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Renault saunters into the club, looking perfectly in place with his all black suit. Classical/electronic fusion is quietly piped onto the floor, the bar an impressive wooden thing, a dizzying array of bottles displayed behind it. He orders a sazerac, and makes his way to a booth to watch the rest of the place, relaxing into his seat.(edited)
A flicker of a somewhat familiar Beast would likely catch the Ventrue's 'eye' upon his arrival, with the source making itself known with a quick scan of the room. Daniel had laid claim to a booth of his own, dressed to the nines as he often was with a dark grey scarf around his neck, and seemed to be wrapping up a conversation with a dark-haired young woman. She left the booth with a smile and headed off towards the door, leaving the Haunt by himself for the moment.
There's a man with his back against the bar, watching the rest of the patrons as he takes sips from the highball glass he's holding. His tight black pants shimmer slightly in the low light, and his dark hair is artfully tousled. He's got a sharp undercut, and smokey black liner around his eyes, and he seems at ease here. Even if he's not the most stereotypical goth you've ever seen.(edited)
Springs in Autumn have to find interesting hunting grounds, and this brings Ziv to this very fancy goth bar. They seem to adhere to the line 'am I a woman? am I a man? What's important is that I'm hot, and therefore everyone who's attracted to me is gay.' Tonight's outfit is a sleek black leather skirt and a pale pink biker jacket hanging open over a sheer black bodysuit made passingly modest by the embroidery of silver snakes over certain areas of the torso. They pass through the door, absently flutter their hands over their shaggy hair, and angle toward Jack when he's spotted.
Renault looks to Daniel and raises his glass to him, before his gaze flickers to those at the bar. He takes in the dashing attire with a flicker of a smile, and goes back to sipping his drink. He seems more alert now, more interested.
Renault received a raise of a glass in salute from Daniel in kind, his own still mostly full at the moment before giving the Lord a "may I?" sort of look. Jack also got a nod, the Haunt glad to see the man in good spirits.
Jack upnods at Ziv and gives them a lazy smile in greeting, a coppery smell mixed with the fresh scent of imminent rain washing over them as they get close. They get an appreciative once-over from their fellow Spring, and he slides over to offer them room at the bar.
"Where'd you get that bodysuit? I am Into It." He stresses the last two words.
"Thank youuu," Ziv offers, extending the last syllable of the second word as they take the proffered space at the bar. To their fellow Spring, there are glints and hints of passing neon lights glimmering in the dark water of the mermx's bottle-of-river body. "This one I got from Restyle? It takes a while to come because it ships from the EU, but so worth it." Leaning against said bar, they wiggle their fingers, order one (1) soda. "This is an entire Look, for sure," they gesture to Jack, letting their dark eyes sweep him before traveling over the room.
Renault makes a sweeping gesture to Daniel to join him, sitting up a bit in his seat. As if he can feel eyes on him he looks to the bar again, making a little salute to Ziv as well when their dark eyes meet his own. He scoots over a tad when Daniel comes over, so he can have plenty of space if he wants it.
Daniel made his way over to Renault's booth at the 'after you' gesture, giving him a nod as he got settled. "Evening." He said in that soft whisper of his, just audible over the music playing through the bar. "Things going well, I hope?"
"Gotta keep that in mind, I might need to add it to my closes." Jack grins, and then shrugs and fingers one of the rings on the asymmetrical harness he's got on over a tight purple t-shirt. "Figured just the harness wasn't quite classy enough for this place, yeah?"
He gives Daniel a belated nod hello, looking his companion over curiously before returning his attention to Ziv. "What brings you here, tonight?"
"Classy is a state of mind," Ziv answers back with an arch of one eyebrow, but they do reach one hand out to tug on one of those rings with a lopsided little smirk. They drop said ring, roll their shoulders. "Eko's out doing Eko stuff, and I was hungry," they explain, following Jack's gaze over to the table where Daniel and Renault sit. "Friends of yours?"
