[Side Story: Exposed] #BitrMe

[Lincoln King]

"Maddison?" His brows shot up behind his mask, a more genuine smile in place, not just that of the greeting host trying to help out a guest. "Then it is a pleasure to meet you, Robin speaks about you a lot, you must be something really special, he seems to think so..." Before he got to say much else he was interrupted to the lanky, bumbling figure of Robin appearing at his elbow looking flustered for a vampire. He often surprised Lincoln in that way, he was a handsome enough man who could in ways be very outgoing and yet in others seemed so damn awkward, at times it could really put him off but it was also what had drawn him to the man. Lincoln didn't think it was a case of his attitude being one of flippancy, that he didn't care what people thought of him, it was more than putting himself out there meant he HAD to be aware of it and wasn't really up to that particular task. He had it in him to be flashy, and showy, but he instead bumbled along and let others light shine while soaked up the excess rays.

Linc glanced at the previously decently put together outfit, now ruined with red wine. "Seems we have. Robin, looks like you've got two options man..." He let it linger a moment, making Robin wait it out to hear what he had to say. "Shirtless, rock the jacket by itself, or i've got a spare black shirt and a lovely bronze tie that will go with your jacket in the back. Perhaps the lovely Maddison here can help you fix yourself up, so you can enjoy the party without smelling like wine. Seriously, only you man, only you." His laughter was sympathetic, a fond pat to the man's shoulder was given before he excused himself from the pair, gesturing towards the back of the club. "I'll catch up with you again later, once you're freshened up. Maddison, enjoy yourself." His hand brushed her shoulder, a brief touch, nothing in it but a friendly welcome. She was Robin's childe, so he was staying far away from that pretty young thing.

In the same line of thought, of pretty young things and the cool, enterprising youth of Harper Rock he saw more of them spilling through the club doors, looking around with excited gasps, cheery giggles or companionable whispers. It was a good sight, he felt pride blooming in his chest, his broad shoulders straightening and his head jaw jutting upwards in response. He'd done this, and people were liking it so far. A familiar figure was in the doorway, looking surprisingly good in the suit he'd been sent, better than Lincoln had expected if he was being honest with himself.

Sal had been am impulse hire, really, the guy was kind and he went well even if the company he kept was a good example of the rough way in which he loved. He didn't mind Sage either, Sal's constant companion and the interview had been somewhat amusing. It wasn't like he'd hired him in some immensely difficult position but it had still been a risk, a matter of trusting the unknown and giving someone new an opportunity, Linc just hoped he made the best of it. Salvador's position largely involved a lot of errands, tidying up around the office, collecting packages, sending out things, the occasional odd job here and there. He was paid well and given perks, and yet Linc wasn't certain that he wasn't still living in a shelter and spending the money he made on things that would far from prolong his life. He wasn't one to judge, the guy could do what he liked as long as he showed up to work on time and did his job, Lincoln was trying hard not to adopt him like he were some sad little project but the temptation was there and he'd gotten a taste of it with the party planning. He'd had Sal helping him put together the swag bags, setting up and running around town grabbing bits and pieces, on one of the trips he'd dragged him into a tailor and forced into a beautiful suit, ensuring it fit him like a glove. Linc wasn't sure if he was grateful, or harassed by it all but the pay off was there. He looked great.

Linc let him go to find a drink, he was going to catch up in a moment, pausing to welcome a few other guests. A woman in purple walked by him and he grinned at her, he didn't recognise her personally but figured she could be one of the numerous business owners he'd invited or social media darlings who would put out the good word. She was a vision in lilac, soft flowing material draped and wrapped her frame giving her an ethereal sort of elegance that drew him to her, "Welcome, i'm Lincoln King, the owner of this little enterprise we are celebrating. Please, come in and grab a drink, enjoy the party." His tone was cheerful enough as he ushered her forward, allowing her to make her deeper into the room as he once more stepped away to admire the team's handiwork. It looked good, and the fuller the room got the better it was. He managed to pick out a few more familiar faces, but most were well hidden behind their disguises. The idea at some stage was to invite people to lift their masks, to interact with new eyes, seeing each other without barriers in the way to protect them as an example of how it felt to get the opportunity to know someone behind the safety of a screen before facing them, before REALLY seeing them.

It might be a bust, but it was a bit of fun, whether people did it or not it would speak of the concept and that's what he hoped for.

