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Daniel Hawthorne: The evening was relatively young but dark enough that the city's denizens with the most severe of sun allergies could be out and about without issues, the streets lively with those wringing a last bit of freedom out of the weekend. One such hotspot was a little cafe off of Rittenhouse Square that offered outdoor seating for a pleasant view of the park beyond, and Daniel had claimed one such table for himself for a bit of people-watching. The young Haunt was dressed neatly in black slacks, a dark blue dress shirt and black vest - all immaculately tailored, for one with an eye for such things - along with a black scarf wrapped firmly around his neck.
Mearcstapa: And lo, one of the people Daniel sees is very, very familiar. A freckly young man dressed in grey cargo shorts and a t-shirt for some security conference held in 2018, a messenger bag slung over one shoulder. As he sees the Nosferatu, he heads toward the cafe, a definite smile on his face. "Hey, been a bit since I've seen you. Mind company tonight?"
Luigi Fabri: Dots 2! The Dottening! Not being one to change clothes every few hours, Luigi was still in his royal purple and black polka dotted turtle neck. The Ventrue was in the process of easing his way through the square, doing a fair amount of people watching himself. He was absolutely not hunting for breakfast. Not at all.
Then the telltale tug from a foreign beast turned Luigi on his Italian leather clad heels. His gray blue eyes finally settled on the haunt as the changeling greeted the unkown vampire. Luigi observed and considered.
Daniel Hawthorne: Daniel looked up at the familiar voice, smiling as the Darkling approached. The presence of the other Beast did not go unnoticed, although he showed no outward sign of it barring a brief glance around before his gaze returned to Mearc. "Not at all" came the whispered words, accompanied by a motion to one of the other chairs at the table. "How have you been?"
Mearcstapa: "Relatively quiet. My partners and I are renovating a house, so I haven't had as much time to get up to my usual troubles. The warm weather's driving me a little mad. But in general, I'm okay. All things considered. How've you been?" Mearcstapa glances around before claiming a seat, it's a sort of hypervigilant look like he's noting what's behind him and exit routes, and his eyes land briefly on Luigi without making sustained eye contact. Noticing him and letting him know he's been noticed.
Jack Martingale: Jack, of course, had to work this evening. Some fancy something, given his tight black dress pants and crisp black dress shirt. This is rolled up to the elbows, the first few buttons undone, as he comes strolling into the park, and he takes a moment to look around the green space, possibly looking for someone.
His dark hair is neatly coiffed, showing off a slightly grown out fade, and he's got the dark smudges of stubble on his warm tan face. The face which, as he sees Mearcstapa, breaks into a warm smile even before the other Darkling notices him, and he starts to make his way toward the cafe. The scent of an oncoming rainstorm, undercut by something more metallic, flows gently with him - some very specific cologne, maybe?
Luigi Fabri: The other was aware, but Luigi wondered how aware. Was this strange vampire about to have his own breakfast? Or something else together? Well, it would do the Ventrue little good to simply stand there gawking. Invictus simply did not gawk.
Luigi was, by all rights, the interloper in the city. Best he should make himself known. The rest could fall into place at it will. He checked the time on his watch, and started his way towards the table, everything else but the other vampire just background noise.
Daniel Hawthorne: "Really...congratulations. On the house that is, not the weather." Daniel allowed himself a small chuckle at that. "I'm doing well enough, all told. Keeping busy at the studio, along with some personal projects."
He spared both Jack and Luigi another brief glance as they approached, more the latter than the former thanks to the Beast within them both bristling.
Mearcstapa: "Remind me, have you met my partner Jack?" He points at Daniel, and then leans back in his seat, scratching the side of his neck as he smirks at the incoming changeling. "If not, he's about to come join us, hope you don't mind."
Jack Martingale: There's a pause, when Jack realizes that Mearc has company, but he doesn't stop his trajectory. His gaze flicks between the two of them, and he goes in for a kiss on Mearc's cheek, his thumb brushing down the other Darkling's neck as he does. "Hey," he murmurs, before standing up again and holding a hand out to the unfamiliar man. The other hand rests gently on Mearc's shoulder.
"'M Jack - nice to meet you. Mind if I...?" He gestures to one of the empty chairs.
Daniel Hawthorne: "Don't believe I have, no." Daniel replied, an eyebrow arching slightly at the gesture before it clicked and he smiled a touch. He took Jack's hand when it was offered, shaking it firmly but not overly so. "Daniel Hawthorne, and feel free."
Mearcstapa: "Daniel is a friend of Atalo's--he's also a fashion designer I was trying to get in touch with Michelle and Michael, when they were planning their show." He grins. "Daniel, Jack is a committee head for the stagehand union locally; he was involved with the walkout at the Museum of Art."
Mearc hands Jack the menu. "They've got smoothies here. I'm thinking mango, personally."
