Camille Sotoria
Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear
And I can't help but ask myself how much I let the fear
Take the wheel and steer
It's driven me before
And it seems to have a vague, haunting mass appeal
But lately I'm beginning to find that I
Should be the one behind the wheel
-Incubus
Camille pulled her ivory wrap around her bare shoulders and tried not to look nervous. Standing at the steps leading down the club section of The Howl, Cam nervously looked around as she was jostled by the quickly moving patrons heading down to see the head lining act. It was early still, hours before her Reese...Red...well he wasn't hers, per say.... Shaking her head, Cam almost turned to leave when a large group of women caught her in their wake and forced her to move down the steps. Being unceremoniously moved to the tables surrounding the stage, Cam pulled her wrap tighter around her.
Wearing tight black capri jeans with matching suede espadrille wedges and an ivory silk tank to match her wrap, Camille shifted uncomfortably, trying to ignore the rush of annoyed auras from the females. Her hesitation was beginning to annoy her, so she took a deep breath and selected a table near the back of the venue. Draping her wrap over the back of the chair, she slipped off her small purse and tried to look nonchalant.
The auras around her varied from elated, energetic, apprehensive, and aroused. She filtered the harsher emotions and concentrated on trying to read the body language of the patrons around her, connecting the dots, as it were - putting emotions to people. It would distract her for a little while hopefully. Reese had been on her mind all week, and she was fairly certain he would play later that night, but she hadn't decided if she was going to see him again. Unconsciously she reached up and pulled her hair into a low ponytail, running her fingers through her long black tresses.
Pakpao
She'd been on her way to the HoP, Pak still didn't quite have the courage to go among the prostitutes for her meals so the HoP had been filling in for her. But she just didn't enjoy it. Too many games, too much of an over tone. At least with a hooker you knew what you were doing, get in get your freak on (or in her case her bite on) and get out.
Half way to the HoP she changed her mind. Unfortunately she hadn't changed her wardrobe. Stupidly tight leather pants that laced up the outside of each leg and a bright red silk tank. But the shoes, the shoes she loved. Brand new Pradas black striped cotton lace up pumps. She had planned to wear them with suits or at least at work, but she thought they sort of managed here. Maybe not, she could be wrong. She didn't care, they were new and she wanted to wear them.
This place was new, at least she'd never seen it before and as soon as she wandered down the stairs she was fairly certain she'd made a bad mistake. The HoP might not have been her favorite, but at least she knew what to expect. Pak eyed the crowed dubiously and immediately retreated behind her walls, subterfuge was one of her favorite gifts. Just to reenforce that though, she immediately fled to the back of the place.
Watching the crowed she tried to find a decent bite. No one was an obvious choice so Pak did her best to be invisible and wished she had her lighter to fidget with. The invisible at least sort of worked, because she got run into and had to stumble out of the way. At least, she didn't have a drink to spill.
"God damned it." She hissed. "Why don't you look where you're going?"
Not wanting a repeat she looked around for a place to sit. There was one near by table with only one person at it. Pak decided that it was better than getting shoved around.
Far more shyly than her ensemble would seem to indicate she cleared her throat and addressed the woman in the white tank.
"Excuse me... would you mind if I joined you? For a bit? Maybe?"
It -so- wasn't too late to run back to the towers and shout at Eiryk about color schemes. At least that was safe.
Camille Sotoria
Cam looked up at the woman who approached her table, feeling the undercurrent of her emotions and blinked stupidly at her request. She felt the flush of her own embarrassment as she automatically pointed to one of the empty chairs, offering it to her without even realizing what she was doing.
"Of course, please."
Pulling her wrap around her shoulders even tighter, Cam tried to smile. Now would come to the rush of fear and the thrill of meeting someone new, and of course the inevitable awkward silence. Cam fought it as best she could, trying to be personable.
Gulping, she turned her face toward the woman, not quite making eye contact. "It's so busy tonight. Are you here to see the DJ sing again? Uh, he was very...very good last week," Cam squeaked out, trying to temper down the arousal just thinking of Red did to her.
Pakpao
"Thank you."
Pak said with a relived sigh and flopped gratefully into the empty chair. Scowling a bit she watched the guy who'd run her over wander off and she stuck her tongue out at his back.
"Bastard."
Crossing her legs Pak again wished for her lighter, her cloves. Why she hadn't brought them with her. Even though she'd invaded this woman's table and space Pak had more or less expected to be ignored. Apparently she needed a new invisibility cloak.
The woman's body language red 'shy' to Pak. Who wondered why some one this shy would be out at a club alone. But hell who was she to throw stones? After all, Pak had no idea what -she- was doing here.
"Honestly... I'm sort of lost. I honestly didn't mean to wind up here. I didn't know this was here."
Pak smiled and shrugged off her being lost and a little flaky. The place was too crowed for her taste, but she was getting used to it. She did a double take at the other woman though.
"Wait... the DJ sings? Isn't it usually an either or kind of gig?"
Not that she got out much or was an expert. But in Pak's experience you had a band -or- a DJ. Oh what did she know...
Camille Sotoria
Cam smiled at the woman. Her nonchalance was tinged with her irritation. Nodding, she agreed with the woman about happening on the place by accident as well.
"My first time here was last weekend. There is a...dueling piano bar? I think it is. Upstairs before midnight? I was going to that but it was already late for it. This place is nice though."
Cam cringed slightly at the woman's attention focusing in on her and she tried to reign in her nervousness, answering as nonchalantly as possible.
"Yes, the DJ filled in for the band last week. Apparently the head liners were arrested?" Cam shrugged apologetically. "Reese...I mean Red...he filled in for them. He'll be here tonight later. I think. That's what I heard."
Clearing her throat, she looked away and back into the crowd. The emotions filtered into her head: excitement, drunkenness, the flare of some tempers, as well as arousal. Cam zeroed in on the angry emotions and saw two men glaring at each other.
"Oh, they're not happy," she mumbled as she stared in their direction. Shaking her head, she turned back to the woman and blushed. "I am so sorry, my name is Cam."
Pakpao
Personally Pak thought that dueling piano's could be vastly improved if they actually fought, rapiers at sunrise and all that. But that was also an idea that she wasn't going to share that image with a new acquaintance, it might be hard to explain and you had to have a particular sense of humor to appreciate it.
"Well it is popular at any rate."
It wasn't her typical hang out. That didn't make it bad just semi uncomfortable, but she also wasn't looking to run away and hide either so it couldn't be that bad. Really, you'd think a vampire would be better at the whole night life scene. Ah well.
Pak gave a half laugh at the idea of the band being arrested. She didn't know who the headliners were, if they were any good but they seemed to have the lifestyle down.
"So you know... Red then?"
It sounded like she did. At least they'd met. Although if she didn't know his schedule for sure Pak figured they didn't know each other terribly well.
Following the other woman's look she noticed the glaring men and made a note to keep an eye on them, just in case the glaring got interesting.
"No apology necessary." She said and offered her hand. "I'm Pakpao... Pak if you'd rather."
Bao was currently the only person who really called her Pakpao any more. Something about that made Pak a bit less formal with new acquaintances. It was probably just to irritate her maker, but everyone needed a hobby.
Camille Sotoria
Cam cleared her throat self consciously at her inquiry about Red. "Just...here." Cam pointed toward the stage and continued, "I briefly got to meet him. I was looking for the back door exit and...ran into him."
Mentally Cam rolled her eyes and felt the blush rise up into her cheeks as she recalled seeing Reese for the first time, half naked and sweating from his performance. Smiling, she side stepped speaking of Reese and concentrated on the woman.
Looking at Pakpao's offered hand, Cam's face tightened up for a moment before she eventually lifted hers and shook it.
"Pak it is, then. Nice to meet you. Have you been in Nachton long?"
Cam waited out her anxiety, tempering it down with the mental tricks she used to calm herself. She desperately wanted to appear normal, to react to situations...normal. So, she turned her attention back to the men, feeling their anger overwhelm her own feelings, providing a nice distraction.
Pakpao
"There are worse ways to meet someone."
Pak said with a slightly wry smile. Kem had nearly killed her when they met (of course she was pretty sure he'd tell the story the other way around) and it had been worth it, with out a doubt. She caught the blush but didn't say anything. They hardly knew each other and it wasn't any of her business.
Waiting patently for Cam to take her hand Pak wondered if perhaps this woman was jumpier and more out of place here than she was. Unlikely, but it could happen.
Cheerfully she rolled her eyes and nodded.
"Quite some time now. I work for Meridian."
Hell Pak couldn't remember the last time she'd really traveled. Quick trips out to the coast or even Europe didn't count. Apparently she'd been hanging out in Nachton for longer than she'd realized. Maybe she should take a leave of absence... Mentally she shrugged these thoughts off and returned her attention to Cam.
"Are you a new arrival then?"
Camille Sotoria
"He seemed very nice," was all she squeaked out meeting Reese. Cam pulled her hair over her shoulder and twisted it. "Just moved here a couple months ago. I have family, well extended family here in Nachton. I decided to look them up."
That was the truth, more or less. Pak's occupation was intriguing, working for Meridian. Cam knew it was part of Evenhet, but who was she to assume the woman sharing her table was anything like her. It had been her experience never to assume anything, but dropping hints and searching for clues was always so difficult for her. These types of situations were quid pro quo, but it was the sharing things about herself that bothered her.
"I moved into the Leifde towers. Very spacious." Cam paused and looked down at the table. "Do you like your work with Meridian? I deal with antiques."
Reese E Deardon
"We're late, we're late, we're late!" Red got out of the taxi with the other Pipers and paid the cabbie as JT began pulling at the sleeve of his jacket.
"Dude, let's go. I hate being late."
Waving off the change, which would be a sizable tip for the cabbie, Red grumbled as they hit the sidewalk with both feet running.
"We're walking because we're not late," Domingo yelled out to which Red lifted his middle finger over his shoulder to the brown Piper. Their laughter filtered into the busy street as they turned the corner, looking at all the traffic lined up downtown, even in the middle of the night.
"You're in a rush," JT said with a knowing smile. "She going to be there?"
"Who? What?" Red said annoyed, knowing exactly who JT was asking about but he chose to ignore his friend. Was he rushing to see Cam? She might not even be there, she said. Wait, did she say that? The two days alone with her in her apartment had been a blur - a hot, sweaty, lust filled blur, but a blur nonetheless. He grappled with what he thought were feelings for her and his rising anxiety. Secretly Red wished, no prayed that Camille would be there at the Howl again tonight, but he wasn't about to admit it.
"I don't know who you're talking about."
"You are the worst liar, Red. Really."
They turned the corner and could see the neon light pointing down the stone steps down to the underside of the bridge. It blinked 'The Howl' brightly with a red arrow. Just below the neon sign was a poster that made both he and JT stop.
"Is that us?"
JT stepped close to the poster and began to laugh. It was a picture of them. A slightly better than average photoshop poster with close-ups of JT on the drums and Red making a god awful face as he played his guitar.
"Aw man...you think he could've picked a better picture of me. I look like I'm cumming in my pants."
"Wow, you really do."
Red rolled his eyes and pushed JT toward the steps and they descended down.
Rowan Murphy
Rowan had heard about this club from a few of his co-workers. It hadn't been quick, getting in; it was pretty packed. In his opinion that was a good thing though. Empty clubs were crappy clubs.
The way in was interesting; the club was located under a tunnel underpass on the Strip. The ground floor was a dueling piano bar and the club itself was beneath that, underground. He and Cris paid their cover and headed inside and down. As they descended into the club and the tightly-packed crowd within Rowan wrapped his arm around Cris's waist to keep him close.
"I don't want to lose you," he said, leaning down to brush his lips against Cris's ear so he wouldn't have to yell to be heard over the music.
There was a minor role-reversal tonight; Cris had opted for neutral tones of grey, black, and white, while Rowan was the more colorful of the two in a dark green linen shirt with narrow white pinstripes over a white tee. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to reveal his usual accessories; wide black wrist bands, studded in metal. He wore a black leather collar with similar metal studs and the usual array of beaded hoops in his ears.
Looking around for an empty table Rowan quickly determined that they would be lucky just to find empty chairs. They wove their way through the crowd toward the bar.
"Do you want a drink?" Rowan asked Cris, "Or would you rather find someplace to sit?" He looked at the writhing crowd of dancers on the floor, not opposed to the idea of heading that way first either. He nodded his chin at it and raised his eyebrows at Cris. "Whatever you like."
Christian Bern
Cris smiled at the feel of Rowan's lips brushing softly against his ear as much as the words that his partner spoke. [I would hate to get lost.] He looked around the crowded club, considering Rowan's question. Dancing would be nice, but later. Christian did not frequent the Howl so he would prefer to get a drink first, scope the place out, look for suspicious behavior, make a note of all the exits... the usual.
[Let's get a table.] He wrapped his arm around Rowan long enough to squeeze him tightly once before entwining his lover's hand in his own and leading them through the crowd and toward the seating area. [It might be a little calmer there.] Christian smirked and added. [We can play our own live version of a drinking game while watching the crowd.] He considered the possibilities. [Perhaps one person can name something to find and if the other can't find it within a certain time limit then they have to drink. If they can, then the other person has to drink. Within reason, of course, we can limit it to garmnts or colours or something.] Or they could simply talk and watch the crowd.
The problem was going to be finding a place to sit. There seemed to be very few open tables. In fact, so far he hadn't found one at all.
((OOC:
Sweater Grey stone washed denim jeans and black leather hiking boots ))
Pakpao
Deciding that Cam had a bit of a crush on the DJ turned band member Pak chose to let the subject drop. If she had known Cam better she might have pressed or teased, but strangers she generally stuck to being polite with.
Extended family and she lived in Leifde, Pak relaxed a bit and smiled.
"I think you've found one of them. At the very least we are neighbors."
Maybe that would help Cam to warm up just a little. Not that she was trying to force a life story out of the woman if she didn't want but there was no point dancing around each other.
"I work in IT and like it... more than a little."
Pak had, at least sometimes she had, a sense of modesty and didn't mention that she'd had more than a little to do with MARI. She knew, that was enough.
Antiques? Her eyebrows raised a little.
"That could be fun. I've got a decorator helping me out with my place he keeps trying to drag me out shopping... I've managed to weasel out of it so far. But I wouldn't mind sneaking out behind his back."
