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Avery Frisk:
Avery was in the back corner of Maddy's, a quieter spot with their airpods in, and some toast next to them, and their drawing tablet in front of them. It was a chance to practice in safety.
And it was clear that they were glad to be back at it. They were drawing the wafflehouse, just without any people.
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel slipped through the portal with little fanfare, his outfit casual but well-tailored to his build as always and a brown leather messenger bag slung over his shoulder. He perked up a bit seeing Avery at work, giving them a nod. "Good to see I'm not the only one who comes here to do work." He said with a small smirk.
Avery Frisk:
Avery looked up, eyes flicking back to the work and then back at Daniel. They waved and it was overly fluid, far beyond any human can do.
"It...is okay to work. Safer than in public."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Been having issues with that lately?" He inquired with a quirked-up eyebrow, making a 'may I?' motion towards the other side of the booth. "Daniel, by the way. Good to meet you."
Avery Frisk:
Avery hesitated, but nods. Not a new people while alone person.
"Yes. Im Avery, nice...to meet you, yes."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Sorry to hear that. Know that can be rough." He slid into the booth, getting a better look at the tablet Avery was working on. "What sort of art do you do?"
Avery Frisk:
It was a high end tablet, whoever bought it knew what they were looking for.
"It can...yes. I like drawing...the world around me. Not people...but so I know what's real."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"I get that. It's a good way to capture a moment and anchor to it in a way." He pulled out his own tablet from his bag, equally high-end, and set it aside while it spun up. "I don't draw people much either, admittedly, outside of designs for work."
Avery Frisk:
Avery nods.
"People are hard to draw...and it feels...strange to draw them."
Avery looks at the tablet.
"You draw for work?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Strange how, out of curiosity?"
He nodded to the question. "I'm a fashion designer, run a studio near Rittenhouse Square."
Avery Frisk:
Avery turns the screen, and shows that it is... frighteningly well done. (6 suxx)
"I feel like I either drawthem .. too well and it is...I don't like looking at it. Or it's bad and I don't feel proud of it."
Avery smiles.
"I like fashion. Fashion is nice."
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel's eyebrows went up a bit as he looked over the drawing, nodding with approval. "That's impressive. And yeah, I get you there. Little too much detail?"
"Agreed. My great-grandmother was a seamstress and she took me under her wing, turned out I had a knack for it." He glanced to his tablet as it finished setting up, then looked back to Avery. "Mind if I take these off, by the way?" He tapped his glasses frame briefly. "Makes it a little easier to work, but it's a bit of a sight to see."
Avery Frisk:
Avery nods and turns it back around, still far too fluid for a human. "Too much, yes. The um...valley thing?"
Avery nods. "I am...fluid, so I like fashion. Makes me feel like...me?"
Avery's eyes are...weirdly piercing. "Your eyes are dark, it is strange but interesting. I do not mind, I have been...curious since you sat down. If it makes it easier on you, please do."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Uncanny valley, yeah." He nodded, smiling a touch. "So I've heard. I've done outfit sets for folks who are genderfluid before, nice little challenge to make pieces that can be swapped out depending on how you're feeling that day."
"Surprised you can see that through the glasses." He pulled them off as he spoke, revealing the completely jet-black eyes behind them. "It's a...quirk of my bloodline, as it were. Used to be something else but one of the willworkers here was able to alter it."
Avery Frisk:
Avery perked up. "Outfits that can be...both? Or neither?"
Avery nods.
"You didn't have the reflection of the pupils. Most people do. It looked like...there was nothing there? I see too much."
The word Bloodline earned a tilt of the head.
"You are...Kindred? Is willworker a... mage?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Mmhmm. If you're interested we can make something work. I've talked with someone else here on that front as well...need to give them a call, now that I think about it."
"Correct, on both counts."
Avery Frisk:
"Yes...please. I need to talk to my girlfriend so...she has money. And then...she's good at fashion."
Avery nods.
"My boyfriend is Kindred too. I am a Lost."
Daniel Hawthorne:
He took a moment to go into his pocket, pulling out a slim card case and offering Avery one of the business cards for the studio from within. "Feel free to give a call to set up a time to come by; if I'm not there my sister Victoria usually is."
"Really...who, out of curiosity? And I had a feeling; haven't seen anyone that...fluid outside of our own elders that wasn't Jackie, and I know she's of that bent."
Avery Frisk:
Avery takes the card, looking over it, and putting it with their wallet.
"Okay...we can...call."
Avery nods.
"Vincent. Vorpal is...a good friend who...understands it can be hard. She is teaching me to be better in combat too."
