≪•◦ Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake ◦•≫
Entering the new year at Ninth House, Jesse Isaac Routledge was more ready than ever. Every passing term he had previously endured had shaped the person that stood at the doors of the masquerade ball. Having navigated the Umbra Coven’s social dynamics while delving into the various academic pursuits, Jesse felt well-equipped to starting the year that now faced him. He had to be, as time was catching up to him, and he would before long have completed his course. Soon, he will be left to find a life with his achievements, and answering the question – what kind of legacy will Jesse Routledge be leaving?
Tonight would be the start to that answer, and as Jesse entered the ballroom he braced himself for what was ahead. His method of doing so? Heading straight for the bar.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t have gotten through that class without you too, man,” Jesse responded to the person he had truly never seen before, clearly in some nostalgic mood, his eyes frequently looking past their shoulder for the attention of the bartender. The problem with coming back to school after a prolonged period? Everyone wants to have a catchup. This was his third round of pleasantries he was caught in on his journey to the bar. His gaze eventually remained on the bartender, his responses to the stranger cut down to the occasional half-hearted “Really?” and “Oh wow,” as they spoke about their summer endeavours.
After the seemingly impossible mission of obtaining a drink was finally complete, Jesse broke off from the small-talking hardly-acquaintances as he reached for his phone. Upon doing so, his attention was caught by a missed text he had received from a face that he actually found familiar. A covert rendezvous at events such as these became regular practice for him and Amani Monet, and so her suggestion for another had been expected. And thank God, something to make this more interesting.
With that, Jesse weaved his way through the crowd, headed towards the usual place of action.
Though as he entered, the scene Jesse had expected was far away from the one he could see. “In high demand tonight, I see,” He exclaimed the moment he walked in, making his presence known by Amani and whoever she had been joined by. He was surprised, but he wouldn’t show it. Jesse and Amani’s relationship was heavily casual, and this is in the terms of that agreement. Which is why he advanced further into the room, aware and ignoring the fact that he was probably interrupting something, a lighthearted tone to his voice as he asked “So when’s my turn?” His eyes glistening as they met Amani’s.
“Come on, then, who’s my placeholder?” Jesse asked, amused as his gaze then moved on to the second person, now reaching the foot of the bed. “Mystery man, reveal yourself!” He exclaimed in a gameshow manner, talking into his hand that became a makeshift microphone before pointing it in the direction of the masked man. As he did, vague recognition became identification, realising Amani’s partner for the night. “Interesting choice,” Jesse remarked casually, stifling a laugh.
As a moment of silence approached, Jesse held his hands up as if in surrender. “Please, don’t let me stop you guys,” He insisted, though he didn’t move away. Then he shrugged and a smile crossed his face. “Why don’t I stay here too, and jump in when necessary? I’m sure the need will arise soon enough, anyway.”
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