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Tweak says, "/ <-- the scariest symbol"

Teritus "Wesley Drakon" Venizelos (tattooed_skin) wrote in halcyon_halls,
@ 2008-11-18 22:08:00

Entry tags:

cat, wes

Week Twenty-Two: Friday
Who: Open to all
Where: The Lux Hotel ballroom
What: Halcyon's first art exhibition
When: Evening

In about another minute, or so, he was going to collapse. For a guy who was normally laid back, and chill, Wes had been running around, like a chicken with it's head recently lopped off. That had been the theme of his movements for the past few weeks. Ever since he'd been told that the Lux wasn't going to be available for the original date he'd decided upon. Fuck, he could still murder that fucking kid... As it was, he was making do the best he could. It didn't hurt that he'd had help, from local friends, and a few eager art students.

The last week had been a crunch, getting all of the partitions constructed, and making sure they were structurally secure enough to support the art that would be hanging on them. The ballroom had been completely transformed. The vast open space, was now filled with half walls, elaborate lighting, sofa's, and table where the food, and drinks were located. In truth, Wes had fashioned it after the Lincoln gallery in the Smithsonian. He'd always liked the set up, thought it made for a good warm environment.

It wax relaxing enough, but not so comfortable, that people would want to lounge about, rather than be up, and enjoying all that was displayed. The turn out for art had surprised him. More people had decided to enter work, than he had expected. People outside of his own classes, for one, and the quality of work was higher than he thought it would be. He himself had work hanging about. Seven pieces in total. Newer works as well as some older pieces. He'd even already kicked of the bidding on a couple himself. Primarily two of the pieces Kat had dropped off. The Day of The Dead girl, which he'd fallen completely in love with, and the skull. Now, he just had to keep a close eye on their bidding.

"Remember, unless they show you a student i.d., proving that they are eighteen, or older, they don't get shit. I'm not getting in trouble for a bunch of drunk, idiot kids." He instructed the hired bartender, as his eyes raked over the table of booze. Vivian had originally been tapped to take care of the drinks, but her ass had fled the school... what the fuck was wrong with her? Leaving with that sadistic ass? He'd never understand some women. So, one of the tenders, from back in Vale's day had been asked to handle things, thankfully, they'd agreed.

The food had been another headache. At first, he had thought to ask Cat, but with it being such a grand order that would need filling, he didn't want to lay all of that on her. Too much work to stress over. Plus, if she was too busy fucking around with food, she couldn't spend time with him. See, Wes was a thinker, oh yes. As it was, he'd decided on Indian vegetarian. The spices put it well beyond bland, so, he couldn't see any of the carnivores complaining about it either. Besides, it was an art show, not a sit down dinner.

An hour before the show, when everything had progressed beyond the point of possible falling apart, he knew it was safe enough to dash off, and change for the evening. Which he did, catching a cab over to the parlor to change. Even with this being a fancy to do, he wasn't about to cram himself into a monkey suit, and be uncomfortable the entire night. No way in hell. But, he was so what dress. A red, gray, and black vertical stripped button down, black leather jacket, and unpacked jeans had replaced the normal... 1970's roadie look that he normally sported. His hair was still uncombed, but, at least his black leather combat boots were clean.

Fuck the haters, if they didn't like it, they could get the fuck out. After dressed, he'd returned to the ballroom, a pair of aviators sat perched on his nose, a jack, and coke in his hand. It was going to be an interesting night... he could tell.

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bearyourteeth
2008-11-22 11:16 pm UTC (link)

Cat was extremely interested in seeing what Wes had cooked up. She knew how hard he'd worked on putting everything together, especially when the original date at The Lux had fallen through, and she had to admire him for it. She was pretty sure no one had expected him to pull out all the stops the way that he had. Not that she knew all of the details, he'd been too busy to spill all of that during the weeks leading up to the events, but Cat was excited to see it all first hand. Hell, she was kind of glad he hadn't asked her to do all of the food. It meant she got to attend as a guest, as the girlfriend of the event's organizer, to just enjoy herself and the artwork on display instead of worrying that they were going to run out of something or that there would be some emergency situation involving a weird allergic reaction. No, she was extremely glad just to show up. And who could say, maybe there would be a piece or two she'd want to invest in. Given Wes' talent, that seemed to be fairly likely.

She wasn't exactly sure what the dress code for the night would be, but one had to make sure to dress to impress. Since she tended to opt for black or red, it seemed like something a little different was in order. Cat made sure to start the whole getting ready process early enough that she could peek in on Wes and see how he was holding up, check to see if he needed anything, before everyone else showed up. So she showered and put on her make-up for the night, shimmied into her dress and clasped her jewelry into place, straightened her dark hair into sleek layers that framed her face and hurried out.

