[Noah St Cloud]

After their fun little scuffle at Acker’s home, Noah had once again decided to give the scientist a wide berth. He’d seen all kinds of crazy shit in that mansion – experiments and strange inventions, unwilling participants kept in the depths – and though he was very, very interested to know if Acker made any gift-related scientific discoveries that Noah could use for his own advantage, he wasn’t keen to be captured and experimented on himself. But now – once again – Noah was tempted to go back on his decision.

His encounter with Kara had opened his eyes, helped him understand there were other ways he could assault Acker besides the physical. Acker simply couldn't do anything in public that would upset his image, leaving him open to social and emotional attacks that could irritate the other man if nothing else. And it came to Noah's attention that there was a masquerade at the town hall, being hosted by the Villins. The perfect opportunity to meet more of the family and influence their view of Acker while Acker himself could do nothing untoward.

The party was already underway so Noah had rushed home to get ready, changing into a black suit on and making the choice to leave his phone on his bedside table (no way would he let Acker destroy it like his last one) before racing out the house again, breaking several speeding limits in his haste to get to the event in time. He didn't have a face covering at home, yet someone leaving the party was willing to give their simple black domino mask to him in exchange for a few dollars. He would have preferred something a bit more flamboyant to really play up the stripper story, maybe something with feathers, but he’d make do.

No invitation was required. The doors were open to all Los Eurosian residents and he strolled straight in, snatching a glass of champagne from a passing server’s tray as he scanned the room. A lot of black, which was a given since it was apparently Addam’s Family themed. Lots of Wednesday wigs and dark eyeshadow. He was disappointed, for half a second, when it occurred to him that he might not be able to identify Acker at all, that his journey and rush to show up in appropriate attire could have all been for naught. But then he glimpsed that goddamn moustache through the crowd, making him stifle the urge to shudder and gag at the reminder of how it had touched Noah’s own face. Eugh. Acker would pay for that.

He slunk around the hall, hiding from Acker's line of sight until the moment he weaved around him, curling his arm around his waist as he leaned close to his ear.

“Hey, lover,” he purred. He moved to stand in front of him, returning his arm to his side and backing off enough that he would have time to dodge in case an impulsive fist was flung in his direction. He sipped his champagne, glancing around in search of any other Villin he could mosey on up to. The masks proved a hindrance. “Is your mom around? I was thinking I should pay my respects, introduce myself formally. Did Kara already break the news or does that honour fall to me?” He turned his gaze back to Acker and grinned, waggling his eyebrows until he realised his mask would mostly hide the movement. Damn. “Speaking of, is Kara here too? I missed her. She was sooo nice.”



Nicholas Acker Villin

[Nicholas Acker Villin]

Acker was drinking something stronger than champagne, he needed it to relieve the pain. Unfortunately, any quantity of alcohol couldn't help him deal with another kind of pain in the ass. The madman shuddered when he heard a voice he had hoped to not hear ever again. Eyes rolled when Noah greeted him as lover.

Acker winced, trying his best to hide a sting of pain. Just thirty minutes before, Emilia had noticed that her son had changed his costume, but Acker had come up with the excuse that a server had spilled a drink on him by accident and had had to change. In reality, his costume had been torn by an assault: a hunter had found the mad scientist and had tried to kill him. Luckily, Zeus and Apollo had come to the rescue, but not before the hunter had managed to get some kicks in. Acker had wanted to punch and kick Noah, but circumstances protected the younger man from physical harm.

So, Acker stepped back after Noah touched him "You seem disgusted by me and still you keep coming back...Can't have enough of this?" the madman mockingly moved his upper lip to wiggle the moustache; even though Acker had purposefully worded it like he was talking about the nightmare fuel that was the kiss they had shared, actually he was talking about his power, but he couldn't be so candid about it in public, so speaking in code was a must.

Luckily for Noah the Lads weren't with Acker presently because they were around town hall spending time with the rest of the Villins, although Acker had felt the dogs' need to stay nearby him in order to protect him in case of another attack. Acker could still call them if necessary. For some reason, Acker's mind went to his assistant and to what a fortunate circumstance was that the assistant wasn't around to see Noah acting all weird. Acker had sent his assistant home after being knocked out by the hunter.

