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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Mar 10, 2012 0:11:28 GMT -5
The extra workers were all busying themselves around, getting ready for the annual Bonnefoy house party. A time where people who are lucky enough to be considered friends or partners of the Bonnefoy household are invited to a wonderful party full of songs, laughter and great booze.
The thing about Bonnefoy annual party, it was always that one event in which the Bonnefoy's would let loose and have fun, not minding whatever scandals to be done within their home (within reason of course). In fact, each party has always brought some sort of juicy gossip. Inner demons are let loose and the paparazzi eat it up.
Sitting at his desk in his bedroom, Francis remembered the ones his mother hosted with fond memories. Oh the headliners that came out of these parties. The ambassador cheating on his wife, found out his wife was cheating on him too, or the princess of Denmark finally coming out of the closet, and more...
This would be the first party since his mother's passing. Last year, it was skipped because...well, Francis wasn't in a very partying mood. But to the young man, it still felt like a tradition, one that went back to his grandmother. And Francis would not break off from them, not if his life or reputation depended on it.
He looked over the guest list again, he invited quite a few, humm, non-influential people, friends from school and people he met on his free time. He wondered if Matthew would come? Francis chuckled, and his eyes went back down the list. And even a few, he had never properly met before might be coming...
A maid appeared in the doorway of his bedroom, (he had already sent Jeanne away for the night -it was for the best) she told Francis that the first guests have started to arrive and that everything was ready.
"Parfait! On va s'amuser ce soir!"
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Mar 10, 2012 0:47:59 GMT -5
Francis, a colleague, was having another one of those party things he liked to hold. He was one of the ones Ivan liked somewhat, in a similar category as Arthur. He sometimes passed on going to parties but every now and then he'd attend one. As a general rule though, he never stayed for the whole thing. Parties just... weren't really something he was particularly fond of. He mostly went to humor Francis, say hello to Arthur and Jin if they were there, and to get out of the penthouse for a few hours. He always felt a little better when he came back from those parties, even if they were... uncomfortable situations, especially the bigger ones with people everywhere.
Yong Soo had disappeared sometime earlier in the day, which was a small bit concerning, but he was allowed to go things whenever he liked, since he wasn't bound by the usual bot programming protocols. Besides, he'd been left with Allison, so Yong Soo probably figured his father would be fine. Ivan had just left his son a note on the kitchen counter about where he and Allison had gone before they left for the party.
Oh well, he at least felt more like he fit when they arrived, having donned one of his nicest suits with the purple necktie and gotten Allison a particularly expensive dress for the occasion. While they looked like they belonged, Ivan never quite felt right amongst the crowd of other wealthy and powerful individuals. They had such social grace, and even though Allison really was still not quite... fully acquainted with formal behavior, she was still more outgoing than he was by far. It was almost hilariously ironic that his own bot did better with people than he did.
Getting out of the car, Ivan took a deep breath and offered his arm to Allison. Everything would be fine. He tried to force a smile again, to mask the brewing nervousness. "Are you ready, Солнышко?" |
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Post by Allison Jones on Mar 10, 2012 2:08:24 GMT -5
Allie knew what parties were. There were all different kinds of parties in the movies and television shows that she watched and from what Ivan had told her, this particular party would be one of the nice, fancy ones. There would probably be dancing and women in fancy dresses and nice food… Maybe she would get to taste a lot of new foods. While she technically did not need to eat, it was always nice to try out different foods.
Pulled out of her thoughts by the car stopping, Allie glanced around and noticed that they had arrived. She slid out of the car after Ivan and took his arm, fidgeting nervously in her expensive dress. What if she ruined it? Ivan had spent so much money on getting her this dress, so she just hoped that everything would go smoothly.
Wobbling slightly in her high heels, she leaned on Ivan for support and looked up at mansion in front of them. “What if people don’t like me, Ivan?”
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Post by Matthew Williams on Mar 10, 2012 17:47:35 GMT -5
Matthew sighed to himself, awkwardly pulling on the collar of his shirt.
