Morningstar Manor

It always got busier towards the end of the week and Kris currently had three customers on the go - one having her roots touched up by the excellent young lady he had recently hired, one under the hair dryer and a third just getting up from her chair, her faced wreathed in smiles.

"I'm glad you like it," he said. "Same time next week then?" She agreed that she would be there and took herself off and Kris let out a long calming breath and went to get a soda.

Sadie put down her book and picked up the phone on the fifth ring since nobody had answered in the office.

"Hello," she said. ""90 Fine Arts, City branch .... Oh hello Mrs Haycock." She smiled, having entertained a little fantasy about getting a job at the new York gallery. She felt it would suit her much better.

Marian Haycock said, "I understand that Mr Shaw and Miss Andrassi are both away at the moment. Have you got anyone else there or are you on your own, dear."

"Oh, no, Mr Loki's here," Sadie said.

"Well I'd like to speak to him then," Marian said.

"I'll try and find him," Sadie said, and called the office wondering if he'd pick up this time.

Though the weather was cool the sun was out and Loki wasn't covering at the gallery. Which meant he could be found in one of his favorite spots in the Manor - the gardens. And as usual he was in the arms of the angel statue reading his book, his long black coat hanging down between the angel's arms.

Mondays in the Mocha. Always a place to see lots of the Manor tenants.

Demitri sat in one of the overstuffed chairs, sipping his coffee and reading a book on the Irish Gaelic language. Okay so he wasn't having to learn things for a certain job anymore but that didn't mean he didn't like to learn. And he wanted to keep that little talent of picking up languages fresh. Never know when you might need it.

****

Jason was sitting near the door to the Mocha, sipping his coffee and having a bagel and keeping his eye on both the lobby and the Mocha itself.

****

Zack was curled up by the fireplace in the Mocha, legs crossed tailor style in the big chair and flipping through a graphic novel. He was deciding whether to brave the chilly weather outside or work from home today. So far home was looking most likely.

****

Loki usually wasn't one that could be missed but today he was dressed smartly for the gallery, bright hair tied back at the nape of his neck as he stood in line for a coffee. It was amusing to see the surprised looks.

Loki ( Read more... )

Emma ( Read more... )

And finally because while he'd never spoken to the woman she was a Manor tenant and he was outraged at what had happened, these with a ( note: )

Erin was pacing in the lobby while she was on the phone. Her nerves calmed down as she talked to Declan's talent scout. She was a pleasant sounding lady by the name of Amelia Jameson, and told Erin about what she would be expected to do as a model for Smashing. Nothing nude would be published and nothing she was uncomfortable doing would be expected. It sounded fairly simple and something she would be doing.

"Sure, I can be available all day on Thursday this week, or Saturday if that's better." She listened and nodded as she continued to pace. "Thursday it is then and I won't make plans for Saturday either, just to be safe." She said with a chuckle. "See you then, Ms. Jameson." Hanging up the phone she sighed and smiled and sank down into one of the chairs.

Niles was in the garage, wearing his usual jeans, green converse chucks, and a tight, black thermal shirt, wiping down Piglet with a soft towel. The slightly cooler weather of today had reminded him that winter was on the way and he needed to get her ready. Usually he would have just flown south and stayed down there but...Well...There were a lot of reasons he wasn't leaving anymore. He'd reserve that contemplation for another time.

Smith was out in the garden, pacing back and forth in dark pants and a dark blue long-sleeved t-shirt as he waited for a call from his boss. He'd followed Laura to work today and had gotten the license plate of the guy that was following her, although he hadn't seen the man clearly. it was a problem he wanted handled right away, as although he was 'retired' and had his days mostly to himself, he wouldn't be with her every second. 

Declan sat in the Mocha at a table by himself wearing a brown leather coat with a white v-neck t-shirt underneath, a red and white striped scarf, nice fitting jeans and brown boots. On the table in front of him was a large cup of coffee and the proofs for the latest shoot his new girl had done for Smashing. He was torn between two of the shots, attempting to decide what would be the cover.

