recolléverse.

[devotional]

*charity ball;

[ Lunafreya Nox Fleuret often favors rustic, woodsy decor for her charity balls, accenting branches and leaves with fairy lights and fine glass lanterns containing candles. The lighting is usually romantic, the place settings simplistic yet functional. There are usually open, easily accessible aisles for guests to mingle and converse, and this instance is no exception; after the opening ceremonies, everyone is free to socialize as they see fit until the main event begins. ]

Comments

[devotional]

I have. I thought you might like them.

[ Lunafreya smiles up at her friend as he approaches, reaching out in order to straighten his slightly off-center bowtie. He looks rather dashing, all things considered, and she can't help the well of pride she feels at his appearance.

It's true that seeing the daughter of the illustrious Fleuret family exchanging such familiarities with a commoner might rub some of Recollé's elite the wrong way, but Luna can scarcely bring herself to care. She's happy to have Prompto in attendance to these events; his presence keeps her grounded and prevents her from going insane from the sheer amount of posturing that interacting with some of her guests requires. ]

I'm alright. Thanks, though. That just means that there will be more for you. [ She speaks fondly to him, his being near doing wonders for her stress level. Lunafreya is heartened to see that he's enjoying himself, and she's silently glad that she'd informed her security detail of his scooter beforehand. It's being watched over like a precious treasure, though she knows not many will view it that way. ]

You don't have to stay for the whole thing. You know how these events are... After a while, it turns into something so far removed from its original purpose that you'd think I was hosting some sort of classist competition. [ Lunafreya's expression remains placid despite the way her tone drops low, and she gently takes Prompto by the elbow, guiding him along the aisles towards the banquet table. She knows that that is where he truly wants to be. ] But... it helps the people out quite a bit, and that's what matters in the end. The women's shelter will be completed soon, and one final push is all we need.

[ She sighs, though she replaces her kind, open expression almost immediately. ] Thanks for coming. Tonight's been a bit rough.

[mercurio]

[prompto sways his head from his to side, allowing his shoulders a bit of a dance, as lunafreya talks and explains that he doesn't need to stay the entire evening. she leads him towards the banquet table by the elbow (which makes him smile proudly, straightening his back to be the most proper gentleman deserving of luna's company). he's heard her say this before, and he actually has half a mind of returning home before the event is over, because it really isn't his thing, being amongst all these rich folk.]

[however, it's her admittance that it's been a rough night that gives him room to pause.]

[turning to face her, despite the banquet table before him, it's he who sends her a slightly bemused but slightly scolding look.]

How can you expect me to leave early after you say something like that?

[he's mostly just teasing, taking on the Adult Tone to counter how it's usually her telling him to take things more seriously and stop getting so much into trouble (she means the absolute best for him, prompto knows). despite how different their lives and upbringing are, he knows-- prompto knows that lunafreya tends to push herself to the limit often.]

I'll stay.

[nodding, as if to affirm this thought to himself, he pats lunafreya's hand on his elbow]

That way I'll keep you company and I'll have a better chance of taking leftovers home.

[smiling at her now, he waits for the smile that is sure to come; lunafreya is family to him even if they aren't related by blood, so prompto wouldn't dare ever leave her when she's not at her best--especially when she's always been there when he has been at his worst.]

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya can scarcely fault him for the rhythmic sway of his shoulders; the live band has selected a jazzy, upbeat tune to play as the guests mingle, and she can't help the way she smiles up at Prompto while he moves. She, too, feels a certain sense of pride in her friend, happy simply to have him here. While he certainly looks out of his element in such fancy dress, Luna can scarcely find it in herself to care about his appearance past the level of comfort it affords him.

When he gives her that look, she finds herself scoffing with amusement. ]

I'm only being honest. For the way these old money folk carry on, you'd think they were the ones in need of help. They are all very kind and generous to show and donate to the cause, but... Sometimes the masquerade becomes all too much.

[ She knows Prompto is teasing, and she very gently nudges him with her elbow. There's affection in her expression, and appreciation; she knows he always has her back. It's just strange, how their roles are reversed in this instance. ]

Well then, allow me to give you a ride home afterward... Or allow me to leave with you. There are going to be a lot of leftovers, and I could use another movie night after this.

