Not Dating

The bustling city of Corli was in full swing in the rather sunny afternoon, people rushing back and forth through the streets in search of whatever their hearts could or would want. Buildings stretched to the sky, and were full of shops beyond what anyone could even imagine. Despite all the movement of the day, inside a clothing shop it was lax as Maristela has put up a ‘CLOSED’ sign for her break and to talk with her favorite apprentice about his soon departure.

It was a family matter from what she could gather, something she was used to after having met Rory’s family time and time again. A strange group, but one she enjoyed being around when invited to those last minute events and parties that Rory had forgotten about for one reason or another. He never was excited for them, but was often required to attend to keep the family image and he wasn’t one to disappoint.

Right now though, he spilled his woes to her as she half listened but focused on her loom before her. Breaks had become a commonplace as she turned this softer higher class man into a rather good seamster. He had come a long way, though there was always room for improvement when it came to the dazzling designs that were available in her shop.

“Oh darling, I’m sure it will be a nice enough time if you give it a chance. Cloud is sure to keep you on your toes and well entertained.” She teased, pausing her work to pet the light colored male who looked up from his cuddle puddle with her dark colored dam. The two dragons had become closer and closer, to her amusement and Rory’s disdain it seemed. Dragons would be dragons though, and with Stela indifferent the good girl took pleasure in flirting with the sire and being the soft girl she was.

“How my heart will ache as we will be separated once more, I shall await for your return. No matter how near or far it may be.” Maristela exaggerated, though it was all in good fun.

About to start teasing in those still familiar ways, she paused with confusion as her cool colored dragon companion's head shot up, looking to the door where a knock had been heard. Astra was very used to the noises of the city, but he was still quite the alert boy when it came to noises. To his feet to wag his tail gently at the female at the glass door, Stela couldn’t help but ‘hmmmm’ as she recognized the uniform colors.

Rory, of course, sighed. He was tired of all these formalities and-- though he was loathe to admit it-- he was starting to enjoy his apprenticeship here. He'd rather stay here than wander around a bunch of old snobs. Then again, if he needed to play the role of a responsible son... Cloud perked his ears up and crooned in agreement at the mention.

"Stella thinks it's good to keep you on toes. I'll make sure to do it lots, I promise. Lots of toe-keeping-on things to do at those parties." He gave a self-satisfied, toothy grin.

Rory shot him a glare which intensified as the two dragons made their snuggle puddle cuddlier.  "They're always dragging me somewhere. I've made plenty of appearances this year, so I'm sitting this one out. You don't have to go without a worker." He knew Maristella was being dramatic, but addressed her 'concerns' anyways. "If my brother comes looking for me, we'll cast illusion magic and disappear. Something like that... Cloud, keep an ear out for him. We'll hear his jewelry before we see him."

He was not expecting anyone else from his family to come after him, least of all the one standing at the door. Rory glanced at her uniform, did a similar 'hmmm' as Stela, but was none the wiser. Only the amused feeling from Cloud gave the hint of the oncoming storm.

“Yes, but you and I know there is always another event or gathering for someone of higher up status to attend. You can always decline, but I’m unsure if just not showing up will be well.” Granted, she supposed they knew where he’d most likely be if he wasn’t. Maybe it would add more fuel to that flirty fire she always set when around the parents.

It wasn’t something she’d press though, getting up to see what someone of the militia was here as Astra was already at the door looking at the female who stared back at him but didn’t show much in the form of a reaction aside from that. Not that Stela was surprised, the militia was at times quite serious when dealing with business. Unlocking the door, she gave a sweet smile before starting to speak.

“Hello there, darling. Can I help you? You are currently closed for another 15 or so minutes.” Stela was polite even if they had come at a closed store moment, it was best to tell them then leave them standing there at the door staring in at them.

“Good afternoon, I’m sorry for my intrusion.” Giving a slight bow, Maristela waved off the action which confused the other.

“You can relax, sweetie. Are you here for something?”

