"Oh no, Perseus is visible in December. We're coming up on Sagittarius now." Lewis peered up into the night sky and found what he was looking for. "There, Corona Australis - the southern crown."
Lewis grinned, pleased that Reign knew her astronomy. He wondered if she was interested in interstellar life, but listened to the mental note that reminded him that she might not appreciate it. She did ask what his favorite constellation story was and he took a deep breath, trying to recall them all.
"I think Lyre might be my favorite, but it's pretty tragic. Orpheus, a bard, journeys into the Hell to get back his dead wife, the nymph Eurydice. He used his lyre to charm Pluto and Persephone, king and queen of the underworld. He could charm anything with his lyre - rocks, trees...anything. So, they said he could take Eurydice out, but under one condition. He could not look back. Well, you know he did and he lost her a second time. It's beautiful that he did anything to get her back, but they say he switched teams, so to speak, and it got him killed."
Pointing up, he found Lyra in the sky. "It's visible now, actually. Lyra is the radiant, or origin point, for the Lyrids meteor shower which occurs every year during April or so."
Lewis' mind was starting to clear as he recalled all the information. It helped relax him to talk, but he wondered if maybe Reign was losing interest. Should he try and kiss her again? He was almost tempted to text Red back and ask, but he didn't want to risk looking rude.
"Um, do you have a favorite?"
Opening Night (Open)
((OOC: The grand opening of Terminus has been big news in Nachton for weeks. The complex is huge and puts a new spin on night clubs and gaming establishments. The owners have spared no expense in advertisement and entertainment. Come join us. Enjoy the show! ))
********************************************
Opening night had finally arrived. They were doing their best to make it an event to remember. They had a big pre-show that began around mid day for the crowd that had begun to form before the doors opened. Around dusk several live bands began to play for the much larger audience as the sun set and the doors opened.
Then Evan began his magic show. Normally he was not fond of big stage acts. He preferred more up close and personal illusions but you just couldn't beat big and flashy for keeping the attention of the crowd.
He appeared on stage in a puff of smoke. That was the mandatory magician's entrance wasn't it? He was dressed all in white: jeans, boots, shirt and trench coat. The coat and shirt had a thin line bright blue PVC piping to add a futuristic flair. Evan had his hair loose and with a few white owl feathers braided into one side. A white band of face paint ran in a horizontal strip across his nose and eyes.
His performance began with taking one of the white feathers from his hair and transforming it into a small owl that flew from his grasp. Evan then produced a little replica contraption of an early flying machine. It rose from his hands and out over the stage before disappearing. Next a full scale version of of an old Vega prop plane was rolled onto the stage. He made it vanish and reappear with a woman dressed in an early aviation outfit at the helm.
Further illusions included more modern planes leading to space shuttles and eventually to a futuristic space craft.
Evan disappeared in a beam of light to be replaced by Kiyoshi.
The Pipers
12 years ago
Reign
12 years ago
"Ariadne's crown, she married Dionysus."
Reign said almost absently, leaving out the bit about Theseus ditching her after she saved his ass.
It was very easy to be taken by his smile. And she almost missed the beginning of his story. Now, that wasn't what she had expected, not from a guy or a werewolf. It was such a sad story.
"Lewis, you're a romantic."
Reign said with a grin. The unexpected discovery was very welcome. She slowed them to a stop as he found Lyra. After locating it she looked back at him and waited for him to make a move, to kiss her again. When he didn't she stood a little closer.
"Too many to have a favorite. Although Cygnus has some interesting stories to go with it. He and Phaeton raced too close to the sun and fell to earth. And when Cygnus found Phaeton he couldn't reach his body under the river until Zeus transformed him into a swan. Cygnus gave up immortality to retrieve Phaeton's body so he could travel to the afterlife."
She took a deep breath and leaned up against Lewis looking up at him and wishing her glasses weren't in the way and tried one of the alternate stories.
"Or there is the story that Zeus wanted to seduce Nemesis so he transformed himself into a swan and persuaded Aphrodite to disguise herself as an eagle and chase him into Nemesis' lap."
See, she hadn't forgotten she wanted to take Lewis home with her and who said you couldn't flirt with mythology.
"Zeus got his way and he must have had a fine time with Nemesis because he placed both the swan and the eagle in the stars."
Reign said almost absently, leaving out the bit about Theseus ditching her after she saved his ass.
It was very easy to be taken by his smile. And she almost missed the beginning of his story. Now, that wasn't what she had expected, not from a guy or a werewolf. It was such a sad story.
"Lewis, you're a romantic."
Reign said with a grin. The unexpected discovery was very welcome. She slowed them to a stop as he found Lyra. After locating it she looked back at him and waited for him to make a move, to kiss her again. When he didn't she stood a little closer.
"Too many to have a favorite. Although Cygnus has some interesting stories to go with it. He and Phaeton raced too close to the sun and fell to earth. And when Cygnus found Phaeton he couldn't reach his body under the river until Zeus transformed him into a swan. Cygnus gave up immortality to retrieve Phaeton's body so he could travel to the afterlife."
She took a deep breath and leaned up against Lewis looking up at him and wishing her glasses weren't in the way and tried one of the alternate stories.