Avery frowns. "I am...as perceptive as I am fluid. It can be hard to be...outside other's expectations. And need to...hide it."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Ah hah...he's mentioned you but not by name." He nodded, a few pieces falling into place. "I understand that. I'm sturdier than I look thanks to one of the disciplines I've studied, and keeping others from noticing can get sporting."
Avery Frisk:
Avery nods.
"I do not mean offense...but some of my people...are not happy with some of yours. I know...Philly is an exception, and Vincent is a wonderful and caring partner and I am happy."
Avery nods.
"With Contracts...I can become invisible to the mind by being discreet...or the shadows can offer me sanctuary."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"None taken. Philadelphia is a rather unique city as far as inter-group relations are concerned, and having grown up attached to a more 'traditional' court I know how...cutthroat we can be." Cue a wry little smirk, there and gone quickly enough. "I can do the same with one of my own disciplines. Handy little trick, isn't it?"
Avery Frisk:
"Grown up...as a Kindred? Or..."
Avery pauses. "Which court?"
Then a nod. "It is...very useful. I do not like...crowds...but need to be around...normal people for my Clarity. It is hard. Vincent is...still enough to feel grounded."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"My family has served under one of the elders in Boston since not long after the Revolutionary War. I served directly as one of his retainers once I came of age and would have been Embraced by him, but I ended up in a similar situation to Vincent."
"Definitely get that. I can do crowds well enough, but being around people for long enough makes them uncomfortable so it gets awkward after a bit. Being able to slip off unseen when needed is helpful."
Avery Frisk:
"Revolutionary war....I don't know how long ago that was."
Avery pauses, and nods. "I am sorry you were...Embraced without your consent. It is...not kind, and has put Vincent at a disadvantage. Maria...has been able to help him."
Avery tilts their head.
"Because you feel...predatory? Around other people? I felt...nervous when you first entered...but you seem kind."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"About 250 years at this point." He nodded, that wry smirk flickering in and out once again. "Thank you. It was a struggle, and if I had stayed in Boston I'm sure that I would have met the sun sooner rather than later. Coming here was the best decision I could have made, since it let me get out from under that shadow and forge my own path forward."
"I've heard it described differently, but overall it's a general sense of unease, of something being wrong. It took a while for me to adjust to that reaction; still am on some level, I'll admit."
Avery Frisk:
Avery blinks.
"You are...quite old then. I am...glad you feel safer here. Feeling safe to...'forge your own path' is important."
Avery nods. "I can't help but think in...predator or prey. Danger or friend. Especially with...new people."
Daniel Hawthorne:
He chuckled at Avery's assumption, more amused than anything as he shook his head. "Me? No, I only just turned 40." Not that he looked a day over 25, but stranger things. "My family has been in Boston for that long, though."
"It is. There was a good while that I hated what I'd been made into and that held me back from a lot of things. I wouldn't have made that push to accept it and use the cards I'd been dealt to my advantage if I hadn't come here."
"I get that." He nodded quietly. "We tend to be wired that way as well. Glad I've made a good impression so far, though."
Avery Frisk:
Avery blanks. "Oh...I'm...sorry. I am not...good at people."
Avery nods.
"Using...what we have been given is...important. I am...happy? Scared...but happy."
Avery looks over Daniel.
"I think you are...okay? I'm not sure if...friend yet...but nicer than...most."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"No worries, you're good. I sucked at peopling for a while too, so I get it." He offered a reassuring smile, nodding as Avery continued. "Good to hear. It's a tough road to walk sometimes, but usually worth it in the end."
"I'll take that. You seem pretty solid yourself."
Avery Frisk:
"I don't like...peopling? I only like... some people. But I am glad for the people I like. And they... support me...and I support them, and I like that."
Avery nods. "I am...solid? I am glad."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Glad to hear it. My sister was - and is, I should say - that support point for me. Even with everything that happened she stayed with me, and that made a world of difference."
"You seem like a good person to know, I mean." He clarified, smiling a touch.
Avery Frisk:
"Support points are important for...all of us that come here. It is...easy to get lost in what we are, or what we have done."
Avery pauses and smiles. "Thank you...I'm glad I am a good person to know."
Kenzie:
A tiny 5'1" Manic pixie witch makes her way through the portal, announced via the sound one would be familiar with if they ever heard the random poke battle from pokemon games and Kenzie saying. "A wild Kenzie appears." She is dressed with sunglasses on her fave, despite the time of day, weather, or being indoors, a short sleeved striped shirt under overall shorts, and being the hips 90's kid she never got to be, only had one of the straps buckled. She spots Avery and Daniel, offering them a wave and a quiet hello to Avery. "Why hello there, Avery. How're you holding up today?" Asking as she went to snag a menu to sit near the two.