Acker whispered, or better hissed, the following to Noah so that only the younger man could hear "Stop it, you blockhead! We are in public! It would affect us both negatively if you keep this charade going! I am aware that being a jester is your persona, but not the appropriate theme for the event!" Acker was furious and it was clear that he wanted Noah to stay away from his family, or else. Even though Acker's words were fuelled by fury, he was telling them with composure and proper manners of a Villin. Basically, the Villin was telling Noah to sod off with a smile on his face, a specific smile that had been taught to Acker in etiquette classes.

Acker gave a quick glance around to check that no Villin was nearby, especially Kara. There was good and bad news. The good news was that he couldn't see any relative nearby. The bad news was that there were journalists nearby. Also, the music suddenly changed and an announcement was made "Let's leave the dance floor to all the Morticia and Gomez for the beginning of this tango! Then anyone else can join!" the tango was like the one in that Addams movie.

The journalists focused on the tango since the hosts of the event, Acker's parents, were dancing among the other Morticias and Gomezes. All the journalists, but one. This journalist, a eager woman wearing a long-haired black wig matched by a black dress, approached the couple while Acker was telling Noah that they weren't going to dance "...don't you even think about it, it's not happening, not even if the floor is lava and the dance floor is the only hope for salvation" the journalist raised a brow, it seemed that Dr. Acker Villin preferred the possibility of being burned alive instead of dancing with an attractive younger man who had just called him lover. Yes, the journalist had heard Noah, that was why she was the only one not reporting on the tango.

The mad Gifted man frowned and turned towards the journalist when he felt his power connecting to the journalist's work-phone "She is recording everything. She heard the other man calling you lover. She recorded herself saying that this is juicy gossip because no one has ever seen you with a lover out in public before" the technological device talked to Acker inside his mind as though it was a thought. Luckily, there were no headaches or nosebleeds this time, he had learned how to handle the power upgrade.

Acker was going to yell that Noah wasn't his lover, but he bit his tongue before uttering any words. Instead, he had to put on the Villin mask which was fitting on account of he was already wearing one "Dr. Villin! Who is this mysterious man with you?" the journalist smiled "Would you like to introduce yourself?" the eager journalist asked Noah. Meanwhile, the madman wanted to stop this, but he couldn't without being rude and circumstances prevented him from being who he truly was, so he had to bite his tongue again and let Noah speak.

Noah St Cloud

[Noah St Cloud]

Acker’s reaction to Noah’s appearance was not nearly distressed enough to content the younger man. The wriggle of Acker's moustache and its coinciding taunt, a reminder of what had taken place, only made him want to bristle and throw the pretending out the window entirely – to fling fists and create a spectacle bloody enough to go down in Los Eurosia’s history books. Yet he kept his cool, reminding himself he was there to annoy Acker, not the other way around, and assuming Acker was really alluding to his gift. Noah shrugged, smiling sunnily so any onlookers would think their interaction was amicable. “I only come back because you keep making horrible decisions that deserve retaliation. Just let me have some fun, settle the score, and I’ll get bored of you, sweetie.” He sidled nearer, reclosing the distance Acker had put between them so he could pat Acker’s chest with a sympathetic pout. “And I’m sorry to disappoint, darling, but as far as special tricks go… yours doesn’t particularly stand out.”

Controlling technological devices with his mind had been a little fun, but only in the context of using them against their own master. Without Acker’s unique inventions or the know-how to make complex machines of his own, Noah imagined having the gift permanently wouldn’t be so exciting. He could already use voice commands on a number of modern appliances; the only real difference that would come with the gift would be the ability to think the commands instead of speak them. To him, that just felt lazy. There were much more interesting and useful powers he could spend his time borrowing.

The music changed, an announcement blaring through the speakers. Noah’s eyes lit up. “Oh-ho, a dance, hm?” As much as he was repulsed by the idea of being in such close proximity to Acker, the understanding that it would make Acker more uncomfortable would make it all worthwhile. And it was the perfect opportunity to create some sort of Cinderella story, to have Acker’s family pester him for months about his mysterious dance partner at the masquerade until someday, perhaps unable to hold it in anymore, Kara would spill what she knew and everyone would give him the side-eye. But Acker was already protesting, adamantly refusing to let it happen and leaving Noah with no choice but to grab his upper arm, all smiles as he moved to his ear again. “Dance with me or I’m telling your mom I’m a hooker,” he hissed back, too quiet to be overheard.

