Morningstar Manor

The weather as cooling off quickly and many of the Manor tenants were stopping in the Mocha in the evenings for coffee not only for the ritual of it but for the warmth as well. Tonight for instance it seemed rather busy.

JJ was flipping through a magazine Deacon had let him borrow.

Jack was looking through some proofs of his latest batch of head shots.

Gabe was preparing the spa's next supply order and had decided that doing it in the Mocha - with coffee - was far better than doing it in the spa itself.

Max - dressed for once in jeans and a form fitting t-shirt instead of a suit - sat in one of the over stuffed chairs with an iPad in his lap as he sipped his coffee. But he wasn't doing work. He was playing Angry Birds.

Loki had another overstuffed chair, his coffee, and another old and battered book. Not Poe this time. No this one was the works of de Sade. And it was autographed.

Kara had worked two long shifts and was - thank GOD - done for a solid twenty four hours. She could get coffee at the Lamb of course but she had been craving a Mocha Latte all day and now she waited in line to get one.

Niles was sitting in the Mocha, sprawled across one of the couches staring with an entirely confused expression at the cook book that was open in his lap. He'd been kicking around the idea of surprising Elspeth with something nice and boyfriendy. Someone had suggested a romantic dinner. He didn't know how to cook much other than Cajun food, which he prepared for them all the time. So... Something different? And how the fuck did anyone find a keish appetizing?

Smith was on his way from the garage back into the Manor, tugging impatiently at his tie. Who the hell decided formal dress on a day as hot as this was a good idea? Suits made him feel suffocated on the best day, and that feeling was only quantified when it was hot enough to melt balls outside. Disguested, he tugged his jacket off too for good measure and caught sight of the awesome wet rings under his arm pits from sweat in the reflective doors of the elevater. "Brilliant," he muttered to himself.

Declan was out in the garden, though he was safe in the shade as smoke billowed from his mouth while he talked on his cell phone. The daughter of someone his mother had known had recently gone missing and apparently they suspected the same person that had left the governor's daughter spread all over the City in little bits. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he muttered a series of "uh huh" "yes, mother" and "I will," as he promised to keep a closer eye on Sterrin. As though that were possible.

Drew stood in line in the Mocha, still in his hospital scrubs as he rubbed warily at his forehead. He was glad these scrubs, the rather unbecoming shade of green that they were, were at least comfortable and lightweight. They made days like today, after he'd had an especially bad day, more tolerable. Yes, it only meant that he didn't have to fuck with a button and a zipper when he was ready to crawl in bed, but sometimes you just had to appreciate the little things in life.

Seamus was in the lobby, having just come from visiting Conn to discuss something about the Lamb. Bloody hell, this place was swanky. It was the sorta gig that made him feel like he had to take his shoes off at the fucking door or something equally ridiculous. Shaking his head, he paused at the door to the Mocha and contemplated running in and getting a muffin before he headed back to the Lamb. He'd have to eat quick, though. Otherwise Dermot would get his grubby little dick-skinners on it and he'd never see it again.

Callan was in the Gardens, checking his cell phone while Amelia pranced around and slowly went about doing her business. He'd never understand the mindset of dogs. He certainly didn't play hopscotch before going piss everytime he went into the bathroom, but maybe he was going about it wrong. He waved to Declan who waved back, but looked entirely flusterd on the phone. Wiping at the sweat on the back of his neck, he muttered to the dog to hurry up.

Jude was in the Mocha, sitting relaxed and casual and alone at one of the tables while looking at a test run of one of the new roller coasters they were designing for the park. It was based off of one of the last movies, something about a frog that could dance, but somehow they could never get the roller coaster's safety bars to stay down when it went through the first loop. The human sized dummy fell out every time. Smirking a bit to himself, he contemplated suggesting to put the ride on through as is. It'd be a nightmare in one aspect, but in another...

Jude was sitting at a table in the Mocha, flanked by his girls as always though they were invisible right at the moment. He was flipping through the New York Times, a slight furrow in his brow as he read over the stock sections.
He was still doing amazing. He supposed having the father that he did made for some allowances.

Sipping his coffee, he turned the page, thinking about nothing in particular and not really paying attention to anyone.