"Or there is the story that Zeus wanted to seduce Nemesis so he transformed himself into a swan and persuaded Aphrodite to disguise herself as an eagle and chase him into Nemesis' lap."
See, she hadn't forgotten she wanted to take Lewis home with her and who said you couldn't flirt with mythology.
"Zeus got his way and he must have had a fine time with Nemesis because he placed both the swan and the eagle in the stars."
Lewis Kearney
12 years ago
Lewis looked back up into the sky as Reign talked. The vastness of it was overwhelming and looking into it made you feel small and insignificant, which wasn't too unusual for Lewis. He was the runt of the Pipers for the most part, with Dom being only slightly taller, but at 6'1, Lewis was short comparatively. Still, he felt something in him open up and take front and center. Being one in seven billion still made him unique.
It made him feel real.
Blinking, he looked back down at Reign as she pressed up against him again. He was surprised by it, realizing she was definitely not losing interest.
"You know, there's more to me than just being a nerd. The guys don't see that, really, but that's ok. It's good to have a place in the Pipers - to be better at something that the rest can't even begin to understand."
Reaching up, Lewis touched Reign's soft blond hair and tucked it behind her ear. Her glasses were perched on her nose, magnifying her blue gray eyes. Slowly and rather cautiously, Lewis leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers again, feeling every line and curve of her soft skin. Kissing he could do, it was everything else that was making his heart race so hard that if felt like it was going to burst out of his chest. If JT hadn't told him, he would've never thought Reign was as interested as she apparently was, and he was thankful for his Piper brother, despite Red acting like an ass. But then, that was Red. Lewis considered this train of thought as he pulled back on Reign's bottom lip and then caressed it with his tongue. Maybe Red wasn't the right one to emulate? This train of thought was broken as he felt the swell of Reign's breasts against his body and realized he had a live woman in his arms and he should not be thinking of his friends, but instead trying to discover just how soft Reign's skin was underneath her blouse.
"Did you want me to take you home?" Lewis' question was direct, without knowing it, but sincere. It would not have been polite to just kiss her and put her in a cab. He had to make sure she got home alright, didn't he?
It made him feel real.
Blinking, he looked back down at Reign as she pressed up against him again. He was surprised by it, realizing she was definitely not losing interest.
"You know, there's more to me than just being a nerd. The guys don't see that, really, but that's ok. It's good to have a place in the Pipers - to be better at something that the rest can't even begin to understand."
Reaching up, Lewis touched Reign's soft blond hair and tucked it behind her ear. Her glasses were perched on her nose, magnifying her blue gray eyes. Slowly and rather cautiously, Lewis leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers again, feeling every line and curve of her soft skin. Kissing he could do, it was everything else that was making his heart race so hard that if felt like it was going to burst out of his chest. If JT hadn't told him, he would've never thought Reign was as interested as she apparently was, and he was thankful for his Piper brother, despite Red acting like an ass. But then, that was Red. Lewis considered this train of thought as he pulled back on Reign's bottom lip and then caressed it with his tongue. Maybe Red wasn't the right one to emulate? This train of thought was broken as he felt the swell of Reign's breasts against his body and realized he had a live woman in his arms and he should not be thinking of his friends, but instead trying to discover just how soft Reign's skin was underneath her blouse.
"Did you want me to take you home?" Lewis' question was direct, without knowing it, but sincere. It would not have been polite to just kiss her and put her in a cab. He had to make sure she got home alright, didn't he?
Reign
12 years ago
Yes, she could see nerd there. It didn't take a giant leap, but it didn't put Reign off. She'd been called a geek more than once after all and the cool kids did not spend hours at a time at a pool table. That and he was rather charming in his awkwardness there was a sincerity when he spoke that was quite appealing.
Reign really hadn't expected to get that little look in to who he was. While she had decided somewhere along the line tonight she'd like to get to know Lewis better it was unexpected.
"I see more.â€
Really, she did too, but that was because she didn't know Lewis the nerd. She knew Lewis the guy who'd always been polite, who couldn't handle his alcohol and who knew the stories behind constellations. And who was turning out to be a really good kisser.
Speaking of which... Her knees went a little weak this time. It was like he was more focused, softer but more deliberate. Running one hand through his hair Reign willingly followed Lewis' lead. She was pretty sure he could hear her heart beating but quickly decided it didn't matter. Her eyes were closed her arms around him and she simply concentrated on his kiss, on her own explorations and attempt to learn every nuance of that kiss, his lips, the feel of his chest against her, all of it.
Her lips felt slightly puffy and a little tingly as she worked to steady her breathing. He certainly seemed less inebriated. And she really was having a much harder time caring. Besides, he'd asked this time, just him with out any prompting and he meant it. Her answer while soft was no less sincere.
"Yes please.â€
Reign really hadn't expected to get that little look in to who he was. While she had decided somewhere along the line tonight she'd like to get to know Lewis better it was unexpected.
"I see more.â€
Really, she did too, but that was because she didn't know Lewis the nerd. She knew Lewis the guy who'd always been polite, who couldn't handle his alcohol and who knew the stories behind constellations. And who was turning out to be a really good kisser.
