[05-21:00] 9b9, ºEnvy: oh naps.... how I miss you so.
[05-21:00] 9b9, ºEnvy: I want you to play with me, though.
[05-21:01] JOIN: Cecile DeMornay has entered.
[05-21:02] JOIN: Cecile DeMornay has entered.
[05-21:02] aa1, ºCecile DeMornay: I want to play with you too, if you can put up with my faulty internet connection.
[05-21:02] 9b9, ºEnvy: I sure can!
[05-21:03] 9b9, ºEnvy: I want to play Kailynn, though because I'm in love with her avatar.
[05-21:03] aa1, ºCecile DeMornay: Okay, since I`ve been SO demanding lately on you and who I`d like to play, I want you to choose who and where. *nodnod* I`ve been terribly selfish!
[05-21:03] aa1, ºCecile DeMornay: I`m not in love with Autumn. I don`t know who to play. *sigh*
[05-21:04] 9b9, ºEnvy: I love it when you're selfish. I usually just don't have any opinion. I just want you.
[05-21:04] 9b9, ºEnvy: I need hot rock chick to look at. *slips IC for inspiration*
[05-21:04]
: *an unusually slow night for a Friday, she leans over a newspaper that's sprawled on the bar, slowly turning the page. Now and then she brings a few straggling customers a drink, but mostly she's getting paid to stand there*
: ((hi, squirrelie. Cookie went to eat dinner, but he'll be back))
: (play whooooooever you wish.)
: *she meanders into the Bar; dragging a gleaming, manicured nail across her lips to remove the last signs of her sinful doughnut indulgence. She eyes Kailynn with a bit of delight; the girl just looks lovely. Like a piece of art. One of those faces, even partially hidden, that can be admired for long periods of time. She`s clad a bit more subdued tonight; black trousers and a clingy, web-like shimmering top that doesn`t leave too much to the imagination. Sliding onto a stool and crossing long legs, she clears her throat* Evening, darling.
: What can I get you? *said while circling a prospective new apartment in the paper. She's obviously not in any hurry to jump and greet customers, but the job gets done*
: A kir. I`m hoping you might know what it is; it`s a French drink. *doesn`t offer more than that, smiling somewhat more kindly than she might to someone she wanted to conqour. There is, of course, still a bit of that cruelness edging her voice and gaze, that`s never completely gone*
: *looks up from the paper and stands, setting the pen down* Actually, I don't. *what is it with the people around here and their strange drinks. Didn't people ever just want beer like at the Bush?*
: It`s just white wine and Creme de Cassis. Equal parts, lots of ice. Pussy drink, really. *laughs faintly, eyeing the paper and the apartment ads, but it`s none of her business what she`s looking for, though she has an empty place. Maybe conversation will get around to it* So are you glad about the election results? I could have hung myself, personally. Can`t stand that man.
: Yeah. It was a little disappointing *pulls down the wine and the rest of the goods* but at least California isn't to blame.
: That`s true. One of the few states Kerry was pretty much promised. *she rolls her tongue around her dry mouth, craving the crisp, cool drink like a kiss after too long without the feel of a tongue against her own* Sensible state, California.
: *and thankful to the quick learning skills of this particular bartender, the drink is in front of her very shortly* Let me know if that's right.
: *she gives it a habitual swirl, sips and nods* It`s great, thanks a lot. *so strange for her to be departing from her usual role of seductress, but perhaps she had her fill with Marley the other night for a while. She sucks on an ice cube, speaking around it* I don`t mean to intrude, and I don`t blame you for a sour attitude if I am, but those apartments aren`t worth the money they`ll wring from you like blood in a towel. *she taps the newspaper with a black nail, eyeing Kailynn with the eyes of a businesswoman. She has her hand in many enterprises, Real Estate one of them*
: I know, but I need to be able to move easily. It's a little more difficult to sell a house then it is to leave an apartment.
: So you`re selling your property? If you`re in a hurry, looking to buy wouldn`t be the thing for speed. If you`re interested, I have a property of my own in the Hills. I`m sure we could strike a bargain. I`m just looking for a little extra spending cash; nothing outrageous. These ... *she sweeps a hand across the matte grey and black sheets* ... will cost you upwards of 1400 a month. You look successful enough, but you never know when an emergency might come up again. *great intuition; if she`s looking for an easy move, she`s probably looking for a quick one. They usually go hand in hand*
: *chuckles softly* selling my property? I don't have property, just a shitty apartment that I'd like to move from because I don't want my things to grow new species of... God knows what.
: *she laughs and shrugs* It`s this damned rain. Clogs my ability to think. *indeed, it`s been raining quite a bit this wintery season for L.A.; El Nino and all* I`m still offering, here. It`s a three bedroom, two bath ... pretty modest for a Hills house, of course. No risk of mudslides, though, don`t worry about that. Clean; I have a staff that comes in one a week to take care of lawn and cleaning. I`d keep the utilites paid; I`d just ask for a fee for staying and expect that you don`t ruin the place. You don`t strike me as someone who`s going to drag drunk frat boys around, so. *she shrugs, finishing off her drink and pushing the glass forward to indicate a refill* It`s all business, as far as I`m concerned.
: *and a refill she gets. Three bedrooms actually had been exactly what she'd been looking for. A bathroom for normal bathroom use... a bathroom for a dark room, a room for a studio. then just one in case she ever makes any friends for a guestroom* I don't know. I'll have to think about it *there is something strange about this woman's invitation... mostly that she's giving it.*
: *she shrugs* Always looking for a deal when I can. *she taps her temple emphatically* Pays to stay sharp. Here ... *she slides a business card from her back pocket: fine linen paper, embossed raised ink, the same color as her eyes, saphhire. It reads: Melisande Sharizhai, Consultant - which could mean anything in this town, and leaves an air of mystery, at least for some* Thanks ... *she picks her glass up, ice tinkling, and drains half of it* Just call if you decide you`d like it, or if you wouldn`t, so I can put an add in the paper at some point. I just vacated it recently.
: I will, soon. *looks at the card briefly before sticking it in her back pocket* How much would you be asking?
: Depends on your budget. No less than seven hundred a month, no more than twelve hundred ... and if you were looking for a three bedroom, one that wasn`t as molded and old as your current one will probably cost to two grand and up anywhere else. *it`s true; she bought the place in the end because it ended up being cheaper to own than rent. Odd California real estate. She finishes her kir, but sticks a napkin in the glass before pushing it away* And it is a house, which is a plus for privacy, if you`re the type that likes your own space. Don`t know your taste in decor, of course, but I suppose that`s not something negotiable in any renting situation.
: *smirks a little bit as she takes the glass and looks down to wash it out* Why would I tell you that I can pay 8 hundred, when you said that you'd take 7... That's not very good business. For you at least.
: *she shrugs idly, fishing in her pocket for her cash* I don`t exactly need the income, it`d just be nice to have a little more, for whatever. *she glances up as she swills out a twenty from her pocket, and a ten for the tip jar* Does it really matter to you, anyway? It`s someplace private, relatively secluded, and yours at a damned good bargain. Should you really be questioning my business practices? *she slides the twenty over the newspaper to pay, eyeing her*
: I always question business practices when it affects my living situation. *doesn't exactly drool over the $20 as may be expected from a bartender, which is something she'll have to work on. Girls used to getting more than that shoved in a g-string every night get a little immune*
: Smart enough to do. Though there`s nothing terribly shady about the offer, perhaps just me. *she slides off the stool and offers her hand to skake* Just call whenever. I answer my cell at all hours. Just consider your options, and have a good evening.
: *warily shakes the hand. It just feels a little too much like closing a deal that hasn't been made, but she figures it would be impolite not to shake* You too.
: (*smooches and skitters off*) *she turns and exits the bar, going to do whatever it is she does in the dark hours*
: *puts down her book and looks up from her stool behind the bar. The sun must have just gone down. She knew because all of the weirdos were coming out of the woodwork and into this little bar.*
: *sighs as her boots hit the floor rather roughly when she slides down from the stool. The bastards were obviously going to make her wait on them. So she does, taking a few orders and delivering them before she gets to Jason's table... which would have made it a good 15 minute wait, but she is the only person here tonight* What can I get you?
: (*waves to Alton*)
: (*waves to Envy*)*storms into the bar cureing to himself trench billowing behind him, his shoulder holster quite visible two sub uzis can be seen*Hey bar keep get my a tall glass of viatae.
: *shoots Alton a look* Can you wait a fuc- *no.... nope. Can't be rude anymore. She needs this job too badly* I mean, I'll be right with you.
: *nods seeing that she's the only one maning the bar*Alright, No need to be testy*takes a seat at the bar fumingand grumbling*Got damn.....stupid son of a.....
: *she gets the look a lot. It's the hair. Without another word, she goes back behind the bar, making both drinks... well, Jason's at least. Alton's she just pours the strange stuff that she doesn't like the smell of into a glass and puts it on the bar, then she slowly returns to Jason's table, putting his drink down. if he wanted a "real" bloody mary, he will be sorely disappointed*
: *nods to Kailynn as she has placed the dirnk in front of him and moves to Jason who he now shoots a side glance at to see who else is in the bar still muttering his curses*I swear if I ever run into them again.....stupid stupid stupid......... I should of taken them down then and there.*lets out a low growl more to himself tan anyone in the room*
: *had been walking away when he bitches and nearly turned around by the time he takes the stab... but she has to be nice. Only her deep green eyes give any hint to how pissed off she really is* So, how exactly do you like your bloody marry? If you like it any way but by the book, then you're going to have to be specific when you order it.
: *which she does, gritting her teeth the whole time. She made it right... maybe he wanted more vodka? She looks up at Alton, who appears upset, as she's dumping it down the drain* Can I get you something else?
: *half turning at Jasons remark already in a foul mood*Is there a problem with your drink boy? You come in to the cities top bar and insult One of our best bartenders and expect prime service?
: No Kailynn this will be all thank you
: *isn't one of the best bartenders in the city, though the comment is appreciated. She shows it with a little smile... just a little one as she's remixing the drink*
: *picks up the drink and stalks back to the table, unavoidably spilling some when she uncermoniously puts the drink down*
: *now ignoring the impetous boy he turns back to the bar not looking directly her her asshe moves but speaking to her no the less*Kailynn have you seen Caine in, I've got a message for him for some very important people.
: Caine? *walks back behind the bar, not bothering to wait and see if he likes the drink or not* Caine? Remind me who that is again?
: Um the tall dark aura coverd guy. Always steping in to the bar bar no one seems to know how or from where, he just pops into the room. He's had a lot of trouble lately.
: *and that describes quite a few peolple that comes in here* Um... no. I don't think so. sorry *so blantantly ignores the angry guy at the table... since she just doesn't know how else to make it. So she starts washing glasses*
: *nods reallizing that she's kine and her memory can easily be altered to forget such things*Right thanks. If he does come in any time soon and you see him can you tell him something for me?
: *or she's just been condtioned to not commit names an faces to memory* Better write it down. A lot gets going on around here.
: (*waves and hugs the Envy and waves to Alton*Hey you guys)
: ((hiya, Caine!))
: (*stares at his color*WTF)
: ((Hey Caine))Got paper and a pen?
: yeah *picks up the messages pad and pen, both wet from her wet hands when she puts them on the bar*
: (color test)
: ((BABE! *pounces her peanut*))
: (better*huggles back an lick her face*Hey loveable)
: (Caine you in for rp tonight?)*takes the pad and jots down the messege for Caine and hands it back to her*Thanks babe*starts to sip on his drink*
: *takes the pad, but her eyes are on him with a straight face* My name is Kailynn.
: (I'm ok seen better nights how are ye? An nein Alton I'm not here for rp just yet. Just poping in I'll be in in a few though*is snaged*Wooo)
: (*shakes fist* you two are messin' up my mojo!)
: Sorry, I know that. It just slipped Your probably wondering how I already knew your name.*sips from his glass more*
: (*shakes magic mojo wand an hushes*)
: Not really. It's a small place *plucks the bottle of whatever it's called back down from the shelf* refill?
: *taking a deep drink from his glass he places a twenty on the bar*Thisis for the first one and the one I'm asking you to pour for me now*smiles*
: *and pour she does, the brat at the table being blessedly quiet, though she doesn't venture a glance* (*hey, Sieko... bye Sieko*)
: (One must wonder why she pops in then pops out never really playing.)
: So when did the asshole role into town? I though I was the only ill like one around here.
: (*nods* Even I as a newbie was shy. But I just jumped in an was taught the ropes rather quickly)
: (*beams*Was like a pheonix rising from it's ashes, After I quite LARPing that is)
: *shrugs. She knows for a fact that Jason isn't the only asshole in town. She's actually met many worse. Eventually, feeling his glare on her, she goes back to the table* What... is the matter with it?