She grinned. The thought of making purchases behind Eiryk's back tickled Pak to no end. But she also wasn't about to push Cam. For all Pak knew the other woman was an auctioneer rather than a dealer, still she was happy to leave the opening.
Simon Huntington
"Why am I here?"
Simon slowly took the steps down to The Howl as he placed his hand along the small of Vivienne's very pregnant and yet still very small back. There were people pushing up and down the small stone steps and he tried to ignore the unwanted touches as he concentrated on what Vivienne was saying aloud.
"I thought it would be fun hanging out. Last bar we went to had horrible vodka and even worse Russian."
"That's not what I asked. Why am -I- here and not your idiot...I mean fiance'. My bad," he said with a cough.
Simon was curious as to why Vivienne asked him to come out that Saturday night. Usually they met for coffee at the Starbucks where they first met privately; granted her Pipers had long range rifles pointed at his head at the time. Meeting out past dark was a first for them, especially with her Commander not around.
"Does he even know you're out with me? I'm going to guess he does not." Simon gave her a grin as they turned the corner into the bar and the heat and smell of the humans inundated him.
Vivienne Sena
"Not cool," Viv muttered and elbowed him in the ribs. He laughed and blocked the blow of it. "Red is playing here, along with JT. We've been coming out to see him every weekend.
"You brought me to an evening with your Pipers? Have you lost your mind?"
"They're not going to eat you, calm down."
"You shouldn't be out so late. You are pregnant."
"Really? Is that what this huge ball is?" Simon made a face at her and Viv nudged him again. "Oh come on, that one was knee-slap worthy."
"I don't even know what that means."
"It is impossible for you to have lived how many lifetimes out here and still not know what I'm talking about."
"I've embraced proper English and forsaken pop culture. It wouldn't kill the common man to do the same."
Viv rolled her eyes. "You are such a snob."
"It's an endearing quality."
"No, it's not," Viv snorted as they moved through the edge of the dance floor, heading to one of the two bars angled near the stage and at the back of the joint. "I need water."
Making it to the back of the Howl's bar, Simon lifted his hand and managed to get a dark beer and a bottled water for Viv quicker than they had managed in the past. Handing her her water bottle, he tipped his dark beer back and drank.
Viv watched his Adam's apple bob up and down on his long neck, a sight that suddenly seemed very erotic and their aura flashed with it. Immediately Simon looked at her as he swallowed.
"Shut up."
"I didn't say anything!"
"No, but you will." Viv reigned in the sudden arousal and filled their aura with irritable happiness. A feat unto itself.
Camille Sotoria
Cam looked at Pak confused for a moment. The etiquette involved with meeting her kind had been lost on her over the years, but Pak was very clearly expressing the obvious. At least it seemed obvious to her. Cautiously she turned her head, giving Pak a side look.
"I unfortunately do not know who my family members are. How to find them is an even bigger task, but it is good to know more of my neighbors." Cam smiled at Pak slowly, gauging the woman's emotions as well as her expression. Her body language relaxed and the emotions filtering into Cam's mind reflected that. Maybe this woman was an Evenhet. It would be a relief to relax.
Pak said she worked with IT and Cam made the appropriate noises of interest. "I do love computers, but I'm not as savvy with them as I would like."
She laughed at Pak's suggestion of cheating on her decorator. "A clandestine meeting - that definitely is sneaky. I have found some places in the city and dealers who are above board. I usually do my business alone but if you needed some help, I'd be happy to point out some places?"
Digging into her bag, Cam looked for her card. It was a simple ivory colored business card with gold embossed lettering. She laid it flat on the table and pushed it halfway to Pak - she could take it or leave it, but she wasn't going to force her to take it. The thought made her blush.
Simon Huntington
"I don't understand you and your mixed signals."
"They're not signals, that's where you're confused."
Simon shrugged and took another pull at his beer. It was cold and bitter with a hint of sweetness, not altogether bad but definitely not as dark as he'd like. It was the one thing he missed the most about his old life - the ale. Licking his lips, he pointed at Viv with his beer bottle.
"At least admit you find me attractive."
"Well you are just the cutest thing ever, Simon!" she said in a not at all serious voice.
"You have cut me, madam. Cut me deep. I think you're beautiful and I've told you so many times. It'll kill you to pay me a compliment?"
"The last time I complimented you, ten minutes later we ended up on the floor and I got this scar," Viv said holding up her right hand, reminding him of their ill fated first completely open sharing of their aura. He had overwhelmed it to the point of nearly destroying their friendship; recalling it made him give her a sheepish look.
"Opening the lines of communication and admitting your, albeit limited, attraction isn't going to hurt anything. Really, you're going to give me a complex soon."
"Please, there are enough brooding vampires in the city."
Simon held his bottle chest high as he stood close to Viv amongst the crowd of people moving to and fro. He was having to move closer to yell over the music and it was starting to annoy him.
/Just admit it and I'll never bring it up again./
Viv raised her eyebrows and laughed. /You are such a liar. You'll always bring it up if I admit it./
Lifting his shoulders, he consented. /Ok that's probably true, but it'll do wonders for my ego./
"Your ego," Viv said aloud with a laugh. She lifted her hand and did a wide circle of the woman around him. /There isn't one woman here who wouldn't throw themselves at your feet, aiding your ego and your libido. Why does the opinion of one pregnant cow matter?/
/I don't like it when you refer to yourself as a cow. It's disgraceful, Vivienne. And yes, I could have any woman here, within reason, but I suppose it's because I can't have you./
Simon shrugged, his honesty open and naked.
The Pipers
The manager met them halfway through the club and shook hands with them. The tall south american man, who wasn't quite as tall as JT but saw eye to eye with Red, pointed to the stage and confirmed the receipt of JT's equipment. Turning, he saw his quilted blue Tama starclassic bubinga elite drum set. Black plated nickel hardware, bubinga shell snares...his eyes passed over the kit and practically started to drool.
Red waved his hand in front of JT's face. "Seriously. Get a girlfriend, man. You look like you want to propose."
JT shrugged sheepishly. "I took my half from last week and bought that. Yeah," he said dreamily, "I love it."
The manager pointed to the stage and Red left to start his DJ'ing duties. JT climbed the steps to the raised stage and sat down at his drum set. The strobing neon lights twinkled brightly off the black nickel as he reached out and ran his fingers over one of the snare drum shells. Pulling his hand back, he blushed realizing he was treating the equipment like a woman's body, but it had to be cherished like one. With a girl like giggle, JT sighed happily.
Rowan Murphy
Rowan smiled and twined his fingers happily with Cris's, following along as Cris led them through the crowd, past the bar, and out into the seating area, which wasn't really much less crowded. "Band must be popular," he mused.
He laughed out loud at the voice in his head. [Eager for another drinking game already?] he teased. [I would have thought you'd had enough. Let's pace ourselves. I don't want to have to carry you off the dance floor.] He considered. [Well okay, I'd love to carry you off the dance floor... but not because you're too inebriated to stand up.]
Rowan wasn't sure why the idea of Cris suggesting another drinking game was amusing to him. Maybe because of the caution with which he'd regarded their Wii-fest drinking, after that initial movie-night binge.
He looked around at the tables and found that there was little or no room to be had. He shrugged to himself; just more evidence that the Howl was a good hangout. Crappy bars didn't have crowds like this. As he turned his head away from the tables near them he caught a glimpse of someone out of the corner of his eye. He looked back.
"Isn't that Pakpao?" he asked, moving close to Cris again and wishing he had the convenience of being able to send to his partner. It was awfully handy in this setting.
He had only met the woman once, in the bookstore, but she was very distinctive with her pretty golden skin and pale blue eyes. She shared a table with a woman who Rowan didn't recognize, but there were two empty chairs there. Rowan wasn't too proud to see if they'd share, not in a crowd this tight. He didn't move toward them immediately though. Cris might not want to mingle with people he interacted with at work. Rowan would understand if he preferred instead to cross the room and disappear in the crowd.
"Do you want to see if they mind company?" He asked, squeezing Cris's hand. "Or should we vanish into the raging horde and emerge out of sight on the other side?"
It didn't matter to him. Rowan was laid back and perfectly comfortable in crowds. If Cris had a preference, it was fine with him. He was just happy for Cris's company. In any capacity.
Christian Bern
Cris smiled at Rowan's first response and then reconsideration of the idea of carrying him off the dance floor. [Such a romantic.] He teased lightly and shrugged in answer to his partner's question. [I don't think we need a game to amuse ourselves but we could slow it down to taking a swallow of a drink instead of a whole shot. That way both of us might be able to walk out. -You- might not even notice the difference.] Christian turned to give his alcohol tolerant companion an amused grin.
Rowan spotted their clan mate while he was turned around. Following his partner's gaze, he spotted the Asian woman with a dark haired woman. [They are both clan mates, actually.] Well, there was no help for it; dating Rowan meant he had a social life which meant that sooner or later people would realize that he might be a real human being beneath the suit. Damn, he so enjoyed the assumption that he had no sense of humor.
Christian headed toward the other Evenhet, sending to Pak before they reached the table. [This is Security. You've been busted having a social life which I am sure is against some IT regulation somewhere.] He waved at the woman so she'd spot him. [Mind if we join the two of you? I promise that I didn't bring any handcuffs.] Cris thought it best not to mention the zip ties in his pocket.
Pakpao
"I'd offer to introduce you to more of them but..."
She could be a bit on the shy and reclusive side. Pak, however, didn't see any need to go into that right now. They all had their failings and she preferred to hide hers as much as possible.
"They are more trouble than they are worth and they destroy social skills... but they have good points too."
But she was relieved not to find herself sucked into a 'fix my computer' discussion or stories of technological triumphs and pit falls. Apparently she spent way too much time with geeks and wannabe geeks.
When Cam seemed to enjoy the idea of sneaking off behind Eiryk's back she warmed a bit to the woman. Apparently she had a good sense of humor and that was something Pak approved of.
"I'd appreciate the insight."
Of course, she probably would tell Eiryk or at least consult him on the purchases. But it would be fun to surprise her friend like that. As she was taking the car and opening her mouth to say something a voice snuck into her head. It wasn't Kem and Pak sat up a bit straighter clearly surprised. Surprise turned to tension when she realized who it was. Crap.
[Fine. You stifle MARI's development. When she turns agoraphobic and paranoid...]
Shifting about to see where Christian was she caught the wave and nodded to both he and Rowan.
[I'm OK with it... it is Cam's table though.]
But Pak turned to Cam and offered an apologetic smile.
"Were you expecting any one? Would you mind more company? Apparently we have some more neighbors looking for a place to sit down."
Camille Sotoria
Cam's mouth opened in an O and she pulled at her wrap. "Oh...that's fine, sure."
Was it? Her anxiety ramped up but she squashed it down with the suggestion that it would be more of her kind. With a deep breath, she looked in the direction Pak had waved and saw a tall red head and a man that looked like her apartment tower Security manager.
"Oh," she said quietly. Smiling, she was about to say hello when the crowd in front of the stage erupted into applause. Looking toward the commotion she saw Reese taking the stage and an unreasonable amount of arousal inundated her senses. "Good lord," she murmured unhappily and cleared her throat.
The crowd's emotions filtered into her head, the excitement ramping up to epic proportions. Emotion from the females in the crowd was salacious, to say the least, and she felt her anxiety twist in her stomach. She shrank in her seat hoping to avoid him from seeing her.
Vivienne Sena
/I never know what to say to you when you bring that up, Simon./ Viv let the disappointment filter into their aura as Simon watched her closely. /You only say it to get a reaction from me./
/Well, yes and no./
They were facing the stage when Red and JT stepped up, causing a loud applause to rush through the very crowded bar. JT sat at the brand new looking drum set that was on a separately raised platform behind Red and his DJ'ing equipment. Next to the drums were two guitars - a red Gibson with ghost flames and an acoustic guitar. Clapping happily, Viv began to yell out their names.
/I didn't know your Pipers were musically inclined./
/We had no idea Red could sing, not until last week./ Viv was glad for the change of subject and relief spread into their aura. She felt nary an emotion from Simon, but that wasn't unusual. There was no point bringing it up anymore, it only upset her. Their aura reflected the change - going from elation to a sad disappointment before Viv tried to reel it in; she had discovered that she could hide things from Simon and he was as surprised at the ability as she had been, but the only thing Viv could chalk it up to was her ability to learn. Obviously she picked it up from Simon. Or something like that.
Simon turned and looked at her, nursing his dark beer. /Sorry/, he whispered to her.
Without looking at him she hooked her arms around his long right one and let it go.
Rowan Murphy
[I can be,] Rowan offered. [Would you like me to get on one knee and serenade you? I will.]
He grinned at his lover. If Cris required such gestures from him he'd be happy to comply. Hell, requirement wasn't necessary. If Cris even hinted at wanting them he'd do it.
[Do you want me drunk?] He asked Cris curiously, humorously. [I sure won't mind being taken advantage of. With or without alcohol. So long as I can sleep it off before work tomorrow evening.]
Christian answered his question by drawing him toward the table Pakpao was sitting at with the other woman. Rowan smiled to himself; it was hard to tell whether Cris was doing so because he wanted to, or because he wanted to prove to Rowan he wanted to be seen with him by their clan mates. Either reason was worthy of his smile, for different reasons. He just liked being out with Cris.
Their unspoken conversation reminded him that their two nights together were drawing to a close. Rowan frowned, wishing they didn't have to end at all. His schedule was psychotic this week. He had a little time to met with Alfarinn and hopefully go out with Cris tomorrow night but after that it was hectic.
Rowan stopped suddenly, pulling Cris up short. Tugging Cris to him when he turned, Rowan bent down, wrapped his arms around his partner, and kissed him fiercely, deeply, urgently, one hand wrapping tightly around Cris's waist. He made no attempt at subtlety, making a soft noise of satisfaction at the taste of Cris's lips, the caress of his tongue. When he drew away he said, in a voice meant for Cris alone, too soft to be heard by anyone else, "Thank you. For last night. And tonight. I can't even tell you how happy you make me."
Dropping one last, gentle kiss to Cris's lips Rowan closed the distance to the table with the unoccupied chairs.
"Excuse me," he said, smiling. "Are these seats taken? Do you mind if we occupy them?"
