Another busy night [Iris]

[deg]

Damn, I should have known it was going to be this busy tonight,[/b] Jaysin thought to himself as he stepped behind the bar. The club was packed and it shouldn't have been anything new to him. He had been bartending for a few years now. Though he had only moved to California from Japan about half a year ago, he got used to the scene fairly quick.

Wiping his hands onto the hand towel which was tucked under his belt, he let his light brown eyes scan the faces of the patrons behind the bar. Of course, no regulars. It was relieving to see new faces every night rather than the boring usuals. He took hold of one of the necks of a bottle of vodka and tossed it up into the air with a simple flick of his wrist and caught the bottle behind his back with the opposite hand. He enjoyed bartending a lot. Maybe too much.

He took a mixing cup into his free hand and tossed that into the air, watching it twirl about before catching it again. As he played around with the bottle and cup, he ignored the cheers and claps as his eyes continued to scan the faces of the customers. Jaysin was rather picky about who he served. Instead of asking a handful of customers what they wanted, he stepped back to allow another bartender serve them as he waited for someone to flag him down.[/size]

[iris]

A slick lock of ebony hair brushed the desk as Iris pored over her notes, each stroke of the pencil matching a droning voice echoing blandly throughout high walled auditorium. A stout, balding man at the front of the room was the only sign of life above drowsily nodding heads, his lecture on cardiovascular diseases seeming to sap the life from his unwilling audience. A shrill chime drew the crowd's attention in an instant, eager faces seeking out the noise desperate for any source of entertainment. Iris's neighbor-- startled out of a light sleep-- sent a careless elbow into her side as the girl's hands dove into deep pockets in attempt to stifle the racket. Iris watched in mild perplexity as culprit brought a glittering, pink phone to her ear.
"Ashley, turn your phone off," she mumbled, suddenly aware of the multitude of curious, smiling gazes that had now turned on them. The ruffled professor cleared his throat to start again but was interrupted by a squealing giggle. "No! He didn't!! Are you serious! Oh, my gosh! That's hilarious!" Iris glared back at the onlookers as several fought to suppress their laughter. "Oh, my gosh! Where?! Haha I have to meet you there!!" Iris redirected her attention to the issue at hand and tapped the girl's shoulder. "Ashley! Really! You're distracting everyone!" On stage, the orator-- long since forgotten by his pupils-- agreed with a half hearted grunt, but the girl simply waved away the statement. "Oh, no! Are you kidding me?! I'm not busy at all. Just at some stupid meeting my boss made me attend! Sure! Yeah, I can come over now!" A look of horror stole across Iris's face as the whole room broke out into a peal of laughter and a man dressed in a burgundy uniform approached them.
"Sorry... Ma'm? I am going to need to ask you to leave." A small sigh of disappointment filled the room, but, undaunted, Ashley held out her hand airily as if accepting the guard as a personal escort. His weary gaze turned then on Iris with an uplifted brow. And you? Sitting indeterminate for a moment, she glanced around at the apprehensive crowd before collecting her things with a sigh.The two of them headed for the door, both too consumed to notice someone clapping followed by the dull roar of laughter. The biting winter wind met them at the exit, and Iris charged into it without second thought. She had been planning this meeting for months! John Goldberg was the best medical supplier in the region. How was she going to restock the hospital's inventory now?
Iris glowered at her coworker who continued her conversation carelessly despite the scene she had just caused. Oh, hey! Which bar did you say you were at? Cool! I think I see it!! Iris followed begrudgingly as her associate ran on ahead. Past the point of resistance, she entered the club without a fuss and struggled through the masses to a seat at the bar. She could just hear Ashley's shrill voice above the beat of the music and allowed her worries to be washed away by the room's rhythmic energy. There was nothing she could do about it now. Bodies pressed around the edge of the counter as a younger man stepped before them, wielding a bottle in his hand with a confident smile plastered across his visage. Glasses soared through the air in dangerous stunts that ignited the crowd with applause of amazement. A smile stole across Iris's face as she watched his deft hands preform each trick with skill and precision, her enthusiasm faltering only when he bowed out of the spotlight to be replaced by another bartender.
Her dark eyes followed him cautiously and the glimmer of a smile returned to her when their gazes connected. She waved to him suavely before finding confidence in the upbeat room and addressing him aloud.
"That was quite a show."


((OOC: Sorry, I know I took forever, but I didn't actually get home until a little while ago. I had to rush so sorry again if this made no sense whatsoever. Haha I can edit it tomorrow. Just let me know. ))

[deg]

((ooc: no no, it makes sense :] Just really long haha ;P))

Even though he had stepped out of the spotlight, Jaysin continued to throw and catch bottles of alcohol, exchanging them every now and then with the bottles on the shelves behind him. His eyes fell onto the woman who had been standing near the end of the bar. He set the bottle of Bacardi down and wiped his hands on the small towel again as he approached.

