veilbreak | (no subject)

❤

After hours-- nay, days!-- of waiting, at last it's salsa night. La noche del ritmo (that’s “night of rhythm” for those who tragically refuse to brush up on their Spanish). Down on solid ground, it’s marked with wobbly turns, missed cues, and bold declarations of “I totally meant to do that.” But up in our little corner of the community hall on the Mnemosyne, it’s all warm lights, borrowed partners, and a playlist that refuses to let you stand still.

The humble chaos has been carefully unleashed by our fearless instructor EVA because she was clearly feeling optimistic! Come try a step (or three), spin someone new, and maybe leave with smoother moves than you came in with. Or at least a good story.

Salsa!

At its core, salsa is a conversation disguised as a dance: a gentle lead, a daring spin, a dramatic pause that says, “Yes, I absolutely meant to do that.” It’s rhythm with personality, flair with a wink, and just enough drama to keep things interesting.

How to Play: Grab a partner and get ready to roll some dice to see how well you take to the floor! For the sake of ease, we're going to say that there's four 'rounds' making up a song, but if you want to keep it going, go right ahead. Each dancer will roll 6d6 and match pairs with their partner.

🕺0 matches: This is a disaster. Someone got an elbow to a body part. Tears might be shed.
💃1 - 2 matches: A little stumble, a wee fumble. Maybe a little embarrassing, but you can brush it off.
🕺3-4 matches: You're finding the groove and looking good. Having a great time on the dance floor!
💃5-6 matches: Flawless chemistry. It's unbelievable. Your coworkers might think you're gettin nasty behind closed doors.

Bachata!

For those brave enough to learn two dances in one night, or who just want something slower, Eva's going to do a Bachata crash course. Slower than its flashier cousins, but no less dramatic, it trades whirlwind spins for close steps and a hip movement that politely insists on being noticed.

There’s a step-together-step, a tap with just a hint of flair, and a rhythm that feels suspiciously like a love song written at 2 a.m. Bachata isn’t about showing off—it’s about leaning in, finding the groove, and letting the music do most of the talking while you pretend you’re not completely swept up in it.

How to Play:Each dancer will roll 3d6, and count the amount of 3's and 6's rolled between the pair. 3 and 6 are the only ones that matter. Again, four ‘rounds’ make up a song.

💃 0 matches: Catastrophic! This is not going well. Maybe you need a new partner
🕺1-2 matches: Not too shabby! Not the smoothest it could be, but you're both feeling confident.
💃3-4 matches: Stunning. You have the room feeling flushed.
🕺5-6 matches: Is it hot in here? It's hot in here. We're all sweating just watching that spark catch.

For the Wallflowers!

Not everyone is meant to take to the floor, but that doesn't mean they have to be bored! Eva's brought a frankly alarming amount of playing cards for people to play the card game of their choice. She has instructions for Blackjack, War, and Trash on various tables. Bets are welcome, but please no strip anything, thank you.

And for those who prefer their thrills less competitive and more snack-shaped, there’s a spread of treats and drinks to keep spirits high. Something fizzy, something sweet, something questionably healthy but undeniably delicious—it’s all fair game. Refuel, refresh, and return to the action (or the spectating) as you see fit.

How to Play Blackjack (or 21):

The goal is to get the closest to 21 without going over.
- Roll 2d12 to simulate real cards (a 12 functions as an ace, so it can be a 1 or an 11 depending on the best outcome for your hand.
- Either 'stay' by ceasing rolling, or continue rolling 1d12 as many times as you like until you're at 21 or as close as possible.
- If you 'bust' or go over 21, you loose.

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Maybe this (dancing! not dancing with Griff) isn't so bad? "I actually have thoughts on that, if you're stuck."

"I'm open to suggestions. As long as you don't suggest Top Gun."

Making a face, Nim adjusts his grip of Griff's waist. "What am I, a pilot groupie?"

[6, 5, 4, 4, 2, 1]

[5, 4, 4, 4, 1, 1 = 4 matches]

"Well..." Griff draws out the word as he briefly pulls Nim in to say quietly against his ear, "we are kind of the best."

Are they... doing okay at this? Nim isn't sure if he should be concentrating more on what his feet and hips are doing instead of Griff's breath tickling his ear. "Standard reply from a pilot."

[6, 6, 4, 2, 2, 1]

[6, 5, 3, 3, 2, 2 = 3 matches]

They are! Which is just as surprising to Griff, honestly. "We might be a little cocky," he admits, spinning Nim. "But you're over here in my arms, so maybe I'm a little right."

"Maybe. Not saying." Returning semi-gracefully from the spin, it's now undeniable that Nim's got a little flush on his cheeks. "Okay -- movies. Rocky Horror, yes or no?"

[4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 1]

[5, 5, 2, 2, 1, 1 = 3 matches]

"Never seen it," he admits. "What's it about?"

"Rock music, hedonism and the only alien worth stripping down to your underwear for."

[6, 5, 5, 4, 2, 1]

[6, 5, 4, 2, 2, 1 = 5 matches!!]

"Is the stripping part of the experience?" He's stopped focusing on the steps and instead on Nim's lips, and how nice it feels being this close to him.

If their rhythm goes awry, it's because big strapping pilots are, unfortunately, distracting. "It can be."

[6, 3, 3, 2, 1, 1]

[6, 6, 5, 5, 4, 2 = 2 matches]

As are extremely attractive engineers. "Then I guess we should watch that and see."

Their first real misstep and Nim barely notices. It's fine! "Wonderful! What time?"

[6, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1]

[6, 6, 5, 4, 1, 1 = 3 matches]

Neither do Griff because he is lazer focused on Nim and tomorrow. "Six? Wouldn't want to take up too much of your night." Except now he's thinking about taking up his entire night and whoops! Let's banish that thought!

It feels like this particular song is ending; Nim gives Griff's hip a squeeze. "I'm offering without a limit. Six it is."

[6, 3, 3, 1, 1, 1]

[4, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 = 3 matches]

It's a strong finish and Griff impulsively pulls Nim against him as the song ends and kisses his cheek, lips lingering a moment longer than necessary. "Six it is."

"Can't wait, flyboy."

(no subject)

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

salsa: griff + nim

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