The darker skinned but lighter colored hair female nodded, pushing her glasses back up on the bridge of her nose. “I’ve been sent by St. James' family to take Rory and Cloud to their social event, you may call me Nikora. May I come in?”

Ah, Stela was figuring that. Moving to let her in, she was thanked. Astra was still in hot pursuit, eventually getting some head pats that pleased him enough that he trotted back to his bed close by the loom to watch what was going on.

Rory shut his eyes and rubbed his temples. Which one of them did it? His father or his brother? But he would want to be–no, need to be–polite when dealing with the militia. It probably cost a small fortune to hire her. Should he sneak away? He doubted he would get far, and it would be unbecoming.

Cloud wagged his tail, jostling his chosen lady a bit. “New lady friend! Nice to meet you. Want to see pretty magic? I learned more sparkles, Rory too.”

Don't get too friendly with her. She's a professional at work right now.

The dragon looked at Rory, seeming to think, then stuck out his tongue. You say something then. Your guest.

Rory stood slowly and then gave a formal bow from the waist. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Nikora. My family had a change of plans and I am no longer in need of an attendant, bodyguard, or otherwise, so you may return to your usual duties. Payment for your trouble will arrive as expected without further communication.”

“Hello, You must be Cloud.” She was still quite professional, but her face softened a little as she gave both Cloud and Araceli a pet as they remained intertwined together. She wasn’t above giving dragons attention, though it was very limited attention that was meant to just appease both herself and the dragon.

Turning her attention to Rory as he bowed, she was already told he may weasel his way out of the event. Not that she blamed him but image was everything for some families and social circles. She let him explain before excusing herself, pulling out a phone to message someone. A pause later she put the phone away.

“I’m afraid you have mistaken, I have been directed to still bring you in. If you wish to call them, I can allow you time to do so. My orders haven’t changed, however.” It was common, more so from what she had been told about the male staying here for longer periods of time. Maybe he enjoyed this more carefree life, it was still quite high end if not those dazzling aspects one would expect to accommodate a St James.

“I have also been told to pass on the word that there are many treats for very good dragons who shall come along without issue.” Nikora assumed the darker colored storm dragon and the fox-like dragon belonged to the other rider, so it was just bribery for the lighter colored sire to not put up a fuss about needing to return home despite the rider not wanting to do so.

Rory did his best not to furrow his eyebrows and put on a fake, tight smile. Apparently there were people out there who cast illusions on their expressions; Maybe he ought to try that.

Real Rory is best Rory, Cloud assured. To Nikora, he gave his toothy grin and nodded fervently. “We go there, for many treats. You go too, Araceli?”

“These functions are just for St. James families and associates.” Rory cut him off then and there. He didn't need rumors spreading about those two, especially since the rumors were true. He suspected there were eggs somewhere, but Cloud was particularly cagey on the matter, and kept a few memories out of sight. He sighed quietly and returned his attention to Nikora. “I'm pleased to hear I was mistaken. It's always good to create connections, and the people there are always delightful.”

“Delightfully boring!”

CLOUD.

“I can agree with Cloud that these sorts of things can be boring, but you must bear with them sometimes.” Nikora wasn’t often in the higher up events, not enjoying them as she was less professional when off the clock and holding her tongue was at times a challenge in itself.

"Cloud honesty is precious in its own way." Stela mused as she started to return to work, musing over ideas how to possibly join as she adored how cute and fluffy Araceli and Cloud could be. Two storm hybrids in love, even if Rory didn't agree with such things.

“Ah, I do have something as well for you, Maristela.” Going through a brown bag on her waist, she withdrew an envelope and handed it over to her. It didn’t hold any writing on the outside aside from Stela’s name, though she had a guess who this was from and smiled.

“Thank you, darling.” She purred nicely, letting Astra sniff at the envelope as he came over with curiosity.

“We should head out before it gets late, we still need to get ready and freshen up. My own dragon will take a bit with his own feisty attitude.” And her own, but she would put that aside for now.