He shot a smile to her in response to her compliment, bowing his head down a bit. "Thank you. What can I get for you tonight?" He pressed his palms down against the counter before him, his eyes fixed on hers. He had a few other women that tried to flag him down but nothing caught his attention like this woman before him did. She was breath-taking.

For a moment he turned his attention to his colleague who had begun to do some of his signature tricks. He smiled crookedly over to him as the crowd roared and applauded. He normally liked being the center of attention but he decided to let someone else take the glory for once. "So," he started as he looked back over to the girl, "decide on what you wanted?" He kept a smile painted across his face as he waited patiently for her to order.

[iris]

((OOC: Sorry, I know I take forever. There has been a lot going on. Hopefully I will be able to post more tomorrow. Do you have any idea for a plot, though? XD))

A bottle clinked sharply against the shined counter top in front of Iris as the man drew nearer, his face uplifted in a smile. His hands instinctively found a worn towel beneath the counter though his eyes never left hers for a even a moment. She could feel her own demeanor grow brighter despite circumstances of this meeting. When was the last time she had been in a club like this? It all felt so foreign: the music, the movement, the energy. She was utterly intoxicated by this place.
Lights flashed across the bodies packed tightly together, all swaying with hypnotic movements to the rhythm of the music. Her senses were alive with the exhilarating new sights, aromas, sounds... Music pounded in her chest like a heartbeat, and she could taste the breath of passion like a current in the electric atmosphere. Light splashed across the mahogany counter before her, and Iris felt herself playfully brushing a dark lock of hair behind her ear to reveal a radiantly grinning face.
As the man drew nearer, Iris found herself entangled with curiosity for this novel lifestyle. How could she have carried on her life all this time never having known of the experiences waiting just outside her door? The mysterious stranger's face bowed slightly as he spoke to her above the din of the crowd, and she smiled at him, barely taking in the softly accented words. What kind of life did this man know? He seemed so different from her in every way. While she had been hidden away in her own corner of the world, he thrived in this exciting, new universe.
A shoulder brushed Iris's back and brought her crashing back to reality with a slight shock as she realized how long she had allowed her mind wander. Blinking rapidly, she laughed to herself and stared at her hands resting gently on the table. His voice startled her, and the girl floundered momentarily for an answer. She hadn't been to a bar in her life. She had no idea what to order. Her eyes found his, and she cleared her throat off-handedly to hide her abashment.
"Surprise me," she said with a daring smile. Iris watched him in plain amusement before starting again. "My name is Iris." Offering a pale slender hand, she was emboldened by the absence of any ring on his. Tonight she would forget her responsibilities. Just this once, she would have a little fun.

[deg]

((ooc: no problem! I was hoping she would be the one that introduced him to vampires and maybe they can become lovers? or she can make him into a vampire. Doesn't matter.))

Voices laced with annoyance called out to him. Other patrons who surrounded the bar were growing impatient with him but he managed to shrug them off. As much as he hated dealing with people and their impudent behavior, he couldn't help but love his job. He was tempted to shoot a glare to a few men who had been barking drink orders towards him but he kept his eyes fixed on the woman before him.

"Surprise me. My name is Iris."

"Surprise huh?" he shouted through the booming music. He rested his elbows over the counter top and leaned closer, assuming it was hard for her to hear him. "Nice to meet you Iris,"[/i] he took her hand into his, taken back by the frigidness. "I'm Jaysin." His eyes scanned her face, trying to read from her appearance what she liked to drink. He looked over her outfit, quirking a brow. She had either just gotten off of work or is here for business. "I think I know what to get ya."[/i]

Jaysin stood upright then crouched down falling under the shadows of the bar. He collected a bottle of passion fruit vodka and a jug of juice. He took hold of a mixing cup and poured a bit of juice into it before reappearing before Iris, bottle of vodka and cup in hand. He tossed the bottle up and over his shoulder and caught it behind his back with the same hand. He shot her a toothy smile, setting the mixing cup down and began tossing the bottle of vodka all around him.

After a few more tricks he finally poured vodka into the mixing cup and placed a lid over it to shake the liquids together. He placed the bottle of vodka to the side and began to shake the drink together in the mixing cup while getting a martini glass. "Here you go ma'am."[/i] he announced, placing the martini glass before her, filling it with his 'signature' drink. He tossed the mixing cup into the sink near by and grabbed a cherry as a garnishment.[/size]

[iris]

((OOC: Yeah, that sounds good. ))