Linc shook his golden head, trying to dismiss the thoughts, there was plenty of time to relax and mingle before he had to get up and speak. Sal was the next target, and the green suited man who'd caught his attention wasn't far away either, giving the man his destination. Champagne glass in hand he strolled like he owned the place, which for tonight he did, his green eyes locked on the men to make it clear that he would not be derailed or distracted this time. It was his party, and he'd do what he wanted. What he REALLY wanted was to have a bit of his own kind of fun, not just play the ever enthusiastic host, but to really get among the conversations and see what was going through people's minds, hear from their lips how they felt about the current state of the city, about his enterprise and the party itself.

His glass was placed atop the bar, empty now and he turned to rest his elbows on it on Salvador's unoccupied side. It appeared they'd done well in picking out his suit, and sending him off for a bit of a pampering session at a local salon and Lincoln wasn't the only one paying him attention. The man he'd spotted across the room, hard not to notice, in his full face Medusa mask and well fitting outfit, stood on Salvador's other side and complimented him openly. Bold, Lincoln thought, something tugging at the back of his mind, a reminder that he struggled to place for a handful of moments.

Of course, he chastised himself internally, wasn't he seeking a man in green with a bold attitude? Might this be the guy he'd been chatting with, who he'd invited to the party after a brief, playful flirtation. He seemed like someone who would play games and be devastatingly good at them, who was confident and perhaps charming, who had confessed to his being handsome without so much as out right saying, "I'm sex on legs, come find me" but it was there. Linc wasn't one to assume intention, he could just be looking for a good time, for a drink with someone new rather than wanting to take a bite out of the owner of Bitr and his many friends and colleagues who were in attendance. Then again here he found him, or so he hoped, confidently commenting on Sal's outfit and those eyes flashing behind the mask looking like they were interested in a little more than just the colour mauve. "I like to believe it was all for me, but even i'm not THAT vain." Lincoln spoke up, glancing around his employee to meet the eyes of the other man. He stood straight, giving up on his casual lean against the bar. "He's right, you look magnificent in mauve." There was a warmth to his tone, hand brushing the length of Sal's spine, smooth the jacket from shoulders to hip with a sweeping motion."The way the shine of the fabric catches the light flatters your figure, who knew you were such a babe, Sal." His shoulder nudged the man's affectionately, hoping he took the teasing in his stride.

He took a half step around his employee, that deadly focus returning to the complimenting creature, who Linc couldn't help but thinking of as one of the snakes that wrapped about the frame of his mask. This one could bite, he would have to be careful and charm it gently. Then again this was Lincoln King, and he was far from afraid of a little venom. "As for you... I do love a man in green, you too seem to stand out." His lower lip was sucked between his teeth, Linc nibbling it in mock thoughtfulness or was it playful admiration as his gaze trailed over man. "I'd love to get in those pants... You'll have to get me the name of your tailor, you're a fine piece of work. Love the imagery, though i'm hoping you're not in the habit of turning people to stone." The remark was spoken as his gaze flicked away to track a staff member carrying a fresh tray of drinks, giving the remark an offhanded vibe, as if this were an utterly normal comment to make to someone who could be a complete stranger.

Lincoln beckoned the woman over, watching her back straighten and her course change immediately at his summons, offering to the three men a selection of drinks. "Wine? Champagne?" She asked, grinning broadly beneath her black mask at each of them.

[Leonie von der Marck]

An invitation had somehow made its way into the von der Marck Lioness’ hands, though whether by design or accident she didn’t know. And while the dark-haired socialite had been quite pleased to be tucked away in relative anonymity for once, lately she’d gotten a bit of an itch to get out on the town. Surely, nothing quite like her old ways – after all, it was Harper Rock. Not exactly a hotbed of nightlife, even given the suddenly public knowledge of vampire existence. She had to stifle a snicker; she herself had only learned of at least one vampire’s existence the night she and her cousins had raised him, a scant few months ago. He was as fascinating as he was mysterious, and though they at least held a common German tongue, that was about the only thing they shared, besides blood. She found the Patriarch, the blood fount of their entire empire, somewhat… out of reach, she supposed, and what else could he be, having several centuries on them all? She had hopes it would change, over time and with effort, but in the meantime, she was still herself and young and mostly without responsibility.

