Ballroom Blitz (Open)

[WR Harthe]

They would shrug again.

"Whatever makes you happy. I'm not about sexualizing myself." They'd say bluntly, then add, "Not completely against it though."

They'd pause.

"The idea I mean. Come near me with a dress, I fucking dare you." They'd chuckle.

[Djoser Aneksi]

Dj would laugh.

"I very rarely sexualize myself. I do like looking nice and pretty but I am actually a trained dancer. The reason I do drag is because I was always put into the box of not being manly enough to be a male dancer and often being too tall to play a female dancer. Not being boy enough to hang out with the guys, but too guy for parents to let me at girly sleep overs. I took these things people didn't like about me and made it a big piece of my joy."

"Not that there's anything wrong with feeling sexy, and if that's the impression you got from me I should be flattered." He'd say with a chuckle.

"Eh, you'd be surprised how edgy and gender fucky a dress can be." He'd shrug.

[WR Harthe]

WR would nod along as they walked. Interesting. WR wasn't really one for heart-to-hearts with strangers, so they would likely drop the subject until it was later brought up, but they would branch off of it a bit with their next question.

"So you're an artist. Mostly performing arts I'd assume."

[Djoser Aneksi]

"I have been dancing as long as I could walk." He'd say simply. "I also do acting and comedy, but dance is my trade."

"You?" He'd look curiously.

[WR Harthe]

WR would nod.

"Respect," They'd scratch their chin while they thought about it, "Graffiti, drawing, guitaring... you name it, I've likely tried it."

They'd shrug.

[Djoser Aneksi]

"Wow, how versatile! Only visual arts I have any talent for is makeup and fashion. I really admire people who can create with their art." He'd say sweetly.

"Then do you dance too?" He'd say with a wry smile and a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.

[WR Harthe]

Pride would shine in their eyes at his compliment, but it would just as quickly fade away as he asked his question.

The truth is, WR had several years experience with dancing, but... they were VERY uncomfortable doing so nowadays, especially after everything that had happened.

So, with that, they would just leave him with a "Tried it. Hated it.", before adding, "Only performing art I do is guitar."

[Djoser Aneksi]

The shine and decline would not go unnoticed. Djoser would be curious, but hide it behind his regal posture and warm demeanor.

"Hmmm, I won't pry, but your eyes betray your calm. Guitar is nice though."

"So, you are from the ark as well then?"

[WR Harthe]

A wave of coldness would wash over WR as soon as the question was asked, and they'd narrow their eyes and glare sharply at him, but only for a moment. "I'd rather not talk about it." Their voice was now raspy, beaten, and borderline angered, but they still managed to retain their laid back posture.

They would clear their throat afterward and scratch the back of their head, now looking away from him.

The Ark was one of the very few touchy subjects WR held.

[Djoser Aneksi]

As they gazed sharply, they would see the light tinge of pain over Dj's own face. He was good about hiding it though.

His smile would fade at the malice. "I'm sorry. I was just hoping I'd found someone who understood." He seemed distant now. No longer looking at WR.

"You can leave if you want, It's only a few more blocks away."

[WR Harthe]

Oh they understood. They understood perfectly. But it wasn't something they were prepared to openly talk about, especially not with a stranger. If he couldn't understand why someone would be upset about the subject, then he was a fucking idiot and quite frankly not worth their time.

...but that was one of those 'heat-of-the-moment' irrational feelings, and WR knew that good and well, so they would just sigh and glance over their shoulder.

"I'll leave when you get where you're going."

[Djoser Aneksi]

Dj shouldn't have said that and he knew it. Nobody understood what it was like for anyone. He wanted to believe he could make some sort of community that could try to heal, but it has only ended in heartache. Snarky responses and guarded personalities were to be expected, and tonight Dj was just a little bit more on edge than he should be. He would continue along the path and say.

"Okay, I appreciate it." No longer interesting in leading a conversation.

[WR Harthe]

As the vibe of the conversation died, so did WR's. With their hands in pockets and their eyes glued to the distant night's sky, they would just walk with their head in the clouds and wait for DJ to break away.

[Djoser Aneksi]

After what felt like much longer than a few blocks an image of Dj disappeared, nowhere near a building. He must have used his illusions and slipped out.

[WR Harthe]

WR eventually felt the lack of human presence, and simply kept walking. They didn't know where they were going yet, but they were soon to figure it out.