Iris blinked in surprise as the man drew closer, his heavy scent dancing seductively before her. She hadn't been this close to a human since her transformation nearly twelve years ago. She could hear his heart beat as loudly and plainly as a drum in his chest. She could feel warm blood pulsing beneath his skin like the gentle currents of a river. What had it been like to be human? When she was young, she had passed all her time cumbered by worry and responsibilities. Could one really consider that being alive? Ever working for a career, a family... a life she would never possess. Iris released his hand carefully, her mind clearing from its earlier haze as he pulled away. The grin faded from the woman's pale face as she turned dark orbs on the table, her mind still nostalgic for all the opportunities she had held so obliviously in her past. There were certain chances she would never again have, but would she be able-- in time-- to make up for her lost life?
"Jaysin," she repeated softly as if testing out the name. "The pleasure is all mine." Her previous thoughts passing away at the sight of this new man's kind face, she offered him a quick grin before settling herself as he again turned away. She watched him work with a distracted smile, glad at least for the company. He handed her the drink, and Iris thanked him gently before taking a deep sip. "So, what do you call this? It's quite good." She drained the glass eagerly, tilting it in her hand so that the cherry rolled in slow circles around the bottom. Slender fingers plucked it gently out by the stem before pushing it to her lips. She looked up at Jaysin with black eyes, drink in hand, and decided that she would need a bit more than that to quench her.
“So, Jaysin…” she started, her light voice seeming to rise easily above the noise of the crowd. “What does a hotshot bartender like yourself do for fun around here? Other than juggle alcoholic beverages of course.” She laughed sweetly to show that the jest was purely good-natured. “I am in town for the week, and I thought it would be nice if I got to see a bit more than a college auditorium while I’m here.” She pushed the glass forward and bit her lip for a moment before continuing. “Would you be interested in showing me around after your shift? I don’t know anyone around here, and I would hate to get lost wandering by myself in the middle of the night.”

[deg]

Jaysin watched inquisitively as she took the first sip. It was something he made off the top of his head so he wasn't too sure if it was good or not. He often used customers to sample his concoctions because he knew that something he thought might be good may not be that way to others. He pressed his lips eagerly together, waiting for her reaction.

"So, what do you call this? It's quite good."[/i]

He parted his lips and let out a soft sigh of relief. Good, she likes it.[/i] he thought proudly to himself. "Honestly,"[/i] he took the now empty martini glass and set it before himself, preparing to make her another one. "I just made it up just now, so no name for it.[/i] He smiled sheepishly at her as he fiddled with the glass, twisting his fingers around the bottom of it. "If you're lucky, maybe I'll name it after you.[/i] he offered flirtatiously.

"Would you be interested in showing me around after your shift?"[/i]

Eyes brightening, his grin widened from amusement. "Are you asking me out on a date Miss Iris?"[/i] His heart had skipped a beat. It wasn't unusual for women to hit on him while he was working but half of the time they were drunk or just wanted to get free drinks out of him. This woman who sat before him was different. Other than the fact that she was sober, she was beautiful. "I would love to show you around town. If you'd like, we can go now. I'm the manager here so I can leave when I want."[/i][/size]

[iris]

Iris smiled quietly at Jaysin as he watched her set down the glass, obviously waiting for a response. A soft sigh escaped him upon her approval, and she laughed quietly to herself. He hadn't seemed so shy before. It was kind of cute. Honestly, I just made it up just now, so no name for it. She raised her eyebrows, quite impressed by the comment. He gently took the empty glass from her hands and began filling it, her dark orbs watching him all the while. The roar of the crowd died away as the other bartender retired to the less flamboyant work of cleaning glasses, and Iris relaxed slightly when the massive audience ebbed. She stretched her arms contentedly before turning her attention back to Jaysin. If you're lucky, maybe I'll name it after you. A large grin crossed out the girl's face as she caught his gaze.
"Really now," she said softly, not fully able to hide the amusement from her eyes. "Well, I can honestly say that's a line I've never heard before." Her fingers traced the cracks in the counter playfully, and she put the other hand to her face as if pondering. Are you asking me out on a date Miss Iris? Her eyes darted to the table as a smirk crossed her face. She could hear his heart beat quicken and knew the man's answer before it even reached his mouth. She glanced shyly up at him, her pale hand still obscuring a nervous smile and waited. I would love to show you around town. If you'd like, we can go now. I'm the manager here so I can leave when I want. The woman's eyes brightened immediately, before she subdued her happiness and settled back into her chair. Thoughts raced through her head at an alarming rate, and she opened her mouth to voice them before at last finding the effort futile and nodding her head instead.
"Yes, I'd love that," she spoke meekly, all of her former suavity lost in the rush. She gathered her belongings almost unconsciously, her demeanor glowing. It was so weird. She was in a foreign country, with a foreign guy, sitting in a bar for the first time in her life, and getting to go out on a date with a near stranger. This was so unlike her. She clutched her purse eagerly and looked around for Ashley. The girl was nowhere to be seen. She had probably already gone back to the hotel, Iris considered. She stood up, inwardly thankful for her coworker's absence, and looked anxiously toward Jaysin.
"So, where do you want to go, then?"

