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Scrawled on a black invitation in beautiful, gold coloured handwritten calligraphy is the date and time of the party, as well as one of Vena's addresses. Beautiful waterfront property just outside of a nearby city. The time on the invitation is listed as 8PM. Vena's attempt to accommodate any guests who may not be able to face the sun. Vena has a preference for nighttime anyway.

The home, itself, sits on a large piece of land with a well manicured and expansive garden on one side, and the harbour on the other. Inside, the home is very open, with plenty of space for party goers to lounge, and plenty of rooms for them to disappear into. There are only two bedrooms closed to the guests: Vena's own and one that that he keeps for his partner. There are floor to ceiling windows that look out over the large deck (where there's ample seating and a fire pit that will have a fire burning all night) and the harbour.

The decor and furnishings, themselves, are all dark shades (and not all white like in the picture!) of varying colours. Greys, blues, reds, and black, of course, with gold and silver accents and the occasional white showing up in a variety of places to break up the darkness.

There is a vast array of finger foods and an open bar, as well as a chef in the kitchen should anyone desire something a little more substantial to eat. He may even have a few humans set aside who are willing to be fed on, should that be what someone wants. Well, more like they're willing to do anything Vena asks, but to Vena, it's all the same thing.

As for the actual guests, an invite has gone out to anyone who isn't human, from demons to mythical creatures and everything in between. That isn't to say that humans aren't permitted (as more than snacks and servants) because they are, but as a +1. They must have something not human to accompany them, who will then be responsible for them for the evening. Don't let you humans get out of hand and ruin it for everyone else. The dress code is semi-formal and the colours are black and gold, just like the invitation.

Vena, himself, is dressed a little more than usual, with a few pieces of gold jewelry and some simple black around his eyes to fit his chosen colour scheme.

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It's no secret that they have a partnership. It becomes clear to the locals they interact with in any place they settle. If those locals choose to speculate on the nature of their relationship, well, that's on them. Partners is the only way Su-jin describes them. There may have been a time (there was), long ago when, in his naïvety, Su-jin longed for more from Vena, but that time has passed. And Su-jin's made his peace with it. Regardless of the lack of romantic feelings between them, they are, in a way, inseparable.

Vena's been generous with Su-jin. Helpful, even. Supportive in subtle ways. For that, Su-jin's grateful. But Vena also allows him to be the caretaker he truly is. He allows Su-jin to pamper him in his way, to deal with their affairs, and, in instances such as this, to ensure Vena's events run smoothly. It all works out rather nicely. A grudging thank to the Council for their incredible foresight (or incredible dumb luck).

When Vena draws into his personal space, Su-jin acknowledges him with a glance and a slight nod. Until the conversation lulls and Vena steps in, changing the topic entirely. "You know I prefer more colorful clothes," he says a fond sort of exasperation.

Partners is how Vena would describe them as well. It's what he tells anyone who asks. Su-jin is his partner. If people want to attach romantic meaning to the term, that's their prerogative, but Vena will correct them if he hears it. Su-jin deserves better than for people to think he's romantically linked to something that will never feel anything like that for him. He deserves for people to know that he's free of romantic entanglements. That he's free for actual relationships. Jealous though Vena can be, this is something he's trying to do for Su-jin.

Though Vena would never admit it out loud since he has no idea where their eyes and ears may be lurking, he has to agree that the Council deserves some thanks for this particular partnership. He wholly believes that it was mostly luck, but there had to be at least some logical thought put into putting them together in the first place. Vena assumes it starts and ends with the idea that the monsters could feed off of one another. A fine idea and had that been all this partnership turned out to be, it still would've been a good one. But it went far beyond that. It's become a lot of give and take in many aspects of their lives. Most aspects of their lives. Even Vena, someone who usually does nothing but take, gives to Su-jin. Neither would likely be where they are without the other. They really have become rather inseparable.

Vena takes a small sip from his wine glass and then holds it out to Su-jin. He doesn't like it. Please take it. "I suppose there's no accounting for taste." There's a fondness to Vena's tone as well. The sort of fondness that no one else gets from the incubus. The sort of fondness that only comes with being with someone for centuries. "Consider your colourful clothing with black and gold accents."

