Well. He was finally doing it. He was getting himself out there and making new friends. No more excuses, no more pining over a best friend who didn’t feel the same way or, if he did, would never do anything about it. Jacob was, finally, doing something for himself. Finally allowing himself to have fun without worry. Or without too much worry. Being around humans was always a tricky thing. Being around humans while, possibly, inebriated was an even trickier thing.
He pushed those thoughts out of his mind as he slipped out of the apartment and made his way over to Eliot’s. Now wasn’t the time to worry about possible slip-ups that could send him back into hiding or build up enough anxiety that would have him canceling this. He needed to get out and have fun as much as the newcomer needed to get out and explore the city. Besides, a new friend would do him some good.
The walk to the other apartment complex wasn’t a long one, all of the apartment complexes seemingly occupying the same several blocks just outside of the downtown area. It would make a morning walk through the little town easy when Eliot decided to explore more than just the nightlife. He checked his phone once more, to confirm the apartment number, before heading upstairs. He knocked once he arrived and waited patiently, hoping he wouldn’t seem like too much of an idiot.
Eliot went to get cleaned up as best as he could. He needed to do some shopping if he was going to be here for a while, which it seemed like that was the case. For now. He was unhappy that he had no cologne or hair product. And clothes? What he had on he wouldn't consider clubbing clothes necessarily, but it would have to do. Jacob seemed nice and if there was one thing Eliot liked it was partying, getting out, drinking and having a good time. Being in some strange new place was a good enough reason for him to party and maybe make a friend in the process. Or have a fun night at the very least.
A knock came on the door and Eliot opened, smiling. "Jacob, hey." His gaze moved over the young man briefly before going back to his eyes. "Shall we?" He shut the door behind him. "Lead the way." He fell in step beside Jacob. "Is the club far? Do you have a car or...shit. Do you have Uber or taxis here?"
Well. His new friend was certainly handsome. Then again, everyone in town seemed annoyingly attractive in one way or another so maybe he should just stop being surprised by that. “Hey.” He greeted before taking a step back so Eliot could step out of the apartment. Maybe the other had just arrived and hadn’t gotten settled yet, maybe his apartment didn’t feel like home just yet, but the two of them were still basically strangers. He wasn’t going to try and intrude on any sort of privacy Eliot may have been trying to establish in what would be his home for the foreseeable future.
He turned and the two of them began to make their way out of the building and back out onto the street. “I have a car.” He chuckled. “If only because my job’s too far of a walk.” And he usually worked late nights when the buses he’d seen around town were no longer running. Even if they were, he wasn't sure he’d want to be on one that late. Westview was a pretty safe town but that, occasionally, had its limits. “Lux isn’t all that far though. We could walk it if you feel like taking a stroll.” Or he could drive. The car wasn’t anything impressive. Ben may have picked the shorter straw as far as fake lives went but Jacob wasn’t much better off in terms of finances.
“We have taxis, we have ubers, we have… people working in all the little shops and restaurants.” It had all the makings of an average small city while, somehow, managing to keep its small town feel. “Since you’ve been around the net I’ll assume someone told you we were all under a spell? It gave us fake lives and fake roles here. I’m still not sure if Westview was a real town in whatever universe it’s originally from or not, but I assume those people working these random jobs were the people who originally lived there.” Either way they all seemed real enough. The vampires had to be feeding on someone.
Once they made it out onto the street, Jacob nodded in the direction of bright lights that could just be seen from where they were standing. The club appeared to be close enough to walk to but far enough not to disturb the stretch of land the apartment complexes occupied. “Tour’s probably only worthwhile in the morning so… your call. Do you want me to drive or do you want to walk?”
Eliot was listening to Jacob. He had a lot to say about this place. "Hmm, I vaguely recall someone saying something about a spell and fake names or something. I wasn't paying a lot of attention. Being a magician I'm used to weird shit. And for the record, I just arrived here today. No one's really told me anything until you and your history of Westview...?” He laughed and shook his head. It did border on sounding like someone who would be giving a walking tour of the city.
"I think it's close enough to walk. Come on." He looped his arms through Jacobs and headed toward the bright lights and music. His body was actually tingling at the thought of getting out to a real club with lights, music, drinks and who knew what else. He glanced over at Jacob. He was definitely cute, but had a baby face. Hopefully he was good on the dance floor. "So you said you knew a guy..."
Eliot let that slip out just before they entered the club. He took it all in, a smile growing on his face. "A drink or two first then we dance."
