[PRP] What Goes Bump In the Night [Abel x Charm]

[Uta]

The city of Hemlock was bustling with life (and unlife). Mortals mingled with vampires and other supernatural creatures, though the former were oblivious to the threat. Danger lurked around every corner, but ignorance was bliss, and the Masquerade ensured mortals were oblivious to the company they kept. Charm had a soft spot for the ignorant, and enjoyed walking the streets of the city after his meals.

Tonight was no exception.

Filled up on the blood of a mortal who had better wanted to get to know him, the heels of his boots clicked as he stepped through the alleys and streets of the city. He'd pause now and then to watch a mortal couple pass, thrilled at the prospect of eggs on the way; or to watch a Faekat down-on-his-luck, begging for some spare change to drink away his sorrows.

It seemed only yesterday he'd been turned -- a beauty with the thoughts of chasing his youth had been granted immortality. He'd taken it--though it had been less an offer and more a surprise. Of course, his Sire's interest in him had waned after a few months, when a new beauty entered the modeling scene--but those were the breaks. Charm didn't regret the monster he'd become. There was beauty to be found among the Beast that lurked within -- horrific, terrible beauty, but beauty all the same. Beauty meant to be explored, but also respected, and even feared. The Beast was all that... and Charm knew not to give into it fully, lest he be lost to it completely.

Moving through the crowd, Charm paused outside a club, letting the neon lights dance around him. He leaned against the brick, taking a moment to let his eyes sweep over the crowd and beyond. Perhaps someone of interest might catch his eye; or perhaps his keen ears might pick up a spot of juicy gossip. His eyes lingered on a few vampires that lurked near the alleyways, keeping them in mind but otherwise unbothered by their presence. Who here was worthy of his attention, his time?

Charm felt surprisingly naked without being upon someone's arm, or with a coterie of fellow Toreadors--but perhaps his luck would change. Some great beauty or handsome fellow might catch his eye, or perhaps a little mayhem might break out. Tonight was a new night, and the pale haired vampire was ready to make the most of it. Mortal, vampire, or some other supernatural Fae -- it mattered not to Charm. He'd know who to approach once he saw it... the sparkle, the pull of inspiration, the muse.

Who might be so lucky to catch his eye this night?

Yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

It had been a minute since the last time Abel had walked the streets of Hemlock. And for the most part he had been reacquainting himself with all its little ooey gooey nooks and crannies. The immortal and supernatural aspect of the city had not changed. There was still a Prince, the Madquerade was still being upheld. The only thing that had really changed were the faces. And an occasional establishment he didn’t remember being there before. But no, the city had grown at least ten fold he was certain. Which meant there was a lot more to explore.

Making his way through the streets the gampire was like a shadow. One minute there, gone the next. His image flickering through crowds of people that seemed to give him no second thought. If they even saw him at all. Anyone who was rather adept at picking out those who would rather not be seen could track his step easily enough. Not that he was intentionally hiding from the gaggles of people. It was just how he moved. Quick, I’m and out of the shadows as he stalked alley ways, doorways, the darkest parts where shadow was swallowed by the void.

The deep thrum of music reverberated through his essence, drawing him in with it’s primal beat that you could feel inside your head. A large crowd was gathered outside the front door, awaiting the go ahead from the rather large vampire at the front door. It was easy enough to pick out his own kind among the throngs of bodies but then, none of them were really like him. He was a monster through and through. Others might have claimed to be but none could compare to him. Cruel, clever, sadistic, a mind that worked twenty steps ahead it almost seemed like he could predict the future. No, being as worldly as he was he could simply read the patterns. And they were everywhere. Abel stepped from the shadows into the glow of the neon lights of the club that flickered and flashed. Casting a deep shadow across his pale face before lighting it up once more. Pale blue eyes that seemed almost colorless seemed to glow in the dim light of shadows that played around this brightly colored scene.

Yes, this would do.

Moving to the front of the line the large vampire moved to stop him but Abel simply held up his hand and the male seemed to stop in his tracks. A confused look coming over his rough features as he stood there almost dumbfounded. Abel moved pst him and into the club. Long wavy hair trailing behind him seemed to snake as if it were shadows come alive. Eyes scanned the inside of the establishment. Once again picking out the vampires that milled about. Drinking, dancing, doing devious things in dark corners. The smell of sweat, blood and sex hung heavy in the air. It was heady and had it effected him he might seem drunk from the experience. Luckily, he had a good head on his shoulders and was able to keep his senses about him. The vampire moved to the bar, having procured a pack of smokes within the time it had taken him to cross the room and a lighter as well. As he slid up to the bar he tapped on out, bringing it to his lips as he lit it and took a long, deep drag before expelling the smoke. He would linger here for a moment and see if there was anything worth his time before he moved on.  