With barely a glance, Su-jin snatches the glass from Vena's hand. That? That's an old dance now. Vena tries something, decides he neither wants nor likes it, hands it off to Su-jin to dispose of as he will. Drinks, clothes, useless lovers. Yes, Su-jin has been called upon to rid people (typically individuals) from one or another of Vena's properties once he's finished with them. He doesn't mind. It's as simply as clearing plates from the table after a meal. That's how he makes himself look at it, even knowing the poor sods are damaged forever by his partner. An incubus has to eat, too.

A mere ghost a smile curls one corner of Su-jin's lips at Vena's comment. "I'm still with you, am I not," he quips dryly. Not in the way many would assume, but he doesn't feel the need to elaborate. Those who need to know know.

Ah, but Su-jin does sigh thinking back to the clothing of yore. Silks and brocades, every piece made by hand, embroidery and stitch work unique to the individual who made it. Never mind Su-jin's personal preference for men strutting around like peacocks ~~as god intended men to do~~. There may not have been any real 'good old days' but there were certainly prettier and better dressed days.

"Gold and black are your colors. Are you trying to say something?" By marking Su-jin in his colors? Well, Su-jin's allowed to tease a little after all these years, even if Vena's the only one who'll understand it. "Did you want a different drink than this?"

Vena may not say as much as often as he should, but Su-jin is truly indispensable. The incubus may have gotten along just fine without him in all of those centuries before the two crossed paths, but Vena has since grown very accustomed to having him around. His presence as well as the things Su-jin does for him. Things like standing in as his lawyer, managing his estate, making certain their long lives don't arouse suspicion. He's grown especially accustomed to the way Su-jin is quick to be rid of anything Vena no longer likes or needs. Hand it off as he just did the wine glass and be done with it. No longer his problem. It's handy for especially clingy or obsessive lovers.

Quite frankly, Vena no longer knows what he would do without Su-jin around.

"I suppose you do have some taste after all." Su-jin is still with him, after all. Not in the way that many would assume. In a way that Vena won't be quick to disclose. That's Vena's business and Su-jin's.

Vena's eyes move over Su-jin in his lovely black and gold tuxedo, openly admiring both the clothing and the man in them. If The Council had to pair him up with anyone, at least it was an attractive man. Thankfully, though, Vena doesn't count that as a point in their favour. It isn't as though they chose Su-jin simply because they thought the incubus would enjoy looking at him. No, that point goes to Su-jin for his wonderful face and body.

Gold and black should clearly be Su-jin's colours too. He wears them very well. "Trying? Have I not said it clearly enough?" Vena tips his head to one side and his expression softens, taking on a quality of almost innocent curiosity. Innocent only to those who don't know better. Innocent except for the look in his eyes that's anything but. It's like his own brand of light teasing in response to Su-jin's, the only one who's earned the right to tease the incubus after all these years.

"I want something sweet."

"Something sweet? Surely one of your guests fits that bill."

Su-jin knows of one for sure, but that guest is off-limits for Vena. Aqua is Su-jin's guest and he'll have no harm come to his little selkie friend.

"Wait here."

He takes a sip from Vena's glass and decides to keep that for himself. In it's place, Vena will end up with a sweet and fruity cocktail Su-jin has whipped up for him by the bartender. Su-jin knows a few drinks, but he's not inclined to start making them in the open where other guests can see and assume he's bar tending, too. Handing the newly concocted drink to Vena, Su-jin lifts a curious brow.

"Better?"

"Let's say I'm still sampling the menu, trying to find someone to my taste." Vena makes a show of looking around, even standing up on his toes as though that'll allow him to see over the heads of those who've gathered for the festivities. "Your new pet seems awfully sweet. Maybe he's just what I'm looking for." Don't worry, Su-jin, because Vena is well aware that the selkie is not for him. He knows that Aqua is the one creature at this party that he's not to touch. If that came from anyone else, Vena would ignore it. He would seduce the off-limits person right in front of the one who told him no in the first place and fuck them out of spite. But not Su-jin. He respects Su-jin. If Su-jin says no, Vena will begrudgingly listen. Most times. This time.

Vena follows Su-jin with his eyes, watching as his partner dutifully makes his way over to the bartender to fetch him a new drink. Of course it would've been easier to be sure that there were drinks set out that Vena enjoys back when the party was still in its planning stages, but that's what the bartender is for. At a party where most of the guests won't really benefit from his services, the bartender has to earn his paycheque somehow!

