Yet again, Kahdreg shocked her. His living arrangement was not opulent nor extravagant. Oh, no. Though Grande Shore did have high ceilings and large doorways, it was also an apartment building designed for the physically larger individuals of the populace. Orcs, ogres, minotaurs, and the like. They had even passed a few of Kahdreg's hulking neighbors in the hall, exchanging friendly nods or waves.

As she stepped into his apartment, her breath caught. It was gloriously roomy, with large windows that could bask every corner of the living room area in sunlight and a little clutter that gave it a lived-in feel. It probably wasn't too much for an orc, perhaps even if he had a plus one. At that thought, Avicia's attention flickered to Kahdreg. He stood by a table near the entryway, overlooking the mail he'd picked up on the way in.

She had never once considered her boss's relationship status. Not that she should have ever thought of it. She ventured a little further into his apartment, eyes scanning for photos or any indication of a roommate or more. There were various movie posters, some signed by directors, and photos that were presumably of the family variety. A few bookshelves and one case stocked to the brim with DVDs. Avicia didn't focus too intently on the photos, only vaguely getting the feel for each one. Faintly, her brain noted that Kahdreg seemed to have siblings or, perhaps, close cousins.

The more active part of her mind was focused on other things. If he did have a partner, wouldn't he have them attend the charity event with him? Perhaps it wasn't their scene, though. In that case, would buying Avicia a dress strain their relationship?

An uncomfortable itch clawed at her shoulders, stomach lurching at the thought of unknowingly becoming the 'other lover.' But, she wasn't his lover, so it shouldn't matter. She was his personal assistant... who he just bought a ridiculously expensive dress for. The reality of the situation meant nothing, when compared to how it would appear.

"We should get ready. I've arranged a ride to drop us off right as the event starts." Kahdreg's voice roused Avicia from her thoughts. She quickly turned to him, making a strangled sound as he jerked his thumb down the hall. "Bathroom is the first door on the right, guest room is the second if you want to change in there. I'll be in my room, getting ready."

Only giving him a nod in reply, she hoisted her bags higher in her arms and scurried off to her destination. There were four doors in the hallway. As she passed the first one on the right, she peeked in. A full bathroom, as Kahdreg said.

She moved further, to the second door on the right: the guest room. Which left two more rooms free. While it didn't entirely disregard the partner possibility, there was still a chance - if he lived with someone else - they were merely a roommate.

As she mulled over these thoughts, Avicia ducked into the guest room to sort out her clothes. As she did, she caught Kahdreg passing by the door, his own shrouded suit slung over his shoulder. She breathed a little easier once she heard his bedroom door close behind him.

After a few deep breaths, Avicia decided to not worry about his maybe-partner or maybe-roommate. Kahdreg was an adult and knew the boundaries of his own relationships. Even as that thought coasted through her mind, the memory of their first meeting lit into her thoughts. Her stomach lurched, but she continued with her plan to get ready. First, a shower to refresh her haggard mind. Second, everything else.

As she went through the motions, Avicia couldn't help wondering if her predecessor's presence had been featured in any of the photos on the wall.

Or in other, more intimate, areas of Kahdreg's home.

-

Night had fallen, but lights blazed inside the antiquated opera house - maintained as a memorial and for events - while classical music droned on. As soon as Avicia entered, a wave of overwhelming anxiety swelled inside her.

Hundreds of people milled about the open floor and even more sat at tables on a second partial floor. Catering staff brought out food, lining a legion of tables at the far wall. Waiters danced between patrons, bending at the waist to offer drinks or hors d'oeuvres. Glasses clinked, silverware scraped across ceramic, the sound of hundreds of heels clicked as fabric hissed across the floor. Every so often, a camera would flash at the far corners, either taking candid shots that would be slapped across newsstands or carefully poised scenes. Black and white tuxes dotted the crowd, between the colorful gowns and pantsuits, rippling with the flow of conversation. Jewelry dripped from ears and necks, glinted off fingers.

It was a shining sparkling mess of pure intimidation to Avicia.

The only upside was she fit in. Between the dress, that could have covered her rent six times over, and her chosen accessories, Avicia didn't stand out like a sore thumb. She supposed the make-up also helped. Even when she cammed, make-up was a mask.

Her boss had some high tier product - one of the reasons he insisted on doing her face up himself - and the quality showed, as well. A blend of rose to black on her eyelids and dusky pink lipstick. He'd even expertly applied winged eyeliner, without cussing once.

