[COLOR=GRAY][INDENT][INDENT][center][sup][h2]O[i][sub][sup]nce was a man who lived a life so mundane, it could only be true. [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] Practically invisible to the world around him, life carries on while he felt perpetually stuck treading water just to keep his head [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] afloat. Fortunately for the man, fate had different ideas and intervened with a heavy hand. Pushed into a corner, the man [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] was driven to hide amongst dusty shelves and heavy tomes. In the silence, he could hear his name being whispered, [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] over and over again, until his hand touched one particular opus. A worn book, bound in leather and tarnished steel. Though [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] sealed, it opened for a price, and upon spreading its pages, the man's life was changed forever. [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] [color=2c2c2e]_[/color] Now, he is the Warlock they call...[/sup][/sub][/i][/h2][/sup][/center][/INDENT][/INDENT][sub][hr][/sub][sup][hr][/sup][CENTER][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5661999][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019e83f9-259f-75fb-95e3-57387106ed18.webp[/img][/url][/CENTER][sub][hr][/sub][sup][hr][/sup][SUB][SUP][table][row][cell][INDENT][h2][b][COLOR=SILVER]L[SUP][SUB]OCATION:[/SUB][/SUP][/COLOR][/b] [i][SUP][SUB]MILK STREET - POINTE BORDEAUX[/SUB][/SUP][/i][/h2][/INDENT][/cell][cell][INDENT][RIGHT][h2][b][COLOR=SILVER]U[SUP][SUB]RBAN [/SUB][/SUP]G[SUP][SUB]OTHIC[/SUB][/SUP] #1.02[SUP][SUB]:[/SUB][/SUP][/COLOR][/b] [i][SUP][SUB]THE HAUNT[/SUB][/SUP][/i][/h2][/RIGHT][/INDENT][/cell][/row][/table][/SUP][/SUB][hr][SUP][SUP][table][row][cell][INDENT][sup][h1][b][COLOR=SILVER]I[SUP][SUB]NTERACTIONS:[/SUB][/SUP][/COLOR][/b] [i][SUP][SUB]NONE[/SUB][/SUP][/i][/h1][/sup][/INDENT][/cell][cell][INDENT][RIGHT][sup][h1][b][COLOR=SILVER]P[SUP][SUB]REVIOUSLY:[/SUB][/SUP][/COLOR][/b] [i][SUP][SUB][URL=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5663003]HARDIWCK[/URL][/SUB][/SUP][/i][/h1][/sup][/RIGHT][/INDENT][/cell][/row][/table][/SUP][/SUP][INDENT][INDENT][TABLE][ROW][CELL]By six forty-five, Archie had already found himself passing back and forth in front of the 'Haunt'. Everyone in Pointe Bordeaux knew of the Haunt; it wasn't an entirely unfamiliar place to him, though Archie himself had never been inside its doors. He had heard chatter around the office before; it was a regular spot for a cheeky pint after work, but the general consensus always came back to 'it was cool before it became popular'. Still, that didn't stop the bodies from lining the sidewalk in front of the Milk Street club, cigarette smoke hung in the air in both directions from several groups huddled against the brick wall, while the faint thump of the subwoofers rattled the thinly paned glass windows that were basked in crimson and copper glows. While uptown had the likes of 'The Velvet Room', out here in the Peninsula, it was 'The Haunt' that drew people in. Formerly a bottling facility, like much of Milk Street, the industrial facility had been transformed into something more consumer-friendly. The size of the space even allowed 'The Haunt' to operate a microbrewery, putting out its signature sour beer, 'Schwarzwald', named for the Black Forest in Germany and the sour cherries used to give the beer its distinctive colour and flavour. But scarcely anyone was coming to the Haunt for beer; it was the deals made in dark booths and on the corners of the dancefloor that drew most of the crowd in. It was hardly a secret that Pointe Bordeaux constantly laundered money for the cartel, and local gangs acted as distributors for some of the most potent highs and their fathomless lows. Archie had worked a summer stint in the district attorney's office. It had been eye-opening just how many trafficking cases the city handled in a summer. It had been gut-wrenching how many were settled in backroom deals or thrown out altogether. He had neither the stomach nor the spine for that line of work and was much happier at Pendelton & Hawking performing contract law. To his understanding, it paid better too. Criminal law was a thankless line of work. Continuing to pace back and forth in front of the club, Archie glanced at his watch again before catching his own reflection in one of the aforementioned vibrating windows. He cupped a hand to his mouth, blowing into it before taking a deep whiff. It was still minty fresh, just like it had been a minute ago and the minute before that. Nonetheless, he couldn't be too safe as he pulled a wrapper from his pocket, depositing the barely broken-in piece of gum between the wax paper and exchanging it for a fresh one. He stretched his legs, shaking out