He looked at Pak. "Nice to see you again Pakpao. We met at the bookstore at Liefde, remember?"
Rowan grinned. He was sure Pakpao remembered. He turned to her companion and held out his hand. "Good evening. I'm Rowan, this is Christian."
He figured whether they were saving the chairs for someone or not, it wouldn't hurt to introduce themselves.
Christian Bern
He pondered Rowan's offer with a small smile. [I don't think you'd have enough room in here to get down on one knee nor could I hear you over the music and people...so perhaps that effort would be best made some other time.] To his lover's other question, the response was immediate.[Yes] He added further explanation. [Drunk, sober and any other way I can get you.]
Christian smirked at Pakpao's retort. [MARI can spend her nights talking to me. I am an excellent conversationalist. Ask anyone.] His inflection was just as dry and deadpan mentally as it was when he was speaking aloud. He wondered exactly what people would say if she did, in fact, bother to ask them.
Turning when he felt the tug on his hand, Cris barely had time for a brief expression of question before Rowan had pulled him close and kissed him....thoroughly. Surprise made him unresponsive for the briefest of moments before he returned the embrace with equal enthusiasm. What the hell... it was going to get out sooner or later, anyway. He was plenty happy to be seen with Rowan, proud in fact.
"You're welcome." Cris smiled up at his companion, echoing Rowan's quiet tone. "Anytime you would like to do it again... " He let the rest trail off.
Once they arrived at the table Rowan greeted both women and introduced the two of them. He watched the comfortable ease with which his partner socialized with friends and strangers alike.
"Good evening, Pakpao and" he turned to the other woman. "Camille, isn't it?" Christian had seen her from time to time at the Towers but they had not had much occasion to speak. He supposed that meant the lady was not a trouble maker of any renown. He always found that very reassuring in a clan mate.
Camille Sotoria
Cam looked away from the stage to see the tall red head kiss who she was fairly certain was the security chief in her apartment building. Her eyebrows rose in surprise and she cleared her throat as the multitude of emotions from the couple filtered into her mind. The kiss did not seem to be unwanted, but there was clear and definite shock at the public display of affection.
"Nice to meet you, Rowan. Actually, I think Christian and I have crossed paths at the Towers. Pleasure to see you again. Right, I'm Camille Sotoria." Cam looked at Rowan's hand and felt her shoulders tighten, but she remembered Reese's crestfallen face when she refused to shake his hand. Pushing herself, she reached out and shook Rowan's hand quickly, even though every instinct in her body was screaming at her not to do it. It was a quick, limp handshake, but sadly it was the best she could offer.
Christian was still reeling from the rather affectionate kiss and she could not help but smile at the two men. She knew her toes would curl if her Reese did that to her.
She blinked. If Reese, not her Reese.
Speaking of which, the club speakers squawked a high pitch noise which was followed by Reese's smooth baritone. He welcomed everyone back to The Howl and said a thank you for showing up again to tolerate his horrible singing. The crowd roared loudly as he stepped up to his equipment and began his DJ duties. The bar began to thump loudly and a flurry of bodies surged to the dance floor, gyrating with the music.
Turning back to her new table mates, Cam let her wrap fall down her shoulders and tried to relax.
Pakpao
It was hard not to notice the crowd go a little crazy and Pak turned her attention to the stage. She only half caught was Cam was saying and the one was totally lost. But given that Cam had been the one to ask about the DJ turned singer Pak assumed she was happy to see these guys take the stage. Although, it also looked like she was hiding. But that could just be the noise. Pak opted not to pass judgment.
Huh, well that was unexpected. She'd gathered that day in the bookstore that Rowan and Christian had just met. But apparently it had been a good first meeting.. Well... that was nice enough she supposed. Not knowing either of them terribly well Pak didn't have much of an opinion.
"Nice to see you again Rowan, Christian."
She did eye them both a bit suspiciously. Rowan for his acting skills and Christian... well for some unknown reason Pak was a bit afraid of Christian. Even more so now that he didn't look like the Christian she knew. It made her leery.
[Yeah... well... you break her you bought her and you don't want to know about the over time I'd charge to fix her.]
Not to mention the fact that she'd have to kill anyone who damaged MARI, and not in that polite, cuddly, it will regenerate kind of way.
"Yeah... sit down or risk being trampled. I've tried that once already tonight. Didn't care for it. Cam rescued me."
Wow, that was quite a reaction and he was only doing the DJ thing so far. If one judged by the number of people dancing he was doing a good job.
The Pipers
Marko and Dom walked into The Howl after trying to chat up some girls out on the street first. Unsuccessful, they retreated into the bar and made their way down to the stage just as Red started spinning his set.
"Aw, that's just disgusting," Dom said unhappily as the crowd surged forward, cheering their Sergeant on.
"Jealous," Marko said with grin.
Dom sneered and then admitted it. "Yes, damn it."
Together the two Pipers moved toward the bar nearest the stage and got themselves two bottles of beer. They walked over to the opposite side of the stage and Dom yelled up to JT.
"Is that what you ordered?" Both men eyed up the admittedly glorious looking drum set that JT seemed to be hovering over protectively.
"Used all my lunch money for it," JT replied with a grin.
Marko, Dom, and JT continued to talk when Red pulled his headset off and walked over to the group.
"Hey, I need your help, Dom."
"With what?"
Red handed Dom a sheet of paper. "Do you know this song?"
Reading the lines, Dom smiled and nodded. "Of course I do. Why?"
"I need a third voice. Can you do the highlighted part?"
"When?"
"In a little bit, I'll let you know."
JT twirled his drumsticks in his hand, the wood blurred into a beige circle over his hands. "Don't screw this up, Dom."
Dom looked down at the paper and read it over it several times. "Yeah man, easy peasy."
"What is it?" Marko asked, reaching for the paper. He took it and read it over. "Oh this I gotta see."
Red returned to his turn tables and JT to his drums, leaving Dom and Marko to wander off until the other two Pipers started their set. Dom folded the paper up and slipped it into his back pocket, smiling as his excitement grew.
Rowan Murphy
Rowan raised his eyebrows at Christian. [Is that so? Then I will drink, so that you may take advantage of me that way. Just be gentle with me. I do have to work tomorrow.] It was sent with a sly little smile. Cris would never treat him poorly. Roughly, perhaps - he had begged for it, on occasion and he'd admit he loved it. Poorly though, never. Cris wasn't capable of it. He had no qualms about entrusting his inebriated self to Cris's exceptional care.
Christian's offer after that spectacular kiss was met with a quick grin. "How about every morning?"
The two women at the table didn't seem to mind being joined very much, and appeared to both live at Liefde. At Cam's limp handshake Rowan made sure not to squeeze her hand too hard in return. He let it go quickly as she drew away and moved to the two empty chairs.
"Nice to meet you, Camille. Thanks for sharing your table. It does look like a trampling is imminent."
Particularly as it seemed like there was a small stampede toward the dance floor. Rowan looked at the DJ with interest and then shrugged to himself. Turning back to their table he pulled a chair out for Cris and seated himself close to his partner, catching Pakpao's suspicious look. Apparently it wasn't as nice to see them as she claimed. But then, the last (and only) time they had met, Rowan had pranked her fairly well and Cris had helped. Maybe it had pissed her off.
However, Cris didn't deserve her ire for it if that was the case. The prank had been Rowan's. For that reason he chose the seat that put him between Pakpao and Cris, reaching over to his lover and twining his fingers back with Cris's, squeezing his smaller hand before resting them both on Cris's lap.
A server came by, asking them if they wanted drinks. Rowan ordered himself a margarita, then changed it to two margaritas. He had promised Cris some measure of inebriation... so he should get started. He looked at Cris, one eyebrow cocked, silently asking his partner if he wanted anything.
Christian Bern
[So no keeping you up late? I should take you straight home after this, tuck you in bed and then go read a book?] Cris would be fairly disappointed if that was what Rowan had in mind. Thankfully, he was pretty certain that it wasn't.
[Deal] He answered his companion. Christian arched an eyebrow at Pak's response to his offer of companionship for the AI. Sending to her, he said. [I speak with her nightly and haven't managed to break her yet.] Rowan moved past him to claim a chair and then pulled out the other one for him, clearly deciding where he was going to sit. Taking a seat, he wondered about that for a moment. He had thought Pak might have been a bit argumentative with him the last time the three of them were together but he did not think it was enough to warrant the need of a referee. She just had a problem with authority figures, at least that was his best guess. He supposed she might not like his face, maybe he looked like an ex. Still the protective gesture was touching; it had been a very long time since someone had thought he needed it. Sending to Rowan, he said. [Apparently I have been admonished not to break the AI with my charming wit and conversational banter.] He hoped that let his partner know that he and Pak were at least on speaking terms.
Turning his smile toward Cam, who's table this was according to Pak, he nodded in agreement as seeing her in the Towers. "Yes, once or twice. I appreciate that you have never once caused a local disturbance of any kind, and are, in fact, a model neighbor." He nodded and smiled in lieu of the handshake.
He took a peek at Camille's aura just to make sure that they really weren't intruding on people who were just too polite to say so; though from what he had seen of Pak so far, she'd have told them to buzz off if quickly enough if they were interrupting. Still, it never hurt to be sure.
Cam's aura was dominated currently by several different shades of red. The first was a fluttering, flickering red centered around the stomach and chest that he clearly understood as anxiety, the kind of thing that would be stage fright, butterflies or shortness of breath in physical conditions showed up as this wavering aura to him. The other red was a deeper, richer colour and that he had seen plenty of lately so there was no mistaking lust when he saw it. He didn't think it was directed at either himself or Rowan, it was there fairly steady, not in a pulsing flash that flared to life when an attractive person happens to catch your eye. It could be Pak. Did they interrupt a date? The ocean blue calm colour that became brighter when she looked at him suggested otherwise, mild relief of some sort and he wondered why. The last combination of colours was a bit of turquoise with the palest of pinks when she turned in their direction. Together it made up the kind of gentle affection you had for someone or something that you found charming or adorable and some way. Christian found himself blushing slightly. Bowing his head, he turned his attention to the fingers that entwined themselves with his own. Cam found them cute; he was both pleased and embarrassed by this realization.
Rowan seemed intent upon making sure he was drunk before they left the bar. Smiling at this effort on his behalf, he looked up at the server and continued the Jimmy Buffet theme with a single margarita for himself.
"I have to say the music is better than the HoP. No offense to the vampire loving crowd but after a while that stuff really starts to all sound the same."
((ooc: Cam's lovely reddish aura with permission. ))
Reese E Deardon
Red looked through the play list he had planned on spinning for the next hour before he and JT decided to start their set when the manager came up on the stage. The brown skinned man came up close to Red and stepped into his personal space, making Red take notice of the subtle nuances of the scent the manager carried with him.
His name was Oscar Perez and was at least into his forties, but he carried the age well physically with his eyes showing the only signs of age with soft crows feet and an apparently smoking habit by the creases around his lips. By the smell of it, it was cigars and not cheap ones. Oscar's hair was long enough to dust his shoulders but expertly cut to look like he ran his hands through them briefly and the style complimented his rounded features and strong nose. All this was interesting, but when Red inhaled deeply, he could taste the bitter aroma of dark coffee beans, sulfur, and something smoother that he couldn't quite put his finger on. Pulling off his earphones, he leaned in close and listened to the manager.
"Why don't you start your set now?"
Red shrugged, "You don't want me to warm up the crowd first?"
That's what he had always done - spun something upbeat and heavy with thumping base to get the crowd's energy up so they were excited for the headlining band.
Oscar looked into the crowd and then grinned. "They're already excited, Mr. Deardon. We've been packed for over an hour already in anticipation. They're waiting for you and Mr. Paulson to begin."
Red raised his eyebrows and then leaned back to look at JT. The latter lifted his chin in question and Red raised his hand, signaling with a spin of his finger to start. Nodding, JT began to thump the center bass drum with his right foot, starting a beat that was just low enough to get people's attention and gave Red time to switch gears. He spun his drumsticks in his hands, smiling at Red.
"Ok, we'll get started then."
Oscar slapped him on the back of his shoulder and left the stage. Catching Dom's eye, he pointed at the Spaniard and then motioned for him to come by the stage near JT. Moving toward his digital equipment, he faded out the music, garnering the attention of the crowd and turned behind him to pick up his acoustic guitar, adjusting it to filter in through the front speakers. Once Red stepped up to the microphone, JT stopped and let the crowd settle down.
Red swallowed, looking out into the crowded bar. It had filled up considerably with more people moving down into the club from the ground street. The bright lights against him cut on and he lifted his hand, blocking the glare as the crowd teetered, excitement growing.
Starting with his acoustic guitar, he began to play unaccompanied, a repeat on the same rift as his eyes searched the audience. He was looking for Camille, he realized. A rush of adrenaline coursed through him and he inhaled deeply, trying to detect her scent but with the sweat from the crowd, the multitude of scents was too overwhelming. As he finished playing the rift again, not realizing he was doing it without even thinking, he smiled into the crowd and leaned into the microphone, causing the crowd to begin clapping.
Red's voice was low and sultry as he spoke the first verse.
Just something about you
The way I'm lookin at you whatever
You keep lookin at me
You gettin scared now, right?
Don't fear me baby, its just destiny
It feel good right?
Listen
His fingers continued playing the repeated rift as he began to sing, his eyes moving through the crowd, making eye contact with a few of the women. JT started in at the tail end of the first verse and sang the chorus.
I kind of noticed, from one night
From the club, your front face
It's kind of weird to me
Since you're so fine
If it's up to me your face will change
JT cut in, singing from behind Red at the drums with Red adding in as the lingering voice.
If you smile then that should set the tone (just be limber)
And if you let go the music should move your bones (just remember)
Sing that song with me
The crowd roared and Red looked back at JT with a smile as he continued the song. Who knew the drummer could sing, too!
Ain't nobody love you like I love you
You're a good girl and that's what makes me trust you (hey!)
Late at night I talk to you
You will know the difference when I touch you
Simon Huntington
Simon's face softened into a sad smile as Viv took advantage of the change of subject and dropped their flirting completely, focusing her attention on her Pipers on stage. He did a cursory sweep of the stage floor, just looking to look, and could feel the heat coming off the already gyrating bodies as the lights adjusted and a spot light focused in on the Piper with the obvious moniker. The man they called Red, but Simon had since discovered was named Eric Deardon from Europe, and a rather skilled sharpshooter, medically trained musician. The Pipers all seemed to be jacks of many trades and the Piper sitting down at the drums was no different.