First thing in the morning, Charlie paused on his way to open the gallery and looked at the sky. There was something in the air - just a little chill - that warned him to make the most of the good weather. Then he walked on, resolving to get the winter woollies out of storage that very weekend.

#

Around eleven Andy crossed the Square with her shopping list, Erik's suit, neatly bagged, over her arm and she too paused. But she was smiling as she watched a pigeon land on the head of the bronze angel. "Go on," she said. "Poop. You know you want to."

#

At noon Nick was at the other end of the Square, just coming out of a tatty little plumbing supplies shop that was nevertheless the only place within walking distance that stock a particular type of European metric dimension washer. Trendy French style bathrooms might look chic but they were a bugger to repair.

#

Lunchtime at the Auberge was part of the routine for Leo on working days and he sat and sipped his coffee while he waited for Paula to bring his salad. He was at a table outside, feeling he might as well make the most of what remained of the summer.

#

"May I?" Fin had asked as the tweedy Englishman had left the table and had got both somewhere to sit and that days local paper. He read it with as much relish as he ate his red onion quiche.

#

Vincenzo waited near the dance studio trying not to feel self concious about the bunch of pink rosebuds he was carrying. He glanced at his watch, then along the road hoping to see Emily but no, he was still a bit early.

#

Amarie romped through the Square on her way home from work. She had new shoes and had picked up pizza for dinner and all was right with the world, yeah, man. She paused at the lights, thumb busy as she sent a text to a friend, but took a moment to wonder at the scraps of mildewed ribbon tied to the upright by the crossing.

#

Del waited near the entrance of the Flamingo Lounge. He was carefully dressed, had a pale yellow rosebud in his lapel and was carrying a London Times. Sometimes customers liked a little intrigue and there was no way he'd say they couldn't have it.

They were late.

#

Jimmy had a bone to pick but the guy had fled. Much good it would do him. He OWED Max and Jimmy would collect. He'd give him one more chance and if he didn't pay up then Jimmy was happy to take payment in body parts.

Meanwhile he ambled along the sidewalk, killing time until he had to get to work.

#

Close to midnight and a horrible shriek disturbed the peace in the alley at the back of the gallery. Two bodies tumbled on the filthy paving, kicking and gouging, spitting curses, until one broke free and fled leaving quantities of ginger fur and a very pleased Palug. He rubbed a paw over a bloodied ear licked it and grinned. Just because he was off his usual patch didn't mean he wasn't still top cat.

He'd changed out of usual goth boy clothes and into a well tailored suit - though perhaps it was a bit on the goth side as well really. His red hair was pulled back with a silk ribbon and when he entered the gallery he smiled at lovely Fin sitting at the desk.

"Moi," he said.

Erin wasn't liking the overcast and about to rain feeling in the air today. No, it would mean that she'd be staying in tonight instead of going out. Rain wasn't anything she feared though, it just made everything slick and slipping when drunk wasn't the best idea. Especially if it could be prevented.

So she went to check her mail and catch up on the magazine flipping. Opening her mailbox, it showed she hadn't checked the contents in a while. The sorting table became her new friend while she chucked bills into one pile, magazines in another and the junk into the recycle bin. Among the bills was a letter from her brother. She opened it and leaned on the table as she read.

He was in the garden again, this time stretched out on the ground under the demon and leaning against its base. He had a different book this time - Dante's Inferno. But it looked even more ancient than his Poe. Of course there was a good reason for that. There were collectors out there that would, quite literally, sell their soul for it.

Shadows shifted, the sun flashed off his red hair, and Loki smiled to himself. This was a good place to see which of the many people Vision had mentioned might run into him. Or over him - since his legs were sticking out in the path.