his weak knees before airing his sweaty palms out. A blast of wintermint overwhelmed his nasal cavities. Looking at himself in the window, Archie studied his outfit up and down, second, no third, perhaps even fourth-guessing his choice in wardrobe. What did one wear out for drinks? He had a jacket with him, though he didn't need it; everything he had ever seen told him that Harri wouldn't dress for the weather, and when she found herself cold, Archie would have a jacket to offer her. Should he have worn a tie? Archie fastened the top button of his shirt under the loosely fitted V-necked sweater before unbuttoning it again. He felt naked without the silk sash tied around his neck. [COLOR=#E9967A]"Ya look nervous, sweetheart,"[/COLOR] A voice called from nearby, breaking Archie from his train of thought. He turned towards the source of the voice, his eyes glazing over at the sheer number of people around him. With the municipal holidays, 'The Days of Remembrance,' and the funeral for 'The Mountain', there were more people on the streets than usual, making the growing throng quite overwhelming. [COLOR=#E9967A]"Over here, pretty boy,"[/COLOR] The voice said again, this time followed by a waved hand as Archie's eyes landed on the grungy-looking young man. Jeans ripped open at the knees hung loosely from his waist, leaving the man's boxer puffed over the top, barely tucked under the second skin-like tank top that looked held in place by a layer of sweat. A layered plaid hung off his shoulders, exposing a dragon tattoo that started at the base of his jaw and travelled down his right arm. A green hoodie was tight around his waist, emblazoned with a familiar logo that Archie recognized from his time with the D.A.'s office. [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]American Dragons[/i][/COLOR] The Dragons were pill pushers for the cartel; it made Milk Street a rather appealing turf for them. If it was an upper, they were peddling it. A lot of alleged Gray-related crime in the Pointe was falsely reported due to experimental drugs coming in from South America, replicating Gray-like abilities temporarily, leading partiers to have wilder nights than they signed up for. There were numerous speculations as to what the cartel had gotten their hands on to make such a pill. Archie had heard everything from an ancient flower to a super soldier program to even the trafficking and mutilation of other Grays. [COLOR=C0C0C0]"Uh, no."[/COLOR] Archie replied, meekly raising a hand, [COLOR=C0C0C0]"No, no thank you."[/COLOR] [COLOR=#E9967A]"Hey, hey, let's not be too hasty, no need to be rude about."[/COLOR] The Dragon said, taking a step off the wall he was leaning against and moving towards Archie. Behind him, several others suddenly stood up, causing Archie to swallow hard before taking a step back. His eyes darted down to his watch. [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Seven Thirty? Where are you, Harri?[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR=#E9967A]"C'mon now, look, I'm just trying to help you. Ya seem like a nervous wreck, I've got just the thing. It'll get ya laid, you'll be able ta go all night. You'll feel amazing, sweetheart, guaranteed and just for you, it's on me tonight."[/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Yeah, okay buddy, there's no power in the 'verse that's going to get me laid.[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"L-l-look,"[/COLOR] Archie stammered, [COLOR=C0C0C0]"I'm a luh, lawyer."[/COLOR] He managed. Sometimes it would be nice if his inside voice and his outside voice could switch for a few minutes. Especially in circumstances like this. [COLOR=#E9967A]"And?"[/COLOR] The Dragon scoffed, [COLOR=#E9967A]"You think the lawyers at the Velvet Room are rolling sober? That level of stress, you need what I go. Look at you, clawin' at your neck, looking for the noose that monkey suit comes with. Pretty Boy, I am beggin' ya ta let me help ya out."[/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Yeah sure, just let me get that high, finally have the swagger to tell Harri how I feel and then we'll go all the way in a dingy club bathroom stall. Boy, you sure are selling the romance out here on the street corner.[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"I, I don't think I need your help."[/color] Archie replied, taking a step back before the Dragon suddenly lurched forward. He caught Archie, wrapping his arm around the lithe man and guiding him back towards his fellow gang members. [COLOR=#E9967A]"Look, ya definitely need help, superstar,"[/color] The Dragon flashed a smile of yellowed teeth, one displayed a predominant chip that had been filled with an obnoxious gold metal. [COLOR=#E9967A]"Just think, if you were a Gray, you could have whatever you want."