he'd kissed Magnus in front of everyone and afterward PDA had never been something he worried about. But things were new with Sebastian and he knew that his friend was nervous about people knowing he was gay.

"An hour and then we'll see if anyone will miss us." Humming softly, he returned the kiss, grinning when Sebastian pulled away. He wondered how much of Sebastian's behavior was because of the punch and decided that he should test how well it worked on a Nephilim's metabolism. "Let's see what's at the buffet. I think I need a cup of punch."

"Alec." Sebastian blushed brightly and asked with as much sincerity and affection as he felt for Alec, "Will you officially be my boyfriend? Or partner? Whichever you prefer."

He'd never asked anyone to be his boyfriend before and while he knew they were already together he wanted to to make sure Alec knew he thought of them as together.

He was especially looking forward to after party boyfriend make-out session if Alec said yes. What if he said no? Not that he would, but what if he did? He needed more punch too.

The blush didn't surprise him but the words and the emotion behind them did. He knew that Sebastian cared about him and wanted something that would be serious to them both but he hadn't expected that question. Alec knew how Sebastian felt about Jack and it had only been a few short months since Alec had comforted him during their time in Yellowstone.

"How about boyfriend first? Then partner once we see how things work out." There could still be problems. Alec loved Magnus and now Jace was another aspect of his life that had changed suddenly. He didn't want to make promises without being sure that he wasn't hurting someone else he loved. But Alec doubted that any of them would be hurt by the idea of boyfriends.

Taking Sebastian's hand, he grinned at his boyfriend. "How do you want to make it official?"

Sebastian's face burned hotter. Dating, boyfriends, it was suppose to be the first step. Testing the waters so to speak. It was a good thing, taking a step forward like this. But it also had the risk of walking on thin ice. He had to get over his fear or he would lose Alec.

But Alec was walking carefully, too. When he thought of the word partner he though of the alternative to boyfriend, not of something beyond boyfriend. Beyond boyfriend had never been a reality before and he wondered if it would ever.

"A kiss?" Here in public where everyone could see. Would that be too selfish? Wanting everyone to know? Wanting Alec to kiss him the way he thought he might want to but had been holding back?

Noting the blush, Alec made sure not to react to it no matter how adorable he thought it was. He knew that all of this was new to Sebastian. A first for someone that Alec really hadn't thought he'd have in his life.

He knew that 'partner' might never be the right word but it could be possible. For years he'd thought he'd always be alone and now he had... Well, it was complicated but he was definitely not alone.

"Just a kiss?" he teased softly before reaching up with his free hand to cup the back of Sebastian's neck. He was probably being too forward but Sebastian knew that Alec would be careful of what was too much for his boyfriend. "Or a kiss now and we celebrate in other ways after the ball?"

The touch was enough to make his heart beat faster and he unconsciously licked his lips and leaned in closer to Alec.

"Kiss and celebrate both sound good to me."

Forward was definitely okay with Sebastian. So much so he kissed Alec before Alec could kiss him and he wasn't being as shy about it. Maybe it was the atmosphere. Or the clothes. He wasn't sure what it was, but it felt good to be free to kiss Alec. A fingers in Alec's hair and pushing up onto his toes to get more pressure kind of kiss.

Someone who had kissed their their boyfriend in front of the entire Clave should not blush just because Sebastian licked his lips and moving forward for a kiss.

"Sounds good to me too."

Alec expected to be the one that closed the distance for the kiss. Having Sebastian make that move caused his heart to stutter. He knew how shy Sebastian could be and how he worried about the two of them being obvious. But Sebastian was ignoring that, kissing him in the middle of a party where anyone could see.

Rubbing the back of Sebastian's neck he leaned down so that his boyfriend wouldn't have to stretch so far. Making a soft sound when fingers caught in his hair, he deepened the kiss, offering affection and a promise of what could happen later.

Jace didn't want to interrupt so he continued eating off the plate he'd put together the moment he'd arrived. Food was always important when you burned a lot of calories hunting and training and looking as good as he did. His eighth cup of punch was sitting on a table nearby.

He'd missed the infamous kiss between Alec and Magnus in front of the Clave, but he doubted Alec had tried to devour Magnus the way he appeared to be trying to devour Sebastian. Or was it the other way around?

Sebastian pulled Alec closer and returned the kiss with as much promise. He felt hot all over and as if he were falling, lost in the moment. Why he never allowed himself to do this before was suddenly beyond him. The sounds of the room fell away until it was just him and Alec.

He hadn't really meant to let the kiss become so heated. Erotic yes, but a hint not nearly making out with his boyfriend in the middle of a party. Anyone could be watching them...