James T. Paulson's background was easier to unearth than the other Pipers; prior US military until leaving for his new life last year. Another medically trained combat specialist with no glaring mental dysfunctions, at least none noted in his military personnel file. Simon dug deep with this one. His mother was American, but as far as Simon could find, his father was French Canadian.
All he knew about the Pipers was what Viv had briefly told him. They were descendants from Hammerthynn and her fiance's family. He wondered if it was just tradition or if they possessed particular skill sets that made them better candidates for Pipers. The werewolves were an interesting lot - having the foresight to cultivate their army. They weren't just dumb dogs.
Red began to play his guitar, working the crowd with a surprising amount of charm that Simon did not think the boy possessed. The crowd settled down as he started the song, only to ramp back up higher than before once they got into the meat of the song. Even Vivienne's reaction was surprising as she pulled away from Simon and began to yell the most unladylike comments. It immediately reminded him of Carol. But despite being seven months pregnant, Viv wore an off the shoulder draping dress that hugged the last remnants of her hourglass figure, enough for his libido to notice. Her shoulders were silky soft, shining with a hint of sweat. She moved in front of him as she began to move her body to the music.
The women surrounding him began to gyrate as she did, igniting the predator in him as well as arousal, enough so that he unknowingly released it into his aura with Viv and she turned and looked at him. It was a look given that accidentally triggered her own arousal, mixing with slight annoyance at Simon's lack of control.
"It's not my fault." Simon pointed up to Red, "It's him. For a skinny, red headed kid, he's being very successful at grabbing all the female attention."
Viv turned back toward the stage with a laugh and continued to move her hips. Rolling his eyes, Simon drank his beer.
Camille Sotoria
Cam shook her head at the waiter. She'd end up drinking too much in hopes of quelling her nervousness and she couldn't even imagine being drunk around strangers. But she supposed they weren't completely strangers, they were part of her clan, apparently.
She felt Christian's eyes on her as he sat down at the table. It felt like invisible fingers, adding to her anxiety. Reaching out mentally, she gauged him while trying not to stare. She felt the flush of embarrassment at her smile and she wondered if maybe he wasn't like her, but then his job would dictate an amazing level of observation, so again her anxiety screamed in terror as she imagined him trying to figure her out.
The waiter left and Cam took a deep breath, opening her mouth to start some sort of conversation when low, resonating thumps from the drums began to beat. The crowd settled down and she saw Red take the stage, draping the strap of his acoustic guitar over his shoulders. The spotlight flashed on and she could see him shading his eyes, looking out into the crowd. Instinctively Cam made herself smaller, trying to avoid his gaze. She managed to hide long enough for him to turn back to his music and begin his song - a catchy club scene song that was perfectly accented with his baritone voice, sending shivers down her spine. She remembered that voice, dreamed about it even, and she felt her arousal burn her skin in an all over blush.
Clearing her throat, she addressed Christian's curious statement about something called the HoP. She was curious to find out what it was, but as he dropped certain keywords, Cam's eyebrows rose in surprise.
"Is that something we should be talking about?" she asked, leaning across the table in as low a voice as she could manage with the loud music. Looking at his partner, Cam assumed he either knew or was one himself. She supposed they were safe, but you didn't survive in the dark by yelling from the shadows.
Pakpao
Pak turned the idea of a drink over in her head. She had been craving one but now it came down to it she just wasn't interested. She did desperately want a clove though, she couldn't shake that. In some ways it was her security blanket and it did occasionally drive unwanted people off, not that she wanted to drive any of these folks off.
She offered a weak smile to Rowan when he sat next to her. She wasn't trying to pick a fight or alienate any one, she was just gifted that way.
Raising an eyebrow at Christian Pak continued her bluff of surliness, anything to cover the fact that she found him intimidating. [Today, tomorrow, fifty years from now... the threat holds.]
In the mean time she might have a little chat with MARI about Christian. Maybe the AI had some insight into their security chief. Aloud she snorted at Christian's musing.
"I don't think people go their for the music..."
She didn't, but that was another story. The HoP was a fairly open secret, but some people were more cautious than others. Besides, given the crowd's reaction to the singer they couldn't have openly discussed plans for a full on invasion of Cuba and no one would have noticed. She opted to change the subject.
"Did he get this big a reaction last time?"
Because the band was getting a hell of a reaction right now. Pak had to admit the singer was good, she wasn't sure if it was his voice or his rapport with the audience or both.
Rowan Murphy
Rowan smiled at Cris. [Yes, you can keep me up. Yes, we should go straight home after this and, well, you can put me in bed but what I had in mind only rhymes with 'tuck' and there aren't usually any books involved.]
He looked at Cris questioningly when his partner told him what Pak had said about the AI. [Break it? How did that ever come up? And fine... break me with your banter. I love it.]
He was still in protection mode. Rowan didn't know what Pak's problem with Cris was... if there was one. She had offered Rowan a weak smile, which he returned, but then she favored Cris with a raised eyebrow which he took to mean their silent conversation continued. Rowan's smile faded and he furrowed his brow curiously at Pak. He leaned in toward Cris just in case it wasn't readily apparent that they were there together.
The arrival of his margaritas gave him something to contemplate aside from worrying about Cris... sort of. He liked worrying about Cris. With that in mind he sighed, picked up his first drink, and chugged half of it down. He was no lightweight. If he intended to make good on his word, he had to get cracking.
He raised his eyebrows as Cam asked about Cris's comment. "Is what something we should be talking about? The vampire loving crowd?" He exchanged a curious glance with Cris, then looked at Pakpao, who also seemed to have missed the point. "Uh, as far as I know. The goth wannabes don't go there for the music. The point is, this is much better."
He indicated the band. "They're very good."
In the meantime he wondered if they had possibly made a mistake in coming over. Neither Pakpao nor Cam seemed to really desire their presence. Maybe they'd just agreed to it out of kindness. He slugged back another few gulps pf his drink.
"Do they come here a lot?"
Christian Bern
Christian listened to his partner's list of allowances and repressed an amused smile. It would seem sleeping was not a high priority in the care and maintenance of Rowan.
He made no more comment about Pak's threat, feeling it was not necessary. During the course of his work day, Cris spoke to MARI more often than he spoke to anyone else on his team. The AI helped him locate his people. She reported disturbances and calls for help. She assisted in allowing security into locked apartments, occasionally cut power to certain sections and did hundreds of other things that made her very valuable to security and a constant companion to its chief.
Answering Rowan's question he said. [I told Pak she was busted for having a social life. She said that would result in MARI being anti-social and paranoid. I told her that I would keep MARI company. Pak told me not to break her.] That about summed it up.
It seemed that Cam became more uncomfortable with his attention on her, so he returned it to the crowd around them. He personally coped with social situations by being someone else for a while. He wondered what would put his clan mate at ease and decided to start with focusing his attention elsewhere. He realized that many people in Liefde were not comfortable with his company; he was, after all, the Evenhet version of the Long Arm of the Law. That generally made him the last person anyone wanted to have in the middle of their business.
Nodding agreement to Rowan's statement, he added. "I only meant the black leather and velvet wearing crowd with their fake fangs and equally fake accents. " He smiled. "Though, as it happens, in this particular group, I think the discussion would be safe enough."
When his drink arrived, he sipped it experimentally before deciding that it was delicious and indulged in a larger swallow. "Though I do like the band that plays there from time to time. Nox Æternus. Their choices are unexpected and the singer is good."
Pak asked about a previous reaction from the crowd so he surmised she must be talking to Cam who had been here before. Rowan came to the same conclusion and asked the same question that he was on his mind. Christian took another swallow of his drink and turned his attention to the red headed singer on stage. He had a lot of presence and seemed comfortable in front of the crowd; Cris personally envied him for that ability.
Vivienne Sena
"What?!"
Viv yelled out as JT and Red began to sing back and forth, complimenting each other and doing justice to the Justin Timberlake song. Red had the sultry charm down to a science this time and JT rocked the hell out of his shiny new drums.
"Oh my god, what?!"
she yelled out again with the entire crowd going crazy. "This is blowing my mind!"
"Mine, too," Simon said. Viv could feel his shock and surprise as it filtered into their aura and she turned back to him as she bounced up and down.
Red and JT rocked through the next two verses when suddenly Red pulled the microphone off its stand and tossed it to his right. Dom stepped up to the stage and caught the microphone in one hand and sauntered up to Red, letting the brown in him out for all to see.
Ma, what you wanna do?
I'm in front of you
Grab a friend, see I can have fun with two
Or me and you put on a stage show
And the mall kids, that's how to change low
From them you heard "wow, it's the same glow"
Look at me, I say "yeah, it's the same dough"
We the same type, you my air of life
You have sleepin in the same bed, er'night
Yo rock with me, you deservin' the best
Take a few shots, let it burn in your chest
We could ride down, pumpin' N.E.R.D in the deck
Funny how a few words turned into sex
Play #3, joint called Brain
Red stepped up and sang into the microphone with Dom, "I just love your... brain."
Ma, take a hint
Made me swerve in the lane
The name DOM G
And I burn every track
R…E…D, baby
Now how heavy is that?
Viv grabbed onto Simon's sleeve as she completely lost her mind. "GET OUT!!! GO DOM!"
"This is the weirdest thing I have ever seen, bar none," Simon said incredulously.
[CENTER]Ya know, I used to dream about this when I was a little boy
Never thought it would end up this way
Drums..
[LEFT]JT began to tear up his drums, doing his solo as he brought down the house. His normally friendly face was caught up with excitement and concentration as he twirled his drumsticks and laid it down.
Hey!
Kinda special right?
Yea, ya know, when you think about it
Sometimes people are just destined
Destined to do what they do
And that's what it is
Now everybody dance
For an opening song, Viv was amazed and wondered just how they were going to top that.
"I'm surprised he hit those high notes."
"I know, right?" Viv turned back to the stage and clapped loudly when Simon whistled loudly over her head, clapping along with her. She looked at him and he shrugged, embarrassed.
"I admit it, they were good," he said with a smile.
The next thing Viv heard was the familiar guitar rift of the Police's 'Roxanne'. A secondary spotlight focused onto JT as he flawlessly played the harmony for the song, giving it its backbone. As the song drew on, Viv felt Simon stand up behind her and rest his chin on top of her head. The display of affection lacked his normal suggestive bump and grind but he put his hands along her arms and just held her. Viv began dancing against him, avoiding pressing up against anything, and just enjoyed the warmth of his affection, relieved that their aura lacked any of the usual lecherous arousal.
The song rounded the corner, coming to its end when JT really gave the final his all, standing up from his seat, raging on the cymbals, giving Red the perfect end to a perfect song. He twirled his drumstick and caught it mid fling as even Red turned around and applauded, pointing at JT.
"They are going to be so pissed they missed this."
"Where are your friends?"
"They're coming, just later. The headlining band doesn't usually start this early, so we didn't think Red and JT would either." Viv paused, letting curiosity filtering into their aura.
"What?"
"I wonder if Red's girl is here."
"Oh the young lady he, how'd you put it, hooked up with for 48hrs of nonstop...smexin'? God your grammar."
"Exactly. You'd think she'd be here, but he had a thing about commitment." Viv stood on her tip toes and looked around, seeing what she could see as Red and JT started up another song.
[/LEFT]
[/CENTER]
Camille Sotoria
Cam considered their responses to her inquiry about the HoP. Cris' explanation as to what it was made sense - there were always those that desired to live in the alternate reality since their own was either too mundane or just unacceptable, but she went through her periods of regret for choosing the path that she had. It let her live another six hundred years with Isidoro, but she was forced to live without him for even longer. Humans had no idea how good they had it.
Biting her lip, she answered Pak and Rowan's questions about Reese with a single answer. "He is usually the DJ from what I understand and warms up the headlining band, but last week there was a problem and he stepped in with a magnificent performance. I think it surprised everyone and it looks like the success of that impromptu show got around."
Cam's attention was drawn back to the stage as she realized the drummer was singing as well and was quite good at it. She found herself tapping into the excitement of the crowd and clapped her hands as she watched Reese look incredibly handsome as he moved with the music as well as played his guitar. Suddenly a third man stepped up on stage and rapped along with Red and the drummer.
Laughing, she clapped, completely enthralled with the show and desperately wanted to run up to the stage to watch Reese closer when she remembered her table mates. With a sheepish grin, she waited for the song to end before she spoke again.
"Red is very...uh...very good." She knew a scarlet red blush filled her cheeks and she tried to temper down the arousal she was feeling.
Concentrating on the two men and Pak, Cam watched as they enjoyed their drinks. "So, how is the security business treating you, Christian? Do you and Pak work together?"
Pakpao
She couldn't figure Rowan out, Pak didn't know if it mattered or not. She was an acquired taste and she knew it. But some days she wished very Eiryk's knack to just get on with everyone. She'd seen it happen, people crossed rooms to talk to him, he just... well there was a warmth to the former Viking that people responded to. Pak took it as a personal failing that she didn't share that trait. Maybe she's see if Kem and Aishe minded her stopping by a little later.
Well this was a side to Christian that Pak wasn't familiar with. But then again, did anyone know Christian really well? Probably, some one must just not her.
"I wouldn't have thought the HoP and the velvet wearing crowd was your scene."
She said being careful to keep her tone mild and casual.
It was easy to get caught up in the energy from the stage and the crowd. It seemed like Cam was being swept up in it. Pak smiled and stiffled a giggle.
"They both are really."
Pak was just so used to holding herself apart from everyone and everything that while she could feel the energy, she wasn't part of it. It washed over and around her and she enjoyed the audience’s mood, but she was happy enough to turn her attention back to Cam. She was kind of curious to hear Christian's version of that question.
Rowan Murphy
Rowan peered at Cris. [I guess I fail to follow the logic. Being busted will make... MARI anti-social? And why would you break her?] He sighed softly, certain his misunderstanding was the result of not really knowing Pakpao. Still, though, Cris's feelings were not to be toyed with. [Do you want to excuse ourselves, Cris? We can enjoy this show from the other side of the room. There is no reason for us to remain.]