[/color] Archie shook his head, nearly closing his eyes to prevent the other man from seeing them roll into the back of his head. [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Preaching to the choir there, pal. Tell me something I don't know.[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"But, I-I'm not Gray."[/color] He finally replied, protesting almost a little too loudly. [COLOR=#E9967A]"But you could be, just for tonight,"[/color] The Dragon said, [COLOR=#E9967A]"C'mon, you can't tell me you never wanted to know what it feels like."[/color] [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]You did say 'Gray', right?[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"You did say 'Gray', right?[/COLOR] Archie blurted out. He was met with some raised eyebrows as the other Dragons looked from Archie back to their apparent leader. Archie wanted to run, but his body was frozen, unable to move. [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]$#!%, inside voice got out. Panicking now.[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR=#E9967A]"Hah! Pretty Boy's got jokes,"[/color] The Dragon replied, releasing Archie before standing wide-armed in front of his posse. [COLOR=#E9967A]"But all the pretty fillies on da Milk Street know that Jakey Longo loves them long time."[/color] He proudly proclaimed. [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Proudly, despite calling himself 'Jakey'.[/i][/COLOR] Jake suddenly elongated his torse, increasing in size before drawing close to Archie. Archie could only watch as Jake manipulated his body like a piece of taffy, clearly showing off what exactly made all the 'pretty fillies' love 'Jakey' for a long time. [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]And of course, he is actually Gray. Thanks oh, universal power for giving this guy powers but y'know, forgetting about ol'Archie. I would have been a great Gray.[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR=#98FB98]"Archie!"[/COLOR] Harri's voice suddenly shouted over the crowd as Archie turned to see her approaching. [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Oh, thank #%@&, you do care.[/i][/COLOR] He looked skyward again with mock sincerity before returning his attention to Harri's approach. Jake clocked Archie's gaze, immediately following it to Harri before rubbing his hands together eagerly and licking his lips like a lion about to take down a gazelle. [COLOR=#E9967A]"Oi, this must be your limp dick over here, I've been trying to get him to loosen up, give you a night ya won't get but he's just not buying what I'm selling."[/COLOR] Jake called towards Harri, [COLOR=#E9967A]"I'm sure you're a much more reasonable person, I'll even do a twofer."[/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Why is everyone commenting on my dick today? Is my fly open?[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR=#98FB98]"Oh, every night with Archie is unforgettable. He doesn't need any help in that department"[/COLOR] Harri replied, firmly grabbing hold of Archie's arm before getting his behind a playful swat. [COLOR=#98FB98]"Come on, Sugar Boogie, you were taking me dancing."[/color] Archie could feel his body turning stiff as a board. He turned flushed immediately, his face burning worse than when he accidentally got sunburnt falling asleep at the beach. His ears felt like they would explode at any second with the amount of blood coursing through them as all sound turned into a drum line of his own heartbeat racing. [COLOR=#E9967A]"Eh, forget ya then!"[/COLOR] Jake called as Harri hauled Archie away. [COLOR=#98FB98]"Hey, Junior Partner, you might want to start making your no's a bit firmer."[/COLOR] Harri scolded Archie, continuing to escort him back towards the door as the pair entered the club. [COLOR=C0C0C0]"Y-yea-, yes, you're right."[/COLOR] Archie nodded slowly, his eyes adjusting to the darkness before suddenly they were bombarded by a flash of red and orange.[/CELL][/ROW][/TABLE][table][row][cell][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019e93da-b89d-74be-81b6-907bc6a0c106.webp[/img][color=2c2c2e]________________________________[/color][/cell][cell][COLOR=#98FB98]"Can I borrow fifty bucks?"[/COLOR] Harri shouted in his ear over the thumping bassline as they moved further into the club. Archie paused, before nodding as he pulled out his wallet. [COLOR=#98FB98]"No!"[/COLOR] Harri screamed, playfully swatting Archie. [COLOR=#98FB98]"You're supposed to say 'No!', ya dork."[/COLOR] She continued to gently swat him to drive her point home. [COLOR=#98FB98]"This is your night, we're here to celebrate you, of course I'm buying."