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel glanced towards the portal, smirking a touch at the introduction as he gave her a nod. The Haunt was casually dressed but the ensemble was well-tailored to fit to one who knew how to spot such things, a pair of sunglasses tucked into the shirt collar. This, of course, revealed the jet-black eyes that gave Kenzie a brief once-over as she approached, no sign of a pupil to be seen.
He scooted over to give her room at the booth, assuming Avery might want the space on their end. "Evening."
Avery Frisk:
Avrry looks very confused by the music, before seeing Kenzie, waving quietly to Kenzie.
"I'm...okay? I was drawing, then met Daniel."
Avery seemed a little more offput by Kenzie, granted, they look offput by everyone.
Kenzie:
She stopped just before she sat to look Daniel over. Her glasses dropping down her nose to get an unfiltered look. Unlike him, her pupils were big. Clearly someone was having a fun time. She offers a smile before pushing the glasses back up her nose and sits next to him. "Is it? Thanks for the time update." She said seriously. "Was about to get waffles but now I will get chicken and waffles." As she glanced the menu before setting it down. She looks to Daniel again. "Names Kenzie, --- a person known to Avery." She looks to Avery. "Would you say we were friends or just -somebody you don't want to know.-" She sang in tune of that way over played song that Avery 100% wouldn't get the reference to yet again.
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel remained quiet as Kenzie gave him a proper once-over, accustomed to the stares but waiting for her reaction. At the smile on her end he relaxed ever so slightly, nodding in approval at her choice. "Usually just stick with the waffles here, but that does sound good."
He took a moment to put his own tablet away in the brown leather messenger bag at his side, knowing he wouldn't get any work done quite yet this evening, smirking a touch at the sung words. "Feel like I should know that one, but it's not ringing a bell..."
Avery Frisk:
Avery doesn't even realize its a reference, head tilting.
"I guess we are...I don't know. I am glad you have helped me but...Ylva is still struggling over the decision that she was given...so I...dont...know. I am often confused by the Mages."
Kenzie:
"Slight mod. Uhhh, I think that song is like nearly a decade old now though. Somebody that I used to know. It had this trippy paint music video with the dudes face. Annny way. ---" She smiles to Daniel again. She cant seem to not look at him. "Am I this high or are your eyes like legit blacked out?"
"I didnt mean to make shit worse---"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Ah, right. Been a minute since I heard that one." He nodded, smirking a touch at the question. "They are, yeah. Quirk of the bloodline, as it were."
He looked between the pair as they continued, visibly curious but not inquiring just yet.
Avery Frisk:
Avery's head tilts, wearing airpods right now. "Music can be...really loud. Is it loud?"
Avery pauses, struggling to word.
"I don't think you made it...worse? She just...didn't know it was an option so now she has...feelings. She is a...good friend, so I want her to be happy."
Kenzie:
"Oh--- a blood lover. Hot." She grins and went to inspect him closer. "You look--- more like one than most. Do you just not do the uh--- blush or whatever you all call it?" She looks sympathetic to Avery. "I get it. I do. But if you want, I can say no. Options closed. Sad luck. My boss shut me down. Done day. I can help in any other ways."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"I do, and am currently." He allowed her to lean in, signs of normal breathing and a steady heartbeat clear thanks to the Blush. "My particular line can make others feel uncomfortable, though, so that may be it."
Avery Frisk:
Avery blushed at the notion of blood lovers being hot. Its true after all.
"It is...easy to tell when a Kindred isn't Blushed. They look like a corpse. And are...cold and dont have heartbeats."
Avery flinches at the offer, shaking their head rapidly.
"No, no no. That's not...I-I didn't mean.." Avery seemed very nervous about answering that.
Kenzie:
"Oh you misunderstand. I know what one not in the blush -should- look like. I have just never seen one with blush and have such black eyes. As for discomfort--- no. I find it intriguing." If he allowed, she went to lift his upper lip to try and see a fang as she inspected. She didn't have much of a boundary with regards to personal space. She kept inspecting Daniel as she spoke to Avery. "The offer has caused Drama, it has caused strife and conflict. None of that was my intent, and it has made far too many uncomfortable around me. I don't like it when people are uncomfortable around me. I also believe that fate made her what she is for a reason. But fate also balances. It will bring her as much good as it has bad. As I understand it, she eats her own kind and despises herself for it. I get the self loathing hate yourself bit. yet--- she is still conflicted with wanting to try it. Why? Because she knows, like I do, that everything comes at a price and there is a part of her new abilities and life she likes and would hate to trade away and lose. She knows it isn't all worth it to just turn back the clock. Tik, tik, tik---- stick a fork in it, its done."
