Nothing Happens, Things Happen

[Jesse Fforde]

<Kaelyn> I *thinks for a moment* Stagger things....and...shooting things....and...I work...and...that's about it

<Jesse Fforde> "Things that make you happy though or are you just grumpy all the time these days?" he asks, pausing. Serious.

* Kaelyn shakes her head "I'm not grumpy. Well I'm grumpy that I'm sucking so hard tonight. But I'm typically happy...unless people make me grumpy."

* Jesse nodded slowly. "And are you going to listen to me next time I tell you to keep your grumpy off the forum? Or are you never going to listen to me and just keep going?"

<Kaelyn> She started it.

* Jesse rubbed at his temple. "She started it? Do you know how childish that sounds? I told you to stop, so you ******* stop. That forum is toxic. It's no wonder people don't check in anymore."

* Kaelyn narrowed her eyes some. "Fine. I won't post things there anymore."

* Jesse rolled his eyes. "That's just an overreaction. Just take your arguments off the forum and somewhere private. That's all I'm asking."

<Kaelyn> I don't want to talk to her or see her.

<Kaelyn> She could join him for all I care.

* Jesse shrugged. "You've both suffered and you've both said things in the heat of the moment. Give it time. I gave her a tome to the lair, so you're just going to have to understand that there's a chance you'll run into her every now and again."

<Kaelyn> I hate her.
<Kaelyn> She was a horrible ***** from the beginning.

* Jesse stared. "Was she, though? Was there really nothing good she ever did for you?"

<Kaelyn> She gave me my first weapon.

<Jesse Fforde> "Exactly. She cared about you. She's not a raging *****. She lost her husband. He killed himself in front of her. She has a right to be upset. As do you. You can't just judge a person on the last bad thing they did and call it quits. It doesn't work like that. You have to remember all the good, too."

<Kaelyn> She cared for me for like a week.
<Kaelyn> She left my *** before he killed himself. When he did, she did.
<Kaelyn> I don't care about the good someone does, when the majority of what they've done for me is ****.

<Jesse Fforde> "Right. I don't know the whole story. The point? I don't give a **** how you feel about each other, just keep it off the forum."

<Kaelyn> I didn't even say bad ****. Jesus. Just told her if she had a problem, talk to that person. So I don't know why you're on my *** about this. I answered a question.

<Jesse Fforde> "Yes. You answered a question in a toxic way. You could have answered without... what did you tell her? You don't give a **** about her anymore, or something?"

<Kaelyn> I told her she's nothing to me.
<Kaelyn> And she isn't. She isn't my mom. She isn't my family.
<Kaelyn> She isn't my friend.
<Kaelyn> She isn't my enemy either. She just...isn't anything.

<Jesse Fforde> "As true as that might be, it's not something you need to share. It's hurtful. Can you see how it puts people off? They come online to check in on things, they see that ****, and they just leave again."

<Kaelyn> I already told you I won't post on your forum anymore. Everyone will be all happy sunshine and rainbows.

* Kaelyn used to be all happy sunshine and rainbows....she had been like a freaking unicorn that farted out sprinkles and glitter

* Jesse kicked a chair back into its proper place. "Okay, Kaelyn," he said. Simple, sweet, as he picked up his tray of glasses and headed back to the bar.

* Verin Truska pushed the door to the business open and stepped through, only to let the door slowly close behind him. His dress code was fairly simple, a black t-shirt, a pair of jeans with a pair of boots. He had been searching for a decent tattoo shop and this one was a tattoo shop that was on his visit to scope out.

* Kaelyn glanced at the door, noticing the stranger who entered. "I'm going out of town for a few days. You have a customer. I'll let you get to it."

* Verin Truska silently leaned against the counter and smirked at the woman, his blue gaze sliding over her figure for a moment, "Oh don't let me chase you out of town darling, I'm only here for business, not pleasure."

* Jesse didn't even nod at Kaelyn. She was dismissive. It was always one extreme or the other; Jesse had lost her. But that had happened ages ago. He instead turned a flawless smile upon the customer, waiting for him to quit ogling and focus.

* Kaelyn walked out the door to head home...which home, she had absolutely no idea at the moment. Why had she bothered to come here? She had wanted to see Jesse, but that had just ended up with her being chided at. Stagger was going out of town. Doc was going out of town. She might as well head out for a road trip too or something. Kaelyn ignored the person staring at her. Ignoring was better than a bullet.

* Verin Truska noted that the woman was rather pale. As he focused upon the man who appeared to be either the owner or just someone who works for the business, standing behind the counter, the hairs upon the back of his neck stood up and he shifted just slightly so she could lift a hand to loop his thumb through his belt. At the small of his back, covered by his shirt, he carried a glock and was more than happy to use it should this other pale man prove to be a problem. Both had been pale, which made him wonder exactly as to what they were. "Evening, it's a fine night for a wander or drink soon enough." He chuckle as he fought passed the urge to shoot. "I'm chasing down tattoo parlour and I'm looking for the one that stands out the most."

* Jesse gestured to the parlour next door. "You're more than welcome to go and have a browse. I'm the only artist working at the establishment at the moment, so any questions you have, you can direct my way," he said. He was unpacking the dirty glasses on the sink, which he directed one of the other employees to put through the dishwasher. Jesse would meander out from behind the bar, to head toward the stairs that led down into the tattoo parlour. It'd been doing so well, he'd even had branded t-shirts made. A way to spread the word, to let people know that he was here.

* Verin Truska nodded his head as he ducked through the door to browse the artist's work and paused for a moment upon a page. "You're the only artist? So, are you open days and nights? For I generally move around during the night time, the days are rather... Boring and uninteresting."

* Jesse smiled knowingly even as he nodded, sharp eyes focused on the customer even as he moved around to stand behind a different kind of counter. His hands were shoved into his pockets as h leaned idly against the bench behind him, one ankle crossed over the other. Casual. Even welcoming. "I have plans to expand. At the moment, the parlour is only open at night time."

* Verin Truska chuckled softly as his gaze shifted to view the man who moved behind a counter and the paladin adjusted his position so his back wasn't to him. Night time. His thoughts about the man being a vampire was slowly being pieced together and he gave the starnger a smirk. "Well, you have a tick in my box, most don't open at nights, generally. I had to get the ones that I do have, done privately by a family member who passed away. I'm nocturnal by nature." Tattoos, that due to the swirling patterns surrounding them along his arms, made them look like simple intricate tattoos instead of appearing like faeish runes. "I'm thinking, dragons, dragons and perhaps a cross. I haven't gotten the whole design figured out inside my head yet. Ideas?"

* Jesse eyed the man curiously. Dragons. It wouldn't surprise Jesse if he were another Dragomir. Dragomir were everywhere, these days. But the guy also radiated heat, and stunk of humanity. Not a vampire, then. Perhaps nothing to do with Dragomir. Jesse didn't comment on his own nocturnal nature; he instead reached for one of the other folders and flipped it open. It was his folder of serpents - serpents small and large, dragons included. "Dragons plural? Several different tattoos or one, with several dragons twisted together? Dragons separate to the cross, or meshed with it?"