[Uta]

He almost didn't notice him.

One moment the vampire had been there, the next he had moved soundlessly through the crowds. Brows knitting, the vampire couldn't help but want a better look -- to see who exactly was moving swiftly among them. At first it was just a passing curiosity, a quick glance, nothing more. But when the vampire stopped at the door of the club, it was a long enough look for Charm to want to know more.

Whoever the beauty was, Charm couldn't help but find himself beguiled. THe vampire had thick, luscious locks of curled and coifed hair, wrapping around him like tendrils of shadow. A hint of blue twisted through the ebony hair, with skin ash grey and pale beneath it. There was a flash of gold, some jewelry, some accessories, and a patterned jacket -- but none of that mattered. Who was this stranger? Charm was a bit of a gossip, and was on enough arms to usually know the who's-who of Hemlock. Whether he knew them personally, or had simply caught sight of them at some high profile party -- he couldn't place this mystery man and that just wouldn't do.

Whoever he was, Charm wouldn't be able to rest until he at least had a name.

While he didn't know the mystery vampire, he did know the Bouncer at the door. It didn't take the Toreador long at all to cut the queue, much to the objection of some--but he'd make up for it later. There were some perks of being a socialite among Kindred -- some doors opened far easier than they might have otherwise.

Slipping into the club, he smiled now and then at a few passing faces, but his body language made it clear he was on the hunt for someone in particular. He wasn't here to say hello, kiss cheeks, or push his way into a new coterie of friends and lovers to party. No, he wanted to find that mystery vampire--there was something about him that had caught his eye, and he would not be satisfied until his curiosity was sated.

Just another vampire at the bar, or so he appeared -- those long, dark curls a dead giveaway. Who was this stranger? Perhaps he'd be able to charm a name out of him, and soothe his need to know. Like a masterpiece hung upon the wall, Charm was just as fascinated by great beauty as any of his Toreador kin -- though it was rare he was struck by other vampires, it only proved this ghostly stranger was exceptional even among the exceptional.

Reaching into his pocket, his procured a long, delicate, cigarette holder. Vampires certainly loved to smoke, and while Charm wouldn't say it was something he did regularly on his own--but he did when he needed to make a statement, or chose to smoke socially. Whatever one needed to keep his company entertained. "Have a light, stranger?" He asked, turning his long lashed, crimson gaze over to his companion. He wasn't here necessarily to talk, simply look-- but it was an ice breaker. Just long enough for him to drink up that pale gaze and satisfy his need for closer admiration.

Yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

There were many eyes on him that was for sure. Vampiric hearing was quite useful and it seemed that he was the talk among the throngs of people. Or we’ll at least the current topic of conversation. Who was he? What clan was he from? Where had he come from? The prattling chatter was mere static to him. He could pick out bits and pieces that might seem useful but other than that if it didn’t give him a feel for the pulse of the club he filtered it out with great prejudice. No point in filling his head with such idle talk.

Before he had a change to close the flip lighter someone new slid up next to him. A dark eyebrow lofting slightly as a wicked smirk graced his lips. How forward. This one wasn’t coy at all. The others around him seemed to sense something was off and gave him a bit of a wide birth. Adverting their gaze before it had a chance to meet his own. Abel leaned over, holding the flame to the end of the cigarette, once it’s cherry flared to lift he snapped the lighter s**t with a quick flick of his wrist before sliding it into his coat pocket along with the cigarettes he had procured.

He turned his bsdy so that he could lean on his arm up against the bar and get a good view of this unknown vampire. It didn’t take him long to place the clan. It was written all over Charm. “Well hello beautiful. Let me guess….” Abel snapped his fingers before he pointed at Charm. “Toreador. Lucky me finding such a high class sort here of all places.” There was something about Abel that could draw you in. A coldness that left you wanting more even if you felt it’s freezing bite. He had a presence about him. Smooth but chilly. Little warmth lingered in those pale blue eyes and his charming smile was cold. Predatory. Like staring into the face of a shark before it opened it’s jaws and ripped a chunk of meat out of you.

“Tell me pet. What’s the good word among your coteries?” He leaned towards Charm. Creating a close intimacy that made one feel like the other gampire’s entire attention was solely on them. “I promise I won’t tell. Cross my heart and hope to die. Well, I suppose that’s already happened now hasn’t it?” A deep chuckle rumbled in his chest as he tapped a singular, long bright blue claw against the bar. He would entertain the Toreador until either he got bored or stopped being useful for information.  