Speaking of which... Her knees went a little weak this time. It was like he was more focused, softer but more deliberate. Running one hand through his hair Reign willingly followed Lewis' lead. She was pretty sure he could hear her heart beating but quickly decided it didn't matter. Her eyes were closed her arms around him and she simply concentrated on his kiss, on her own explorations and attempt to learn every nuance of that kiss, his lips, the feel of his chest against her, all of it.
Her lips felt slightly puffy and a little tingly as she worked to steady her breathing. He certainly seemed less inebriated. And she really was having a much harder time caring. Besides, he'd asked this time, just him with out any prompting and he meant it. Her answer while soft was no less sincere.
"Yes please.â€
Lewis Kearney
12 years ago
Lewis blinked at Reign when she said she saw more. Other than his mother, she was the first woman to ever tell him that. Despite whatever Red and the guys teased him about, or how Vivienne seemed so confused by half of what he said to her but always seemed to be staring when they did speak, it never occurred to him that someone would see beyond the nerd. Especially someone within the circle of secrecy they lived in, who was part of it but not. Reign knew exactly what he was and it made talking to her that much easier.
Holding her hand, he took step off the curb and hailed a cab. A bright yellow checkered cab pulled up as he felt his fingers entwine with hers. Another odd sensation, but one he found himself liking. Opening the door for her, he helped her inside when his phone vibrated again in his pocket. Without looking at the message, he pulled it out, shut it off, and pulled the Sim card. Now he understood why JT did it when he was with a woman.
What he did was his own business and he didn't need any more comments from the peanut gallery.
Confident in ignoring the other Pipers, he tucked his phone into his pocket and got into the cab with Reign. The cabbie looked up at them in the rear view mirror.
"Where to, buddy?"
"Did you have a place back home or somewhere in the city?"
((OOC Out pending response. Feel free to take them where ever, I am absolutely enjoying Lewis and Reign together and up for another thread if you want.))
Holding her hand, he took step off the curb and hailed a cab. A bright yellow checkered cab pulled up as he felt his fingers entwine with hers. Another odd sensation, but one he found himself liking. Opening the door for her, he helped her inside when his phone vibrated again in his pocket. Without looking at the message, he pulled it out, shut it off, and pulled the Sim card. Now he understood why JT did it when he was with a woman.
What he did was his own business and he didn't need any more comments from the peanut gallery.
Confident in ignoring the other Pipers, he tucked his phone into his pocket and got into the cab with Reign. The cabbie looked up at them in the rear view mirror.
"Where to, buddy?"
"Did you have a place back home or somewhere in the city?"
((OOC Out pending response. Feel free to take them where ever, I am absolutely enjoying Lewis and Reign together and up for another thread if you want.))
JT Paulson
12 years ago
The four of them leaned onto the counter silently, all thinking their deep thoughts. Personally he was happy for Lewis - not for the possible sex, but because he was striking out on his own and not letting himself be treated like a fifth wheel. JT knew Lewis was a special part of the puzzle that made up the Pipers and all the guys loved him to death, but JT saw the difference in the IT Piper. Shy, unassuming, friendly and innocent like Marko, but so clueless to the social games they all played as men. Couldn't say they were all young - he knew the LT was close to forty already, as well as the old Sergeant still in DI. But he still smiled seeing Lewis stumble his way into a date.
Red pulled out his phone next to him and began texting. JT picked up his coke and took a hearty gulp as Red began making annoyed noises. Finally he put the phone up to his ear, making a call.
"Straight to voicemail," Red said. Then JT watched as he made another phone, this time to Dougie back at the Sit Room. "Yeah hey. Do me a favor? Track down Lewis' phone."
"What are you doing?" Marko asked in a suspicious tone.
Red held up his finger and then made a face. "K thanks, man." Tucking his phone back into his pocket, Red slumped against the counter again. JT kept his eyes straight, watching the club behind him in the mirror behind the bar. He took another drink, letting the carbonation burn his throat.
"He turned his phone off and yanked his Sim card."
JT began to laugh and ended up choking on his coke.
"What's so funny?" Dom asked.
JT wiped at his mouth and laughed out loud, shaking his head. "Lewis just went up in my estimation, is all." Lifting his drink, he made a toast. "To Lewis and his accidental charm. God love him."
The Pipers lifted their drinks and let out a boisterous 'hoo rah', garnering the attention of the other bar patrons around them. Four in particular.
Red pulled out his phone next to him and began texting. JT picked up his coke and took a hearty gulp as Red began making annoyed noises. Finally he put the phone up to his ear, making a call.
"Straight to voicemail," Red said. Then JT watched as he made another phone, this time to Dougie back at the Sit Room. "Yeah hey. Do me a favor? Track down Lewis' phone."
"What are you doing?" Marko asked in a suspicious tone.
Red held up his finger and then made a face. "K thanks, man." Tucking his phone back into his pocket, Red slumped against the counter again. JT kept his eyes straight, watching the club behind him in the mirror behind the bar. He took another drink, letting the carbonation burn his throat.
"He turned his phone off and yanked his Sim card."
JT began to laugh and ended up choking on his coke.
"What's so funny?" Dom asked.
JT wiped at his mouth and laughed out loud, shaking his head. "Lewis just went up in my estimation, is all." Lifting his drink, he made a toast. "To Lewis and his accidental charm. God love him."