[/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"Right, okay,"[/COLOR] Archie replied, nodding his head again. This was his first time inside 'The Haunt' and already he felt overwhelmed and disorientated. Between the volume of the music, the strobing of the lights and people constantly bumping into him. He had to admit, he probably would have enjoyed himself more at home pouring in the pages of the newest [i]'Crestwood'[/i] novel. [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]You should get her a drink,[/i][/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"What do you want to drink?"[/COLOR] Archie yelled into Harri's ear over the din. Hopefully the gum was still working, he hadn't exactly anticipated having to be this close just to talk. [COLOR=#98FB98]"Vodka Cran, nothing too fancy."[/COLOR] Harri replied. Archie held his hand out, awkwardly standing there for a minute while Harri began to feel the music, waving at some people she moved and disappeared into the crowd.[/cell][/row][/table][table][row][cell][COLOR=C0C0C0][i]I guess I am buying.[/i][/COLOR] Archie raised his eyebrows, pursing his lips before exhaling heavily as he made his way through the throng of writhing bodies towards the heavily illuminated bar. He raised his arms, trying to squeeze between bodies as he made his way up to the bar rail. An elbow here, a shoulder there, Archie flinched each time he was hit, touched or shoved aside while person after person failed to see or acknowledge him, coming and going with their drinks. Finally he made his way to the front, approaching a male bartender who immediately turned around and hung up his apron. [COLOR=C0C0C0]"Excuse me, Sir?"[/COLOR] Archie called before trying again. [COLOR=C0C0C0]Sir!?"[/COLOR] But it was to no avail as the man left the bar to go for a smoke break. Turning to the next closest bartender, Archie tried to get their attention, but a gaggle of girls butted in front of him and immediately raptured the bartender's attention away from Archie. Letting out a heavy sigh, Archie spun around, trying to flag another bartender before vocally letting out a cry of frustration. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Tough night, gorgeous?"[/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"Tough life."[/COLOR] Archie replied without thinking. Turning to the source of the voice, his mouth immediately closed as his face went beat red. The speaker in question looked up at him, batting her long eyelashes that accented the smokey eyes beneath fringe bangs that framed her face. Long, raven hair hung down past her shoulders while perfectly manicured nails tapped on a glass as she prepared to serve him. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"I can relate to that,"[/COLOR] She replied, not even phased. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Vodka cran, right? For your friend?"[/COLOR] She gestured with her head towards Harri out on the dancefloor. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"And for you..."[/COLOR] She paused, looking back at Archie. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"You were going to tell me, soda water, but now you're thinking you should just man up and have a drink."[/COLOR] Archie's jaw felt like it could fall off. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Problem is, you don't like the taste of beer and frankly don't understand the appeal of hard liquor. You'd order a cider, but you don't want to look wimpy in front of your 'date'. So you figured a soda water with a lime wedge looks enough like a gin and tonic you get a pass. But you won't actually enjoy it."[/COLOR] The woman continued before placing the vodka cocktail on the bar rail. She cracked open a can of soda behind the counter before grabbing a square shaped bottle off the shelf behind her. Deftly mixing the pair together she placed the dark coloured cocktail beside the one for Harri. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Coke Zero and Amaretto, it'll taste just like Dr. Pepper and give you enough of a buzz to calm those overactive nerves."[/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"I don't know what to say,"[/COLOR] Archie replied. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Most people say thank you, but you've already been told that today."[/COLOR] The woman smiled, [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"The rest tip well."[/COLOR] She winked at Archie before extending a hand. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Carmilla, you need a refill, you come to me, okay, Archie?"[/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"Am I dead?"[/COLOR] Archie asked, shaking Carmilla's hand. [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"No,"[/COLOR] She giggled, [COLOR=#9F6CB8]"Why?"[/COLOR] [COLOR=C0C0C0]"Just checking,"[/COLOR] Archie replied, stuffing a fifty in the nearby tip jar before picking up the two glasses. Walking away, he could feel his face doing something funny, like the corners of his mouth were turned upwards. He kind of liked it. [COLOR=C0C0C0][i]Wait, how did she know my name?[/i][/COLOR][/cell][/row][/table] [/INDENT][/INDENT][/COLOR]