: *sighs and finishes his drink then slips off the bar stool moing out into the night*(*waves*Gtg ppl see ya'll later)
: (yw!)
: *shivers when she hears Cecile's voice, but just pretends not to hear her. She works hard to control her breathing as she speaks to Jason. Her words finally having some bite to them as she loses her patients* Look, I don't expect you to pay for anything, but I'm not making you another drink until you tell me what the fuck the problem is with the other two.
: *she meanders to Kailynn, resting a hand on her hip lightly; quite a bit more intimate than she`s ever been with the girl, but what the hell? She`s undead now. Why not? She gives a vicious smile to Jason* Hope you`re doing well, jackass. Don`t go treating this one so harshly, hmm? Might get you hurt. *she helps herself to the chair across from Jason, dropping her hand*
: *she meanders to Kailynn, resting a hand on her hip lightly; quite a bit more intimate than she`s ever been with the girl, but what the hell? She`s undead now. Why not? She gives a vicious smile to Jason* Hope you`re doing well, jackass. Don`t go treating this one so harshly, hmm? Might get you hurt. *she helps herself to the chair across from Jason, dropping her hand*
: *stiffens tremendously when Cecile's hand is on her hip. She does not like this situation at all. Turning away from the whole scene* Great, as long as you both know each other...
: -Stay here- *she watches Kai walk away with a laugh, faint and teasing. She turns to focus on Jason* Been any nicer lately, or are you so dense and dumb as to be incapable?
: (*draaaaaags Cookie in*)
: (meant to get rid of that stay here! *kicks it and beats it with a stick ... ahems*
: *she continues to smile at him, leaning over to snatch his hand in hers and flatten it on the table with unexpected strength. She fishes a knife from under her loose sweater, and dropping the clunky metal sheath on the table with a clatter, she starts playing Miss the Fingers*
: (*grumbles* Damn AOL*waves to Cookie*Okay what'd I miss?)
: (nothing much. Pretty much everyone is in BtD! Come playyyyyyyyy with me!)
: (*watches nicola jealously*)
: *Jihan struts her stuff into the BtD. She realy must like paying for her drinks, because she realy could get them for free at her own club. In fact, if one were to judge by the alchahol on her breath it would seem very likely she's been doing so*
: Of course... *muttered as she notices that the new person entering, just to her luck, happens to be Jihan*
: *she laughs, and slams the knife into the table; watching with glee as it wobbles with the residual vibrations. She looks up as Jihan enters and wiggles her fingers in a wave* Boy, so many unsavory unnatural things about tonight, and we all choose this bar! Isn`t this fun?
: (*grins*Hehe, okay*reaches into the shadows and drags in Nicola*Come on ye)*slips out of the abyss into an alleynext to the BtD gently pulling Nicola with him*Tell ye can better control the abyss yuir stuck being draged aroud by me.*starts to walk to the front door*
: *she loves his. His rage is palpable, and she`s having a thrill at making it crecendo, molding it like clay. She leans in, chin in her hands, elbows supporting both, eyeing him, giving him the crazy glare that most everyone expects from mad people* Why don`t you speak? You just strike me as completely lack witted for your lack of vocal communication. Strange, strange creature.
: (*just noticed! snuggles into Caine and Nic*)
: *Jihan walks into the bar and makes a beeline for the Bar proper, looking about for her wayward dancer*
: *isn't hard to spot, especially since she's the only one behind the bar*
: (*an evil grins speard across his face*Ah two lovely lasses on me lap.Now no fighting while clustered around me okay?)*laughs*Ye've never been stuck in the abyss by yuir sire an left there to fight off the residuale abyss creatures an then make yuir way out on yuir own in one peice lass. Trust me*walks into the bar eyes scaning the room no in perticular expression on his face*
: *Jihan slides herself onto the stool right in front of Kailynn and leans forward. She's got a predatory look in her smile.* Hey there Mary Anne.
: *she jumps up and just completely dismisses Jason for Caine and Nicola, instantly going into a rail, grabbing Caine by the arms* Where have the two of you been? Do you know how worried I`ve been since that little whore of a Vampire threatened us? Haven`t had any more trouble from her or that other jackass, have you?
: *leans slightly over the bar, lucky for the resident vampires, Jihan is enough of a distraction to keep her completely ignorant to what's being said* What do you want? *her voice is low, irritated and her hair dangles in her face*
: *his face changing into surprise*No las I haven't*looks to Nicola*Have ye?
: ((*cuddles Envy, because she's awesomeness in girl form*))
: Half good rum, half bad vodka. In a big glass. And you.
: *she eyes the two of them, dusting Caine`s coat lightly* Good. Now come sit with me and lets chat. There`re things I want to talk to you about. (*feels horrible! nudges for Carter ...*)
: ((grr... so many people Jihan needs to talk to...))
: (*was wonderin' when she was gonna get some lovin'!* when you get sick of one char, whip out another!) No... I mean... what do you want from me? Why won't you just leave me alone?
: *smiles at her resopnce*Right,must be my need to feed.*follows Cecile whereever *
: *She gives a small pout* You don't like my attention? Listen Red. When I started at the club I came to think of all the people that worked there as mine. The bouncers, the bartenders, and the dancers. Now just so recently I was given the ownership of the Bush by Cecile. And here I am suddenly without one of my star performers and one of my favorite gals gone missing.
: (I take it no one really likes the Venture? Reminds me of that other char that poped in an got all mouthy)
: *she eyes them, chewing on her thoughts like yummy bubble gum* Why don`t you two just hang out? I`ve got alot of questions for you, but ... *she stops and glances about* Probably isn`t the place. Can I get you a glass of vitae, Caine?
: ((*hates the undead in general.* ^_^))
: Well, I'm not yours. I've moved on, now get over it and stop bothering me. *some distant part of her mind registers the name "Caine" and that she has a message for him*
: *nods*That would be nice.You think it can be warmed for me or even fresh?*chuckles knowing it probably won't be fresh*
: Oh c'mon Mary Anne. Your ass was meant for showing off. Not sitting behind some unwashed bartop.
: My ass is none of your concern, you rotten bitch.
Tevesh walks down the hallway, bouncing along.. Knocking on the doors of the people in his nearby apartments.. Grinning like an idiot, he walks out of the building and looks about, feeling the pull.. 'Where to go? Where to go? Should find her.. Should respond.. Should fel her touch..' He walks slowly towardss where he feels she is...
: *she peers at him* Actually, I could procure you something fresh, yes. *without warning or asking, she meanders behind the bar and snags a decanter, and makes her way out onto the sidewalk before the bar. She feels Tevesh wake and becomes giddy and excited, smiling, waiting for him to find her. Doing as she was taught, she lures a kine into an alleyway, and after having her own fill, she fills the decanter. She skips back into the bar, this all happening rather quickly. Snagging a wine glass, she returns to their table and has a seat, sliding the warm vitae over to them* There you are.
: *the Weavery always grows a tad louder to her when Tevesh becomes active, and she feels the inevitable pull towards him. Without speaking or warning, she darts to the front door and dashes her head out, curls swinging merrily around her face, watching the sidewalks for his approach, grinning like a loon*
: *Jihan doesn't get offended by that. For her its almost a compliment* I'm trying to take care of you girl. You wanna go through college right? Money's all you realy wanted at the club, and I can respect that. How about this? I'll double your salary with Cecile. You don't have to fuck any Johns, just get them reved up on stage and let the other girls handle the rest.
: ((double what you had with Cecile))
: *looks crossly at Nicola*Um no, not an option. It's a bad idea to offer that to me.Ye may not survive*watches as Cecile has just left an reentered the bar pouring him his glass laughing*Why thank you Cecile ye really dinna have to go through all that just for me*raises the glass in toast the her as she dashesout the door again.he then turns to Nicola*Malki's I'll never understand them
Tevesh walks around, wandering the streets and staring at the passerbys.. He's grinning madly, feels her walking near.. She's near.. He sees her, and stops walking completely.. And he waits.
: *well that gets her attention. She tries not to show how interesting that sounds, but she probably does. But is it worth it? She doesn't tell Jihan that she'd given up on school. But, she can't trust anything that this girl says, so she just shakes her head and pulls the bottles needed for making the drink* Not interested.
: *she gallops over to him and throws her arms around his neck, giving him hungry kiss, giggling with happiness to see him. He does that to her, when she`s cognetive enough*
: Tripple. You can even keep all your tips. The dirty old men that come in just for you'll make it up by far.
Tevesh smiles.. Kisses her back.. He takes her hand and then walks back towards the BtD... "How're you, missus?"
: *nods*I know the training is tireing on the body.Go go rest Nicola.
: *Damn her. She'd be an idiot to turn down that much money, or a genius for never going back to that place * I don't think so. *she hands Jihan her drink, then rips off the piece of paper from the pad, leaning over the bar to call to Caine* Hey
: Good, darling, now that you`re up and about. *she locks fingers with him, a little hop to her step. She`s absolutely beaming* Have you been well?
: *she glugs down half of the drink like it was weak beer and licks her lips. She then pulls out a peice of paper from her purse and writes something on it*
: ((I don't know all of your chars, tulip! I love your boys. I want one of your boys)
: *shakes his head..* Troubled dreams, troubled dreams.. *He and Cecile enter the bar, and the feeling in him changes as he stands in the doorway. He walks to the bar and sits down, watching warily..* Bad feelings, in this place.. Not sure why. Smells of.. *he trails off and looks at Cecile, locking eyes with her.. His grip on her hand tightens, and the thump grows..*
: *watching the tired Nicola walk off he sits drinking the warm fresh vitae waiting for Cecile to return he sees Jihan over at the bar and decides to wait to talk to her*
: *she falters a moment as the drum beat intensifies; she`s still not used to the sudden shifts and now their more intense connection* There`s ... there`s a Losombra over there. *muttered, for the sake of the Kine behind the bar; flashes him a picture of Caine in her mind* He`s ... decent. But ... and then there`s that thing. *another picture, Jihan this time* Don`t know what she is. *all of this spoken painfully lowly; more through their connection than by voice, though her lips move faintly*
: *Looks at the message for the guy's name* I have a message for Caine. if you want it, come get it. Last offer.
: *places the paper on the bar for Kailynn to read later, looks up and around for others to talk to. HEY! Thats Caine! and Nicola! She stands up from the stool and moves over to her bouncer.* You!
: (only boys i know of are carter and jason ... *feels horrible, isn`t very much help tonight*)
: ((and the Gian dude... I do like him.))
: (you stop that! right now! *kisses gently and hugs tightly*)
: *looks up*I dinna do it yet lass I swear*laughs and moves to the bar*Ye said ye got a message for me?
: ((don't hang in the towel! I love your shitty RP *clings*))
: *sighs..* I know the lady.. Met her before, back before us.. *Then Tevesh smiles.. The room shifts slightly to the right, he's stressed suddenly.. Lady, lady, lady, lady, lady. The word skips over and over in his mind, like a broken record.. Then he blinks and all returns to normal.* We're a bit broken. *leans back on the stool.. watching the place..*
: *her eyes move from the paper laying on the bar to the man speaking to her. She holds out the slip in her hand* Yeah. Some guy left it a little while ago.
: (Apologies for bad RP..)
: *taking the slip over paper he readsit then reads it again*Hold on this canna be.*looks up at the two ladies a little confused
: *she squeezes his hand, blinking harshly against his mental shift, which she feels a tad of* Lord ... aren`t We all broken? Thank goodness for it ... thank goodness ... shattered, torn, shorn, worn ... broken! *she smiles and leans in to kiss his cheek* You`ll be okay, we will.
: *since they're all entertaining themselves, she goes back to sit on her stool. She doesn't care what the message says, what Cecile is up to, or whatever Jihan wrote on that paper. She picks up her book and opens it to where she left off*
: *Doesn't know whats on the message. Doesn't realy care either. She reaches out and grabs him by his collar. Assuming he's taller than Jihan, she pulls it down so he's eye to eye with her using strength thats probably supernatural* WHERE THE HELL have you been, fucker???
: We hope, we hope. *Looks around..* Shifting moods, shifting. Look around, so much emotion, anger.. *he puts his forhead on Ceciles, their noses touching..*
: *having his weight shifted for him he slightly stumbles quickly catching his balance*Cool it boss I've been rather busy cleaning up my problems,so they donna bother me at all anymore.
: Burning hells your problems! If you were free you should have fucking told me where you were!
