VICES------------------open, but preferably a dude

[.eornoM adlitaM ybuR]

Ruby gazed at her appearance in the full lit vanity of the backstage room of the club she was employed at. With that sentence as an opening, one would expect a sob story on how she hated being a dancer, but had to to make ends meet, yes? Wrong. Ruby loved the life this job had to offer. Maybe it was just because she was a performer, maybe it was because it was a very long running club - owned by a vampire - that she'd been with for years and years. Either way, Ruby wasn't pushed to show her tits off to the masses some days were more revealing than others, but you might as well just call her a go-go dancer. One of the more upscale ones of course.

The great thing was, however, that the crowds were very diverse. Cover charge wasn't high, and the show was mediocre, not some ultra fancy Vegas gig. A bar was opposite the stage, men and women sat, admiring the performers. It wasn't some lush deal, the owner just made it a point to not have a trashy establishment with trashy looking girls there dancing - a hard feat to come by when you're looking at strip clubs. B had visited a few in her lifetime, and she'd been absolutely repulsed by the tastelessness of the "performances". If you could even call a crack whore of an anorexic woman with craters in her face slinking around on stage without a top a performance. In her opinion it wasn't, but to each their own.

Ruby sat there on the stool, her face illuminated in the mirror. Her hands were busily reapplying her makeup for the last show of the night before the five minute warning was called. The last solo girl came off the stage not long after. Ruby inspected herself for the last time, making sure everything was in place correctly. Ruby's lips were red, as always, the black veil of her top hat pulled over her face loosely, her vision marred by the fishnet. Black was her color for the night, a trivial matter, considering she did it every last Friday of the month in the same get up. All the other girls were wearing white copies of her outfit, their heads bare, hair pulled into a tight bun. Last show of the evening was a simple dance-line, in which Ruby led. So she could kick her leg high? All the other girls were mortals, she didn't see them having sixty years of practice!

Then the lights went down upfront, a voice from the female manager, wife of the owner, also a vampire, instructed the pack to head out. Ruby knew full well this was the woman's favorite. She was just about as old as Ruby was, so it was obvious they shared similar taste.

The line was comprised of the tallest girls on the outer end, considering Ruby was a short gal herself. They shimmied out, music playing on high in the dark club to tune out the clatter of heels as the girls adjusted themselves into place, the only light coming from the bar.

The headlights came on in que with a certain music starting. Then the show began. A few girls ran about twisting themselves as the others moved, bobbing up and down behind them before the music actually went into the chorus, making the line move together once again, a series of turns and kicks involved, each girl following que to their own individual variations. Although being 'head' of the line, Ruby didn't have to do much. Solo was much more fun. This was just a lot of kicking about and touching her hat. Bending her knees, sticking her ass in the air and coming back up. Ectera, ecetera. At least when you were solo you got to play around on a pole and pick your own tunes.

Finally, the last little cancan of the evening began, the gloves hands intertwining around each waist, and then the girls two by two off each ends scurrying off backstage, leaving Ruby left alone to turn side ways just as the last of the music sounded, her chin down, one hand on her waist while the other tipped her hat, a smile on her painted lips as the curtain was closed. A successful night indeed.

Ruby waited then, her regular stance taking hold, just alone in the darkness of the stage sweating for the house mix to come back on so she could walk back stage. A little thought, always in the back of her mind rang clear. She recalled when she first laid eyes on him. What was it? Six years ago now. In this very club, he was at the bar, all hazel eyes on her and her only. Only did she realize when she was in this very spot that she hadn't taken her eyes off of him for the whole night either. And to think it had embarrassed her then! His move to buy her a drink, the way she had giggled and bit her lip like she hadn't in years. How she'd totally made out with him on the first night of even knowing his name! It was a wonder they hadn't- Then the music came back to fill her ears, her feet instinctive moving back to her stool, her hand grasping the two dog tags before she dropped them into her corset for them to lie between her breasts.

Ruby rubbed away all her make up before reapplying it. Fridays the girls were required to go out and mingle before they took their leave home. Although she had dazed off backstage for longer than intended, forgotten fond memories usually made her somber, just knowing that they were so far gone. But the mood of the females around her lightened her demeanor some, the ever present giggling and teasing was comforting, for Ruby was a creature that liked to live in groups. Their presence alone helped greatly. Once she was satisfied on her face, Ruby let her hair down, combing it out gently before running a straightener through it quickly, tousling it all back away from her face with her fingers before heading back out into the club.

She strutted her way to the bar, ordering herself a Jack and Coke combination, as always really. It was only 1:00AM or so, the club was in no hurry to close just yet. The shows had just ended is all. Her bare elbows rested against the bar-top, her chin in one palm, a content upturn in her lips present as she waited for her drink, her hips swaying a little to whatever contemporary tune played over the loud speakers.

[/justify]

1141 words, and outfit such as this and with tunes like my EPIC playlist makes for this post here. and another thing, anyone welcome - preferably a dude, since she hasn't met one yet! I made it dude friendly, or more than friendly. But that doesn't mean you gotta end up being her lover or something (actually I prefer you not wanting to) xD dude friends rule.