Thankfully, catching a cab was relatively easy to do given that it was fairly common knowledge the school was having a big event tonight. Sliding into the back seat, Cat dug through her clutch for a few bills, instructing the cabbie to take her to the hotel. Steering the cab through the building traffic of the evening, eventually the driver pulled it to a stop outside. Leaning forward to pay him through the little window, Cat climbed out and headed for the front door. Nodding a greeting to the bellman, she made her way to the area Wes had reserved for the event. It wasn't hard to track him down - Wes had a tendency to stand out. "Hey good looking," she snuck up behind him, leaning over his shoulder to press a kiss to his cheek in greeting, "looks amazing in here. Smells even better."

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tattooed_skin
2008-11-25 01:56 am UTC (link)

"Well, well, lookie who it is." Wes said with a hint of a grin, leaning his head back to plant a kiss to her cheek. He turned then, wrapping his free arm around her waist, and pulling her into a hug. "Think so? It was a crunch, but, I think it looks okay. As for the food, I'm glad it smells alright, I haven't tasted it yet, so... let's pray that the taste matches the fragrance." Wes was relieved that she hadn't been disappointed that he hadn't asked her to do the menu. The last thing he wanted was for her to be insulted. But, Cat knew how much he enjoyed her cooking, so, that wasn't an issue.

His eyes swept over her outfit, "Speaking of good looking, someone dressed to impress tonight." Cat always looked good, whether dressed up, or down. There was something about a stunning woman that could do no wrong. "Want a drink?" He questioned, lifting his own to his lips, before he jerked his head in the direction of the bar table. With her hand tucked in his own, he lead the way through the growing crowd, "Give the lady whatever she asks for." Wes instructed the bartender, his eyes moving over the crowd, while she placed her drink order.

Folding his arms across his chest, his attention returned to her once more, his voice lowered quite a bit as he spoke. "It does look okay, right?" It had been a difficult task for him. He couldn't set the place up in his taste alone, otherwise it would look as crazy as the shop. He'd wanted it to appeal to all sorts of people, and he was still questioning whether that had been accomplished, or not.

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((I so never got a notification for this! *keels IJ*))

bearyourteeth
2008-12-09 10:45 am UTC (link)

"Didn't think I'd miss this, did you?" Cat grinned, leaning into him as he pressed a kiss to her cheek. She knew this was a big night for not only him, but for the students as well and she wanted to be here in support of both. Much of the artwork on display really was incredible, she could see how a few of the kids were going to make quite a nice little wad of cash for their work. She slid an arm around Wes' waist, glancing back at the food laid out for the night, "I think you'll be fine. It looks pretty good to me." No, for once it was nice not to have had to worry about the menu. She could just show up and be the supportive girlfriend. Besides, she'd looked into the caterer that he'd decided to use and heard a lot of good things, which put her even more at ease.

"You like, huh?" she grinned, giving a playful little spin just for him. "You look pretty good yourself." Cat leaned in to steal another quick kiss from his lips before he could offer her a drink. "Sure, sounds good," she followed him through the crowd towards the bartender, stepping forward to order herself a drink. The place was starting to fill up in no time and even a casual glance revealed a number of interested buyers lining the walls. Once her beverage was done, Cat reached over to take it, thanking the bartender with a smile before she returned to Wes' side.

"It looks great in here," she reassured him, reaching up to run a hand over his back in a light caress. "Really. You did an amazing job. Good food, great bartender, the art looks incredible..." All in all, she didn't see how the night could be anything other than a success. It was perfect, really.

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ooc: Excuses, excuses :-p. Kidding, I love you!

tattooed_skin
2008-12-10 12:26 am UTC (link)

His lips smushed together, his brow arched, and he gave a little shrug, "I didn't think you would, but you never know." He was teasing her, of course he hoped, and expected her to show up. He would have been disappointed if she hadn't. After all, there were only a handful of people he could tolerate holding a conversation with. His kids, she, and a few students were it. Most of the others... well, they left him wanting to shoot himself in the head. Or with a desire to say something so offensive, that they would walk away, and never return. You had to do whatever would work. "Yeah? Well, I hope so. I'd hate for the first ever Halcyon art show to be a complete flop, because I didn't pick the right wine, or some shit like that."