: *hearing the door, she looks up. Her deep emerald eyes blink once when she sees who it is. She didn't tell him that she worked here, but she's very happy to see him. Especially since she never came by his house or even called him. Putting the book back down, she stands up and smiles*
: *she jumps as Jihan`s shrill voice slams into her ears, turning to glower, teeth bared. Loud noises make her grumpy lately; in fact, vast amounts of noise really don`t suit her at all* Keep it down you whore. Have a little respect for the sensitive, here! *she sticks out her tongue at Jihan; almost playful, before returning her attentions to her love; she laughs, finding it amusing that this vampire is cowering before this ... whatever Jihan is. She rests the flats of her hands on Tevesh`s thighs* Getting too strong in here. Go?
: *pulling himself free of her grasp he stands up smoothing his clothes*I really haven't had the time to contact much of anyone,with keeping me self an me lass Nicola alive. An I'll be going to work tonight if ye donna mind.*gives a curt nod turning to Ceciles ranting at Jihan*
: *works very hard on keeping her eyes on him, fearing that if she looked away it would draw unwanted attention* Hi. I... I'm sorry that I haven't called. I've been busy *freaked out more like it, but busy is always a universally good excuse*
: *Smiles* Let's stay.. No reason to leave. Have to join society soon, anyways.. Getting close for me to meet... *He trails off again and laughs at himself.* Nevermind, nevermind. My problems, not you, love. *He grins and stands..* What to say?
: *looks over at Cecile and returns the tongue showing, also playfully. She then looks back to Caine* Nicola too? Why the hell are people trying to kill my employees?
: *lets the vail of shadows fall and lets himself benown to the rest of the club...he`s leaning on a wall not to far from the atctual bar....his handsome scans the room *
: *She drops her hands and watches him stand, peering at him with a dark glower* Pardon? Meet whom? Does that mean you`ll be leaving me? *too bad he`s not more subtle. She`s on to it now, and it`s difficult for her to drop any subject that really catches her interest* Tell me?
: handsome self even
Tevesh looks at Cecile, square in the eyes.. The look of seriousness and his demeanor changes instantly. He speaks sternly, but softly, and shakes his head. "No matter. Nevermind." He looks at her, and softens again, lowering his head. "I'm sorry, but can't say, can't say. like to, but can't.."
: *pulls the stool closer to the edge of the bar and sits, leaning over a little bit so that she can lower her voice to talk to him* Yeah. I do. *dimly aware of the commotion her unwanted past is making, but as long as they're keeping to themselves*
: *eye wandering the room to a spot all the undead an the werecreature who just entered,knowing this due to an accute scence*Nein just me. Nicola happened to be with me an I wanted to make sure she wasn't the target. Though it seems by this little message that My Clan has let me go an I'm now considered Antitribue.So I hope all this hunting me down shite will end.
: * as caines eyes would glance to those of vassago he would see hium smile ..almost a wave in there to but no ....he takes a coin out of his pocket and tosses in the direction of them vamps ...its an old coin of arabian nature *
: *the word "antitribue" means little to Jihan, as she's not completely versed in every english word, nor is she at all versed in undead subculture* And if it doesn't?
: *she stiffens suddenly with fear as she reconignizes Vassago`s aura and essence immediately. She refuses to look at him. Mustering what she can of strength, she stands and forces herself to remember how to walk* Fuck fuck ... gotta leave. Gotta get out of here. Shit shit ... *she glances up to Tevesh, desperate to leave, but unsure to go without him* Come? Please? Danger here ...
: ((How old a coin?))
: I've been fine. Do you want a drink?
: (( 300 years))
Tevesh grabs her hand.. He feels her desparation.. "What? What?"
: *nods to Vassago hoping that to night has better results than the last time they met, turning back to Jihan before he sees the coin*Well then I'm gonna continue me little war on me own time.
: Just IM WolfenMage
: I get off at *looks at the clock and a faint look of surprise washes over her face* Now. *looks back at him* You want to catch a movie or something?
: *places the beer gently on the ground and walks towards the vamps....wich group who knows ...it seems hes going towards both of them*
: *glances at the coin as it hits the ground... HEY! She recognizes that... She leans over and picks it up then looks back to Vassago*
: Him ... *nods toward Vassago* Told you about him, I did? Yes ... he`s the one that attacked me not long ago ... and Caine, the Losombra, too ... barely got away, yes. Don`t know why he attacked us, don`t know. He ... made my blood boil? Yes, that`s it. *she finds herself stepping close to him; curling an arm around his waist, feeling all of the sudden the newborn again, the ignorant one. She has yet to tap into her powers hardly at all; besides Obfuscate and a faint Celerity. She watches Caine, hoping he stops near them. She is not ashamed at her vulnerability, just scared, like a child. Which, she is, in vampire world*
: Okay hold on
: * he stops and looks back at jihan and waits for a moment*
: Ok *wishes that she's stop smiling before it becomes so horribly obvious, especially to those who know that she doesn't do it very often. Peeling her apron off and collecting her tips, she moves from behind the bar and stops when she gets to him, taking the quickest of glances around*
Tevesh smiles slightly, and lets go a bit.. He feels the barrier between control and insanity slowly begin to vanish.. disintigrating.. He grins, the power that he holds slowly start to begin to fill him, and Cecile can feel it.. Like a pressure building behind a dam.. Tev slides his hand on her waste.. He nods as she is talking.. "No matter.. Alone, once. Twice again. Make him mad, make him mad. Easy thing to say. Talk to him?"
: *nods and heads for the door, careful to keep her distance*
: ((later gators! *distributes kisses*))
: ((Bye bye.))
: *she doesn`t like the idea, not at all. Even aware of his awesome strength, she is hesitant. But why not? It could be fun, it could be risky, and of course, she could learn so much! She finally nods, keeping very close to her Sire* Okay ... talk. Sure.
: ((*player is trying to recall if it was the Ottoman empire or the Syrian*))
: (*hugs, kisses, loves, waves* bye doll!)
: ((that was around 300 years ago rather))
: (huggles the Envy*Later)
: ((or persia))
: *looks at Jihen as she studdies the coin*
: * he waits looking at the girl but loses interest ....he keeps moving but seems to just vanish *
Tevesh stares at Vassago, getting a feel for the guy.. He feels the power, the mind of the Assamite.. And he smiles.. Handled well, might be hard, might be hard.. But nothing to die doing.
: *noting Vassagos use of Obfuscate he tences waiting for his next move or reappearance*
: What the hell was that?
: * he reapears as they look around sitting at there table with his feet kicked up and the coin back in his hand...it twirls through his fingers he looks at both with a smile* good evening my dears how are we....miss me caine
: *she stiffens, a shiver moving through her as she tosses her head about to see where the hell he went. She surges with the throb of the weavery, dancing lightly on her bare toes, anxious* Dammit ... dammit ... Going to die ... *she looks up to Tevesh, speaking to him in the way only they can* -Do I have anything to defend with? I can`t just prank him ... what can I do? Useless, I feel.-
: *looks to Jihan*What? The vanishing act that guy just pulled.....*looks up as Vassago has shown himself at a table*Not really. What was that all about in the first place?
: *out of the corner of her mouth* He one of your kind?
: entertainment ....so you get the feeling of death creeping up you at times
Tevesh smiles, and looks at Cecile. Then he takes her hand thinks slowly.. -How do you feel? What do you want to do? Prank him if you want.. I will help you survive, my love. Tell me what you want to do..-
: *nods to Jihan then looks back at Vassago*At times but I just dealt with punks that thought they could bring me final death.An as ye see I'm still here.
: you consider me as a punk
Tevesh takes Ceciles hand and rushes out of the back door. Hunting time.. (Gone)
: *she stares at Vassago; then at Caine, wondering if this is worth her precious time, as Vassago doesn`t seem interested in her at all. Good! That`s so good. She giggles and claps her hands together once* Yes, yes ... *smiles as they fly away, giggling with glee* Bye bye!
: *gone gone*
: (*huggles an licks Cecile*Bye hun)
: (*laughs*Couldn't stay away huh*knows Phedre's secret*)
: *to avoid causing havok in the bar, switches to a slightly better subject* Where did you get that coin?
: * his eyes shift in jihans direction* my pocket
: Not at all...just another formitable person to deal with...*drops the subject due to Jihans uncomfortableness*
: (*nips her finger*okay okay)
: deal with * laughs * you still got alot to learn about our kind ....none the less you have three days left of you life ..enjoy them well * he stands slowly *
: *Fuck Havok. She's not sure if the threat was aimed at her or Caine. Jihan's eyes switch from black to a burning copper* You wanna say that again, ghul?
: ((*tacks on "nor does it matter" after "aimed at her or Caine"*))
: (*bitch slaps icon up there*)
: * eyes locked on jihan* tell you puppy to calm down if she knows whats good for her
: *lets a low growl*ye dare threaten me whelp?I know more than ye could fathom about our kind Chylde of Haquim.
: * eyes go back to cain*
: (*slips in the word out between lets a*Are we all having trouble typing?*l*)
: (not me! *rubs it in*)
: oooooooooo you say that name like you know something about him * smiles* mabey you should cower back to your little black hole there and cry a little bit more ......but none the less three days * starts to walk away * antitribue my ass
: *Jihans hair starts waving as though in a strong upward wind and her eyes glow a little brighter* You might as well try and make real your threat right now little corpse.
: *she swivels on her stool and decides to watch the interaction. Not a terrible stranger to the Undead and other creatures of the night, even if she is still just Kine with a little special magic of her own. She sucks on an ice cube, keeping quiet and unobtrusive*
: * shakes his head* disapears and reapears behind jihan just in time to say -boo your dead- then disapear and reapear next to teh bar holding the beer he left on the ground*
: *settles back grinning*We shall see laddie. Ye maybe the feared of the yuir clan,but I fear none.
: *the brief brush of Vassago's face near Jihans neck gives him a feeling like sticking his head inside an open oven* Thats it? Little table magic?
: *she chuckles softly, appreciating a woman who has a sense of humor een as she contemplates killing and death. She lifts her glass in silent, and probably mysterious tribute*
: * can hear rather well from where he is and shakes his head* some people just dont get it * but the arrogance was starting to anoy him rather quickly ....mabey he should jsut do it now and blow his head up ...mabey he should take his silver blade and cut the top of caines head and drain the blood as fast as it poors ....or mabey ....yes...thats it ......he smiles *
: * he walks outside*
: What is yuir hurry to deal with me anyway lad? I've done nothing againset ye nor yuir clan.
: *shakes his head again* what am i your mother
: why would i be here what would be my purpose huh...use that little brain of yours ...or did you loose it in the abysse....think hard now child
: (( * leaves cause is tired of this secret message bullshit *))
: Because you're a fucking phycho?
: *begins to dismiss Vassago as a loon knowing there is nothing to tie them to each other nor haas he commited any act against the Masquerade*Yuir really starting to bother me lad.Ye should go now?
: diablerie
: well thats not it...*shakes his head* enywho someone wants you dead i dont know who i dont ask who i just do the job and do it well ....they dont agree with my tactics much but i get the job done and clean * smiles * et une autre chose ...tu na jàmais vecus les horrors que je peu te fair mon chere ami...je vaiis te fair soufrir .....ahh que la vie est belle
: *laughs*I may of allowed it,but nein I commited no crime. An who would want me dead now I have no ties to anyone but those here.
: wow you realy lost your mind hanging around that malk to long ....mabey you should live ..your own stupidity will kill you yourself....chirst* he walks away realy anoyed that his petpeave is in full affect with this .....*
: ((fuck....*leaves* get a message service or get a room))
: *he nods catching the little pass of French and turns back to Jihan*This guy is really bother some.I'll still show for work though
: Good. If he returns to give you shit I'll burn the fucker myself.
: *still sitting at the bar ... drinking; on her third double now, though this one is watered with ice. She remains quiet, though she shakes her head faintly* My, my ... now that`s one for the storybooks.
: *looks back over to Phedre, and the brightness of her eyes dim down, though they are more of a light brown that full black again* Have fun watching?
: *nods*Aye.Then I'll see ye at work?I must go for now,time for some investigation work*turns to walk out the door and pauses looking back at Jihan*Take care boss, this guy inna playing around.*turns and walks out the door into the abyss*
: (Victoria Beckam. Sp, I know.)
: *Lets go of the last of her anger for now... and gives him a smirk* Stay out of trouble.
: Send further messages to Celeste McCoh
: (See you in a few, Caine!)
: *she smiles at Jihan* I did, it was better than a movie. *her smile is playful and kind*
: *Jihan sighs and brushes some of her hair back into place then moves over to a seat beside Phedre* I realy hate ghuls... not all of them. A few work for me, and I got a great job from one, but for the most part they have way too much pride in being walking corpses.