At that moment a woman approached, eyes flickering between the duo inquisitively as she questioned who he was. Noah blinked, amused. That was rather forward of her. Talking to the press wasn’t something he’d ever had to do (and she had to be some sort of journalist; raking his gaze up and down her, he just knew) but hey, there was a first time for everything.

He flashed her a blinding smile. “Oh! How sweet of you to ask, I’d be delighted to introduce myself.” He took one of her hands in both of his, giving it a warm shake, before leaning in to speak to her in a lowered tone. “Except, well, it’s supposed to be a bit of a secret. I haven’t even met his family yet –”

“His family?” the journalist echoed, eyes sparkling in such a way he could almost tell what she was thinking; new scoop, a person ‘supposed to be a secret’, why would he need to be introduced to the family if he weren’t important to Dr. Villin?

“Mhm, a secret,” he winked. “So why don’t we keep this between you and me, hm?” He turned back to Acker, having no doubt the journalist would be more interested than ever and would absolutely not leave them alone or keep her theories to herself. “Is your assistant here? The one Kara thinks you…?” Maybe Noah could cause a different kind of scene, publicly accuse Acker of cheating on him. A boss dating their employee was scandalous enough without Noah needing to throw infidelity into the mix, but how fun it would be…

Nicholas Acker Villin

[Nicholas Acker Villin]

Acker was about to retort that he wouldn't be the loser of the quarrel between them, but the pat made him wince again so the words got caught in his mouth. Acker was trying his best to hide from Noah the pain he was feeling. However, he couldn't keep his mouth shut at what Noah said next "Because you don't understand technology, my expertise would be wasted on an ignoramus like yourself" technology ruled everything, the mad scientist could put the entire world to a halt if he wanted to...mh. Conquering the world? That was a very cliché goal for a mad scientist. Although, the thought of having world leaders under his thumb was alluring.

Acker pulled his arm away when Noah grabbed hit "You have no self-respect, don't you? Not surprising" about the hooker comment "Oh, please do" about telling Emilia, his mother wasn't stupid, she could see a swindler from a mile away because so used dealing with scammers who tried to steal charity money. Dealing with people was Emilia's job and she did it well, and she had learned how to read people in order to survive the socialite world. Not only that, but Emilia knew her son, so she would know that Acker was not into hookers. Not that the Villins looked down on hookers, in fact they believed sex workers should be protected by the law already, but it was just that Emilia would see through such a blatant lie when it was about her son.

All of that had happened before the journalist's dreadful appearance.

Now, while Noah was talking to the journalist, the mad doctor grabbed another drink from a tray held by a server that was passing by and put his empty glass on the tray in a very quick game of hands like a magician performing a magic trick: Now you see the empty glass...now you don't because it has been switched with a full one ta-da!

The glass didn't stay full for long. It quickly became half-empty, he wasn't in the half-full mood right now, and then completely empty in just a few sips "God, you are good at this" Acker had to admit mumbling the words under his breath, or maybe it was the alcohol talking. The journalist raised a brow because she couldn't clearly hear what Dr. Villin had said, but Noah could. The smartphone confirmed that it hadn't been possible to record what he had said either. That was a relief.

The mad doctor had had enough of this when the assistant was mentioned as if he felt the need to protect him from Noah's shenanigans "Excuse us..." Acker smiled at the journalist while trying to grab Noah by the arm to drag him away from the journalist far enough so that she couldn't hear them. Sure, Acker could have used his power to stop the recording, but not right now, maybe later so that it could be mistaken as an accident.

The journalist smiled back while Acker was walking away, but she wasn't taking her eyes off the couple, not even when she grabbed her phone and checked that the recording was still going "Warning: video is being recorded!" the smartphone alerted the mad scientist. If it wasn't for the power then Acker wouldn't have noticed it because the journalist was very sneaky, the smartphone held just right to look like she was just holding it.