[[ THANATOS ]*]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=b3ada6] Aaah. An evening out in the slums of New York was just what the doctor ordered Thanatos thought as he strolled in that lazy, vaguely arrogant manner that suggested one of good breeding and a soul that suffered from your classic narcissistic complex. Everything about this particular character dripped of confidence or apathy. There was the slope of his clearly defined jaw, the sharp glitter in his dark gaze or even the pleasant way his lips swooped up in an amused, vague expression. His hair was cropped short, and a deep mocha color – rich and warm despite what his soul would reflect on his nature otherwise. Just hours earlier he had been in his home, dining on the remains of a villager who had made the mistake of a twilight stroll. And now? Now it was evening. Even with all the torture toys he had stored away in that dungeon of his the ancient immortal had a nasty habit of growing bored. Humans were so simple and after over ten centuries the surprises begin to thin out. One response mirrors another and so on and so forth. Not that vampires always presented more intellectual subjects but they were given to have just a bit more experience at living…regardless of the nature of their bodies; dead. But why New York city? Why such an aggressive, overcrowded smoggy mess of a city to visit in the United States? Well, once you got past all of that…besides the aggression (Than was rather fond of the temper tantrums everyone seemed to pull), it was a quaint little village filled with your average village idiots and the like. That and there were several vampires he had been known to associate with within the spanse. Not that he called any “friends” but acquaintances were better than having to find intelligent ones all over again. This plan was a good one until you tossed in the fact that Thanatos never directly sought out said acquaintances, more he stumbled into them. He would position himself strategically – in socially adept places like bars, clubs and your other obnoxious, alcohol serving institutions and wait, like the predator he was. Without fail someone would always show up, if not to quench their pathetic human wants than to prey on those who had come to do something like that. Still, when venturing into public he risked being fawned over and slobbered upon, something that the immortal was not particularly interested in. Hormones were wonderful but sex was fairly useless these days. It was pointless, rubbing up against some stranger just to release a few endorphins. And talk about counterproductive – all that work for a couple seconds of pleasure? Again – not worth it. Such a pity too, because having a steady mistress would probably solve said problem – anyone that Conteo would even be marginally interested in would have to be given to colossal behaviors, an extremist and quite hostile herself. A tempest, not unlike himself though with a decidedly more feminine side. Not to mention the physical requirements – she’d have to be damn near perfect. Like most people in the modern world his judgments were often shallow, though a good case of intelligent conversation could change said qualities and tip the scales the likelihood of such a phenomenon was slim to none. So what was the immortal doing? Biding his time. He’d seated himself in one of the corner booths – fairly remote but not without its charm as far as vantage points went. He could see what was going on and who was entering without strain while remaining just a bit out of the way and not too conspicuous – he’d rather not draw attention. Crossing his legs, he took up most of the curved seat, his features substantially shadowed thanks to his position with his palms raised above – clutched behind his skull in a lazed state of repose. Observing. And who would wander in but the colorful Ms. Ruby Monroe who was not exactly like Marilyn Monroe – now that had been a woman, though far too…mainstream…for Thanatos’ taste. A small sigh of gratification made its way past his lips as he shifted and moved in her general direction. Had she been on stage? Her attire said yes but Thanatos hadn’t taken note of it. Well…there was of course a reason for such things, the immortal enjoyed watching reactions rather than methods of women – enjoyed watching the crowd’s expressions fluctuate with each show and as they conversed. Strolling to her side, his amused glance ticking to her hips as they lolled back and forth with the sound of the bass, Thanatos did not so much announce himself as murmur his drink order to the barkeep who seemed more than a little curious. A scotch, as usual was what was brought to him. Taking a slow sip, his mirth-filled eyes finally moved to Ruby’s features and he eyed her for some moments, taking in the swoop of her lips and the curl of her hair before speaking in that rich, despicably masculine tone. ”Ms. Monroe, you look positively provocative.” Naturally this was made as an observation rather than an invitation – he had no interest in coitus and that was obvious in the way that following the statement he took another sip and boyishly plopped on the bar stool at his side. Ah, another night in that big juicy apple. Just begging him to take a bite. ][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][ count: 901 outfit: bayam! comments: bah. so tired. they'll be less like utter crap in the future. <3

[.eornoM adlitaM ybuR]

Twirling the lip-stick stained straw in her drink lazily, Ruby gossiped with the female bartender. Bartenders were always the best source o information in a strip club, after all. Every girl at some point once their shift was done stopped buy for a quick drink before leaving for home - many of them spilling their woe's to the blonde behind the counter who was similarly dressed in a corset top and jeans.

Ruby tended to keep her own woe's to herself, or at least the one's that dealt with the females she worked with. No need to shit where you'd be sleeping. Else you'd end up rolling around in it. The blonde girl scampered off to serve someone else. Ruby's icey blues blinked and searched down into the brown of her drink, nearly half gone now.

She leaned her elbow on the bartop - standing sideways on it so the edge dug into her ribs somewhat. Her concentration was finely place don her drink, her attempts to fish out a singular ice cube to suck on was interrupted by some regular touching her bare shoulder and murmuring some kind-yet-kind-of-creepy words in her ear. She simply smiled and said thank you. Vampire, after all - what did this middle aged man really have against her? Nothing.

She sighed though, and slammed her drink down with some exasperation. Fine, no ice. Her body leaned outward now, viewing the club in all it's glory. She could see a hand being summoned by one of her girl friends to a table. Ever since Lars was out of the picture they liked to court her and introduce her to people. Assholes. Lovable, but assholes. She had a nice time meeting others, however. And if they happened to be cute then she sometimes had her way with them for her own carnal desire, but little else.

