Drabble #146: Creepy

[redwolf]

...we had a nice response to the drabble prompt of Drabble 145, with entries by redwolf.

For this prompt, we continue with our one-word/phrase drabble roots:

Creepy

Tell us all about it. Labyfic-style, of course.

Given our entries from recent months, let's continue with the suggested limit of 500 words. Though remember that shorter pieces are most definitely welcome!

Your entry should take the following format, posted as a comment on this entry:

Word count: # of words
$your_beautiful_drabble

I'll be running weekly challenges in the space around jalenstrix's monthly challenges.

You can see our current collected suggestions here.

Remember: Feedback is LOVE. So do reply to your fellow labyficcers' drabbles if so inclined. (Though be careful of concrit unless specifically okayed by the author beforehand. Authors generally write for love.)

Comments

Opening

[redwolf]

Word count: 500

Sarah stood at the railing with Cressida, a glass of champagne in her hand, as they watched groups of people ebb and flow around the room from their vantage point. Cressida had been providing a running commentary on the outfits being worn, surprising Sarah with her extensive fashion knowledge. She was also pleased to see that many were actually showing an interest beyond free alcohol and an opportunity to network with their peers.

The paparazzi had staked out the entrance for the arrival of the guests, a mix of business leaders, celebrities, politicians and minor gentry, all of whom were exceedingly wealthy by Above standards. While they had preened under the attention, Sarah was more than happy to be ensconced away from their posturing.

She smiled as she spotted an older woman with a magnificent updo of sugar spun hair so lacquered into place that it could give the goblins a run for their money in the armour stakes. The woman spoke briefly to a young man with a tablet, who made a notation before placing a coloured sticker on the card on the wall.

Turning back to the more intimate gathering on the mezzanine level, Sarah stepped over to Jareth, who was in discussion with several of their guardians, and touched his elbow gently. “Your painting just sold.”

He hummed in response and toyed with his ice cream. The elites of the city may be getting champagne and finger food, but they were being denied the privilege of indulging in the flavour of the week from Jareth’s favourite gelatissimo. “Which one?” He asked, looking her dead in the eye as he slowly licked creamy residue from the spoon.

Swallowing as her brain slowly rerouted itself back to the question, Sarah blinked and shook her head. “The spiky, violent one that creeps me out.”

Jareth led her to a counter and swiped through the information displayed on a laptop until he spotted the relevant entry. “She’s a repeat customer. I suspect she’s planning to bestow it on whichever toyboy she’s shagging as a means of terrifying him into submission.” He raised an eyebrow in amusement as Sarah snorted champagne out her nose. “As elegant as ever, my love.” He handed her a napkin with a grin.

“I would have thought there were far cheaper means to achieve that outcome.”

“But few as ostentatious as installing it in a location where he will be forced to see it constantly.” Jareth sounded impressed at the woman’s behaviour. “Bonus points if there’s a crossover between the boyfriend’s social circle and anyone downstairs who saw the purchase.”

For the most part, attending the opening of the newest pieces from the collective of Goblin Kingdom artists was much like any other fundraising event that Sarah had attended. What she hadn’t expected was a level of narcissism and manipulation that was worthy of the fae. It seemed that terrible behaviour was something that was indulged in on a grand scale by the entitled regardless of species.