“A shame, but do return when you have time. I love having you around, my darling Rory~” Maristela purred, Ari chittering in agreement as she unwrapped herself from Cloud so he could stretch and follow the riders out.

“Before you leave, do you have anything to dress in other than your militia uniform?” Rory asked as she readied to leave. “There's plenty to choose from here, and I intend to treat you. Cloud, if you would?”

The bat understood his Rider without being directly told. He twitched an ear and all of the charming price tags and sales displays had their numbers and text jumbled. It wouldn't do to have her worry about the price tag, almost as much as it wouldn’t do to look like he had a military babysitter following him around. Just a single outfit for his escort would be a reasonable purchase on the family card.

Cloud puffed up proudly and checked to see if Araceli was impressed.

“I have more casual clothes but I don't tend to go to more high class of events.” Though, if this was going to become more of a common place maybe she should get at least a few and indulge in looking cuter off the clock.

Watching as the once distinct numbers and prices jumbled, she did looked at least impressed alongside the dark colored bat who made happy noises and crawled around to investigate if Cloud had really managed them all. He knew how to use his magic so well! More impressive to the storm dragon as she continued her happy chittery noises.

“So wonderful!” Araceli eventually spoke, careful as she moved around so she didn’t knock anything over while the other female looked.

“If you’re sure...” She wasn’t sure if she should indulge, but it would be better to blend in nicely to the crowd and not stand out in the browns and greens that didn’t match her as she stuck to warmer tones and pastel colors.

“What are you going to wear, Rory? The pair of you can find something semi matching, I think that would be rather cute. Almost like a little date and not a forced alliance.” Stela left her work alone once more, leading Nikora to a section of dresses for cocktail parties and more lavish events.

It was at least a bit of time, looking over darker colored dresses that were declined in favor of the softer colored dresses. Sleeves were desired, but looking over the option Nikora realized the style of dress she liked didn’t often come in longer sleeves. She could of course ask for modifications, but she could forgo some comfort in favor of something she thought was almost perfect.

A softer pink colored dress was chosen, a similar color to her hair if not slightly brighter. Tulle sleeves added some covering, and layers of it made it seem light and more delicate. The skirt line was asymmetric, shorter in the front and longer in the back, but she found it pretty and added another layer of interest. Feeling over the fabric, she took it down and Maristela smiled as she motioned to a fitting room.

“Let us see if it fits, I’m sure any finer details can be altered here or at the St James estate.'' The fitting time also gave Stela some more time to talk with Rory, watching Nikora wander off as Stela returned to Rory’s side. “She seems nice enough, at least. How many events have you skipped for them to send a chaperone I do wonder.”  

“I’m not certain what I’ll wear yet,” Rory replied. “Most likely something…subtle. A regular black or white suit. I have any number of them, and I’d rather not stand out.” He didn’t like the idea of this looking like a date–that was tiring enough when Maristela attended–but it still ranked better than looking like a prisoner.

As Nikora tried on her clothes, he sighed. “I haven’t skipped too many. All the ones I’ve skipped had another St. James in attendance, so my presence wasn’t necessary.”

“Two things skipped,” said Cloud. “Too many is two. Daddy almost got mad. Eyes big and shiny. So many tears, could have filled a fish home.”

“That’s an aquarium, Cloud.” Rory wasn’t disagreeing with him, though. “I guess this is as far as I’ll get away with for a little bit. I’ll attend politely for two or three and then they’ll lower their guard again. I’ll get some peace and quiet.”

“I hate peace and quiet,” the bat dragon mumbled.

“You could always pick out something matching, I think it would be rather cute and would make it less obvious of the current relationship. A softer red would look lovely with your colors, and if it's a flashy enough event then dressing down will make you just stand out instead.” Maristela just also wanted to indulge and see Rory be so cute with someone else, even if he seemed very much against the idea of wearing something more flashy to an event like this.