The Pipers lifted their drinks and let out a boisterous 'hoo rah', garnering the attention of the other bar patrons around them. Four in particular.
Reign
12 years ago
Sliding into the cab Reign realized she had her car here. Screw it. It would still be here in the morning and she didn't want to drive right now. She didn't even bother to hide a smile, once Lewis made up his mind about something he did act decisively and the next thing Reign knew she was sliding into a cab.
Damned phone. Of course that sentiment didn't last long, Reign raised her eyebrows as he effectively silenced the cell phone and a slow smile spread over her face. Good. Once he'd gotten settled Reign unabashedly leaned up against him.
Home? Oh The Den. Wolves. Right now she wasn't displeased to be a little bit removed from the rest of the Pack though.
"I'm over by the preserve, well not far from it."
She gave the address, sketched out how to get there and prayed they didn't hit too many lights.
((OOC... Both out at this point I'd say. And yes! I am having a great deal of fun with them as well and would love to do another. Up for anything with them really))
Damned phone. Of course that sentiment didn't last long, Reign raised her eyebrows as he effectively silenced the cell phone and a slow smile spread over her face. Good. Once he'd gotten settled Reign unabashedly leaned up against him.
Home? Oh The Den. Wolves. Right now she wasn't displeased to be a little bit removed from the rest of the Pack though.
"I'm over by the preserve, well not far from it."
She gave the address, sketched out how to get there and prayed they didn't hit too many lights.
((OOC... Both out at this point I'd say. And yes! I am having a great deal of fun with them as well and would love to do another. Up for anything with them really))
Kiyoshi Salinas
12 years ago
Kiyo blinked at Guillaume's raised eyebrow. What was wrong with Evan's gift? His slim fingers closed over the necklace in fear. Would Guillaume take it away? Why? It was a present!
He forced himself to relax; Guillaume wasn't going to do any such thing. He chided himself for his foolishness, giving Guillaume a little wave as he headed off into the crowd to mingle. "Thanks for helping out," he called.
He smiled and nodded at Evan next. "I do like it. Thank you." It was a pretty necklace; Kiyo particularly liked that it lit up, like the glasses at the bar. And it was blue so he could wear it with his uniform.
He found himself interested in Evan's statement about being picky, but they were suddenly forced into action as more patrons crowded the bar. All Kiyo had time for was a pair of raised, curious eyebrows of his own as they became very busy for the next quarter hour. What, then, was Evan's type? Well, another vampire, obviously, he realized. Stupid not to reach that conclusion immediately. Who would want to date someone mortal, when your own life would just keep going on and on?
Kiyo spread himself around the bar, trying not to stay stuck on any one crowd. His job was to entertain and provide for everyone. He smiled at the women and some of the men, laughed at jokes, offered advice, and kept one eye on the large guys watching their bumbling blond friend, who eventually, unbelievably, scored a walk outside with the woman who was the object of his interest.
"Well he did work for it," Kiyo said with a little smile, raising an empty glass in the direction of the departing couple.
He forced himself to relax; Guillaume wasn't going to do any such thing. He chided himself for his foolishness, giving Guillaume a little wave as he headed off into the crowd to mingle. "Thanks for helping out," he called.
He smiled and nodded at Evan next. "I do like it. Thank you." It was a pretty necklace; Kiyo particularly liked that it lit up, like the glasses at the bar. And it was blue so he could wear it with his uniform.
He found himself interested in Evan's statement about being picky, but they were suddenly forced into action as more patrons crowded the bar. All Kiyo had time for was a pair of raised, curious eyebrows of his own as they became very busy for the next quarter hour. What, then, was Evan's type? Well, another vampire, obviously, he realized. Stupid not to reach that conclusion immediately. Who would want to date someone mortal, when your own life would just keep going on and on?
Kiyo spread himself around the bar, trying not to stay stuck on any one crowd. His job was to entertain and provide for everyone. He smiled at the women and some of the men, laughed at jokes, offered advice, and kept one eye on the large guys watching their bumbling blond friend, who eventually, unbelievably, scored a walk outside with the woman who was the object of his interest.
"Well he did work for it," Kiyo said with a little smile, raising an empty glass in the direction of the departing couple.
The Nakubili
12 years ago
The Second and his three Nakubili were returning from the back end of the club when they noticed the amount of people had literally doubled since their arrival. The establishment was apparently reaching its peak of excitement and the voices were louder and getting rowdier.
The Second's name was Phillipe. Dark skinned with coarse, thick black hair that he combed back away from his face. His skin was flawless, despite his lifestyle, and his light brown eyes narrowed in on the loud 'hooh rah' that rang out from the bar.
"Are you kidding me," one of his Nakubili said in an annoyed voice.
"We should say hello to our brothers," the tallest of the group said in his deep voice.
"Oh, we definitely should," Phillipe said with a smile.
The Nakubili moved closer to the bar and immediately Phillipe recognized three of the four, but the last had his back to them, but was the first to see Phillipe and his VR. Casually the fourth reached out and touched the one called Red. They all turned together, casually and slowly, and watched the Nakubili approach.
The new one blinked slowly at Phillipe, looking at him from head to toe. Curiously, it was the new face that glowed brightly in Phillipe's jungle sense. He addressed the familiar red head.
