[IC] Ink On Your Soul

[Musoka]

@Mivuli

Solenne's tongue pressed against one of canines as the vampire was caught up in thoughts of his past. He remembered the last time he had felt something close to this. Many many years ago.

The predator had loosed its chains. Shrugging them off easily after weeks of abstainment from feeding. The dirt road felt wet underneath his feet. Red orbs wide under a mat of dark brown hair. Two twinkling daggers set on either side of the beasts lips. The predator didnt care. It needed blood. It needed to hunt. It needed to feed. The sounds of a figure moving through the darkened night caused the beast to lift its head up. Now. Muscles coiled up sprang suddenly, the movements of practice and instinct balled in to a single beast.

With the blood came sentience. Solenne breached through the beast's mind. Eloquence returning from.the void. All Solenne felt was blood running down his lips, and the dulling of a burning sensation on his wrist.

Solenne gave a short sigh. He had met that girls two days before the beast surfaced. Suddenly, his reverie was broken by a pair of slim arms wrapping his midsection and a warm cheek pressed to his back. Solenne smiled, placing his hand over hers "but I wanted to" he said simply, smile on his lips leeching into his voice. Then came the question he didn't want to hear. The one that sent a cold spell through his body.

"Solenne, how do you feed?"

The vampire stiffened in the girls arms. He ran his fingers through his hair gently before moving her hands from around his midsection and hopped off the counter. It was a hard thing to explain. Kind of. Solenne rolled his head in a circle gently, a muscle trigger he had developed. The thin twin fangs shot from his gums. Solenne sighed a little and looked at his soulmate "with these...I would either hypnotize who I was looking at in order for it to go smoothly...my preferred way..." he tapped his stomach "but if I'm hungry and the 'beast' is out...it's much less calm and easy." He sighed softly and looked at Mia "still think I'm a catch?"

[Grimoire Gaming]

The subway train came to a screeching halt at the stop, jolting Béatrix back to the present. Now alert, she stood up and got off at the stop, only having to walk a few blocks to get to her apartment.

Upon opening the door, Trixy was greeted by some of her favorite smells. The warm vanilla-like scent of her perfume lingered in the air, the crisp scent of spiced cinnamon potpourri complimented it well. The interior of the apartment was rather luxurious, and much like Béatrix herself, it was a mix of Victorian era style with a healthy dose of modern flair. The living room had paintings on the walls; one was a portrait of her very own late soul mate, Francis, as well as plants, cherry wood end tables, a flat screen tv, and a black leather couch –easy cleanup for when her meals got… messy…

Before collapsing into her bed, Trixy heated up a mug of bagged blood in the kitchen. She really didn’t prefer the stuff, but it cut the craving when she wasn’t able to fulfill her need in person. Plus, since vampires came out of the coffin, bagged blood was pretty easy to come by at human blood banks, as long as you could pay the hefty price.

Trixy walked to her bedroom with the warm mug in hand. She sat and began removing her makeup at her antique vanity, adorned with an ornately hand-carved mirror. The vanity was from France, and one of the only things in her apartment that was as old as her. In no time, Trixy was prepped for bed and found herself sleeping as deeply as only the dead can manage to do.

~~~ The next morning ~~~

Béatrix went through her morning routine as she usually did, hardly taking a single moment to remember any details of the day before, or of her new found soul mate. They would do what was best for them, live fruitful lives apart from one another. If you don’t know love, you don’t have to know the pain of loss, a pain they had both come to know all too well in the past.

Trixy headed to the office to have her usual morning meeting with Carl. He always gave her updates on crime in the area, more so info about the criminals and their potential whereabouts. Although Béatrix was one of their best investigators, the NYPD used her as an attack dog first and foremost – which made perfect sense, given her inhuman constitution. Carl informed her that there were two more murders overnight, both thought to be victims of the rogue vampire she had failed to apprehend the day before.

Anger flashed in her crystalline blue eyes, “I’ll fix this.” She said in a defensive hiss “He’ll be staked by dinnertime. I got his scent yesterday, that’s all I’ll need.” Carl was about to say that this wasn’t her fault, and he wasn’t in any way blaming her, but Trixy had already turned on her heels and stormed away to gear up for her mission.