Taking the offered glass from Su-jin, Vena first takes a small sip, immediately followed by a longer, deeper drink. Perfect. "Better. Your sweet pet is safe from me for another day."

Vena almost always listens when something is important to Su-jin. He may pretend he doesn't, but they both know of many times Vena has simply not taken action because it would cause Su-jin distress in some form or other. They don't have to point it out to know it's true. On his part, Su-jin rarely asks Vena not to target someone. He tries to keep most of his personal life separate from Vena's so it never seems like he's flaunting it or dangling something in front of the incubus that he can't have.

"All these years and we still haven't added the English word 'friend' to your vocabulary."

The times when Vena has taken from Su-jin when Su-jin's specifically asked he didn't are few and far between. He doesn't want to take from Su-jin out of spite. He doesn't want to hurt Su-jin. He doesn't want to cause him distress. It's not really in his nature to back off once he sees something he wants, yet he'll do it for Su-jin. Su-jin deserves more than what Vena's willing to do for others because SU-jin is far apart from them.

"Friend?" Vena asks, his tone feigning innocent curiosity. "What's that?"

"Outside of our physical relations, I would say we are friends." The look on his face is a smug threat for Vena to dare to disagree.

Vena lifts his chin and narrows his eyes to challenge the threat. He has no counterpoint, though. He can't exactly disagree with what Su-jin's saying. For all intents and purposes, he and Su-jin are friends. They are a lot of other things as well, but also friends. "If that's what you wish to call us," he concedes with a huff, trying to mask his defeat by taking a sip of his drink.

"Speaking of us," he starts, not full on changing the subject from Su-jin's small victory, but rather side-stepping it. "I'd like you to stay behind after everyone else leaves. And I suppose your pet can stay as well. I'll not have anyone accusing you of irresponsible pet ownership."

He enjoys these smaller, more subtle victories over his incredibly pampered partner. It's can't be easy for Vena, even after all these centuries, to not have his way in every matter that comes before him. They are friends, but so much more — so much more than any word in any language he's ever known can fully encapsulate.

"I'll have to ask him," he advises. Aqua may wish to return home at the festivity's end and, if so, Su-jin will have to walk him back. He can't imagine Aqua could have an easy time navigating in the darkness. "I may have to leave if he wants to return home, but I'll come back."

Vena does not enjoy them. Quite the opposite, really. He's so accustomed to getting what he wants, when he wants it, that even the small losses like this really get under his skin. Funny then, isn't it, that it's something he likes about Su-jin. He likes that Su-jin pushes back and challenges him and doesn't always give in to what he wants. But he likes it only from Su-jin. Su-jin gets a pass because they are friends and so much more. They are beyond words.

"He can't find his way home on his own?" Vena doesn't bother to hide the way he rolls his eyes. A petulant child until the very end. "Fine. So long as you return here afterwards, I can accept that." Once more, Vena scans the guests he can see, actually turning on the spot this time before looking up at Su-jin. "Where is he? Why haven't you introduced him to me?" He doesn't actually want to get to know the one who he has to share Su-jin's attention with, but he'd like to be able to pick him out of a crowd, at least. And he'd like to determine whether or not he's worth Su-jin's shared attention.

Thank you, Vena, for graciously tolerating Su-jin's small victories. Your effort is appreciated, as always.

A brow lifts at Vena's uncharacteristic curiosity. Not the Vena isn't ~~nosy~~ curious about some things in Su-jin's life, but he's rarely shown much interest in the others in it. "Do you want to meet him? I have a feeling he'd be happy to meet you." Aqua seems very pleased to meet most people.

And what an effort it is! He hates it. It's killing him and he's going to be thinking about this... Well, not for the rest of the night, but for a little while longer, at least. He wants to say something petty and deny that they're friends so he can snatch victory back from the jaws of defeat, but even he has limits. Apparently.

"Introduce him to me." No, Vena will not say that he wants to meet the bubbly little blond in Su-jin's life. He does want to meet him, but he won't say it. While it's true that Vena's never really shown much interest in the others orbiting his partner, it's different this time. Su-jin is different this time. He seems almost lighter whenever his new pet is brought up in conversation and it has Vena curious. Nosy. Jealous? No, not that.