As for the rest of them, she didn’t know. All she did know was the veritable humming in the air, paired with the ludicrous knowledge that there were those in the City who had instantly become ‘fang bangers’ or Twi-hards with a vengeance. She’d yet to come across anyone else undead, that she knew of, but she sincerely doubted there were any who would ever turn her head. For one, she’d knowingly fed a vampire already and she didn’t find it quite to her taste, wild though she may be, at least not as far as bedroom activities were concerned. Second, while fascinating creatures who had sparked more than a few questions hailed upon Alaric, it still wasn’t lost on her just how dangerous they were. And third, the Lioness had no intention of seeking another one out for the purposes of dating, or *******, or whatever. Certainly not using an app, something she’d never needed anyway in the first place. But the lure of a masquerade… now that was something that had caught her eye.

She could preserve her carefully cultivated anonymity in a city that knew her family’s name but not necessarily that she herself was in residence. And she could still get out and have some fun, hopefully, among the absolute electricity of a large crowd. She was, after all, a social animal above all else.

And so, without thinking a thought against it, the Lioness had ordered her outfit - a stunning, silvery Valentino gown - and matching mask. The day of, she had hair and makeup called in to the handful of rooms she’d commandeered in the sprawling estate manor, and within a few hours, she was ready. At the appointed hour… well, a little late, actually, because who would she be if she were not fashionably late?... she swept into the Chrononaut Nightclub with a soft grin planted firmly upon sultry, carmine lips. It might be the first time she went out on the town without an entourage, but there was something truly refreshing about that. The obligatory glass of champagne was swept from a tray as she scanned the room with interest. Even with masks in place, Leonie couldn’t help but find her eye drawn, over and over, to two in particular.

[Maddison (DELETED 8452)]

That was a first for Maddison, she didn't really know that Robin spoke about her. At times, he seemed more than frustrated with the blonde. She often wondered if he regretted what had happened. But they couldn't change it now, could they? They were stuck with each other. Before she could comment, there her sire in all his glory appeared looking rather flustered. A sly grin fell hidden across her lips. It was just like Robin to get himself in a situation like this. She had spent so much time picking out the right outfit and helping him get ready. She tsk'd silently and nodded along to what Lincoln was saying.

"Seems we have met, Robin has said a lot about you." She didn't speak more into if it was good or not, she'd keep the man wondering. That was something she was good for. The blonde took a small sip from her glass and appraised Robin's shirt. It looked like he had gotten too hungry and had a feast, but it was also obvious that some drunk had spilled her drink on him and tried to fix it. Except for red and white didn't exactly mesh well. She listened to Lincoln's suggestions, letting out a snort when he mentioned Robin could go shirtless under the blazer. She wasn't sure that was Robin's style.

"I'll be sure to get him all cleaned up and we shall be back out, catch you later." She offered a kind smile, not reading anything into his shoulder brush. Maddison turned towards Robin when Lincoln disappeared. "Only you, huh?" She teased. The situation was a little bit comical to her. "Shall we go get you freshened up?"

She asked and ushered him towards the back, if he wanted to go that way.

[Courtney]

Hell on Earth if you thought Courtney damned Apple was showing up to some stupid ******* party where vampires were 'mingling' with humans.

Hell on Earth, you hear me? It wasn't going to happen: No way, no how.

Hell. On. Earth. If you thought he was going to go putting on some type of mask to roll around in his damned Pacer to park at some dating-application-launch-garbage and would you just look at all of them? Just... Well... there they were, walking in and out in their stupid masks.

He adjusted his Pacer's stereo, so he could hear the thin drone of the radio station punctuated by the thrumming Swamp Rock song 'Black Betty'. Cold spaghetti from two nights ago: He had it in a tupperware container. The fork wasn't disposable.

Why the Hell did he come out of his trailer for this?

He was in the parking lot. Obviously. And he was studying every one of them, the way he'd been studying them all for the past more-than-a-year, and would you just ******* look at them?

They were probably going to drink cocktails, or whatever it was vampires drank when they weren't drinking the blood of innocent people in back alleys near tattoo shops. Maybe it wasn't cocktails. Here: Mocktails. With donated human blood mixed in them, or something. He didn't know. They were probably going to drink blood from bags while the humans sipped margaritas.

Was that what people sipped at cocktail parties? He tried to remember the last time he went to a get-together, but he couldn't.

It had to be before clinicals, at some point. Before Scarlet. He'd put her on the backburner.

He'd never admit that, but he had.

Look, he didn't know. But it didn't matter, because he wasn't going.

No.

He wasn't going.

But he'd seen the flyer.

He was drunk, at the moment, and he'd gone back to chain-smoking in the delirious haze that was his upturned life: A dumped bag of groceries that just kept dumping, a poorly trained dog that knew better, but wouldn't quit shitting all over the floor.