"Again I hear you piping, for I know the tune so well," Phillpe started.
"You rouse the heart to wander and be free," said one of his companions.
"Tho' where you learned your music, not the God of song can tell," finished his taller mate.
Phillipe grinned and clasped his hands in front of him. "Red, always a pleasure. How are the Pipers Twelve? Or wait, it hasn't been twelve in some time, has it? What with the quiet Sergeant suspiciously absent."
"Who is your new friend here, Red?" the tallest asked.
The Second's name was Phillipe. Dark skinned with coarse, thick black hair that he combed back away from his face. His skin was flawless, despite his lifestyle, and his light brown eyes narrowed in on the loud 'hooh rah' that rang out from the bar.
"Are you kidding me," one of his Nakubili said in an annoyed voice.
"We should say hello to our brothers," the tallest of the group said in his deep voice.
"Oh, we definitely should," Phillipe said with a smile.
The Nakubili moved closer to the bar and immediately Phillipe recognized three of the four, but the last had his back to them, but was the first to see Phillipe and his VR. Casually the fourth reached out and touched the one called Red. They all turned together, casually and slowly, and watched the Nakubili approach.
The new one blinked slowly at Phillipe, looking at him from head to toe. Curiously, it was the new face that glowed brightly in Phillipe's jungle sense. He addressed the familiar red head.
"Again I hear you piping, for I know the tune so well," Phillpe started.
"You rouse the heart to wander and be free," said one of his companions.
"Tho' where you learned your music, not the God of song can tell," finished his taller mate.
Phillipe grinned and clasped his hands in front of him. "Red, always a pleasure. How are the Pipers Twelve? Or wait, it hasn't been twelve in some time, has it? What with the quiet Sergeant suspiciously absent."
"Who is your new friend here, Red?" the tallest asked.
Reese E Deardon
12 years ago
Red nursed his dark beer as the Pipers resumed their drinking. Lewis had been gone for a short while and the excitement of watching him score a date was beginning to fade. He looked down at his beer and thought of Cam just then. Where she was and what she was doing. He had seen her the weekend before and should be with her that night, but he and JT opted out of playing at the Howl to check out Terminus. So far it was alright.
JT's hand gently touched his arm and immediately Red's eyes went to the mirror in front of him. All the Pipers saw the incoming Nakubili behind them, odd that JT noticed first, Red thought. But as one, they turned slowly to watch the one called 'The Second' approach with three of his boys.
Rolling his eyes, Red listened to the familiar poem. "Right, Stevenson's The Piper. I guess there aren't that many poems out there for you guys to learn, huh?"
Red avoided introducing JT and tried not to flinch at the mention of Charlie. Dom, on the other hand, tensed up - easily riled.
"I'm JT."
JT elected to introduce himself and remain seated as the other Pipers slid off their seats.
"These are the Nakubili, JT. Some really good friends of ours."
JT merely nodded politely, his silent presence just a little intimidating, enough so that Red looked at JT and caught himself acquiescing to his authority, even though Red had rank. Flicking his eyes back to the taller Nakubili, he snorted.
"Sorry JT, the one with the pretty hair is Phillpe. The others - well the turnover is so high, I gave up getting introduced to the new ones."
JT's hand gently touched his arm and immediately Red's eyes went to the mirror in front of him. All the Pipers saw the incoming Nakubili behind them, odd that JT noticed first, Red thought. But as one, they turned slowly to watch the one called 'The Second' approach with three of his boys.
Rolling his eyes, Red listened to the familiar poem. "Right, Stevenson's The Piper. I guess there aren't that many poems out there for you guys to learn, huh?"
Red avoided introducing JT and tried not to flinch at the mention of Charlie. Dom, on the other hand, tensed up - easily riled.
"I'm JT."
JT elected to introduce himself and remain seated as the other Pipers slid off their seats.
"These are the Nakubili, JT. Some really good friends of ours."
JT merely nodded politely, his silent presence just a little intimidating, enough so that Red looked at JT and caught himself acquiescing to his authority, even though Red had rank. Flicking his eyes back to the taller Nakubili, he snorted.
"Sorry JT, the one with the pretty hair is Phillpe. The others - well the turnover is so high, I gave up getting introduced to the new ones."
The Nakubili
12 years ago
There sergeant being 'suspiciously absent' had been an understatement. The Nakubili had been present during the sewer incident downtown. In fact, been integral in the Piper's predicament, but that story was for another night.
Phillipe watched as the brown one they called Dom tensed angrily. His taller Nakubili, Anton, chuckled softly at the reaction.
"It's a dangerous game with play as brothers, Red. Accidents happen, so to speak."
He turned his eye to the one who introduced himself as JT. This one made no attempt at jocular wit or grandstanding, he just sat there, casual in his confidence and presence.
"I don't know you, JT, and we're close to our Piper brothers." Phillipe stepped closer to the seated Piper and still was almost eye to eye with the tall werewolf. Pipers - always so massive and full of themselves. Muscles for brains and absolutely no ambition. "You're not European like your other brothers."
JT raised his eyebrows slowly.
"American. Don't think I've seen an American Piper. We're just infesting the globe, aren't we?"
