ᴡɪᴛᴄʜ ᴅᴏᴄᴛᴏʀ (arcane) wrote in worldsapart_ic, @ 2019-04-14 18:18:00 |
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Entry tags: | daniel penbrook, james byrne |
when your turn comes round
Who: James & Daniel
What: Meeting over bloody coffee (like actual bloody coffee, but just the vampire drinks that)
When: Friday?
Where: The Antique
Rating: Low, some innuendo
Status: Complete
It had been a very long day, too long in fact. Daniel could feel the nerve in his right temple throbbing which was indication enough that he needed to leave the office behind and turn his sights towards unwinding, loosening his collar, and letting his hair down in more senses than one. He’d considered swinging in to Black Velvet but decided against it and instead he found himself in The Antique where thankfully it wasn’t packed. That meant it was easy enough to get service, blood laced coffee of course, and find a place to sit that was far enough away from everybody and yet still allowed Daniel a good view of the establishment as people watching was a fascination that never got old. Daniel exhaled a breath as he reached up to slowly and methodically unknot and unwind the dark navy tie from around his neck before as tapered tips of long fingers popped buttons on his collar free he leaned forward to toss the fabric onto the table in front of him. That was better, much better. It was one of the many layers Daniel used in an immaculate presentation of himself to the world because he had learned over his 300 years or so of life that appearance was everything. He glanced up in time to catch the passing eye of a nearby customer and offered a smile before he rolled his neck and just rubbed a hand through the normally well styled dark strands of hair that were now afforded a break. James enjoyed The Antique because it was honestly the fuckin’ snootiest coffee shoppe he’d ever been to. Like one of those old, historic cafes in Italy where Casanova once visited and where an espresso ran you about 10 euros, or something in Singapore with warm lighting and dark wood panels, everything that screamed ‘bloody expensive.’ So it was somewhat of a treat to come here - he was finished with work, and thought that a spiked coffee might be good to wind down with. An Irish coffee, in fact, which he’d ordered here a few times; the barista knew what he liked by now. Boozy caffeine was his drug of choice today, and he was about to find a place to sit in the place, fragrant with the subtle aroma of hazelnut, when someone caught his eye and actually smiled at him. That was where he headed, and James had no shame. “Are you my appendix?” he inquired casually, taking a seat at the table. “Because something in my gut just tells me I ought to take you out.” Ha. Fancily dressed, serious-looking fellows with serious eyes often cracked a grin at a terrible pickup line - perhaps it would be appreciated. “Does that ever actually work?” Daniel inquired, eyebrow lifted and amusement clear in the dark depths of the gaze that regarded the other man as he now joined him at his table. “Because if it does then I seriously question the kind of men you take home with you.” He inhaled slow and picked up the distinct scent of magic and if he wasn’t mistaken it clung to the human like cologne did to skin. Still it had clearly roused him from his previous train of thought which he supposed was worth the terrible pick up line. He had quite a gargoyle stare, this one, meaning dark and piercing - like black lacquer, but oh no, don’t be mistaken. James caught that glint of amusement. His terrible pickup line was meant to invoke such a reaction. Preferably that, aye, so long as it wasn’t ‘get the fuck away from me.’ That would have been a shame. He’d much rather engage in witty, flirtatious banter. Wouldn’t be opposed to taking him home either. “That’s actually the first time I’ve used this particular one,” he chuckled roughly, sipping on his spiked coffee. “Though I may need to up the ante on the men I take home.” Business Dress Coffee Bloke looked to be a good choice. “Perhaps you can help with that. I’m James,” he added helpfully. “Let me guess, you’re just coming from...a board meeting?” “Word of advice,” Daniel murmured as he took a sip of his coffee. “Don’t.” He flashed his pearly whites and accompanied the comment with a wink. The vampire rubbed his index finger along his mouth as he tipped his head, gaze sweeping over and fully taking in the witch who was nothing if not confident. He leaned forward a moment later to extend a hand. “Daniel.” And no board meetings, just a rather prolonged meeting with other supernaturals having difficulties. Vampires were better diplomats than werewolves after all. “Peace negotiations actually.” Daniel took this moment to shrug out of his jacket and rested it over the arm of the chair he was sat in. “Surprisingly werewolves aren’t good at thinking clearly when their