: *she laughs and nods, finishing off her third whiskey and signaling for another. Because she`s a nice girl ...* Can I buy you a refill? *motions to her large glass* Can`t have anything half-empty. *if Jihan is perceptive, which she figures she is, she`ll note the scarlet mote in Phedre`s left eye, which burns brightly against the sable hue of the rest of her iris. Odd little quirk, that clearly isn`t blood. Her little bit of magic*
: *sauntering into the BtD she let's her cloth trench slightly billowing with her swift pace,she move to the bar and orders a bloody mary O positive,turning to the room she smiles at Phedre and Jihan catching the last bit of Jihans words*Too much pride you say,how is that?
: * in the streets he gets a message and this time catches a glimps of teh delivery boy ...he throws a small blade and connects with his heart...the vamp falls ..* finaly got ya ....*he smiles and read* .....shadow...keep up the efforts his holynesses avatar is over seeing thi project himself and regards you in the highest honor and considers your devotion in the outmost importance altho he still wishes for you to clean up your act for there might be strong retributions to come if not...we will show them what we are ......Thetmes....*
: *She's pretty and she's allready offered Jihan a drink. Allready this girl is on her good side* Give me a second. *downs the rest of the concoction she had in her glass.* Now you can get me a refill.
: *she can`t keep from rolling her eyes as Celeste enteres; another one, sheesh. She can sense Jihan is not human, but at least she`s not dead. She gives the bartender his orders to refill her vodka and rum, which has it`s own special smell. She drops a wink at Jihan, and offers her hand in greeting* Phedre no Dulaunay, it`s wonderful to meet someone with great humor.
: *looks over to Celeste* They think their little blood magic makes them big enough to tell other non-humans how things should be. *she looks back and shakes Phedre's hand* Jihan Aloula. Pleased to meet somebody in this world thats not mundane or dead.
: *laughs not shifting her aura so not give off the fact she's undead,not sure how they will react to her*Ahh,well to each their own.By the way I'm Celeste McCoh*extends her hand in greeting and with th other takes her drink and sips from it*
: I try my best to keep alive. *she grins and eases back against the bar, watching the two women casually. What a nice little gaggle they make, nice to look at, all three of them. She brings the whiskey to her lips against a smile. She`s in good spirits* Blood magic? Isn`t that just a little trap? Use up all your blood, loose your magic, and you become as vulnerable as ... what`s the word that`s used? Kine? Yes, that`s it. As vulnerable as Kine. It`s always safest to have a power that doesn`t rely on your flesh to channel it. *she nods, sucking an icecube into her mouth and rolling it about intently, thoughtful, as she reaches to shake Celeste`s hand* Phedre no Dulaunay. Pleasure.
: (*removes to not and closes the space*)
: (*random kisses to celeste-poo and jihan-doll*)
: *turns and shakes Celeste's hand* Jihan Aloula. I wouldn't know. The names of their practices and even their little cliques pass right over my head. All I care about is when their little feuds start harming the ones that work for me.
: (going to go in about fifteen. need sleep! bah to this fleshly confine!)
: ((*recoups Phedre's kisses with some of own*))
: So I`m guessing that guy was your employee ... Caine? Yeah. I`ve met him once, down at the Bush. *it clicks, all of the sudden. All makes on big circle in her head* Which means you run it. Nice place you`ve got there; classy, expensive, delightful. I regret missing you on stage. *her grin is wicked and mischevious, and she laughs lightly*
: A pleasure*to both of them*So I take it the undead are at unrest around here?(*huggles and lick Cec an Cookie*Is Yuir loved Caine,shh tell no one)*hearing that Jihan own the club she perks up*Not to interupt but....*her voice trails off not sure how to approach the subject*
: (*knew! harhar!*)
: *Jihan reacts poorly to that like a cat reacts poorly to a plate of salmon and a warm lap to be petted on* Why thank you. I must admit I couldn't have raised it to its status myself. That I have to credit to the former owner. I own it now though and try to keep its from having to look back to lost glories. *looks over to Celeste* Yes dear?
: Well... It's just that I'm from the other side of town and am just recently starting to hang around here.I'm kind of lookinf for work*becomes slightly sheepish wondering how Jihan will react*
: *she glances regrettably at the clock hanging over the bar; a rare accoutrement for such a place. She fishes a card from her pocket and slides over to Jihan, leaning in to her ear with a smile* Maybe sometime you`ll by me a drink, hm? Have a good night. *smiling as she pulls away, she tosses two twenties on the bar* Well, have a good night, ladies. I`m off to work! Never done, the business of death.
: *rae's at that last bit but doesn't react poorly* Have a good evening Phedre. I won't even need to by for you if you come by the club. *back to Celeste* Well my dear, I'm always in search for new talent.
: *nods to Phedre*Sorry we couldn't talk more. Hope to run into you again.(*huggles Cec*See ye later lass)
: ((how old would 5th gen make her? *isn't all that up on WW rules, but knows thats old*))
: *scoots out!* (good night lovelies. *licks and kisses and naughty thoughts for all* sleep well, kids!)
: (she's a young one. Only 300 years old.)
: (excuse me 307)
: ((bit younger than Jihan then. ;) )) So what sort of employment were you realy interested in? Or to be a little bit more direct, how far do your morals go?
: *brightens at her positive responce*Well I'm shy on stage till I warm up,but as for my morals go....their a bit on the mundane side.I haven't stripped in years, though I'm sure I can do it. I'd prefer a coutner job for now.
: Waitressing tables sound good for you? It will be in bikini at most. *looks over Celeste's figure, sizing her up and running through whats in the inventory*
: *nods taking a drink from her bloody mary*I can do that, I'm not shy at all to show what I've got*slips off her trench to expose her 24C-35-25 body clad in her tight leather one peice suit her .38 specials becoming visibleon each hip*
: *points to the weapons* You can take one of those with you while coming to the club, but you put it under lock and key while your changing or out on the floor or stage... *this reminds her of something* You knew what I was talking about when I mentioned ghuls. Are you a vampire or something similar?
: *nods*Alright,one weapon,lock and key.*slightly balks at the question*Umm....*bows her head not sure how to answer*
: *then looking up she puffs with pride*Yes,yes I am.
: *nods* Okay. A few extra rules for you then. One: You don't get to feed on the customers. Two: You have some sort of clang-gang-whatever war, you come to me for protection. Three: I don't want anything more than parlor tricks for magic in my club unless I'm told.
: ((thats Clan-gang-whatever))
: But I'm no where near being like the rest of my kind I come from a Clan of prestige,we pride our selves on our beauty and knowledge of the variuos arts.You won't have to worry about any of those things.I feed before I go anywhere,I have few enemise,they never know where to find me,and I can agree to that last one fully.Umm....nevermind I can hadle it myself.
: *Jihan explains payment, as Cookie can only fathom what strippers get payed, but it does involve actual stripping earning much more than waitressing and any tips she gets while dancing has 20 percent going to the club. Jihan also explains that merit is rewarded with better pay, as well as the girls that can draw in the crowd.* One more thing. If you're working for me you're mine. I'll let you come and go like a cat, but if you have problems I want you to tell me and if people are giving you shit I'll give the shit right back to them. Got it?
: I got it*nods finishing her drink*I take it now that I'm working for you and in doing so I'm free to do as I please for the most part? When do I start?*having taken in all that Jihan has said*And I start as a Waitress?
: You can start stripping as soon as you want, but you made it sound like you wanted to get into the grooove first. Come by the club tomarow and we'll work up a schedual for you. I think we can get you started in two days or so.
: *smiling*Yeah I do want to get into the groove first.What time tommorrow shall I stop in?
: Whatever's good for you. I'm quite happy to live there, so if I'm not in the office or on stage I'm probably asleep.
: *nods*Okay.How's... um....we'll say 6pm.
: That'll be fine. You may catch me on stage, but I'm sure you can wait. *she winks* In any case, I think I need to head back there myself. I left one of my bouncers in charge, but he won't know what to do about problems with the girls. *she winks*
: *rises from her stool sliping the trench back on smiling*Then it's set I'll see you tommorrow,and I do hope to catch you on stage. One rarely sees the onwer of a prestigiuos club on it's stage*gives a cat like grin*If you dont mind could I walk with you just to make sure I know where it's at?
: Sure. You look good enough for company. *Jihan slugs down the last of her own drink and barely bats an eye at the potentcy* C'mon. *heads out the door*
: *follows her out he door and off to the BB*(*huggles*night Cookie see ye on the morrow)
: ((See ya!))
: hello what's up?
: Hold on brb
: *sleeps soundly in the room she booked..laying above the sheets in her blood red nighty type dress..her arms crossed over her chest..if anyone other than Caine enterd they might beleave she is dead as she doesnt move or breath and lookes deathly pale*
: (changes icony thingy as is in a room at the bar not at the hotel)
: *moves from the back room to the stairs as they are right next to the door and goes up to the room Nicola booked for them and upon entering the room*Wakey wakey sleepy head Got a long night ahead of us
: *A bleary eye opens and sort of glares at Caine..she really wasnt one for jumping out of bed and just because she was in a defying mood she rolled to her side facing away from him her long hair covering her palid face*
: *a grin spread over his face as she decides to roll over*Are ye sure ye want to do that?*moves tto the side of the bed*(is not ignoring you Nyte we'll be down in a moment)
: Yup*said with a naughty defying grin..she has no clue what he might be thinking of doing to get her up but she is well brave or extremly stupid who knows*
: (okay then I though ye'd be in for rp cuz ye are in the room but if yuir tired...do as ye wish)*bending down to grab to sides of the matteress and lifts it filpping it completely over on her*Let's move Chylde yuir on my clock now,yuir an hour late past yuir training time.
: *lets out a yelp of surprise and falls to the floor with a thud..she peared over the bed*your such a gentleman*said as she stood and dusted herself off*
: (*sobs couse got dumped and wasnt even in a relationship*..*hehehe)
: *bows*I know now lets move I've got a problem an ye need to be ready to dish out all ye can if I donna survive,which Iwill.*moves out the door an down the hall to the stairs pausing at the top*Ye coming lass?
: (sad it is. I know but it happens)
: *She followes not getting a chance to tidy up but ahh well not likes she needs to look nice*yeah yeah im coming
: *moves down the staris into bar room his slipping off his studded leather trench an laying it on the bartop, both 9mm berettas visible in in the doubble shoulder holster he wears.tonight he's dressed in a pressed black dress shirt an black slacks, his boots shined to a gleam*
: *She followes him..whistling to herself before she slumps into a stool*so come on whats gonig on?*said while she nods to Nyte*
: *nods to Nyte*Two tall glass of viatae an can ye make them warm*his Irish accent clear an crips*An quickly please*then turns to Nicola*That Vassago came back after ye went tobed
: He did and what prey tell did he want?*said with a slight glare to her features*
: *watches Nyte closely as she warms the vitae..stretching lightly to fully wake up*
: Basicly, I'm dead in three days. He thinks I'm easy prey*nods a thanks to Nyte*It's seems he was hired to take me down but I doubt that cuz I recieved a message from Alton that he is no longer coming for me and then there was a crypted message that only our clan knows basically saying thier cutting their ties to me an' I'm now concidered Antitribue
: Not at all my dear*said with a smile to Nyte.she then looked to Caine*so what are you going to do?
: Im sure*said lightly wondering why the girl things she wants to ask something
: *reaches for his glass carefully avioding the flame*I'm gonna deal with him head on,it's the only way to handel it.But yuir gonna go through some extensive an tiring training tonight,yuir gonna learn to summon yuir inner darkness an control it well.*knowing his is making one of the bigest break in the Masquerade by talking in front of Nyte but isn't careing at the moment*I wonder if night is Kindred?
: Allright Caine but I need to go back to burning bush to grab some fresh clothing and to speak with someone
: *grabs her glass and drinks the liquid up quickly*
: Okay, You do that an i'll be here most likely.Oh an no use of the abyss till yuir stronger got it?*gives her a stern look over the top of his glass as he takes a deep drink*
: Yes master*slips out of the bar to get stuff*
: *shake his head an looks to Nyte*So I haven't seen ye in here before lass. Ye new?No just top this one off if ye will.
: I wasn't really paying much attention an well most who come to the bar at this time of night are Kindred not,umm...Lycan as ye call yuirself*takes his drink an downs it*Just a passing thing. I appologize for the mistake.
: *qurks a brow*Um..how is it flattering? Normally for yuir kind to be mistaken for mine is considered an insult.Are ye the Vampire friendly type?*chuckles as he says this and puts two twenties on the bar*One's for drinks the other is tip. Just incase yuir gonna ask about the money.