[Argetlam350]

@TalijaKey

Tholo awoke to the sound of his phone going off far earlier then it should. He opened one eye and reached over to a nearby drawer next to his bed where his phone lay atop of. When the screen first lit up, it blinded him briefly before his eyes adjusted to the sudden light and looked at what awoke him with a slight groan of annoyance. It was far to early to get texts in his opinion and cursed himself for not setting the dumb device to silent. His phone buzzed again once more from the same person, now trying to show sympathy for unknowningly waking him up. He sighed and got up, knowing full well that saying no was out of the question by now and that the one who texted him would be here eventually. He might as well try to wake up to some form that was more presentable rather then remain as he was. He got out of bed grabbing a pair of new jeans and a red shirt before making his way down the dark hall, heading down to the kitchen to brew coffee at least to help kick start him. He then waited for the eventual knock that would come to his door.

Being the type of person he was, it was hard to imagine that Tholo could have friends but he did, why they remained to be friends at times he couldn't particularly say himself but despite his rather aggressive attitude, he did at least appreciate their company, he just wished they would have a better idea of time rather then coming around at odd hours.

The knock came briefly before seven and Tholo got up, black coffee in hand as he went to open the door, his head throbbing at the unusually vigor knocks for how early it was. He opened the door to allow the person in.

"Care to share why you had to so suddenly come over so early today, Danilo?" he asked as he returned back to the dining area where he sat down to continue sipping at his coffee.

[Mivuli]

@Musoka

Tension filled the stone statue in Mia's arms, and she almost regretted at once asking the question. But it was just as important as it was not to flee from truths that were unpleasant to learn. Her hands returned to her side, as Solenne slipped from his perch on the counter, rolling his head and facing her, sharp teeth suddenly lying against his lips. She listened to him explain the involvement of hypnosis - which, Mia mused distantly, seemed rather kindly - and ask in a way that was mirthless, "Still think I'm a catch?"

Mia gave an incredulous look. "Of course." Solenne was many things - musically-talented, debonair, intelligent, gentle, a vampire - but he was not the beast he mentioned, was he? They were separate entities, one wresting control from the other at inopportune moments. Now, however, was not one of them.

"All the people you feed from," she continued, because curiosity was impossible to quench when giving the first taste of water, "do they all...die?" Lore and legend would have it that two breeds of vampires existed: those whose feeding ended in sure casualties; and those who could see their victims off alive, if a little drunken in their steps.

[Musoka]

@Mivuli

"Of course."

Solenne couldn't help but sport a smile from the response. She had taken in the proof and confession of his curse in a stride Solenne could only think could've come from another of the Cursed kind. Solenne remembered a lycanthrope he had become tense friends with. He wondered how the alcoholic bastard was for a split second before another question came from Mia's lips. The next question he was so sure was coming after the first.

"All the people you feed from...do they all...die?"

A hard shudder of sadness came from the man. He was no saint that's for sure. He had killed many in his time...from feeding and otherwise. But it was always the beast below that would kill. Never him. He had to show her that "I don't kill those I feed from while I'm me" he rubbed the back of his neck before walking over towards her and entwining their fingers together "Let's head off...this conversation can wait." he smiled gently and began walking out of the cafe, the moon lit street very empty at the later hours of the night. Solenne smiled at Mia as they walked, hand in hand. The conversation flowed easily between the two, the walk to Mia’s house flew by quickly in amongst tales of home from Mia and tales of grandeur from Solenne. Some of Solenne’s tales included some audacious memories of the the parties in Greece, the plays in the presence of the Queen, working with Shakespeare to help him on Midsummer Nights Dream. Solenne winced gently, the hunger was coming back...and he felt as though he needed Mia’s blood rushing over his lips. He had to feed soon before the beast came out

“He said I made a very good Oberon…” the vampire laughed “and here we are” Solenne smiled at Mia, red eyes tracing each and every aspect of her face. He already trusted her with his deepest secrets, except for the one thing he had been so very afraid to show anyone. He stepped closer to her, placing his hand to her cheek. His thumb brushed the cheekbone gently “Mia…” he moved his head towards hers, giving a small kiss to her lips “I trust you...enough to show you you this...to share this with you…but...I need to do this or...” his voice became a gentle whisper as he trailed off. He rolled his head gently, the fangs sliding out “I hope you trust me…” he said quietly before plunging his fangs in to her neck. The blood rushed over his lips and he was sated by the first gulp. He retracted his fangs and licked the spot he bit, healing the wounds quickly. He was shocked. The hunger had faded so quickly from her blood. He stepped back from Mia, looking at her to wait for a reaction to his feeding from her..

