Finding their way

[Arsenal]

Cass went grunge. Interesting, but the truth was women could wear far more things than men could, and it was cute on her.

"Why, Officer Armstrong, who knew that you could clean up so nicely?"

He smiled as she allowed him to enter. he looked her over and spoke jokingly.

Why Miss Cass...I have a secret to tell you.

He leaned in closer and whispered.

I can see your legs through your jeans.

Chuckling he 'inspected' the holes in her jeans playfully but closely. Satisfied, he opened with a proposal.

I was not sure what you would prefer to do. SO...we can relax here with some room service and talk or we can go dancing and drinking at the club for a bit. It is completely up to you.

 

[Ruby]

Why Miss Cass...I have a secret to tell you.

He leaned in closer and whispered.

I can see your legs through your jeans.

Chuckling he 'inspected' the holes in her jeans playfully but closely. Satisfied, he opened with a proposal.

I was not sure what you would prefer to do. SO...we can relax here with some room service and talk or we can go dancing and drinking at the club for a bit. It is completely up to you.

:: Cass looked down at her jeans and then looked up at him. ::

"So can I!"

:: Giggling a bit, she got her purse. So. The choice was hers. As much as she knew he porbably had all kinds of questions, she really didn't want to stay in her suite. There was this thing in there that could pose a problem and she wasn't ready for that: a bed. She didn't know how he was when he got a bit buzzed, and she KNEW there would be drinking, and she wasn't at all comfortable...yet. So she figured drinks and dancing were relatively safe. ::

*teasingly*: "I say...let's go down to the club where you can buy me a drink."

:: She chuckled as she led the way out of her suite. She could have used her power of manipulation to make the evening go as SHE planned, but she liked Mike and because of that, she felt it wouldn't be fair to him. She NEVER used her power of manipulation on people that she liked and trusted. ::

 

[Arsenal]

*teasingly*: "I say...let's go down to the club where you can buy me a drink."

Mike smiled. A wise choice. Nothing worse than doing something before you are ready to, and he was not ready to risk it with a woman who could kill AND eat him. He probably would not turn her down if she came on strong, but he preferred to be sure she wasn't crazy before he thought about anything like that. Besides, he was glad to see her ready to go out and be happy, and he was happy to buy her a drink or few. Hell, getting a vampire drunk and dancing the night away is shit you told your grandsons, assuming you survived.

Fair enough Cass, but I must warn you: I am a very good dancer. Prepare to be MESMERIZED.

His joke struck Cass as ironic considering she could ACTUALLY mesmerize, but he did not know that, YET. He opened the door and offered an arm as he escorted her to the club below...

 

[Ruby]

Fair enough Cass, but I must warn you: I am a very good dancer. Prepare to be MESMERIZED.

:: It was all Cass could do to keep from laughing her head off. SHE was the master of mesmerizing here, after all. But Mike didn't know that. So she kept quiet and took hold of his arm as they entered the elevator that will take them down to the club. ::

"Oh, I don't know about that. I'm an excellent dancer myself."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

The Parthenon

<< Karen rarely had the chance to enjoy the Parthenon for such a long time, due to being in hiding. But the few times she was here, it was always a wonderful experience. It was luxury escape in a steele and city jungle.>>

<< Now it was an enduring piece of her daughter's legacy.>>

<< In her exclusive diamond suite on one of the top floors, Karen sat by the phone on the nightstand close to the bed.>>

<< The day had been filled with unexpected twists and she found herself once again dealing with the people she'd might two nights ago. They were good people in a sea of sheep and drones. She appreciated them and she cared for both Michael and Cass' well being...but she had her limits and the grief of her daughter's loss plagued her tremendously. But unlike most people who struggle with such loss Karen was better at remaining "functional".>>

<< At the moment, she was feeling rather fatigued. Between Arielle, Cass and Michael...she was pulled further out than she would prefer. Delilah had always seemed to know how much was too much as they began to work closer together in recent weeks...but these strangers couldnt know that. It wasnt their fault...>>

<< She weeped as she clutched a picture of her daughter she'd retrieved from her purse after she'd settled in the suite. She was in her daughter's hotel...She remembered grand opening night. Images and memories flashed through her mind with every breath and tear.>>

<< after a few moments, she pulled herself together, dabbing her opal blue eyes with a hankerchief and reaching to the phone, a private line.>>

<< a few more seconds to compose herself and clear her throat and she then dialed Delilah on her personal line back at Illustra.>>

 

[Seer]

Moonlight Lounge

<< While Karen remained high above, speaking to Delilah, Cass and Michael ventured down to the main floor of the majestic Parthenon. THe hotel was practically a city unto itself with a variety of shops, boutiques, several dining options , services and more. Only the posh, upper crust, rich, beautiful, powerful and well connected stayed/visited here and the hotel was among the best money could buy.>>