Gabe was finally feeling more human and not like death had warmed over and so had gotten dressed in jeans and a soft blue t-shirt and headed down to the Mocha. He was now curled in one of the armchairs, sipping a huge sugary coffee and checking email on his phone, only the occassional sniff any sign that the cold still hadn't left completely.

***

Jason sat at his usual table - where he could see all - and took the time to enjoy his coffee and bagel before he had to head to the front desk.


***

There was a shipment coming in this morning and Kara needed to be at the Lamb to receive it but she had a bit of time for coffee and one of the Mocha's huge chocolate chip muffins first and was enjoying that at a table near the window.

***

Max had a meeting at ten - which meant there was time for coffee first. He sat at a table looking through the paper while Micah stood in line to get their drinks.

***

Just outside the Mocha, in the gardens, Loki prowled - annoyed. Dressed in tight black jeans, combat boots, and a black singlet his pale skin seemed to glow against the dark ink of his various Nordic tattoos and the sunlight made his hair look like angry fire - matching his mood.

The Mocha was hoping as it usually was in the mornings.

Max sat at his usual table, dressed in black slacks and a crisp white shirt, and went through his appointments for the rest of the week. He'd been a busy man and it was nice to be able to sit for a bit and enjoy a coffee.

***

Jack had a horrible hangover. He'd celebrated Cinco de Mayo in a big way and was now paying the price for it. Huddled in a corner of the Mocha he sat with sunglasses over his eyes and drank from a large mug of the strongest coffee they had.

***

Jason was taking a small break for another cup of coffee and leaned against the wall in the Mocha where he could see everyone. The workers on the roof were keeping him busy. The had contractors they always used of course but this job required more than the normal men and outsiders always made Jason twitchy.

***

Loki was bored. Bored bored bored. Which was never good for anyone involved. He was draped over his usual armchair but instead of reading from his usual book he was simply staring into the fireplace, the flames reflecting in his eyes.

Darkness.

It was Vision's favorite flavor.

He slid his tongue across his teeth, already tasting what was to come. And what was that? A knock on his door? A discreet murmur from Mary, that lovely spirit who served him so well?

"Send them in," Vision said, and waited.

Sometimes the Mocha was just as busy at night as in the morning. Tonight, for example, there were several familiar faces.

Jason - still in uniform but officially off work - was sitting alone at a corner table. To say he'd been busy after the accident in the pool house was an understatement. It had left him tired and cranky and, strangely, depressed. Watching all the people fuss over their loved ones had only reminded him that he didn't have one. No one really. Elspeth was busy with Niles - who Jason still said wasn't good enough for her. And since Lilith had left and - Adrian - well that left Jason with no one once again. Normally that didn't bother him. Tonight it was.

Maybe he'd go for a drink later. It had been a while since he'd been out.

***

Gabe had finished his last appointment for the day and decided a coffee was in order. One with lots of sugary goodness in it and more calories than any man should have in a single day, let alone a single sitting. Kris was likely off with Demitri doing things illegal in several states (at least he hoped Kris was) so that left him with a bit of nothing to do.

He flopped down into a chair and began checking his text messages.

***

Loki was back. Had he been gone? Sometimes he didn't even know. But he was here tonight taking up most of one of the couches as usual. Dressed in the typical all black with combat boots he flipped through the pages of a battered book. He'd missed the disaster at the pool. Which really just sucked. It had to have been spectacular.

***

Dressed in scrubs and with his bag on his shoulder Rhys got in line for the counter. He had plenty of time before his shift started to get a coffee and chill out a bit.


[ooc: my schedule this month is insane so apologies if I'm not around or drop threads. I'll try to keep up.]

Zack was beginning to feel a bit better. It had been very touch and go for a while and if Brendan hadn't been staying with him he might well have ended up in the hospital. But he'd gotten through what he hoped was the worst and now actually felt up to going down to the Mocha for a coffee and to nibble on a muffin.

He looked pale, small in his oversized hoodie and scarf. He'd lost weight and that didn't help matters and his eyes had dark shadows under them but they twinkled again now and his smile, though tired, was genuine.

He sat curled on one of the couches near the fireplace and answered an email from his iPhone while he waited for Brendan to come back with their coffee.