[TalijaKey]

@Argetlam350

The door opened and the dragon beamed a good morning following suit after his friend. Closing the door behind himself, while he was at it.

''Well, I guess you want short version first.'' Dan passed thought the dinning room to settle the food he brought down on the counter. He put his cane on the chair and took off the gloves, taking a bit longer to answer the question than he usually would do to make a dramatic pause. After looking at the coffee drinking werewolf for a few seconds longer he just deiced to blur it out.

''I managed to miss my soulmate yesterday. ''

Short and sweet carrying the point across. His fingers tapped on the chair before he continued as if he didnt say anything. '' I wanst sure if you were in the mood for chicken or fish, or prefer maybe light breakfast. I got lamb chomps and wine for me, but there is enough for both of us if you would prefer that? I am really in mood for meat. ''

The dragon chuckled, moving for a moment his hair out the way the orange fire color of his eyes flickered in the light before it was hidden again by his bangs. He told Tholo in one of their going outs about how much he day dreamed about the special day. Especially after he heard about how one of his siblings found their soulmate and how perfect they were... It wasnt a sibling competition, at least Dan didnt want to be part of it... somehow he still tried to ensure he was truly better than them. Somehow Dan came to his friend every time his family was annoying, or he needed another perspective on something. With such thoughts on his mind the red head spoke thoughtfully. '' Maybe we could go out as two friends. You know bars a lot better than me too. '' Danilo hummed once more, leaning on the back of the chair, the hum turned to a song a more sad tuned song. To distract himself from it he added at last.

''How was your yesterday? Bet better than mine.''

[Argetlam350]

@TalijaKey

Tholo nearly choked on his coffee when Danilo said he had ran into his soulmate yesterday, well actually at least got close to them it sounded like, but missed actually meeting them. It was just an odd coincidence that his friend, one of his few friends, was fated to meet the person branded to their arm the same day he had ran into his third match. Yesterday did indeed seem to of been an eventful day for many. He quickly gained control of his fit of hacking from drinking the hot beverage down the wrong pipe and took a quick pause at Danilo's remark on breakfast."Honestly I'll take anything," he said going for some of the chicken and fish. He didn't want to break the dragon's heart on the matter of soulmates. It was his first after all plus it wasn't likely he would have the same issues Tholo had gone through. Plus the issue of Danilo's family seemed to ride heavily on the dragon's shoulders at times.

"Yeah sure, I'm always down for a few beers. Besides, maybe you missed your match yesterday, it's no biggie. You'll run into them again more then likely," Tholo said trying to cheer the dragon up at least a little. Then Danilo had to ask the one question he would of rather not heard that day. How his day had been yesterday. Just bloody perfect. While Danilo was seeking his match, Tholo was trying his best to avoid the topic as best as possible. He gave an audible sigh figuring it was better to tell the truth then make some lie up, he was never good at lying anyways.

"Buddy, not even close," he said ",Lets just say I had a run in with someone I would rather keep out of my head. Suffice to say speaking about her doesn't help with the task. I think we should keep focus on the here and now and helping you out. We hit a few bars, and see if we can't find your match along the way." He continued trying to change topics from the bloodsucker Trixy.

[Mivuli]

@Musoka

"I don't kill those I feed from while I'm me," replied Solenne with a shudder, and as he led Mia out the cafe into the streets lit by the soft glow of street lamps, she let him take her by the hand, no less confident in him, but recognising all the same the clause he had defined himself and his actions by, absolving specifically. But Mia would not let that tarnish the moment, and the man who displayed excellent self-control. And story-telling gifts too. He spun tales that seemed to belong in the history of books and annals of time but were brought to life by the lilt of his voice. Mia exchanged her own stories, which seemed so brief and trivial compared beside Solenne's life.

They reached her apartment. "And here we are," she echoed after him, smiling gently at him. The day had been almost a dream, entirely too good to be true, and with their departure, it seemed Mia would awake abruptly from it. She felt the heat of Solenne's eyes study her carefully, and she glanced quizically up at him, wondering what on Earth he could be looking for. A hand came to cup her cheek, and instinctively she leaned into the warmth of his palm.