But before she could comply to her friend's wished a masculine voice beside her summoned her name. Her eyes shot up some ways to the speaker, a small smile playing on her lips with the familiar face.

"Well duh,"

[/b] she rolled her eyes, "You're in a strip club, honey, and I happen to work here," she smiled, "If I wore hoodies and sweatpants I'd get very little tips, much less a pay check." Ha! As if she would ever wear those items out in public, anyway. Ruby was not the type of girl to do so. She thoroughly enjoyed getting done up for trips to the drug store just to buy cigarettes. It made her feel important, extravagant and special. Mostly because she turned heads. It wasn't that she needed the attention, but she knew how to get it - and might as well continue to. Not a necessity, but certainly she fancied it, and more or less wanted it.[/blockquote][/justify]

465 words FOR than, and outfit such as this and with tunes like HIM makes for this post here. and another thing, backatcha.

[[ THANATOS ]*]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=b3ada6] The words that the younger immortal emitted were enough to induce a small chuckle of his own, that devilish grin widening in pleasure of the intelligent company. At least...vaguely intelligent. Ms. Monroe was a character, high maintenance most definitely and she had chosen an interesting profession for a vampire. Frankly he had no reason to believe that employment was necessary for their kind. Their food was...free. And he was generally the sort to take what he needed. Then again he had always had his family's money. Having a hand in the way stocks rose and fell probably helped as well - toss around enough threats and something's bound to get done. Drumming the utmost tips of his articulations on the smooth hardwood of the bar, his stare orchestrated a thoughtful jaunt towards her supposed companions. Those dark eyes were nothing short of predatory as he looked over the women so scantily dressed. The smirk that crept about his countenance as sinister as it might be to be observed by a lion who'd just skipped a meal. For the most part though, Thanatos was well behaved in public. Civilized, they would say, then again they knew nothing about his extracurricular activities back in Wales. At the thought he nearly longed for his secluded castle. Breathing a sigh to battle down the sudden attack of nostalgia, the somewhat content gaze ticked up towards the lady sitting adjacent him. "I'm not so sure that those could not be provocative if created with a similar intent." The coy remark was expressed with very little fervor to be found in the actual words, though his gaze was clearly amused as he took a sip of the scotch in his glass. When in this state it could be said that Thanatos was very nearly ordinary in appearance - relaxed, boyish and nothing like the beast he generally was. The kind of beast that killed his family out of spite and even now reminisced over the horrified look on his mother's face. He'd often thought of taking up art simply so he could pain an adequate semblance of the moment, but bringing an idea into the physical often ruined its elegance so he refrained from any such thing. The dull resonance of the bass in the "club music" coaxed a smirk that didn't seem to want to dissipate no matter the length of time that it spent on his lips. That was fine enough, he presumed. Monroe wasn't exactly sensitive. That being said she was a lady in every sense of the word, if not a little flirtatious. Then again the women of old were often so inclined. Thanatos was probably just a bit old fashioned as far as attractive women went. He had endured a few centuries and still he found the portion where women were submissive and unassuming to be the most enjoyable. They were the fairer sex and yet this era would have them cavorting with any animal that would like her on her back: quantity over quality. This disgusted him. Stretching in place, the muscles in his back flexed before he allowed them to relax and a deep sigh was endowed. "So tell me, what is there, exactly, to do in this town except people watch...?" Than was not your average tourist, the statue of Liberty was a bore and he could only stand strip clubs for so long - the scent of smoke sometimes induced what could be classed as a migraine. He pondered how he'd left his household: bloody. There was a tramp in a weighted iron chair at the bottom of his pool, her sadistic husband in the iron maiden and a certain fat landlord on the rack who'd stretched just far enough to break him in half...The household workers were all immortal themselves to handling said gore was less a trouble to them. But what a mess and this had been a calm morning. ][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][ count: no idea outfit: bayam! comments: nooot much better. But I killed the post once.x.x

[.eornoM adlitaM ybuR]