Del was up early for once, bright eyed and bushy-tailed and amusing himself with the crossword in the local paper. He took a sip of coffee, gave Joy a blinding smile as she voluntarily refilled it and tried his best to ignore the amused look of the man two tables along.

Leo Beck scribbled on his feint ruled paper, half an eye on the time and half the other one on the man sitting near young Mr Avilar. For some reason he made him feel slightly edgy.

Palug hid in a dark corner behind a potted plant and growled softly - the sing-song snarl of a cat that's very very scared and trying not to show it. At no time did he take his eyes of the man and every time he moved the growl grew a little louder.

Fin Welch had started off in the Mocha but someone had brushed past him and he had started feeling the first gasping breathlessness of a full blown panic attack. Now he sat in the conservatory close to an open doorway and tried to get his breathing back under control.

Mr Vision sat with his coffee and his cigar, perfectly well aware of what was going on around him and thoroughly enjoying it.

The nice thing about being someone that didn't really need a place to live per say was that you could come and go as you pleased. And technically his name was still on the Manor tenant list anyway, probably marked under 'Other'. But that was fine with Loki, he was an Other after all.

One minute the garden was it's usual self and the next a young man with brilliant red hair and dressed all in black was laying up in the outstretched arms of the angel statue. He grinned at the demon statue across the path and then flipped open his ever present and badly worn copy of The Complete Works of Edgar Allen Poe.

Jason, wrapped up in the warm coats that were a part of the security uniform, walked the garden and used the time outside to have a cigarette. He'd been very busy and when he wasn't working he'd begun going back to his old ways - staying home or maybe going to the Slaughtered Lamb or O'Malley's for a beer. There was a comfort in that - in not being responsible to anyone but himself and his job - and it made Jason realise that much though he like Jazz and enjoyed their time together right now, he needed this more. Time to get used to just being himself again. He hadn't really done that after Adrian left.

Of course he had to figure out how to tell Jazz that but the fact he'd sort of stopped calling probably said something. Yeah he was a bastard, he knew it.

Blowing out a stream of smoke slowly he kept walking.

*******

Loki was in the Mocha, frowning into a cup of coffee. He and Arawn - Aaron, whatever - had discussed it over and over. And damnit if the man hadn't had a convincing reason every time. He and the hounds had already left even, only Loki stayed - trying to ignore the call home.

But he couldn't ignore it for long. Sooner or later he'd have to answer. He'd have to go.

*******

Eris was on the roof, relaxing in the hot tub and staring up at the glass roof of the pool house. It was to warm inside for snow to stick to the glass and so the sky above - looking like a lumpy cotton blanket - was easy to see. She was growing weary of the dreariness of the City in winter, tired of staying in one place. What was holding her here anyway? Certainly not Lilith, who she never saw. Not even her son, her father had done a good job of keeping him out of sight and out of mind.

Granted there were two she cared about. Two men who she didn't really want to leave. One - well she'd lost him already, really. But the other - maybe he might like a change of scenery too.

Loki lounged in the Mocha, watching the faint traces of snow falling outside. He missed real snow, open fields and thick woods all covered in white. It was beautiful. Not like this - this grey slush that gathered at the sides of the streets. At least it was a little bit better in the park and in the garden.

For now though he was content to sit curled in his chair by the fireplace, dressed in black jeans and a black thermal, firelight making his hair glow. Holidays were coming up. He supposed he ought to do something.

****

Max had moved in and unpacked and was now sipping a surprisingly good cup of coffee and strolling through the conservatory, listening to an update from the manager of one of his other clubs. Snow was beginning to fall in soft flakes outside and Max paused at a glass door, watching it.

"I'll be up over Christmas and we can go over the figures....Don't worry about it, Michael. It's a small enough discrepancy. I'll transfer some money into the account to cover it and when I get there we'll check the books...Right, no problem. I'll call you when it's tranfered."

He hung up the phone and sighed then dialed another number. "Jimmy, Michael's a problem. Time to see to his 'retirement'."