pride is involved.” With a grin that crinkled glacial eyes at the corners, he shook Daniel’s hand. There were a lot of people in LA, and not all were of the supernatural community - but obviously the man James just encountered was. And it was apparent not just because of the mention of werewolves - those teeth, the eyes which matched the night sky; beyond that, that was something ethereal and otherworldly about vampires. Something beautiful. Perhaps it was because the older they got, the less room they had for sentimentality? Or perhaps it was just the flawless facial features. “Aye, pride is a crux for many,” James agreed. “Is that what you do professionally, make the peace?” He was curious - and curious about why he shouldn’t take this one home. Because James was never someone who took such a simple answer as the gospel. He was also shit at staying out of trouble. “Must come in handy in...your married life?” Admittedly, that would cause him to save the pickup lines. He didn’t want to put the ho in homewrecker, after all. “One of many things,” Daniel replied enigmatically as he kept his work very close to his chest especially as it was always so frequently wrapped up in secrecy. Vampires, they did love their secrets. “Let’s just say if there’s a problem that needs fixing then I’m the guy for that.” He chuckled at the mention of marriage and he shook his head. “God, no. I am not married.” And he had no intention of ever getting married. No thank you. “And in case you think I might be one of those who takes off his wedding ring…” Daniel lifted his left hand to display his fingers and how there was no pale band of skin which might indicate that he had been wearing a ring prior to entering The Antique. “So, James, what brings you to this place today?” Fair enough, let us proceed with the charm, then. James took Daniel’s hand to study it, as if he was truly concerned with the elusive wedding ring tan (could he even get a tan?), ah, yes. Mmm-hmm. Fascinating, Dr. Watson. Swiping his thumb across the other man’s palm, as if getting a feel for the lines and their stories, he eventually gave that hand back. He enjoyed the answer too, about work - mysteries were always a bit fun, weren’t they? “I’ll keep that in mind, Sir Fixer, even if I don’t necessarily run in the same circles,” he said. “And, oh, I don’t know - I just had a taste for a good coffee. Preferably one with booze. This place puts damn near anything in the coffee if you ask for it, so why not.” Though he was quite glad he did come in here, especially now. What delightful company he’d found. “I’m not in here too often though, which may explain why I haven’t seen you before.” Daniel lifted an eyebrow as his cool hand was thoroughly set upon by James’ much warmer one and a curious gaze flicked up to regard the witch especially when he took it upon himself to map the lines on his palm though admittedly his attention drifted to the pulse fluttering under the surface of James’ wrist. Thankfully Daniel was well in control so he was able to ignore the temptation in favour of curling his fingers back in towards his palm as James finally gave it back. “I do spend a lot of time in here,” he shared with a rueful glance in the direction of the Barista who returned his look with a smile that indicated that they were familiar. Well here and Black Velvet but James didn’t need to know that. “And I think if you’d frequented here at the same time as me I definitely would have remembered you.” He helped himself to a generous sip of his coffee. “Would you? Well, that’s quite flattering.” James’ grin said as much, a flash of teeth which looked sand-polished and gleaming white, a brief look at a Cheshire Cat. “Is it because I’m so roguishly handsome?” He was teasing, a little, but that was still a good descriptor wasn’t it? Especially with the way he groomed himself - a perpetual look of cactus bristle and a shadowy beard, black clothing (the shade suited him best), sleeves of his shirt pushed up a bit, exposing the symbols inked on his right arm. It didn’t usually make sense to anyone but other witches, though he often got compliments about it regardless, which was amusing. “I’ll ensure you won’t forget me either,” he promised. “And really, don’t you think I’d taste better than that coffee?” No, he wasn’t afraid of a little blood-letting - vampires needed to eat, didn’t they? “I don’t know,” Daniel remarked lightly, “This is pretty good coffee.” His lips curled into a smirk which was barely hidden by the rim of the cup. He did tip his head to catch and hold onto those very blue eyes. “And how exactly do you intend on making it so I don’t forget you?” Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back. Now, James still wasn't seeing a very good reason to heed that 'advice' and not take Daniel home with him - was he secretly a mass murderer, behind the scenes of his peacemaking gig? The witch doubted this. He wasn't all up on vampire history or social code, but he was quite sure the big-wigs frowned upon slaughtering and extreme bloodshed. It was uncouth and unnecessary, not to mention pissed on all the work vampires (and other supernaturals, who fed off humans) did to 'blend in.' "Well, let's see..." A twinkle of mischief in cobalt eyes, and he did a bit of magic right then and there, except it wasn't real magic, just a bit of sleight of hand. The smoke and mirrors sort, far from runes and mysticism, incense burning. "Check your pocket." There was a business card with James' number printed on there - he had his gig at The White Rabbit, but he was a witch who would whip up a charm or a potion or two, for someone who could pay. An independent contractor, so it was also useful to have a little something when he wanted to give out his number. To handsome vampires especially. There was one other thing too. "It's enchanted," he said about the card. "If you lose it, it'll just pop up again. Really won't go away until you use it, actually." James wasn’t wrong. It was very much frowned upon and Daniel? Well, he prided himself on the fact he was very much in control and ensured that all of his children were the same. It was one of the many reasons he had also agreed to keep a close eye on Billy for his old friend given the history the other had and if anybody could keep him on the straight and narrow (ha!) it was Daniel. He placed his drink down and reached into his pocket where sure enough he pulled out a business card that according to James would be impossible to lose until i was used. “Impressive,” he shared honestly with a slow smile complete with teeth and dimples. “That’s definitely a way for me to remember you.” Daniel turned the business card over in his fingers, clearly deft and capable in that movement, and it wouldn’t be hard to imagine what else they might be good at. “So, it won’t vanish until I use it and by use it I assume I’d need to call you?” “Aye,” James confirmed - he’d been leisurely sipping on his coffee while Daniel made his discovery, though when he set the mug down it was clear that he was pleased by the reaction. To have gotten a genuine smile from such a serious fellow, well, that just warmed the cockles of his black, oozy tar pit heart. Admittedly, that enchantment was one of his favourites - came in handy for a stubborn person like him, who enjoyed the chase but he also enjoyed the having. “If you want to chat, but I’ll take - what do the kids call them? Booty calls? I’ll take that too.” Though really, why not both? Best of both worlds. Daniel gave a chuckle at the mention of a booty call because well those definitely didn’t go amiss. Especially for somebody like Daniel who spent so much time being in control and being the one to resolve crappy situations that it was good to be able to let loose. “Is it good for all hours of the day?” He asked, lifting his gaze from the card to rest on James. “I do keep very odd hours. Up all night, chat sort of thing.” He’d imagine that a vampire would keep odd hours - probably not resting in the velvet-lined coffin the whole time (that was just lore, surely vampires slept in regular beds), but they were nocturnal creatures. How convenient, because so was he. Something of a night owl himself, James enjoyed that stillness that came about during ungodly hours when most human beings just shut the fuck up for a few hours. “It is, good for anytime,” he assured. “And I can go all night for chatting, darling, I promise you.” Perhaps a bit of double entendre there, but who could be surprised when it came from the likes of him. Daniel turned the card over in his hand again before he slipped it back into his pocket, a clear indication that he wouldn’t be losing it anytime soon and would be taking James up on his offer, but was it chatting or booty calling? Only time would tell. “Well, don’t be surprised if some strange unknown number shows up on your caller ID one evening. Possibly even this week.” He did have some frightfully boring and dreadful things and meetings to attend to, “I’ll definitely be in need of some distraction.” “I’ll only be delightfully surprised,” James assured - and that was true. He was getting a bit antsy, because contrary to what his roguish appearance and demeanour may suggest, he didn’t go around sleeping with everyone. It had been a minute or so, let’s just say. Good thing LA was rather free in that regard, in terms of sexuality - and he was open to whatever a partner had between their legs, it honestly didn’t matter to him. Well, now he was all titillated. “I make a fine distraction, plus, you seem like you might need someone to...ease your tension.” Not to toot his own horn, but he was pretty good at that. “So just let me know. In the meantime, it was a pleasure meeting you, Daniel.” He couldn’t sit here forever, but he was really glad he’d come in. |