[ And the smile does come, even as a well-dressed woman roughly elbows her way past the two of them in order to get to the fondue fountain on the table before them. ]

[mercurio]

[prompto knows better than to try and engage rich folk--he really is out of his element--which is why he says nothing but shoot a disapproving glance at the lady so rudely interrupting their Moment.]

[not like it matters, because the sentiment is still there.]

[casually, prompto takes a few steps back, taking luna with him, and closer towards where the crabcakes were at. those are his definite favourites.]

You'd think they would have better manners...

[he disentangles himself as he whispers his comment, afraid to be overheard and thus cause a scene. he starts serving himself a couple of crabcakes and spicy shrimp tails, because he knows what he's about.]

But, back to your suggestion~ Ah, you know that a scooter ride is exactly what you need after all this work! Fresh air, the thrill of the ride... [stop romanticizing your scooter bruh] It'll be fun!

[he likes the idea already, popping one spicy shrimp tail into his mouth. pondering as he savours the spiciness he loves. a smile on his face as he finishes chewing and swallowing--]

You got yourself a plan! I think it's your turn to choose our next movie anyway. Make it a good one!

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya says nothing of the woman, far too used to the self-serving attitudes of the pseudo-humanitarians that attend many of her events; while she knows that just as many people who feel the same as she does also frequent the galas that she throws, Luna would be remiss to believe that the vast majority of her guests aren't after the fact that charity donations are tax deductible.

Prompto's down-to-earth attitude serves as a useful grounding tether, though, and Lunafreya finds herself laughing. ] Shhh. They might hear you.

[ She follows after him easily, not partaking in any of the food but most definitely plucking a lute of champagne from a passing waitperson, offering them a smile and nod of thanks. Luna takes a sip as she watches Prompto load up a plate with things she practically ordered just for him, knowing full well what he's about, also. ]

It does sound nice. [ By all means, romanticize. Lunafreya would be happy to go on a standard bike ride at this point. ] May I request that we take in the night air a bit before returning to your room? A walk in the park sounds nice.

[ Any prying ears may or may not be scandalized by the implications of her request; the esteemed daughter of the Fleuret family, returning to the room of some unmoneyed lad with wild hair after a midnight walk?! Quelle horreur! Still, as far as Luna's concerned, the people can talk. She knows who Prompto is to her, and that's all that matters. ]

Hmm... You know I'll just pick another documentary. For so graciously attending this event with me, I believe you reserve the right to pick again. Wasn't there that one horror film you wanted to watch...?

[mercurio]

[sometimes it surprises prompto just how readily accepting lunafreya is of him. he's basically a nobody, raised from nothing, trying to be a professional photographer, with nothing so opulent to give back to his friend but undeniable loyalty and friendship. compared to the fleuret's estate, prompto's room (it can't really be called an apartment, because of how small it is) offers very little in terms of comfort. although, when he stops to think about it, prompto can imagine just why lunafreya does find it comfortable, compared to the usual luxury she lives in day to day.]

[she is, after all, in charge of of wonderful things such as helping out the orphanage, donating the installations for a new wing in the hospital, and now the women's shelter. lunafreya is a woman with a big heart, and sometimes all that love just wants to be contained in a small, safe space after all it gives.]

A good opportunity for night photography.

[prompto smiles at the idea, chewing thoughtfully around a delicious crab cake. has he eaten today?]

We can do whatever you like! It's your deserved break after all this.

[the movie he will have to consider, and he's already taking out his phone to scan through a list of blockbusters he's really been wanting to see! horror films scare him, but they're fun to watch, in his opinion.]

Yeah, something about a missing person returning but being an impostor. I need to look it up, but I could probably download it pretty quick...

[#TechNerd]

[putting his plate down after shoving some more food inside his mouth, he quickly replaces his phone for his camera, and turns to lunafreya. she must know exactly what he wants, as he never goes without bringing his camera with him.]

--speaking of. Do you want some pictures of the event? For posterity~