“Perfectly well,” Renault purrs, smiling. “Thought I’d get out and enjoy some atmosphere, no?” He takes a sip of his drink. “Do you know the gentleman at the bar or his companion? It seems we are being discussed.” His accent is thick and burred, the real thing bad French ones want to be when they grow up.(edited)
"Glad to hear it." Daniel smiled in return, looking towards the pair of Lost at the bar at Renault's question. "I know one, yes. A partner of a friend of mine."
Jack winks at Ziv with a flash of a grin, and drains the rest of his glass, and orders another...soda with lime. "The one with the scarf is an...associate? Of Mearcstapa's. Dunno who the other one is." He nods at Daniel again, and cocks his head a little, in an 'are we welcome?' sort of way.
A sidelong look at Jack when Renault talks, and Ziv's eyebrow lofts again, just so. Oh no, it's an accent, help. They lean lazily back on the bar, turning briefly to pick up their soda, and sip at same, delicate and thoughtful. "Oh, word," they agree, to the revelation.
He looks to those at the bar and then nods to Daniel to show his assent to having others join them if the Haunt agrees. “Friends of friends are often well met, and I wouldn’t mind expanding my acquaintances in the city. Besides, they seem interesting.”
"They do tend to be, yes." Daniel motioned for the pair to join them at the booth, giving a nod once they were in conversation range. "Long time no see. Things going well?" He said to Jack with a smile, moving over as needed to make sure they both had room, then looked to Ziv. "Don't believe I've had the pleasure. Daniel Hawthorne."
"They've been going. You know how it is," Jack offers Daniel an easy smile. "I'm Jack," he says to Renault, and holds a hand out for him to shake.
Pacing along in Jack's wake, like a smaller fish traveling in the wake of a larger one, or maybe just watching Jack's ass in those leather pants, Ziv absently tugs their jacket back into place, sets down their drink on the table's edge, and extends their hand to each in turn before settling down in the booth. "Yeah, I do know how it is," they answer Jack drily, introducing themself with a small curved smile. "Ziv Altshul." The accent is pure Philly, save when they say their name, where there's a little Yidden lilt to it.
He shakes both hands in turn with a winning smile. “Renault Caron, a pleasure to meet you both. Please, have a seat with us. Speaking of, how shall we arrange ourselves? I suppose Daniel and I can scoot over so you two can sit together.”
"Same. Keeping busy, but no complaints." Daniel nodded, taking note of the newly offered name as he shook Ziv's hand. For what it was worth the Haunt's broken voice showed hints of an almost-British accent, familiar to anyone who's spent time in the Boston area.
"'S nice to meet you, too - whatever's easiest," Jack gestures vaguely to the booth. "D'you spend a lot of time here? I gotta admit, it's not my usual hangout..." He gives the bar another glance before sliding into the booth.
"Whatever's clever," Ziv assures, and slips into the booth wherever there's room, shrugging their way out of their biker jacket and hanging it up on the booths end. "Mmm, me either, but it seemed a nice change of pace."
Renault moves over next to Daniel to leave his previous spot for Ziv. “I don’t go out too often, but this is one of the places I frequent, yes. I enjoy the atmosphere, I admit. Relatively quiet, but with a certain charm. What sort of places do you two prefer?”
"First time here myself, thanks to a meeting with a client. I may come back more often, though...nice to find somewhere that's quiet enough to have a conversation in."
"It depends on what I'm looking for - bars are...tricky for me. But," Jack tugs at the ring of his harness with a smirk, "nightclubs, places where there's dancing....where I won't be looked at twice if I've got this on without a shirt."
“Ah, yes, that kind of place. Certainly entertaining, though a bit loud for my tastes. Dancing is a fun pursuit, though.”
"Hold that thought," Ziv offers as their phone rings, playing the theme for The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. They scoot off to answer it.