He'd seen the flyer after he'd seen the headlines.

And he'd seen the headlines after he'd heard it on Coast to Coast AM while he was shoveling copious amounts of Greek Yogurt into his mouth on some disenchanted summer night under a set of familiar, buzzing streetlights: The same ones he kept going back to, the same ones around where that tattoo artist Jesse, well, tattooed people.

And damn it if Courtney wasn't frustrated.

A metaphor for his life: Just Greek Yogurt -- incidentally, it'd been Honey flavored-- just all over the steering wheel of his semi-comedic petrol-head machine. Does that make his life a joke?

When he spewed the Greek Yogurt everywhere, on that night he'd found out that his searching wasn't in vain, it looked like [for lack of a better description] ejaculate: This, the ultimate climax of his over-a-year obsession with anything going bump in the night, the apex of his Harper Rock existence, the... It wasn't fair. It'd been his case. He'd been working the Hell out of it, and he wanted his hard work to pay off, maybe, because it'd feel right and good and honest.

'Black Betty' stopped and an advert came on, something about blood, vampires, a broadcast coming up about hard-hitting questions. He turned the radio all the way up and opened his glove box to grab a wad of napkins.

He'd lost his job over all this. They said he had gone into a spiraling depression. They all blamed Scarlet's death. It must have just been too much for him, they'd said. All the things of that manner, that ilk, all in waves, torrents, while Courtney splashed around on this little boat that kept him coasting above it all: Google, countless libraries. He'd visited Germany and Poland. He'd studied up on World War II.

I mean, did he get disability checks? You're damn right he did. But did he like seeing him in the mail?

No.

God, all he really wanted was to look Richard in the face and say, 'I told you so, Dick. Who's the nutcase, now, you giant asshole. You giant dick. That's why your name is Dick.' He wanted to point at him and jut his jaw and go, 'Dick.'

He wanted to look at his psychiatrist and go, 'So, Molly, do we need to up the Paxil, again? Hm? Is that what we need? A few more milligrams of the old anti-psychotics, huh? Is that so? Delusions? Is that right? Not fit to work? Huh.' while he nodded his head with his legs crossed prim and proper and studied her with his hand on his chin, the way she'd been studying him for the past year.

He scrubbed cold spaghetti from his shirt as he watched them weave in.

What a ******* year to be alive.

[Robin Little]

It was a constant state of being for Robin, or so it would seem. He was constantly getting himself into situations where others felt the need to pick him up and brush him off, like he was a small child who’d only just had his training wheels taken off. It amused the writer when he recognised it, though most of the time he was oblivious to his own inadequacies. As yet, those he’d taken up with had not kicked him to the curb, nor disappeared without word. For now, everything was good. Everything was fabulous. A wine stained shirt was not the end of the world, and surely most present were caught up in their own revelry and didn’t have the time to notice Robin’s state of disrepair. And if they did, it made a good story, right?

Lincoln gave Robin two options, but to Robin’s thinking, he had three. He could shed the shirt and rock the jacket on its own. He could find the spare shirt that Lincoln suggested. Or, he could do neither. He had not planned on getting cleaned up. The thought had not even occurred to him until it was suggested.


”Yes,” he said. Only him. Somehow, Robin seemed to get himself into dubious situations without even trying.


”I thought you knew by now that I have a habit of getting into awkward situations,” he said to Maddison with a cool smirk, unable to help himself when admiring the view. Although Maddison tried to usher him toward the back, she only got him so far – out of the crowd and somewhere close to a wall, where he wouldn’t disturb anyone. He’d already spent how long in the bathroom? This was an issue that was taking precious time away from the party.


”Lincoln has issues with this tie,” he said, stripping the decorative piece from his neck and handing it to Maddison to hold. ”He just wants me to wear something pleasing to his eye,” he added. There was that whole ‘slave’ contract of course, but Lincoln hadn’t told him Robin HAD to, and so he wouldn’t. Next, he pulled the jacket from his shoulders and handed it to Maddison, too. His long fingers then preoccupied themselves with the buttons of the previously crisp-white shirt. With only shame enough to strip his upper body with his back to the crowd, Robin at least didn’t intend to take long.

The stained shirt was stripped from his torso within seconds, the offending articled scrunched up and dropped to the floor at his feet before he was reaching out for his jacket again, pulling it back on and buttoning it at the front. He turned, then, to face Maddison.


”Tie the tie for me again? Can’t wait to see the look on his face, to see me still wearing it…” he said, chuckling to himself.