Phillipe watched as the brown one they called Dom tensed angrily. His taller Nakubili, Anton, chuckled softly at the reaction.
"It's a dangerous game with play as brothers, Red. Accidents happen, so to speak."
He turned his eye to the one who introduced himself as JT. This one made no attempt at jocular wit or grandstanding, he just sat there, casual in his confidence and presence.
"I don't know you, JT, and we're close to our Piper brothers." Phillipe stepped closer to the seated Piper and still was almost eye to eye with the tall werewolf. Pipers - always so massive and full of themselves. Muscles for brains and absolutely no ambition. "You're not European like your other brothers."
JT raised his eyebrows slowly.
"American. Don't think I've seen an American Piper. We're just infesting the globe, aren't we?"
JT Paulson
12 years ago
JT made no move to get up. Whether the Nakubili found it insulting, he really did not care, but he liked sitting and decided to remain as such.
Their Second, Phillipe, was familiar to JT only through the files the Pipers kept on their kind and what he learned through Shayle after his gifting. The Jamesons took the Nakubili as a personal insult, a stain on their world. JT just saw men who acted like it was a privilege to share their air. Red did most of the talking, that was until Phillipe took a personal interest in JT.
"We're just here to enjoy the club. Why don't you go your way with your friends, and we'll go our way?"
"Backing down so easily, Piper?" the tall one laughed.
JT flicked his brown eyes at the taller Nakubili. "No challenge to back down from...friend."
Their Second, Phillipe, was familiar to JT only through the files the Pipers kept on their kind and what he learned through Shayle after his gifting. The Jamesons took the Nakubili as a personal insult, a stain on their world. JT just saw men who acted like it was a privilege to share their air. Red did most of the talking, that was until Phillipe took a personal interest in JT.
"We're just here to enjoy the club. Why don't you go your way with your friends, and we'll go our way?"
"Backing down so easily, Piper?" the tall one laughed.
JT flicked his brown eyes at the taller Nakubili. "No challenge to back down from...friend."
Reese E Deardon
12 years ago
Red openly stared at JT now. The Nakubili had ignored the rest of them and concentrated their efforts on JT and his buddy rose to the occasion, being all Billy bad-ass. So much so that the tall one's face flickered with doubt. Looking past JT, he watched as Dom and Marko stayed a hair behind JT and Red looked down and noticed he was doing the same thing, lining his body up so it wasn't even with JT, but just slightly behind him - much like the Nakubili were doing with their Second. The sad thing? Red didn't even feel threatened by his sudden reduction in rank, which led him to believe that JT wasn't just an American bastard half-brother of a treacherous Piper, he was the son of an Alpha.
Oooh, that is not going to bode well.
"So," Red started, breaking the tension. "This has been a hoot, Phillipe, but the posturing and chest thumping really does get old. My dance card is, unfortunately, totally full, so we're going to have to bid you gentlemen a fond farewell."
Phillipe looked at Red and took a step back away from JT. A smile spread across his face showing off his extremely white teeth against his dark skin.
"We'll be seeing you," the tall one said as they all took a step back.
"Gosh, can't WAIT!" Red replied and then JT turned his back to them with the rest of the Pipers following suit. No threat, no fear.
Buh bye.
Oooh, that is not going to bode well.
"So," Red started, breaking the tension. "This has been a hoot, Phillipe, but the posturing and chest thumping really does get old. My dance card is, unfortunately, totally full, so we're going to have to bid you gentlemen a fond farewell."
Phillipe looked at Red and took a step back away from JT. A smile spread across his face showing off his extremely white teeth against his dark skin.
"We'll be seeing you," the tall one said as they all took a step back.
"Gosh, can't WAIT!" Red replied and then JT turned his back to them with the rest of the Pipers following suit. No threat, no fear.
Buh bye.
Evan Talkingwater
12 years ago
"Good to hear. You helped find all the pieces. It seemed only fair."
Evan looked down at Kiyo and noticed him gripping the little necklace like he was wearing the hope diamond on the subway in the wee hours of the morning. His brows furrowed thoughtfully as he wondered what caused that reaction. Oh, Guillaume's disapproval? Reaching out, he gently squeezed the bartender's shoulder. "S'ok, I'll make him one too." Evan chuckled at the idea of his partner wearing the glowing necklace.
They got back to the business of serving drinks. Evan noticed the blonds had moved toward the exit together and the group of men toasted their absent brother with military flair.
Another group of men also noticed the salute and came up to the bar. Evan was just about to suggest they take up permanent residence since they were so good at attracting attention but it quickly became apparent that they weren't going to be picking up the tab for the new arrivals.
Continuing to serve drinks, he kept an eye on the potential confrontation between the men. He would rather not have to break anything up tonight but he would also like to keep his bar in one piece. Evan listened to the introductions between them, saw a few that seemed riled but he noticed the calm air of command that the dark haired man at the bar possessed. He didn't rise to the bait and yet there was a business like demeanor that suggested he could take care of a challenge if he needed to.
The seated group turned back around without physical violence or the need for vampiric intervention. Evan smiled and slid another coke toward the tallest one.
"You guys are quite popular. Should I get autographs?"