"...but...I need to do this or...” His voice tapered off, and with a roll of his head, the tips of fangs glinted in the moonlight. Mia froze, fear and wonderment filling her veins. Perhaps it was the dimly-lit setting, the quiet atmosphere of night and sleep, but in that moment Solenne looked predatory. “I hope you trust me…” She opened her mouth, lips parting and throat working to produce her words, but the reply was lost when she felt the pierce of his fangs in her neck and her breath was lost in a gusty exhale.

A tinge of pain. Mia's hands came up in loosely-clenched fists, resting against Solenne's chest. But they were limp and unmoving and as she felt a heady rush of blood and the pulse of her heart, the sharp sting began to fade into something more...pleasant.

And then he pulled away, with a swift lick along her throat. Cold air filled the space where he had stood, and Mia shivered. A look of surprise danced over his face, and feeling boneless Mia raised a hand to her neck, fingertips searching for pin-pricks and puncture wounds. But there were none. Swiping her fingers over the spot where Solenne had been bitten, she said, "Of course, your saliva heals too." She gave a shaky laugh, and let her hand drop back to her side, willing the less nugget of uneasiness to leave. Her own eyes flitted critically over the contours of Solenne's face. "You look better when you've fed," she said and let the corner of her lips quirk upwards. "Next time though, you should ask," she added in an almost teasing tone. Already the strength was returning to her knees. It wasn't all too different from donating blood. Except blood drives usually took more from donor veins. She raised her hand to inspect her neck once more before asking, with genuine curiosity, "How do I taste?"

[Musoka]

@Mivuli

Solenne smiled and stepped back in close to his soulmate. Mia has felt slightly weakened in his arms, but now she looked back to her strong self. Her fingers touched where his fangs had pierced her neck, how often had Solenne seen the same immediate reaction? The vampire was unsure but it always made him smile nonetheless. The fingers left her neck and she said the 'legend' of the vampires healing saliva as if saying the words aloud would ground them in some science or even some reality.

"You look better when you've fed...Next time though, you should ask,"

Her voice was teasing and Solenne smirked at the answer. He rubbed the back of his head and smiled almost sheepishly " I'll remember that for next time." His eyes went to Mia's body, tracing the lines of her body. If one thing that was a bad point of feeding is that it can become an aphrodisiac. He could feel an old human need welling up in his body.

"How do I taste?"

The question caused Solenne's eyes to flick back up to hers. The question was so innocent and almost quiet in the voice he had heard so often today in a strength that was befitting her. He smiled at her "you taste..." it was hard to describe how blood tasted to a vampire. It was still coppery and metallic, but the need and hunger imbued a sweetness to it. But Mia's had been fulfilling...sweet...no copper taste...and acted as the same aphrodisiac "magnificent...I've not had someone like you..." he moved closer to her and crushed their lips together. His need to be close to her, his desire to be with her all in that one action. Pulling away after the passion filled kiss "so...shall I leave you...or...." he left the question unasked.

[Grimoire Gaming]

Grab your gun,
time to go to hell.
I’m no hero,
guilty as charged.

Béatrix found her way to the locker rooms and began suiting up for the mission. The first necessary piece was a Kevlar vest that she wore concealed under a black tank top that was designed to hold both of her pistols along her sides, and her blessed silver dagger between her shoulder blades. On her legs she wore simple dark wash skinny jeans and she draped a thin grey sweater over her tank top that had one button just under her breasts - it was loose, allowing for easy access to her weaponry, but it camouflaged her to not draw any unwanted attention on the streets. Carl rushed in just as she was buttoning up the sweater.

“One more thing, before you leave…” he began, a little out of breath, he must have had to run to keep up with her, and he still almost didn’t catch her in time. Humans… Trixy looked up at him, her eyebrow raised in curiosity. ”I received a new tip about New York’s vampire society. Apparently, a lot of new vamps to the area, like our rogue, get directed to certain coven or clan heads and elder vampires. You know, to show them the ropes, so they don’t have all hell breaking loose in the city.” Carl was noticeably rambling and Trixy’s annoyance showed on her face.

“Get to the point, Carl. I’ve got a rogue to stake here.” She said and he nodded quickly ”Right, right, sorry. Anyway, one of these people is a guy by the name of Solenne Nocturne. I haven’t had the chance to get his contact info, but –” The corner of Trixy’s lips pulled up in a reminiscent half-smile. “I know of him, we’ll be in touch. Thank you, Carl.” She said, the annoyance in her voice replaced by a warmer tone. Carl gave her an odd, almost affectionate, look before saying ”Be careful out there, Agent Wolfsbane.” For once, her alias caught her off guard, it didn’t seem to fit now that she’d let a wolf get away alive.