[Salvador (DELETED 8639)]

Though he had a glass of champagne, it wasn't really his choice of drink. Sure, free was free and he would drink it down with the rest of them, but since he had a few dollars to spare, due to some odd jobs around the place Salvador, Sage and Roxi all hung their heads at each night, he would definitely be washing away the taste of the alcohol with something he liked as soon as possible. While he had money in the bank, Salvador didn't actually know how to access that money in the bank or on his bank card. He simply hadn't been taught those things, because at the time he 'came out' to his parents, he was in his mid-teens and staying out and away of the house was a better idea than not. As well as staying out of school. The last level of high school Salvador had finished was the tenth grade. He started his eleventh grade, but dropped out less than half-way through. Salvador, due to his preferences and his usual gentle nature had been an easy target of misery and hate to the more popular, and even average kids. If the average kids got picked on by the more popular kids, Salvador had a bad day too. It was true that **** always rolled downhill.

There were no regrets on his end about dropping out, or his choice to live on the streets. He had Sage and Roxi; both of whom were kind and wonderful to him. However, that did mean that sometimes there were delays in his processing abilities. Especially when someone had a larger vocabulary than the male did. While he finished his tenth year at school, his reading ability was only at an 8.5, given he came from Mexico to Canada (after a less than a year in the U.S) when he was eight. Spanish was his first and native language, followed by English and forget French. The compliment given to Salvador went amiss for a second until he processed the details of the sentence spoken. He wasn't sure he was the one being talked to, until he remembered that mauve was a shade of purple and he was the one wearing purple nearest to the male. He licked his bottom lip before both lips parted, ready to give an answer before an all too familiar voice came after an introduction. He waited patiently before his reply came. Lincoln, from what Salvador has seen from the guy and knew of him was accepting of his life choices and preferences, which helped Salvador feel confident around the male. Much like he felt when he was around Roxi and Sage; or anyone who was open.

"I did, baby." Salvador put the champagne glass down on the bar's counter before looking at the male who initially addressed him. "No one special, but I do like to make a long, lasting impression." He extended a hand. Even though this was a masquerade party, Sal didn't mind sharing his name with a couple people in the place. "Salvador, or just Sal, as Lincoln said. And who, might you be?" The male definitely had Sal's attention. Compliments seemed to go a long way with Salvador.

[Maddison (DELETED 8452)]

"Clearly I'm starting to learn that." Robin was awkward, but so was Maddison. At least around him, which was still something of shock to her. She grew frustrated when she only got him so far before he stopped. They were seriously like five feet from the bathroom. Why couldn't he just go in and not make a scene. This was supposed to be a party.

She was even more perturbed when he handed her the tie to hold. Now she was his coat rack? Of course he wants you to wear something pleasing to the eye, she wanted to say but held her tongue. Maddison didn't really think Robin was going to go with the no shirt option but she was about to be proven wrong. Next, the jacket was shoved into her hands.

The blonde averted her eyes and scowled slightly when his shirt was dropped to the ground. That was rude. The jacket was taken back and he slid it on. She looked down at him, brows perked. "You can not leave your shirt on the ground, Robin. That is bad form." The blonde bent over right in front of him and picked it up. "At least toss it." She tsk'd and then shoved it into the nearest trash can.

Maddison stopped back in front of him and stepped a step closer in order to fix the tie on him. Being this up close and personal, he could get a catch of her perfume and whatever she had washed her hair with. Her fingers brushed across the flesh of his neck as she fixed the tie the right way. It was harder to do considering he wasn't wearing a shirt.

After a moment and another few brushes of her fingers, the tie was fixed perfectly. "There, I'm sure Lincoln won't be as happy as I am that the tie is back in it's proper place." She smirked and then took a step back, breaking the closeness. "Now are we all set? Are you ready to go back to the party?" She desperately needed another drink.