He was probably talking a little too much. It was something he sort of did when he was feeling a little nervous. He huffed out a laugh and nodded. “I guess I tend to talk a lot when I get nervous.” It was best to be upfront about that, right? “Just tune me out if it gets to be too much.” Not that it would matter once they got to the club. The music was bound to drown him out anyway. “Anyway, being unphased by weird shit will definitely come in handy here.” He wouldn’t get into everything that had gone on in the year he’d spent in this place but the fact that Eliot was used to weird shit would definitely work out for the other.
Jacob nodded at the suggestion, smiling a little as Jacob linked their arms before heading towards the lights and the not so distant sound of music. The walk was nice. The skies were clear so they wouldn’t have to worry about the walk back and it wasn’t likely to get too much colder. While he probably could’ve rambled on about the various shops and everything else they passed, Jacob managed to keep his mouth mostly shut, focused on their destination and the buzz of Westview’s nightlife he swore he could feel in his bones.
“I know a couple guys.” He said as they stepped inside, before the music could drown him out. “One actually works here. The other… comes with a bit of a warning.” And, really, Jacob wasn’t going to tell Eliot about Austin just yet. The vampire may not have, personally, been Jacob’s friend; they'd had a shared connection in the past. That was enough to make him just protective enough not to go announcing to the world what Austin was or what he did. The vampire would probably end up doing that on his own anyway.
“Sounds like a plan.” He said, speaking just a little louder to be heard over the music. He led Eliot over to one of the bars and got the bartender’s attention. “Order whatever you want.” He hadn’t been spending too much time out lately which meant he had money to waste on a new friend.
Eliot waved off Jacob. "No worries. I ramble a bit when I get nervous." Didn't most people do something like that when nervous? He turned to look at his companion. "Yeah? You're going to hook us up then? I could really use some...something." He wasn't sure what Jacob's friends had and for the most part it didn't matter to him, but he did have a few he steered clear of. Mostly though, he was up for anything when it came to having a good time.
He raised a brow then smiled. Hell yeah, he could go with someone else buying the drinks. He turned to the bartender and ordered two shots of tequila. One for him and one for Jacob then a double vodka. The other tequila was pushed in front of Jacob. "It's not fruity, but the night has to start off with a shot." He smiled, imagining the face the other would make when he drank it. "Cheers," Eliot said, lifting his shot then downing it, "Wooo!" He reached for the vodka and drank down half of it, his body already buzzing from the music and the energy of the club.
“Of course I will. You just have to tell me if there’s anything you want to steer clear of. At least one of my connections seems capable of getting his hands on just about anything.” He really didn’t know how Austin did it, but he’d had their mutual friend on a steady supply of whatever she wanted. Considering where they were headed, there were a few things that were easily available. Jacob didn’t want to think too much about where it all came from, especially now that the town was in some other universe. He’d always just assumed that Wanda’s magic kept a steady supply of it coming in. He was just glad that hadn’t changed.
He had a job and he’d been a bit of a homebody lately. He had money to burn and, he figured, this could count as Eliot’s official welcome to their not-so little town. It would help him settle into the idea that they were all stuck for the time being. “Just open a tab for us…” He told the bartender, slipping them his ID and a credit card. He had a baby face, he knew that, it was best to get the whole age thing out of the way. He smiled as a drink was pushed towards him. “Cheers.” He repeated before following Eliot’s lead and downing his shot. As much as he had hoped he wouldn’t, he made a face as the liquid slid down his throat grimacing at the burn. “I might stick with something fruity.” He laughed. It was nice to see that Eliot seemed to be enjoying himself so far. Jacob turned back to the bartender and ordered himself another drink, deciding that he would try and keep up with Eliot. At least for now.
"Sweet! You're the best." The music was loud so Eliot leaned in close to Jacob. "No cocaine or Fentanyl. I'm game for just about anything else. Maybe ecstasy or some uppers. Wanna keep the party going." He laughed as he pulled back, finished off his drink then ordered another shot and another vodka double. He couldn't help wondering how often Jacob partied like this. There was his baby face, but he of all people knew that could be deceiving. Still, fruity drinks. He didn't want to judge and in truth some of them were made with a lot of alcohol. He downed the shot and moved a little to the music. "When I finish this, we dance, so drink up!"
An open tab. That was his dream. Thank you he mouthed to Jacob. He drank the vodka a little slower letting his gaze move around the club. He briefly wondered if he could get Q to come here. Maybe if he had a few in him before Eliot drug him there. He grinned at the thought. Definitely his cue to finish off his drink. He turned to Jacob and grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the dance floor, weaving them through the crowd. Once Eliot found a spot he let go of Jacob's hand and began to dance. The music filled him, moving his body to the throbbing rhythm.