"I do. Then again, I like you in all states of dress, and undress. So, I might be a bit bias." No, he wasn't the only one who appreciated her outfit. The occasional stares she was getting from the male population of those gathered was proof enough of that. "Well thank you, I actually attempted a look a few throws from my normal scum bag get up. Who knew I owned clothing that wasn't patched?" His nerves were showing, in the way he pretty much insulted himself. Weird, this was his event, and he felt a bit out of place. That was the down side of the art world. The artist were cool as hell, but the buyers made him uncomfortable.

Swishing his drink around, he once more lifted it to his lips. "Thanks, doll." He was glad that she could see all the work he put into everything. Her words were reassuring him, which he did need at the moment, whether he let it be known or not. "Come here, I want to show you what my kid did." He took her free hand in his own, before leading her over to the section where he knew Kat's work to be displayed. He had wanted to keep them together, that way he could stay on top of the bidding. "If the personality wasn't proof enough of our genealogy, her work is." His hand lifted, as he pointed out each of the four paintings his eldest daughter had entered. "The Day of the Dead girl, and skull are going home with me for sure. I'll punch someone if I have to."

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Re: ooc: I SO SORRY! lol

bearyourteeth
2008-12-10 09:11 am UTC (link)

She gave him a playful nudge in the ribs for his teasing. "And given my fascinating social life, where else would I have gone tonight?" Cat could tease right back. Seriously, though, there was nowhere else she would have even thought about going. This was a big night for Wes, she wanted to be here to support him. Even if the buyers or the students kept him so busy that this was really the only chance they got to talk to one another all night, she just wanted him to know that she was there. She knew that was enough. "Somehow I think this show could survive with a paltry wine selection." The quality of the art on the walls was enough to distract from any negatives that might arise - not that she could see any so far. He really had done a great job from what she could see.

Cat chuckled lightly, leaning into him, "Well that feeling is mutual, so maybe we're both a bit biased?" No, she'd definitely never complain about his state of dress....or lack thereof. His colorful style definitely tended to draw a bit of attention where ever they went, she'd noticed that much. But then didn't women always tend to have that draw to a 'bad boy?' To someone rough around the edges? Even Cat could admit that it was part of what had initially caught her interest about Wes, she liked that he was dramatically different from any other man she'd ever spent time with. "Well, I think you look great. I think this place looks great, so stop worrying and relax," she assured him with a smile, sensing his nerves. It was an easy thing to pick up on when you'd spent so much time around someone - especially when it wasn't usually a scent they were giving off.

"Ok," Cat nodded, letting him lead the way through the growing crowd of buyers to an area where Kat's work was hung. There was a definite tie between her father's tastes and hers - that much was obvious to anyone who'd met the pair. It was impressive to see the level of skill the kid had, she had to admit. "She's really good." Kat may have wanted to deny her link to Wes, but it was clear as day on the canvas hanging before them. Not only that, but the art truly was impressive and not just because she'd obviously inherited some of Wes' skill, but because it seemed that she had tons of her own. "Somehow, I think you really would, too," she grinned lightly, giving his hand a squeeze. She wouldn't doubt for a moment that he'd lay someone out on the rug if they dared to try and take Kat's paintings that he had his eye on. That was Wes for you.

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tattooed_skin
2008-12-15 11:45 am UTC (link)

"You hang out with me, you can't get more fascinating than that. I say your social life is one to be envied." Yes, because everyone was just dying to spend time with Wes. Yeah, whatever. He knew she had her friends within the school, among the teaching staff, as well as friends working on the island. It wasn't as if they spent every waking moment together, nor expected to. Had the tables been turned, and this was an event of her making, he would have shown. Without a doubt, without a second thought. Just as she was his arm candy tonight, he'd be her arm candy when the time came. Though, he refused to wear such a plunging neck line. He was far too modest. "I think you maybe right. Hopefully everyone has some sort of drink. And those drinks inspire them to bid on the work."

One just had to love a woman, who didn't mind having a boyfriend who looked like he was wearing a shirt, even when he wasn't. His torso was graffitied up like the rear of a seven eleven. Eventually, he'd be completely covered. His legs for the most part were bare, as he had promised Kat one of his calves, once she trained up a bit. Hairy, and tattooed, those were his goals in life, and thus far, he was doing a great job in upholding them. "Maybe we are, but I see no problem in that. Who knew that enjoying your significant other naked would be a good thing?" He said in that dry sarcastic tone. "Alright, I'm working on the relaxed thing. I haven't had anyone annoying come up, and start chattering at me, so, I think I can stay relaxed."