* Verin Truska shook his head as he lowered his hand to lightly tuck his thumbs into his belt, resisting the the strong urge to back away from the man and shoot. Slowly, he approached the other man and glanced over his work. "One large tattoo with two dragons meshed with a cross. I would get it wrapped around my arms but..." He reached an arm out to show the man the tattoo sleeves that covered it. "The back would probably be best," He chuckled, resisting once more to grab the man and find some sharp object to stab him with.

* Jesse nodded, as the images came together in his mind. "Right. Well the first thing that comes to mind is the staff of Hermes, Caduceus," he said, reaching for his phone to type the name into google, click on an image, enlarge it, and turn it so that it was facing the customer. It was the medical symbol seen on most ambulances, at doctor's surgeries. "That's just a staff, obviously, and a couple of snakes. But I can change it - turn it into a cross, and a couple of dragons. The wings can spread across the shoulders. Do you want it that big?"

* Verin Truska nodded his head, "Yes a very popular visage indeed." The man had seen it before, a few times. There was one time that he would rather not remember at all. "Something like that, dragons, with the cross. Large where the cross sits upon my spine but the dragons on either side. Large wings."

* Jesse rolled his head on his neck, the bone cracking as he nodded. "Black and white, or full colour? Do you prefer a tribal style, or something more realistic?" he asked. There was a lot to cover when it came to tattoos - when he was given no examples to work with, and had to get the image right in his head.

* Verin Truska slowly slid a hand to rest a little passed his hip but kept his thumb tucked into his belt. "Black and white, colour just doesn't look so good after a time. I also prefer tribal, I don't want it to make my sleeves stand out too much." Not to mention that he didn't want anyone who did recognise fae runes to pay too much attention to his sleeves. A bit of misdirection. "I don't believe that I got your name. Mine is Verin," he simply said in an off-handish way.

* Jesse gave nothing away with the mask of his facial features. A shame. He liked working with colour - blending, specifically. Tribal was just a set of patterns and there was no shading at all. It was straightforward and easy, and honestly it was what he got asked for most. But they were paying customers, and who was he to argue? "Jesse," he said in reply, offering a hand in greeting. It always amused him to watch the humans decide whether they wanted to take it or not. "That should be easy enough. I can mock up a couple of things. If you leave your number and email address I can let you know when they're ready," he said.

* Verin Truska offered the man a smirk before he reached forwards to grasp the man's hand in a shake. Vampires didn't have a pulse and it was warm blood pumped by a heart beat that gave humans their warmth. Although the paladin wanted nothing more than to pull he vampire across his own counter and shove him into a wall, he opted to instead, grit his teeth and continued to smirk at the man. The actual tattooing itself, would be rather interesting. Verin quoted his number then before he let go of Jesse's hand. "That's all I have for you, Jesse. My number changes regulary, so should it change before I hear from you, I'll duck in to give you the updated one."

* Jesse might have welcomed the reprieve. If he knew the other man was a Paladin, Jesse'd waste no time ripping his head from his shoulders. Although, whether or not he was a Paladin didn't really sway Jesse as far as head ripping was concerned. But, this was his place of business, and it wouldn't do to harm the customers. He merely laughed to himself for unknown reasons, and nodded. "Sure," he said after he'd written the number down in the appointments book. "It shouldn't take more than a couple of days."

* Verin Truska smirked once more as he shifted to take a step back to slightly give distance between the two. "Perfect. A place which is efficient, I like that." It was because he had become a Paladin that he changed numbers and place to live, regulary. "Right, well, I shall be off then. I have a bar to visit."

* Jesse gestured to the bar from which they had just come. "There's a perfectly good bar through there. A little quiet, but it'll pick up," he said. "Stick around, have a pint or two."

* Verin Truska thought about it for a moment. A drink with a vampire? It would be very interesting to see just what he could swallow. "So long as you join me my friend," He chuckled as he slowly moved towards the bar.

* Jesse clucked his tongue and shook his head. "Now that wouldn't be very professional, would it? I'm working," he said. He bowed over the appointment book to write a few quick details about the tattoo that Verin had described, so as to remind himself later what he had to work with. "I'm sure a man such as yourself will find friends in no time. You don't strike me as the type to spill his life story to a bartender," he said, finally closing the book to lead the way back to the bar. He was drifting between the two tonight.

[Verin Truska (DELETED 7956)]

* Verin Truska seated himself down upon a stool by the bar and leaned a forarm upon it, making sure to keep an eye upon the man. "One small shot wouldn't, or one drink. I'll buy," He said with a smirk that naturally fell upon his lips. "Besides, I may spill my story if it was a cute woman standing behind there, I have a weakness for the ladies. Especially ones with tattoos and a cute smile.”

* Jesse laughed, low but confident, obviously secure in himself. "Or you're just as into tattooed men, and you just need a few drinks to loosen you up enough to admit it," he said. "What would you like?" he asked, gesturing to the selection of alcohol. He wasn't to be swayed.

* Verin Truska chuckled as he angled his head with a nod, "Put a wig on you and if you crack those lips into smile more often... I could maybe see it. Although, a woman's lips is soft and deliciously good." The paladin smirked before he shrugged, noting that the other man didn't brush off his push to give him a drink. "Whiskey will be fine."

<Charlie> Charlie appeared from the back opening that led downstairs as if on queue, her wet hands fumbling with a clean dish towel. “Did someone say whiskey?” Moving around her boss—to whom she cast an amused look, still unaccustomed to the idea of him being behind the bar—she set the dish towel down and reached for the tumblers below the counter. She hesitated, “Is that one—” a quick glance at Jesse “—or two?”

* Jesse was looking around for the tumblers just as Charlie appeared, swiftly collecting what he would have struggled to find. He spent most of his time at the parlour, not at the bar. When he did fill in at the bar, he was less adept than his employees. "Just the one, Charlie. You know my policy about drinking at work," he said with a wink, before glancing back at Verin. "There you go. Female, cute smile. I'll convince her to get some tattoos."

* Verin Truska listened to Jesse as he spoke and although he gave off a vibe that made Verin want to stab him in the eye, his blue gaze shifted to the woman. One, who was, as Jesse said, rather cute. Slowly, his gaze drifted over the woman who seemed rather normal and not at all like her employer. "I have to admit, she is rather cute. Although, if you want to stick to the no drinking while at work policy, I may just have to take her out for one when she gets off the clock." A smirk widen his lips, "My work hours vary to how I want them. Freelance, if you will. Family business and all that."