They were certainly in the right place to score some E. Jacob just had to take a moment and figure out which of the bars his friend was manning for the night. It might be an easier task once they were out on the dance floor. He nodded, making sure to keep what Eliot said in mind. Truth be told, he wasn’t actually interested in cocaine either. “Well, I can definitely help you with that.” He chuckled before taking a sip of his drink. He’d been out playing wingman for Ben plenty of times before. He drank, he partied, and he let a few of the girls he talked to turn him on to the idea of sweeter drinks. Prior to that he hadn’t been much of a drinker. Beers could be so… bitter. With fruit juice or soda in the mix he hardly noticed the alcohol.
Buying a new friend a few drinks was the least he could do. Nothing softened the blow of being trapped and unable to get home like a few drinks. He tilted his head and offered Eliot a smile before finishing off his own drink. It seemed like he managed it just in time, too, as Eliot grabbed his hand and hauled him out onto the dance floor. He laughed, allowing the other to lead him to whatever spot looked the best. He took just a moment to look around, scan the other bars for his friend before deciding that was something else he could figure out later. He could have a little fun now, worry about the party favors later. Instead he focused on the rhythm of the music and the warmth of the alcohol buzzing through him. He moved to the beat, losing that lingering self-consciousness that always had him overthinking himself.
Party favors would be acquired a little later and that was perfectly fine with him. For now Eliot was happy right where he was. He felt alive, electric as he moved to the music. His gaze turned to Jacob and he smiled as he moved closer to him. "You're not a bad dancer," he all but yelled then laughed. Gone was any thought of being kidnapped and brought to some other world and not being able to leave.
The music seemed to grow louder and along with the lights, the people and the warmth of alcohol and dancing, Eliot let it carry him away. He danced closer to Jacob, going behind him, his hands sliding around his waist as he ground against him. His hands slid over the others hips and down his thighs as his own hips moved with the beat. One thing could be said about Eliot with certainty, he wasn't the shy type. "Having fun?"
Eliot seemed to be having fun. That was good. Jacob was happy to see that, maybe, this had taken his mind off of everything going on. At least for a little while. While being magically kidnapped was all old news to Jacob (this wasn’t his first rodeo) he still remembered how difficult it had been to settle in at first. Making friends helped, doing things he enjoyed helped. “Neither are you.” He called back, beaming at the comment. He always lit up at little compliments like that.
Well, Eliot certainly wasn’t shy. Jacob chuckled as they shifted from dancing next to each other to dancing together. While Eliot may not have been shy, Jacob usually was. He decided that this was nice though. He liked the feel of someone pressed against him, their hands on him, while they moved together to the music. “I am.” He agreed, before pulling back just a little so he could turn and face Eliot. He didn’t know how comfortable the other would be with the two of them standing face to face while still so close. Not that it probably mattered too much. He still had to lean in and shout to be heard over the music. “I think we can do better.”
He had finally spotted the bar his connection was manning for the night. If Eliot wanted to keep dancing for a little while longer, it would be no problem to find it again. He would leave the decision up to the other.
Eliot was definitely having fun. Letting go of all the questions he had of why he was there and where they were and just letting loose. He felt like he could literally dance all night long. Jacob was the shy type, but he hadn't pulled away from the more 'intimate' dancing until he did. "Oh yeah?" A big grin came over his face. Is it time for some candy? His hands went up to make air quotes when he said candy. He wondered if Jacob had spotted one of his connections because he was more than ready for it.
"Do you want me to go with you?" He asked leaning closer as he spoke loudly. "Or can I go grab a drink and you come find me at the bar?" He was good with either, but all the dancing had made him hot and a little sweaty.
Jacob nodded at the question. He had just managed to spot one of his connections manning a bar across from where the two of them had been dancing. The man’s bright red hair managed to stand out in the crowd. “If you want.” He replied. Eliot seemed ready. He certainly seemed happy and excited enough at the idea. “I can manage this much on my own.” Jacob laughed, waving Eliot off so the other could head back to the bar and get himself another drink. ”I’ll find you.” And he would. One of the perks of not being quite human was an enhanced sense of smell.
Slipping away from Eliot and into the crowd, Jacob made his way up the bar where his connection was working and leaned on it. He remained silent, just watched the redhead as he poured drinks and handled money before finally noticing him. “You know… a bar is a weird place to work for a recovering addict.” He said, earning him an eye roll. When the other man didn’t reply he stood up a little straighter. “Okay, cool. No small talk. Hey, so, I just made a new friend and I was hoping…”
It took a few minutes but, eventually, Jacob was making his way back across the dance floor in the direction of his new friend. He offered Eliot a triumphant little smile as he handed over a small plastic baggie with a few brightly colored pills inside.
