while it was often difficult for julian to push himself out of his comfort zone and immerse himself in a crowd, his favorite holiday provided him with the necessary courage to do so. each year he was known for his iconic horror-based costumes, but this year he decided to go for a simpler look. despite it being simple, norman bates had to be his second favorite horror movie icon of all time. he deserved his time to shine despite looking rather plain, maybe that was a metaphor for himself as well. he was starting to feel a bit anxious from the party and decided to step off to the side, sitting in one of the more vacant corners of the room at a table shared with someone else. “are you as uncomfortable as i am right now?” misery truly loved company. as his gaze flickered over toward the other, he couldn’t help his prolonged stare. “are you beethoven? that’s a rather obscure costume but i like it.” he complimented. “are you a tortured musician like he was?” a gentle chuckle fell from his lips as he forced himself to glance away from the other.

while james knew that he shouldn’t have been surprised that the other had bid on him, he couldn’t help but feel disbelief when he found out who won the bid on himself. although he hadn’t experienced the full extent of his nerves until he arrived at bucky’s home, butterflies filling his stomach from just standing in the other’s presence. the other’s apartment was far nicer than he expected, using his surroundings as a form of distraction and an excuse to not directly look the other in the eye. a shaky breath fell from his lips as he turned his gaze back toward bucky, watching as the other took a seat upon the couch. “i’m glad that you suggested a night in for our date, i’ve always been more of a homebody.” it was one of the many things that had in common. his teeth sunk into his bottom lip as he sat down on the couch beside the other, grabbing the blanket off of the back of the other’s couch and draping it over them both. “do you want to watch a movie or… just sit and talk?” he was honestly up for either but had a feeling that talking would lead to him being forced to address his feelings — especially when it came to the night they shared at the masquerade.

a small snort escaped sylvie as she cocked her head to the side in amusement, “you say that like it’s such a bad thing… teasing only makes the pleasure you receive in the end feel elevated.” she chuckled softly. “that is, of course, if i decided to allow whoever i’m with to reach that point.” she allowed her head to tilt to the side, granting leon further access to her skin as she held her eye-contact with the woman that was still entranced by them. “it’s a shame. virgins are always the most fun to tease, sometimes they can come just from that alone. they unravel completely at the simplest touches, their bodies just arching to be explored.” she chuckled and shook her head in amusement before allowing herself to pull away from leon slightly, creating some distance between their bodies. “but unfortunately, i think you’re right. we put on a show for nothing… and yet i still had fun.” she offered him a wink before running her hand down her best friend’s chest.

olaf couldn’t help but tilt his head to the side slightly the moment the other stated that he hoped he wouldn’t grow too accustomed to speaking with him, finding that statement to be a rather odd one considering how friendly they were being with one another. “well, lucky for both of us… i’m not usually in need of advice. so, i’m sure our next conversation will be more of a pleasant one!” he exclaimed, a bright smile spread across his features. “weirdly enough, usually i’m the one that’s handing out the advice. i’m not very good at it, but sometimes i say things out of a momentary streak of genius and it works.” he teased, a giggle spilling from his lips as he leaned against the bar’s surface slightly. “maybe i could repay you for listening to me vent by doing the same for you?” he suggested, staring up at kaz with an expecting expression.

from the way that his name was said and the way the other seemed carefree when it came to using profanities in front of someone he just met, ted had a feeling he was in for quite the day. although it wasn’t necessarily something that bothered him, he was well-accustomed to people who needed time when it came to warming up to his overwhelming personality. “well, even if you don’t get first-day jitters it’ll be there for you. it’s mighty tasty, but you don’t gotta just take my word for it.” he encouraged, hoping that the other would change his mind and allow himself the chance to enjoy the frozen drink. he watched as roy stared down at the book that he had brought the other as a gift, a smile spreading across his lips. “it’s one of my favorite books. you kind of strike me as the meg murry type, an unlikely hero that has been dealt a tough hand. i might be wrong on that, but it’s an enjoyable book with a lot of good lessons in it.” he rambled. “a body is only as strong as the mind is, that’s something i always say to the kids i’ve coached. i think that should apply to the coaches as well.”

there was a glint of amusement in yunlan’s eyes the moment leon stated that he believed they looked perfect together. the look was followed by a gentle chuckle as he arched a brow, “perfect, huh? you better be careful with words like that… i might start thinking you like me more than just a fuck buddy.” he teased, an uncharacteristic playfulness to his tone. a small scoff fell from yunlan’s lips the moment leon made a small defensive remark about his comments, “i don’t make you out to be anything that you’re not, you do that all on your own.” it was so easy for him to mess with the other, but there was no malicious intent behind his comments make in regards to how protective the other was over his sister. in all honesty, he found it quite endearing. “i have no intention of abandoning you, that would make me look like a shitty date. besides, you promised i would get something in return for being your arm candy.” he felt this need to remind the other of their deal. despite not being overly confident in his abilities when it came to dancing, he allowed leon to guide him as he began to follow the other’s lead in a dance.

when adam asked connie to hang out for dinner it was a no brainer to say yes. they’re teammates and most importantly friends. adam has been a bit distant ever since he up and left and then came back. connie tried to not take it personally when he did so, he had to have good reason. but when he came back he still seemed to keep distance between him and everyone - especially charlie. as badly as she wanted to know what was going on, she knew it was better to not pry at the both of them and try to figure out. the best course of action was to be there for the both of them. this was the first time adam had asked her to hang out since coming back and she was glad, hoping that maybe things were going to be more normal from here on. sitting down and eating things were exactly that. the two were laughing and shit talking like always and it was as if no time had been missed between them. when he said he was glad she came she smiled. “of course i came adam. were friends.” she assured him with a nod of her head. “whatever beef was going on in your life.. and between you and charlie. that’s between you. i;m just glad to have my friend back. i missed you.” she said reaching over to pat his hand gently. “i’ll always be here.” 

Nellie looked away from her laptop eyeing the other curiously at his request “This isn’t going to be a trap like when i was little and you and Shirley would trick me into taking medicine is it?” She teased him lightly with no true ill will behind it as she saved her work and closed her laptop standing from behind her desk to stand in front of him “Alright you have my attention I’m trusting this is a good surprise I’m trusting you so I’ll follow you, but if you have to promise you are going to give Luke a surprise too it feel incorrect if I enjoyed something and he didn’t get anything you know?”