[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=2][bg=666666] Ruby listened to his words intently. She was only practiced to do so. When she was a newly turned vampire, she still had to conform to the expectations of society, more or less. She never really had to, but she was smart enough to know if she didn't, er, life would be more difficult than it already was conditioned to be. Being a male vampire in the forties was surely no big deal, but for a female? Not so much. She was expected to get married, raise a family, host candle parties and stand behind her man almost blindly. And lets not forget the huge speculation about attending church or going out in the daytime period. It was no heart ache for her, really - her skin was too fair to fair the sun for too long when she was human anyways, and attending mass always seemed like a chore. It wasn't as if in those times women were expected to even delve into their faith, either. Just follow blindly, like anything else.. so Sunday mass wasn't a huge loss, even if she enjoyed the architecture of the inner city cathedral - she could always marvel at it in an evening service or prayer time. She often did, for some time. Well, she had learned to be proper in her mannerisms, regardless if she practiced them regularly or not. It was like riding a bike, a second nature to swing back into a pretty thing to look at. Adrian, her sire, hadn't been of her own time, however - and took pride in schooling her in the ways of men; how they thought and acted, what they cared about, and most importantly what they thought of her, rather her gender. Along with that he showed her basic combat skills in the privacy of his large apartment. Adrian gave her an education much greater than the one she received in her schooling. He had much greater respect than most men, and knew the potential was far greater than society then saw it. Of course, he wasn't perfect, and looking back on it - she did notice his expectations for her. He expected her to keep her mouth shut in the appropriate times, to always remember than even with all the special care he gave her, she wasn't his equal. Ruby didn't know any better then. Not many did. She was accustomed for a very long while to think that anything a man did was right, however which way he went about touching you, it was just expected of you to comply and satisfy. Thank fuck for the sexual revolution. She'd soon embraced her inner spunk, and damn, she used it well. It was quite enjoyable to not need to worry about voicing your opinions and to not have to bite your tongue all the time - sometimes literally. But at the same time, she was glad she had the experience. So much tolerance was learned in her natural lifetime. Plus, there was a time and a place for everything, right? It was like she programmed an On and Off button in her head. Brought back to the present, however, Ruby contemplated Thanatos inquiry with pouted lips. "Well, that depends on what your interests are," she stated before waving her hand for another drink, "Anything you enjoy doing in your own.. town, you can do in New York. More likely than not, you'll be able to find much more of it," she nodded, proud of the city she'd lived in her whole existence - Although she'd visited Europe, and it was lovely. As prim as she liked to imagine herself, she loved the dirty city, its grime - it provided good contrast for her. When she was visiting France, as much as she loved it, she was just another face in the crowd among fermented pearls. Here she was a true Ruby among coals, and she liked that. She picked up her voice again as an afterthought, "I generally enjoy dancing, which is why I took up a job here,"

[/color] she explained, "And it gives me something to do and a good social outlet," she sighed a little, thinking that sounded like some pathetic that worked to get out, which wasn't the case. She just figured she might as well explain her decision on her profession to him, most vampires were a tad curious on why she would take such a 'lowly' job. Lowly her ass, it paid damn well. "I'm afraid my other hobbies would be mostly a bore to you, however."

THIS IS TAGGED TO THAN. ELLIE HAS BEEN LISTENING TO BRAND NEW AS SHE WROTE THIS 791 WORD POST HERE WHERE B IS WEARING THIS, AND SHE'D ALSO LIKE YOU TO KNOW, better :3.

[/justify][/td][/tr][/table][/right]

[[ THANATOS ]*]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=b3ada6] The attentiveness of the immortal across him was not lost on Thanatos, whose dark eyes seemed trained to remain absolutely honed on her pupils. It could be construed as a bit intimidating to some, rude to others but sadly there was no logical reason for him to make himself less predatory. The look that he constantly sported mirrored a hawk and like a raptor he was so intensely focused that it took something more interesting to flaunt before him to entice his rapture. Where Ms. Monroe sported her mannerisms as daintily and cleverly as a woman ought to, there was a flagrant absence of that list of things not to do. Basically that’s what manners were – a list: Open doors for women, take their arm where is necessary, never keep your elbows on the table at dinner, offer your coat when it is cold outside. Now, while these seem innocent enough, Thanatos was completely averted to the idea that he catered to a social norm created by people who could no longer figure out which gender went with which in a relationship. It was as if they’d forgotten the usefulness of a puzzle metaphor. Shaking his head, almost in an attempt to rid his mind of its trivial musings, he calmed himself. They didn’t matter – mortals and their petty ideas of a perfect world. If the world were perfect there would be nothing to do or speak of and he somehow doubted the vampire race would exist. Werewolves would definitely be out of the question. What a joke they were: giant dogs. His lips had curled thoughtfully but said nothing as he observed the vampire seated beside him. Such elegance and such a capacity for violence, no wonder she appeared so confident. He had met very few immortal females who did not have that particular air. It was as if they thought it made them equal to men in some way. Unfortunately, if that was their highest expectation for themselves they were aiming ridiculously low and he reasoned they should be sent to school or accept their ignorance. Whatever the case was, their lack of imagination was infuriating. Be a man? Now that was pitiful – that only meant they wanted a testosterone shot and a package. Pitiful dreams, ladies. Then again some people were just stupid to begin with. But really could that many women be idiots? Apparently so. Heaving a quiet sigh, he finished his drink but did not ask for another as she did. He needed only a vague reminder of food and drink before he decided that blood would always trump the vaguely monotonous taste of human food. …that depends on what your interests are, Now that brings us to another somewhat sad chapter in Conteo’s life – he was not one to entertain human hobbies and so when asked he only had a slim variety of interests that could capacitate conversation and the passing of time. Realistically speaking there was only a slight reason for him to bother with such frivolities but what else was there? Anything you like doing in your own town… This induced a small snort of laughter, his void stare lighting with amusement, sincerely doubted that the streets of New York, as noisy and cluttered as they were, would tolerate the screams his fancies produced. Still, he remained silent, allowing her to finish her train of thought. Experience said that people often lost them if you interrupted their speech and God forbid she not be able to communicate her response. Even after she’d finished speaking the first bit he sensed there would be more because frankly there was nothing solid about her initial response. I generally enjoy dancing…it gives me something to do and a social outlet, He didn’t comment, just waited on the punch line. I’m afraid my hobbies would be mostly a bore to you. Well…that failed. Blinking slowly, he smirked and slid off his stool, tossing a bill on the countertop that paid for his drink, hers and a tip before gesturing towards the door. ”Dancing it is, then. Shall we or do you need to change first?” Honestly, she looked fine, perhaps more Vegas friendly than New York but as long as you weren’t in Oklahoma she wouldn’t be frowned upon in said attire… ][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][ count: No idea. outfit: bayam! comments: Had muse just no time. x.x

