i wont go quietly

Catalina feels her skin crawl as she looks at him, fingers toying with the edge of her dress as she knows there’s a weapon tucked around her thigh. One that could end all of this, but she still says silent as she looks him over. The same face that haunted her. “I’m sure it’ll be as amazing as everyone says it will.” A lie, but she’s sure to leave with a fucking bang. 

A brow raises as she looked at him and smirked. “You couldn’t afford me even if you did,” she quipped then as her eyes flicked down to the card in hand. “I have a job, but out of curiosity,” she quipped as she looked back at him. “What would I be doing at this club of yours?”

He laughs at her venom but can’t help but furrow his brow. He never questioned what kind of human came slinking into Shadowfalls. Most were in over their heads or strung out of their minds. He wondered where she fell. “I doubt I could.” He nods in agreement, never one to underestimate. “Well depends on what you’re comfortable with. We got waitresses, bartenders, dancers, secretaries, cleaners.” He pauses, sizes her up. “Housing too if you need a place.” 

Sage stood up, following him. “I was thinking we could hire performers to show off the club’s full potential; maybe get a dominatrix to set up in one of the dungeons, have some prostitutes going at it in another room? Encourage them to be friendly with the clients. Really take advantage of the setting,” she suggested, she knew it would be an added expense to bring in so many sex workers, but Sage was of the opinion that if you were going to do something, you should go all the way. She nodded at his idea for the theme. “Dressing them up like angels and demons could be an option, and I could find some Renaissance pieces?” She suggested.

He walked the space with her listening as she spoke, picturing everything perfectly. “I’m impressed, Sage.” He laughs and pauses in one of the many halls of the place, just beyond the front balcony. “You sure you haven’t done something like this before? You have a real knack for it.” He muses, leaning against the railings, overlooking his club.

“You vampires are always so complimentary.” Andrea observes astutely, whilst undoing the knot of her smock and handing it to a nearby waitress. With forty-five minutes to spare, she penciled Syrus in at his ominous request. It wasn’t often she befriended immortal beings like Syrus. Something about their immortal nature put her God-fearing persona in an uncomfortable place. But for all of Syrus’ quirks, he was nothing if not kind to her. And who was she to turn away a friend, despite their background? She gestures to the table beside them, holding a magically infused bottle of wine in her hands.

“It’s vintage rioja, infused with a relaxant.” Andrea murmurs, pouring them both a glass. With a friendly smile, she turns to him knowingly; “Alright, let’s have at it. What do you want?”

“Probably something to do with the devil being charming and all that.” He waves it away. “I’m sure you can school me on it later.” Syrus was a man of God once too. Unfortunately life showed him either God wasn’t around or he was quite a wicked man. As sarcastic as he could be he admired her faith. Whether he’d ever admit it or not. “Well you certainly don’t beat around the bush. I appreciate that about you.” He sits, smoothing his suit with one hand, the other reaching to tap along the edge of his wine glass. “I’m hosting an event at my club. An art gallery showing...if you can believe it. I’d like for your restaurant to cater it. If you’re interested?” 

Roman grinned as  Syrus approached. “Well look who it is. I haven’t seen you in here since we’ve been in business.” But as two busy businessmen, Roman understood. “Oh don’t worry at all. I know you were busy the other night. I on the other hand, was getting into trouble and attempting and failing to avoid it. But it was a good night. Can I get you a drink?” he asked. “Everything’s on the house tonight for you, my friend.” Roman was definitely a great host to anyone that entered his club, but to his friends he was the absolute best. 

“You treat me too well, Roman.” Syrus laughs and follows after his friend into the club. God the place looked good. Already Syrus could tell he had some good competition for his own club. And he loved competition. Especially with someone who knew what they were doing. “What kind of trouble were you getting into exactly? Fang or fur...or someone else?” 

Even before coming to Shadowfalls, Grey was no stranger to strip clubs. They were one of his favorite places to unwind with a beer and just forget his troubles, and he seemed to have no end of those lately. With a beer in hand, he couldn’t help but grin as he watched one particularly enthusiastic lady throw herself around the pole on the main stage. He was so distracted by her performance, that when someone walked by, he barely looked at them, just assuming it was his server. “Yeah, I’ll take another beer, thanks.”

