Owner	Pose
Tessa	Tessa had met the intriguing extension of Ms. Benton a few short days ago, and her interest in the woman hadn't waned in that time frame. She'd done her standard looks, learning what she could from social media and other sources, and once they'd made contact again extended an invitation to join her. Lily Anne's wasn't the most high-key part of the public areas, and Tessa thought it might be perfect for an interest meeting without putting out any implied expectations the way some of the other themed areas might. She was dressed thematically in a black silk dress with gold embroidery and beading, and she'd left a selection of dresses and a note for the other woman at the front, offering her the ability to change for the theme if she'd like, as well as giving her the evening's password for the speakeasy. She was curious to see which form Ms. Benton chose to attend the evening in, and whether or not she felt inclined to wear one of the dresses on offer. The calculations were unclear, which Tessa felt had something to do with the alter's chaotic nature. It was vexing, but it was part of the woman's overall intrigue.
Mania	It's not Andi's first time in any part of the Hellfire Club, but this part of it is new to her. There was a level of curiosity as well, no question about it, and that feeling built up a bit when the invitation was sent over. Upon arriving at the place in question, the woman was at least mildly surprised to see a variety of things left for her to change into if she wished. Did Tessa have an idea of her style, or was she just picking things out? Mania had more of a social media presence than Andi, at least in the sense of selfies. Andi herself was more private, believe it or not. So it is that once the password has been given, Andi makes her way further in dressed in the same as what she came in: primarily blacks, mixed with a bit of purple in a sleeveless top and short dress over a frayed black unitard, chunky shoes as well. Notably, her hair is purple and there are a few piercings in abnormal places: an eyebrow, nose, bottom lip.
Tessa	"No ears tonight, Ms. Benton?" The question is politely phrased, and Tessa pats the seat next to her with a gloved hand. "You look very much like yourself." It was nice to see her strength of self, even though she would have looked very fetching in the dresses Tessa had picked out. "The dresses were merely a suggestion for the theme, but I find myself pleased you chose to come as yourself instead."
Mania	"Not sure they'd work with me like this," Andi remarks, though the idea is at least planted. And, Tessa seemed to like seeing them. Who knows what alternatives may be here? "And I thought you could see me how I usually look when..you know." When not going around as Mania. She considers the spot touched with the hand, then takes it. "Fancy place. You included." She nods to the woman's attire.
Tessa	"They could be a bit conspicuous, true, and you are lovely regardless of what form you take." Tessa reached out a hand, curling a lock of Andi's purple hair around a finger. "It is fancy. The 1920s were a very decadent time, and this is just a sliver of that legacy. Would you like a drink? Snacks?" Her lips curl upwards. "More petting?"
Mania	Andi Benton's hands settle in her lap, not quite a dainty appearance, but it's something. In fact, the thought of her looking dainty may not even register. "You might be the first person who's ever said that. The first part, I mean." This voice is all Andi, no outward sign of the symbiote yet present. Eyes slide in the direction of the hand that toys with her hair, leaving her head in that spot as she says, "Well..I couldn't decide on any of them anyway. They're not my usual." Tessa does get a little color showing in the woman's pale cheeks at the last question. <<Mania>> Say yes, Andi. It was good! <<Andi>> Try to have a little professionalism. She invited us here. <<Mania>> Yes. To feed us and pet us. Are you not listening? "I /am/ listening! You just want her to pet us!" she blurts aloud, momentarily flustered by the symbiote's insistence before she looks at Tessa with eyes a little wider. "That was aloud, wasn't it?" Almost an echo, a whisper follows, this belonging to the other side of her. "It was nice..." Andi clears her throat. "Maybe we should go somewhere?"
Tessa	Tessa's face is expressionless as woman and symbiote argue, not even twitching at the admission that more petting would be welcome. "I find beauty in the interesting." Her fingers let go of Andi's hair, but glide down the outside of Andi's arm and to the hands in her lap. "Somewhere you can enjoy petting?" Her fingernails dance lightly over the back of one hand, eyes watching, collecting data as she pushes gracefully to her feet. "Come along then, pet."
Mania	"I.." Andi begins, her hands a little stiff as Tessa figures out a little more about the way things are. Mania must be enjoying this, feeling Andi more or less squirm. Any emotion, especially strong ones, the symbiote loves. When a hand is focused on, the gloves hand teasing it, she rises a couple seconds after Tessa extends the invitation. "Yeah. Fine," she says abruptly, clearly off balance in this whole matter. Inwardly, Mania expresses a sense of warmth at the offer. "Somewhere we can do..whatever," Andi adds, forcing a smile. In her eyes, the wonder is there. Did she just get called 'pet?'