So, her good friend Solenne hadn’t gotten himself killed yet. He was an old vampire, just like her Francis, and his friendship offered wisdom and guidance, even during her darkest days just after Francis’ death. Trixy pulled out her phone and searched briefly through her contacts, when she realized, they hadn’t really been in contact since the invention of cellular devices. Nothing a little FBI sleuthing on the computers couldn’t handle, that is, if Solenne wasn’t too old fashioned to keep up with the times.

Béatrix walked into the nearest office with a free computer and sat down at the desk to type in her name and security clearance information. Apparently, Solenne did keep up with the times, as his name, address, race, and phone number were all in the system. She punched the number into her phone and saved the contact information before looking back up at the computer screen. She suddenly had the urge to do something a little morally bad, and look up another address. Trixy typed in the name on her wrist, and in seconds his contact information popped up as well. She didn’t write it down, but the street address remained cached in her mind long after she logged out of the computer.

Heading downstairs and out to hop on her beloved Ninja, Trixy sent a call out to Solenne on her cell. As it rang, Trixy realized he might be sleeping – it being daytime and all, but he picked up on a the third ring. His voice was warm and polite, just like she remember it, it made her stomach stir with butterflies she’d thought had long since died. “SoSo!” she cooed into the receiver “It appears as though fate has found us both in the same city for the first time in decades. We should get together, there is something important I need to talk to you about, are you free today?” her thick old-French accent and nickname for him would be a dead giveaway as to who she was, no one else called him that but her.

[Mivuli]

@Musoka

"I've not had someone like you..." Mia was about to smile, and slip in a jape when he glided smoothly toward her and kissed her fiercely. Surprised, Mia's eyelids fluttered, and when they pulled apart, Mia looked around the street and said, "It is late, you should be getting home too." The roads were prowled at night and even if Solenne was a vampire she would rather not have him run in with unpleasant company. The glint returned to her eyes with a grin. "Or do you not sleep too?"

On the spur of a moment, Mia leaned up and pressed a simple kiss to Solenne's lips. "Thank you for today," she whispered, meaning it with every inch of her soul. And with flushed cheeks she turned and climbed the steps to the doorway of her apartment. Closing the door behind her, she pressed her back against its wooden pane. In the empty hallway, her mind raced over the day's events, sifting through it all and unsure if it were all dream or reality. Shaking her head to clear it, she began to climb the stairway, ready to sleep.

[Musoka]

Solenne was left, standing on the doorstep to his soulmates house. She had rushed in, cheeks red and skin flushed. He wondered idly if it was from him being too forward or something else. His fingers pressed to his pale lips gently, the taste of her lips lingering on his for much longer thought was possible. His back pressed against her door and he sighed gently. Wondering where he was in relation to his home. He had been so caught up in talking to Mia, he hadn't watched any landmarks. The vampire silently thanked the gods that he had chosen to become computer literate and pulled up his phone to gather information on his whereabouts. He bit his lip as he walked, aware of the sudden reality that after feeding...he would seem like prey to a new Childe. He ran his tongue against his canines. And the news of Rogues who hadn't checked in with him or the other two elders was not settling the uneasy feeling in his stomach. He decided to catch a taxi instead of risking it.

-the next morning-

Solenne rose with the sun, as he had trained himself to do. Showering, change of clothes, a breakfast of bagged blood, early morning practice on the piano. His routine as it were. He suddenly jolted as he was looking briefly through his phone, looking at the tabs he had kept on the vampires that had come to him for advice. He had forgotten to exchange numbers with Mia. So caught up in his romance...Solenne had forgotten to do one thing. He cursed, a laugh bubbling through his lips as he shook his head. He'd just need to visit her again. Another jolt, this time from the phone. An unknown number. A small flame of hope that perhaps Mia had been smart enough to find out his number erupted in his stomach.

"Hello, Solenne speaking"

"SoSo! It appears as though fate has found us both in the same city for the first time in decades. We should get together, there is something important I need to talk to you about, are you free today?”

Solenne smirked at the phone. If the thick French accent wasn't a give away, the nickname SoSo was. The old vampire instinctively switched to French. A habit that would never die for him.