This damn place would not seem to quit poaching his girls. Third time in the last month he’s had to come around here just to track one down. Syrus, if anything, was a little more than possessive of his investments. He’s just ready to head out of the strip club when he’s stopped in his tracks by the seated man. He looks around to the scantily clad servers and then down to himself dressed in a full suit. “Think you’ve got the wrong person there, friend.” He quips.

Her heart pounded beneath her breastbone as both excitement, fear, and anger welled up in her stomach. Inches from her was the person she’d molded herself around. His one act had changed her entire life, made her whom she chose to be today. Still, she had to remind herself of the task at hand. A slow seduction in order to finish what he’d once started. 

“I bet you will,” she quipped then as she placed the pack into her pocket. Her head tilted back, exposing the jugular of her neck, a mere taunt. For a moment, she almost dared him to make it easy on her. A mere reason for her to end up. “I’m looking for excitement and trouble. Do you think you can help me with that?”

The wind picks up her aroma of copper and flowers enough to keep him on the spot for now. He wouldn’t deny that he quite enjoyed the light smell of a human’s blood mixed with the heavy smoke of the cigarettes that hung between them. But he’s trying to learn better. He takes another drag listening to the girl before flicking the cigarette to the ground. His eyes graze across her for a moment before he lands back to hers. “Well if that’s what you’re here for I’m sure Shadowfalls could certainly provide.” He takes a step closer, a small smile on his lips. 

“Unfortunately darling I no longer need to pay for my entertainment.” He pulls a card from his pocket and hands it to her. “But you’re rather attractive and I can’t say I don’t appreciate the forwardness.” This human was either a fool or had a death wish, offering herself up like that. “If you need work I’m sure we can find you something at my club.” 

Her entire body stiffened, her heart picked up speed despite attempting to calm it as she knew he would hear it. She was human and facing a supernatural being, but also the male who had murdered her father. Letting a sigh slip past her lips, she pressed her back against the brick. For a moment, she envisioned walking over to him and sliding into his lap only to end what she’d begun when she was fifteen years old. 

A forced smile erupts on her face as she slowly rises from her seated position. Pulling her pack of cigarettes, she hands it to him with a small smile. “Here you go.” Opening her zippo, the brunette lifts the light to burn the cherry of his cigarette red. “Don’t say I never gave you anything,” Catalina whispers as billows of smoke escape her lips.

It took a bit of practice but Syrus was able to tune out the constant thrum of pulsating hearts around him. However when hers picked up instincts kicked in feeling that familiar flush and rush of heat to his head. It’s faint though, an ache in the back of his mind he’s long grown comfortable with. He hadn’t meant to startle her, mindlessly runs his tongue across his gums were his fangs were retracted.

“I’ll be sure to remember that.” He muses. Syrus takes a drag of the cigarette, sits in silent for a minute before his eyes flick back to the girl. Christ she was nervous. Curious thing for a lamb to bring themselves to a den of lions. “What brings you to the city?” 

Sage wasn’t an artist herself, but she had a good eye for it, and she had no problem being critical when necessary. “We can bring in more lights to illuminate the pieces, use those to set up some contrast between shadow and light. And yeah, I think I’ll be careful about how many red pieces we bring in,” she smiled, already picturing how they could adjust the space accordingly. “Are there any other rooms you wanted to set up art in? We could set it up like a tour of the various rooms, people have to go through the whole place to see the whole display. We could also add some shock factor if you wanted to bring in performers for the night, have them working alongside the art… maybe they could even offer an interactive element.” She suggested, a devious smile on her lips. If they were going to set this up in a sex club, they might as well fully embrace that.

Syrus begins walking with her as she speaks, the club was an interesting space, the square footage not particularly outrageous. But the main dance floor had three tiers of balconies and beyond that on the second third floor some private rooms available for rent. There were loops of hallways, spiral stair cases and jutted smaller balconies all over the place. He liked the way it merged together like labyrinth, just waiting for the next victim to get lost in. 

“I had a feeling I came to right person.” His smile is sharp. “That’s exactly what I was thinking. Though the interactive part...well that’s certainly interesting.” She was proving to be more useful than he’d imagine. “I’m hoping to create some scenes to go along with the art pieces. I haven’t quite thought of a theme yet. Something dark and Shakespearean. Maybe Poe or Dante as an inspiration. Tragic but ultimately quite enthralling to look at.” A ghost of a smirk hangs on his lips. 