“The second,” Renault replies, not seeming to mind the gaze at all. “I know some of the classic ones that are about choreography, though I don’t know if that counts. A little hobby, though I rarely get to participate these days. Still, I can stretch the old legs at any number of clubs, so I don’t mind.”
Jack nods. "Do you have a favorite in Philly? Club, for dancing, I mean." Jack sips his drink.
“Oh, not really, just stopped at a few places here and there. Why, is there a particular spot you’d recommend?”
"I think all the places I like'd be too loud for you," Jack says with a smile. "Tell you what, though...'f you give me your number, I'll let you know next time I'm going out. Take you to some of the places I like."
He chuckles and sips his drink before producing a pen and memo pad. “I can handle loud in short doses, don’t worry about me.” He scribbles out a phone number and his name in an impeccable hand. “Can I meet other friends of yours, or is this number for your eyes only?” His inky orbs seem to glance to Ziv without actually looking away from Jack. “Now I’m curious.”
Jack takes the paper, if it's offered, and sits back in the booth with a smirk. "What d'you want it to be?"
Renault returns to his drink, drawing out the moment a bit. “As long as I don’t get prank calls, I’m not picky. I have more hobbies than dancing, you know.”
"I'm not one to prank call - and there's no worry of me drunk-texing you either, anymore. How else d'you spend your free time, when you're not at places like this, or...dancing?" Jack's full-on grinning now, clearly enjoying himself.
The sleek androgyne returns from their phone call, tucking their smartphone away into the pocket of their pink biker jacket and scooting in next to Jack again. "Sorry," they offer, reaching for their soda. "What did I miss?"
“Jack asked for my number to go out dancing some time, and I told him he could share, as long as his friends weren’t going to prank call,” he replies with a grin. “As for what I get up to when I’m not dancing, Jack, let’s see...I read a lot, all sorts of things, lead a Bible study, practice hypnotism, socialize; all sorts of things, though none are terribly exciting.”
"...Bible study?" Jack's eyebrows go way up, and he kinda casually folds his arms.
"Oh I see," offers Ziv primly, arcing one eyebrow up at Jack in some sort of mock offense, perhaps. The mention of the Bible study gets another look aside at Jack, though that one's more of a check-in glance. Jack asks a question, though, so they don't - they sip their soda instead.
“Don’t tell anyone, but I’m a bit of a scholar; I teach a class to help other people of my faith have a more nuanced and meaningful understanding of their holy book. I find ignorance and zealotry despicable,” he adds softly, eyes somewhere far away for a moment. “But don’t let me drag you two into all that; religion isn’t a light-hearted conversation, no matter how good-natured it is. How about you, Jack? Ziv? What do you you get up to besides dancing and killer fashion?”
"Ah." Jack's smile has faded somewhat. "I um," he clears his throat. "Bought a house a few months ago with my fiancees," yes, he used the plural, "so that's taken up a lot of my time." He looks to Ziv for their response.
"I am studying to become a cantor," Ziv answers, gently reaching one fluttering hand, with webbing visible to Jack, to touch his wrist gently. "A Jewish prayer leader," comes the explanation. "So there's a lot of Torah study for me." Another small sip of soda. "Aaron says the house looks amazing, Jack, so your work is clearly well placed."
Back to Renault, and Ziv turns the full wattage of their smile on him, as if that can just paper over the fading of Jack's smile. "I study, sing, spend time with my partners, and I'm settling into the house I just bought with one of said partners. And, as you noted, killer fashion and dancing!"
He returns with his own smile, positively glittering. “My congratulations to you both on the new housing; happiness you both and your respective partners. And congratulations on the engagement...s? Jack. Not sure if that’s a collective or plurality of being engaged. Regardless, I’m happy for you.”
He nods to Ziv. “That sounds like a rewarding endeavor, I hope it’s going well. I enjoy music myself; I’m a passable enough singer, and get by on the piano and guitar.”