[Elizabeth]

Fear saddled with curiosity drove the woman to want to venture out tonight. Laced with the fact Elizabeth adored masquerade balls of any sort, it wasn't difficult to find a reason to go out. Either fear of what might happen at the event and any known vampires (what if one of her own were there?), or curiosity (was it possible that humans and vampires could coincide?) or the sheer fact Elizabeth wanted to do something enjoyable tonight. She had asked Elise to come do her hair which had only reached its full length once again just a mere month or so at most again. She didn't particularly want anything fancy or anything that would use too many items like a curling iron, flat iron and so forth, in fear the hair might get singed. Perhaps it was odd to say that Elizabeth was protective of her hair, but when half of your hair had been cut and shaved for medical/scientific reasons, the woman was definitely protective of her golden locks these nights. Either her hair hung free, or it was in a braid or something as equally as simple. "Thank you, Elise." Elizabeth said with pleased blue saucers that looked at her thrall with much love. The woman never believed she could replace her first thrall; who had met an untimely death, but Elise had proven her adoration for Elizabeth and her loyalty throughout the years, time and time again in a variety of ways. "Have a great time!" The woman said, as she collected the remaining unused bobby pins off the vanity's counter before she pressed a kiss to Elizabeth's cheek.

After Elise left the penthouse in the tower of ivory, Elizabeth rose from the vanity table and moved to the emerald colored dress that was draped on the bed, besides the mask that was purchased for the night's festivities. She grabbed the dressby the shoulders after unzipping the back and stepped into it. It was wrapped around her body and secured by a quick zip upwards, before the mask was nestled on her face, suctioning to the bridge of her nose after being settled on it with delicate, but nervous fingers. She hadn't been to a large public even in a very long time. The Wests had had a party weeks ago, but nothing this large. And while she lost track of most Wests, she recalled three or four of them just fine and didn't feel uncomfortable.

Black heels adorned her feet, as to make Elizabeth taller, so the dress didn't swim over her feet that night, before the woman grabbed her black clutch that matched her shoes, placed a small scrap piece of paper that was her tome in it, some small amounts of cash and snapped it closed. Tate had been invited to the event, or at least made known of it by Elizabeth, as had Cozi, who Elizabeth more or less asked to accompany her to the event. Tate was an unknown variable, but that wouldn't stop Elizabeth from going. There was safety in numbers, but she was confident that should something happen to either herself or someone she knew, that she could assist in removing them from the situation and then removing herself. Cozi was an uncertain factor. He didn't feel compelled to tie his life to hers, as it seemed to come across her through his email, which had been a slight jar to her emotional state, but logically, she was proud of him and understood. He was living a life she had taken decades to come to, in just a mere year, or less. She always wanted better for those she sired and would gladly step aside for their wants and desires, but that didn't mean it didn't affect her in other ways. Perhaps it was madness, to be both proud, yet saddened at the same time. Another reason Elizabeth desired to go to Tibet, or Nepal. Her mind, heart and soul hadn't been on the same page in a very long time and some soul searching was in desperate need. With a final glance around the penthouse, Elizabeth was slipping through a fadeportal that would take her to the honeymead train station so that she could arrive at the specified location; the library.

[Cosimo Alessi (DELETED 6612)]

E L I Z A B E T H
She seemed taller tonight than usual, pehraps that was because of the five inch heels, or it was something...more. Something unseen. With shoulders tipped back and her neck raised, Elizabeth stood propped up against the check out counter. Green fingernails played with the same colored green and silver dress as she waited patiently, her black clutch resting near her right elbow. Would he come? Part of her wouldn't blame him if he didn't, but most of her hoped he did.


C O S I M O
A new suit was bought for the occasion; it was burgundy in colour, which matched the cream, almost bronze mask that he already had on hand. He couldn't remember why he had the mask, but he knew he'd never worn it. And now was as good an opportunity as any. There were plenty of ways that Cosimo could have responded to Elizabeth's email, but the only right way was the mature way. He did not sulk, nor was he vindictive. Elizabeth had things on her mind, and maybe tonight she would share. She could teach him, and he might know what to expect if he was still alive in a few century's time. He held the mask in his hand as he entered the library, not yet slipping it on. Elizabeth was easy to spot -- she was the best dressed person there. "Buonosera, Elizabeth," he said from behind, voice soft so as not to startle her.

[Suit] | [Mask]

E L I Z A B E T H
His words should have been enough to validate that Cozi had in fact shown up, but it wasn't until Elizabeth turned to see him, did she smile and dip her head. "Good evening, Cozi." Her blue eyes swept up the length of his frame as she took in the sight of him before her clutch was grabbed from the counter without a glance in its direction, fingers searching for the thing before they found it and wrapped around them securely. "The color suits thee." She said with a pleased look upon her face. "Thank you for coming, I appreciate it." It was important she said that because not only was it true, but people needed to know that their presence meant something. And when she was gifted with even a few minutes of conversation from those she sired, or 'adopted,' Elizabeth appreciated it, even if she didn't say such a thing. That was something she was working on, due to her own personal dilemma's lately. A lesson learned all too lately.