Jack Martingale: "Ah." Jack gives Daniel another look over, nodding as he does. A blush warms his face slightly as Mearc continues to speak, and he dips his head slightly. "Yeah, that was me. Mango, mm?" He eyes the menu. "I could go for mango."
Luigi Fabri: Daniel's name drifted to Luigi's ears as he made his steady approach, and it clicked. Tension left his shoulders, and the smile on his face grew almost three centimetres. "Signore Daniel Hawthorne?" he called, announcing his arrival to the table. Luigi shot Maerc and Jack an apologetic look, his accent growing thick. "Forgive, signores, I will not interrupt your meeting too long." Then the Vampire focused on his fellow vampire. "Signore Hawthorne! My people tell me you could be of assistance. To me, at least! I am-" His eyes flicker to the other two for a moment before his introduction smoothly transitions into safe mode. "- Luigi Fabri, newly arrived."
Daniel Hawthorne: "My sister's fond of the peanut butter and strawberry one they have here, if you're into that sort of thing. I tend to stick with the tea, usually."
Daniel's attention turned to Luigi at the Ventrue's greeting while he approached, giving a slow nod with a hint of wariness until the name was given and things clicked into place. "Ah...good to put a face to the name. What sort of assistance are you needing?"
Mearcstapa: "...peanut butter and strawberry also sounds good..." He nods, then glances up at Luigi curiously--though he seems to elude direct eye contact. "You might as well have a seat, if you're going to conduct business. We can even pretend to ignore you, or not to understand what you're talking about, depending on what sort of a matter it is."
Jack Martingale: Jack's eyebrows go up when Luigi approaches, and he leans back in his chair, eyeing the man up and down. A much more casual, less searching look than he'd given Daniel, that's for sure. He lets out a surprised scoff, when the man introduces himself, and cocks his head slightly.
"...Luigi Fabri. No shit."
Luigi Fabri: Luigi laughed at Mearc's comments, and gave him and Jack a bow in silent thanks before taking a seat and crossing his legs.
"Two things, thank you for being willing to hear me out," Luigi stated to the Haunt. "First, introductions and arrangements regarding your...famiglia. Now that the theater is almost complete, I am moving permenantly to this fine city, and arrangements will be need to be made. And second..." He paused and looked over Daniel's clothing with an ever growing grin. "I am understanding you are a skilled tailor. If those services are available, I do need to expand my wardrobe in this City."
Jack's recognition pinged on Luigi, and he turned his smile upon him. "Yes, it is I?"
Daniel Hawthorne: "I can definitely help on both counts." Daniel nodded, taking a moment to pull a slim card case from his pocket and offer Luigi a well-made card for his place of business, a second number written in impeccably neat handwriting on the back. "The second number is my cell phone if you want to reach me directly. Text works better for obvious reasons." Cue a wry smirk from the Haunt.
Mearcstapa: "Mm. New to Philly? Where are you coming in from?" A pause, and then Mearcstapa chuckles. "Sorry, forgot my manners. Janus Mearcstapa, simply called Mearcstapa or Mearc by those who're friends. Though I'm not yet certain if we're going to be friends."
Jack Martingale: "Heard a lot about you - if you're the Luigi Fabri who owns that massive theater going in." Jack leans forward, that rainstorm scent swirling around him, a grin on his face as he extents his hand. "Jack Martingale - I'm in the local stagehands union. Your name's been around lately."
Luigi Fabri: Luigi takes the card carefully, commits the number to memory, and makes the card vanish with a casual flourish of his hands. "Grazie," he offered as he pulled out his own card - off white with Fabri in the center, a phone number, and a silver embossed sword between the two. "My current contact information, and i shall keep that in mind!" He chuckles, then looks to Mearc.
"We do not have to be friends if you do not wish it, Signore," he tells the other, placing a hand on his own chest. "But I will not stop you if you do! I have been in and out of the city for a few years now, but shall be moving in," Luigi answered. "I was in New York... I wanted a change of...ah..what is the word...scenery."
"Ah, I should have expected as much!" he said, finally taking Jack's hand in his own gloved hand. "The Stagehands? Are you leadership or should I - bah, I can work with you regardless. It will be needed," he says gravely, the business of showcasing performances being serious business to Luigi apparently.
Daniel Hawthorne: "Quite welcome." Daniel took the card from Luigi when it was offered, looking it over before sliding it into the case and pocketing it once again.
Mearcstapa: "Mmm, we'll see how it goes. And Jack's the head of an oversight committee and definitely a good person to start with, for making connections in that space." His own wariness gives way to playing hype man for his partner.
Jack Martingale: "Yeah I'm chair of a committee." Jack gives Mearc a smile and a nudge with his shoulder. "So not leadership, nah - but an interested party, sure. Might be me workin' in your space someday, so I guess I better make sure I give IATSE a good name, yeah?"