The fact that Wes didn't think Kat was a complete bitch, and rather encouraged her behavior should be evidence enough. He liked to think that he was one of the few people that understood her... to an extent. He had an idea of what life had been like for her, and he understood. He knew what it was like not having real parental figures growing up, and having to fall back on wit as a defense. Shit on everyone, before they shit on you. That's all it was. "She is. I'm teaching her how to tattoo now. She designed this bitchin' graphic for her helmet, and it would make for the perfect tattoo. That's when I suggested she ought to look into legal torture." Thus far, she seemed to be enjoying it. Hell, things had been great between them lately. They could always be better, but he was happy. Wes nodded, "Oh I would, but... this guy." He said, casually pointing out a nervous looking fellow luring near one of Kat's paintings. "He's either an obsessive fan, who really wants that painting, or... he's gonna go on a killing spree in a few. Neither would surprise me, but I'm hoping it's not the latter." Strange sense of humor.

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bearyourteeth
2008-12-16 03:34 pm UTC (link)

They were both far too old to be that couple that spent all of their time together. It would have just been pathetic, really - adults unable to be separated for very long. They each had their own friends, their own activities on the side to fill the time. Wes didn't really seem the type to be too into the 'clingy' chick, anyways. Anyone that didn't present at least a bit of a challenge wasn't someone Cat would guess lasted long in his world. Besides, his company wasn't everyone's cup of tea. Thankfully, it was hers and that seemed to be a feeling that was shared in return. They enjoyed what time they did spend together, so really that should be all that mattered. "I don't think you're going to have any problems getting people to bid on the art," she assured him, casting a glance around at the crowd that seemed to be growing by the minute.

Cat had never had a thing for men with tattoos prior to Wes. Sure, she'd been with a couple of guys that had a few pieces of ink, but never someone that was so nearly totally covered. She had to admit that, laying in bed next to him, the contrast between his skin and hers was a bit of a turn on. She couldn't help but assume he felt the same - he always did seem to enjoy exploring the unmarked expanse of her flesh. She gave him a playful smirk at his little remark about the two enjoying one another naked, biting back the retort that suddenly sprang to mind. This was his event, his night, after all...it wouldn't look good if he disappeared before it was even half over. "I'll help you relax later," she winked playfully, settling for that little promise instead.

Cat didn't really know Kat well enough to pass judgment on the girl yet. Sure, she'd heard about her reputation, but Wes was her father...surely genetics had a part in that. She'd just have to hold off making up her mind on that until she'd met his daughter - which might be an issue on its own. Something told her that if Wes was having this much difficulty getting his daughter to spend time with him, she wasn't going to have any interest in meeting daddy's girlfriend. Which was no skin off Cat's back, Wes had made it clear that their relationship wasn't dependent on what his daughter thought. There was no need to rush - they'd get to all of that in their own time. It was nice to hear that he and Kat were making progress, though - it had been obvious how much of a toll her anger had been taking on him. Her eyes slid to the guy Wes pointed out, biting back a smile at his assessment. "You want me to distract him so you can win the paintings there, Proud Papa?" she grinned, sliding an arm around his waist. It was nice to see that little gleam in his eyes, he truly was so proud of his little girl.

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tattooed_skin
2008-12-18 12:28 am UTC (link)

"I think you might be right. There is so serious talent among the submissions." Of course some were just standard, moderate work, nothing to write home about kind of stuff. At least, in his opinion. A lot of the shit that sold as high class modern art now a days, he was pretty sure a five year old could paint better. He didn't understand the appeal of that sort of thing. Yes, art was supposed to be meaningful, and all that. But, to say a big red dot held some kind of deep rooted meaning, was bullshit. That was a lazy ass painter. Plain, and simple. Abstract was amazing, if a little thought was out into it. "If worse comes to worse, I can always go around and threaten people. You know the whole, no loitering without buying thing. That might work." He did want to raise a decent amount of money for the charity after all.

There was something about a nearly blank canvas of skin that fascinated him, that was true. He was around heavily tattooed people all the time, it had been apart of his life for a very long time. So, seeing someone that wasn't as 'corrupted' was a treat. Tattoos were decoration, but they were also a way to hide, a way to change. Compared to his own, it was curious to see all those parts of the body, that on himself were hidden. He thought it fit Cat's personality, considering she hadn't really hid anything from him in the length of their relationship. She might have held off on spilling the beans on her family, but that wasn't the same. His brows then, "Can you? Well, I'll just have to keep that in mind." Yeah, for later, the evening would be lost otherwise.