He hung up that call as well and then tucked the phone away. Sipping his coffee he sighed and watched the snow. The day was off to a good start so far.

****

He'd been neglecting the gym lately so Deacon had gotten up that morning and headed down there. Now, singlet stuck to sweaty skin, he was laying on the weight bench and methodically lifting weights.

Erin was smiling as she walked down the sidewalk to the gallery. It was slightly after three, but she'd gone into a small second hand shop on impulse, where she'd found a bracelet that had captivated her attention. It now adorned her wrist. Hopefully she wasn't too far behind schedule.

It was September 11th. Which meant that the only thing on the tv was various shows in remembrance of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Most of the people in the Mocha were either watching the tv mounted in the corner or doing their best to ignore it completely.

Demitri was doing a bit of both - watching as much as he could but his major hangover wasn't letting him focus for long. So instead he huddled over his coffee with his sunglasses firmly in place. Last night a couple of the boys from Siciliano's had convinced him to go out with them. It had been a mixture of fun and guilt and he'd drank more than he'd planned because of it.

Hangovers sucked.

*****

Eris might not be considered the most patriotic of people but even she couldn't not feel for what had happened. To be honest, it made her want to go take care of things herself. Just how big an explosion could she make anyway? She didn't know, had never let it go that much. But she really wanted to find out.

Especially since lately that itch had begun to really get strong again. It happened on occassion - the fire built up and up until she felt like it was rolling just beneath the surface of her skin and that destructive urge, that need to see the world on fire, prevailed in her thoughts. Maybe it wasn't like this for others like her but Eris had the blood of the Destroyer of Worlds in her veins. And today it was really close.

Close enough that she was sitting in a corner of the Mocha and slowly burning a piece of paper in an ashtray.

******

When Loki walked into the Mocha a few regulars did double takes. He was dressed for work at the gallery - black slacks, black button up, black tie, hair pulled back neatly. He got a cup of coffee and a bagel and sat down, looking just as much of the businessman as the rest in the room.

It was highly amusing.

Such a sad thing really, Angela getting shot. Figured that the one morning Loki hadn't been loitering in the square something exciting happened. Though in all honesty he'd have prefered it not been the dark haired woman who'd been hurt. She was fiesty. He liked her.

But it had happened and apparently at least one of the other employees was considering trying to take advantage of the situation (lawyers, he knew what level of the Underworld they'd be going to) and that was leaving the cute little gallery owner in a bind.

Well Shaw had offered him a job once...

The bell above the gallery door jingled as Loki opened it. Gone were the baggy jeans and netted shirts. Today he wore fitted black slacks that looked as if they'd been made just for him, polished black boots and a black silk button up that, while a bit on the Victorian or Renaissance side with the slightly baggy sleeves, looked very posh. Gone were the black nails and his bright red hair was brushed until it shown and pulled back in a tail at the nape of his neck.

Selling art. Oh yes that was something he could do very well.

Erin had still procrastinated on coming home. The air conditioning seemed to be fixed, but it had been nice to not rush home after work. She'd dawdled, done a little bit of shopping, and picked up her mail before heading in to the Mocha.

Now settled in at a table, she dropped her mail on the table to sort through. The big manila envelope caught her attention in the mail room, but now she looked closer at the return address. Grams. What the heck could that lady be sending her now? Erin thought as she ripped the top open.

It looked like a bunch of papers. She dumped the contents on the table and stared at a picture of a very well muscled man. Confused, she looked in the envelope and found a slip of paper that'd stuck to the inside. Her Grandmother's scriptish writing expressed concern that Erin hadn't settled down yet and assured all the men had been personally screened through her. She groaned and picked up another envelope, leaving the contents of Gram's spilled out on the table.

Erin had realized earlier this week that she hadn't gotten anything tangible to welcome Loki's new apartment. In her nightly procrastination of coming home, she'd picked up a present, and now stood outside his door with it, hoping he wasn't out.