Luigi Fabri: Luigi laughs, delighted at the exchange and the hype work. "I hope it happens more often than not. It expected to be a very busy theater once it opens." He leans back in his chair and relaxes now that introductions were made, and general intentions have been made known. "That is all I had for the moment, thank you, and forgive, for letting me interrupt you all so."
Daniel Hawthorne: Daniel watched the exchange between Mearc and Jack with a small smile, then nodded to Luigi. "Not a problem. I'll have someone get a hold of you as far as proper introductions are concerned."
Mearcstapa: Mearc tilts his head to one side, glancing a question wordlessly in Daniel’s direction, before getting the attention of a member of the waitstaff to order a smoothie and a sandwich.
Jack Martingale: And Jack eyes Luigi and Daniel curiously, though doesn't express whatever question he might have, and focuses his attention fully on Luigi again. "I hope you and the board'll be able to work together for equitable contracts for us all. Gets sticky sometimes, 'm sure you know how it is. You got theaters anywhere else, or is this your only one?"
He orders a sandwich and a smoothie as well, with another glance at the two Kindred.
Luigi Fabri: "This will be my only," Luigi answers. "I want to pour all my energy into this one to make it a proper...home. I was involved in productions in New York, though everyone from there says that!" He chuckles. "I hope negotiations will prove to be simple. I am not doing this for the money." He glances to Daniel, a question on his lips, but one that dies for lack of a way to phrase without giving away the game.
Daniel Hawthorne: Daniel didn't quite expect his comment to be the conversation killer that it had become, it seemed, although he signed out a quick can explain later to Mearc as the server made their way over. He put in for a peach iced tea himself before looking back to Luigi. "What made you pick Philadelphia, out of curiosity?"
Mearcstapa: The sign language from Daniel surprises Mearc, and he lets out a laugh before he can stop himself. "Right, so we're dancing around it. Understood." Said aloud, shamelessly.
Jack Martingale: "What are you doing it for, then?" Jack seems merely curious, and he puts a casual arm on the back of Mearc's chair, his hand just brushing his partner's shoulder. At Daniel's sign language, he lets out a surprised huff of amusement.
"I don't mind dancing," he agrees with a grin and a shrug.
Luigi Fabri: "It is a city with History, and the potential to support an expansion of his Artistic side," Luigi answered. "New York is already...ah...crowded, with excellent theaters. " he turned his eyes onto Jack. "I do it, because i love it. It is the best way to make sure I can always have a performance I can watch!" He chuckles. "These are..selfish reasons, I know, forgive, but when I was exposed to Broadway after a life of Opera and Ballet, it simply ..infiammato le mie passioni."
Daniel Hawthorne: If not for a well-trained composure Daniel would likely be red in the face at the moment. Instead he let out a slow breath, looking towards Mearc. "I'm not one to assume another's comfort level with that sort of conversation."
Mearcstapa: "Probably not the right setting for it, either." He nods his understanding, a definite smirk coming to his lips. "Though it'd give Luigi more reason to work alongside Jack, potentially. A level of understanding."
Jack Martingale: "...Inflamed your passion, mm?" Jack's gaze rakes over the man, a smirk growing on his face. But he lets the innuendo go after a moment. "You plan to produce, or just bring in tours?" He nods at Daniel after he speaks, and gestures to what Mearc has said. "Save the real introductions for a more private place, 's probably best."
Luigi Fabri: That he was understood was not a surprise to Luigi. The Ventrue spread his hands. "Maybe produce some, but mostly I simply want to provide a beautiful stage for performances, while I have the best seat in the house." He grins, and rises from his seat. "If you wish for privacy, perhaps any of you would like to visit the theater for a tour one night. It is mostly done, and quite...fetching." Luigi laughs, and then bows to the three. "Enjoy your smoothies!"
Daniel Hawthorne: "That too." Daniel nodded to Mearc, then looked to Luigi as he readied himself to leave. "Have a good night."
Mearcstapa: Mearcstapa gives Jack a sidelong glance. "If you're going to the theater to make proper introductions, I want to go with you. Alright?"
Jack Martingale: Jack nods a goodbye at Luigi and watches him leave before sitting back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. He rubs Mearc's shoulder absently, before leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek. "'Course, babe. I got no plans to get him alone any time soon, I really did just mean that it's too open here to bring up all our...mutual shit."
Daniel Hawthorne: Daniel waited until the Ventrue was out of sight before giving the pair an apologetic look. "Sorry for making that awkward. Definitely wasn't my intention..."
Mearcstapa: "It was a little bit of mine. I was trying to figure out what sort of person he was behind the politeness. When you guys are too polite, it puts me on edge." He signs AM in explanation and leaves it at that.
Jack Martingale: "'S an interesting motive for the work he's doing on the theater - just wanting the best seat in the house. Really gonna be interesting to see what comes out of it, they all realize that a theater's gotta make money eventually..." Jack glances at Mearc's hands, and grimaces.