((OOC: Let me know if that observation is off the mark in any way ))
Evan looked down at Kiyo and noticed him gripping the little necklace like he was wearing the hope diamond on the subway in the wee hours of the morning. His brows furrowed thoughtfully as he wondered what caused that reaction. Oh, Guillaume's disapproval? Reaching out, he gently squeezed the bartender's shoulder. "S'ok, I'll make him one too." Evan chuckled at the idea of his partner wearing the glowing necklace.
They got back to the business of serving drinks. Evan noticed the blonds had moved toward the exit together and the group of men toasted their absent brother with military flair.
Another group of men also noticed the salute and came up to the bar. Evan was just about to suggest they take up permanent residence since they were so good at attracting attention but it quickly became apparent that they weren't going to be picking up the tab for the new arrivals.
Continuing to serve drinks, he kept an eye on the potential confrontation between the men. He would rather not have to break anything up tonight but he would also like to keep his bar in one piece. Evan listened to the introductions between them, saw a few that seemed riled but he noticed the calm air of command that the dark haired man at the bar possessed. He didn't rise to the bait and yet there was a business like demeanor that suggested he could take care of a challenge if he needed to.
The seated group turned back around without physical violence or the need for vampiric intervention. Evan smiled and slid another coke toward the tallest one.
"You guys are quite popular. Should I get autographs?"
((OOC: Let me know if that observation is off the mark in any way ))
JT Paulson
12 years ago
JT closed his hands on top of the bar and watched the Nakubili behind them in the reflection. The leader, Phillipe lingered a moment, staring at the back of JT's head and then moved along with the rest of them. None of the Pipers said a word until the bar manager Evan came over.
JT lifted his hands and welcomed his fresh coke. He smiled at Evan's joke and introduced himself and the others. "Nice to meet you, I'm JT. Marko," he nodded in his direction, "Dom, and Red."
"I'm his boyfriend," Red said with a wink. "No autographs though. He tried Pete Rose'in them in the past but that didn't go well."
JT smiled and drank his coke.
JT lifted his hands and welcomed his fresh coke. He smiled at Evan's joke and introduced himself and the others. "Nice to meet you, I'm JT. Marko," he nodded in his direction, "Dom, and Red."
"I'm his boyfriend," Red said with a wink. "No autographs though. He tried Pete Rose'in them in the past but that didn't go well."
JT smiled and drank his coke.
Kiyoshi Salinas
12 years ago
"Thank you," Kiyoshi said again. He smiled up at Evan when the taller man dropped a hand on his shoulder, reassuring him. Kiyo wasn't sure if he realized the basis of Kiyo's fears but it was kind of him to be concerned. Kiyo hadn't expected the vampire owner of this bar to be... well, Evan. He was rapidly learning he had assumed or been told many facts that he had mistakenly attributed to all of Evan's kind. While Kiyo wasn't naive enough to think every vampire was as great as Evan, he was perfectly willing to accept that at least one of them was.
He had moved away to attend to a group of women a little further away, and spent a few minutes answering their questions when they realized he was the poi dancer they'd just seen. Kiyo was well aware that he was being flirted with and remained polite and friendly, but wasn't about to lead anyone on mistakenly. He watched the rest of the bar out of the corner of his eye, not missing the near-altercation between the two groups of men.
It had occurred to him that they might belong to one of the Packs but Kiyo hadn't given it any further thought. He didn't understand why there should be animosity between the two groups but clearly they had met before. It did occur to him that he was watching a territorial dispute... he understood that all too well. It reminded him of his losing battle to claim territory in his own foster home.
It didn't look like it was going to come to violence but just in case Kiyo moved a little closer to where Evan and the two groups were. He wouldn't hesitate to help break up a bar brawl if needed; any bartender did so over the course of their careers. Kiyo might not be the biggest man there but he was strong, and he had enough training on him to handle himself in a fight. He let Evan do the talking though, even after the situation diffused itself.
He had moved away to attend to a group of women a little further away, and spent a few minutes answering their questions when they realized he was the poi dancer they'd just seen. Kiyo was well aware that he was being flirted with and remained polite and friendly, but wasn't about to lead anyone on mistakenly. He watched the rest of the bar out of the corner of his eye, not missing the near-altercation between the two groups of men.
It had occurred to him that they might belong to one of the Packs but Kiyo hadn't given it any further thought. He didn't understand why there should be animosity between the two groups but clearly they had met before. It did occur to him that he was watching a territorial dispute... he understood that all too well. It reminded him of his losing battle to claim territory in his own foster home.
It didn't look like it was going to come to violence but just in case Kiyo moved a little closer to where Evan and the two groups were. He wouldn't hesitate to help break up a bar brawl if needed; any bartender did so over the course of their careers. Kiyo might not be the biggest man there but he was strong, and he had enough training on him to handle himself in a fight. He let Evan do the talking though, even after the situation diffused itself.
Evan Talkingwater
12 years ago
Evan smiled as nodded to the men that he introduced noting their names and faces and filing it away where hopefully it could be retrieved later should he see them again another night.
"Evan Talkingwater." He tapped his chest likely just in case there was another person behind the bar that the name might be confused with.