Truth was, Kat had made it more than obvious that she didn't want to hang around Dad, and his girlfriend. She didn't want to play happy family, as she put it. Wes didn't quite understand why she had an issue with the older woman, but he hadn't pushed the issue. If the kid didn't want to do it, she didn't want to do it. There was nothing that he could do about it. So, he simply split his time between them, but invitations to some day meet, and hang out would always be offered. For that possible day that she might say yes. But no, Wes wasn't going to be bullied by his kids about dating. He'd lived too damn long to put up with that. He didn't ignore his kids, and he pretty much spoiled them, and helped them out when they asked. Wes gave a short gruff laugh, "Nah, I think his head might explode if you try to distract him. I don't feel like picking pieces of skull off of the paintings." The crazy could have the painting. The others, they were so his.

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bearyourteeth
2008-12-18 06:41 pm UTC (link)

Wes had definitely managed to round up the cream of the crop as far as the students with artistic talent. There was a piece or two that she had her eye on as well - she'd have to slip away and see what they were going for. Like Wes, there was one she wasn't going to leave without, even if it meant using one of those heels of hers against somebody to take them out of the running. The other she could do without if she had to, but she'd spied a painting across the room that she had the perfect place for. "I don't know that you're going to need to go that far, seems like the buying is going pretty well." The row of paintings stretching out in front of them seemed to have plenty of interest from the crowd - she was betting raising money wasn't going to be an issue for him, especially not when there was that tempting addition of a charitable tax write-off.

It seemed it was an attraction that went both ways, liking the other for how they differed. He liked her skin because it was bare, she liked his because it was decorated where hers was not. She rather liked laying in bed next to him, tracing over the lines of the various tattoos that covered his limbs. It was a nice contrast, one that it seemed each of them enjoyed to the fullest. "I'm sure I can come up with something," she grinned, raising her glass to her lips for a final sip. What good was all that chemistry between them if they couldn't make good use of it?

Cat wasn't personally aware of just how disinterested Kat was in spending time with Dad and his girlfriend, but given what she had picked up about the girl's personality, it wouldn't be that much of a revelation. There was no use in worrying about it, when the time was right then the meeting would take place. Clearly it hadn't affected things in either relationship so far and that seemed to be enough for everyone. She couldn't speak for his daughter, but Cat wasn't about to force Wes to choose between either of them. Why couldn't a man date and spend time with his children? Why did one have to affect the other? She didn't think it had to. Besides, he was so proud, so supportive of everything that Kat was doing that the girl would be worn down eventually - no one could withstand that kind of unconditional support forever. Wes surely wasn't backing down, which was obvious given his rabid adoration of some of her work on the wall. She chuckled at his reaction to her offer, sliding an arm around his waist, "Well, then you'll just have to beat him out of the running."

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tattooed_skin
2008-12-23 12:58 pm UTC (link)

Heels were an amazing thing sometimes. On more than one occasion, Piper had used hers to get his eyes in check, or if he had said something stupid. It normally wasn't the latter, considering he would rather not waste his breath to insult some people. Only those who wouldn't get the fucking obvious hint. Then they needed to be put in their place. No, he was usually caught starring at another woman, and that always earned him either a jabbing with the heel, or an elbow to the ribs. He always thought that looking should be allowed, but nothing more. But, given how he didn't follow that rule even, he couldn't really blame her for getting annoyed when he seemed to be shopping for booty. "I might not have too, no. But, if the evening is boring, I can reserve that for entertainment purposes." It was always funny to see faces of people who couldn't tell whether he was joking, or not.

He'd often wondered how he'd look now, if he'd never gone, and gotten all the art work done. Would it have changed him in only appearance, or as a person completely? He felt that it was all so much apart of him, that he wouldn't be the same without it. Art was not only his passions, but this sort was apart of the culture that he loved being in. We could remember when his kids were small, how they were just completely fascinated with his tattoos. They'd spend the longest time just examining him. River had always been one to say that he was going to get tattooed like his Daddy one day. Hell, now, he probably wouldn't do it, just to rebel.

Wes had been surprised that she didn't seem to mind being around her brother much. He was in the shop often enough, but the two really didn't speak to one another. It was probably for the best, he didn't want to have to break up that fight. Especially when he couldn't take a side. Most people would probably think that he was far too lax on his kids. He really let them get away with everything. But, he figured that everyone had a right to screw up on their own terms, and learn from it. His kids had demon blood, and would leave a great deal longer than any human. They had plenty of time to figure shit out. Besides, as much as he had fucked up, he couldn't scold anyone. "Beating is an easier solution I think." His arms went around her in return, pulling her close, before he placed a kiss to her neck. "So, see anything you can't live without?"

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