Daniel Hawthorne:
Seeing what she was going for Daniel opened his mouth rather than having her get a finger involved, showing a normal set of chompers for the time being. "Those of my line tend to have a physical marker along with the unease, and the eyes are mine."
He looked between the pair, understanding dawning as Kenzie continued. "If I'm following right, I had a similar offer made to me by one of the other willworkers here. We went a different route instead, changing how the mark of my like manifested rather than a full rewind, as the progress I had made while here wasn't something I wanted to lose. That might be an option for her as well."
Avery Frisk:
Avery hesitates, shaking their head.
"I'm...sorry. That is...for Ylva to choose, not me."
Avery goes quiet, curling up a bit and pulling their tablet into their lap.
Kenzie:
"Outside the box thinker." She smiles in appreciation to Daniel. "Ahhhh, ok. Thats, still pretty cool though. I dig the black eyes. Gives off that demon core kink vibe." She teased him a bit.
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel let out a snort of laughter at the comment, smirking a touch. "It's better than the alternative, at least. My throat had been cut right before I was Embraced and it didn't heal properly."
As Avery drew into themselves that note of mirth faded, replaced with concern as he looked the Courser over. "You alright?"
Avery Frisk:
Avery shrugs while drawing.
"Thinking... thinking is hard."
Kenzie:
She winces at that. Her eyes water up pretty bad. She curls into him to give him a huge hug of sympathy. She was speechless.
Daniel Hawthorne:
He gave Kenzie a sympathetic look as she fell apart a bit herself, letting out a slow breath. "It can be, especially with something with those kind of repercussions. Having had a similar offer myself I know how overwhelming it can be, balancing out the 'what ifs' and the want to change how things went, even only a little. Ylva and I have talked before, and if she wants another ear I'm willing to offer it."
Avery Frisk:
Avery takes a slow breath.
"Ylva and I want...to be Motley Mates...so I feel like...I am biased and it is not...my decision."
Kenzie:
"I would greatly appreciate it if you would. I made the offer to her lover as a thing I could do, Klaire. And ever since then, I have been hearing nothing back but negativity about it and making people uncomfortable." She shrugs a bit. "It is what it is." She sits upright again and takes a deep breath.
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Making the offer in itself isn't a bad thing, as I see it. You came from a good place with it, as did the willworker who helped me." He added to Kenzie, giving her a reassuring look. "It's just...a lot to think about."
Avery Frisk:
Avery looks to Kenzie, a little pouty.
"I am...not upset...I'm sorry. Should I leave? I just...I just..don't know how to feel either."
Kenzie:
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." She smirks to Daniel. "I appreciate the back up though. It--- It has put me in a fragile state for sure. But ultimately, as Avery has said, it is up to Ylva and no one else. Then, up to my skill to make whatever she picks a possibility."
She shook her head to Avery. "No, no. You dont have to go. Just--- Hard to hear Ylva be so angry at having a choice. I mean, I get it on one hand but don't on the other. Its something I have never had to deal with, which is why I think Daniel would be a great person to talk with. "
Daniel Hawthorne:
"You're good." He nodded to Avery to affirm Kenzie's reply, sitting back in his seat. "It's an intimidating thought, especially when you didn't have the choice of becoming what you are. Lord knows I would've snapped it up in a heartbeat right after I was Embraced in the mental state I was in at the time."
Avery Frisk:
Avery hesitates.
"She is not angry...she is afraid. They are similar emotions."
Kenzie:
"We're all afraid, my Aviary friend. We all have shit choices we have to make. We all have shit we have to deal with that we don't like. The choices we make about them, is what makes us. The hurt, the added stress I feel I put on her, and you, and Klaire, and well everyone Ylva knows, I can't help but feel responsible for."
Bones:
Bones flows through the portal, wearing a yellow skirt with a white top. They had a very androgynous appearance today. Their base masculine form and yet they still had some of the feminine curves.
A smile spread across their face upon seeing all of their friends, and they waved, "Hi everyone." and then to Kenzie, "Hi Girlfriend."
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel looked towards the portal as Bones emerged through it, the jet-black eyes usually hidden behind sunglasses a new sight for the Obrimos. He gave them a nod then looked back to Avery and Kenzie, letting the conversation go on without his further input for the moment.
Kenzie:
She smiles to Bones, but it wasn't the same. Kenzie clearly wasn't in a good headspace.
Avery Frisk:
Avery was curled up im their side of the booth. Drawing tablet in their lap.
"I am... bad at decisions... sorry. Can we... change topics? Hi Bones."