The end result wasn't all she enjoyed, either.

While the make-up was applied, Avicia got to enjoy the way his hands worked. Warm fingers firmly turning her face this way and that, as his eyes focused on his work. He'd mumble to himself on occasion, not entirely realizing he was doing so. She spent longer than she cared to admit, focused on his eyes, his lips, the curve of his jawline and the stretch of his throat.

It had only been twenty minutes since they arrived at the gala. That whole time, she tagged along at Kahdreg's heels as he weaved around the assemblage, letting her mind wander. Mostly to how his hands felt on her. Every so often, he'd share a short greeting with someone, before moving on. Apparently they weren't important enough to be introduced to Avicia. Or, more likely, she wasn't important enough to know them.

Judging from his expression, Kahdreg had been scoping out prey. Or investors, if Avicia was going to be fair. Considering she didn't really wish to be there, she was not feeling so generous.

A scan of the area registered a number of familiar faces, mostly depicted in magazines and movies. Still, the greater amount were unknown to Avicia. And it wasn't as if she could just go up to an actor and start shooting the shit.

"Ms. Thorn."

Avicia jumped, the hairs on the back of her neck rising at the seriousness in Kahdreg's tone. Her attention flickered to her boss, eyes drinking in the view of him in his tux. If anything, the suit looked better on him here than in the store. Luckily, the heat of the room was the perfect excuse for her warming cheeks. She pressed her lips together, issuing a nervous, "Hmm?"

"Play along."

The words were said in such a rushed hiss, Avicia wasn't sure she heard him right. Her brow furrowed as she glanced up to Kahdreg's face. Almost as soon as she glimpsed his expression, a dreadful feeling weighed heavy and cold in her gut. She couldn't quite place why she got the impression. Maybe it was the strained smile he tried to maintain or an almost imperceptible pallor to his face. Whatever it was, it appeared as if Kahdreg's hunter gaze had been exchanged for the wary watchfulness of someone targeted.

When Avicia looked to see what had his focus, surprise bloomed in her thoughts.

Stunning. Immaculate. Gorgeous. There were a number of words that flashed through her mind at the sight. They had seafoam green skin, cheeks shimmering with tiny scales, and ocean blue eyes. Their hair, a dark blue hue, was plaited into an intricate updo, reminding Avicia of lapping waves. Their skintight white dress, paired with dangerously tall white stilettos and a gauzy white shawl, highlighted grace and simplicity. But their throat and finned ears sparkled with silver jewelry and diamonds.

It wasn't just their appearance that stunned her, but the way others moved around them. Avicia couldn't tell if their movements were extraordinarily fluid or if it was thanks to others parting before them, just to fall back in place once they'd moved onward. It was like watching a shark among a school of small fish.

"Kahd, darling, it's been too long!" As they approached, they threw out their arms and caught him in a hug.

Muscles tensed along Avicia's shoulders. Kahdreg awkwardly returned the hug, obviously uncomfortable. He cocked a half-smile to the newcomer, trying to evoke ease as he pointedly dislodged himself from the touch. The fact he seemed used to this obviously unwanted treatment, while the other ignored all his body language, sent red flags waving through Avicia's head.

"I was just talking about you to Avicia," he chuckled, moving slightly to motion to the woman who stood partially behind him.

Automatically, Kallinaera's eyes lit up, a smile tugging across their lips as they pinned Avicia's under their attention. Avicia couldn't help but think of sharks, again, beneath that smile. "Is that so?"

Luckily, she didn't have to say anything as Kahdreg continued, "Avicia, this is Kallinaera Virlee, she/her pronouns, a head executive for Siren Song Entertainment and one of the largest investors for the current production."

"Pleasure to meet you, ma'am." Avicia painted on her most professional smile, bowing her head to the illustrious woman. Miss Virlee swelled at her introduction, a smug smile curling at her lips. As if she were emitting the message of, 'That's right. If it was not for me, you wouldn't have a job.' A barb of annoyance prickled at Avicia's thoughts, just feeling the energy around the woman.

"Kalli, this is Avicia Thorn." Avicia continued to smile, waiting for Kahdreg to say her job description. She doubted Miss Virlee would pay her close mind after it, realizing she was just an underling. Within half a beat, Kahdreg managed to stop Avicia's heart as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and proudly said, "My girlfriend."