Acker turned his back towards the journalist while standing in front Noah so that she couldn't record their lips moving, there was too much noise for any audio to be relevant "Your behaviour forced me to kiss you..." Acker made an expression as if he was about to vomit "...do you really want to risk it again?" that should be enough to stop this charade, or so the madman believed. After all, they didn't want to kiss again, so Noah should want to stop this even just to avoid a possible forced future kiss...right?

Noah St Cloud

[Noah St Cloud]

Noah huffed a laugh at Acker’s mumbled comment, his brow quirked good-naturedly even as Acker took his arm (how dare he) and guided him away. Despite everything, it seemed the scientist was growing soft on him – enough to give him a compliment, albeit alcohol-induced and likely not intended for his ears. Hah. Perhaps Tawny was right; Noah really could make anyone like him. Hilarious. But he was still intent on annoying the older man however possible, though unfortunately Acker had seemed unconcerned by the threats to talk to his mother.

Really, Noah was a little surprised Emilia wouldn’t be bothered by the lie he'd intended to tell her. Surely a socialite like her would worry what that type of rumour would do to her family’s reputation; even if she were accepting of her son’s choices or didn't believe it to be true, many of the elite tended to turn their noses up at such a thing. Noah himself had nothing against sex workers but he knew most rich snobs liked to think themselves above them, and would see Acker’s ‘relationship’ as a weakness, something that muddied the Villin family name and provided an excuse for other socialites to shove the Villins down. Perhaps Noah had underestimated them. Perhaps Emilia’s influence was so grand she could nip scandals in the bud, or perhaps Noah’s own upbringing had led him to false beliefs that some things were considered more outrageous than they really were.

They came to a halt, Acker moving to stand in front of Noah with an explanation for the kiss and an implied warning he would do it again. Yikes. Nasty. He repressed a shudder, responding with the same pleasant tone and expression as before. “Obviously not.” He took another swig from his drink and swirled the remaining bubbly liquid inside the glass, sparing it a quick dissatisfied glance. As far as alcohol went, champagne wasn’t his favourite, both due to its taste and the fact it would barely make a dent in his sobriety levels. Maybe Acker had the right idea of finding something stronger.

Noah pursed his lips, eyeing the other man suspiciously. Kissing Noah had not been the right idea. “Hang on – you’re supposed to be some sort of genius, yet you could only think of kissing me to get Kara away? There must have been other options. Even if there weren’t, surely you’ve had enough time since then to think of something different to do if we’re put in that scenario again.” He knew Acker wasn’t attracted to him (thank God) and sensed that he was only threatening another kiss to scare him off, but perhaps feigning ignorance and pretending he didn’t know had the potential to frustrate Acker more. It had been repeatedly emphasised by multiple sources that he valued intelligence, after all. Noah widened his eyes, lips parting. “Don’t tell me you actually like me? Maybe you want to kiss me again, see what else I’m ‘good at’.”

Withholding a snicker, Noah shook his head with a sigh. “As upsetting as this is, I understand. Many have fallen for this body alone, and maybe I excite you now, knowing what I can do; my claw machine picks up other toys.” His metaphor... could use some work. It wasn’t the most subtle, but he imagined potential eavesdroppers would think he was speaking of a Festival of Frights attraction. “I bet that could be useful in your secret games, hm? Maybe by figuring out how my claw machine identifies toys, you can identify where these toys come from, or what they’re made of.” It wasn’t very wise, he knew, to encourage Acker to want to experiment on him. But he couldn’t help dangling the prospect in front of him. A little tease. Prodding the bear, so to speak.

He tutted with a sympathetic pout, reaching out to graze his fingers along Acker’s jawline. Hopefully someone important to Acker would see the gesture or else other party-goers would see and tell Acker’s loved ones. “Or perhaps you can only think of kissing me because you’ve hit your head. Lost a few braincells and become unable to think of any other plans. You are looking a bit tender there, darling.” He hadn’t noticed it before, far more focused on ruffling his feathers to realise Acker already looked ruffled. His choice in alcoholic beverage should have been a clue – far stronger than the champagne glasses being ferried around. Had one of Acker’s experiments gone wrong? Exploded in his face? Had he gotten a beating from someone else for being so full of himself? Damn. If it were the latter, Noah really wished he’d been there. He would’ve brought popcorn and gotten in a few kicks of his own. Missed opportunities...


Nicholas Acker Villin