Syrus Lark Task 002: BDSM Kink Test  Top Result: Brat Tamer (98%)

It was Sage’s first visit to the sex club, which wouldn’t be surprising to anyone who knew her. While Sage was no prude, she also wasn’t one to flaunt her relations in public, very much of the opinion that there was a time and a place for such things. She supposed for some people, this could be that place, and she didn’t pass any judgement on that… as long as she didn’t have to witness it.

“Syrus,” she smiled, reaching out to clasp his hand, her handshake as firm as any businessman. “It’s lovely to see you again. This is quite the place you have here,” she commented, glancing around idly as he lead her to a booth. “Not at all, it’s good to get a feel for the space so I can select the best pieces,” she nodded, taking a seat opposite him. 

It’s true the Wicked Whims wasn’t for everyone. Even Syrus who relished in the carnage wouldn’t have been the first person to venture through the doors had it not been his own property. No one could deny that the place was doing well for itself. Still nearly one of a kind in Shadowfalls. So far the business model was full proof. He could only hope he could keep that going. 

“Thank you.” He chuckles some, watching as Sage eyes the place. He can’t quite read what she’s thinking. Not sure if she’s speculating it from an artistic stand point or a pedestrians. “Well as you can see there’s a lot of, well, red.” Red curtains across the walls, crimson carpet, lining parts of the floor and even most of the bulbs were tinged red. Leaving the place in an eerie glow. “But I’m hoping we can a little beyond that.” Syrus smiles, leans back in his seat. “If you have any ideas that is. I’m very open to suggestions.” 

Fire and Brimstone hadn’t quite picked up for the dinner rush yet. Only a few scattered patrons throughout the place. He checked his watch, a few minutes early from when Andy told him to meet. Being a little overly punctual certainly wasn’t a crime, however. Now that plans were getting set in motion for his joint gallery showing with Sage was in motion he needed to find a resteraunt to cater. Bringing his friends some business was an obvious priority to Syrus. Staying in as many good graces as he could. A delicate tune played over the speakers and Syrus almost thought he recognized it. Something old and far before either of his times. Lids close trying to remember.

His eyes slide back open, gaze tilting towards the double doors of the kitchen. He could smell the minty scent of Andy’s blood before he could see her. Vampire perk. When she did appear he smiles, extends his hand, always trying to remain a courteous distance from the witch. Not everyone was overtly comfortable with vampires. Even as kind as Andy had always been. “Looking beautiful as ever, darling.” Syrus charms. “Thanks for meeting with me today.” 

Syrus was ashamed to admit he hadn’t been by Indulgence since its grand opening. He became so busy with his own club and his own...extracurricular activities but he was happy to finally be able to take the time to stop in and see his old friend. “Roman!” Syrus cheers when he spots him. “Sorry our conversation got cut short last evening. Problems with one of our girls.” He holds a sheepish grin as he extends his hand towards him.

Syrus rubs his forehead as he looks over a stack of papers an employee just handed him. A swirl of text and numbers gets lost in a haze as he tosses it back to them. “Find Vanessa.” He sighs. “She’s...better with this.” AKA better at handling all the day to day bullshit of the club he didn’t feel like handling. Syrus glances up as two people approach him. One his front of house and behind him being escorted is the lovely witch, Sage Golightly. 

Syrus smiles, dismissing his employee with a wave. “Sage.” He offers his hand. “Thanks for meeting me here. I wanted to continue our conversation from the party last evening.” He leads her to a corner booth in the currently empty club. “Hope you don’t mind. I just prefer a place I can,” he pauses for a beat “trust.”

“Oh really? I’ve got a mate now, I’ll bring her. I’m sure we can get up to something fun…I’ll have to get the password from you one of these nights sometime soon.” Cal was pretty confident that Candy would have no problem with a night at Wicked Whims, especially considering the games they’d been playing as of late. With a grin, Cal nodded. “I’m sure I could, it’s just been a while. Although that’s not a bad idea. Maybe I could arrange some kind of fight night for some of the bigger names in the city. We could all split the money or put it toward a mutual interest.”

Syrus pulls a card from his pocket. He tends to forget he has them there an honest to God terrible businessman. “Absolutely.” He says with a grin. “Give my number a call or feel free to drop by the club anytime. I’ll have your name added to the list.” Some vampires didn’t feel to comfortable trying to be friendly with wolves but Syrus didn’t mind. “I’ve got to my make the rounds but it was a pleasure to meet you, Cal.” He nods and throws the cigarette out, heading back into the party.