: *waving the change away*Keep it money's no matter to me.*tossing another twenty on the bar*Here. An I understand about mutual respect, I hope we can build that up some time but I've got things to do before dawn*picks up his trench and nods to Nyte as he slips into his own shadow vanishing*(Night Nyte)
: *slips into the BtD and cathes a Lasombra just leaving*Wow that's not something you see every night*walks over to the bar*Hey Can I get a Blow Job add the blow*eyes looking over the bartender*You're pretty you know.
: (*fixes his words*That's catches the)
: I've got a wide varrity to my taste*sniffs the air*Ahh I know what you are*grins taking his drink*Thanks how much is it?
: *slips a 5 on the bartop*Yup, really.I'm kindda the same way but I go for blood more oft then not.You are a were-wolf,Better termed Lycan or in french Garu(*knows that's not the right sp but doesn't care at the moment*)
: Keep it for your tip, it's the best I can do.What makes you say that,if I may?
: *nods*Right to you guys we bear the scent of he wyrm,must remember that at all times. So what cha doing working in a bar fequented by us wyrm tainted demons?*laughs at what he said like it was some joke*Oh Bouncer,this place really need a bouncer?
: I woundn't really know how great it is I've only been here a few times.though.....*his voice trails off for a second*...nevermind all that.Must be nice to be able to toss some guy who is like twice your size,without going into another form ofcourse.
: *smirks*Right mortals leave peacfully,you gotta be kidding me.Peace is not naturely in their nature,force is usually the best polocy with them.
: Granted, one would be when a female looks petite and has a stronger grip then him
: *laughs and finally downs his drink like a shot letting the shiver pass through him*Mmmmm...gotta love that feeling.I bet. Oh.. I was wondering if you've seen....*stuggles to remember her name*...I forget her name but she owns this bar
: Oh,I appologize I forget myself,I'm Dorian.
: A pleasure Nyte. Might I ask why you chose Nyte for a name?
: (heloo?)
: (hmm.must of been to boring. I gotta get in here more often*goes back to the real world*)
: *new to town; very new, and despite her cool, sleek look she`s really feeling very uncertain as she stands outside the bar to smoke. Just having come in from Boston, she has a thick coat slung over one arm, and her trousers and filmy top do enough to keep her warm in the sparce California winter; she`s vastly grateful for the lack of snow. She stubs out her smoke, and turns into the bar*
: *the place is nearly deserted except for the resident bartender and Jason; she eyes him as subtly as she can, finding him highly attractive. Unconciously running her fingers through her hair, she finds a random table and sits. Not terribly thirsty, just seeking a moment`s rest. She closes her eyes, turning her face to the ceiling, sighing with weariness*
: *one eye opens, studying him a moment; but she smiles, she can`t help it. He`s good-looking and she always smiles when she`s nervous. A shy kind of girl. She shrugs, trying her hardest to be nonchalant. Assumes his comment about the chill in her bones is due to her heavy coat* If you feel like it. Warm rum`ll do fine, thank you.
: *she crosses her legs and sips the warm, dark Jamaician concoction with relish, sighing* That obvious I`m not from L.A., huh? Boston, actually. You? *she keeps her attention on him, blue-green eyes bright*
: (*walks into the darkness covered room*Whao WTF happend in here? Oh well it doesn't effect IC anyway*slides IC now*)
: (piccy test)
: (much better)*standing outside the BB she waits for Jihan to show wondering if she's to early*I think I'll go down to the bar instead at least there I can have a drink while I wait*starts to walk down the the BtD taking ing all the looks she is getting from the passersby*
: Idly wandering down the street she's suddenly grab from behind by some thug demanding her money as he drags her into an alley and pushes her against the wall,not really wanting to deal with this guy she turns on Presence at a low level*You should really watch who you mess with my boy now go play in the middle of traffic*she leaves the alley as the effects of Awe take hole and he gets hit by a car*Poor boy should play in traffic it's a dangerous thing* walks into the BtD*(hey Envy*hugs and licks*There is only one in her not two)
: (*here)
: (*pulls the loveable Envy IC*COme on you poped in so you know what you gotta do*waves to moth*)
: (John Travolta*shivers*Bomb ass acter)
: (who ever you wish to be)
: (*blows the dust off of this one*)
: *is already there, sitting in a table that is not in the corner because he's just strange like that. Kicking back, enjoying a Bud and a newspaper*
: *walking into the bar she takes off her white blazer and hangs it on the back of her stool,being dressed as pic, she sits and orders a GIn'n'Tonic with a dash of blood*(*coughs an' hacks*Whoa hold long you have him in the closet?)*looks to see all the other "normal"people in the room and spots Gavin at a table all by his lonesome*You need company there sweetheart?*smiling she grabs her drink and moves to his tble*
: *he smiles, though he doesn't lower the paper. The smile is in his voice* Always.
: ((Loooong time. I was going to make him into a torrie one of these days, but I haven't had the ambition/time))
: (Ah luck be on yuir side then lass)*sits in a chair across from him*I'm Celeste, nice to meet you*extends here hand*
: *lowers one side of the paper as his hand frees up. He takes the hand and kisses the knuckle* Gavin. And I'm sure the pleasure is mine *recited politeness. He's being kind, not sleazy*
: *genuinely smiles not able to conceal her souther accent*My you're a handsome creatureCan I by you another....whatever you are drinking.*taks a small drink from her own Gin'n'Tonic as she pulls her hand back*
: I don't really drink it. *lifts up the full beer bottle* I just like the smell. *which is odd, because beer smells bad*
: *laughs*Okay then,odd.So tell me Gavin,I'm new to this side of town...what to do 'round here*her smile enters her eyes as she looks at him pondering strange things*
: There's a few clubs. All different kinds, depending on what you're into. *unfortunately for her, he happens to work in one of the raunchiest strip clubs, so he's not quite quick to her charms*
: I've learned about one of the clubs The Burning Bush. It sems like a decent place.What other Clubs are there? I've heard of the Reality but I don't think it's my kind of place,still have to go check it out.
: I work at the Bush, as a matter of fact. Reality is alright... depending on what you go there for.
: *she quirks a brow picking up on the fact he works at the Bush*Really,then you could tell me what Jihan is like,and what her expectations as the boss would be.Besideswhat she's told me.*finishes her drink and sets the glass down quitely*
: She's... honestly, I don't know her all that well. *he definately doesn't like her as much as he liked Cecile, but he's not going to tell this girl that* She's fair and brutally honest. Are you putting in your application?
: Well....... I guess i did last night. She wanted me to come in today and start as waitress. It's been a while scinced I've done anykind of dancing. So what's the atmosphere of the club?
: (*kills the d on thend of scince and give up on spelling as well*)
: Depends on the crowd. It's usually not the best on Saturday nights, but there is extra staff on those nights.
: Not the best? The crowd or the dancers?*she waves to the NPC bartender for a refill*So you work weekends then?
: The crowd. The dancers are overall pretty good girls. Granted, they'd have to dull themselves until they're more dead than we are, but I can't say that I blame them. *released the newspaper with his other hand and it falls on the table* I work all the time. I don't have much else to do
: *chuckles at his last comment*Hun I don't think anyone could get more dead than we are babe. So you're the work ahoclic type*nods to the bartender setting her drink down*intersting.
: No... no. I'm not obsessed with my work or anything. I just don't have the ambition to find something else to do.
: Oh to easily bored yet have no drive type, even better.So you into any type of art, music, things of that nature?*gulps half her drink*
: I like movies. *the whole film phenomena never failed to amuse him. Moving pictures that speak! Just amazing*
: Like them as to act in them or just watch them?*is searching for acommon ground now hoping to find something*
: Watching them. I collect autographed scripts. *an unusual hobby, he knows, but he likes them*
: *smiles*Wel I'd like to see some of them at some point. I've always have been one to read a good script*finishes her drink*So you work tonight or no?
: no. that's why I'm here. *doesn't buy her being interested in the scripts, but who cares? Not him.* You know if you work at the Bush, Jihan is going to try to talk you into stripping.
: ((why is it all my employees hang out at some other guys bar? :P))
: We've already descussed that.She understands that I want to get into the groove of the club first.
: ((who wants to stick around in the place you work?) Yeah.... *seems skeptical. He knows how Jihan can manipulate people into doing what she wants* Best of luck to you.
: (*waves to Cookie/Jihan*Cuz We like to pay for our drinks*lol*)
: *hears the light scarcasim*Thanks, but I think we'll see who's the manipulated one. I can hold my own rather well.
: Good. (*pulls Cookie in*)
: ((If you work in a place with dancing naked women and free drinks))
: *Jihan saunters into the BtD... why? Because thats where all her employees are hanging out damn them.*
: *finishes her drink letting a silence pass between them*(*pulls Cookie into her lap*)
: ((*curls into Celeste's lap, then pulls envy into his own*))
: (*licks cookie's nose* got somethin' for you) *as does he... until Jihan walks in* Why, speak of the devil. *and he means it quite literally*
: *Smirks at the calls of her entrance* Not a devil, but close enough. How are my two darlings tonight?
: ((what is it what is it!?!?
: *looks up as Gavin says that and smiles*Oh, Hello Jihan.
: I'm fine just met and have been talking to Gavin here. He's kept me entertained.I've injoyed his company.
: *doesn't say a damned thing. He doesn't scowl or show any disapproval. he just picks up his newspaper again*
: Great. Then I don't have to introduce you two. *she orders for herself a drink that would make a hardend frat boy cough and sputter*
: *picks up on how mush Gavin doesn't like Jihan by his silence*No not at all.When do I start tonight?
: Whenever you feel like. I gave one of the other server girls the night off. There's a spot in the dressing room for you.
: *doesn't totally dislike her, but he knows that she's not particularly fond of his kind... besides, she's just a bitch, so he stays out of her way, hoping that she'll stay out of his.*
: *and Jihan is quite pleased to be a bitch. Further, she realy wouldn't know how to do security, so she keeps her nose out of how the boucners take care of shit*
: *is the best to be walking around within the crowd, because he doesn't look like a bouncer. He's not beefy and slightly feminine, which makes him perfect for catching assholes off guard and tossing them out the door*
: Alright, I'll go in with you,when ever you go in*is bwegining to feel a little awkward for some reason and gets up to grab her white blazer from the back of the bar stool she left it onand orders another drink*Another Gin'n'Tonic ,and make it a strong one*turns back to the other two smiling on their perfect beauty*
: *rolls his eyes... dressing room. He knew it*
: *drinks down the harsh drink like it was water, glancing at Gavin's derisive look*
: *getting her drink she downs it*If I'm waitressing remind me why I'll be in the dressing room.Just so I'm clear on it.
: Because you'll still be going about in bikini or something similiarly showy.
: *nods*Okay, I thought that's what you said last night but I just wanted to make sure*shoots a pointed look to Gavin and smiles*So....When is the biggest crowd in?
: Friday and saturday nights, and mid sunday for the dirty old men that just got out from church.
: *folds up the paper and leaves it on the table, along with a tip. He stands up and nods once* Ladies. *a 'see you later' address*
: See you tomarow Gavin. *she grins at him as he leaves*
: *nods to Gavin*Gavin*in the same tone he used*
: ((bbl with another char. I'm burnt out on this one))
: *laughs*Dirty old men huh?So it stripping world hasn't changed.Okay shall we I want to get started a.s.a.p.I feel the need to get into the swing of things. ((okay))
: Sure. *she slaps down some dollar billage on the counter to pay for both her and Celeste*
: *nods thanks for pay the bill and moves to the door slipping on her blazer as she walks out the door*
: *follows Celeste out the door and moves to her side* So when was the last time you were showing yourself off?
: I'd say about 25 to 30 years ago when I owned my own club,before I was pulled into the polotis of my world. I've always missed doing it a little.
: polotis?
: Politics. It's just me way of calling it all bullshit.
: *Jihan chuckles* Its been fucking YEARS since I could get out and dance. My uncle had the brilliant idea of sitting in whats now Saudi Arabia after the Ottomans collapsed. That didn't work out so well so in an even bigger show of idiocy we went into Iran. Fuck all for dancing for 80 years.
: *as they walk down to the BB she let's her eyes wnader over Jihan figure*Wow...That's a long time.I've always found Araibins interesting, I love the olive glow of your skin the high cheek bones and the over all beauty of the culture.
: *she smirks and tries to shrug it off like its nothing* I was raised as much under Turks as Arabs. They're a little easier to trick when it comes to knowing about my kind. My father used to tell me about what it was like before even Muhammed came though, when they feared and respected my kind like gods.