Tessa	Tessa leads Andi out of Lily Anne's and towards the elevator, pressing the 6 and waiting patiently as they move upward. "Welcome to the VIP floors, Ms. Benton," she teases as the elevator opens, leading her to the small suite that Tessa claims among other members as her own. "More importantly," she adds as she scans herself into the room and pushes the door open, "welcome to my rooms." Her first stop is dropping the other woman off at her couch. "I will be back in just a moment, pet. This dress was not designed with lounging in mind. Do make yourself comfortable, yes?" The gloved fingers brush the underside of Andi's chin as Tessa turns, disappearing past one of the heavy doors with a soft click.
Mania	Andi Benton's journey is not a very long one, but she (and Mania) try to take note of whatever stands out along the way. Elevator details, things decorating the halls, and of course how the room they enter is arranged. "Ooh, I'm a VIP now? And I didn't even get all dressed up like one," she says, sounding a little more like her usual sarcastic self once the earlier moment has passed. Settling herself at the spot in question, she nods once. "I'll be here. We'll be here, I guess." There's a lingering look after the passing of those fingers. <<Mania>> She likes us, Andi. We like this person too. You should relax.
Tessa	Tessa returns after a few moments, having traded her 20s attire for one of her standard Victorian-inspired outfits, though the long gloves remain. It seems almost more restrictive than the previous dress, yet Tessa's movements seem a little freer, and as she settles on the couch her body language is similar to that of a large feline who is prepared to bask indolently in a sliver of sunshine. She beckons Andi closer with the curl of one gloved finger, patting her outer thigh in invitation. "Shall we see if you can make that delightful purring noise in either form, pet?"
Mania	With Tessa having returned, she finds Andi still seated there, patiently waiting. She's taken a bit more time to look around the room, though her attention comes right back over when the woman heads to the couch and takes up a spot there, presenting an interesting image in her own way. The coaxing of the finger, the indication of her thigh. Andi's head tilts, and before she gives much of a response..Mania takes form and shape around Andi, the symbiote flowing out, coating, giving the appearance Tessa saw the first time. Yes, with those ears back in place. "We will give you this form first," she says, behind masked face. The eyes are wide, 'bright' in their white against the black.
Tessa	Tessa's mouth curves into a small smile. "Do not keep me waiting then, kitten. Come up here and we can find out what you enjoy in this form, and then explore if you enjoy them as Andi as well." She holds a gloved hand out, slowly beckoning Mania forward. "So lovely in both your forms, but perhaps a little more deadly in this one, should the need arise?" It is mostly a rhetorical question. Tessa is aware of similar-looking people, though she is not yet aware of what causes it or who those others are in their human shapes yet. She has it on her to-do list.
Mania	The question of trust is a legitimate one, but the woman also knows something about Mania that most don't. Not only does this need to be played carefully, there might be the opportunity to learn a few things about what's going on. How that develops, the symbiote and bond doesn't know yet. That being what it is, she plays aloof and a little defiant in spite of the feline appearance those ears suggest. Right now it's the only hint to that more playful side as one eye narrows more than the other. "We are strong, and we can take care of ourselves," Mania insists, mixing a hint of threat posture with the fact she just got called 'kitten' and 'pet' by this woman, dressed as she is. A hint of an approach follows.
Tessa	"Of course you can, pet. You are so fierce and can do many terrifying things. You do not have to, however. It is a bit harder to pet yourself, is it not? Allow me to assist." Tessa continues patiently holding out her hand, wiggling her fingers just a bit to mime the ear scritching from their first meeting. "It is very soothing to listen to that lovely rumbling purr of yours. I imagine any hissing or growling would be quite terrifying."
Mania	Yes. That's it. Play to the side of the bond that exhibits power and strength. Nothing can go wrong there, can it? It's also the side of the bond that really, really likes cats. "You..have a point," the alien primarily says, head tilting, the out-of-place ears attentive. "We agree. You wouldn't want to hear us hiss or growl." So another step follows, Mania getting within range.
Tessa	"I would not quite say that. Rather I would not want it directed at me in offense." She winks at the alien, then schools her face back into a polite, not-quite-indulgent smile. "The longer you take, the less time I have free to give you those ear scratches and pets that you so enjoy." The woman's bold proclamations are at odds with the almost hesitant approach, and Tessa found the contrast interesting.
Mania	Could be some caution on the part of Andi, the host for the bond. Could be Mania also still in a feeling-out process. There's a faint but audible scoffing sound at the answer that goes with the wink, then the second half might draw a smirk if it could be seen. "You win. We will let you indulge." Just like a cat to say.