* Charlie wasn’t one to shy away from attention, but even with a broad smile stretching her wide lips she looked a little dazed. There was a whole part of this conversation she’d missed out on, clearly, but she was happy to take the compliments as they came her way. Blood rose to her cheeks as she lowered her gaze from the stranger to the tumbler, glad she had a task to perform. Forwardness was not off putting, but there was something embarrassing about being hit on in front of her boss. Turning her back at them both, she plucked two bottles off the glass ledge and held them up when she faced the stranger. “That’ll depend on which one of these you choose, mate. See, us Scottish take our whiskey very seriously. I couldn’t possibly be seen out and about with someone who didn’t know their mind.”

* Jesse chuckled as he shifted away, glad for the distraction that Charlie provided. He ducked down to check the stores beneath the bar - specifically the temperature controlled cabinet that held the blood, hidden from the view of customers. Although he could be a bit slow behind the bar, he still knew what needed to be done. One person short, he did his best to help Charlie keep on top of things. "And so long as you bring her back before dawn. She has a curfew," he said - he found it very easy to keep a serious face.

* Verin Truska listened to Jesse before her smirked as he suddenly turned fully towards the bar to level his blue gaze at the woman. Suddenly, his faux-birtish accent came through thick as he chuckled. "Oh so do I love, but it all depends on the company and circumstances. I love to drink my Bourbon when I'm at my room, preparing for the night to come and I also love my scotch in a flask or while sitting at a bar." Oh he could very well imagine why that curfew was in effect. The woman was pale, but he bet if he pressed his fingers to that delicious neck, that there would be a pulse. "'Tis a shame that you have a curfew however, independence is a big thing for me. Although, I may just look beyond that, depending on how tonight goes."

* Charlie cocked her head to the side to look down at Jesse. He wasn’t looking at her, but she furrowed her brow questioningly at him anyway. Why should she be back before dawn? She had no idea. It was of little consequence however, and she returned her attention to the nameless stranger, expression amiable. He was fit, though there was something about him she couldn’t quite pin down. It seemed more often than not the case these days. Charlie set the lesser bottle down, using her free hand to slide the tumbler towards him as she began to pour simultaneously. The ice cubes danced around under the amber stream. “Jesse here is taking liberties… He’s as capable of enforcing a curfew as he is of convincing me of letting him use one of those buzzy needle things on me.”

* Jesse closed the cabinet and turned instead to the store of wine and spirits, shifting the bottles and lifting the ones with glass too dark to see through; checking to see when the wine bottles were opened, which ones were too old and which ones needed replacing. Although his back was too them, now, his shoulders shook with subtle laughter. The mask of seriousness had dropped. "She lying," he said, glancing over his shoulder. "I keep her locked in the basement, and she has very few freedoms. Good employees are hard to come by," he said.

* Verin Truska chuckled as he perked a brow and leaned a little more further across the bar. "Lying? With a face like that? I will have to become some hero and I'm not a big fan of those. However, if Jesse isn't very capable of enforcing a day light curfew, then perhaps I should show you a couple of things that I like to frequent during the day." If she was willing to walk around during the day and Jesse couldn't enforce restrictions after sunrise... The pieces were all falling into place and he smirked at the woman as he lifted his drink to his lips.

* Charlie knew that violence was unbecoming, but there was a little voice inside her head urging her to swat Jesse’s arm with one of the bottles—or both. The risk of breaking this delicate affability between them kept her urges checked. “Jesse doesn’t have a say because I’m off the clock,” she reiterated with a chuckle, leaning on the counter to add in mock ‘secrecy’ towards the stranger: “and because he’s an avid proponent of me getting my beauty sleep. It’s better for business when I don’t look like the walking dead.”

* Jesse glanced at his watch when Charlie said it, before cursing under his breath. And, so she was right. He'd lost the track of time, and they were understaffed. He'd got no solid hits on his advertisements. Once upon a time he'd had a dream that this establishment would be filled with 'family'; that at least the night time hours would be covered, because Fforde would have its back. "Yeah yeah," he said. "Go, be free. I can handle this. Maybe you should go sit on the other side of the counter with your new acquaintance, and I can be at your service," he said with a smirk, shooing at Charlie with his hands.

* Verin Truska watched Jesse after Charlie had annouced that she was off the clock. "Oh really now sweet heart?" He said as he perked a brow. Slowly, he extended his drink towards the woman then and smirked. "Come have a few drinks with me M'Dear, I would love to know all about you." He would also love to know all about some other parts of this woman if he got the chance. "I'll buy, you save your pennies."

* Charlie laughed as she replaced the bottles on the ledge, careful to keep the labels forward-facing. It was in her nature to keep things tidy, everything except for her hair. Reaching up, she unwound the messy bun atop her head, allowing thick blonde tresses to fall past her shoulders. Raking a hand through the mess of waves, she regarded both the stranger and Jesse as she weighed her options. It had been ages since she’d last had a drink, and what with all her medical tests in progress she wasn’t inclined to take him up on the offer. As she reached for a tall glass and the hose, she focused her attention on the stranger, pouring herself a pint of coke. (She’d need the caffeine). “Well, the first thing you can learn is that I’m no sweetheart,” she teased with a smile. “Charlie or Your Supreme Highness, will do.”

* Clover hadn’t intended on going to Serpentine, but last-minute plans were last-minute for a reason. She’d checked in on Kenny and reassured herself that the woman wasn’t entirely skin and bones, and that left time, time she needed to kill. And what better way to kill time than to harass her husband? When she entered Serpentine, she used the front door, having been rather close to the establishment, and she took her time making her way to the bar. Maybe it was the fact that the place wasn’t empty; maybe it was the fact that the place wasn’t empty and he was engaged in conversation. Oh well. As she approached, she claimed one of the seats at the bar and pretended to consider one of the drinks. It gave her time to catch the end of the conversation, and she snorted. Clo tried to hide the smile on her face and focus on Jesse. “I’ll have a scotch on the rocks, sir. And you know, you’re the hottest bartender I’ve ever seen. How much will it take for you to take me home?” She winked.

* Jesse mouthed the word to himself. Sweetheart. If he caught Charlie's eye it would have been to tease her in some way, shape or form. But he didn't get the chance to catch her eye, nor to tease, so he kept his thoughts to himself. And where he'd been prepared to get Charlie what she wanted, Charlie served herself, leaving Jesse at a loose end. Until, of course, the next customer arrived. Although Jesse's lips spread into a broad grin, it was an expression he quickly quashed. He even went for a tumbler, and the scotch; the bar between them the only thing keeping his fingers from Clover. "Hmm. I don't know. What have you got to offer?" he asked, sauntering over to pour the scotch in front of her.

* Verin Truska chuckled as he rose only bow low for Charlie as he said, "Your Supreme Highness." As the man rose, humour sparkled within his blue gaze as he glanced at the woman, his faux British accent coming through thick once more. "This low born would love the honor of having your company beside him for the rest of the night until sunrise. Then, perhaps, when the lady has a night off eventually, that he may show her some things during the day." Slowly, he moved to seat himself and he smirked once more at Charlie over the rim of his glass that had been returned to his hand once more. "I love the night, but some things are better off seen during the day."