Poor, put upon Vena! How will he ever survive this?

Su-jin blinks, just once, and casts his gaze around the room, searching for one specific person among the guests. It's been some time that Aqua's been on his own, so it may want Su-jin company again at present. Upon spotting that familiar blond head, A subtle smile comes to Su-jin's lips.

"Wait here."

And without waiting for Vena's reply, Su-jin slips away into the throng of guests to fetch Aqua.

"I'd like to introduce you to someone, Aqua. Can I tear you away for a moment?"

Aqua feels so lost whenever Su-jin has other things to do that don't include him and it shows in the way he meanders while he's alone. Meanders or simply stares out at the harbour, listening to the waves, or the distant call from his brothers and sisters, from his friends. It makes him feel better about being alone in this unfamiliar place with all of these unfamiliar people.

But this time he chose to wander among those unfamiliar people. He introduces himself to a variety of people, getting brushed off by some and actual conversation from others. He'll probably never see most of these people again, but it's still been fun getting to know to ones who'll speak to him. It doesn't stave off that lost feeling as much as he would like, but it fills the time until he can once more be with the person who he's most familiar with.

And that shows in the way his face lights up when he sees Su-jin making his way closer, directly toward Aqua. He excuses himself from the person he's currently speaking to, with a lot of apologies and promises to return, then trots toward Su-jin to meet him part way. The very moment he's within range to do so, Aqua reaches out to take Su-jin's hand.

"You want to introduce me to someone? Okay!"

"Do you remember when we were outside by the water I told you about my partner? I'd like you to meet him."

Su-jin knows Vena wants to meet Aqua, too, but he won't phrase it thus for the sake of Vena's ego. The only worry is what sort of effect Vena's innate power might have on someone like Aqua. It seems to Su-jin that Vena is more easily able to influence mortal creatures. He could be wrong on that, though. He hasn't been studying Vena all these long years.

He smiles warmly at Aqua and curls his fingers around the selkie's hand, leading him through the assembled guests toward Vena. And once they're there? He doesn't let go of Aqua's a hand. Perhaps a not-so-subtle reminder that Aqua isn't for Vena.

"Aqua, this is my partner and our host, Vena. Vena, this is my friend, Aqua."

"Oh, yes! I remember. He's your important person, right?" He'd been excited earlier when Su-jin told Aqua about his partner, and when Aqua started to think about maybe meeting him (it's not really about Vena, specifically, but about Aqua being allowed into Su-jin's inner circle. It's about getting to know Su-jin better through the people in his life. It's about feeling closer to Su-jin) but now that it's actually happening, he feels nervous. What happens if Vena doesn't like him? Will that change Su-jin's opinion of him too? Do partners have that sort of influence over one another?

Chewing on his bottom lip, Aqua squeezes Su-jin's hand, holding tightly as he follows along about half a step behind. Normally, he'd be looking around, greeting people who he's passing by and just being overall friendly, to everyone, but right now, he's mostly looking up at Su-jin with the occasional glance forward. Excited but nervous. Nervous but excited. Ho boy.

Despite all of his nerves, Aqua smiles brightly and offers his free hand for Vena to shake. It's something that he's often seen humans doing to greet one another. "It's nice to meet you!"

----

Vena watches every step of Su-jin's approach with his little blond pet. He watches the way Aqua clutches Su-jin's hand and looks up at him, seemingly for comfort. A way that Vena's never before looked at Su-jin, as far as he's aware. For as vicious as the monster inside of Su-jin is, he's soft. A caretaker. A look like Aqua's is probably like catnip to someone like Su-jin. It's little wonder why Su-jin seems so smitten.

When they're standing in front of him, when Su-jin makes the introductions, Vena doesn't even so much as glance at Aqua. He looks down at their clasped hands, then at the hand extended toward him, but not actually at Aqua. "I won't touch your pet, Su-jin." A promise to Su-jin that he won't pursue Aqua, as well as a not so subtle way of telling Aqua to put his hand down. The clock is already ticking on just when it is that Aqua will be the one pursuing Vena, and out of respect for his partner, Vena won't risk accelerating that timeline by getting physical with his new friend. Sure, it's only a handshake, but that could be enough for a weak-willed creature.

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sorry this one's short

unacceptable!! lol nah it's all good ♥

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