It wasn't that he hadn't been to a party before; just most certainly not one held by someone who was rich. When Francis had extended the invitation, he honestly didn't know how to react. It almost came out of nowhere considering that the two hadn't known each other for very long. Though, Matthew had come to chant 'Francis is French' over and over in his mind whenever Francis did something odd.
Giving himself another once-over in the mirror, the blond could only stare a bit in worry at himself. He most certainly didn't own anything appropriate for something such as this. He assumed people would be showing up with fancy dresses and suits. But, the best that Matthew could muster was his work-attire for the restaraunt. A white long-sleeved shirt, simple black tie, black button-up vest, a pair of jeans and tennis shoes. It was okay to wear something comfortable, right? His dress shoes just weren't that comfortable to wear. And it he had to take the bus anyway, so it was alright, right?
It wasn't that he didn't have the money to buy new clothes or anything. But, he liked to keep things casual and didn't really have anything in his arsenal for something of this nature.
The ride there was fairly uneventful, as always. The closer it got to night, the more the crazies came out. But, the Canadian had learned to ignore them for the most part and soon enough he found his way to the place. Making his there and most certainly feeling out of place as soon as he found himself near other guests.
Why had he listened to that old woman? I mean, she was nice enough to say that he deserved to let loose everyone once and awhile. For that, he was grateful. But, still, he felt bad about leaving everyone behind. And... Matthew was slowly and already feeling like he didn't belong here.
He would just say hi to Francis and leave. [/blockquote] |
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Mar 14, 2012 23:03:50 GMT -5
Francis began his duties as host, with such grace that he probably should have been paid to do it. He politely introduced some guests to the others and then subtly hinted the way to the bar.
He wanted everyone to be at the very least buzzed before they would start on his plan. He turned his attention to the new arrivals, and started chatting with them. Over their heads he could see Ivan and- oh! What a lovely girl~! His eyes positively gleamed, he quickly dismissed himself from the couple he was speaking with and began to casually make his way to Ivan and his date.
"It is so good of you to come, mon ami! And my~ what a beautiful mademoiselle you have brought along with you!" The Frenchman bent his head and picked up her hand and kissed it. |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Mar 15, 2012 0:40:45 GMT -5
Ivan was happy to see Francis, certainly, but he did not expect that reaction to Allison. He should have known. Francis loved everything beautiful and Allison was indeed in that category. Luckily, he knew not to take it personally or as a threat to the solidarity of his family by a long-time friend. Francis wasn't actually going to try to "pick up" Allison, especially not once he knew she was not exactly of the physically human persuasion these days. He smiled his usual one and hoped Allison knew how to properly respond to this behavior.
"Здравствуй, Francis~" he hummed, far more used to Francis than many of his other colleagues, exempting Arthur. "This is Allison, my..." He paused, not sure exactly whether he ought to introduce her as his bot. "Lady frient~" Social graces had forsaken poor Ivan, much like the sun forsakes night, only with more hilarity and copious amounts of awkward. "Солнышко," he said, gesturing slightly to his aesthetically gifted colleague. "This is my frient Francis~"
(( Здравствуй = slightly informal hello )) |
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Post by Allison Jones on Mar 15, 2012 0:49:03 GMT -5
Allie looked around the wonderful house, admiring all the pretty women in their dresses and the handsome men in their suits. She felt a bit out of place and she looked down at herself, hoping that she looked alright in her dress. After all, if she didn’t look good or acted improperly, it would reflect badly on Ivan and that was not something she wanted.
However, despite the fact that she had decided to act as ladylike as possible, Allie had no idea how to react when a young, blond man came over and kissed her on the hand. What was she supposed to do? Was she supposed to say thank you? Confused, Allie simply stood there, her face turning a rather bright shade of red.
“H-Hello, Mr. Francis. It’s very nice to meet a friend of Iv- er, Mr. Braginsky’s,” Allie caught herself in time, reminding herself that Ivan wanted her to address him formally in public, even though she wished that she didn’t have to.