<Charlie> Focused on pouring herself a drink, Charlie didn’t see the new customer. It was just as well that Jesse was there to pick up her slack, for even though she was officially off work, it was hard to shake off her duty when she was still behind the bar. Setting the pint of soda down on the counter, she but cast a fleeting glance towards the newcomer. Jesse’s expression caught her attention, though the man before her was addressing her and she found herself far more interested in him than the happenings to her left. With mock regality, Charlie bowed her chin just a fraction before ducking around the opposite end of the counter. When she came upon the empty stool she’d decided to claim as her own, the blonde cocked her head to the side, smile impish. “A lady does not venture into the night with strange men. Surely a name might remedy that.” Two could play this game.

* Kaspar wasn't looking to socialise, not really, he sought out one man for a single purpose. The sting of the needle, the marking of flesh. It was about time he booked himself in for something else, and sometime soon. As he found his way into the bar section of Serpentine he noted there were quite a few occupants, including the boss man himself though it appeared he had his hands full, pouring scotch for a woman who clearly had his full attention. Kaspar wasn't keen on interrupting the man at "work", so instead he made his way to the bar, dumping his tall frame into a seat to waste time.

* Clover was temporarily distracted by the sudden introduction of one fake British accent. Her eyes moved from Jesse’s face, and she finally noticed the other man and woman at the bar. Obviously, the man was courting the woman. They were cute. Clo couldn’t decide if she found the man repulsive or endearing, and then she decided on endearing. And the woman? Equally endearing. Her eyes lingered on them for too long and her mouth opened, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to interrupt. Slowly, she turned back to Jesse, raking her eyes over his form. “I can offer you money,” she began, “or jewels. I can offer you something else.” It was rather obvious what she was implying, but she leaned over, flashing him a bit of her cleavage. And then someone else joined them, and her concentration was broken again. She sat back in her seat, as if nothing had happened.

[Charlie]

* Verin Truska had his eyes set upon his goal for the night and so only cast a sparing glance towards the woman and man that had recently entered Serpentine. It seemed that Jesse was right, the bar did liven up after a while. "As you wish, M'Lady. The name is Verin Truska, a name that you wouldn't know due to how low born I am.”

* Jesse couldn't keep up the charade for long. Although Clover couldn't drink what Jesse handed over, he handed it over anyway. Even as she leaned away Jesse leaned forward, over the bar, hooking a couple of fingers into the cloth of her shirt to tug her closer again, lips claiming hers in a chaste and yet possessive public show of affection. "Hello, wife," he murmured, grin now no longer contained, the bit of shiny, expensive jewelry glinting on his finger. He never took it off. He had to step back, however. He had to let her go. He was working, and there was yet another customer. One that... now that Jesse focused, he recognised. He turned to Kaspar. "You. I know you. Your name is... it's... something pretentious," he said, head cocked to the side. Clearly teasing.

* Charlie cocked a brow, full lips setting on the edge of her glass. She was eager for a sip, but too worried the stranger—Verin Truska—would make her laugh. Gushing soda out her nose was a surefire way to nip in the bud whatever regality she managed to conjure. Over the rim of the glass, she countered: “That name sounds as real as your accent.” Then, she took a sip, gaze darting to the scene unfolding behind him. Her curiosity was piqued by Jesse’s actions, but she returned her attention to the man before her. It really didn’t matter what his name was, though she’d need something better to scream out than Verin. Blush rushed to her cheeks at the thought, and she gripped the glass tighter, turning the sip into a hearty gulp.

* Kaspar raised a brow, barely bothering to acknowledge Jesse other than a flick of his stormy blue gaze, glancing at the jewellery glinting on his finger. Kaspar liked details, he revelled in them especially ones that helped you to understand another person, their motivations and desires. It was new, and he figured it was to do with the woman he'd left to tease Kaspar. "Yes, utterly pretentious. And yours was, oh... I forget, just so common, like your personality." A more genuine smile graced his lips, slipping from the chair to stand to his full 6'3" inches. "Been well, Jesse?"

* Clover thought the kiss too quick, but she went along with it, understanding well enough that the man was at work. It’d been her choice to interrupt. As claimed her glass, her ring made a lovely tune against it, one she repeated. She tapped the precious metal against the side of the tumbler and then raised the glass to her nose. Clo couldn’t drink it, of course, but she could enjoy the smell and the way the liquid moved about as she swirled the glass in gentle circles. Pretentious. Common. Clo looked between the two men and the flirtatious couple. The bar was an interesting place to be.

* Verin Truska smirked as he watched the blush that rose to her cheeks and he gently placed his drink down upon the bar. Slowly, so then not to make any sudden moves to startle those gathered, he reached out to tuck a strand of her blonde locks behind her ear. That was if she didn't moved and allowed such movement from him. "The streets during the night is no place for a lady, as there are monsters that lurk. However, during the day, it is safe and so many things shine with such beauty, much like yourself." He paused for a moment and should she continued to allow him to, he then brushed the back of his hand against her cheek. "M'Lady, it appears that you are quite flushed. While I am a but a simple rogue, is there something that I can do to make you more... Comfortable?"

* Jesse had already noted that the blonde was taller than Jesse was, but height had never much intimidated him. Jesse laughed at the insult - one thrown, no doubt, in retaliation to his own teasing. Teasing, then, in turn. He was in a better mood than he'd been in earlier. What was it about Kaelyn that always put him in such a foul mood these days? But now he was amused, and enjoying himself. Hearing the tune of Clover's ring against her glass, he nodded. "Splendid," he said, and for once he wasn't being sarcastic. Yeah, things had been ****. But the pros outweighed the cons. "You? Can I get you anything?" he said, gesturing to the bar. He might have been teasing earlier - but he really didn't remember the guy's name. He let it slide.

* Kaspar gave a snort of laughter, eyes rolling. "The pretentious part was Hel, but it's Kaspar. And actually, I was just dropping by in hopes of making a booking with you sometime in the next month. I'm not in any particular rush, but I’m keen on getting more ink." He considered the bar, "On second thought, the scotch looks good, I might join your new wife in a glass."

* Charlie realised it had been a while since she’d had any fun. After her passport had been stolen and she’d gotten stuck in this forsaken city she’d now come to call home, her focus had been entirely on survival. Work, work, flat hunting, work. It wasn’t the first time that she’d been hit on, nor the first flirtation she’d undertaken at work, but she’d not yet strayed since her arrival. The lack of intimacy and such distraction was noticeable, more so now when she witnessed Jesse having a life of his own beyond work. For someone reason she had never imagined him as more than what he’d presented himself as. Tonight she’d seen a completely different side to him, not only because of the handsome woman sitting further down the bar, but because of their exchange. It marked—it marked a new era. Charlie realised she was settled, as settled as she’d be. She had a place to call home, a considerable amount saved in the bank, a new passport, and a steady job. If anything, it was time for her to seek more, to indulge. And so, she leaned into the touch without considering its implications, and leaned close enough to set him straight, tone hushed: “A little less Shakespeare might do the trick.”