"Bonjour mon cher petit chasseur" He smirked a little "No wait...I'll speak English" his grin widened "Important? Yes..I happen to be free" he stood quickly. The only times since Beatrix and he had parted ways that she would call would be for her hunts. Solenne remembered the few times she had needed him to come in just for the power an elder Vampire had. He was the youngest of that little group, but a member nonetheless "time and a place, ma très chère aconit tue-loup" he smiled as he used his old nickname for her, long lost affection slipping into his voice. Affection for an old friend. Affection for a lover long ago.

[TalijaKey]

@Argetlam350

Danilo had awaited something along the lines of boring day or nothing special, but when his friend started with a Buddy not even close Dan raised his head slightly focusing his attention more on the werewolf in the room. Listening he wondered what woman could have made the day so bad? He wouldnt pry...well.. he wouldnt pry now and not on a empty stomach. Maybe later it would be a interesting conversation?

''Here and now sounds good. Gonna make that breakfast. '' The dragon hummed slightly moving over to the kitchen and starting by taking out the dishes out with knowing motion of someone who had more then just a few times used the kitchen in question. He didnt mind filling the time he was working with more or less meaningless chatter about the weather. Hopefully not rainy, he really was not the dragon for the rain. About some of the weird TV shows.
''Do you think the TV is getting more weirder each day? '' and the similar. Danilo wouldnt paid much attention even if he wasnt receiving any answers, talking to yourself wasnt anything that weird to begin with. Well at least for Dan it wasnt.

Soon enough Danilo failed, silent as he stopped talking in favor of quicker finishing the cooking. Deciding against the use of the oven he used his own fire to roast the food. Taking deep breaths and breathing out careful steaks of fire. He was proud that he never set a kitchen on fire....yet. The smell spread across the house, a wordless invitations and the dragon served the meal on the table just a bit of a hour after he arrived. Perfect breakfast time.

A cup of warm chocolate in hand as he sat to enjoy himself. AS if remembering something Danilo stopped half sip.

''Say.... I was thinking but... what do we do until we go to the bar? Bars are closed this early in the day?'' Picking on of the lamb chops he took a deep breath in savoring the nice smell of it. The other meat was just the way Dan learned Tholo liked.

[Grimoire Gaming]

When Solenne spoke her language, it brought on feelings of warmth and comfort. America was nice, but Trixy was not a fan of the brutish English language, it lacked the culture and romance that she loved about French. Perhaps she was just a bit homesick because, no matter how far she traveled, her heart would always belong to France – to Francis…

Solenne called her by his old nickname for her; He was the only person to use her now-alias with such affection. Béatrix smiled against the cell’s receiver. “Serait une heure à partir de maintenant trop tôt ?” she spoke in French, reveling in the fact that she could do so and be understood. “I’m just heading into town to do some investigating, but perhaps we could grab some coffee and chat?” she asked, her voice uncharacteristically hopeful. Solenne agreed to a time and place to meet, and they ended their phone call with the usual pleasant formalities.

Trixy straddled the smooth seat of her Ninja and fluffed put her hair. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the side mirrors - yes, the whole no-reflection thing is a vampire myth – and she cleaned up the edges of her eyeliner with her pinky finger. With one of her trademark killer smiles, Trixy decided that she was just stunning enough to meet up with her old friend-with-benefits. At least, that’s what the kids called them these days, or was that the slang from ten years ago? Ah, well, time flies when you live forever.

The engine roared to life at Trixy’s call, and off she was to paint the town red – hopefully literally. She sped around different areas and neighborhoods, trying to catch the rogue’s scent. Nothing yet, but it passed the time, and Trixy now found herself in the area where the café Solenne had suggested was. She parked her bike and pocketed the keys before walking down the sidewalk and into the quaint little coffee shop.

[Argetlam350]

@TalijaKey

Tholo was glad that Danilo didn't press him on the matter of yesterday. Probably later after a few beers he would explain in more details, when he was unwound and not bothered by it so much. Plus another reason to hit the bars was to see if he couldn't get himself some fun while they were enjoying themselves. While Danilo was hunting for his soulmate, currently Tholo didn't want anything from his after yesterday at the moment even if it was hard enough to forget the bloodsucker.