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Post by Roderich Edelstein on Mar 15, 2012 11:34:04 GMT -5
Oh bother. Another gathering of the high rollers, hosted by that fop Bonnefoy. Roderich was practically obligated to go. If he didn't at least make an appearance, gossip would spread that perhaps he had purposefully not been invited. That perhaps the master of music was suddenly undesirable to associate with. Gossip left too long to run about on its own often grew imaginative and malicious. Why couldn't people keep their noses in their own business?
Bother, bother, bother... Roderich realized he was making a 'tsk'ing noise with his tongue repeatedly and stifled himself as he climbed out of the car, his driver shutting the door behind him. Roderich was wearing white this day. His jacket was white, but the facings and folded back cuffs of his jacket were deep violet, lined with golden buttons and gold stitching at the edges. Lace edged the cuffs as if his hands were bursting out of a doily. His shirt and pants were also white, bared by the open front of his jacket and displaying a cream vest decorated in gold threaded filigree. A dark violet sash was tied at his waist. The white cravat at his throat was wrapped around his neck and spilled ruffled fabric down on his chest, pinned at the front of his throat with a large amethyst set in gold. His black dress shoes clicked up the steps to the front of Bonnefoy's home, the helpful hand of his driver cupping his elbow.
Taking a deep breath, Roderich rang the doorbell and was immediately greeted by some of Bonnefoy's help. He avoided looking at them by fastening his eyes on the grand chandelier in the foyer. Guided forward by his driver, he strode forward into the house proper, chin held high and giving the other guests only brief glances and nods when they greeted him. Let the people who did not know him think him stuck up and snobbish. He explained himself only to the people that mattered in his world. Everyone else was just so much noise and clutter.
“Get me a drink,” he said quietly to his driver. “Quickly.”
The driver left his side and Roderich pushed his glasses back up his nose with a finger as he swept his gaze back and forth, seeking something safe to look at. He would look at the chandelier again if only it wouldn't look so odd with him staring at the ceiling, and his neck would get sore after a while. He had to keep up his appearances. In his choice of dress he wanted to be noticed, to be seen and acknowledged as having attended. Then he could flee for the safety of his own home.
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Post by jin on Mar 16, 2012 2:44:04 GMT -5
Jin wandered aimlessly around the party hall, utterly bored and without any idea what to do with himself. He would smile (somewhat) and nod to passing guests, but thought it rude to stop and chat. After all, guests were coming to enjoy themselves, not get stared at by a socially awkward (albeit, well dressed) robot. The suit he wore was actually one out of Francis’ collection – simple and black with a deep red silk lining the inside. He would’ve worn a tile along with the ensemble, that seemed a bit too formal, if that made any sense. Also it made him feel old. Sure wearing the host’s wares was a bit an ass kiss, but he doubted someone known for extravagance would mind a little shamelwss advertising.
“Good evening, Monsieur Bonnefoy,” Jin had said upon entering. “Thank you for the invitation. Um...I’m sorry I couldn’t find anyone to bring along.”
Or rather, his ‘plus one’ was being stubborn and refused to go until long past ‘fashionably late’, if he decided to come at all. Normally he would have waited, but ever since his impromptu photo shoot with the Frenchman, there seemed to be a one in ten chance of Jin actually listening to what he was told. ...Especially if he was told via fancy invitation with lace and ribbon. Curse his exploitable weaknesses.
The bot had been hanging around the outer edges of the party, simply watching as Francis’s staff hurried about, trying to make sure everything was perfect for the party guests. A slight scoff escaped Jin’s mouth – placing the finger sandwiches next to the fondue fountain was just asking for trouble. Hello? Mixing hot and cold foods? Even humans had to know that was a total no-no! Despite his overwhelming desire to correct such an obvious flaw, he resisted, knowing that this party fell beyond his jurisdiction.