* Clover perked up at the mention of the word ‘wife,’ as if she’d just been discovered and thrust into the light. Right. The rings. It wasn’t a secret, nor was it something to be ashamed of, so she embraced the word and the man that had spoken the word. At least figuratively. It was nice to have an outsider recognize her territory, and the ring marked her territory. “It smells delicious,” she remarked. “Kaspar.” The name was added. She’d heard it; it wasn’t some secret that she’d been witness to the name. “I’m Clover. It’s only right I share my name, since I heard yours.” And that was that. She’d introduced herself. If the other two present heard her name, then so be it. But they seemed rather focused on themselves, and she wouldn’t blame them if they continued to be. It was always nice to see two people trying to work something out, to create some sort of relationship out of nothing.

* Jesse arched a brow. Whether Kaspar had overheard or not, or whether he'd just come to the conclusions on his own, Jesse didn't know. Nor did it really matter. He thought he'd been subtle about not remembering the guy's name, but obviously not. It wasn't something he really needed to apologise for, but he laughed anyway even as he reached for another tumbler to pour an identical scotch into. "It's been busy in there. A lot of customers. Names kind of slip through the cracks. I remember the ink, though. Dagger to the thigh," he said. Ink, he could remember. Names were frivolous trivialities. And there Clover was, being her blunt and awkward self - it amused Jesse, but he was overjoyed to see her there. That she had come to visit.

* Verin Truska chuckled as she leaned closer to him and his fingers moved from her cheek to lightly rest against her neck where he felt a slight pulse underneath those fingertips. A smirk rose to his lips, the paladin had been right to assume that she had been human after all. She was a rose being guarded by a thorn, or thorns; he had yet to properly take notice of the others. The man leaned forwards then and as soon as his breath caressed her earlobe, he simply whispered. "Charlie, I would love to do more than simply speak like some man in a pair of puffy shorts. However, I play a serious game most nights, so you learn to enjoy a little jesting foreplay before the real fun begins." His tone had dropped to a low tone at that point and he lingered there for a moment before he placed a soft kiss upon her cheek and pulled away to give her, her space. The man even dropped his hand from her neck to gather up his drink and gave the woman a playful wink.

* Kaspar turned with a feigned look of surprise, being that his presenting his more relaxed and down to earth persona tonight, Kaspar easily extending a hand. "Clover, a pleasure i'm sure. Am I correct in saying the marriage is new? When you watch someone's hands working a needle over your skin you tend to pick up on details like rings, something to study." He addressed Jesse then, taking the scotch and giving the man a salute, "Yes, the dagger. Prost." He sipped, let the liquid burn on his tongue, the other hand remaining offered if Clover wished to take it.

* Charlie was thankful for the stool holding her weight. Her eyelids drooped as Verin’s fingers blazed a trail of fire against her skin, her blown out pupils unfocused upon the side of his head. Whatever was happening beyond them was of little consequence. Starved for attention of this kind, she was too easily swayed by the stroke of his hand and the warmth of his breath. It would be so easy to simply tilt her head to the side and demand urgency. Her mind, however clouded, reminded her that he wasn’t wrong about the dangers lurking in this city, and for all of his charm and attractiveness he could still be a threat. The distance between them was met with mixed feelings, but she took the opportunity to reel herself in. She’d forgotten about all about her glass, balancing on her lap. “Serious game? Is this the family business you mentioned, then?” Her voice cracked, throat and lips dry. She took a much needed gulp of her drink.

* Clover turned her attention, momentarily, to the two other people nearby. She looked them both over, their conversation like background noise, and then turned her attention back to Kaspar. Eavesdropping wasn’t always appropriate, and it was one of those rare times when she decided to mind her own business. Clo took Kaspar’s offered hand and gave a firm shake. “It’s been about a week, so yes, it’s new. It doesn’t feel like it is though. It feels like we’ve been married for a while,” she admitted. “Anyway, what kind of tattoo, or tattoos, were you thinking about getting, if you don’t mind me asking. I’m covered in them myself.” Clo motioned to her bare arms. Her leggings hid the tattoos on her lower body.

* Jesse really had been kidding before. He had no say in what Charlie did or did not do with her time beyond work, and she looked like she was enjoying herself. And Jesse was consumed in his own social interactions - though his customer now had a drink. But Clover asked the question Jesse needed to ask, a follow up on the previous comments made by Kaspar. So he just just leaned, his arms crossed over his chest, keeping his post behind the bar, on duty. His gaze kept drifting back to Clover, watching, assessing, his thumb brushing the metal of the wedding ring.

* Verin Truska watched Charlie recover for a moment and listened to her cracked voice before she took a drink. He smiled, before his head angled to the side and he simply smirked at the woman. Indeed, he hadn't wanted to pull away, but, he wasn't about to take advantage of her. At least not yet. He wanted her willing, not fighting against every move he made. Slowly, he shifted his gaze to view the tattooed woman and the other man. Both seemed pale, just like Jesse in a way, but they didn't give off a vibe like Jesse did, which made him wonder why Jesse was so different in that regards. "Indeed, serious family business." He lifted his glass to take a sip of his drink before he placed it back down upon the bar. That same hand lifted to slide along the back of his neck as the hairs still stood up, simply because he was so aware of Jesse and the constant need to step back or shoot him. His hand dropped then as he smirked back at his companion, as he fought the other urge to bring Charlie closer, but he simply allowed her to keep her distance and catch her breath. "Perhaps one day I'll tell you all about it."

* Kaspar shook the cool hand, fingertips drifting over it curiously before pulling it back to himself. Vampire, no doubt, that much he had figured being that she'd married Jesse. "Well many happy returns, that must be exciting for you. Sometimes a weeks can feel like a lifetime with the right person." He mused, giving her a wink of camaraderie, of understanding. At her question he began to shrug off his leather jacket, leaving him in a loose t-shirt that gaped in the front, showing glimpses of the ink on his chest. His hands pushed at the short sleeves, rucking them up over his shoulders as was habit. "I was thinking of getting a matching rose to this." He tapped at the one on his forearm, the centrepiece to script, "Beneath the knee perhaps, though colour might be nice. I have other pieces in colour on my legs, my torso is all black and grey so far." The man too had quite a few, both upper arms, inner bicep, his fingers being the most immediately notable.