[.eornoM adlitaM ybuR]

[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=2][bg=666666] Ruby eyed him peculiarly, it was really all she could do in such a situation. Regardless of his darkened eyes boring holes directly into her blue ones, she stood with her back straightened. There were certain sorts of people who would divert their gaze, feel the opposing body language, and naturally submit. No matter how sophisticated the vampire race posed itself to be, underlying there was just the simple creature, with the simple laws of pecking order, if you will. Strip down everything and all you have is a bunch of animals. But, aforementioned, Ruby wasn't the type to submit under a piercing gaze, or much else, really. She submitted when she wanted to, and no other time. if gazed at long enough her own instincts would fight back with everything they had. See? A quaint stare could teach you a lot about a person - or anything else, really. She felt mildly sized up, challenged. It wasn't her dominant feeling, but one she still felt. His motives could just be deceiving her, however. Eying him up and down she sized up what he was wearing and mentally paired it up to what she had stowed away in her tote. She pursed her painted lips, finally, and moved her drink away from her, slinking herself around him daintily, hesitating momentarily to say, "I'll be leaving through the employees door," B trusted he could find that well enough. She wasn't supposed to be seen in the club with her street clothes, nor was she supposed to leave the club in her stage clothes. It was a rule most establishments such as this kept. Sauntering into the empty dressing room, B quietly shuffled through the time cards, on leg slack as she did so before punching herself out and moving toward her personal space. Her hands moved busily, unpinning her hair and unzipping her tote. Rummaging through it, she pulled out the rather bland dress and lacey heels. Wonderful, she'd match with his drab attire. She began undressing herself, glad she had the time to cool down after the show so she wasn't so grimy and moist. B did the necessities, deodorant, a few sprays of perfume, before slipping on the fresh clothes. Once her hair was down, she tousled it around some, creating a much more natural look to frame her oval face. Inspecting every inch of herself in the mirror, Ruby decided she was decent, and grouped up her bulging bag, throwing the thing over her shoulder before making her way to the back door, nodding at a few of the girls as they filed back in when she passed. Before she'd completed everything, B had slipped out a singular cigarette and her lighter. She didn't hesitate to light up prior to exiting the establishment. The cool air hit her like a wall, her arms and majority of her legs bare were assaulted with the drastic change in temperature. It didn't cause her much else but a surprise and mild discomfort until she quickly adjusted. Glancing up as she exhaled, her eyes following the white trail of the smoke released, found that there was the smallest bit of snow fall in the city, not quite heavy enough for the flakes to make it all the way to the ground, however, but the flurries added a nice white undertone to everything. THIS IS TAGGED TO THAN. ELLIE HAS BEEN LISTENING TO DEFTONES AS SHE WROTE THIS 575 WORD POST HERE WHERE B IS WEARING NEW CLOTHES!, AND SHE'D ALSO LIKE YOU TO KNOW, rushed :(.

[[ THANATOS ]*]

[atrb=width,300,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=b3ada6] A small smirk had crept over the immortal’s dashing countenance, his gaze dark and liquid and poised to strike much like a venomous reptile in wait for its victim. Fortunately for Ms. Monroe she was not on the menu. She was actually quite far from it. If Thanatos had even the vaguest notion of what fondness was beyond the kind you had for a hobby, she would be held in affectionate regard – a friend perhaps. As it so happened she was given the sincere label of “tolerated”. Such extraordinary feats for a fiend and a murderer and yet so rarely appreciated. He was not one to venture through the ward of nostalgia, nor was he inclined to your classic soliloquy. Such cliché, such madness. The shorter vampire that stared rather coyly back at him was attractive, and perhaps dangerous – a product of her intellect, the subject of his interest. She was not an idiot, and he found it refreshing and perhaps the reason he so enjoyed her company. Beyond that maybe he was just a shallow prick who liked a saucy wench on his arm for the evening. As easily as one could be true the other could be the remedy. Than had been in the company of beauties for centuries, such scandalous women as Audrey Hepburn and therefore he was somewhat detached from the congenial, somewhat pedestrian beauty the outside world could offer. Inner beauty was a rarity, something he only just believed in. Not that he had direct experience with any such phenomenon, nor did he seek it, but blood was not the only motion the world had created. Love played its part…but contrary to common belief it was not the only force worth the time of day. Aware of the scope and line of her sight, he did not tick under her scrutiny but remained removed from the exercise, simply nodding at her statement before he allowed her to pass. The moment he would spend in solitude were ones that employed the payment for his drinks, and weaving through the crowd. Once he found himself outside, in the chill of the open streets of New York he paused. The wind was a mess – all sense of order deteriorating with the scents and sounds that flushed his system and completely negated any peace that might have been achieved. Such novelties that sent his head spinning often sent him back to his home, where the silence was a pedestrian thing only violated by his own activity. The fact that the heavens had begun to dust the citadel with bright frozen flakes of precipitation, he inclined his skull, far more prone to let it fall to his skull than to his features. It then occurred to him that she would be at the side door and expecting him. Best not keep the damsel waiting, though “damsel” hardly seemed fitting for Ruby Monroe. That was comforting though, the fact that he could carry on a conversation with a creature perfectly capable of existing without him nearby was an excellent achievement and he applauded her efforts. Rounding the corner to find her clad in a dress in such weather, it took some effort to soften the frown that was created by this development. Perhaps she was under the delusion that wearing slacks was not a woman’s place? Almost chuckling at the thought, he arched a brow towards her, the pleasing curve of his lips only disrupted by the rich tone of his voice slipping past them. ”Dare I offer my jacket?” It was said with no hint of laughter, only the dry validation of truth. Stepping aside he gestured with his palm out and a passive smile. ”Shall we, then? You’ll have to lead the way, this isn’t my normal haunt.” Such lingo was an adaptation – haunt wasn’t a term used very often in his younger years but seemed acceptable for the here and now. In Thanatos’ day it was quite appropriate for him to offer his arm, now it may have been an insult to feminism. Still, it was an involuntary action – he offered it, smoothly as if he’d done it a hundred times but in a way that said his heart did not hinge on acceptance. Everything about this monster said “at your leisure” when everything in its eyes screamed “then you’re mine.” ][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][ count: 725. outfit: bayam! comments: Wee. :]