...But if this were being held at the Kirkland estate, oooooo. He SO would be all up in their grill. |
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Mar 16, 2012 13:31:18 GMT -5
Francis smiled happily at Allison's blush. "Any friend of Monsieur Braginsky is a friend of mine. Please enjoy yourself, and it would be criminal if Monsieur didn't enjoy his evening with such a lady on his arm." He winked at them both, and then bowed his head lightly as he excused himself, passing by Ivan's side he spoke in a low tone, "I have the best vodka, your company could offer reserved especially for you, Monsieur. Just ask le garçon." He patted his friends arm and then moved onto the next guests.
He was surprised to see Roderich Eldestein. He has known the musician for a long time, and as much as he admires the man for his art...Socially, he found it difficult to get along with him. Perhaps it was because the two of them were just very different in fundamental ways.
But Francis was a host to the core, he would not let Roderich come in unattended and left alone the whole evening...Looking around the room, he spotted another guest he hadn't had the chance to welcome yet -Jin! Another quick look confirmed that Arthur had yet to arrive, good. Francis knew how found of robots Roderich was, perhaps he would find Jin's company pleasurable, and the bot well...Francis would hope that Jin didn't mind the Austrian's company as well. Francis invited Roderich because well, he thought that it would do the musician more good than harm.
When Jin approached him, he smiled happily. “Couldn't find anyone, that is alright, mon chere. All is forgiven because you look amazing in one of my suits. And there are many guests who didn't think to bring a guest preferring to meet new and interesting people. Ah! Like Monsieur Edelstein here, have you heard of him? A renowned classical musician.” Francis guided Jin towards the person of subject.
“Monsieur Edelstein, how good of you to grace us with your presence.” Francis smiled in welcome, “I remember when your parents would attend my mother's parties. They were quite a lovely couple. I hope you enjoy your stay tonight.” Looking from the musician to the bot. “This is Jin, a friend of mine.” |
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Mar 16, 2012 14:37:39 GMT -5
Well, that went better than it could have. Ivan mentally sighed with relief that some horrible social fiasco didn't occur from introducing the naive Allison to the enigmatic Francis. Sometimes the Frenchman was a bit much and it took Ivan a long time after meeting him to really get used to him, to know that was just the way he was. Francis meant well, as far as Ivan knew, at any rate. In fact, the veteran usually shied away from physical contact, despite wishing he was closer to people. Francis was allowed to get away with a lot, probably because friendship was a rare little gem for the older man.
"Thank you~" he managed to whisper back before Francis slipped away.
The promise of premium vodka on reserve just for him was certainly another reason he did stop by to the parties when he did go. He didn't... drink quite as much as he used to, but still, about once or twice a week, he'd lock himself in a room and let himself get... well, absurdly intoxicated. This was normally after an episode once he'd been properly checked over for any other complications and he needed to erase the thoughts with an alcoholic scour. These days though, it was even rarer for him to drink, especially with Allison watching over him. He actually doubted whether or not she knew what he was doing when he vanished. Tonight though, light drinks would be more than enough, especially since he wasn't driving.
Once Francis had gone on his way to attend to his other guests, Ivan was left there with Allison, feeling a little unsure. He didn't quite want to just hit the bottle yet, that wouldn't be any fun, especially for Allison. Babysitting a sloshed veteran was something that just... tended to be the opposite of entertaining. Looking over at her, he smiled, "So anythink you woult like to do?" He wasn't sure why, but it felt more logical to ask the bot that had very little social experience what she wanted to do at a party. It was probably because he himself had no idea what to do.
Was he supposed to just... walk around with her and... talk to people? That was just bizarre. There were so many others here, probably plenty were snobs. It wasn't that he exactly worried about being looked down upon, so much as he didn't want to get aggravated with their behavior and all too bluntly tell them they were irritating with that big, lying smile on his face. It would make Francis look bad and Ivan couldn't do that to his friend. Maybe Arthur was here and he could talk to Arthur... If Arthur was here though, he was probably looking after Jin and wouldn't want to be bothered.