"Two fiances, yeah." There's Jack's warm smile again, and he nods just as his phone chimes. He pulls is out of his pocket and his smile gets a few shades brighter.
"And this's them - which means I'm gonna head out for the evening." He nudges Ziv to let him out of the booth.
"Nice to meet you - and nice to see you Ziv. Let's catch up again sometime."
"Indeed," agrees Ziv, and they scoot out of the booth, reaching a hand to absently adjust that harness of Jack's in a gesture that's as familiar as a kiss to the cheek. "Travel safely and tell them both I said hello. Someday I'll have to actually meet Lux," they add wryly.
Their attention flicks back to Renault, then. "Staying or going?"
“I don’t have anywhere to be, and wouldn’t mind chatting more, especially since you had to step away,” he says to Ziv.
To Jack he offers, “Be well, and may the Night keep you. I look forward to your call, I really don’t have enough social engagements.”
Settling back into the booth, Ziv flags down a server and orders a Chambord and sour after Jack leaves. Finishing their plain soda, they set the empty at the end of the table and lean their chin on one of their hands. "That works for me," they offer cheerfully, asking, "how long have you been playing piano?"
“Since I was young. Started when I was, oh, nine or so. Now it’s just something I enjoy. Making music, and all of that. Just singing for you, or do you play something as well?”
"Mostly singing and guitar, though I learned piano when I was young, too. One of those things your parents make you take lessons for, but I haven't had a piano in ages. My guitar was stolen when I was living in Portland, but I am a terribly spoiled twink who was gifted a replacement by one of my partners." The Chambord and sour arrives and Ziv takes a sip of it, ticking their tongue against the roof of their mouth. Yum, delicious sour!
He chuckles and finishes his drink, setting aside his glass. “Well, that’s fortunate. Never nice to be without a guitar, is it?” He gets the attention of a server, and orders a Sidecar. “I’m guessing you weren’t drinking for Jack’s sake, then. That’s a very kind gesture,” he says with a smile.
"My guitar getting stolen really upset me, so having a new one really, really made me happy." They wrap their delicate hands around the rocks glass, nod their head once. "That's correct, yes. It's sort of a ... thing, with me. Taking care of people like that. It doesn't cost me anything to not drink when Jack is around."
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but that’s very commendable. Sounds like you’re a good friend.” His drink arrives, and he tastes it. “Mmm, passable cognac, I knew I liked this place. Anyway, where were we? I think I was trying to be flattering.”
Their nose wrinkles up a little bit, and Ziv takes another swallow of their drink, savoring the fruit-sour flavor. "I'm not sure if there's a wrong way to take that sentence. I appreciate that you noticed, honestly. I wasn't doing it to be praised, but I do like to be praised, so I won't turn it down." They pause when the server sweeps past, and then laugh brightly, a sharp sound like light glittering on water. "You may feel free to continue to try to be flattering."
“Ah, well then, let’s see. You really do have quite the outfit this evening. Did you find the pieces online? I have to imagine only specialty shops have some of the more...exotic ones,” he says as he looks over the ensemble again.
More of that glittering laughter. "Thank you!" They smooth a hand down the sheer stomach of said outfit. "I won the pink leather jacket in a game of poker about a year ago, when I was living in Portland. The skirt was thrifted and tailored for me, and I did in fact order the top online. It's been too warm to wear this much leather until now, so I'm glad I can break out some of these things now." A beat's pause. "Your look doesn't disappoint, either."
“Oh? The man in black isn’t too much? This is just me throwing something on to go out, when I’m trying to look good I go for the same look in velvet, and wear some jewelry. But thank you, I appreciate it,” he says with a grin.
Their dark eyes slide their gaze over him, appraising, and the mermx takes a thoughtful sip of their drink. "Mmm, no, I like the man in black look," Ziv offers after a considering moment, "even if you're just tossing something on." A beat. "Though now I'm curious about the dressed-up version."