C O S I M O
Cosimo bowed subtly, his head nodding as he heard the greeting, as he consumed it, and understood it. The dimples on his cheeks were prominent as he smiled, even though they were covered by facial hair. He'd shaved, once. Athena hadn't liked it. It was a non-issue for him, really, so he kept the facial hair, these days. It was such a small thing, why not? "I appreciate the invitation," he said in response. He hoped that Elizabeth knew where they were going, because Cosimo did not. Still, he held out his arm for Elizabeth to take, should she wish to. If he was going to be her escort, he could play the proper gentleman. "You look ... bellissimo. "


E L I Z A B E T H
The arm was taken with her free hand as Elizabeth stepped closer to him. She smiled a little wider before nodding her head. "I do, however, I cannot say I have ever stepped foot inside the place in which we are going. I suppose that means we are both bound to be surprised this evening." She said as she looked at him from the side. "And thank you. I had not thought to ask what colour in which you were wearing, but I do not believe we have to match just because we are attending an event together...I am uncertain." In the nights of old, couples would have worn something to indicate they were together, or at least arriving together. "I think it shall be alright?" The blonde woman peered over at him with a questioning gaze in her blue saucers as she took a small step forward, leaving the check out counter completely.


C O S I M O
Cosimo laughed and shook his head. "No, I do not think it matters. And if it does, we will stand out from the crowd. We will be rebels. It is not a bad thing," he said, leading Elizabeth out the door only to allow her to lead the way once they were out on the footpath. He only stopped with a dropped 'oh' as he remembered to put his mask on, thus completing the outfit. "I did miss you, for what it is worth," he said once they had started moving again.


E L I Z A B E T H
"No, I suppose it is not." A rebel was not an unfamiliar term to Elizabeth. In her human years she would have been labeled such a thing, and even in her early vampire years too. Or perhaps just crazy, insane, mad was more along the lines she had been called, both to her face and behind her back. His last sentence had Elizabeth pausing their steps as she looked at him once again. "I thought of each of you while I was gone, and missed each of you as well..." She said before her feet took slow steps once again. "I am sorry for leaving the way in which I had. Perhaps it was not the best course of action to take. Both leaving and announcing it in such a fashion." She concluded with a soft sigh, and a slight drop of her shoulders as she wrapped her arm around his tighter. "It might be best to take the train to Bullwood, or, if you are able, to teleport. Though, I mind not the walk." Walking in heels were no issue to the woman, and was something she did almost nightly.


C O S I M O
Cosimo had already said what he'd needed to say on the matter -- Elizabeth had read the email, and he did not have to repeat himself. It would be redundant, and petulant. And yet, he had not replied to her last email. A frown momentarily creased his brow. "You were right, to think that I -- that we -- might not like to hear that there was nothing connecting you to this city anymore. But I concluded that it is not just on your shoulders. If that is to be changed, then we must make amends. And it is.. what is it they say? A double way street..." he said, before waving it off. "We will spend time together. But if you need to take time away, it is something I will understand. "Te prego please, before you go, tell me in person. That is all I ask," he said. Did he have a right to ask anything of her? Only if she wished to help mend the rift. He shook his head. "I do not mind the walk. I can teleport, if you wish..."

[Elizabeth]

E L I Z A B E T H
She waited until everything had been processed before Elizabeth broke apart everything said by Cozi. "I can teleport, but..." Elizabeth mulled over her thoughts inwardly before expressing them aloud. "I do not think I wish to arrive there quite yet. We will arrive at a party and people want to talk to others...I want to keep thee to myself for but a while longer." She said with a laugh, her steps returning to their normal pace. "I sound selfish, we can arrive there soon, and bypass some of the walking. I just simply wish to hear more about you...and these last few months." Elizabeth's fingers moved to a small string of blonde hair as to tuck it inside the braid after it tickled against her jawline. "And that, I think is a fair thing to ask. I will do that, should I leave again." While the thought of leaving was upon her mind, it had not been figured out when she would be leaving. It was something she would address when the time came, to Cozi personally.


