Loric Estate

[Caroline Berry]

Ben stood just inside the door of the huge house, greeting guests. He shook hands with the men, pressed light kisses to the hands of the women, all the while flashing them that award winning smile. He wore a simple black tuxedo, with a silk black tie. His dark hair was styled back and out of his face. He had invited everyone he knew or had encounter of the two decades of his owning the Loric companies.

[feathertail]

Tom parked the car (a Jaguar, obviously) and smoothly stepped out once the doors had raised, clicking the (as dubbed by Chris) 'doobry' and pivoting on his heel, straightening his suit, simply black, to match his car, checking his reflection in the car window before leaving her behind, smoothing back a stray curl.

[Caroline Berry]

Ben noticed yet another car pull up, but this time, it was a sleek black Jaguar. Ben was distracted for a moment, watching to see who stepped out. He wasn't all that surprised when he saw none other than Jaguar's owner, Thomas Whittaker. A playful smile formed on Ben's lips as he turned his attention back to the other guests who were filing in.

[feathertail]

Tom glanced around, the corners of his mouth twitching at the grandeur of the place, but he was content to wait his turn, simply observing as the other guests swarmed in.

[Caroline Berry]

Ben finally came to Tom and the host's smile brightened a little. "Tom, what a pleasure. Welcome to the party!" he said, holding his hand out for a shake.

[feathertail]

Tom's smile that he had been using while making small talk with the other guests brightened into a genuine one. "Thanks, Ben," he grinned. "Finally figured out how it all works, eh? I notice you noticed my car; she's a beauty, isn't she?" He winked as he took Ben's hand in two of his, clapping him on the shoulder with a playful grin that was barely seen any more.

[Caroline Berry]

Ben laughed a bit. "I'll have to come by and get the newest edition! I love your companies cars." Ben said, shaking his hand. Him and Tom, even though they had only been around each other a few times, ha become fast friends and Ben liked that. He enjoyed having friends. "Please, have a drink and feel free to look around, just don't get lost! I'll have to send a search and rescue party after you!" Ben joked, sending a wink back to Tom.

[feathertail]

"Please, do, I know you're a sucker for beautiful things, especially my cars, so just turn up any time." He grinned at the mention of alcohol, "I'd better not, I'm driving, though I think I will have a look around."

[Caroline Berry]

Ben smiled and nodded before turning his attention to the next guest, but his mind was still on the 34 year old business man. After Ben had finished greeting all the guests, he went for a walk, wandering the hallways of his house. Suddenly he bumped into someone. "So sorry, my apologies!" he said.

[feathertail]

Tom was enjoying his exploring, but not as much as someone bumped into him and pushed him into a wall. He rolled his eyes as he realised who it was. "Jumping me in corridors, are you now, Ben?" He teased lightly to hide his embarrassment as he straightened his suit.

[Caroline Berry]

"You know I just can't resist you." Ben said with a wink. "Having fun?"

[feathertail]

"True, true." Tom grinned.  "And yeah, you host a good party. Shame I can't try the drinks, though."

[Caroline Berry]

"Drink! I'll have one of the maids make a room for you. Come on, Tommy boy. Let's have a lot of drinks and wake up in the morning wishing we hadn't!" Ben said loudly, taking Tom's hand and leading him down to the bar and ordered two of the bartender's strongest drinks.

[feathertail]

Tom sighed at his friend but allowed himself to be pulled along. "I've got a meeting tomorrow..." he protested weakly.

[Caroline Berry]

"Murphy!" Ben called out. A man who anyone would assume was the butler came up to Ben. "Inform Tom's assistant that his meeting will be pushed back until the afternoon." Ben instructed. He turned to playfully smirk at his friend. "There. No excuse. Drink." Ben downed his drink one swallow.

[feathertail]

"You are going to be the death of me." Tom huffed, but downed the drink.

[Caroline Berry]

"Don't be so morbid, Tommy!" Ben laughed. "Loosen up, be free!"

[feathertail]

"I (censored) am free." Tom sulked. "Well, I'm actually very expensive, but-"

[Caroline Berry]

Ben clapped a hand over Tom's mouth. "It's a figure of speech." Ben chuckled, taking a moment to appreciate how close Tom was. "Bartender! Two more!" Ben called.

[feathertail]

Tom grinned behind Ben's hand and stuck out his tongue to make him move the restriction.

[Caroline Berry]

Ben tauntingly kept his hand over Tom's mouth.

[feathertail]

Tom raised his eyebrows and nipped the skin lightly.

[Caroline Berry]

Ben also raised his eyebrows, as if challenging Tom.

[feathertail]

Tom narrowed his eyes, as if to say 'Move your hand or else'

[Caroline Berry]

Ben smirked and dropped his hand. "You very appealing when you're mad." he said with a wink.

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