[h3]Nicolaus & Elizabeth[/h3] An evening at the Sunset was more than a distraction from the otherwise day-to-day grind of eking out an unlife that’s only real purpose, at times, seemed vague and meaningless. Moving forward only to step back a few paces just to survive another night in a City swarming with predators. And yet, somehow many of them ended up at the Sunset for the same reasons, perhaps not always aligned, but similar reasons: [i]We all need a break from the shit.[/i] Nicolaus strolled through the all-too-familiar entryway of the lounge with an arm around Elizabeth’s lower back as they passed through, it’s walls filled with photographs, paintings, and sculptures of times gone, but continued to remain embedded in the minds of Elders who didn’t forget where they came from or, to a greater extent, [i]why[/i] they were still around. A few curious stares, friendly nods, and firm handshakes from various Ventrue kinsmen, as well as outside clans came and went as they usually did those evenings he decided to show up, and a respectful nod to the proprietor behind the bar as Nico escorted his companion to their usual table atop the wide landing of the stairs that lead part-way to the second level. At this time of the evening it was rather out of the way from the crowds, which is what they both wanted tonight. The handful of servers in the main “Lounge” were busily preparing themselves for the evening, a few greeting the couple as they took their usual seats, and one in particular, a small framed Native American girl with a defined face, waved to them as she pulled a particular vintage of wine from behind the counter. “I do like that young lady..” Nico said with a slight smirk, unfolding the cloth napkin that was part of the table placement, and using it to polish the silver raven head [i]pommel[/i] at the top of his walking cane. The other snorted, sipping a glass of spring water that was laid out specifically for her. “You only like her because she knows what [i]you[/i] enjoy, you old bastard.” “Well, if it wasn’t for the selective vitae that I’m forced to imbue due to a refined…[i]flaw[/i] in our clan’s lineage, then I wouldn’t have to be so picky.” “You picked me, didn’t you?” Elizabeth smiled sarcastically, her full lips separating to reveal perfect teeth. “And I’ve always been more ‘refined’ than you.” Nicolaus grinned. “That you have, fräulein, and yet-” He paused for a moment, staring into the woman's steel blue eyes, a puzzled expression on her face until she too realized what he was thinking, as Liz had been with the vampire long enough to read him like a dime-store novella. “It’s not going to happen, Nico.” She sighed, nursing the now half glass of icewater. “I don’t [i]want[/i] to be like you, like any of you. And you know this…” Elizabeth’s words soared through his mind as they had several times in the past, knowing that her mortality was the only thing she cherished in a world fallen to the most vile of creatures, and living in an eternal darkness was not her idea of “living” at all. Her [i]Romany[/i] heritage, a proud line dating back countless centuries, were the more adamant -some would say “stubborn” even- of mortals living through the threats of vampires, werewolves, wraiths, and any other supernatural entity thrown their way, and holding onto humanity until their dying breath. They wanted nothing to do with the underground realms where nightmares thrived and erupted over the earth in waves of plague and pestilence. Her people were [i][b]Hunters[/b][/i] of his kind, choosing never to fall prey to the ravaging teeth of darkness and betrayal. Nicolaus knew of this, but he also knew that ever since the day he saved her from the raging apartment fire that consumed her family, she was indebted to him until her last days, and he would protect all that she was, even if from herself. “Hey, good to see you two lovebirds again.” Momentary silence was broken by the young waitress, who came bearing a beautiful smile and the bottle of wine she previously retrieved from behind the bar, plus two glasses, which she set out in front of them both. “It’s been what, at least a few weeks since you’d been back?” “At least.” Nico nodded. “And how are you doing, Jessica? Still running with Catlin Monroe?” The server grinned as she popped the cork on the thirty-five year old bordeaux. “Yeah, she and I are still hanging out…[i]sometimes[/i], although she’s been busy lately with her own shit I guess.” A slight frown formed on her lips as she filled both guests glasses to about the quarter mark and her expression returned to a welcoming smile while placing the bottle down on the table. “But, ah, otherwise, things are going great.” “Alright then.” Nicolaus could feel twinges of the girl’s pain, whereas his own vampiric senses allowed for him to influence and sway the emotions and thoughts of others to an extent, he could also pick up slight vibes from his focal point. However, Jessica’s mind was shut pretty well, and not much information surfaced, save for trace emotions. Elizabeth reached for the girl’s hand. “I’m sure Catlin hasn’t forgotten about you, hon, she just has a lot on her plate. You know those Hollywood types.” She said, shooting a wink at the girl. “I-I know and I’m not too concerned about it.” She said rather dismissively, pulling her hand away. “But hey, I gotta get back to it, but let me know if you guys need anything, okay?” And with that, she turned and headed down the stairs toward the bar, receiving a few slaps on the ass from the younger, roughneck patrons as she passed their way. “It’s my fault.” Liz sat back against the cushion and shook her head. “She can’t even look at me anymore without thinking I hate her...” “I’m sure she doesn’t think that, m’love.” Nicolaus said, moving the glass in a circular motion and causing the red wine to swirl inside. “Besides, that was several months ago, and no doubt she’s aware of your limits while sexually active, so she must understand one way or another...” [i]The odd relationship between Nicolaus and Elizabeth -vampire and mortal- had been, for the most part, an open one, allowing only those who they trusted into their circle and lives. Jessica had been one of those they considered a friend, and Elizabeth’s desires for the touch of another woman piqued the female kindred’s interests even more. However, an evening of unrestrained passion and lovemaking between the trio turned quite violent as the young vampire sunk her fangs into the mortal’s warm fleshy thigh, knowing that she had crossed a line that her lover drew, but could not help the instinctual call of the beast within. Liz pulled away screaming, her inner thigh torn and bloodied, and Nicolaus having to hold back the near-frenzying vampire who’s only crime was giving into the inevitable…[/i] “Maybe. Maybe not. But we, no…I should have known better...” Elizabeth shrugged, sliding across the leather-bound seat, until she was up against her companion. “On that note, let’s drink to this shit hole of a city.” In his typical fashion, Nicolaus took his lover’s hand in his own while maintaining full eye contact, raising it up to his lips and gently kissing along the underside of her forearm until reaching her wrist. His lips pressed against her warm skin, eliciting a slightly nervous shudder from the woman even though she had done this hundreds of times, but loving the surge of adrenaline and ecstasy that she felt as he watched her expressions of pleasure. Then fangs pierced her skin, her arm recoiled slightly, and a [i]hiss[/i] escaped her lips, as Nico disengaged and held her bloodied wrist over his glass, allowing the vitae to flow and mix into the red wine. Moments passed and the overwhelming aroma of her blood assaulted the Ventrue’s senses as he returned her wrist to his lips, running his tongue along her bloodied skin to not only “clean up” what remained, but to seal the puncture wounds that would quickly disappear. “To us.” Nico raised his glass. “To us.”