***

Gabe had had a grand time with the photoshoot but he was glad it was done. Lewis, bless him, was a dear and lord knew Gabe had had a fine time with a few of the models but he could only handle them all for so long was thankful he had his and Kris's apartment to themselves again.

Sitting at a table he chuckled as he replied to a text to one a friend. Oh the gossip that had come from that shoot!

***

Eris sat at a table, sipping a white chocolate mocha and looking through various brochures on various tropical places. Money wasn't a problem and she knew Daddy would keep her apartment open for her so how long to be gone wasn't an issue either.

The only question was where to go?

***

Loki was sprawled in one of the overstuffed arm chairs, legs dangling over one arm and head dangling over the other, bright red hair nearly touching the floor. His eyes were closed, headphones stuck in his ears and playing something with a low bass loud enough to be heard by passers by.

***

Max was headed to Sanctuary but he had a bit of time yet so stopped into the Mocha for a coffee and found himself an empty table to enjoy it at as he flipped through a newspaper someone else had left.

Erin had packed away all her decorations today. It had seemed silly for her to decorate anyway, since it was just her here on her own. She'd dressed today for comfort and fun in a bit of leather, denim and gauze. Her boots came up over her knee and her shorts were short enough to show off a lot of her thigh. Her vest matched her boots and made her tank top look less see through than it was, but it was only a ruse after all.

Once everything had been put away, she opened up a book and lounged on the couch. It wasn't until she heard a knock that she started to get anxious.

Erin had to work today, but she left a package for Loki in addition to her drop off for the secret Santa thing. The card was almost the same size as the box, but she hoped he'd read it first. Inside it said: Loki, Have a happy solstice. I've got to work but should be home later if you want to stop by. ~ Erin
P.S. The symbol means "The Wild Child"


OOC: slowtime understood, just wanted to get this up on the right day...

The Manor was filled with a festive spirit. Nick had fixed the lights on the massive tree in the lobby so it was twinkling brightly. More decorations had been strung through the lobby and Mocha and gave the Manor a warm glow. A wide variety of Holiday music played on the intercom system, softly enough not to be over bearing.

Jason sat at the desk and even he had a bit of a smile on his face. He liked Christmas music. Especially when he caught a bit of what was being played down in the ballroom.

Jack and Zack were having a spur of the moment jam session, Jack on the old baby grand piano and Zack with both his acoustic guitar and his bass, switching between the two depending on the song. And if some of their songs were a bit heavier than the traditional holiday music - oh well.

Eris was decorating her apartment. Hey even she could get into the spirit from time to time.

Kara was in a pair of comfy pjs and sitting in a pile of presents and wrapping paper on her living room floor. She had her own Christmas music playing on her stereo - lots of good ole Irish tunes in there of course - and was happily wrapping away.

Hugh was wandering the Manor - humming along to the music playing over the speakers and searching for something he had seen in a dream the night before. But he just knew it was really here.

Erik, bundled up in coat and scarf was in the garden enjoying the freshly fallen snow.

Loki sat in the Mocha, sipping coffee and wondering how much trouble he'd get into if he made the tree in the lobby vanish.


[ooc: Even those not mentioned here are available if you want them, just say. Only pups not here for play are Deacon and Demitri as they are out of town.]

Erin hadn't slept last night. She'd stayed with Niles, but laid in his bed awake the majority of the night. Maybe she'd gotten an hour, if that, worth of sleep. Not enough to put up a pretty front for Joy this morning, so she got her coffee to go and as she turned with it nearly spilled it on the person behind her.

"Shit, sorry." She said, probably looking like shit herself since her face felt puffy.

Kara hated dressing up. She wasn't a girly girl - she was far more comfortable in jeans and tshirts or flannels than in dresses. But sometimes you just had to. Like tonight when your bar was being given an award for one of the best bars in the City. She'd found out last minute and though she technically wasn't the owner - Connor still was - he couldn't go so Kara was filling in.

Hence the dress she was wearing now. But she had a bit until her cab arrived and so she had gone into the Mocha for a coffee, ignoring the looks she was getting.