Daniel Hawthorne: "Understandable." Daniel nodded quietly, glancing at the subtle gesture. "I'm not sure how much Alex has told you on it, but we have patrons that go beyond the usual allegiances, and the introduction i spoke of is on that front. He is a member of that group, though, so I would be careful just in case."
Mearcstapa: "Invictus?" The word is said quietly, almost sighed out. "Welp, maybe third time's the charm on that front."
Jack Martingale: "....Mmh. Not a great track record..." Jack huffs and shakes his head before opening his mouth to continue to speak. But the words die on his lips as the server brings over smoothies and sandwiches, and Daniel's tea. He accepts his food with a smile and an upnod, and takes a long drink. "Really don't plan on being alone with him any time soon, 'f that's the case."
Daniel Hawthorne: "One can hope." Daniel gave the server a polite nod as he took his drink, watching as they scurried off as fast as they could manage before looking back to the pair. "Who was the second, out of curiosity?"
Mearcstapa: "Jasper Wright. To be fair, that relationship started out...slightly less antagonistic. One bite stand in the bathroom of a gay bar, followed by holding his hair back as he suffered the natural consequences of his actions. But. When he found out about the Commissioner, things went very south. I haven't spoken to him in weeks."
Jack Martingale: The mention of the man makes Jack sink in his seat a little, his cheeks warming as he frowns. "He chases us, for whatever reason - even if he can't stomach it in the end."
Daniel Hawthorne: "Ah..." Daniel frowned quietly as he nodded. "He asked if I'd run into her lately as she's 'been missing' for a few weeks. Told him that I haven't talked with her but for the one time."
Mearcstapa: "She's been dead for over two months now." He snorts softly. "Missing for a few weeks, cute. How euphemistic."
Jack Martingale: "She's new in town, 's possible no one thought to look for a bit. Didn't seem the type to make many friends..." Jack shakes his head and starts in on his sandwich.
Daniel Hawthorne: "Indeed. It was a fishing expedition, pure and simple, but he didn't get anything of use from me." Daniel shook his head before taking a sip of his tea. "I still have ties to the group thanks to having grown up in one of their more prominent households in Boston. If I hear anything more I'll let you know."
Mearcstapa: "Appreciate it." He sips at his smoothie, relaxing somewhat. "Hopefully there won't be too much trouble with this Luigi. He seems to me like he might be short-sighted, focusing on his theater first and everything else afterward."
Jack Martingale: "Here's hoping. From what I've heard it's shaping up to be a big job site for us - hate for shit to break down because of some politics you an' us. Shame to lose work that way."
Daniel Hawthorne: "Welcome, and one can hope."
Mearcstapa: "It may help to make clear the benefits of a stagehand who won't be asking questions about why the theater owner can't ever show up during daylight hours. Someone who can help watch over things and make sound decisions if there's a daylight emergency, hm?"
Jack Martingale: "Could do, yeah." Jack runs his hand through his hair as he thinks. "Have to...shift some weight around, t'get that sort'a gig. House gigs go by seniority, place like that - 'less the contract lets him pull from wherever. Won't make any friends 'f I beat some'a the older members out of a job, that's for sure..." He looks more thoughtful than concerned about it, though. "Too bad the union guy he knows isn't the type to take bribes, huh?" That's said to Mearcstapa like something of an inside joke - but a bitter one.
Daniel Hawthorne: "Not a bad idea, although he may have something in place on that front already." He took a small sip of his tea, pausing to look towards Jack. "Take it there's a story there..."
Mearcstapa: "Oh, that's how the commissioner made such an ass of herself in the first place. Try first to bribe and then threaten Jack."
Jack Martingale: Jack gestures at what Mearc's said. "Who the fuck knows why she wanted someone in IATSE, but...picked the wrong guy." He scoffs and sighs. "Guess that's how it's done, last place she was."
Daniel Hawthorne: "Most likely. Philadelphia is a bit of an oasis compared to the average domain...part of why I came here myself. " Daniel frowned deeply at that, shaking his head. "Sorry you had to deal with that."
Mearcstapa: "Well, it was handled, and we'll handle anything else that comes our way." Mearc finishes his smoothie, glancing at Jack. "You heading to the house after this? Could I grab a ride with you?"
Jack Martingale: "Handled is a word for it," Jack agrees as he finishes his sandwich. "Always, babe. Even brought your helmet." He flashes Mearc an adoring smile and reaches out to pet his hair.
"Philly's something else for just about everyone - no place like it," he says to Daniel, sipping his smoothie.
Daniel Hawthorne: "Best of luck in doing so." He smiled a touch at the rather tender moment between the two, then nodded as he sipped his tea. "Indeed, and with all of our help we can keep it that way."
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