All the while he weighed possibilities in his head, he looked around the room like an idiot, constantly turning his head and looking at everything, yet taking in nothing. He probably looked hilariously paranoid. Sometimes though, that wasn't exactly far from the truth, like the time he thought Allison had been sent to assassinate him. Oops. |
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Post by Allison Jones on Mar 16, 2012 21:24:36 GMT -5
Allie actually giggled as Francis continued to compliment her. It seemed strange to her that she was being praised by one of Ivan’s friends in such a way and then she wondered if Francis even knew that she was a bot. It was rather unlikely, because then Ivan would have to explain to people why he had bought a bot and she knew by now how much her owner disliked conversations.
Once Francis left, Allie took the time to look around the large, open room of the impressive house. There were so many people here… Some were obviously bots but there must be models like her, where it was more difficult to tell if they were human or bot. Had some of the other guests brought their bots with them? She was sure that if Mr. Kirkland showed up, he would bring Jin, so there would be someone she knew. As for everyone else… she had no real idea of how to interact with them. Was she supposed to wait until Ivan talked to someone first or was she allowed to wander off alone?
Ivan’s voice distracted her from her thoughts and she turned to look up at him, smiling a little bit. “Um… I saw some people dancing together! It looks like fun! Can we do that?”
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Post by Roderich Edelstein on Mar 17, 2012 12:19:38 GMT -5
The driver returned with a glass of wine and Roderich accepted it, taking a mouthful of it immediately. The wine would be a wonderful distraction he could focus on. The driver stepped back but hovered near to watch and assist as needed.
As such, he was taken by surprise when the man of the evening himself appeared out of the milling guests. Thankfully, though quite attractive, Bonnefoy’s face and hair were unremarkable. The face was perfect symmetry; nothing stood out above anything else to suck in Roderich’s attention. It was a face the musician could stand to look at for more than a few moments.
He bowed slightly at Bonnefoy’s greeting, his right arm crossing his lower chest as if to mark the point he should bend at. If Bonnefoy was a woman, he would have taken her hand and kissed it. They were at least alike in their gentlemanly manners, even if they were complete opposites in personality.
“Thank you for the invitation. Your mother was a legendary woman and hostess. I’m certain everyone misses her greatly,” he said politely back to Bonnefoy as he straightened, eyes darting to the young man standing next the blonde. A brief glance at Bonnefoy’s companion showed Roderich the glint of silver in the face area, and he marked the young man as to-avoid-looking-at.
As he feared, Bonneyfoy introduced him to he-who-shall-not-be-looked-at. He kept the disappointment off his face though, maintaining his neutral, indifferent expression. He swirled the wine around in his glass and settled for looking at Jin’s left shoulder. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jin.”
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Post by Ivan Braginsky on Mar 17, 2012 19:24:24 GMT -5
Dance? She wanted to... dance. Great. Technically speaking, Ivan knew how to dance and wasn't exactly bad at it as far as he knew, it just... wasn't something he really wanted to do, at least, not at this party. That required self-confidence, something he didn't exactly possess in any significant quantity. He'd learned to do, actually, through attending parties like this, but more through watching. All of his practice had been by himself. He'd never actually... danced with another person. "Must we?" he asked, trying to sound curious and less like he was complaining. He didn't want to complain, especially since it wasn't like Allison was being unreasonable.
Then again, this was Allison asking. Maybe he could make this concession for her? That would be bending to the will of a machine though, something that wasn't supposed to have will of its own of any sort. Allison had surprised him before though, displaying emotions in ways that he wasn't sure his programming could have actually simulated. The definition of human was starting to get... a small bit blurry. "Do... you really want to?" If given the choice, he'd really rather not dance, but... |
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Post by Allison Jones on Mar 17, 2012 21:19:49 GMT -5
Looking back over at Ivan, Allie smiled at him, hoping that he would agree. A dance would be so much fun! Just look at how all the other people seemed to be enjoying themselves! She tugged him closer to the dance floor, her eyes wide and curious as she watched the dancers spin around to the tune of the music. It looked so fun and… kind of romantic. Her cheeks turned red at that though and she tried to push it from her mind.
Because it was just downright silly to want to do something romantic with a human…
“I really do wanna dance with you!”
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