[Kaspar]

* Charlie followed Verin’s gaze, lowering the glass from her lips and setting it down on the countertop. There it was again, that feeling she couldn’t shake. It was happening more and more as of late, a very present twinge at the forefront of her mind that made her all too aware that not everything was as it seemed. From the interaction with the first doctor at the hospital to the seemingly senseless chatter on the internet, there was something—what, she did not know—in plain sight yet out of her reach. Whatever air of mystery Verin had, Charlie was aware it was no act, unlike the playful banter minutes ago. “Oh, you will,” she teased with a grin, bright blue gaze searching his face. “I’m a bartender after all. Everyone tells me their life story sooner or later, especially those under my governance.”

* Clover smiled at Kaspar, silently assessing him and accepting him. He’d said just the right thing at just the right moment. She couldn’t say the same for the other two, the man named Verin and the woman--well, Clo assumed it was Charlie. They’d said little, but they had time. They had nothing but time to establish some sort of working relationship. “I like it,” Clo commented. “I like color on legs. I like color in general. You should see the Alice In Wonderland theme I have going on.” It wasn’t an invitation, so she made no move to roll up her legging on her right leg and reveal the tattoo, not unless he specifically requested to see. “Jesse does really good work. Great work.” She corrected herself, because he’d done wonders on covering up a tattoo for her. “When were you thinking about getting it done? Sorry...I’m just curious.” Her eyes strayed from Kaspar to Jesse and then back again.

* Jesse winked at Clover. "Don't be sorry. You're doing my job for me," he said. He'd probably have another conversation with Clover soon, about getting her to come work for him instead of for Renee. But, they were all keeping it in the f--bloodline, so he couldn't complain. He just wanted to be selfish with Clover's time. He spared a glance at Verin, amused considering their earlier interaction. "Roses are a specialty. I'm sure I can throw something together for you," he said, barely keeping himself from staring at Clover, at the different part of her body, where he knew her tattoos like the back of his own palm. "Clover is biased, but I'm not going to disagree with her," he said. He had to resist kissing her again - he moved away, just for a moment, to approach the other two. "...all good for drinks here? Verin? Sweetheart," he said, barely containing his amusement as he addressed the flirts.

* Verin Truska chuckled at Jesse and simply shook his head, "I'm fine, darling." He simply said in response as he rose from his position by the bar and moved towards Charlie only to rest his hands upon the bar on either side of the woman, to cage the woman in with two tattooed arms that had were covered in a pair of identical sleeves. He leaned in so then his warm breath caressed her lips and he wanted to press his to hers so much, but not yet. A smirk played upon his lips as his simple blue eyes met her own sparkling ones and spoke in soft tones. "I've been to many bars M'Dear and I have seen so much. You don't want to know just yet, maybe I'll tell you, or maybe someone else will. However, once you know, you cannot go back. You cannot unsee and you cannot forget." Slowly, he leaned closer as his voice dropped in tone. "I won't introduce you to the darkness that lurks in the night, however..." The man paused in his words as another smirk found its way to his lips and he lifted his right hand to slowly slide down along her cheek, only to grip the back of her neck, should she allow it. "I will give you a night that you won't forget." Should she remain still and continue to be willing, he dropped his lips to press to Charlie's.

* Kaspar laughed cheerily, the woman was amusing, "Did curiosity not kill the cat? It does not bother me, you've been easier to interact with than your husband so far, it's usually very easy for me to get around people's stoic nature but him..." Kaspar gave a low whistle, and a shake of the head. "I won't even bother to try, I know better. You are right, though, he is a talented man and willing to do what a client wants." Kaspar gave a sigh as his phone chirped, a message tone that had him tugging the device from his jeans and staring at it. "Damn... I'm needed elsewhere." Jesse had busied himself checking on the two potential lovebirds, and Kaspar wasn't inclined to interrupt. "Clover, I’ll leave my number, and to answer your question I’m hoping for some time in the next week or two but I’m flexible to his schedule." He put the phone away, instead pulling out a small black book and pen, scribbling his name and number down with a basic idea of what he was after. This he placed into the woman's hand, drawing it up so that his lips could brush quickly across her knuckles. "Congratulations again on your marriage, I look forward to seeing you again." And with that she was released, his hand instead snatching up the leather he'd only recently abandoned, putting it on as he made his way out

* Clover had been about to ask more questions, to hold an entire conversation with Kaspar, but his phone chirped and that was that. Everything he’d said was true. Jesse wasn’t an easy egg to crack. It had taken her a great deal of time to break down his walls. “All right,” she replied. “I’ll make sure he knows and I’ll work you into his schedule. I promise,” she grinned. “And thank you. I look forward to talking with you, Kaspar.” His kiss amused her, but she didn’t tell him that. And then she was openly staring at the couple. No, she focused in on the man. There was something about him that struck her as familiar, even though she knew, deep down, that she’d never met him before. Verin. That was his name. No, she’d never heard it before, and she’d never seen his face around Harper Rock. But he came off as suave and so full of confidence that it hurt to watch. He was trying his hardest to sweep Charlie off her feet, and Clo wanted to step in and shake the girl, to break any spell that might have lingered. But it wasn’t necessary. Whatever happened was destined to happen. “Look at you, Romeo. You’re a regular Casanova,” she teased.

<Charlie> Banter might as well be the national sport back home. It was an easy social lubricant which worked wonders in the tensest of situations, but whatever lightness she’d aimed for, it hadn’t worked. Charlie found herself caught in far too steep a descent without purchase. Jesse’s presence had reawakened her sense of decorum. He wasn’t meant to be in this equation, and when she looked around, this wasn’t the scene for such a play. Whatever this interaction between Verin and herself had been evolving into, it suddenly seemed… “Isn’t he quite?” she managed breathlessly, grasping to the handsome woman’s words for purchase. She reached up to pluck Verin’s hand from her neck should it linger there any longer given the interruption, and made it very clear she did not want to be kissed. His hand was too big, too encompassing of her fragile neck. His words were heavy and his presence caged her in a way that made her suddenly very uncomfortable. The alcohol on his breath did little to help. Suddenly she was a child again, looking up at drunken father. This was her work place. There was an audience. He was speaking of things that, given her recent research, scared her. Her cheeks were flushed, and she couldn’t deny Verin had quite an effect on her, but the rapidity with which the past few seconds passed made her stumble out of her seat. She stretched a hand towards the unnamed woman, grasping at straws for a distraction, “I’m Charlie.”

<Jesse Fforde> Jesse laughed. Loudly. It would appear that he laughed at the scene unfolding - merciless in his teasing, and inappropriate where he knew he should have been minding his own business. Charlie was the kind of employee he couldn't help it with, though. A human, of course, who he sometimes couldn't help but push with that unnatural aura of his. She was more worth her salt, that she stuck regardless of how creepy her boss must seem to her. Instead, he was laughing because, unbeknownst to Charlie, she'd already been introduced to the darkness that lurked in the night. Brief, perhaps, and none too enlightening, but she was under its umbrella regardless. He had, of course, seen the way Kaspar's lips had brushed Clover's knuckles; he trusted Clover, but, still. Next time the two met, there'd be words. Maybe. Veiled, perhaps, but there. With no other customers and no one else wanting anything, Jesse slipped out from behind the bar.

