Ah, she was beautiful when flustered and his grin only grew wider. "Oh, and of course work is keeping up with the club party yellow pages," he winked at the woman, as if he saw right through her, and in a sense he did. Because he'd be the same or even so much for frustrated if their roles were reversed. His nerves still tensed when thinking about her and that soldier-boy. But then the jokes were gone and his heart beat fast, heavily in the man's chest as he waited for Sarah's decision.

He didn't move, didn't urge her, he just waited, palm still. Somehow, this felt so important, to know her real answer and never before he had waited someone's decision without trying to influence it in his favor. At this point, it didn't occur to him, but that was the actual truth. And as her light hand landed in his, Zenon closed fingers around it, gently, then led her out downstairs, letting go of he hand only enough to put the mask on.

The silence between them he didn't interrupt as he found it strangely comfortable. Zenon walked fast, but didn't drag her along like he'd with anyone else, adjusting so she wouldn't have to be running and either avoided walking over obstacles or helped her over the piles or rubble or larger stones, like a gentleman that he so rarely was. But there was a smile on his face, in his gray-blue eyes, all this time. Helping her in one of the seats of his rather small ship (compared to the ones he piloted when raiding, at least), that was sleek and clean, purged of any affectionate notes or photos from his fangirls, he took the pilot seat, dumping the protecting mask down by his seat in typical careless manner.

The music player played a random love song that he (rather dreadfully) hummed along as they took off. But he wasn't heading to the dome that was his home, taking sky road to the next one that would glow with soft greenness as they came closer, the city being green and known for its luxurious, life-praising life style. What road he took in through the wall, who knew, but they were not checked by guards even once. The ship shifted, becoming more flying car like, upon press of button, and flew through the city, landing in one of the suburb areas. Shielded by trees, actual trees, Zenon helped Sarah out of the vehicle and escorted her to the home.

It was not too fancy, but certainly beautiful, with engraved doors and furniture. He led her to one of the doors on first floor and opened them, bowing with grin. "Here you will find all you need to prepare. We still have some hours left, so, take your time. And if you do wish something that's not there, just call me," his tone had become suggestive again, twinkle in eye. There was a temptation to spend the evening entirely differently, especially with the comfortable bed in sight, but she... deserved better than that.

Leaving Sarah, he went to prepare for the ball himself. Inside the room, she'd find gorgeous dress laid down on the bed. It was as he had described those weeks ago. Sapphire blue, with gold details and paler gems that despite their blue color seemed to contain a spark of fire inside, shifting and changing as they caught light. It would cling to her curves softly and then flare out beautifully. There were matching gloves and mask, jewelry of these gems - long earrings and necklace - laid down in open boxes. And shoes on high, but surprisingly stable heels of the same sapphire blue. There were also undergarments which he had probably picked gleefully, she could guess, although the truth was that part of shopping he had left to Adelmar, quite unusually.

The door on left led to spacious bathroom ready to fulfill any of her bathing desires and the droid whirring in corner informed that it'd do the makeup and hair, manicure and so forth, she simply had to choose from the options. There was also beautiful bouquet in the vase on the night table, various perfume bottles for her to choose from. He really had went all out on this and right now was stressing if she liked it.

When she'd be ready, Zenon would be sitting in the living room, sipping some drink from crystal glass. He wore a perfectly fit tuxedo of black, smooth fabrics, his bowtie as her dress and small, 'fire' gems on the flaps. When she came in, he'd immediately stand up, the glass clattering on the table as he kind of dropped it, his mouth open slightly and eyes full with feelings he couldn't even name himself right now. For a moment, it seemed he'd just go up to her and press her against wall, kissing with all the passion simmering under his skin, but he got hold of himself, moving over to her and kissing her hand lightly, but rather sensually. "As I predicted, you look absolutely stunning. Would you care to join me for a drink? We still have an hour left... Unless you'd like to do something else," he smirked, probably ruining the good impression he'd been trying to make.

---

It would come as surprise to Mannik, probably, the sudden call around midnight on his pad, from number he perhaps knew all too well. And if he chose to answer, it would indeed be Adelmar calling, although she looked somehow... Not quite as the man had seen her past few times.

Her face, the eyes with haunted, yet empty look, it was all much like when she was brought down to Below by him - on the verge of breakdown, yet numb. "I killed someone, Mannik," she said in hollow voice, breaking the silence. As if it had snapped her out of something, she blinked quickly then. Oh God, why had she called him? How was she going to explain she had killed a servant? He'd think she was just like every other noble. And what could he help?

"I... I should not have called. Please, forget about this. I do not know what I was thinking. You- you cannot risk coming here, especially now." Her voice was calm, controlled, despite fading out at some words, but at her last statement, her certainty was returning, even though her fingers hovered over the disconnect button without pressing it. By gods, she just wanted to talk with him for a moment, just... Just have him listen. Something. She didn't know, but right now, he felt like her anchor to reality and sanity.

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