“You'll look so nice! So handsome and nice.” Astra input from the comfort of his bed, wagging his bushy tail as he watched everyone move about.

“Now, now. Rory always looks so handsome and nice.” He'd just look nicer was all, which was important. “I’m surprised you got away with more than one, these sort of events are boring but very important for a family where their image means so much. it Also gives Cloud time to be a social menace, isn't that right?” Cooing sweetly at the storm male, Stela was already showing Rory similar colored suits in various styles.

With Nikora, she was adjusting the dress and humming as she looked it over. She'd need some accessories to finish out the outfit, a necklace maybe to fill out that empty space and at least a pair of heeled shoes. Its fit was fine though, fitting to her body type as she looked it over in the mirror. Existing the dressing room as she soothed down any last imperfection, she watched as Stela was showing Rory some suits.

“Does this look appeasing? I'm not well versed in acceptable clothing to wear, though I do think it looks nice.”

“Pretty pink! Beautiful lady, lovely angel!” Cloud’s face scrunched up suddenly. “A real angel? Are angels real?” As the dragon entered a spiral of metaphysical thoughts, Rory patted his head a single time and tousled the fuzz a little. The dragon instantly forgot what he was thinking about and made a happy whistle.

Rory nodded politely to Nikora. “Forgive my dragon, he sometimes has…outbursts, and can be rude at times. The dress does suit you, though. In a good way, of course.”

“Matching outfits! Matching pink! Reverie Jamboree suits!” Cloud said happily.

“We barely started winter, Cloud, and I'd really prefer not to wear pink.” He put back some of the things Maristela had picked out for him.

“Red then! Red for you and pink for her, a pretty couple.” He sniffed at Nikora. “Hmm…not like Stela, right? You like boys?”

Laughing, Nikora found Cloud still charming with his ‘outbursts’ as they were called. It reminded her of her own dragons, though they have vaguely calmed with her over the years the choas was always strong. It was refreshing in its own way, never afraid to speak their minds.

“It is quite alright, he reminds me of my boy at home. Storm dragons aren't known to always hold their tongue and I find it endearing to know what they truly think.”

Listening to Cloud go on about matching suits, she did suppose that would be cute. Separate but apart, matching when together but could be their own outfits if separated.

“See, even Cloud agrees a nice red would suit you. How can you say no when everyone agrees so far?” She was already thinking of her own plan though, asking to snap a few photos to Nikora while Cloud investigated her.

“Mmmm? Me? I'm partial to men, yes. I don't think this quite sounds like a date if your rider isn't willing.” She stroked him all the same, picking out a few accessories but excused herself to change back out to her uniform. They needed to be back in time to be prepared to the St James standard, which she wasn't sure what that was.

"That's right, Cloud, it isn't a date, and that's very private information! Dates are carefully selected to best suit the partner, ensure a long lasting legacy, and grow the prosperity of the family." He glared at Araceli as she sniffed at the price tags. "You don't just date the first person of the opposite sex who... you know what, just nevermind. " The only suit that caught his eye had a simpler design. Maristela picked it for the color alone; It was otherwise very ordinary and had few frills and fancies. Still, he would just wear something plain. "If I go in one of these suits, I'm sure a certain dragon will destroy them somehow. The event doesn't start until the evening. That leaves a lot of time for 'accidents.'"

Cloud made a small yip. "Dates are occasions. This is an occasion, you are going together, it's a date, it's a date!" He hummed a little bit. "Elliot and Daddy will be happy you have a date. Elliot will take pictures, lots! I will tell him to bring extra cameras."

Rory sighed.

“Some do marry for true love and affection, now.” Maristela tsked as Rory, not about to touch on dates that weren't long term though she suspected it was information he also knew of but would never consider himself. Not seeming the type to her at least. “Like our sweet little babies, I would say it was love at first sight, don't you agree my little lady?”

“Yes, yes! Cloud is so pretty and lovely, such a good mate.” Araceli came to look at the suits near Rory, chittering a little while crawling after her rider after some affection with Cloud.