: Oh,*think back to her youth*Must of been nice back the*opens the door of the Bush and waits for Jihan to enter*So Jihan, I gotta ask. How old are you? Ican tell you'renot mortal so I was just curiuos.
: ((Still broken Gian))
: ((there ya go))
: (*wonders where Envy got off to*)
: (I'm here)
: *lays in her bed, hopefully the last day that her bed will be in this shitty apartment. But, the place does have a nice addition to it today; her body is wrapped around him as she sleeps. Her shapely legs, dancers legs, are weaved within his, her hair uncerimoniously ratty, looking even more like fire when it sticks out. Her arm drapes loosely across his chest, fingers brushing his ribs.*
: Shhh... keep talk like that to a minimum. Most of the girls are normal and as much I can tell just about all the clients are. We can talk freely in my office.
: ((oooh! Who's Kailynn been sleeping with?))
: (( Yo mama, biotch!))
: (*huggles*okay)*covers her mouth quickly then drops her hand*I appologize, I didn't realize.
: ((Good for her!))
: And you haven't been discovered yet? *gives Celeste an eye of "c'mon, you should know better"* C'mon, I wanna sit in my office chair. She begins leading towards the back of the club where one door has a sign on it that says "manager" and the other says "employees only"*
: *her fingers curl in a little, making the touch to his side a little more evident. A dream pushes her to the brink of conciousness, but not quite. Her head moves, tucking in between his jaw and shoulder*
: *follows Jihan to the back and notices the signs*I take it I'll be going into this room most of to time?*points to the employees only door*
: Clever girl. *she opens the door to her office and slips in* C'mon in.
: *and the sigh, as subtle as it was, was enough to push her into semi-conciousness. Enough to make her realize that there was someone in her bed. Still half awake a few flashbacks from the good ol' days swim back. What was she doing asleep at someone's house? Had she been drugged? In a slight panic, she sits straight up, her deep green eyes wide open when her head shoots back to look at the culprit*
: *enters the office*Um.. I was wondering is this going to be good for tonight*starts to strip of her top layer of clothing reviling what she's wearing underneath*
: *oh... right. Closing her eyes as her hand comes up to rub her lids* Um. nothing. Just... a bad dream.
: (*points to pic*)
: Like I said, anytime you feel like going on the clock. *glances at Celeste taking off her clothes* You're certainly eager.
: *the muscles under his fingers tighten at first, but she doesn't pull away. Quite the opposite. She drops her hand and turns to lay back down* I don't remember.
: *laughs*It's just that I want to be sure what I've got is okay, I haven't updated my wardrobe in a long time.
: If it shows off belly, cleavage, legs, and ass it'll work. We've got spare bikinis if you don't feel like pulling out anythign special.
: (extensive profile nice)
: (Oh, Mothy... what great work you do)
: I usually don't remember my dreams. *which is true. Thankfully, she blocks things out pretty well. Starts to relax, the massage doing wonders*
: ((music?! *unmutes her volume*))
: *grins* Ialways feel like pulling out something special. I kind of got to look the best no matter what
: ((and fabulous music at that! Mothy, you rock my world. I'm so glad I know you)
: *returns the grin* Shouldn't be too hard for you. What of your own clothes do you have?
: It's not that great waking up scared and not remembering why. *plants an elbow on either side of his head and props her chin in her hands, her head tilting to look down at him*
: I'll start tonight as far as the waitressing goes,but I think I'll watch some of the girls go through their routines. Oh I've got a few more outfits like this a few extremly short sun dresses. I guess the normal slutty stuff.
: What are you still doing here? *a tug of a smile softens otherwise rude words* I'm not very pleasant company.
: *Jihan's grin turns to a smile* Slutty draws in the customers. Bring what you want to use her to the club and leave it in your spot in the dressing room. If you want anything else to wear I can make sure you get it. We've got a wonderfully big budget for clothing and accessories.
: Of course you do. You figured out how to seduce me with cheeseburgers. *the smile grows*
: Okay I can easily do that.Whos' spot am I taking anyway?
: *shrugs nonchalantly.* Like it was difficult. *especially since she's a former pro*
: *walks into the club past the back door and lightly hits it on his way to the floor room*I'm in and on the clock boss*continues to the floor room*
: *doesn't say anything. She doesn't know what to say. Can she say that she's picky too? Can she say that she's lucky. Looking slightly uncomfortable, she puts a hand on his chest, applying just a little pressure* I have to go to the bathroom.
: Nobody's right now. The girl that was gonna take this shift has been wanting less hours for a while now, but the other two that are working at this hour don't want to be two against fifty plus half drunk guys
: *in a decent attemt to push aside any suspicion that may bring about questions, she picks up her pillow and biffs him in the face with it, then sits up and pulls on a t-shirt*
: *nods* I can understand that,I remember the way it was when my club was full and very busy.I've kinda been wanting to open it again but I don't have the time. Though this time I don't thik it will be a strip club.
: I could tell. *stands up and walks into the bathroom, closing the door behind her. Water runs, toilets flush. yadda yadda*
: (Celeste, look at how pretty our colors are together!)
: Oh yeah? What were you having in mind? *pulls out a bottle of Jack from behind her desk and takes a slug*
: (*nods nods*Green and purple go good together)
: *she comes back out in her bathrobe, her hair much darker as it hangs in red, wet dreadish clumps. She's one hell of a quick shower taker. She speaks as she's sifting through boxes for things to wear* I'm looking at a new place today. *doesn't know why she told him that. He didn't need to know that. But it slipped out and she's not all that worried about it*
: *looks at the bottle then back at Jihan*Well I noticed a few vacant building around hear and thought it would be good to have a dance club*shrugs*Nothing big really.
: *bursts out laughing, totally unabashedly, since he can't be serious.*
: *watching the room fill slowly he sits at the bar*
: There's one called Reality thats pretty big in this corner of town. You might wanna scope it out for competition. *she picks up the neck of the bottle and holds it out to her* Want a sip? *She might notice that Jihan doesn't seem to be at all affected by the amount of alcohol she's consumed thus far.*
: *pauses in the process of pulling on a pair of jeans to look at him. She shakes her head as the smile slowly disappears* Wasn't it meant to be?
: *shakes her head no*Thank you but to consume any alcohol there must be some blood in it. The Reality,right I was taking to Gavin about that place earlier.
: *just shakes her head, buttoning the jeans. Great. She left the club to lose obsessed men. She should have known better* You hardly know me. That's just ridiculous.
: If you want. *she takes another slug, puts its cap on then gets up from her plush chair* C'mon, I'll show you your dressing spot. *she goes out of the room, locks the door behind her and opens the "employees only" door*
: *looking around he notices that Jihan hasn't come out of the office to either yell at him or make sure he's okay,he decides to go back to the office and knock on the door*
: *well, that was easy to resolve. If he's hurt or upset, she doesn't notice, or does a damned good job blocking it out* You can come with me to look at this place if you're not doing anything. You know, make sure I don't get ripped off.
: *following Jihan she moves into the dressing room eyes falling on every object in the room*Wow this place is rather nice.
: *is waiting by the door with her purse by the time he comes out. She's no idiot about looking at apartments, but it never hurt to have company*
: *not getting an answer he shrugs thinking she's just busy and heads back to the floor*
: Well, since I do my changing in here too I'm not gonna go third rate. Moving past a chair marked as Jihan's she moves down the rows to a chair marked as celeste with electrical tape* If you want people to only know your stage name I can get that taken off.
: (night everyone *distributes kisses and hugs* have fun!)
: Nah that will be fine. I don't really plan on telling patrons my name anyway.
: Well a name can slip, especialy if a guy is asking for lap dance and doesn't have to say "I want the blonde one".
: (*Image test.)
: ((broken))
: *moving to a spot near the stage he spots some rather unusal costomer tonight, thinking he need to keep an eye on them he waits till the main group of people has filled in*
: I agree well then....I haven't used this in years,but I'll got with Victoria*remembersher sire upon speaking the name and realizes she hasn't even seen her sire in a very long time*Yeah Victoria,it works.
: (broken?)
: (*Points to his image.*)
: (Ah)
: ((somebody did an image test, I said it was broken)) I'll get it changed then. *looks over Celeste's face for a moment* Victoria will work for you. *she then glances up at the clock* Hmm... I think I need to get on stage myself pretty soon. *she indicates a few NPC girls* get to know some of your coworkers or come watch me or whatever the hell you feel like.
: *smiles and nods*Thank you and I think I'll come watch you and get started for the night*being in her outfit for the night she goes out to the main floor and to the bar to pick up a tray to carry drinks*
: *seeing the new girl walk from the back he figures Jihan was busy breaking her in,still watching the odd gruop he moves to Celeste side*So I see Jihan found new blood to bring in.
: *looks to the stage knowing that the boss will be on in a few*
: *smiles at Caine*If you can call me new blood,then yeah I would be it. I'm just a new waitress, not going to be on stage*straightens out the wrinkles in her skirt and moves on to the floor to start taking orders for drinks dismissing Caine completely, every so often looking up at the girl presently on stage*
: *shakes his head and hten speaks into a hiddien two way set he got for the other bouncers on his shift alerting them to the presence of the new group of people in the center of the room*((did the Cookie get booted?))
: ((no, was just letting you two have fun for a bit))
: (oh okay. I donna think she likes me to much*stick his tounge out at Celeste*)
: *moving around the room picking up orders and glasses for refills she heads back to the bar to place the new orders and get the refills*(I got to get used to you first is all*returns the sticking out the tounge with the finger* You shouldn't have to guess what finger)
: (Oooh,visious. I like visious)*starts making his rounds through the bar and slips in NPC*(got to jet Ladies*hugs and kisses to all who what them*)
: *after about ten minutes, the DJ announces Jihan on stage. She's wearing what's shown on her avy, plus some red panties that are quite visable when Jihan lifts her arms up. Getting into the groove of the current song, which she's requested be a remix of something that sounds arabic, she begins removing clothing with fluid grace and hawt sexyness*
: (I live not to far from Caine and we have the same IPS*kicks AOL*)*looks to the stage as she returns to the floor delivering drinks and picking up the money, half watching Jihan and half paying attention to the crowd*
: (Let's not forget Alton who is my roomie and Dorian who is yuirs lass)
: (*gives the finger again*)*all smiles and nods she makes rounds again this time pausing to watch Jihan on stage*
: (Love ye too*poofs cuz roomie is now bugin' to get on the comp*See you guys later)
: *Jihan seems to have years of experiance getting the men reved up and her entire body flows from one provocative stance to the next, leaving only a small amount to the imagination and giving the imagination a lot to work with*
: ((later Caine))
: *slighty awe struck from Jihans beauty she froces herself to get back to work shaking her from her clan weakness*
: *At some point Jihan has fully disrobed herself and let the crowd grab up the panties and stalkings she was wearing, leaving her bare before the audiance that she now addresses* So, who thinks we should get it a little warmer in here? *there's a big hollaring from the crowd. Obviously they've seen this act before and quite enjoy it*
: *listening to the crowd get louder she ducks a few arms waving and drops off the drinks at the appropiate tables collecting the money in the same instance and again makes her way back to tha bar*Man this is a wild crowd.
: *she picks up two thin but long wooden batons from the side of the stage and tilts her head up. She then sticks the rod straight down into her mouth so as to give the gentlemen in the audience an idea of what else she's capable of. After a small burst of cheering she pulls it back out again, only at the end of the baton there's a fully burning flame. She does the same for the other end of the baton*
: *between watching Jihan and making here rounds she stops to take a specially ordered shot, then it's back to the floor flinching at the sudden appearance of fire as she passes the group of odd people her ass gets grabed and out of reflex she pulls the small knife from under the tray and stabs the hand that grabed her*Oh shit!!*pulling back the blade she looks to Jihan as the people in the group start to show their disaproval yelling for the manager to be called,she ducks back to the bar and sits knowing she just fucked up*She said no weapons on the floor damn it.
: *Jihan goes wants to know what the fuck is going on in the corner over there, but the lighting on the stage doesn't realy let her. She makes a show of twirling the flaming baton very close to her body so she has an opportunity to look but still gets nothing*
: ((*waves to Nicola*))
: ((Hello?))
: (*waves as well*Hello)*is now croutching behind the bar unsure wha to do*
: *hears the cries of somebody for management and decides its time to wrap it up. She does a fire eater sort of quick routine, extinguishing both of the flames, tossing the used and unused batons to the side of the stage and picking up her red blouse as shown in the pic then sliping it on. She climbs down onto the floor and moves to where the disturbance is, ignoring the yells of disapointment from the customers wanting to see her act*
: *not wanting to use her "magic" on the entire room due to the fact she's not sure hoe it will effect Jihan stays where she is*
: *She moves over to where Celeste is and tries to make sense of what happened. Jihans eyes are a copper color right now*
: *not sure what to say she places the bloody knife on the table and points to the odd group of people in the corner*
: *looks at it... then up at Celeste and grabs her shoulder* Did you fucking do this?