* Clover seemed to have some effect on the moment, for the woman, Charlie, reacted in a way that none of them seemed to imagine, a way that must have disappointed the man. Clo had to admit she felt some sense of accomplishment and pride. Charlie had ceased the progression and set the man straight, all without saying a word to him. And yet, Clo probably would have let things continue, even contributed to them. The two women were very different. Clo wanted the woman to be better and to act better. “He is,” she reaffirmed, “but we know what happened to Romeo and Casanovas rarely work out.” She’d learned the second part and she found it easier to say such things when she’d found her husband, a man that had genuine swagger. “It’s nice to meet you, Charlie. I’m Clover.” Clo took Charlie’s hand and gave it a firm shake, then she released the hand. “So tell me, what do you do for fun?” The question was spoken in a blunt manner, but the woman could have easily lied, saying she enjoyed bungee jumping or collecting postage stamps. She let her attention remain on Charlie rather than Verin, not knowing what to say to his rejection.

* Verin Truska chuckled as he moved to step away from the woman, holding his hands up in surrender before he shifted to move back to his own seat once more. The chair on the opposite side of Charlie, so then he didn't hinder the woman's interaction with the unknown one, but it was also a position that gave the blonde woman her space. He didn't feel the need to force himself upon her, although he simply smirked at Jesse as he shrugged. "Another night." Oh he would be back and he would keep coming back, simply because she had been the first to say no. The first one to say no after he had become a paladin. He noted that the woman had spunk, not like other women and so, she was rare in her own right. "Gotta respect the woman's decision," Verin simply said in regards to the rejection. He was no good guy, that much he did know. Some might even go as far as saying that he was a different kind of monster to vampires, but one non-the-less. The paladin did after-all, survive a ritual that could kill even the strongest of men. One that resulted in such tattoos upon his arms.

[Clover]

* Charlie couldn’t help but trail Verin’s movement with her gaze, her hand dropping to her lap after the brief handshake. It was as subtle as she could muster, looking over at him, which wasn’t much considering he’d seated himself down behind her. Suddenly glad to not have been alone in some secluded place, Charlie raked a hand through her thick mane, dishevelling it further and covering the side of her neck that still burned hot with his touch. Her pulse was strong, skin twitching where blood coursed through her artery with vigour. “I don’t do much,” she replied with a smile, casting a glance back at Jesse, who seemed far too pleased with himself. “Jesse keeps me locked away in the basement when I’m not working. Claims he can’t afford to lose good staff.”

<Jesse Fforde> "Gold star," Jesse said as he meandered past Verin. Yes, women's decisions should be respected. He gave the man a nod of encouragement; yes, keep trying. Jesse was of the if you don't succeed than try and try again variety. He found himself settled in beside Clover, reaching for the hand that the blonde had kissed. It was subconscious, his palm curling over her knuckles. Like a cat reasserting his scent. He laughed at Charlie, then turned sharply to Clover. "She's kidding," he said. Just in case Clover thought he was serious. Just. In. Case.

* Clover stared. Jesse’s touch just wasn’t enough. The movement was what drew her attention to Charlie’s neck. The way the woman’s hair covered the side of her neck. The way the skin had twitched. Was it done intentionally? Unknowingly, Clover had licked her lips, her imagination taking her through multiple scenarios. Each scenario involved her sinking her poisoned fangs into the side of Charlie’s neck. The woman’s delicious skin, the layers parting for sharpened fangs--Clo felt the venom pooling and she accidentally knocked her drink over, the liquid spilling across the top of the bar. The scent of the alcohol burnt her nostrils and overwhelmed her senses, but the thoughts were still there. “****. He’s right to,” she forced a laugh. “These streets aren’t exactly safe. People go missing all of the time.” Clo looked around for napkins to clean up the mess. “He should throw away the key,” she joked. Or he should take her home and they should rip into her throat.

* Verin Truska eyed Charlie for a moment and patted his pockets down, only to not find what he was looking for. It was best that he headed out for the night anyway. The man had risen from his position and had spotted the woman who had introduced herself as, Clover, to Charlie, lick her lips. His mind had already travelled down a dark path and slowly his right hand slid along his belt until, his fingers wrapped around the butt of the gun that was tucked into the back of his jeans. It was the way the woman looked at Charlie that made him fight the urge to shoot both of them right there. Clover, looked like a hungry vampire to the paladin right there and it would make sense for a male vampire to take on a female one as his mate. Who took on food for one when they were so easily broken? The drink was knocked over and it seemed like the spell had been broken, so he forced his hand away from the weapon and adjusted his shirt once more to cover it from view. Verin glanced over towards the door of Serpentine and began to judge the distance, was Charlie even safe with these two vampires? "Charlie, I trust that I will find you working the bar upon another night that I drop by," He ground out and nodded his head to her. He had to leave though, to let Charlie relax even if she didn't know. He would protect Charlie even if he died doing it, because at that point in time, she had captured his interest. At least for the moment.

* Charlie watched as Jesse sauntered past them towards Clover, and then witnessed the subtle affection with a contradictory mixture of awe and discomfort. It made him somewhat endearing, which was at odds with the unease he elicited whenever she was in his presence. Suddenly the easy camaraderie from earlier felt far more genuine. It almost felt like a breakthrough of sorts. She was not able to contemplate it any further, instinct kicking in as she used the stool’s railing to lean across the bar from the clean dish towel she’d discarded earlier. In doing so, her full form was put on display as she put herself within the reach of unknown danger. Veiled threats, if that’s what they were, sure didn’t sound threatening when they came from another woman’s mouth. It was men that Charlie feared. It was perhaps that fear that had made her see Jesse in such limited light. Offering Clover the dish cloth, she was suddenly distracted by Verin’s words and movement. The retort about throwing away the key died on her lips as her smile faltered. He was leaving. Which, she thought, was just was well. “Well, you know when my shifts end so don’t come too early, if you do.”

<Jesse Fforde> Jesse caught it, too; not the pulse of Charlie's blood, but Clover's reaction to it. Like a buzz underneath the skin, and electric pulse that radiated from her to him. Maybe her body tensed, maybe it was something subtle, something that he picked up on by instinct. Although he should have made the move to clean up the mess, he instead gripped Clover's hand tighter - tight enough that the nail of his own thumb dug painfully into her skin. Spell broken or not, Charlie was still in close proximity and he couldn't take any chances. No eating the staff. Hadn't he reminded himself of the same thing not too long ago? "I'll be in touch about those designs," Jesse said, nodding to Verin as he took his leave. He got the impression Verin had completely forgotten about the tattoo, more enamored by the female staff. He turned back to the women. "No basements. It's not as if Charlie can go missing like half the people in this city. She's got people who will note her absence," he said. He was making a point. Eating the staff was too close to home. Bar brawls at the Handle Bar, even, which was just down the road, were far too close to home. Jesse could indulge with Clover in many unsavoury things, but in other ways he was still as strict as ever.