C O S I M O
"Yes, I think that the crowds will flock to a beauty such as yours," he said with his familiar playful grin. Athena would have his tongue if she knew he was talking to another woman like this, but he had no designs on Elizabeth. She was his sire. And it was just the way that he spoke, sometimes. It came out without prompting, without thought. "There really is not much to share. It is... well, I sired. Foster and Kit. Both women. They are... troubled, but they are safe," he shared. "Athena is less hostile. We communicate better, now. She does not like the women, but she is accepting it. Which is a very big step," he said, staring ahead. "I think that we will go on a holiday, soon. I want to show her where I grew up," he said. He wondered how safe it would be, now, given the current climate. He would delay as long as possible -- until the turbulence calmed. "That is one thing that I wanted to ask. I did not know how we would go about it. But you have traveled. How do we avoid the sunlight?"


E L I Z A B E T H
The woman shook her head in denial. She doubted such a thing, for there seemed to be as equally beautiful women at large events, if not more beautiful than she. "They would not say long, before running in terror." Elizabeth had an air about her that once people knew who she was, they tended to avoid her. People talked a lot of things about others in this day and age...and most had probably been warned of how her...mental state could be from time to time. "That is wonderful to hear. I am very pleased that things are going so well for you and your beloved." Elizabeth beamed, pleased that things were going so well. It was not the case with most, if not all, Cozi's siblings. Perhaps he would be the first to break the...curse she supposed. From sire to childre, it seemed love was not something afforded to her bloodline for very long. It was what it was. "I think she would like that very much. You should do it sooner than later." Elizabeth encouraged Cozi before she laughed. "Well, that depends on you." She said with a devious grin, though the look in her eyes were hidden as she looked forward. "You could break the trip up and take a longer duration away..." She suggested before moving onward. "Or hire a plane and make certain that it remains as dark as possible during the day light hours....that would require a staff you trust...or know. A couple enthralled perhaps, if you possess such an ability. Or your Athena. Or...you have to be creative." Elizabeth said with a plain tone to her voice..."Do you know once, I traveled as a dead passenger? It's true...I bought a coffin and remained in there for the entire duration of the flight. It was one of the shorter ones...but I imagine it would be morbid to most, but what do you do when you have to travel during the daylight hours? There is a service...if you wish for the number. I would share it." Her eyes roamed back to her childe, waiting for his reaction, either vocally or facially.


C O S I M O
Cosimo's mouth hung open as the possibilities opened up before him. He could not wait to get home to tell Athena -- though he would not cut the night short to do so. He would tell her where he had been and with whom. As tempting as it would be to hide the evidence and pretend he had been nowhere, it wouldn't keep the lines of trust and communication open. Besides, she'd been less aggressive lately. "Si, please. I would greatly appreciate it," he said, beaming. "I do not think that I could lay still in a coffin for too many hours, if not daylight. I am too restless. It must have been harder for you, before..." he said. Sometimes he forgot that Elizabeth had lived centuries.


E L I Z A B E T H
Elizabeth nodded. "Isabella, Antigony and I traveled by ship...it was not easy, no." Elizabeth thought about her own personal journey...which was better left to the side. There was little choice if it came to her safety and the safety of a nosey human being that came below deck. "Though....there are rumours, Cozi...I had thought to try it myself...by attempting to learn...somehow. I had heard that once a woman, I believe, put stones or the like in shoes and traveled the very ocean by walking the bottom of it. I do not see why, if say someone were to take a fish form, that they could not do the same....stay down far enough as to not be hit by sunlight." She shrugged her shoulders, keeping in mind that she should attain the number for Cozi and give to him next time they speak. Knowing he wasn't disgusted by the small fact she was stuck in a coffin for hours, had Elizabeth smiling more. Some of her childre embraced their humanity, while others did not. Elizabeth lay somewhere in the middle. She glanced down at her dress, before looking at him. "I shall race you to the club. It is not far from the station. Two or three blocks south." She said with a small cackle before glancing around and then vanishing out of sight. She would arrive behind the club about a half block down before moving to front entrance of the club, where either Cozi would be, or would meet her.


C O S I M O
That was all well and good, Cosimo thought -- a fish form to travel the ocean by day. Except that he, as a vampire, had a nasty habit of just falling asleep where he lay whenever the sun graced the horizon. He would be a fish turned to ashes as it floated sleepily to the surface. Or maybe he could be a shark, and keep moving even while resting. Any comment or question that he might have made in regards to the story were lost as Elizabeth darted ahead -- as she said she would race him. His voice echoed in the empty air after she had disappeared. He still did not know where the club was. He had to stand there dumbly while he texted Elizabeth and waited, accusing her of an unfair advantage in this 'race'. As soon as he got the answer, he teleported to the location -- meeting Elizabeth at the entrance, he held out his arm again for his sire to take, to gallantly lead her into the fray.