He was probably reading too much into it. But Rowan had learned that a question never asked was an answer never received. Cris's comfort was of the utmost importance to him; if something someone said caused him any measure of hurt Rowan was prepared to remove that.
Listening to Camille's explanation about the DJ-turned-performer Rowan turned his attention to the stage and nodded along with the beat. "He is good. They all are."
The song choice wasn't necessarily to his liking but the ability of the performers was unquestionable. Not to mention the fact that they were clear crowd-pleasers.
Rowan's attention went back to the table at the sound of Pak's voice, neutrally giving an opinion about Cris's supposed choice of entertainment. He took another drink of his margarita and smiled at the shorter woman. There was no malice in it; Rowan liked her and generally enjoyed socializing.
"Just goes to show, you can't judge a book by its cover," he said to Pakpao with a soft laugh. "People are full of surprises. You won't learn them if you never get to know them."
It was a very subtle hint. Rowan found Cris fascinating, warm, friendly, passionate, one of the sweetest men he had ever met. All Pakpao had to do was ask. Cris did bite, but Rowan could attest to the fact that the bite was pleasant. He was going to love Christian silly once they got home. Having softly voiced his opinion, Rowan finished his first drink, started on his second, and signaled the waiter for a third.
Christian Bern
Christian listened to Cam's explanation about the group on stage with fascination. They had only done this live only once before? No wonder there was so a powerful reaction; apparently they were naturally very good. He wondered if they had worked together as a band previously. If they practiced often in the past then that at least explained how they were comfortable with each other, but they still had a lot of showmanship. Some people were just born performers.
"Who knows that luck break could later be the beginning of a VH1 Behind the Music episode."
The next song he had heard often enough, remembering when the Police were virtually unknown themselves.
He answered Rowan's question while taking another sip of his margarita. [Well I imagine if Pak is not allowed out once and a while then she would be cranky and as one of the main programmers on MARI it might just translate into a grumpy and anti-social AI. As for how I would break. I am not entirely certain but I believe she was suggesting that I might not be the best at entertaining conversation.] Squeezing the hand in his, Cris hid his smile behind his large goblet of frozen alcoholic goodness. Rowan's offer was thoughtful. [No, I don't want to leave Camille. I have a feeling that she could use a friend or two tonight. Besides she thinks we're cute.] The last sentence was sent with bemused humor.
Turning his attention back to Pakpao, he was about to state that he had a secret love of crushed velvet and eyeliner when his partner spoke up with a mild rebuke and advice. Rowan's protective streak was touching; when was the last time anyone ever thought he needed to be protected? He might not be able to remember back that far.
He leaned over so that everyone at the table could hear him without him having to shout. "Our esteemed leader occasionally likes to slum it." Christian leaned back. "Someone has to keep an eye on him." Yes, he totally threw Alfarinn under the bus. What he said was completely true; the elder of Evenhet did go to the HoP from time to time and he had been there in the capacity of security more than once. Of course those weren't the only times he had been to the House of Pain, not even by half.
Returning his attention to the singer's pleading with Roxanne to give up her life of prostitution, Cris nodded to Camille. He kept his eyes on the stage and not on the brilliant shade of red that his clan mate had just become. It would seem easy enough to deduce where the more romantic emotions he had seen in her aura were coming from. "He is very good."
In answer to her question, he smiled. "I have recently found that I work entirely too much but I still enjoy it. Solving crimes, protecting our people and trying to keep the peace. Some might find it depressing but I find it fulfilling." It was his way of contributing to Evenhet with the skills that he had. "I do not see much of IT unless one of them snaps and goes on an energy drink fueled rampage through the Towers but occasionally in the case of high tech crimes we do consult with our local computer gurus." Security had their own tech people but sometimes the more expansive knowledge of the best of the best was needed and those people worked with MARI.
"What about you, Camille? I have seen you in the Towers. Do you work there as well?"
Cris slid Rowan's drink toward him again with an impish grin. "You sure you don't want to play that drinking game?" [We could always do a round of Never Ever. That should be interesting in a group of stodgy old immortals. Of course we might have to get really creative or no one will go home drunk.]
Reese E Deardon
Switching to his flaming red Gibson and slipping the strap over his shoulders, JT began a fast beat that a few in the audience recognized, specifically Vivienne. He honed in on her shrill hooting and hollering and saw her jumping up and down in front of Huntington. His smile faltered for a moment as his annoyance reared its ugly head seeing the vampire standing behind her a little closer than Red would have liked. He would have liked Huntington in in ashes in the alley, but Viv wasn't his mate. Nodding toward her, he brightened his smile and wiped at his face with the bottom of his orange Kellogg's t-shirt. It was already damp from sweat and that was only after two songs. Waiting for JT to get to a certain spot, he stepped up to the microphone.
Resting his left forearm on the neck of his guitar, he began tapping his right foot, looking out into the crowd, still searching for Cam but let his smile ease down to a sexy grin. Pulling his neon green guitar pick out of his jeans pocket, he started the first verse of 'Hot for Teacher' by Van Halen.
Oh, wow, man, I said
Wait a second, man
What do you think the teacher's gonna look like this year?
Fuck man!
Uh!
Oh yeah!
Continuing with the energized tempo, Red flawlessly played his guitar and sang as loud and hard as he could knowing he'd feel it in the morning.
[CENTER]T-T-teacher stop that screamin'
Teacher don't you see?
Don't wanna be no uptown fool
Maybe I should go to hell
But I am doing well
Teacher needs to see me after school
I think of all the education that I've missed
But then my homework was never quite like this!
Ow! Got it bad,
Got it bad,
Got it bad,
I'm hot for teacher!
I've got it bad, so bad
I'm hot for teacher!
Hey, I heard you missed us
We're back! (Hey!)
I brought my pencil
Give me something to write on, man!
Whoa[LEFT]
Playing the guitar for him was as simple as breathing. Often he'd find himself playing only to drift off in thought, but continuing on without missing a beat. Still, it didn't compare to Charlie's sizable intellect (which he never showed off, except in the R&D capacity) or Marko's insane knowledge of small engines. Music set Red apart, and along with JT, excelled at it at an incredibly talented level. His aspirations had went beyond playing in his living room, so the big fish in a small pond fame was exhilarating, but it would never be anything he'd leave his current life behind for. Music and medicine were fun, but being a Piper was his life.
Red realized he was halfway through the guitar solo and he shook his head, clearing it when he got a flash of a mental picture in his head.
Cam was at the club.
Binding mark was a useful ability, but if he wasn't careful, he did tend to mark everything his saliva came in contact with and apparently he had marked Cam. When he concentrated, or zoned out rather, he could get a brief flash of the mark in question - where ever they were. Right now she was sitting to his left near the back looking at a woman and two men. Moving his head to his left, he saw her. Smiling, he finished the song with JT talking back and forth with him.
[CENTER]Oh man, I think the clock is slow
(What are you doin' this weekend?) I don't feel tardy
Class dismissed!
Ooh-yeah!
I've got it bad,
Got it bad,
Got it bad,
I'm hot for teacher!
Whoa!
Oh! Ooh, yes I'm hot
Wow!
Whoa!
Oh! Ooh, yes I'm hot
Wow!
Oh my God!
Woo!
[LEFT]As he finished, he felt his fingertips burning and the sweat pouring down his chest and back. He knew JT had to be exhausted and he signaled for a five minute break as someone off stage threw him two towels. Walking back to JT, he handed a towel to JT who was covered in sweat.
"You still good?"
"Oh yeah!" JT said with a smile. "How are your fingers?"
"Tips are ok." Red wiped at his face and then ran his fingers through his hair. "Wanna slow it down?"
JT shrugged and then gave him a knowing look. "Cam here?"
Red was thankful that his body temp was already high and his skin was flush with it or else the blush he felt at the mention of Cam's name would have been embarrassing.
"I do not know what you are talking about, sir."
"Of course," JT said picking up his drumsticks. "Are you going to do what you said you were going to do?"
Red shrugged as if he didn't care.
"Man you really like her."
Red threw his towel at JT's face and returned to the microphone without his guitar. Checking the microphone, he then wiped at his face, smiling at the girls below him on the floor. He knew exactly where Cam was but he didn't look at her. He could not help but smile as he looked back at JT and started the next song.
[/LEFT]
[/CENTER]
[/LEFT]
[/CENTER]
Camille Sotoria
Cam's attention wavered from Reese to her table mates when Rowan made a rather passive aggressive comment to Pak. She felt the slight irritation from Rowan and confusion from Pak or something suspiciously close to those two emotions. It confused Cam to no end, but she tried to sidestep any type growing frustration by answering Christian.
"Oh, I don't work in the Towers. I don't work anywhere, really. I suppose you can say I'm an independent contractor. I deal with antiques. Acquiring and in some cases authenticating, but I don't really specialize in any era. I don't think I could work with other people." Cam shrugged sheepishly. "It's just easier for me."
Reese took a short break and disappeared to the back end of the stage, she presumed to talk to his friend. Curiously she missed seeing him and the thought made her pull her ivory wrap around her tighter. She was struggling with her feelings for him, struggling with the idea of it, really. He had not seen her yet and she wasn't sure if she was a little disappointed that he didn't try hard enough to find her. Maybe he assumed she had not shown up.
This was her best guess, that was until Reese started his next song and looked right at her.
Vivienne Sena
Viv was delirious. Red and JT continued with another fast song, this time really showcasing their talents with their instruments when Marko and Dom pushed through the crowd to where she was standing with Simon. He took the cue and whispered in her ear.
"Want another water?" She held up her three quarters full bottle. "I'm grabbing another for me. Gentlemen," he said nodding to the two Pipers and left.
Viv saw the ripple of disgust on their faces but they both immediately recovered. "I hope we didn't chase him away," Marko said with innocent curiosity. Dom rolled his eyes and smiled at Viv.
"Oh my god you were awesome!" Viv jumped up and down in front of Dom, putting her hands on his shoulders and generally losing her mind.
"I was nervous," Dom admitted but still looked smug.
"I didn't think he'd be able to do it," Marko said with his extremely low baritone of a voice. He gave his friend a side look and laughed.
"The other guys are going to be so sorry they missed it." Then Marko held up his phone and showed her the video.
"I got it all."
Viv continued to jump up and down, clapping happily. "I wonder if Red's girl is here?"
"So are we actually," Dom replied.
Then after the short break between songs, Red stepped up to the microphone without his guitar. They didn't have to wait long to find out the answer to their question.
Reese E Deardon
Red had been impressed with JT's repertoire of songs he could play. Their tastes varied - from old classic rock to the newer pop that was out, but Red loved the unusual choices. Those songs that burned brightly but then faded as fast as they came, but could always strike a cord with someone when you hear it again after so many years.
Bryan Adams also had a lot of awesome guitar rifts, but Red opted not to use his guitar for this song, wanting to concentrate on the vocals. He was a reasonable singer, playing the guitar was definitely his stronger suit, but this was Bryan Adams. All he really needed to do was get the gritty, throaty sound down and the effect would be the same. The neon lights dimmed down and the bar grew quiet. Finally he looked over at Cam who seemed to be startled that he noticed her. Red gave her a small grin and started.
I love the way you look tonight
With your hair hangin' down on your shoulders,
'N'I love the way you dance your slow sweet tango,
The way you wanna do everything but talk
And how you stare at me with those undress me eyes,
Your breath on my body makes me warm inside.
Let's make out, let's do something amazing,
Let's do something that's all the way
'Cause I never touched somebody like the way I touch your body,
Now I never want to let your body go ...
Let's make a night to remember
From January to December,
Let's make love to excite us,
A memory to ignite us,
Let's make honey, baby, soft and tender,
Let's make sugar, darlin', sweet surrender.
Let's make a night to remember
All life long.
He never once took his eyes off Cam. She, on the other hand, turned three shades of red and looked like she wanted to run for it. He was putting her on the spot, but he just could not help himself, especially when he took the microphone off the stand and jumped down to the stage floor.
There were tables lined along the perimeter of the stage floor and hers was near the back on the left. The tables were spaced apart with barely enough room to move between them if they were occupied. Still, he made do. Moving through the crowd, he turned to the first table and used his long legs to step up onto it. Everyone at the table picked up their drinks and sat back in their chairs as he made his away across the tops, back toward Cam.
[CENTER]I love the way you move tonight,
Beads of sweat drippin' down your skin,
Me lying here'n'you lyin' there,
Our shadows on the wall and our hands everywhere.
[LEFT]The look on Cam's face was priceless. She saw him coming and she put her hands up to her mouth, completely mortified. He crossed four more tables until he finally got to hers. Kneeling down, he sang to Cam as she looked up at him.
[CENTER]Let's make out, let's do something amazing,
Let's do something that's all the way
'Cause I never touched somebody like the way I touch your body,
Now I never want to let your body go ...
Let's make a night to remember
From January to December,
Let's make love to excite us,
A memory to ignite us,
Let's make honey, baby, soft and tender,
Let's make sugar, darlin', sweet surrender.
Let's make a night ro remember
All life long.
Oh, I think about you all the time,
Can't you see you drive me outta my mind,
Well, I'm never hodin' back again.
Ya, I never want this night to end.
Red pulled her hands away from her lips and her face was bright red under her soft brown skin and she had a small smile on her face. He knew he was going to regret doing this later, probably alienating half of whatever fan base he might of had at that point, but he could not help himself. He liked Cam, he'd admit that much, and he had picked the song just for her. It was either that or another Justin Timberlake song and he just couldn't risk losing any more fans by doing that. Besides, he had marked her.
She was his.
[/CENTER]
[/LEFT]
[/CENTER]
Simon Huntington
"Why is it that your life always seems to be straight out of a movie?"
Simon came up behind Viv and watched with her and the Pipers as Red stepped down from the stage and started to walk across the table tops.
"Oh my god. Oh my GOD!" Viv yelled out. She turned to Simon and grabbed him. "Pick me up, I can't see."
"What?"
"Gimme a boost, I can't see."
Handing Marko his beer, who took it with a strange look, Simon reached out and picked up Viv, letting her sit on his one arm and then lifted her so she could see above the heads in the crowd.
"You've gained about twenty pounds, haven't you?"