[.eornoM adlitaM ybuR]

[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=2][bg=666666] Ruby's red lips were twined around her cigarette as Than came around the bend. It wasn't a vice as much as it was a pleasure. The nicotine never had much chance to settle into her mind as an addictive substance when she was human. Why she spend her money on the things in her immortal life was beyond her, really. She was fond of the smell, actually, of the memories and just plain physical smell. She enjoyed the action itself, found it attractive on others and therefore herself - and guessed it just came with the territory of wearing heels and working as a dancer, right? That's why B smoked and smelled like a mixture of sweet perfume and cigarettes. Quite becoming. "If you truly offered then I might take it," she mumbled from one side of her mouth before removing the thing, "Then again I'm perfectly fond of showing the city a little skin despite the weather," she continued, adjusting her back so she could take his arm. the action was natural to her, be it with one of her girlfriends or otherwise. To her it was nothing more than a companionship gesture, she didn't put much thought into it besides that. Her speech around some individuals, like than here, took a turn for the more proper. Ruby was a complex person, with many different faces for different people and occasions. She could very well be very much a "lady" like she was now, or she could swear her ass off when she was around the right company. it wasn't that she truly cared what others thought of her - it was more of a conforming action to make life a little easier on all those involved. She guessed you could just call her adaptable. Her arm linked loosely in his, Ruby made her way from the side alley and into the street, pausing momentarily to decide which direction and course of action to take. Ballroom dancing, then, in New York City at this time of night? The only plausible place to vend that would be at some banquet hall or another, and that would involve crashing a wedding party of sorts, she guessed. She sighed, standing there, exhaling smoke as she pondered. Finally she piped up next to him, inclining her head up and over to him to inquire, "You wouldn't have happened to have brought a car with you?" She figured it was a good enough question seeing as he was not a local, or so she remembered him mentioning in their first meeting. Then again, not many tourists brought cars to New York for obvious reasons… she lived there and didn't own a car! But she figured she would ask instead of dragging him all across the city in public transportation only to have him making the extra trip to retrieve his vehicle if he had it nearby. The subways were always quite entertaining this time of night though, with all the hookers and partied out twenty somethings. They'd provide entertainment for the couple's troubles if Than didn't happen to have a car, anyways. THIS IS TAGGED TO THAN. ELLIE HAS BEEN LISTENING TO LORD OF THE RINGS SOUNDTRACK AS SHE WROTE THIS 513 WORD POST HERE WHERE B IS WEARING THIS, AND SHE'D ALSO LIKE YOU TO KNOW, filler post.... but yeah, at least you got one ~ we can start conversation on the way there, yes? ask her something.

[/quote]

[[ THANATOS ]*]

[atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=000000] The immortal's lips twitched in laughter at the response he would receive from the spunky Ms. Monroe. Then again I'm perfectly fond of showing the city a little skin despite the weather. Shaking his head, he did not verbally respond but promptly slipped out of his sport coat and draped it over her slender shoulders. As they began to meander with their arms linked, Than struggled with a moment of nostalgia - weren't there days where this was perfectly acceptable? The pedestrian wanderings that were pleasant and quiet and New York was not so overcrowded. Granted, it had already been blooming with bright and shining businesses. Now? Overcrowded was the only fitting word he could associate with the place. But for all intensive purposes the past was gone and he had to acclimate himself to this "new" big apple. The chill of the air was undeniable, the flakes that befell their heads enough to disclose this fact to the dark eyed Welsh. As they embarked out onto the open streets he consciously made himself not focus on the scent of the humans as they brushed past him. Really it was just a smorgasbord out here amongst the flesh. Smirking at the morbid though, his skull soon tipped to address her as she spoke to him. You would have happened to have brought a car with you? Actually he owned a car and an apartment here, oddly enough. With a small, pleased expression on his features, he took his cell phone - a small, blackberry - from his pocket, pressed speed dial 692 (NYC) and allowed it to ring until a man picked it up. He murmured their present address into the receiver, his accent thicker than usual in such a low tone before hanging up and dropping it back in his pocket. Those knowing eyes ticked towards Ruby for a moment but were not to be harnessed there - the silver Jaguar XK was pulling up to the curb next to them. Casually opening the passenger door and holding it for her for several moments, his gaze slanted to the driver who had already slipped out and was hailing a cab. Seconds later, Thanatos had moved around the vehicle to take the keys and slide into the driver's seat. With actions that can only be termed as those of habit, he turned the sound system on, the suave voice of Frank Sinatra in Moon River rising up from the speakers to the side and rear of the car. Shutting his door, he pulled out, not vaguely certain as to where they were going but not particularly caring at present. He enjoyed driving, even in this jungle city, and Sinatra's voice was familiar and soothing to the ancient being. It made him curious what happened to society as a whole. What happened to men with voices like this? They had disintegrated into the nothingness, it seemed. Forgotten. He was timing the lights, something that most cities termed illegal but the last time a law officer pulled him over there was a funeral with a salute and bagpipes. It had been nineteen forty three. Not that he cared to recall the incident, but it was an entertaining thought, Conteo being arrested. He had heard a rumor or two of his nephew living in these parts but carefully avoided any kin of Desaray. Best not start a nasty little spat about spilled milk and parents' blood, right? Drumming his fingertips on the clutch, he glanced at his company, his stare always quietly assuming a mild tentativeness both provocative and repulsive because one simply knew that he wasn't just looking at you. He was thinking things you didn't want to imagine. Though it suddenly occurred to him; "Do you know how to dance?" Perhaps late to ask and it probably would provoke sarcasm considering her profession, but that was held in disregard, he would receive the kind of answer he wanted one way or another. She seemed very much a no nonsense sort of woman, and therefore he entrusted her with such liberties. ][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][ count: 680 comments: Oh look! Sinatra and a convo! WHO LOVES YEW BABY

[.eornoM adlitaM ybuR]

[atrb=width,350,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=2][bg=666666] Ruby's blue eyes flitted up at her partner momentarily, eying his face speculatively. She was observant enough to see the pleased look on his face. It reflected on hers as he went about his business with his phone and whatnot. Her head turned away after a moment to the streets of the city. A few individuals were out and about this time of night, bar hopping, having fun, whatever. Ruby was comforted by the fact, she took a pleasure in having her own company and others around her sharing the same small treasure. That was about as empathetic as she truly got on a daily basis - all the rest she shared with all the girls she worked with was mostly her shit-eating grin. Although she was all well and content with them there, she didn't adore them outstandingly or anything. That wasn't to say she adored Mr. Conteo in those respects either. It was just more enjoyable when you at least had the company if your own species - someone to relate to a bit better. Actually know your diet, habits, lifestyle and figurative and literal cold heartedness. Maybe B certainly wasn't as "bad" off as Than, but she wasn't some bleeding heart like others, either. To each their own in this crazy world, she figured - so long as those bastards didn't emptied on her own lifestyle - it wasn't up to her to try and change their habits or likings. General rule to make the world go round - take note. She listened in closely as than spoke into the phone, glancing up at his mouth as his lips moved to speak the accented words. She had caught bits and pieces of it before but now it was more genuine. She pulled his jacket around her shoulders - her fingers multitasking as they stuck the cigarette in her mouth to take one last drag from the thing while they pinched closed the collar around her chest. Her hand bag resided in the nook of the same arm - as her other was indisposed being entwined with his. Finally, she let her grip go on the jacket to flick the cigarette to the ground as the Jaguar arrived. Ruby stomped her foot down on the pavement, crushing it with the leathered sole of her shoe in a twisting motion as Than went to open her door. Habitual chivalry, she guessed. She wasn't opposed. She'd done enough living to be used to it and not be bothered if it wasn't offered. Rarely, however was she grateful, but that was just her personality for you. Elitist. Any thanks was just not due in simplicities like that. She turned his way as he eased himself in, twisting her body to plop her duffel on the floor behind seat. "Cute accent,"

[/color] she remarked nonchalantly as she did so before turning back around to face forward, "And car I suppose,"[/color] she continued - trailing her index finger on the dash.

Once the vehicle began moving and the jazz swayed through her mind, Ruby laid her head back on the headrest, a soft smile tracing her painted lips. This was her own mortal era - and therefore familiar. However this version, some digital masterpiece was of obvious higher quality than her mother's old records. She was sure she still had those somewhere in her apartment, having recovered them from when her parents died in a happy old age. She loved her parents sure, she had no real strife with them ever… but before they became too ill she made sure to visit them at the home and get them to change their will. Their face form seeing their ageless, long lost daughter was priceless, surely. But with a little bit of mind warping she got most of the possessions anyway. A wealthy enough father and her being an only child. She sold their spacey apartment, though, figuring extended family knew the place well enough. She didn't regret it much, she'd been a good kid to them and deserved it all in the end.

She let him drive on, humming and tapping her nails on the crevice that her door provided for her arm. "Don't you just love Frank?"[/color] she swooned, "I had such a crush on him when I was a teenager! Probably my first romantic fantasy, you have no fucking idea.."[/color] she smiled larger to mostly herself t the fond memories. Poor soul. She should have sought that motherfucker out and sired him. He would have been well worth her time, and much more assuring then the man she actually ended up siring. But that was a memory bank she need not unravel now.

Ruby was staring at the street lights in front of her, her eyes dimmed and half closed to blur the shapes, her thick lashes cutting through the hues as she let the music serenade her for a few moments longer. Sometime before shed seated herself down she'd removed the jacket from around her shoulders and folded it over into her lap onto of her knees. The smooth bends were tightly drawn together and laid to rest to the inside of her seat while the rest of her legs went the opposite way so she was facing her consort.