Which probably wasn't what Alec should be thinking since he liked having an audience.

This time he he wasn't kissing someone he loved with pre-battle desperation. He knew there'd be another chance to show Sebastian how much he cared. Even with the passion that shivered through him, Alec still was gentle, cupping Sebastian's cheek while needing to taste his boyfriend.

He kept the fingers of his other hand laced between Sebastian's, knowing that if he didn't, he'd do something that would cause the Cat to zap them for being inappropriate or critiquing both of their techniques. Other than that worry, everything else was forgotten. The crowd didn't matter. The things that had been part of his nightmares couldn't touch him anymore. Sebastian wanted to be with him.

Breaking the kiss, he panted softly and giving Sebastian a dazed grin. "An hour?"

"An hour." Sebastian breathed, feeling slightly dizzy and extremely pleased. He smiled at Alec and licked the taste of his boyfriend off his lips. Which reminded him. "Punch?"

They had an hour, better to spend it doing something that wouldn't get them in trouble. If he was allowed to keep kissing Alec he may not be able to stop himself from doing other things.

"An hour?" Jace inquired, sitting on the table where his glass was, now empty. "Secret meeting?" He teased.

Alec knew that if he kissed Sebastian again, the Cat would end up zapping them. Or someone would yell at them to get a room. The thought made him smile, bright and happy in a way that only a few ever saw. "Yeah. It isn't fair that you're the only one getting tipsy."

Tipsy was probably the most effect it would have considering Alec's metabolism or the runes he could use if it was too strong. Warm and relaxed sounded like a wonderful way to start their celebration so that he didn't become nervous over what Sebastian might be thinking.

When Jace spoke, Alec pulled away, looking away from Sebastian to focus on his parabatai. The kiss hadn't made him blush but for some reason Jace knowing about their plans for later in the evening caused him to flush. "Not exactly. A celebration. Sebastian asked me to be his boyfriend."

Sebastian didn't have time to think about what Alec meant by tipsy. He was too busy pouting a bit at Jace despite knowing he couldn't keep Alec all to himself. There was a party and mingling. For a whole hour.

The comment about boyfriends definitely made him perk up. Alec said it so openly and he'd never experienced that before. It was wonderful.

"And he said yes." Not that it wasn't obvious.

Jace smiled, amused. "Someone has been drinking the punch." And then he looked at Alec with something closer to warm affection. "Definitely worthy of a celebration."

Sebastian might not be pouting but Alec had siblings and could sense that particular mood even if it wasn't expressed visibly. Fighting back a smile, he kissed Sebastian's temple to make sure that his boyfriend wouldn't notice his reaction.

"He's had at least two cups of punch so far. I think we need to cut him off or drink enough that we're all a little drunk." That probably wasn't the best suggestion but tonight he wouldn't be maudlin like he had the last time he'd gotten drunk. And this time he had Jace nearby to keep him in line instead Jace being off doing who knows what with Clary.

Returning that smile, he reached out to take Jace's hand, heart starting to race as he considered suggesting something that he probably shouldn't. "We could celebrate all of us being boyfriends. If Sebastian doesn't mind."

Jace considered the offer as he reached out to take Alec's hand. he glanced at Sebastian, curious as to his reaction, but Sebastian was watching their hands.

Sebastian watched the way Alec and Jace touched hands, the way Jace slid his fingers against Alec's, and the way the held each other that way. So simple and so much more. It made him blush, but he didn't look away. It was an intimate moment and he wasn't an outsider to what was happening. The thought made him realize something.

He wasn't lucky. Yes. Alec was beautiful and he was a Shadowhunter and Sebastian was nothing special back home. But Alec had noticed him, had chosen him, and wanted him. He wasn't lucky. He was special somehow. Special to Alec at the very least. Alec had seen something in him he liked.

The way he saw something in Jace.

Although, Jace was beautiful himself. And a Shadowhunter. But he doubted that was the reason Alec was attracted to him. Alec didn't even care that much about beautiful clothes.

Sebastian smiled softly at Jace. He kissed Alec's cheek. "More punch?" He offered before moving closer to Jace. He considered kissing him on the cheek as a way to tell him he was okay with Alec's suggestion, but then he was kissing his lips instead, holding his face between his hands.

Jace squeezed Alec's hand, but didn't let go. He was pleasantly surprised by Sebastian's forwardness even if he knew it was a little bit liquid courage. Somehow the way he had seen Sebastian kiss Alec he suspected there was more to him than the shy quiet type he'd met briefly before.

And then Sebastian headed for the punch bowl, looking back at them both expectantly.

Continued here

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The Winter Ball

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