“Well, I can think of a few reasons I might dress up...shall I invite you to one?” His eyes are black in the dim light of the club, but they sparkle with mirth. “I promise it won’t be too stuffy, or anything.”
One corner of their mouth curls up just a little more. "Well, I wouldn't want to twist your arm," Ziv answers amusedly, setting their glass down on the table and idly turning it. "Oh, good. I'd hate to be invited to anything too stuffy. I'd have to totally change my wardrobe... "
He gives them another once over, this one a little more deliberate. “Can’t have that, that’d ruin the fun.” He smiles a wicked little half smile himself, sipping his drink before adding. “I’d like to see what you’d choose to compliment a black velvet suit, if that’s something you’d enjoy doing.”
Their smile is sly, and as he gives them another once-over, the androgyne leans back in the booth and rolls one hand upward, a lazy self-referential gesture. "That, and it's not like I have a million dollars for buying new clothes, so... if it's too stuffy and my one suit won't do..." They lean forward to pick up their glass again. "Hmm. I'd have to see the cut of the suit, but I have some ideas."
He looks about ready to purr with delight as they lean back, idly sipping at his drink as they bring the conversation back in. “Let me see, I might have a photo, if you’d like,” he says as he pulls out his phone. “And of course, who has that kind of cash? I’ve just built up a certain style of dress over the years, you see? Not as bold as yours, of course.”
"I would like," Ziv concurs, their sly smile staying in place at his reaction. "I need your number anyway, if we're making plans." They turn to take their phone out of their jacket, answering, "As we all do. I don't always dress like this, but when I do... it has to be my style."
He flips through his phone a bit, then shows them a photo him in a black velvet suit, with the rest of the ensemble black with silver fastenings and such, the suit a flattering slim cut that accentuates Renault’s slim build.
“I’ll get you my number when you’re done looking.”
They scoot their glass to the side and lean forward over the table, idly nibbling their lower lip as they consider the outfit. Ziv reaches to zoom in a bit on the fastenings and details if permitted, and then nods thoughtfully. "I think I've got something that'll go with it. Or that I can make work, with the right accessories."
They draw back, pick up their drink for a sip.
“Excellent. Here, should I set up a contact for you to fill out?” He asks, going through his phone again. “I’m glad I could give you some inspiration, Ziv.”
"You should!" Ziv agrees, setting their own phone down in order to reach for his when the contact is set up. "Oh, I'm inspired," they droll, "that is certain."
He flashes them another grin, then hands over his phone, set to a new contact page. “Oh my. Say, are there any dietary restrictions I should be aware of, when I’m brainstorming?”
Taptaptap. "I'm Jewish," they reiterate, typing in their contact info and then pausing to flip back to the main screen and take a selfie, setting that as the contact image. "And I keep as kosher as possible. No pork, shellfish, no mixing of meat and dairy. I'm not super strict about it, and hospitality takes precedence, as Abraham and the angels, but thank you for asking!" They hand the phone back, and open a contact entry on their own phone before passing it to him.
“I didn’t forget, that’s why I made sure to ask. Didn’t want to just assume you keep kosher, but didn’t want to risk taking you somewhere for their lobster bisque, no?” He taps away. “I can think of a few places that should be fine. I’ll text you when I have a better idea of my schedule this week,” he says as he hands back their phone.
"I assumed that was why you were asking," agrees Ziv, "and I appreciate it. But on that note, I need to go catch the subway before it stops running out to Northeast." They slip out of the booth and tug their leather jacket back on while he puts his info into their phone. "Sounds good - but you don't have to wait until you know your schedule to text me."
He smiles wide. “Touché. I suppose I’ll be in touch, then. Be well, then, Ziv, and may the Night keep you.”
The Darkling smiles lopsidedly, reclaims their phone, and answers, "That's always the case. Lovely to meet you, Renault, and I'll be waiting to hear from you." They wink, and then turn on their heel to head for the door, absently smoothing their skirt as they go.
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