Bones:
Their gaze swept back and forth between the trio, a frown forming. Some of the conversation as they entered had given them a barest of ideas and yet, this wasn't a good feeling to walk into this situation.
"Um. How can I support you at this time?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"No need to apologize." Daniel nodded to Avery, giving Kenzie a reassuring look and lifting an arm up so she could sneak in for a hug if she so desired. The question he left for the pair to answer as they saw fit.
Kenzie:
She took the hug. "Probably some alcohol and get into some comfy ass PJ's and hide in a hidey hole to self loath for a day or two, then some self destructive life habits until I feel better and move on with life. Or maybe throw myself at some willing Vampire wanting a bite. Thats usually a good quick way to feel nice."
Bones:
They move to Kenzie and kissed her softly, "Hey... We can certainly go if we need to. Otherwise let me know."
Daniel Hawthorne:
Kenzie would find Daniel to be decently built under that t-shirt when she came in close, giving her a good solid hug before letting go and allowing Bones to do their partner-ly duties in comforting their significant other. The mention of a Bite taking the edge off made him pause for a moment, his thumb lightly brushing the side of his finger in an idle motion before shaking off whatever thought had come to mind.
Bones:
"Could make it a three way kiss." A blush and a grin
Kenzie:
She kisses back. "No, no need to leave. I'll find plenty of self destructive things to do here just as well as I can at home." She offers a smirk, much closer to the Kenzie Classic. "Does everyone here know everyone?" Since she was already sitting next to Daniel, she leans on him gently and stretches a bit.
Bones:
"Daniel," an offer of the hand, "I have met more tailors latey than at whom I could shake a stick. I still need to come by and get some clothing done up... oh and .... do you make things like... short jeans, long shirts, etc., or are you just more formal stuff? I know. Oh. Sorry. How are you doing tonight? And, other than the flirting and the ability fo the Kiss to enhance a mood, honestly if you're thirsty, I'd be happy to help."
Hey, rambling Bones returned.
Kenzie:
She glares at bones. Leaning into Daniel more and places a hand on his chest in a clear -if anyone is getting bitten tonight, its me-. Clearly the idea of sharing hadn't crosses her mind.
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel didn't seem to mind being lounged on, although the hand on his chest did bring him pause for a moment before he relaxed again. Had it really been that long since someone got that sort of cozy with him?
"I'm topped up already, actually, but thanks for the offer. We do casual as well, along with alterations of existing clothing." He motioned to his own current ensemble for emphasis.
Avery Frisk:
Avery's head tilts, avoiding the Kiss talk.
"Bones, are you...the one Daniel was making clothes for? I think...I want some as well. Most of mine are...male or female...not enough for both."
Bones:
They scirtched the back of their head, "I've talked to a few folx for clothes, yeah. I keep wnating to buy more things since we can afford it now."
A bob of the head, "I was just thinking, in this moment though, about getting more Green and Blue clothing that fits my Girlfriend's aesthetic."
Kenzie:
She looks down at her stripped short sleeve and overall shorts ensemble. "I have an aesthetic?" She smirks a bit and sits back up to give Daniel his space. "I mean, This is me dressing up. If I didn't have to get dressed at all, or PJs at best, I would just do that."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"They were the one I mentioned, yes." Daniel nodded in answer to Avery's question, a rare shy smirk slipping into place as Kenzie sat up. "You're good, it's just...been a minute."
Avery Frisk:
Avery nods. "PJ's are great. I...steal clothes more than I want to admit."
Avery nods to Bones, an appraising eye of an artist...along with the overly piercing eyes Avery has. "I think...blue fits well. Green...maybe with the right outfit? But I think blue can be...a good color on you." A look to the tailor for his thoughts.
Kenzie:
She giggles to Daniel. "If you're worried it'll go quick, erase that fear from your head. One, it wont matter, we can just go again--- and again--- and again until you feel confident once more." A wild gleam in her eyes with her innuendo. "I know life magic, I can replenish quickly." She added for Avery's sanity that it was just blood and not anything more, or less.
Avery Frisk:
Avery didnt look upset or worried, they looked...jealous? And they looked away to keep working on their drawing.
Bones:
Bones slid into the booth by Avery, whispering something to them now.
Daniel Hawthorne:
It was clear to the trio that it had been a while since some proper flirtation had been sent Daniel's way, judging by the flushed cheeks and the multiple attempts to say something but the words tripping over themselves along the way. Eventually a quiet "ah...'s not what I..." got out before fading off, lost in the tangle in his mind.
Avery Frisk:
Avery pauses, and shrugs at the whisper.
"It's...okay today. I'm okay." Avery shifted, hiding their drawing a bit.
Avery's eyes flicked to Daniel, not sure how to help.