"Yeah to much reality crap on it anymore," Tholo replied to Danilo's remark on television. When Danilo continued cooking in silence Tholo himself retreated inward and waited, use to long moments of quiet moments even the awkward kind. He would of perhaps given Danilo a hand but compared to Danilo's cooking, it put him to shame at times even after over six hundred years of living. Smelling the succulent meal coming from the kitchen made him perk up more then even the coffee did.

"Do a little wandering maybe, see what is going on perhaps, hell maybe we'll take the car, god knows when the last time I put gas in it," he said. It wasn't that Tholo hated driving he just preferred walking, despite the fact the streets were crowded with people during the midday at least it wasn't as cramp as a car which felt like a cage at times to him. The car he spoke of was an old custom jet black 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT coupe.

[Musoka]

Without thinking, Solenne had told Beatrix to meet him at the coffee shop Mia worked out. Agreeing to a time and place, the old vampire hung up the phone. He drew a long breath in and sighed softly, his mind racing through what he may have just done. He stood up and began pacing up and down the length of his grand piano.

“Ok Solenne” he muttered as he paced “You have just invited an old friend you had a long standing tryst with…” another long breath in and sigh “who likes looking like she just stepped out of a soft-core men mag” the breath in was stuttered gently “to the cafe that your shy, quiet, and innocent soulmate works at” thin fingers when to his temple and rubbed, as if to shake all the cobwebs from his old mind. The pressure brought a welcome sense of clarity for the aged vampire. A shake of the head and the clarity became a solution. This was not going to end up like the last time Trixy and he met up. He rolled his shoulders and looked himself over in a mirror as he left. He smirked at the beanie, long sleeve black shirt and jeans he had on. A pair of glasses and he would be the atypical hipster sitting in coffee houses striving to be the next Shakespeare. The vampire stepped out of the door and made his way quickly to the cafe.

Beatrix was not a hard person to spot in amongst the cafe patrons. Nor were the stares of jealous women and horny men. Solenne could not help but smirk and shake his head gently as he sat across from his old fling. His head cocked to the side as he took her in, the black hair and pale skin. She wouldn't ever change. He on the other hand seemed to take more to the current styles, such was the way of the Elders of the city.

“Good morning, Beatrix” he said, his voice polite as ever. His eyes flicked over to the counter, a brief look of disappointment flickering across his features as he saw someone else working the counter. His crimson eyes scanned across the waitresses, catching the glance of a familiar set for a briefest second before the owner dashed into the kitchen. The bad feeling Solenne had in his throat suddenly became a stone in the pit of his stomach “Ohhhh...no….” he said softly, unaware he had verbalized his thought as head dropped on to his arm with a soft thud “Got any spare stakes there Trixy?”

[Mivuli]

The next morning found Mia touting her sling bag weighed down by her laptop across the street, a spring in her steps that had always been there but that day seemed...jauntier. It could have to do with the tempo of the song playing in her earphones, or it could have simply been the electricity that was pulsing in her blood, a remnant from the night before.

Just as Mia laid a hand gently on the cafe door, ready to begin her shift, she was intercepted by Delilah, who looked absolutely flustered even without a hair out of place. Mia made to remove her earpieces. "Kitchen duty, Mia," Delilah rattled, her fingers tugging at Mia's bag as though to jerk it from her and bid her move faster. "You can work the blenders and thingamajigs there. The ones out front are acting up. While you're in there, help Cookie with the sandwich orders." And then fluttering hands were beating like moth wings against Mia's back, and she was promptly ushered through the cafe, to burst through the kitchen doors, before a word of protest could even rise to her lips. In the flurry, Mia cast a wild gaze around the cafe, and almost caught a fleeting flash of crimson amidst seas of blue, green and brown, before the kitchen doors swung shut behind her and dispelled the illusion, sealing Mia in with her work cut out for her.

[Grimoire Gaming]

The aromatics of freshly ground coffee and sugary sweet confections rushed in to greet Béatrix’ nose as she walked into the café. A cursory glance around the room confirmed that she had beat Solenne there, so she sat herself at a table for two against the street-facing window. Trixy tried her best to tune out the thoughts of those around her, most of which were poisonous at best. Intsead, she focused on the nervous butterflies in her stomach at seeing her old friend and once lover for the first time in almost a century. Gosh, had it been that long? It must have been, her last memories with him were in a speak-easy in New Orleans, year 1928. He had worn a suit with an adorable red bow-tie and she a white knee-length bedazzled dress and a feathery headband.