****

Loki was sprawled over the couch closest to the fireplace, soaking up the warmth as he flipped through his old and battered copy of Poe.

****

Hugh was in the Mocha as well, reading glasses in place, hair sticking up wildly. He'd just had the oddest dream. Well he assumed it was a dream at least - and he must have been sleep walking. Because he didn't remember coming to the Mocha. But at least he had his notebook with him and now he was hastily jotting down the bits he did remember.

Erin had forgotten about checking her mail when she got home. Instead she was down in the mail room before bed. She was dressed comfortable enough to go home and climb in bed, her hair still wet from her shower. She found a small slip of paper with a name on it for the Manor's secret Santa, her cell phone bill and her car insurance bill. Sighing deeply she closed the box and turned around. It shouldn't have bothered her to have nothing from Loki, but it did. There had to be something wrong with her.

Erin had written Loki this letter a while ago. Before the attack and recovery had happened. She hadn't seen him around recently, but she hadn't gone to find him either. She slipped it in his mailbox and walked back out, hoping he hadn't taken off again.

Kara yawned as she entered the Mocha. Dressed comfy and warm today in a pair of worn jeans and a men's plaid flannel shirt - though she couldn't remember where she got it, old boyfriend, one of her brothers, or maybe Niles? - and a pair of ratty and ancient Converse sneakers, she wasn't exactly all feminine but she made it look good anyway. The necklace Niles had given her hung round her neck, as it always did, and the shirt was unbuttoned enough to show it and a bit of cleavage off.

Things had picked up at the Lamb since she'd gotten that new tea in and she had to admit, it wasn't half bad. She still stuck mainly to coffee though. This morning, for once, there were no deliveries to be made and she had people covering the lunch shift. Which was good. Kara needed to catch up on her laundry and grocery shopping for one.

But first, coffee.

****

Loki was already in the Mocha, draped over an arm chair and sipping one of the new Chai lattes. One sip and he'd laughed, tasting what the rest of the people were getting so hooked on. It was probably good for the rest of the world that those such as Loki weren't affected by it. He had a shift at the gallery later but for now was in his usual black - skinny black jeans and a black thermal shirt this time, a rosary dangling round his neck.

A new week. What trouble should he get into this time?

****

Micah was up early today. There were a few 'errands' he needed to run for Max, then he'd have time for lunch - hopefully with Isabella - and then the club that evening. It was jeans and security shirt at the club tonight and since the errands this morning didn't require a suit Micah had put on jeans, black Doc Martins, and a tight black t-shirt. His leather jacket at the moment was draped over the back of a chair and he was drinking his coffee and checking emails via his iPhone.

Lots to do but for a Monday he was in a good mood.

Laura stood in the Conservatory with a cup of tea in her hands and a frown on her face. She was still trying to figure out if she had been just incredibly drunk or something in the party to think that the place had been a tropical island, and to forget all about safety or privacy. Now the Conservatory looked like it always had before Saturday night, and she was wondering if she should find out if it had simply been decorated very well.

It was half past ten and the phone hadn't stopped ringing yet.

Sadie had eyes like saucers, Leena was so rattled that she was answering in Finnish and Charlie was in the office trying to deal with each call on it's own merits.

But this one - the one he was currently taking - was to Marian herself and Leena shut the doors and turned the gallery radio up a bit to try and drown out Charlie's voice. Despite herself, she was quite impressed, even though she felt sorry for him.

But customers and visitors still needed serving so she pasted on a bright smile as the bell on the door jingled.

the New York 290 was a very different set up to the boho little gallery in the City. For a start it was all plate glass, blonde timber and brushed steel. Additionally the hostesses were all tall slender, business suited women with brief chilly smiles and appraising eyes.

They had allowed Fin and Andras in when Fin produced the email and his press card, but he didn't feel welcome.

The other surprise was that, far from the sculptures he had expected, the gallery was displaying photographs. Something to do with a mishap at the sculptors studio that had ruined the plans.

"So," Fin said to Andras. "Have you heard of this guy then? Richard Udridtz?"

Jon had a feeling he was missing something. And when he had that feeling it could be bad news for the Manor until he had tracked the source down.

The Mocha was a good place to start. Sooner or later everyone came in there.