"Suit yourself," Eliot grinned, watching Jacob walk away for a few moments before making his way back to the bar. He liked the vibe of the club and knew he'd be back. Maybe Jacob could even introduce him to one or two of his connections at some point. That would help make things easier in this place, wherever they were. He ordered a shot of tequila of course then more vodka. He flirted with the bartender then a guy who came up to order a drink and didn't seem all that interested. Too bad, he was insanely hot.
He quickly finished off the vodka then switched it up by ordering a Manhattan on the rocks. It was hot inside the club obviously. Was it acceptable to dance in here half naked? He chuckled at the thought then took a long sip. It wasn't long before Jacob was back and handing him a small baggie. "Excellent," he smiled, taking it and opening it. Eliot quickly downed one of the pills and chased it with his drink. Now the real partying could begin. "Thanks. You having some?" he asked, offering him the bag. It really wasn't fun to party on your own, but he knew it wasn't for everyone.
If Eliot were to ask, Jacob would be more than willing to make introductions to, at least, one of his connections. The guy who worked at the club was harmless enough. He was even friendly when he was in a better mood. The vampire on the other hand… He wasn’t so sure Eliot would want to have dealings with him. If he remembered correctly, Austin usually wanted to drink from whoever he was handing the drugs out to. It was the only way the vampire could get high. Maybe he would mention both but make sure his new friend was warned before he decided to tread down that particular path.
Once the bag was securely in Eliot’s hand, Jacob moved to the bar and ordered himself another drink. The place was warm, crowded. He could use a drink. “I was hoping you’d be willing to share.” He laughed at the offer, turning around to grab a pill of his own. He swallowed it as soon as he had his drink in hand and turned his attention back to the people on the dance floor. He finished his drink and debated getting another one but nodded towards the dance floor instead. “Want to get back out there?”
Eliot was buzzed, close to being pleasantly drunk from the alcohol, but was waiting for the good stuff to kick in. He sipped on his drink and let his gaze move over the crowd then back to Jacob. He couldn't help wondering if there was a secondary reason for this outing? He could think of a few, but wasn't one to talk by any means. In the end it didn't really matter. They were having fun and that was something Eliot desperately wanted and needed.
He watched Jacob down one of the pills and grinned. "Good boy," he laughed. His Manhattan was finished and he gave thought to ordering another, but decided against it. Besides right about that same time Jacob spoke asking if he wanted to get back out on the dance floor. "Hell yeah!" He took his hand and once more pulled him through the crowd.
Truth be told, there was another reason for this outing. A friend who was no longer around had chastised him for the tendency he had to put everyone else’s happiness before his own. For encouraging everyone to pursue their own romantic interests while he shied away from doing the same. He had always told her that he would, in time. He had feelings for someone. It was just… complicated. The end result was Jacob deciding to take a step back from that person. He decided to open himself up to making new friends or friends with benefits or just seeing if there was a romantic connection to be made elsewhere. For the sake of both his sanity and the friendship he had with that other person.
Eliot was new. Jacob, honestly, had no intention of dragging him down into any of the drama that may or may not surround him. He didn’t usually see himself as Westview’s welcoming committee but the other man had poked at him first and he fully intended to help Eliot focus a little less on the whole magical kidnapping.
If he had a tail it would be wagging furiously at those words. As it was, Jacob perked up at the praise, smiling that much brighter in response. He set his glass down on the bar as he waited for Eliot’s answer. He could always go back out there himself if Eliot would rather have another drink. Just because they had walked in together didn’t mean Eliot was forced to spend all of his time with his tour guide. They could always find each other again later, before one or the other decided it was time to leave. It was still nice to be dragged out onto the dance floor.
The dance floor seemed even more packed and radiating with heat. The music blared and Eliot closed his eyes as he moved to the rhythm and the beat. His thoughts were definitely cloudy, but he felt good if not hot. That was to be expected though. He smiled at Jacob then moved to dance in a wider area, testing to see if others would dance with him. A few did and he stuck with them for a little while before moving back to Jacob.
Suddenly Eliot froze, a wide smile coming to his lips. "I love this song!" He shouted at Jacob. His long, lanky frame moved to the beat, his arms raised above his head, hips moving with the flow of the music. He felt amazing. As the drugs began working their way through his system his dancing became, well, a little more wild and he couldn’t help laughing at himself. Back home there hadn’t been time for nights out like this and he was going to make the most of it. He knew it was going to be a good night.