Just on cue, Solenne pulled her from her trip down memory lane by walking through the doors. He looked like a hipster, but never-the-less handsome and charming. “Good morning, Béatrix” he greeted her politely. Trixy stood up with a beaming smile and kissed both sides of his cheeks, the normal greeting in her country of origin. “Bonjour, SoSo.” She gushed before they both took their seats. It was then that Trixy noticed his uncharacteristic awkwardness. When you make a living studying people (and maybe killing them), you tend to get very adept at reading body language. His crimson eyes darted over to the counter, then towards the kitchen, and then a look of nausea marred his features. “Well, you look as though you’ve seen a ghost.” Trixy chuckled a little to lighten the mood before asking: “What on earth has you so worried to be seen with me? I can confirm that most men in this room would kill to be in your seat, some of the women as well.” Ahh, Trixy, humility had never been her strongest suit.

A bubbly waitress came over to take their order. Vampires couldn’t really keep solid food down, but they could drink most liquids without any trouble, and often enjoyed doing so. “Espresso, please.” Trixy ordered, her heavy accent made the words sound like a sensual hiss. The waitress nodded and glanced to Solenne, waiting for his response.

[Musoka]

Solenne simply smirked at the woman before him; despite being wrapped in kevlar and obviously armed, the French native oozed sex appeal. Solenne's lips twitched at the corners when he realized that old attraction he had for her was only a memory and not a reality after yesterday. He eyes the name on his wrist and wondered if that was the cause if it.

"Less ghost and more realization of my error" he laughed slowly "because believe it or not...you're sitting in the café my soulmate works at" he chewed at his cheek before smiling at her "so no funny business"

Delilah, the bouncing waitress, came over to the table. Her eyes flicked to Trixy and took her order before they settled on Solenne. They narrowed slightly and her happy smile became thoughtful "Solenne...who is this?"

"Ah...an old friend" he smiled again "by the way, is Mia around? I forgot to grab her phone number yesterday" he shook his head and laughed. Delilah simply nodded before rushing off to the kitchen. Solenne's eyes went back to the younger vampire across from him, leaning back into the chair "so...what did you need? Wait" he rubbed at his temple gently "its the rogue isn't it?" He was sure hoping that the little Wolf hunter before him was going to be hunting down the local Lycanthrope. Solenne smirked at the memory of his and Tholo's first encounter. He had left with a few scars that day... "right?" He pressed further.

[TalijaKey]

''Oh taking the car sounds great.'' Dan nodded liking the idea of being driven around. He should really get around into passing the driving test.Not that it was hard, far from it. He just didnt got around to do it, being busy enough to travel the world, and learning for his carrier. One doesnt need a car while working on a ship, and one can meet all kinds of people when you hitch rides across the country. He wasnt in too much hurry getting around, either. Lucky he was pleased with the public transport of NY, as well.

Danilo bite into his meat with a happy hum, satisfied he cooked it right. Flushing the meat with his hot chocolate, somehow that went along on his taste buds, he added.
''We should make a stop to that one cafe, I often visit it, they have nice sweets. We could take some out for later? I fail to remember did I ever drag you to a sundae, Tholo?'' Dan tilted his head in thought working on the breakfast, while he tried to revisit his memory.

''Oh yesterday it was really lively in it too. The waitress from there Delilah friend, I have mentioned her to you did I? Da, her friend found her soulmate. It was so romantic. The guy even went all singing for my lady way. It was like watching a real life musical. Only thing lacking were dancers in the background. He even drag into a duet a human dating a siren, of course the siren didnt sung. Still Mia, the waitress name, she was such a happy girl...'' He wistfully sighed. He would be telling lies if he wouldnt admit that he was a tiny bit jealous at the luck the girl had. Not only she meet and got to talk to her soulmate but one could all but see the sparkles of true love float all around them. It was such a inspirational view. All he got was a fleeting bump by his soulmate, not even a face...maybe he scared them off?

He drunk the rest off his chocolate. Fate will make their roads cross again, he hoped. '' Maybe Delilah has some gossip she gonna share as well. Wouldnt mind to her if her friend got a kiss of true love or not yet. '' He chuckled licking his plate clean off any souse on it. He eyed it for a few moments. ''Lets leave the washing up for later shall we? You car, you drive.'' Dan announced picking the plates to leave for later cleaning. Soon too follow up his friend to the car.