: *sighs*Yeah it was more reflex and habit. I know I fucked up.
: *slap across the face!* No a fuck up is when you give somebody an order they didn't want. _You_stabbed_somebody_. *doesn't yell it, but boy does it seeth coming from her mouth* Get your ass to my office. NOW.
: Yes Jihan.*glares after being slapped she goes back to the office hopeing this isn't her first and last night*
: *Jihan doesn't join her for about twenty minutes after she sends her into the manager's room. The sounds of several girls going to and from the dressing room can be heard, but not what they're saying. They don't sound pleased though. After a while Jihan finaly opens the door and steps it*
: *looks up at Jihan waiting for the enevitable*Lok Jihan I can explain, I think.*her eyes briming with tears of blood not yet shed*
: HE SLAPPED YOUR ASS. The hells were you expecting?
: I know, I know, I wasn't expecting that.Besides he'll heal befor the nights' up. The knife was slipped to me by one of the bounces anyway,I know I should of put it away but it slipped my mind when it got really busy while you were on stage.
: *Jihan's got about three differant reasons to yell her head off right now, and they're alll competing for attention in her mind. Therefore she compramises and yells* GRRAAAAAHH! *and smashes her fist down on table, wich leaves a nice fist indentation on the very metal bit*
: *sits back at the show of rage looking at the dent and realizing the if it came down to a fight both of them would be hurting badly,hoping it doesn't come down to a fight*Jihan....*looks down*
: *looks back over at Celeste, Jihan's eyes a brigt, almost molten copper* WHAT?
: *shakes her head*I'll go now*gathers her clothes that she took off earlier in the office*You've got my number but I'm going to be expecting a call,but...*moves to the door placing her hand on the knob*
: *crap. Split decision time. Jihan's eyecolor fades down to a cooled down copper color. She's still pissed but not homicidal anymore. She places a hand on Celeste's shoulder* Don't even think you can just walk out bitch. You've given me too much shit to deal with to let you skip out now.
: *looks back*Oh I'm not skipping out. Iwas just going to get dressed and go deal with them myself,then come back here to talk to you more.
: I've allready dealt with them. The guy is being taken the to emergancy room on our bill and the other guys are going to enjoy special privilages for free tonight.
: Um...was it a good idea to send the undead to the hospital? There will be deffinate questions.
: Undead? What are you talking about?
: That guy i stabbed was one of my kind.You souldn't tell?*shakes her head in confusion*
: *Damn her... Jihan can't tell if the woman's bluffing or not* I'm a destroyer, not a hunter. I don't need senses like that. If he is he can take care of himself.
: Yeah he can take care of himself. If I hadn't of moved it would of turned into a fight with him and his head on the floor.*is getting irritated now*
: Aren't your kind supposed to avoid drawing attention to yourselves as vampires?
: ((*changes vampires to undead*))
: For the most part.But there are those that just don't give a fuck like that guy.There the ones that are either exiled or hunted by our own.
: How did you know he was gonna fight you? There were three witnesses saying he slapped your ass and you stabbed him for it.
: He made unaversal threat.He didn't just slap my ass, he drew blood*lifts the back of her skirt to show to blood stain*
: Then you do what you do for any other customer that gets too roudy. You smile nicely then go over to Caine or Gavin and have them throw the fuckers out.
: Well I didn't see either of them at the moment and we the one who slipped me the knife is on Caines crew I think.
: (*knocks the we out of herr sentence*)
: *Breathe in... breath out.* Where's the knife?
: I think it's still on the bar were I put it when you came over to see what was going on.Do you want me to go get it?
: No. I'll make sure one of the bouncers gets it. For now... I don't know if you brought it with you or if you realy were given it by one of the bouncers. I don't realy care. You just proved you'll stab a guy in front of witnesses if you have one on you. So don't EVER let me catch you with a weapon on you again.
: You wont,believe my you wont. I even left my guns at home when I got up knowing you dind't wnat any weapons in the club.
: Small favors... listen. A guy getting the snot kicked out of him by a bouncer is one thing. Its a whole other if the Johns think they'll get stabbed by one of the girls. Especialy for smacking them in the ass. I am going to be having to be dealing with lost business for a while. How are you going to solve it?
: I'll get on stage, and promote the club when I'm not working. Though this occured tonight I can still rake them in.
: *considers this* Fine. But you're on probation to boot. You'll only be getting 70% for the next six weeks. And you aren't keeping the tips.
: *nods*I'm okay with that.So is tomorrow night good to start? Or should I wait for things to cooldown and just go out to promote the club?
: You're on stage tomarow night. I might as well get my use out of your ass soon as possible.
: *pulls out the NPC Caine and walks to the office with knife in hand, without knocking he walks in*Boss this was on the bar and some of the new cutomers where iffy on stickin around
: ((*waves to Caine* What you doing on so late?))
: *pulls out the NPC Caine and walks to the office with knife in hand, without knocking he walks in*Boss this was on the bar and some of the new cutomers where iffy on stickin around((got bored and decided to pop back in))
: ((*waves to the lurky moth*))
: *nods*Got it.What time?
: (Hey moth)
: I'll expect you here hour after sundown.
: I'll be here shortly before then I rise early.*looks as Caine just walks in*
: *in responce to Caine* Feck. Allright. I worked out shit with his friends, but Celeste is claiming the guy she stabbed was undead and was looking for a fight.
: *setting the knife on the desk he notices the dent*I think I'll just step back out.*pauses at the door*He was. Oh and if you don't mind I need a replacement for my crew too.
: *rae's Caine then back to Celeste* Allright then.
: You missed it. Not deluional at all
: In any case, I deal with my stress by stripping or breaking things. Including people. So you wanna get out of here and let me get in my dance for the night or not?
: *nods and walks out the door slipping in the NPC agian cuz he has to got to the store*
: Okay Jihan*gets up and walks out to the main room with Caine*((I'll ttyl Cookie IM me when yuir in for play again or I'll IM you which ever works))
: ((*throws her char into pause*))
: (color test)
: *Bows*Why thank you Envy
: I'm fine just woke up so I though I'd pop into the room.It's like coffee
: How are you?
: No. Like just got out of bed. I went to bed at like 7 am
: *hugs*Poor Envy, I guess I'm glad I haven't started classes yet
: Insomniac?
: Ahh.poor Envy
: So if you have so much to do why are you hanging out in the room?
: What time is it where you are?
: It's almost 3:15 where I am.
: Maybe if I were back home in Cali. Oregon sucks ass
: And it doesn't sound like you're complianing babe
: Sounds good but I prefer a good old Irish drinking party.
: *quiurks a brow*Beer.No babe it's all hard alcohol and Guiness
: RUm. I prefer Spicedwhen it comes to Rum.Vodak has to be anything above 80 proof.*grins*I lke to get smashed the good ol' fashioned way
: Uh huh*smiles and nods*So What's the mood for o day?
: *slaps a t in front of the o*
: Okay
: *Reving his Harley as he pulls up to the BtD his cureses*Damn what's worng with this damn tihng now?!!
: ((Depends on the microwave))
: *walking particularly nowhere, she happens to be going by. Her long, leather clad legs come to a halt when the bike does and she chuckles* It's a piece of shit, that's what's wrong
: ((*kicks aol*)*getting off the bike he looks at Marley*I know it is. I've had it way to long*he is drees like his pic tonight,except for the jacket,in it's place is a shoulder holster with a subautomatic Uzi in it*
: It's an American bike. Germans make better bikes. Everyone knows that.
: *scoffs reaching into his sattle bags to pull out his duster*If Germans make such better bikes then I would I stick with Harley Davidson for so long? It is by far the supieror motorcycle. This one is just old
: Uh huh. *obviously doesn't agree, but she's very rude about her demeanor... like he's not worthy of continuing this conversation. So, she just starts walking again towards the bar*
: *slipping on his duster he looks to the bar then back at Marley with a smirk on his face*Hey let me buy you a drink.I don't know to many people in town and the few I do aren't to friendly.
: Alright. *never one to turn down a free drink. She steps into the bar, not holding the door or waiting for him. She props herself up on a barstool and orders a double vodka martini*
: *walks into the bar behind her and slides onto a stool placing a wad on the bartop*Is that all?*orders a coke and rum with a slash of Whiskey and blood* Why's a girl like you on this side of town? You seem like you'd prefer the upper part town.
: (*pokes Alton* turn on your AIM. I have something to show you))
: *peeks and sighs*No Harmonia*feels she is the best barkeep and goos conversationalist*
: ((which one?))
: *oh, if only he knew how trashy she really is, but she just chuckles* I do, but I like to remember what I'm missing while I'm there
: ((I don't know. I don't know what they are. just IM me))
: *chucklesand pays the bar tender for their drinks.Picking up his own he drinks deep*It that good around here?
: No. *short and sweet as she picks up her drink. True, Harmonia isn't here, but she is! So Dorian should come in anyway*
: *nods*I'll be in in just a few
: Well then why remember what you are missing while there? That doesn't make any since*He's rather logical in his thinking and this confuses him*
: *just shrugs one shoulder and sips on her drink* I don't really feel like it's something that I have to explain to someone who rides shitty bikes. *smirks, her signature brat smirk*
: *smiles*You're an intresting one.Smart ass and beautiful. I like that.You want another one?*finishes his own and orders a second*
: *just raises a brow, letting him know that what a riciculous question that is* Of course, but if you think you're going to get me drunk so that you can fuck me, you're sadly mistaken. You'll go broke before you get that much alcohol in me.
: *lets out a really load laugh*Girl I have no intention of doing so. I just got removed from a job and since I'm stuck in this city I thought it would be good to meet some of it's people.If I was thinking about fucking you you'd be done and dead before you knew it.*chuckles sipping on his drink*
: *decked out in skater gear tonight he strolls ino the room head phones blaring around his neck he slide into slips into a stool*Her barkeep your boss in?
: pft. I'm sure. *polishes off the first drink and starts on the second. She wasn't completely joking about the amount of alcohol it would take to get her totally messed up. As much as she's been paid for her tall, lean body, she sure does abuse it, but what doesn't make you OD, makes you stronger*
: (*fixes her to Hey*)*tires not to pay any attenion to Alton just cuz he really doesn't like the Caitiff.They tarnish his Clans good name but he smiles and nod to Marley*Oh barkeep,before you go off to find her mix me a Blow job,add the blow.
: Anyway, I'm Alton,and you would be?*sips his drink alittle more half turning to her*
: *smiles back to Dorian. Not genuine, of course, but a smile none the less.* Who would you like me to be? *such a classic hooker line, but she just loves the cheeziness of it*
: *shakes his head*I would prefer you to be yourself but if you don't wish me to know your name that is fine*finishes his drink and throws a glare at Dorian, remembering the last time they met,but says nothing and turns back to Marley*Really though,what's your name?
: *Oh, so many to choose from. She lifts her glass, her lips brushing against the rim when she speaks* Marley.
: *turning off the discman in his pocket he starts to tap his fingers on the bartop no touching his drink waiting for either news that Harmonia not in or for her to show up.and changes his icon to the right place*
: A pleasure Marley. I don't meet so many...umm....mannered smartasses often*is rather blunt when he speaks due to his job requiring it of him,it's more out of habbit than anything else*
: I wasn't aware that I'd let any manners slip out (*kicks Icon too*)
: (*pokes the shadows for more ppl*All need to come join the pretty rainbow of color.*let's out a mad laugh,almost mad scientist like*)*continues to tap his fingers*
: *reaches over and puts her hand over Dorian's tapping one, warning in her dark eyes* Please...
: Well you're not being blazee or anything. I find it like many things intreging.
: *lost in thought Marley's touch kindda jolts him*Huh? Oh sorry miss,was that bothering you?*picks up his drink and slams it like a shot shivering as the coke hits his veins*
: mmmhmm *nods her eyelids raised, just pointing out how stupidly obvious the question was. Her fingers slide away and reclaim the stem of the martini glass*
: (*wants Saven around IC, too. Wants Saven around all ways because she's the keenest girl in the whole world*
: *lost in thought again he slips the head phone on to his head and presses play,the calming sounds of the wlid can still be heard through them waving to who ever is behind the bar for another BJ*
: (*and gives up on spelling to*)
: *rolls her eyes.* Take your medication, man.
