And I don't need you.

The man's presence caused his face to turn gently, to lean away as the whispered words sounded in his ear. Tic's eyes were lifted ahead, searching again for the one who had left him, hoping who she might be -- that she might see. There was an ominous writhing in his stomach as his glance looked down, through the liquid and glass, to see the gloved fingers around his own. The touch was there too, and his thoughts were suddenly pleading with him not to drink.

But he knew hesitance wouldn't save him now, and after a wincing pause, let the glass fall onto his lips. A caustic taste filled his mouth, assisted by the gentle tip of a gloved hand. Familiar pressures washed over him as the drink was downed, sharply licking his skin with an icy thrill. He let out a soft breath as the glass lowered, eyelids drooping, cheeks burning. He tried to blink away the sudden daze, but it only continued to relax him, releasing his body and thoughts from their tense holds.

His mind was clouded, averse to the new feeling that had taken him. But these clouds had suddenly begun to swirl, and he found himself thinking things -- things he wouldn't have dared to think before. Things that fled from his mind, insufferable in the presence of despair. Things that came back to him now, through the dimmed reality, and became clear once again.

What was he doing here.. ? He should've escaped by now -- should go save Miraye -- should steal the map of his betrayal, then run away. He wanted to shake away from the man at his side; to pull away from the control, and defy. No, he didn't want to accept this fate anymore; he needed to break free, to flee from this prison of music and color, and put everything back where it used to be.

He breathed softly at these thoughts, watching the dance and sway of the people around him with a strange intrigue. The swishes of movement hummed, sparkling in the twilight of the dim room, echoing past his ears; and it seemed, for a moment, almost pleasant. He felt a brush against him, and knew the man owned him for now -- but not for long, he thought, assured somehow as the pink caught his eye.