((OOC: I am deleting all of my comments. It's kind of interrupting the thread.))

[deg]

"Well, I can honestly say that's a line I've never heard before."

Great. That must have sounded really cheesy.[/i][/color] He was thankful that the lights around the bar weren't that bright, making the room dim. If it weren't, she'd be able to see him blushing. Or, at least, that's what he thought. He was oblivious to the fact that she was a vampire, even if her skin had been paler than most.

"Yes, I'd love that."[/i]

Excitement rose up inside of him. He always loved leaving work early but only to go out with friends, not on a date. He placed the now filled martini glass before her on the bartop and tossed another cherry in it. "Here,"[/color] he started as he wiped his hands anxiously on his towel. "The drinks are on me. I just have to let the boys know I'm leaving and I'll be right out."[/color] He gestured towards a small door which was near the end of the bar, indicating that that's where he would be coming from.

Jaysin shot her a toothy smile. "I'll have to think about where to go but we can discuss it on the way out."[/color] And with that he disappeared into the shadows behind the bar. He told the three men who were tending the bar at the moment that he was leaving then walked into the backroom. He had been in his uniform which consisted of black slacks, black boots, and a plain black shirt with the club's name plastered on it. He quickly changed into the outfit he had been wearing before work. Semi-baggy jeans, light grey shirt, leather jacket, and of course, his fedora.

Once finished, he realized for a moment how nervous he really was. It had been so long since he had taken a girl out. Pushing all thoughts aside, Jaysin took a deep breath and pushed through the door that led out into the club. He scanned his eyes over the crowd in search for her.[/size]

[iris]

Iris's hands touched the cool glass absently as she waited for his response. What sort of things were there to do around here? She had come to California before on business trips but had rarely ever ventured beyond the lecturing hall. I'll have to think about where to go but we can discuss it on the way out. A diminutive simper crossed her lips and faded away as he turned his back to her. Something felt wrong about all of this. Brown orbs swooped over the crowd and watched distractedly as couples filtered out into the cold night air, arm-in-arm. A furious shout broke out above the tempo of the music, and the careless movement of surrounding dancers ceased as all turned to the scene. Two tall figures towered over eachother at the other end of the bar, engaged in heated argument as a girl stood nearby, shaking with tears. Iris's slender fingers blindly sought out her drink which she then drained, her eyes trained anxiously on the fight. The vampire's mouth burned with a desire for blood, only to be bated slightly as she emptied the glass. It was hopeless, and she knew it. Such a thing would never be able to combat her burning thirst. She needed more.
The fight escalated and a fist was sent sailing into the other man's face. The bouncer stepped between them, but his futile efforts did little to impede the outbreak. Iris held her purse close and checked desperately to see if Jaysin had returned before glancing back to the door. Perhaps it isn't such a good idea to go out tonight, she considered in fearful deliberation--her scorched throat fervently reminding the girl that her last real meal had been weeks ago. She had been so busy planning this infernal trip that she had forgotten all about it. Iris, stifled by the aroma of blood drifting from the scene of the fight, took a step for the exit when Jaysin stopped the her in her tracks. She gave him a frightened glance when the men's argument grew louder and bodies pressed against her in attempt to get away. Her mind was sent into a dizzying whirlwind as the pungent smell of blood filled her lungs. Stumbling to Jaysin, she grabbed his hand.
"Come on! We need to get out of here," she whispered, several people gasping as another fist struck its opponent. She closed her eyes and buried her face in Jaysin's shoulder, hoping to concentrate on anything but her searing thirst. She clung to his arm and followed him docilely, her eyes shut tight until she could feel the breath of calming, fresh air against her face. She drew it in eagerly to clear her mind before at last coming to the realization of what had happened. "I'm sorry," she explained. "I can't stand the sight of blood." She stepped back and smiled at him uneasily. "Let's just get going."

[deg]

The shout had grabbed Jaysin's attention immediately. Jeez, not again.[/i][/color] Fights happened often. Too often. Jaysin hated it but it was inevitable. He knew the security guards would be able to handle it so he wasn't too worried about leaving work early.

Running into Iris unexpectedly he let out a soft gasp. "Hey!"[/color] he exclaimed as someone pushed her into him. For a moment, he was taken back by the coldness of her hand again but quickly brushed it off as more and more people rushed towards them. He nodded towards her and led her out, gently squeezing her hand in reassurance.

Once they reached the exit he breathed in deeply letting the cool air fill his lungs. It felt good getting out of the stuffy club. He stepped aside to allow others rush by them, keeping his hold on Iris's hand. He listened to a few screams and shouts and finally decided to get Iris away from the area. "No need to apologize. I don't really like blood either."[/color] He reluctantly released her hand, feeling a bit awkward. "So where did you wanna go?"[/color][/size]