* Clover twitched, the pain in her hand like a gentle, yet firm, reminder that she didn’t have his permission, that she wasn’t allowed to follow her basic instincts. But why? As Clo grabbed the towel, she took it in her free hand and swiped the towel over the liquid until it was all absorbed. She felt as if her hunger were slowly being absorbed back into her body, soaked up into her pores and distributed throughout her body. Jesse said she couldn’t get missing. Jesse said people would notice her absence. But why? Clover was always careful, wasn’t she? And Charlie. Charlie’s voice. Charlie’s skin. Just a taste wouldn’t hurt. “Good,” Clo replied, smiling. But she still held tightly to Jesse’s hand, as if they were just reconnecting rather than communicating. “And she has her Casanova, doesn’t she?” It was a joke, one meant to lighten the mood. If they left her alone, she still would have pounced on the opportunity to feed on Charlie, possibly to kill Charlie. Jesse must have known. “So Charlie, do you have a last name?” It was blunt, just like she wanted a surname to add to the woman’s tombstone.

* Verin Truska simply smirked at Charlie even though it was almost forced, almost. He enjoyed her company and the banter, "Perhaps I'll come early, sunset, just so then I will avoid the temptation, M'Dear." Slow, he had to work slow. The paladin nodded his head at Jesse then, still resisting the urge not to shoot him and he realized that the actual tattooing process was going to be interesting with his back facing Jesse. "Take your time. When my number changes, you'll know when I drop by to visit Charlie." He bit the urge to stay once Clover had spoken, as he had already announced that he was leaving and simply left before he did stay and shoot someone, namely a vampire that was looking a little too hungry.

* Charlie settled back into her seat, blind to the unspoken exchange between Jesse and Clover. There was nothing more for her to say to Verin, so she watched him walk away, forcing herself not to consider his words. Changing numbers? The man was full of secrets. Briefly she toyed with the idea that he might be KJB or CIA. Meeting a real life agent was a fantasy of sorts, a daydream she amused herself with from time to time. As quick as the idea materialised, it dissipated, and she turned her attention away from his retreating back and onto the two before her. “Taylor,” she offered without thinking much about it. It was almost too common a topic for her to avoid throwing the ball back into the other’s court: “Yours?”

<Jesse Fforde> It was an odd question, for sure. What was Charlie's last name? Jesse knew that, only because he had to do the pays every fortnight; they were listed in alphabetical order. Jesse's fingers curled into Clover's, opposite hand trapping her jaw so he could turn her attention. His lips met hers, tongue swiping subtly at her lower pout. She'd taste blood. His blood. A puncture in his own tongue had assured it, just a small one. Equally as subtle, but he was feeding her a scent to follow. "Fforde," he said, holding Clover's eye for three long seconds before turning back to Charlie. "Now. Her last name is Fforde, officially."

* Clover had opened her mouth to respond, to interrupt with a quick ‘Campbell,’ but she’d stopped. There was a blank space. She just didn’t know. And then it didn’t matter, because kissing was more important. She tasted his blood in the kiss, an odd, and yet strangely alluring taste. Only able to handle small amounts, she treasured the taste and the way it blocked her senses. She ran her tongue over his, and when they parted, she licked her lips again, for a different reason. “Fforde,” she repeated herself. “Right.” She had to admit she’d miss her name, but she could easily hold onto it, just not use it. “Since we’re married, I just took his last name. So it’s Clover Fforde. Clover Fforde.” The need was there to repeat it again, to test it out and weigh the way it sounded. It didn’t sound bad at all. "My friend married into a family with the last name Taylor. It's a good name."

* Charlie was visibly taken aback by the bold display of affection—and the unbidden possessiveness. It dawned on her then that Jesse and Clover were married. Well, tonight—this morning, really—was full of surprises. Charlie’s expression gave away her surprise. They were so adult. The image she’d had of her boss—which hadn’t been much since she’d never really stopped to consider him any more than was strictly necessary—had been turned on its head that she wasn’t too sure whether it was the ground beneath her that had shifted, as though she’d been standing on a different page that had suddenly turned beneath her feet. “Congratulations,” she managed, expression steadily changing from deer caught in the headlights to serene. With a smile, Charlie hopped off her stool and reached for her drink, realising that she’d been far too ambitious in seeking out that much caffeine. There was no use for it now. No, if anything—a yawn cut through her features and she lifted her hand to mask it—the plans for the day had returned to what they’d been before, which was nothing much at all. She regarded them both, dropping her hand from her face and weaving out from between the stools. “I’ll clean this up and head home, if that’s alright with you?”

[Kaelyn]

<Jesse Fforde> "Thank you," Jesse said, a rare genuine smile broadening his lips. He might have told Charlie all about it, but - well, Jesse had never really been the sharing type. He didn't gush. Though, there'd be no telling what he'd do if it came up again in conversation. When it came to Clover, all cards were on the table. "That's alright. I'll clean up. You go home - you clocked off. I'll close up," he said. There were plans. Plans that had been in place a long time - since the Shadow Realm. How long ago had that been? Later, after said plans, he'd coax Clover to open up. The way she'd repeated her name - he didn't quite know how to decipher it. And he wanted to decipher it. "Thanks for your help tonight, Charlie."

* Charlie raked her hand through her hair once more—all too aware of the knots in it. The thought of a long shower and thorough treatment made Jesse’s dismissal all the more welcome. With a tired smile, the blonde regarded them both for a moment before stepping away from the bar entirely. “Cheers. Have a good day. It was nice meeting you,” she cast a glance at Clover before turning their back to them, headed for the office to retrieve her belongings. After that, the morning was hers to collect herself and reflect upon the many things that had happened tonight. If she spared one thought too many Verin’s way, no one would know.

* Clover “Nice meeting you too,” she smiled. Clo made sure to wait until the woman was gone, and even after, she remained seated. Why was he staying behind to clean up, when they could have gone home, crawled into bed, and had a lovely remainder of the evening? Oh. Was he trying to make a move? No. Impossible. As if to test her theory, she moved her hand to his thigh and slowly drew it upward. Then it was her making a move, and how he responded would have let her know. “I’m really hoping we’re on the same page. You said to wait until it was closed. Well, you’re closing up. And I’m in the mood for a lot of fun,” she trailed off. “A lot of fun.” There was emphasis there that let him know she expected a great deal of his time. “Is this you giving me permission? I’m getting permission. I don’t care. We’re having sex in this bar.” There was excitement, a giddiness that she couldn’t quite describe, and then she was unbuttoning the lower buttons on her flannel overshirt.