Her face slowly turned toward him as he spoke up again, her temple residing on the headrest as the song slowed and finished. "Uhm,"[/color] she mumbled softly, "Well yes. I mean, I've never had any formal training or anything - just learned by living I guess. Went to Mexico with some fling once and learned to tango. I suppose some ballroom classes when I was mortal might constitute as formal training, but ballroom dancing is quite easy to begin with, no? Anyways, I got more saucy as I aged and times changed, you know. It's always been pretty easy for me to manipulate my body and such, so I just made a profession out of it,"[/color] she shrugged, "that keeps me in good shape, experience wise,"[/color] she finished, "And you? Any group classes? Had to take line dancing in phys ed or what, Mr. Than? I can see it now, just you bending those girls over and taking a bite just like in the movies!"[/color] The Yankee vixen joked blatantly, her fingers trailing down her own pale neck while she extenuated her point.

THIS IS TAGGED TO THAN. ELLIE HAS BEEN LISTENING TO JAWBOX & SINATRA AS SHE WROTE THIS 1111 WORD POST HERE WHERE B IS WEARING THIS, AND SHE'D ALSO LIKE YOU TO KNOW, yay! good post <3.

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[[ THANATOS ]*]

[atrb=width,375,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=000000] You know it's quite nice, when you're in the company of a creature whose intelligence is probably a fair match to your own. Thanatos could very well enjoy the pristine atmosphere about himself and his present cohort in crime. Such sentiments were evident on the Welsh's youthful appearance as he murmured into the receiver of the cellular device he coddled. He handled as gingerly as one might a china doll, not because he particularly cared for it but because he used it so rarely that he hadn't the faintest idea what it would take to break the thing. It was a commonplace happening for the vampire to have no idea how to handle technology or even have the vaguest want to learn. After all it was somewhat boring wasn't it? And it simplified life far too much to make it enjoyable. Frankly he preferred handwritten letters to email, and conversations in person to over the phone chats. Even if he hadn't caught her eyes on him he would have felt them, the sole response to this phenomenon the mild twitch of his lips in amusement. It was pedestrian really, for women to nitpick things that they liked and disliked about him, and Thanatos could no longer coax more than that off-putting response. Everything about the man was wired to screw with others, down to the snobbish clothing. Not that he had any intention of doing so, it was just how the die fell. Cute accent. Ah. That was it. The accent well that was pretty hard to miss, but when he spoke hurriedly it was more tangible, molten hot lava tangible. Why lava? Because to be honest it was what came to mind. And car I suppose. Like he gave a shit about the car. Smirking widely as she got comfortable and relaxed, he allowed his wrist to rest on the steering wheel, idly driving through traffic. Whatever she was pondering was of no consequence to him, especially if she wasn't flaunting it to him. He wasn't the sort to ask what was on other people's minds simply because his own mind was such minefield he wouldn't venture to guess what was the "norm". She lounged so much like a feline one may have thought she simply came with the car, he imagined they'd probably sell more if that were the case. One dancer per purchase though, please. It wasn't a rarity for him to picture woman as such accessories, but men were often just as dehumanized so it really wasn't a sexist issue so much as a human issue. Don't you just love Frank? I had such a crush on him when I was a teenager! Probably my first romantic fantasy, you have no fucking idea… Again his lips ticked but this time she would earn herself a lazily entertained response; "I still have a crush on him." Alright he was bullshitting, but to be honest he was in the mood to be humorous, after all she was safe to be ridiculous with was she not? A fellow intellect who could decipher sarcasm from sincerity and he was definitely being sarcastic. Playfully so, but sarcastic nonetheless. He doubted Sinatra would be any good these days, probably frustrated with society and its subtextual aggression that seemed to be turned inward towards itself. He'd be pissed. Though angry Sinatra music sounded entertaining. She had daintily angled herself to see him should she so wish, though Thanatos hadn't the faintest idea why - not like he was in the mood to rip heads off anyway. If he were there wouldn't be any speech, Sinatra would not be playing and they wouldn't still be in the car. He'd be picking her limbs out of the wreckage. At least she was comfortable though, that much was apparent, comfortable and at home in the nook against the door. Well yes. I mean, I've never had any formal training or anything - just learned by living I guess. Went to Mexico with some fling once and learned to tango. I suppose some ballroom classes when I was mortal might constitute as formal training, but ballroom dancing is quite easy to begin with, no? Anyways, I got more saucy as I aged and times changed, you know. It's always been pretty easy for me to manipulate my body and such, so I just made a profession out of it, that keeps me in good shape, experience wise, And you? Any group classes? Had to take line dancing in phys ed or what, Mr. Than? I can see it now, just you bending those girls over and taking a bite just like in the movies! The vampire smirked thoughtfully, chuckling to himself as she notated her jesting words with the creeping of her digits over the smooth concave of her neck. "You'd be surprised how difficult it is to catch the rose once you drop it and go for the neck," he murmured softly, "and they never stand quite as still as they do in the movies. Apparently Hollywood broads were much more willing, because Hollywood cannot tell a lie." He was smiling now as his dark eyes endowed her a regarding slant before going back towards the road that scrolled out in front of him. Interesting evening. ][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][ count: no idea. comments: homnomnom.