[Uta]

Charm leaned forward so the tip of his cigarette could reach the flame. With his cigarette lit, he took a nice long drag, before blowing out the smoke, letting it circle his features like a wreath. "Many thanks," he mused, giving a small dip of his head, and a little lift of his cigarette holder.

Now that he was closer to the stranger, he let his gaze look him over. He certainly wasn't shy, and he only played coy when it suited his company. Whoever this vampire was, he was more than happy to take him in. Though there were smiles and conversation, Charm wasn't so easily fooled-- there was something about the other that had his Beast pace warily--but that only made him all the more intriguing.

Hemlock was a dangerous place, and the Kindred which lived there were no exception. The Toreadors were a soulful lot, but they were no innocents, either. As a model and muse, he lived his unlife among fake smiles, fake personalities, fake assets, and a lot eager to take down the competition. So it was, Charm wasn't put off by his Beast's wariness -- no vampire was an angel, but that's what made them alluring, what made the night interesting, at least to Charm. Getting to know the darkness among them was all they had in this unlife....

"Unlife's full of surprises," he countered with a smile. "Beauty can be found even among the darkest places, after all." Or in some cases, was the darkness itself. Taking another drag off his cigarette, he blew it to the side, before continuing. "Don't you think I fit in?" He asked with an arch of a brow. A glance around at the club and the clubkats that surrounded them, and his nose gave the slightest of crinkles. No, he supposed if he'd wanted to go clubbing, he'd pick a place that was a little more highbrow. "Right again, I suppose--but I didn't come here for them. I came in to get a better look at you."

No sense beating around the bush. Best to enjoy and appreciate the good-looking stranger while he had the opportunity. With how the other moved about the crowd, he doubted he'd stay for long. There was something about the other that Charm couldn't quite place his claw on.... but that's why he was here. He was different from the vampires he was accustomed to seeing, and that made him an interesting mystery. From bright blue talons, to shadow black hair... Who was he?

"Mmm, a little of this, a little of that. I suppose it really depends on what might be in it for me? A good Toreador shouldn't kiss-and-tell...but I might be feeling a bit naughty tonight." Would he give away Clan secrets? Not at all. But there was plenty of other information he could give; rumors that might (or might not) have any kernels of truth; gossip from his coterie. His social circle was large and there was always plenty to talk about and, best of all, judge.

Yayoi

 

[Yayoi]

Charm’s beast should be wary.

“Depends on what your idea of beauty is.” He flashed a wide grin, Pure white fangs that seemed unnaturally long even by vampire standards slipped from beneath his upper lip. “Would you find beauty in the spray of blood upon a brick wall as the throat of a mortal was ripped open. Or are your tastes more….mundane.” He tapped that long claw against the bar again as he tapped his cigarette against a nearby ashtray with his other hand. So far this vampire had done little to peak his interest, had given him little to assess or mull over. But that was had these things went sometimes. Either this interaction would prove fruitful or less than so.

Abel’s gaze swept around the room. Lingering on the dancing bodies that writhed against one another. Even in this time the primordial races danced to honor their Gods. Even if they did not know what it was they were truly doing. Worshipping at some fat deities altar, bloated and gluttonous as they feasted upon their tributes. Wasteful. “No, I think perhaps you belong somewhere less….” What word was he searching for. He took a long inhale of his smoke, it grew shorter rapidly as he inhaled perfor pulling it away and letting the smoke flow from between his lips. It lifted upwards before he inhaled it through his nostrils and exhaled the smoke once more. Snubbing the cigarette out before he pulled the pack out again and tapped another out. Letting it settle between his lips but not lighting it. Not yet. “Drab.” Itnwould do.

A dark, charming smile came to his ashes features as his eyes glittered dangerously. “Me? I’m nothing special.” Although perhaps that was as far from the truth as could possibly be. But what he was, who he was, it would not be revealed to this child. No, that honor would not be placed upon the Toreador’s shoulders. No on here deservesd it and always so few did. His secrets were not for the unwashed masses. Mortal or vampire.

Abel laughed again. A growl at the tail end of that deep laugh as he leaned his chin into the palm of his hand as he leaned on his elbow. Amusement glittering in his eyes as he took stock of the other male a bit more seriously now. Ok, for the moment he had his attention. What exactly could he want? From him? Well, there were any number of things. But there were any number of things Abel could want from the other vampire too. If he ever truly had wants from the children of Caine. “Name your price and perhaps we can strike a deal. If that is what you would like.” He gestured with his hand in a sweeping motion.

Uta