Bones:
"You're among three fangbangers, dearest Daniel. It's not exactly unexpected for us to offer or be jealous or what have you," a grin.
To Avery, "Good. I'm glad to hear it. I hope your art goes the way you wish it," and they slid back out, finally moving to the counter to get their own coffee and mint creme.
Kenzie:
She grew a little curious. "Do you think with enough Death magic, Life magic, and maybe some prime, one could craft a spell to replicate a vampires kiss? Perhaps even change ones requirement to be able to accept drinking the blood and to enjoy the taste? I'd be morbidly curious."
Daniel Hawthorne:
The fangbanger comment earned a little snort of laughter from the Haunt but he remained quiet for a long moment as he composed himself, letting out a slow breath as the redness in his face began to fade out. "I...couldn't say. It does offer a segue into something I wanted to mention to you, though, Bones..."
Avery Frisk:
Avery looks embarassed at being called a fangbanger, but can't dispute it.
"I...am jealous, yes...but I am not offering. My blood is for Vinny only and...even if it wasn't, I am still recovering...I do not heal quickly like...you can with your magic."
Avery huddles over their art, adding details.
"Do not...drink the blood of a vampire, Kenzie."
Bones:
"What's up Daniel?" They looked between the trio again.
A blush rose at the reactions, and more than ever at the thought of drinking vampire blood
Kenzie:
She looks to Avery. "If I find the right one maybe." She teased. "But no. More so asking bones if he could basically become a vampire and bite me at home."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"It's not a joke in this case. Our blood can bind you to whomever you drink it from, and is addictive besides." Daniel said as he looked to Kenzie, his thumb doing that idle massage against the side of his finger again. "If someone offers, don't accept it."
"One of mine with the Academy is in the process of setting up what she hopes to be a cross-faction workspace of sorts, allowing for folks to combine efforts magically and see where our respective specialties can compliment each other. I thought that was something you might find of interest."
Bones:
They start bouncing in place as they mix up their coffee and listened, "Yes yes yes that's exactly my kind of thing!"
Avery Frisk:
Avery looks at Kenzie, already opening their mouth as Kenzie was speaking.
"No, do not. Please. It's not...no." Avery shakes their head. "Sorry, I just...I... its important to not."
Kenzie:
She chomps at Daniel. "Ok, Daddy. I won't go bite any vampires." She winks to Avery. After a moment she gets a bit antsy. "All this chatter has got me all worked up. Need someone--- I mean something to do." She grins a bit as a tease. But the waitstaff came, and she orders food instead. Electing for a bubbly water drink.
Daniel Hawthorne:
The "Daddy" comment gets another flush of red to the Haunt's cheeks but he let it slide, ordering a hot tea for himself when the server came by before looking to Bones with a nod. "Perfect. I'll get her your info so we can let you know when everything's set up."
Bones:
"If you'd like, I could get a few things together to contribute. Let me know if their are any resources that might be covered better by a living PhD with some fame to their name."
And finally they move to next to Kenzie once more, and once seated, moved Kenzie into their lap.
"Leave the poor man alone. He's not used to your full court press, and I know this is only like a quarter court."
Kenzie:
She grins from ear to ear as she was called out and nuzzles back into Bones happily. "Fiiiiiiiiine!" She huffs and and crosses her arms over her chest.
Daniel Hawthorne:
"I'll check with her and let you know." He replied to Bones, that shy smirk forming once again when Kenzie agreed to back off. "Sorry about that. It's...been a while since I've had anyone express interest and things short-circuited a bit."
Kenzie:
"Its cute." She admits. "You shy works for you. It makes one want to lean in, not away. So, good on you."
Bones:
"It's why I decided to guide the chaos a bit. I also know that it can be too much for Avery as well, so I decided to help tune her into a more familiar frequency..." a laugh, and then ran ahand across her cheek, "or at least a similar one."
Kenzie:
Her face contorts quickly into a face as she lurches forward making a groan sound that wasnt too pleasant. Thud on the table "Fucking hell!" She takes a deep breath as she sits back up. "Sorry-- sorry--- I kicked the post on the table and stubbed the shit out of my toe."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Thanks, I guess." He chuckled, running a hand through his hair as he let out a slow breath. Whatever was going to come next halted as Kenzie thudded against the table, wincing in sympathy as she explained what happened. "Never fun, that..."
Bones:
"A little bad luck for an Acanthus, to balance out all the good..." chortling.
"You're a good man, Daniel. Good man."
Avery Frisk:
Right about this point, it might be noticed that Avery is no longer sitting there, neither is their drawing tablet, or their dishes. They at least paid though! Who knows when they had slipped out.