Viv looked down at him and slapped him playfully on his cheek. Simon could see Red stop at a table and kneel down in front of an exquisitely exotic looking woman with long black hair.
/She's too pretty for him./
/You are such a dick,/ she laughed in his head. /It's so romantic, though./
/Women,/ he said shaking his head.
Pakpao
Pak debated getting snippy with Rowan, but she was trying to be nice and she got the feeling he wasn't trying to be annoying so she let his Mr. Rodger’s moment go. She didn't even quip that Christian had to let people in or risk being judged by his cover. Instead she just half nodded and let the topic drop.
"That doesn't happen nearly as often as you might think."
Pak felt compelled to defend her department. She didn't feel the need stay in the center of the conversation. Pak was honestly happier on the edges, watching.
The VanHalen song made her grin and absently keep time with her foot under the table.
A tiny little change up and the guys switched tempos. Just ran into him her ass. Pak's eyes flicked between the singer on the stage and Cam. If this was just ran into Pak wanted to know what happened when Cam decided to flirt. It was romantic as all hell though, she had to admit that. She didn't think that she had -ever- made this much of an impression on some one. Apparently she was a bit on the forgettable side. Ah well, all the better to hide herself.
Who? What? No... he was not supposed to come down off the stage and toward Cam. Pak didn't care that the guy only had eyes for Cam. People were watching and she was in the line of fire. She didn't even think about it she inched closer to Rowan. Granted she didn't really know the guy, but he was family and if he was with Christian he was moderately safe.
Rowan Murphy
[Clearly Pak doesn't know you,] Rowan sent back defensively. [You're fascinating. MARI has nothing on you.]
At his lover's comment regarding Cam Rowan raised his brows but didn't look directly at their shyer Clanmate. [Poor thing, I wonder why she's here if she's so nervous? And I'm all right with being cute. As long as it's with you.]
He laughed softly when Cris blamed his visits to the HoP on Alfarinn. "You're a bastion of virtue, to keep him safe whle he slums so," Rowan drawled with irony. He grinned widely, sure Cris could read into it and guess that Rowan was wondering what might happened if he mentioned this deplorable slumming at dinner tomorrow. "He's clearly a bad influence on you."
Rowan chuckled at Cris when his drink was slid closer beneath him. He picked it up obediently and drank, trying to avoid brain freeze and giving a little sigh as he felt a contrary sort of warmth spread to him, in opposition to the frostiness of the margarita. He leaned further toward Cris, turning his head and brushing his lips against Cris's cheek. "I'm only interested in one drinking game," he said with a suggestive smile, soft enough for Cris's ears only. [Never Ever... the bane of my existence. I always end up drinking.] It wasn't his fault he'd led a somewhat... eventful... life.
He peered at Cam with interest when she stated her profession. He filed the information away but didn't have much chance to enter the discussion himself before the singer was approaching their table, fixated on Cam.
Oddly enough he sensed something on his other side and turned to find Pak sliding closer, looking a little edgy. He favored her with a sympathetic look and tilted his head at her in inquiry. She was welcome at his side, if the singing stranger made her nervous. He didn't know why he would though; the man was obviously quite fixated upon Cam.
Did any of the people at the table with him actually socialize on a regular basis? Rowan was beginning to wonder.
Christian Bern
Taking another swallow of his drink, he shrugged mentally at Rowan's sending. [No, she doesn't. So long as you find me fascinating then everyone else can do as they please.] His eyes slid over to Camille when Rowan asked about her. [Oh, I think there's a good reason...and he's standing on the stage.]
"I am a noble creature. I don't know what he would do without me." Christian managed with a straight face and a saintly beleaguered tone.
He listened to what Cam did for a living and smiled. A lot of Meridian dealt in antiquities, truth be told a lot of them could be considered antiques. "Experience must be very helpful for sorting out the real from the fake. If you come across any antique weapons then let me know." Even if he was not personally interested in everything she found he could probably find someone who was. "And woodwork. I am quite fond of that. If you find anything Scandinavian in origin then I am sure Alfarinn would be extremely interested."
[That was the reason for suggesting it.]Christian replied innocently to Rowan about Never Ever. He smiled at the kiss to his cheek. "You'll have to tell me more about this other drinking game. Later."
Cris watched Cam closely as the singer made his way toward their table on the tops of others. He also once more noted the quickest exits, out of habit, and mostly if his clan mate wanted to make a run for it. She didn't seem interested in bolting though. Camille turned several shades of red and looked to be frozen to her chair, but she was smiling. Christian smiled in return, happy that her interest appeared to be very much reciprocated. He shifted his scrutiny on the one singing, determined to make sure he had no bad intentions toward their shy clan mate. Red's aura had plenty of that particular colour but he also appeared to be scared, perhaps because serenading someone he was interested in right in the middle of the club was a bit outside his comfort zone. Christian's smile widened; the man was certainly hiding it well. All in all though he seemed to have good, if lustful, intentions. Somehow he doubted Cam was going to complain.
He looked over to notice that Pak was inching closer to Rowan. Raising an eyebrow, Cris sent. [It seems you've made a new friend.]
((OOC: Red's aura, ironically full of red, with permission ))
Camille Sotoria
"I haven't met Alafrinn yet, not personally. He is a handsome man. I'll keep an eye.... Oh no."
Cam had flicked her eyes back to the stage and saw Reese jump off. Her eyes went wide and her jaw slacked open as she stepped up on the table furthest away from their table. Everyone at once seemed to notice Red making his way toward the back of the club and she felt strain of curiosity focus in her direction. It weighed down on her like a hundred ton slab of cement. Closing her eyes, she felt her skin burn with what was almost certainly a new shade of red as she covered her gaping mouth with her hands.
Reese would not stop looking at her with that charming half grin. It made her toes curl and her stomach want to hurl her dinner. The stares were overwhelming, making her want to shrink under the table and die. What he was doing was incredibly romantic, she knew that, but he could not have picked a worst way to expression his fondness for her.
He finally reached their table and he practically had to step over Pak who slid her chair away, closer to Rowan. Her table mates stared at both Reese and Cam, making the situation infinitely worse. She mouthed the words, 'what are you doing?' pleading with her eyes when he knelt down in front of her.
"Oh...my,"
she murmured and looked down into her lap, feeling a hysterical laugh bubble up from her chest. He pulled her hands away and she could not help the smile she was giving him. It surprised even her that she didn't just get up and run. Her stomach twisted into knots as he leaned in close, looking at her with those bluest blue eyes.
Let's make a night to remember
From January to December,
Let's make love to excite us,
A memory to ignite us,
And let's make honey, baby, soft and tender,
Let's make sugar, darlin', sweet surrender.
Let's make a night ro remember
All, all life long.
Suddenly Reese stepped off the table and gently pulled on her hand till she stood up out her chair. Her wrap slipped off her shoulders and spilled onto the floor in an ivory pool. The frantic embarrassment made her eyes go wide as he reached out and tugged on her hair, rubbing the long black strands against his lips like he had done in her bed.
The crowd went wild, hooting and hollering at the erotic act.
Reese took a step back and let her go, leaving her as he walked back into the crowd, making his way quickly back to the stage. Cam stood watching after him, ignoring the stares, clapped as he finished his song. The crowd applauded and Reese and his friend moved swiftly into the next song.
Cam rubbed her hands against her thighs and sat back down at the table, scooping her wrap off the chair. Tucking her black hair behind her ears, she shyly looked up at her clan mates.
"He's quite the showman...isn't he?" Cam cleared her throat and grinned.
Vivienne Sena
"What is he...what is he doing...oh he did NOT!"
"Did he just rub her hair across his lips?" Marko asked with an confounded expression.
"I have got to remember that move," Dom murmured.
Viv craned her neck to see the girl's face and was not surprised to see the look of complete and utter arousal.
"She really is too pretty for him," Simon said with a chuckle. Viv, Dom, and Marko all looked at Simon, glaring at him. "Sorry, sorry."
Viv draped her arm around Simon's shoulders and pursed her lips at him. "Ok, lemme down."
Lowering her slowly to the ground, he held onto her until she was flat on her feet again before reaching for his beer. It was empty. "You drank my beer?" he asked Marko.
Marko shrugged at him. "Yes, I did."
Rolling his eyes, he put the empty bottle down on a nearby table and then stood close to Viv. "Now that I've seen the show, I should probably leave. Did you want a ride home?"
"You're not going to stay?"
"Isn't your Commander coming soon? I'd rather not give the poor man a heart attack."
"He's with Charlie tonight pulling duty. And you'd be surprised at how strong his heart is," Viv said with a lecherous smile.
"Thank you for that mental picture."
"You are most welcome." She smiled up at him, pushing her tongue behind her teeth and giggled. Simon pushed his lips out and looked around the room.
"What do you know about that girl?"
Her smile faded and she shrugged, not really knowing anything about her, other than her name. "I heard her name was Cam. That's it though. Red doesn't talk about her at all."
"The company she keeps is interesting."
Viv looked back over the crowd at the girl and the people sitting at her table. "Why?"
Simon spoke to her via their bond. His voice was cautious as well as amused. /That blond gentleman? He's from Evenhet./
Simon Huntington
/God - you did not just tell me that./
/Grammar, Vivienne. And yes, his name is Christian Bern./
Simon watched Viv struggle with the information as she pulled on her hair, tugging at a curl.
/Man..../ she drawled in his head. /Why you gotta ruin my night like that?/
/Oh my god. I can't even look you in the eye when you talk like that./
Viv rolled her eyes at him and turned toward the stage, looking sadly at Red. /That doesn't mean she's one of them though./
He shrugged. /No, it doesn't. We do have a lot of groupies./ Simon tried to cheer her up but she only continued staring at Red. /Listen, I wasn't trying to upset you. I'm sorry. She may not even know them. The bar is crowded./
/Don't mention this to anyone else, ok?/
Simon raised his eyebrows, a little surprised at her request. Was she not going to tell Red that his girlfriend, at best, associated with vampires? Blissfully unaware was better than being alone, he figured.
/Mums the word./
Pakpao
Honest to got Pak couldn't even hear the words of the song. She could only see Red and Cam and hear the crowd. Her mood shifted quit suddenly now that she was certain no one was looking at her and Pak sighed wistfully. That was sexy as hell as well as being romantic. She wound up resting her head on Rowan's arm for a second, used to having either Kem or Eiryk next to her. Hell even Alexander she had gotten to know a little bit. Realizing it wasn't any of these three people Pak sat upright quickly and blushed a little, stumbling out an apology.
She quickly changed the focus back to Cam having to raise her voice a bit to be heard.
"P T fucking Barnum was not that much of a show man."
Quite frankly she was a bit jealous and very surprised that some one who came off as shy as Cam could attract that much of an exhibition. Not that she wasn't gorgeous but, there was a bit of a difference in personalities.
It was killing her not to say something about running into him again or equally suggestive, but she'd only just met Cam. OK well maybe a little something...
"You've met him once?"
It sure seemed like Red had that planned.
Rowan Murphy
Rowan let the warmth he felt for Cris show in his sending back. [You do fascinate me, a ghra. Always.] Screw MARI. Cris could keep Rowan company forever. He couldn't wait.
"Martyr," he laughed, burying the noise in his margarita as he covered his humor with a healthy swallow. After that he simply nodded... oh yes, Cris would learn about this game. Later.
Rowan spared little thought for what was happening between Cam and the singer; he was preoccupied with what was going on between Pakpao and his arm. He could have sworn there was some tension there but now Pak seemed intent on clamping onto him.
He opened up reluctantly, curious and concerned, and pulled Pakpao's emotions in, immediately tensing as he felt fire course over his shoulder from the fleur-de-lis brand. [Fire,] he sent back to Cris almost unconsciously, taking a deep breath and focusing past the fear the sensation invariably caused. Pakpao was nervous, afraid of something as the singer came close. It faded as he approached Cam, not Pakpao, and turned into embarrassment as she released his arm and drew away with an apology. [Not a new friend,] he sent to Cris. [She was afraid of something. It's gone now.]
He quickly tamped down on his empathy with relief before the flames could wrap themselves around his neck. He felt Cris's hand tightening on his and put his head down on Cris's shoulder for a moment. Lifting it again he smiled at Pakpao. "Are you all right?" he asked her softly.
He released Cris's hand and raised his arm, resting it across Cris's shoulders, brushing his thumb gently across the back of Cris's neck. He reclaimed the hand that had been his with his other one, abandoning his drink for a moment to do so. Rowan rested his head back on Cris's shoulder to await Pak's answer. He hadn't understood why the sudden, quick embrace but seeing as how he was obviously there with Christian Rowan couldn't possibly believe she was trying to get intimately close to him.
He let Cris respond to Cam, who seemed all right now that the embarrassment of being singled out in the club had passed and collected himself. He hated his empathy. Okay, it had its uses like just now. But he hated it.
((ooc: empathy permission/description from Pak))
Christian Bern
Cris smiled at Rowan's mental comments as they watched the singer come closer to them via the tops of the table. He turned his attention away from studying the red haired dj to look at his own red head. He found Pakpao leaned up against Rowan's arm. Christian sat up a little straighter, watching the Asian woman with a look that ice would have called cold.
That is until Rowan sent to him about fire in a voice filled with pain. His attention immediately went to his partner in concern. Rowan was focused inward, his eyes shut tight, and Cris knew that his lover had invoked his empathy. He clung to the hand in his, wanting to ask Rowan to let the ability go but not wanting to distract Rowan and waste the effort his partner had put into using his empathy. His gaze flickered briefly back to Pakpao when Rowan pronounced her afraid of something. He glanced around as he drew closer to Rowan, searching for anyone else who might have frightened Pak. Had she seen someone? Or was it just the attention their table had gathered? Another gaze around the room, checking auras with his own gift, which looked to him like a confusing blaze of colours from a 70's poster shifting and swirling crazily around the people dancing and drinking. [I don't see anyone out of the ordinary.] There were some auras with bad intentions, there always were in such a place, but none of those people seemed focused on their clan mate. It must then just have been the spotlight. Odd, Pak never seemed very shy to him but perhaps her grumpy exterior was a cover for being intimidated by social situations.
He loosened his fingers from Rowan's grasp and wrapped his arm around his companion's waist, giving him the other hand to hold onto. [Are you all right, Love?] Cris leaned his cheek against the head resting on his shoulder.