“We should probably feed the pair of you before you head off, it will give us some more chances to put off the inevitable. I don't suspect I'll keep you long enough to be a problem.” Stela suggested, preening herself and her dragons a bit before leaning down to give Astra a kiss and whisper a few words to him that earned a few tail wag. “I think that would work, if it's no issues with you Nikora?”

Nikora had returned and changed back into her uniform, dressed carefully wrapped over her arm as she thought and in the end gave in. A little bit of food would be nice, so humming she nodded.

“That does seem pleasant, I can be convinced to put off the trip back a bit longer for that. I don't suspect they wanted Rory and Cloud back immediately, though sooner is better than later.”

Rory had heard enough about love and affection from his family. His father, the black sheep of the family and eternal womanizer; Then his brother, who wasn't a womanizer, but was close in his own way. Yeah, he didn't buy it. A real long term relationship was business only--but he wasn't about to sour the mood just because he disagreed with Maristela. "Please refrain from calling Cloud and Araceli mates," he said instead. Please don't make me separate you two, Rory told him privately. I could leave you in the manor.

Cloud hissed and growled. "No, we're soulmates, soulmates!" He shot his own little angry glance at his Rider. You'd never separate us. You hate riding in cars.

I'm not a kid anymore, riding in cars is perfectly tolerable. "We'll discuss this more later. Let's have lunch for now." He hoped Nikora wasn't sensing the dissidence between them. It wasn't exactly graceful, and who knew what sort of information the soldier was meant to return with. The Militia rarely did anything for simple money, and if this woman was a Storm Rider, she had another layer he wasn't seeing.

"Rory is being trapezoid," Cloud huffed. Rory would not correct 'paranoid.' As the group headed into the dining room, Cloud was sure to give Araceli extra nose snuffles and licks. He made a show of very loudly wolf whistling any time the light glossed over her fur in a new way, which was quite often.

As they approached the table, Rory pulled out the seat and motioned for Nikora to sit.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, darling.” Stela called to them, but returned quickly with snacks and drinks from an out of sight kitchen area. The more well equipped, but this was meant tonjust hold off everyone so their next task would not be a hunger filled one

No mates? Araceli prodded, earning some reassuring feelings that it was fine to be mates with Cloud.

Rory is just old fashion, he'll come around eventually. Told it was fine, Ari returned to her sing song bat ways. Pausing to return to Cloud as he showed affection, more than happy to indulge when given the chance.

“I think you mean paranoid, which he has every right to be.” Nikora knew what organization She worked for, and how they usually operated, bur she was given one task with a set time. What information shared or happened when that timer was up, was not her concern as she was here strictly to bring the pair in and make sure they stayed most of the event. For now though, she'd indulge in pleasure.

Thanking Rory as he pulled out her seat, she waited as the arrangement of food was laid out. A more light meal, consisting of sweets, finger sandwiches, drinks (which she had to decline) and the accoutrement that went with it. Plates for the dragons and table guests were pulled out as well, high amused by plates that suctioned to the table and floor well.

“I can always order in a food delivery as well if we continue to hunger. There's a lovely place down the street that knows us well.” Maybe a bit too well, but it was hard to find places that tolerated larger dragons and the chaos they brought.

He realized with suspicion that Astra had disappeared. The little fox dragon would never miss a treat. Hopefully nothing bad came of it. "I had better not stay longer," Rory replied. Both he and Cloud were getting grumpy for their own reasons, and together the feeling was just compounding. "I want to make sure I prepare for the event properly. There's more than just suits--there's makeup, and researching attendees, and preparing business cards... It could take a bit." Really, he just wanted to be alone for a bit, and get Cloud out of his mood.

They somehow made it through the meal with the two storms constantly doting on each other, Rory becoming increasingly annoyed, Nikora thinking the two dragons were cute, and Stela enjoying the whole show. And, of course, the mysteriously absent Astra.