Kenzie:
"Yeah--- We can't always have fate on our side." She groans.
Daniel Hawthorne:
"I try to be." He offered with a small smile, giving a nod. "The bad moments make the good ones mean more, yeah?"
Kenzie:
She grins happily to Daniel and nods. "Dude--- stop." She laughs softly. "Someone is going to accuse you of sounding like me."
Bones:
Bones looks between the pair, "So you sound like any dime store philosophy book, Kenz?"
Kenzie:
She nods and chews on her lower lip. "mmmhm." -- "Thats me. Be lucky I don't have Puns volume 2 loaded."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"It's something I've had to strive to keep in mind, that past events don't have to define you no matter how heavy of an impact they can have. There's always something ahead that's worth reaching for."
Bones:
"Oh, certainly. My past... recently... was a source of trouble. I had a demotion of sorts. Now I'm looking to build back up against it."
Kenzie:
"Pasts are a lie."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Maybe," he began before accepting his cup of tea from the passing server and holding it between both his hands to enjoy the warmth of it, "but for those of us who can't see through that lie they still have weight."
Bones:
"Or at least changeable, mutable, fixable."
"You have your own talents, though. I've seen some of various clans. Don't know if I've ever seen yours..." a grin.
Kenzie:
She chuckles. "Its my stock answer when I have nothing else to say. The cake is a lie, this is a lie, thats a lie. Lie is a lie." She shrugs.
Vincent Drake:
Vincent wanted to experiment tonight so, listening to Offspring, he slid into the portal to try to see if he would slide out, of course it did seem to face a complication as he slid out of the portal and fell against the wall, his ear phones falling out enough for the others to hear the lyrics 'I'm pretty fly for a white guy', he first put his arm in the air with a thumbs up, "I'm ok!"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"You have not, no." Daniel replied with a small smirk. "Don't really have a need to show that off here."
As Vincent entered and subsequently tripped the Haunt blinked in surprise, chuckling as the Daeva announced his status. "Careful there..."
Bones:
"...Oh Vincent Drake, my goodness... what are you doing?" They threw up a cushion of force energy, causing the impact to at least lessen.
A shake of the head.
Kenzie:
She just laughs softly. "I should get going. I have something called -work- or some such. Doing a shoot for Philly Mag to highlight the area. No Tommy, doesn't mean I'll pay you rent."
Bones:
"Not with money at least."
Vincent Drake:
he got up and brushed himself off, "Kenz, Bones good to see you two," he said, "Daniel, long time no see." he nodded walking over, "So, how's everyone been?"
Kenzie:
She laughs and rolls her eyes. "No one wants to hear you be all smooth. You're a sweet librarian dude whos into books. Don't be gross." She teased and off she went.
Bones:
"Love you, Girlfriend," they replied as Kenzie left.
Daniel Hawthorne:
"It was good meeting you, Kenzie." He gave Kenzie a small smile, nodding as she readied to head out. "Have a good rest of your night."
"Doing well enough." He replied to Vincent, scooting over to give him room at the booth. Now that he was on his feet Vincent would likely notice that his customary sunglasses were tucked into his collar, revealing the jet-black eyes that were usually concealed behind them. "Came to do some work and immediately got into some interesting conversations, as always. You?"
Vincent Drake:
"Things have been decent, work, relationships, pretty thirsty," he looks to the Maddy's menu, "I keep saying, this place needs blood bags." he shakes his head, "But all in all, life is good, things are slowly getting back to normal."
Bones:
"Mmmm... I'm ... well let's just say our conversation, at least when I arrived, started with Kenzie and I offering to provide a drink for Daniel here... and he is full and therefore didn't wish to do it at this time..." a teasing pout, "maybe next time."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"There's probably some health code issues there, I'd imagine, magical diner or not." Daniel replied, about to take a sip of his tea when Bones made their comment. He eyed them for a moment over the rim of the cup before taking said sip, using it as an excuse to remain silent for a bit.
"I tend not to drink from friends." He finally offered as he set his cup back down. "Helps keep the lines firm, as it were."
Bones:
"Ah. Sorry. I didn't mean to attempt to Robin Thicke things."
Vincent Drake:
Vinny sat down next to Bones, "Stinking health codes, my favorite burger bar closed because of those things, all part of the. . ." he turns to Bones, "lie, right, that's what ya call the evil magic new world order, the Liars or some such?" he shrugs, "But yeah, now that I do have a conspiracy to blame things for, in my opinion the Order of the Liars closed down Grub." he pouts
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Apology accepted, you didn't know." He nodded to Bones, smirking a touch. "Kenzie laying it on thick and throwing me for a loop didn't help much, though."