Looking over at Camille, he smiled. "Yes, he is. I think I would be very flattered to have such a show put on for me. He seems quite taken with you." Cris turned his gaze to the man who was making his way back to the stage. "To the disappointment of a lot of the women here, I would say."
Camille Sotoria
Cam hunched her shoulders together and shook her head. "I...did meet him only once. Uh...."
Cam faltered as she tried to reply to Pak. Her face was on fire, as was the rest of her body after Reese touched her hair to his lips. He had been terrified coming to her, but as always it was mixed with humor and arousal. Reese wasn't able to not feel scared when dealing with anything remotely resembling more than just physical attraction, but then neither was Cam. They were two sides of the same manic depressive coin.
The lingering tendrils of emotion from the crowd suffocated Cam. Intense curiosity, humor, borderline vicious scrutiny bombarded her mind, making her flinch. She wanted to leave, but her heart struggled with her phobia, wanting to stay to see Reese finish his set. And she had found her clan mates, she wanted to get to know her extended family better. The need to break out of her disorder had been strong, as of late, and she wanted to see it through. Being alone had been convenient, but for a fleeting 48hrs, she saw the other side of her mental wall and it had been glorious.
Pakpao
"Huh? Who?"
Pak hadn't been expecting Rowan to say anything at all to her. She had absently made her mind that he didn't like her. But, she thought that about a lot of people, it was kind of a defense mechanism and helped her not care about what people thought about her.
Consciously, if slightly reluctantly Pak willed herself to be a little friendly and a little open. She smiled tentatively.
"Yea... er yes... I mean he just kind of surprised me that's all. Thanks."
There. She'd done it she'd moved beyond polite to friendly, if shy. And it was all undone by Christian's dirty look. It wasn't like she was -hitting- on Rowan. She wasn't dense, she did, however, move away from Rowan just in case. But apparently she'd given the Christian one more reason to look at her cross eyed. He'd probably turn MARI against her later. Pak really had no idea why the man intimidated her so much, it wasn't going to change any time soon apparently.
She didn't want to put Cam in too much of a bind so Pak gave her a graceful out. Well, she tried too.
"I'd say that was a hell of a first meeting."
Her smile warmed, but she didn't press for details or anything further. Pak was pretty sure she'd never made that much of an impression on any one -ever-. More power to Cam.
"Good club though... I might even consider dancing."
That, however, was a flat out lie. But it was an attempt at a change of subject.
Rowan Murphy
Rowan shook his head against Cris's shoulder. [It's gone now. I think the singer startled her. Dunno why.] Cris had obviously searched, his way, for anyone intent on harm or foul play. Rowan envied him the ease of use of him empathy, but ostly, was glad Cris was along. Even out for some R and R, Cris was looking out for his family.
He raised his head when Pak answered him and nodded at her. "No worries."
Cris's voice in his head again asked the same question of him that he'd asked of Pak. And with an added endearment that made his eyes fly open. Rowan looked up at Cris, eyes wide, as his heart stopped beating for a long moment. He felt Cris's arm around his waist, Cris's hand linked with his. All traces of fire were gone. [Call me that some more and I may never feel pain again.]
His heart resumed beating again and Rowan reached out for his drink, knocking the remainder of the second one back. His hand shook, but it wasn't because of the aftereffects of his empathy. He took a deep breath. Empathy was one thing. Hearing a word that you realized you very much longed to hear... that was another.
Rowan nodded at Pakpao, agreeing with her before turning to Cam. "You made one hell of a first impression."
He lifted himself from Cris's shoulder. "Speaking of dancing," he said softly, leaning over to brush his lips against his lover's cheek tenderly. "Will you dance with me, a ghra?"
The music had not been slow so far but Rowan just wanted to get up, move a little, and have an excuse to hold Cris closer than would normally be appropriate in public. Hopefully Cris would agree. Hell they could stand in a corner and neck for all he cared... actually, that sounded pretty nice.
Christian Bern
Cris smiled at Rowan and sent [Is that all it would take? Hmm, I think I can manage that and maybe even a bit more, for you.] He hugged his partner tightly, laughing and shaking his head as Rowan downed all of his second margarita. Cris noticed that his partner's hand was shaking and he leaned his head against Rowan's shoulder for a moment, smoothing his hand along his companion's back.
He looked over at Cam and smiled as the others agreed that she had made quite the impression on the singer. Glancing back at the stage, Christian nodded.
Pak mentioned dancing and Rowan seemed to believe that was a good idea. Cris reached over to his own drink, picking it up, he finished it at a more respectable pace. Once it was done, he set the large glass on the table and nodded to his partner. "I would love to."
Looking at Cam and then at Pak, he asked. "Would you both like to come with us?" He stood and reached a hand down to Cam. "We'll be gentlemen. I promise."
[We will be, right?] He asked Rowan. [With our clan mates at least...] Cris left the rest unsaid, knowing his partner could correctly infer the rest of his thought.
Camille Sotoria
Cam gulped as Christian held his hand out to her. She had unknowingly wrapped her arms tightly around her chest and she flinched at the blond's offer. Her eyes flicked up to the stage and saw Reese continuing his set, entertaining the ladies near the center of the dance floor, and she wondered if he would mind.
Wait a minute. Why would she care if he did? She knew Reese a week, and yes he just serenaded her, but he had no real claim on her and vice-versa. Besides, this was just a dance. That's it.
"Sure," she said, reaching out with as much confidence as she could muster (which was not much) and timidly took Christian's hand. His fingers were warm and surprisingly gentle for a man who led Evenhet's security. Cam rose and tucked her arm around his as Pak and Rowan stood and joined them, all walking in the direction of the dance floor.
Cam had been a dancer in a past life, so the nervous twist of her stomach was not from not being able to keep up with the other dancers, but she readied herself to begin, Reese and his friend changed the tempo for their next song and slowed it down.
"Oh, well. Slow dance it is, then," she said to Cris with a smile. She held up her hands, waiting for Cris to take lead as Reese switched to his acoustic guitar. It was a soft spanish style song, prompting the people around them to couple up and dance as well.
((OOC - permission to move everyone to bust a groove))
Simon Huntington
"I gotta pee."
"I beg your pardon?"
Simon gave Viv a strange look as she pointed to her pregnant belly. "The baby will be stepping on my bladder here in a minute, so I gotta go stand in line before I p-"
"Don't say it!" With wide eyes, he stepped back and held a hand out toward the bathrooms for Viv. "Just go, Viv."
Viv grinned as she passed him. "You know you love my sense of humor and high disclosure."
He chuckled at her as she left, leaving the two Pipers standing awkwardly next to him. They nodded and then returned to the side of the stage. Simon didn't blame them for not hanging around; Viv was their buffer. They were all being polite not just because of the truce, but because Viv would want it that way. She had that affect on the Pipers, he noticed. She was the favorite big sister that they all cared about - the one that could kick their ass in a heart beat and was also dating their boss. Simon had never seen her use her position to influence the men into doing something selfish for her, but he knew he felt the same way about her that they did - Viv need only ask.
Red started another song, this time slower, and Simon flicked his gaze back across the dance floor and saw Christian Bern stand with Red's girl, along with the other table mates, and head to the dance floor. Whoever she was, she was definitely too pretty for the young Red. Sure he was an average looking kid, but the girl's hair was so black it was blue. She had faint tattoos down her arms and he wondered if there was anything else hidden beneath her clothes.
Standing at the edge of the dance floor, Simon watched as the girl, Cam he recalled her name being, reached out to Christian. Simon had met Christian years ago in connection with Evenhet's leader and his good friend Alfarinn. He remembered the man has being polite and efficient. It had been some time since Simon had seen him.
He'd have to say hi.
Pakpao
Pak sighed with a little bit of relief when Rowan and Christian decided to dance. That would give her a little breathing room. Just as she was relaxing Christian threw a curve ball and invited she and Cam to the floor as well. Since she'd been the one to half suggest it she couldn't very well say no. But no big deal it wasn't like they were actually dancing with each other any way. It was just an excuse to get on the floor.
She'd gotten half way to the floor when the tempo changed. Crap. This wasn't ideal. Rowan so far didn't seem very fond of her and beyond that he was on a date with Christian. Pak looked about a bit awkwardly.
"Yeah... I mean you don't have to. I don't want to horn in or anything."
She smiled a lopsided sheepish smile, trying to convey that she didn't dislike the idea or at least not Rowan she just wasn't much of a dancer.
"Besides I'd probably step on your foot or something."
If that wasn't a graceful out she'd handed Rowan she didn't know what was.
Rowan Murphy
In a bizarre twist of fate Cris invited Cam and Pak to join them on the dance floor and just as they got there the music changed to a slower song. Rowan almost turned to take Cris's hand before realizing that Cam was facing Cris expectantly. Regardless of having been asked to dance by his date, Rowan realized there was no way Cris could politely turn their clanmate down. He swallowed the quick irrational sting he felt and immediately brought his own subterfuge into play, knowing what this meant.
Shields erected around him like a brick wall Rowan turned to Pakpao with a warm smile to hide the awkwardness he felt at being forced to partner the woman he had previously reprimanded, however gently, for her attitude toward his date.
"Nonsense," he said, Pak's words further driving the point home that he could no more refuse to dance than Cris could. Cris would understand. Rowan couldn't leave Pakpao out in the cold anymore than Cris could leave Cam.
Taking Pakpao's hand Rowan forced his subterfuge up so hard he felt his head pound. He had no idea if she was an empath or not but he didn't want her to know, either way, how disappointed he was to find himself dancing with the one person at their table he'd have felt awkward with.
"I have more than one foot. You can't possibly hit them both at once," Rowan joked. "Look, you're tiny."
He held her properly, not an inch closer than was appropriate but not at a distance either. As they began to move Rowan grinned back at Pak and said, "And if it's really that bad I can just pick you up and save us both the trouble."
Privately, he wished his third margarita wasn't sitting up at their table. Well... maybe by the time this song ended it would have undergone mitosis. Margaritatosis. Or something. In the meantime he focused on Pakpao... and her feet.
Christian Bern
Christian walked with the others to the dance floor, glad that Camille and Pak, who both seemed to be having anxiety of various kinds, agreed to join them. He was not planning on the song becoming something so intimate.
"So it would appear." He smiled reassuringly at Cam, not wanting her to feel awkward with his own dilemma. She held her hands out to him and he took them. "Are you sure your red head won't mind?" Cris looked over at Rowan. [I sure hope mine doesn't mind. I'm sorry, Love.] He sent in a tone full of regret. [I promise you the next dance. Perhaps we can request another slow one?]
As they began to move, he glanced again at his date, checking his lover's aura with a worried glance. It was not difficult to tell the difference between Rowan's normally open colourful aura and the pale closed off one that he saw now. Subterfuge. His own was normally up but now it was tight shield around him as anxiety and guilt set in. Cris didn't want either Rowan or Cam to notice, or anyone else for that matter.
He could hear Pakpao and Rowan behind them. Christian knew that Rowan wouldn't leave their clan mate to dance by herself even after she said that it was okay. Rowan simply wouldn't be that unkind. Sure enough, Rowan quickly told her that such a notion was nonsense and joked cheerfully about having more than one foot. If it weren't for the tight reign on his emotions, Cris would almost, 'almost', suspect nothing was bothering his boyfriend. [You are still convincing me that you are a saint.]
Looking up at Cam, he smiled "So did you meet, Mr. Charisma, here?" Christian nodded his chin toward the stage.
Camille Sotoria
Cam took a deep breath and fell into step with Christian. The song was smooth and easy, not encouraging anything that would require lots of moving, but being in Christian's personal space or rather him being in hers did make her inner resolve almost snap like a twig. The flow of emotions surrounding her tempered down and it helped her relax. Christian might have been more concerned with Pak's partner, but the less attention she received, the better. That was, until, he decided to make small talk.
"I did meet him here, in fact. I just happened to find this place and saw him perform." Cam reached up and tucked her hair behind her right ear. "I accidentally ran into him after his set. He...followed me, actually, and we got a slice of pie together. He's very...sweet."
Cam looked at Christian chin, opting not to look him in the eye. It was easier to focus on that when she spoke. She felt nothing from him, oddly enough, but she realized maybe he was one of those who could hide their feelings. What must that be like, to be able to hide how you feel? Cam tried not to think about the potential that any one of her three table mates might have been empathic like her. Or even two empaths together - how gloriously naked that must be.
"You and Rowan are very cute together. Have you been together long?"
Suddenly there was a flash of intense curiosity that made her face tighten in a wince, then it was gone. Looking off to her right, she watched as the crowd parted revealing a tall man with light brown hair and hazel brown eyes. He was looking at Christian.
"Friend of yours?" she asked politely.
Simon Huntington
Simon looked back toward the bathroom and could see Vivienne standing at the back of a long line. Then he turned and looked back at Red's girl and Christian Bern on the dance floor. Pursing his lips, he thought to himself, 'How could I not do this?'
Moving through the crowd, he made his way over to the Evenhet security manager as he danced with Red's girl, Cam. Pulling his hands in, Simon fought hard to avoid being touched by the crowd - he always hated the jostling and touching of strangers, especially drunk ones. The crowd settled down to enjoy the soft slow music. Finally he was within about twenty feet when he got a clear look at the girl.
Her skin was a soft, light brown, much like Viv's with extremely long, black hair. It shimmered like oil as it shook gently against her back. Her outfit was modern, reasonable inexpensive, but her wrap was classic, sheer and ivory silk. It draped on her shoulders and hung off her arms as she held Christian. She was a pretty little thing. Suddenly she snapped her head in his direction and looked at him.
Pretty perceptive, too.
She whispered to Christian as she averted her eyes shyly making his interruption that much easier.
"Christian, been a long time."
Pakpao
He was being a good sport about things. Pak wasn’t sure she’d be quite so gracious if some one had made off with her date. She grinned at him and did her best to play nice as well.
“I’m more dangerous than I look."
They weren’t cuddled up like lovers or even good friends but at least he wasn’t holding her at arm’s length. That would have hurt her feelings. It was tempting to send to Kem or Eiryk or Aishe. She wouldn’t mind hearing a friendly voice right now. But Pak didn’t let herself give into that temptation.
“Read any good books lately?"