: *leaving the wad on the bartop he nods to Marley and looks at his watch*It was a pleasure Marley,hope to run in to you again*slips off the stool wondering if that was directed at him but shrugs it off and walks out also leaving the Harley there keys and all not caring what happen to it.Has got to jet now and will see everyone later*(*hugs to all that what them*Bye Envy and thanks for the rp.It helped me kill time*with a poof os smoke he is gone*)
: ((*wave wave* bye Alton!))
: *turning off the discman agin he turns to Marley*So what's the deal with that ass*didn't hear the medication comment so is clueless and still waiting*
: Finally... *muttered once he's gone. She swirls the drink around in the glass and takes another sip*
: *sighs, alway seeming mischieviously irritated* I don't know. It's not my problem.
: *glances at the wad of money and conciders picking it up though he has no need for it and better decides to leave it for Marley*Seemed like he was there for a second*smirks*
: *which she will take without any second thoughts if the bartender doesn't pick it up before she leaves. Does she need it? No. It's just there and not hers, so she wants it.* Sorry to disappoint you.
: *looks confused*How does that dissapoint me. I'm glad the fucks gone. I don't like him. He's a waste of good bloodas far as I see it.Can't stand batards like him.
: (*snuuuuuuglie's her little tulip* come in come in. We love you, sweetness)
: *just shakes her head* Why are you telling me this? Do I look like I'm interested?
: *shake his head*No not at all but you're somebody to talk to*downs his drink again feeling the shivers.And pulls Saven IC though he no knows who she ish*
: *the shiver arises some interest in the drink. She nods towards it, deep brown eyes, so close to black, are slightly perked with interest* What is that?
: It's a Blow Job. With a little extra Blow in it. It's one of my favoite drinks.*can't remember the mixture to make it*
: *blinks, actually quite surprised*.... really?
: Yup. You want one it's quite nice.*glances at Maeva briefly then it's back to Marley*The trick is to take it like it was a shot not to sip it.
: *fails to mention it's his fav drink due to his Cocain addictions as he waves for three more, tow for him one for her*
: *does love cocaine herself. She oh so blantantly checks out Maeva, then she waves over the bartender* I want one of those.
: *lifts a brow looking at the three drinks in front of him*I was going to offer you one of these but I'll down all three of them if you don't want one.
: You can pay for this one if it makes you feel like a better citizen. *shrugs as this new, amazing concotion is put in front of her*
: *downs the first one and remembers that his come with blood as well*On secon thought I think I will take all three*not sure if she'll like the blood after taste picking up o her scent that she's kine*I can do that.
: *downing the next two he reaches into his pocket and tosses a twenty and a ten on the counter figuring that will cover drinks and tip though it will be a small tip*
: *well, it was just turning out to be her lucky night. She picks up the little glass, and takes the shot like a pro, without a cough or a wince... impressive for a human, drinking cocaine and whatever else is in it, too.* Not bad.
: Do you always let guys buy your drinks or rather convince them to?*feels the shivers creep up on him from the last three shots and relaxes*I know.*all smlies*
: No *smiles, as she polishes off the second martini* Sometimes girls do.
: *laughs loving he slight delirium of the coke*So you from around here?
: Yep. *reaches in the pocket of her jacket for her cigarettes. She doesn't ask for return information and that's all that she gives. She doesn't come off as trying to be sneaky or avoidant. he asked the question and she answered it.*
: Short,sweet,and to the point. I take it you're not one to ask questions? I like that. To many people these days want to know "All about someone",I find it rather irratating*extens his hand*The names Dorian, nice to meet you.*comes off as a fuck the world type of person, not caring what other think.*
: *almost doesn't take the hand. Introductions are not a part of her every day routine, but then... maybe there's another drink in it, so she does* Marley.
: ((MOTHY! *pounces and snuggles*)
: *nods noting her hesitance,or what he think is hesitance*How 'bout another one then Marley?*orders two more but points to Marley as to say one isa regular*(*waves to moth*)
: I think that's a great idea. *peers around him to Maeva* Maybe she needs one. She looks a little uptight *of course, she says it plenty loud enough for the girl to hear*
: *smiles*Okay then.Barkeep make it three and send one down to the beautiful lady over there. I'll cover the charge*turns ans smiles at Maeva*Oh and in mine duobble to Blow.
: (*blinks* how did I do that? Well, manda gets my post!)
: *a sardonic grin pulls at her lips as she looks right back at the woman, challenging. She sought a reaction and got it, even if it was small.*
: *with a little chuckle, she rolls her eyes. Ah. so she's one of those "goth kids" no wonder she's... like that*
: ((sorry for the lag over sidetracked*)*seeing the fangs he pauses*Well now what a neat little trick. Drink is on me.
: (*s'ok*) *when the bartender brings the drink, this time for some reason, it's a bit too much for her and she coughs, her hand coming up to rest at the base of her throat, as if it would somehow make the drink less potent*
: *slams back his drink then looks at Marley*You okay there?*little conscern show on his face melts away and a hze fills in his deep brown eyes*
: *nods as the last of her cough dies away* Yeah *scratchy voice* Just went down the wrong pipe.
: Oh.Well it is good practice to swallow your drinks and not inhale them.*orders her another*Try in again.*shakes his head as he turns to Maeva*So you into the practice of baring fangs at people? It can be taken as a threat you know?
: *she's starting to get fuzzy, but she takes on the other drink anyway. Her dark eyes are glossy and quite pleased. How did she not know that these things existed?*
: Ohh,scary. If it was then you should be careful who you threaten.Me I don't really care.Her on the other hand might take offence,and who nows what she can do.
: *without saying a thing, she gets up and walks... with a little sway... out the door* (needa run upstairs and see my friend's hamster. brb)
: (I'm baaaack)
: (ok... to switch off chars, or go on with this one?)
: (K. At the club?)
: *Jihan is enjoying a drink right now at the Bush, watching one of the other girls perform*
: *her eyes just keep getting more and more out of focus as she walks down the street. She manages to get a cigarette in her mouth, but fumbles with the lighter and drops it* Shit *she kneels down, patting down the ground until she finds it and lights her cigarette. Slowly, she stands again and starts on her way*
: *Jihan looks at the clock idly. Hmm... Marley's on tonight but she's not showed up. She's going to need a few words with her second favorite dancer*
: *growls as he beat the comp with a rubber chicken*Got' damn AOL
: *she'd better not find out she's second favorite... does not like that stuff at all. A good 20 minutes late, she waltzes into the club, obviously messed up*
: Yeah rubber chicken it's the second best thing to fix the prob
: First best thing is threating to kick it and call it a whore.
: *Jihan looks over to the entrance of the new person and nearly does a double take. She leaves her drink on the bar and rushes over to Marley* What happened to you girl?
: What the fuck are you talking about? *as this cant be the first time. She's come to work far more inebriated than this! She waves her hands to shoo Jihan out of her way*
: *ducks as Celeste swings*Ahh I think i'm gonna go now*laters
: ((sorry, thought messed up meant she looked like she was beaten up)) Sonofawhore, Marley. *Jihan ignores Marley's shooing and takes hold of her side to help walk her to the changing room* A few shots before you get on stage is good for you, but you don't need a fucking bottle every night.
: *isn't so messed up that she needs help walking. she's just not all that graceful about the process* What? Screw you. Who in the hell do you think you are, anyway?
: You're boss, bitch. *she sticks her tongue out at Marley and knows she doesn't realy need help. But she likes the role of being smothering with her girls and Marley is no exception*
: oh, fuck off with that *waves a hand, her eyes so glazed over and unfocused* I've been here since I was like 16 years old. I should be bossing you around.
: Hey, at least I don't come in ass drunk every other day. Besides, I've got one hell of a lot more experiance with this kind of work. *they reach the dressing room and opens the door, pushing her uncerimoniously in and following behind*
: *is already on stage just finishing her act moving much like that of a belly dancer.As she shifts her hips the bottom half of her bikini slips off leaving her only in a G-string as the music ends.She gathers her cloths and walks off stage to the dressing room*
: *seeing Jihan and Marley she stops*What happened to her?*this is said as she hands her tips over to Jihan*
: *stumbles in and turns, swatting Jihan's hand away.* knock it off, or I'll quit! *empty threats, of course. When Celeste speaks, she just blinks* hello... I'm standing right here.
: *looks at Marley*It doesn't seeming like you're doing to good a job at it either.
: *rolls her eyes and then rubs them with her fingertips* Whatever. If you're going to be a couple of bitches, then enjoy the night with these pigs without me.
: Marley this is your new co-worker. Celeste, this is the top bitch at the club asside from me.
: I wasn't trying to be a bitch I was just pointing out the obviuos*nods to Jihan*Okay, Nice to meet you*moves on down to her chair and starts to get ready for the night*
: *grumbles, not at all interested in the introduction. She doesn't have that little commraderie instinct that most of them have. She pulls off her jacket, having on just a leather halter top under neath, but since she's wearing the pants, she's still grossly overdressed. She walks past the both of them out into the main room8
: So Jihan am I pulling a doubble tonight or what?*knows she has to make up for last night and decided to ask before she took off.*
: All the way up into dawn, girl. *watches Marley storm out and wonders what the hell she's up to*
: *of course, it doesn't take her long to pluck out the handsom, nervous looking guy. She orders a shot of whisky from the bar and saunters on over to him, holding it out. She's not giggly in her flirting, but much more predatory* Want a drink? You look like you can use one.
: *nods*Okay, I just wanted to know. Who am I on after?*does a little make-up then turns to Jihan to face her.*
: Well... I had thought Marley... peeks her head out from the door and see's what Marley's up to* I guess she's going for extracurricular work tonight. *she looks about at the girls in various states of dressing* I guess I'll be up next.
: *raises an amused brow at someone sipping a shot. Of course she caught the name, but she hides her displeasure* So... looking for someone in particular tonight?
: I go on after you?!!*tone of surprise in her voice*
: Yeah. *she moves over to her chair and begins taking off her clothes* I'm not putting on my major act, just filling in.
: *leans over, not having to reach much, if at all to speak quietly in his ear, her breath low* You mean, Kailynn? Sorry. She quit. You're going to have to find a new fix.
: *well, that's a little surprising. She'd naturally assumed that he'd been a regular or... at least some well-to-do stalker* Yeah... news to you?
: *painfully hides a smirk, even more painfully since she's high* Um. yeah. She was the best girl. She made about 5 times what the rest of us do.
: *not sure what to do she gets ready for her next act hoping to draw a bigger crowd than the first time*
: Why? Don't think you're skilled enough*
: *the smirk almost comes through, but she catches it* You really didn't know?
: It's not that, not at all.I'm just rusty, you know I haven't danced in a long time we talked about that.*cautiuosly picks her words as not to say anything in front of the other girls*
: Well *looks out over the crowd* The girl had something that drove these assholes wild. I don't know what it was. *then, going in for the juglar, she looks back at him* So, do men have a sense? Can you just pick out the girls that give good head? or is it a lucky guess?
: Not to worry. I'm not asking you to do amazing. You're just filling time on a monday. Half the clubs in L.A. just take a girl off the street and have 'em wiggle a little to some techno. You do better than that and I won't care.
: *bingo* That must have been it with her, because you know how she has the personality of an empty garbage bag *chuckles lightly, as if it's no big deal and she doesn't notice how uncomfortable she's making him... but she notices and it's quite intentional*
: *smiles*I can easily do better than that*when she was on stage she did have the clud in awe*
: *had been waiting for something like that, but she only lets loose that smirk* But, I don't hide what I am. She would always have other jobs... pretend like she wasn't a whore *sticks her hands in her back pockets* but it never made a bit of difference.
: I saw what you did though. Not bad. Kinda like how my sister dances. She's a little better than you, but she's been at it longer than you have. *gives Celeste an eye that means "yeah, she's realy been doing it that long"*
: *inside, she gloats, rewarding herself on a beautiful performance. This was like Christmas* How did you meet her? *is actually just curious. This guy has to be fairly new... she wants to know where to find one*
: ((*didn't he tell Celeste that Jihan won't let her get away with just waitressing? hm? nobody listens to the quiet, nonbeefy bouncer*)
: Really?*catches the look*Maybe she could give me some pointers,help me out with my routine a little. You think you could arange that?
: *once he's gone, she bursts out laughing until he evil eyes have tears in them. Oh, life can really pay you back for all the shit it throws at you* ((night kids!))
: Sure, why not? Her names Damali, but she goes by Isabel here.
: *with that Jihan goes on stage*
: *nods as Jihan goes out to the stage and finishes getting ready.Slips char into puase and will bb shortly*