Bones:
"I'll let her know. We'll engage Klaire protocol," a bob of the head.
Vincent Drake:
"Klaire protocol?" he asked
Bones:
"She and I do not PDA or the like around Klaire. I'll just mention it to her."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"It's...you don't need to do that. Thank you, though." He shook his head, a small but thankful smile on his face. "It's...honestly been about a decade since someone got flirty with me, so it's just not something I'm used to anymore."
Vincent Drake:
"Decade," Vincent said with a raised brow, "You enjoy your solitude or need to get out their more?" he joked in a friendly manner
Bones:
"Or didn't have folx like Kenzie, myself, or Avery, who was here during that conversation but not directly involved, though they didn't like me saying fangbanger.... True Blood for life.... though in this company that might be awkward. Sorry."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"More a mix of long-term self loathing and having to crawl out of that hole by inches and the marks of my clan both on me and other people." He motioned to his eyes briefly for emphasis. "This has been easier to deal with than the original manifestation of the curse but it still causes its own issues."
Vincent Drake:
"And what would the original be, if you don't mind me asking, the Nosferatu curse, I head it makes you look. . .diffrent but others told me it's more than that."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"A wound I took just before I was embraced didn't heal properly afterwards." He made a quick motion across his throat for emphasis. "I was barely able to talk over a whisper, along with dealing with everything else."
Bones:
"...That doesn't sound like a magical curse to me. Is there more than just the voice thing?"
Vincent Drake:
"I know I need to be careful feeding from the same person, could form an attachment," he admits, "But the other curses. . .could use a refresher."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"That was my particular manifestation of it. Overall it takes the form of something off-putting, unclean, just this side of wrong that gets under your skin and repulses you. We are not supposed to be, and humanity realizes that in the deepest part of their minds." He let that thought linger for a moment before cracking a small smirk, a gesture that would've been impossible for him not that long ago. "You can see how that can impact your dating life."
Bones:
"That... yeah. I mean..." they studied Daniel quietly, and let it creep in, let the shiver build, "oh. There. I see..."
A spell went from imagined to imago to shielding the mind swiftly thereafter, "I can... yeah. If I focus on the eyes... it can be intense."
Vincent Drake:
"So, and I don't mean to sound mean, our Clans are the opposite of the vampire spectrum."
Daniel Hawthorne:
"It's not far off. You lure in while we repulse, oozing supernatural charisma while we have the shadows and the fears of those around us as our tools. Two sides of a rather interesting coin."
He glanced towards Bones at the shudder, nodding quietly as they continued. "I can put the glasses back on if you'd prefer."
Bones:
When the spell did nothing to insulate them, they frowned. There had to be more they could do. SOmething... a new puzzle to solve for the Mage. The Mad Scientist side of the Dracul would likely recognize the calculations behind their eyes.
"Oh. Uh. No. You're fine. Just... it reminds me of Titania when she's not trying."
Vincent Drake:
"Don't insult the man." Vincent chuckled
Bones:
"I'm talking about my girlfriend, Vince. It's not an insult."
Daniel Hawthorne:
Daniel offered another nod, his eyebrow arching up slightly at the mention of dating the elder. "That tracks, admittedly. As we continue our time as Kindred one's grip on their humanity eventually weakens, and as that descent happens it becomes more noticeable to others. We get a bit of a head start on that front, at least as far as others see it."
Vincent Drake:
"I think I lost some recently," he muses, "Like I felt something. . .slip." he shrugs, "And now I hear my curse is going to affect me now. . ." he turns to Bones, "If I drink from you, I think I risk becoming. . .'emotionally dependent' on you," he rolls his eyes, "This is really limiting my feeding."
Bones:
"...So you feel what you give everyone you feed on?" a brow piqued in retort, amused at the irony with Vincent.
For Daniel, "Well. It's .... I mean I'm a social wreck and I'm still mostly human. So... good company?"
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Best of luck." Daniel raised his cup to Vincent in a small toast, then smiling a touch as he nodded to Bones. "Definitely. This has been good to talk about, honestly; it's been a while."
Vincent Drake:
Vincent sits and ponders, "Ok, so their's Avery, Maria, the Groupies. . .should I cut off Bones and Kenz." he mutters in thought, overthinker he is
Daniel Hawthorne:
"You usually want to diversify your pool there rather than constrict it." Daniel commented, eyeing Vincent curiously. "Might be worth talking with some of the other Daeva in town for advice."
Vincent Drake:
"Shall I go back to private dances?" he laughed, "That's how I got through the first couple weeks, it was a decent enough tip." he chuckled
Daniel Hawthorne:
"Might still work. Long as you keep it discrete you should do alright."
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