She cautiously teased Rowan. Pak wasn’t sure why she thought she’d upset him, or Christian, or both, but she thought she had and an olive branch never hurt any one. Unless you beat them with it.
Rowan Murphy
Rowan sighed to himself, hearing the tone of regret in Cris's voice. There would be other dances. Very soon. [That sounds wonderful, my own,] he sent back, his own tone equally regretful, taking care not to let Cris hear any of the brief selfish hurt he'd experienced at finding himself in this awkward position. [I can handle just about anything if you keep calling me that. I'll be waiting for you.]
He turned his attention back to Pakpao, shaking his head at her. "I'll take my chances."
Her next question made him laugh. "None that weren't dropped on my head. But no. I've been a little busy at work for reading. And well," he tilted his head to the side and shrugged a little, glancing at Cris. "I've had other, more pleasant, distractions."
He looked back at Pakpao, considering his next question. "If I may ask..." he hesitated and then shook his head at himself. He wanted to know. "Is there... bad history between the two of you?"
Pak didn't seem to like Cris much. Rowan didn't mind asking why. He wanted to know why Cris's presence would make anyone uncomfortable. It was second nature to him to try to figure that out. Cris hadn't mentioned as much but he could only imagine that the sort of reaction Pak had given him would hurt his feelings.
Christian Bern
[Then its a date. Ah wait, it was already a date. Its a plan. ]
Christian listened to the story of how Camille met Red and it seemed very normal but romantic. There was no rescuing from a burning building or star-crossed lover type of drama but it sounded like they had a good time and got to know each other. In the end normal was probably better and more lasting than all the good movie action anyway.
"He seems to be quite the romantic as well. Do you want to see him again?" As an empath he already knew the answer to that question, at least he knew what her feelings suggested, but Cam might decide that she didn't want to see the singer again for some reason that had nothing to do with her emotions.
Glancing over at his partner, he smiled. "No, not long at all really. We got drunk together, passed out and don't remember what happened. However, he was quite the gentleman." Leaning down to her ear, Cris added "And I fell for him instantly, but don't tell him that. I'm might still play hard to get."
He looked over when she asked about a friend, noticing and recognizing the tall frame of the Tacharan leader.
"An acquaintance. Simon Huntington, This is Camille, Camille, Simon."
Christian turned toward the man and smiled. "Yes, it has. Alfarinn has been staying out of trouble...for the most part." He sent to Rowan. [Hmm, I wonder what the Tacharan Elder wants. He never struck me as interested in idle chit chat.]
Simon Huntington
Simon shook Christian's hand all the while glancing at Camille. He reeled in any emotion or indication of suspicion and let his face color with interest as he looked at her. Camille's face tightened for a moment as she searched his face with hard eyes.
"Oh well, we all know Alfarinn, don't we?" Simon grinned and released Christian's hand. Pursing his lips, he looked back at Christian's blue eyes and shrugged. "I'm here with a friend and saw you across the way here. Had to say hello."
Simon looked back at Camille who's face had smoothed over. Her look was concentrated and penetrating, making him wonder if she just wasn't reading his body language when she spoke.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Huntington. An honor, really."
"Is it?" he asked with a chuckle.
Camille gave him a small smile and seemed to retreat within her wrap. All the clan leaders had some sort of reputation within the city, good or bad, so he wasn't as surprised to know that Camille recognized his name. Still, reaching out into his aura with Vivienne, he was careful to withhold the suspicion and disappointment that he oddly enough was beginning to feel for Viv's friend, Red. That poor boy had no idea what he was getting himself into.
"Would you like to dance?" Turning to Christian, he lifted a hand in an offering to Camille, and gave him an apologetic tilt of his head. "You don't mind if I cut in, do you Christian? Just one dance?"
((ooc lemme know if shaking hands isn't kosher))
Camille Sotoria
Cam knew of Simon Huntington but had never seen him before. Who in her world didn't know of the Leader of Tacharan, the third clan of cast offs from the rest of their vampire nation? It made Cam wonder why he had come over. Not to just meet her? Why would he even care?
Simon Huntington was void of any feeling whatsoever. She searched, as deep and as hard as her ability could, but he was hiding everything. Looking at him, he exuded the power that held his rag tag bunch of young vampires together in a cohesive clan. Cam had heard the whispers in the street, though, and wondered if his 'friend' wasn't the old Tacharan Leader herself.
They exchanged quick pleasantries, being polite as one could be, and then suddenly he asked her to dance. Her anxiety, which had been in check up until this very moment, suddenly raged against her. The attention was beginning to grate her nerves, but her struggling confidence was determined to not let this man intimidate her. She was older than he was and Christian was nearby if things got uncomfortable. Nodding politely, she reached out and took his offered hand.
Pakpao
Well that was... apparently Rowan had decided to either forgive her for any faults imagined or otherwise or at least give her another chance.
"I appreciate you taking the risk."
It was easy enough to relax into the dance now that she was pretty sure Rowan didn't hate her.
Pak cast a quick glance at Christian and smiled a little. It looked like the book to the head might have had some positive results. Did that qualify her as a match maker?
"It does look like you've had better uses for your time."
Rowan's question took Pak by surprise and she stared at him for a second or to before stumbling out a reply. She was so startled that she actually answered truthfully.
"No.. not... er... he scares me..."
Pak didn't know why either. Maybe it was the security thing, maybe it was something else. She knew she shouldn't be afraid of Christian but she was.
And suddenly said scary blond was out a dance partner. Hoping to avoid a discussion of her phobias she quickly changed the subject.
"You know I could use a drink... would you mind?"
She had no issues conveniently disappearing so the guys could have something of a date. Now if only Rowan would take her up on it.
Rowan Murphy
Rowan glanced over to Cris and Cam as he spun Pak slowly around. [That's the Tacharan Elder? He won't cause trouble, you think, will he?]
Christian didn't seem too terribly worried though, so Rowan followed his lead and continued to partner Pakpao. He smiled at her and laughed softly.
"What can I say, I'm a thrill seeker." She wasn't as bad a dancer as she professed to be; she was doing just fine.
Her answer to his rather uncharacteristically personal question, though, surprised him. "Scares you? I'm sorry." The answer left him perplexed. It wasn't that Cris was a cuddly teddy bear, exactly, but Rowan had seen him at work in the bookstore and found his presence... well, comforting. He had exuded competence, confidence. It was wonderful. And pretty damn hot.
But then, some people were drawn to authority figures (especially sexy blond ones in suits) and some were turned off by them. Rowan understood then that he and Pak just tended to be at opposite poles in that regard.
There was some momentary confusion as the Tacharan Elder cut in on Cris and Cam, leaving Cris alone. Rowan frowned, torn, and Pak took the opportunity to squirm out of their dance, sounding flustered. His bad. And yet...
As Pakpao almost fled the dance floor Rowan turned to Cris and held his hand out. "Well then. Do you mind bumping your plans up a little earlier?"
Christian Bern
Christian looked hard at Camille before stepping away but it appeared that she was at least resigned to dance with Simon for one reason or another. Perhaps he had the wrong impression of her and social situations didn't bother her as much as he thought.
"Be good." He warned Simon as he turned around to leave the dance floor.
In the mean time Rowan had been asking Pak why she disliked him so much. Apparently he was scary. With that revelation Rowan's dance partner quickly left the dance floor in search of drink. It was either out of politeness or to stop Rowan's further questions. Whatever the reason, he was grateful to her.
Cris folded himself into his partner's embrace, leaning against his shoulder. With a contented sigh, he smiled. "It seems my dance card has become a little more empty. I think I can fit you in."
[I want to keep an eye on Simon and Camille. I'm not sure I trust him to have good intentions, despite Alfarinn liking him. He's way too cunning for his own good and I can't imagine what interest he might have in our shy clan mate.] But he hoped to find out.
Leaning back to smile up at Rowan, he sent. [That doesn't mean I'm not going to grope you in public though.] With that warning, his hands slid down to his partner's ass, and Cris pulled Rowan closer.
Camille Sotoria
Simon Huntington pulled on Cam's reluctant hand, encircling his long arms around her waist. His touch made her involuntarily flinch and his proximity made every single alarm in her head go off. She wasn't even going to bother looking up into his eyes, she really did not have the confidence for that.
Why was she dancing with him? Considering she wouldn't even shake Reese's hand that first night, that was a very good question. Huntington's clan meant nothing to her; they were like quick flashes of light, a distraction almost. Not even a tenth of her age, these little...orphans were. Simon Huntington seemed out of place in Tacharan, if the stories were true. He had no business leading cannon fodder, but maybe that was why he stayed.
"Camille?" he asked, his voice humored and soft still over the music.
She raised her eyebrows and looked at his mouth. "Mr. Huntington?"
"Really? Please, call me Simon."
"Of course," she replied politely.
"So why is it the singer singled you out?"
Cam shrugged noncommittally. "I'm just another fan. He appears to be quite the showman."
"Oh, I doubt that."
Cam finally flicked her eyes up to his hazel ones. He was staring down at her, searching her face. It bothered her she could not feel his emotions, leaving her to have to figure out just what the mask he was wearing meant. Simon was so tall and the feel of his body beneath her hands were hard with muscles, working class probably at his turning, certainly not nobility. His hands were large and warm against her back as they wrapped around one hip and Cam could feel the callouses on the hand that held hers. It all felt too familiar.
"I'm not interested, Mr. Huntington."
Simon's face cracked into a huge smile and he looked off behind her shoulder, chucking. "That's all right, Camille, I wouldn't presume to ask if you were."
Cam felt the pit of her stomach drop when something akin to intense hate rippled through her mind, turning her attention toward the stage as the music suddenly stopped.
Reese E Deardon
Red tried not to stare as Camille stood up and began dancing with one of the men at her table. He had so clearly seen the embrace between the two men, making it obvious, at least to him, that he had nothing to worry about, but oddly enough he kept his eye on the blond as he took Cam into his arms.
It was a simple jazzy tune he was playing on his guitar, forgoing any vocals. Enough to slow the tempo down, give people time to refill their drinks and make the manager happy. Every one was happy. Happy, happy, happy. Yet Red still stared at Cam as she danced with another man.
Backing away from the microphone, Red cleared his throat and looked about the bar, moving his eyes automatically left to right, doing their normal scan when he saw Viv walk off to stand in line at the bathroom. His heart went out to her and her bladder which was probably being stepped on by her baby. Dom and Marko returned to the side of the stage and he nodded to them with a smile.
Looking around distracted him enough to not feel the tense pain of jealousy that was forming in his gut. It was foreign to him, feeling that way. He was so used to not caring. It was so much easier that way. But seeing Cam had been exhilarating and just touching her hair had been...he didn't even have the words. He felt a smile touch his lips as he stared down at the floor in front of him, methodically going through the motions with the song, not even paying attention. God he really did like her. Blinking, he shook his head and looked up again.
And saw Simon Huntington holding Cam in his arms.
Vivienne Sena
"Ok, you know what. I gotta GO!" Viv pushed through the line and walked up to the men's bathroom, pushing in the door.
Two men standing at the wall urinal pushed themselves forward to hide their delicate bit as Viv lifted her chin in salutation and pushed into one of the stalls. Good lord the baby was doing a job on her bladder. Stepping on that, kicking her stomach, playing with her intestines as she grew bigger and bigger inside Viv, with less room to move every day. She still had a good two months to go, too.
"Whew!" she said, finishing with a relieved sigh. Fixing herself, she walked out of the stall and washed her hands as two different men pressed themselves up against the urinals. "Gentlemen. Good evening."
Walking out, she threw the paper towel she had used to dry her hands into the basket near the door and passed the long line to the ladies room. Standing on her toes, she looked out into the crowd, looking for Simon.
/Hey, where'd ya go?/
Failing to answer, Viv looked at the stage and saw Dom and Marko had returned to their spot, obviously not wanting to make small talk with Simon. She couldn't blame them. Moving across the room, she hopped up to see what she could see when the music faltered and came to an abrupt stop. Viv looked to her left and saw Red pull the strap over his shoulder and turn the guitar in his hand like a bat. He dropped down to the dance floor and began pushing through the crowd with determination. Following the direction of his hellish glare, Viv saw...aw CRAP.
Rushing forward, Viv pushed against the people, praying she could get to Red first before he broke his Gibson guitar over Simon's head.
/God damn it, Simon!/
/Uh oh/ was all he replied.
"Sorry, excuse me, EXCUSE ME, RED WAIT!" Making it to the center of the room, she cut off Red as he got within twenty feet of Cam and Simon. "Red, stop." She shoved against his chest and he physically moved her forward a good couple feet.
"God damn it, Red. I said STOP."
Red did stop, finally, at the level of authority in which she barked at him. She wasn't his boss, but she could still pull some rank and he glared down at her with blazing eyes of blue. Dom and Marko pushed through the crowd and flanked him, ready to grab him if he rushed Simon as JT got up from the drums and began to spin some records, trying to distract the crowd from watching the imminent bar brawl.
Viv turned and looked back at Simon who dropped his hands off of Cam but smiled. "Simon, I swear." He shrugged at Viv innocently.
Cam moved forward quickly, separating herself from Simon and coming up to Red, laying her hands on his chest.
"Seriously?" Red barked incredulously at Simon. He looked down at Cam, his face tight with anger as she pushed him back softly, away from Simon.
The music started loudly, signaling a return to a faster tempo and the crowd staring began to disperse.
((OOC All out))
Rowan Murphy
Rowan nodded at Cris. [We can keep our eyes peeled.] He grinned when his partner's hands grabbed his ass and pulled him close. He wrapped his arms around Christian's slight, strong frame and pulled him close, splaying his large hands over Cris's back.
Lowering his head he kissed his boyfriend long, hard, and deep, forgetting there was music to be danced to.
[You know, we can keep an eye on things from over here too.]
With a wicked smile Rowan took Cris's hand and pulled him along to the other side of the room where the crowd was nowhere as thick and the lights didn't quite seem to get to. Gathering his partner back up Rowan swayed with him, dancing slowly regardless of the fact that they were off the dance floor. There might have been some more kissing involved. Maybe. But here in their quiet little corner there were very few people to notice or care.
((Ooc: Rowan and Cris out for all practical purposes - they are still around the club and accessible if anyone needs them but otherwise are just doing their thing and will mingle casually until everyone goes home.))