"Anything more for you guys?" He asked while filling the order of a couple that walked up and asked for a rum and coke and a whiskey on the rocks. Evan smiled when the woman grabbed the whiskey and the guy took the rum and coke and sipped it cautiously.
Kiyo seemed to be doing well for himself over that the other end of the bar. Evan noticed that a whole gaggle of women were flirting with the shy werewolf, who seemed a bit more outgoing while on the job. He wondered how many phone numbers would be slipped to his new friend on tabs and napkins before the night was done.
Turning back to the group of guys, he said. "So we've had one near date and one near fight...what's next?"
"Evan Talkingwater." He tapped his chest likely just in case there was another person behind the bar that the name might be confused with.
"Anything more for you guys?" He asked while filling the order of a couple that walked up and asked for a rum and coke and a whiskey on the rocks. Evan smiled when the woman grabbed the whiskey and the guy took the rum and coke and sipped it cautiously.
Kiyo seemed to be doing well for himself over that the other end of the bar. Evan noticed that a whole gaggle of women were flirting with the shy werewolf, who seemed a bit more outgoing while on the job. He wondered how many phone numbers would be slipped to his new friend on tabs and napkins before the night was done.
Turning back to the group of guys, he said. "So we've had one near date and one near fight...what's next?"
Reese E Deardon
12 years ago
Red held his hands up and tensed his neck and chest muscles. "God I HOPE nothing else!"
JT and the others chuckled into their drinks as Red continued to silently wig out. Red supposed it could be worse, although right then he could not imagine anything else fucking up his night, other than maybe walking into the bathroom and seeing Simon Huntington drilling his girlfriend. The thought made him shudder and finish his drink in a gulp.
"You guys ready? I know you're done, JT. You've had one coke too many to drive."
JT smirked at him and finished his coke. Red turned to Evan and nodded politely as they all got up. Taking a final look around the bar, Red scratched his head and shrugged.
"I'm in the mood for some flap jacks. Who wants flap jacks?"
"Oh, I do!" Marko said happily.
"Of course you do, big guy."
"I gotta maintain," Marko said in all seriousness.
Red, JT, Dom, and Marko paid their tab and with a polite wave to Kiyo and Evan, exited the bar, in search of flap jacks.
((OOC Pipers out pending response))
JT and the others chuckled into their drinks as Red continued to silently wig out. Red supposed it could be worse, although right then he could not imagine anything else fucking up his night, other than maybe walking into the bathroom and seeing Simon Huntington drilling his girlfriend. The thought made him shudder and finish his drink in a gulp.
"You guys ready? I know you're done, JT. You've had one coke too many to drive."
JT smirked at him and finished his coke. Red turned to Evan and nodded politely as they all got up. Taking a final look around the bar, Red scratched his head and shrugged.
"I'm in the mood for some flap jacks. Who wants flap jacks?"
"Oh, I do!" Marko said happily.
"Of course you do, big guy."
"I gotta maintain," Marko said in all seriousness.
Red, JT, Dom, and Marko paid their tab and with a polite wave to Kiyo and Evan, exited the bar, in search of flap jacks.
((OOC Pipers out pending response))
Miya
12 years ago
Miya tightened her arms around him and stared up into his eyes with utter love and devotion. The two moved off towards one of the private areas set up with the usual pads on the floor. Miya grinned at him as she clicked 'ready'.
The dance was an easy one, and she performed it close to flawlessly. Unconsciously she made sure that she had lost. Not by much. And it happened with the second, the third and the fourth. By that point she was panting, quite a bit out of practice herself. She flung herself down on one of the couches and looked up at him, and he was upside down as she grinned at him. "I love you. Can I lay my head in your lap while I'm recovering?" She managed to get that out and grinned at him.
The dance was an easy one, and she performed it close to flawlessly. Unconsciously she made sure that she had lost. Not by much. And it happened with the second, the third and the fourth. By that point she was panting, quite a bit out of practice herself. She flung herself down on one of the couches and looked up at him, and he was upside down as she grinned at him. "I love you. Can I lay my head in your lap while I'm recovering?" She managed to get that out and grinned at him.
Scott Kinney
12 years ago
Scott couldn't believe that he had won their first match. By the time he won the third and the fourth, he was getting the idea that she was intentionally losing... or not really trying for some reason.
Tired, she moved to one of the large seats/couches and sat down, and he followed, concerned for her. This wasn't like her.
He sat quietly where she indicated, as she gently laid her head on his lap. Scott moved a hand up to her cheek and forehead, wondering if she was ill or coming down with something.
"Ok, love... you can tell me what's up now. I've rarely ever beaten you, and had never bested you twice in a row before. But *four* times in a row?"
He looked down at her, concern in his eyes, his hand moving to rest on her shoulder.
"Come on... talk to me. What's up?"
Tired, she moved to one of the large seats/couches and sat down, and he followed, concerned for her. This wasn't like her.
He sat quietly where she indicated, as she gently laid her head on his lap. Scott moved a hand up to her cheek and forehead, wondering if she was ill or coming down with something.
"Ok, love... you can tell me what's up now. I've rarely ever beaten you, and had never bested you twice in a row before. But *four* times in a row?"
He looked down at her, concern in his eyes, his hand moving to rest on her shoulder.
"Come on... talk to me. What's up?"