<< They soon found their way to the Moonlight lounge. A large, stylish bar with an intimate club atmosphere.>>

<< Power lunches, meetings and more were had here by those who wanted good food, drink and entertainment to go along with their personal business. Those with time and money to burn came here to drink , socialize and dance the day & night away.>>

<< The Moonlight Lounge also boasted a who's who of special guest performers. BIG NAMES who happily stopped by to see and be seen.>>

<< Among them was the beautiful, globe trotting chanteuse, Dominique Deveraux. Known the world over for her diva style, beautiful vocals and presence, the diva had a large following and when she arrived in New York recently, the Parthenon's entertainment division wasted no time in booking her before anyone else could. A tremendous coup.>>

<< Although she was known for her soulful jazz, r&b and ballads, she could change things up from time to time. today was one of those time.>>


----------------------------------------------------

<< Meanwhile at Illustra>>

<< Ana-Leigh and a newly arrived Alycia Barnett are in the large office suite of the 99th floor, what is to become Alycia's new satellite office. It looked as though Ana-Leigh and Alycia would be working close together after all, but even as the movers were bringing things in and Clandestine inc was getting her special security access to their data base Alycia, who was back in excellenet condition now, had a special surprise for Ana-Leigh.>>

<< Delilah, who had been talking with Bishop, receives a phone call from Karen, who's tone sounds a bit lower than usual. It had been more than a few hours since Karen had left Illustra and so the news she'd have for Delilah would be surprising.>>

<< Richard was now on the floor of Andrew's apartment. Having refreshed himself, he wanted to check and see how Andrew was doing. He'd catch Andrew in the process of preparing to leave Illustra...permanently.>>

 

[Isis]

Happy Hour

:: In the moonlight lounge, the bar manager takes to the stage to call for everyone's attention. After a flattering introduction, patrons from everywhere in the bar clap and cheer as Dominique Deveraux takes the stage. Men whistle with approval at her black dress and over all beautiful, radiant apparence.::

:: She nods with appreciation before gesturing for silence as the DJ and a select piece live accompaniment and three back up singers begin her number, a mid tempo beat with strong bass and slick r&b sound.::

:: strutting forward as she flips her hair, she's joined by four female dancers. two black, two white. ::

:: patrons are pleased as some clap where they sit/stand. others move to the dance floor, couples, singles...different ages.::

:: Dominique herself sings and dances with ease, keeping up with her dancers in a nice routine, entertaining the crowd.::

 

[Arsenal]

Aw shit!! DD was in the house doing her thing with her fine ass. And this was his song. They had already had a drink and he was about to launch 'small talk 2012' when Ms. Devereaux lit the spot up.

You ready? Dance time is here!!

Mike took Cass' hand and made his way to the dance floor. He actually really could dance, his agility and smoothness belying his size (roughly 6'5"). He danced somewhat close but not too much...if she wanted closer it would be up to her.

 

[Ruby]

Moonlight Lounge

:: Cass was a great dancer herself, what with her agility. Together, she and Mike made a great team on the dance floor, rhythm-wise, rivalling that of the couples on those dancing programs on television...and they were just horsing around basically! Other couples were watching them dance with ease, even as they themselves were dancing. Cass didn't notice them, though. She was too busy having fun. ::

*softly, not too loud*: "Oh, come on. You can get closer than that!"

:: She danced closer towards him, laughing. She was having so much fun. The singer was fabulous! Cass had a beautiful singing voice, too, but Dominique's was phenomenal. ::

 

[Arsenal]

She could dance. +1. This was as much fun as he'd had in some time.

*softly, not too loud*: "Oh, come on. You can get closer than that!"

Don't have to tell me twice!

He placed a hand on her hip as she moved closer and helped her bridge the distance between them. He could smell her hair as she whipped it while moving in time with him. They were moving so easily and smoothly that they were actually getting a few looks in spite of the skill and beauty of their guest performer. Mike grasped Cass' hands and spun her around so that he was behind her. Stepping in and grooving with her as he held her from behind, he leaned in and spoke into her ear.

You shakin' that thang girl! Seriously, it is GREAT to see you having fun.

He spun her back out and around so that they faced one another again and he continued to dance, smiling at her after giving her another signature wink.

 

[Ruby]

:: Cass threw her head back and laughed as Mike spun her around twice. She nodded her head towards him in acknowledgement of his compliments. She bit her lip as she wondered what to do, and then decided to just go for it. The music was semi-slow, so she came closer to him than before and wrapped her arms around his neck and swayed to the music. ::

"I'm having a GREAT time."

 

[Isis]

Dominique Deveraux - the real thing

:: Dominique finishes her opening number to a pleasued crowd applause. Smiling and bowing, she looks out among those in the Moonlight Lounge.::

Stay with me, people! We're not done yet!

:: With that, she rips away her skirt at the waist to a reveal an asymetrical high hemlined version of the dress she was wearing showing off more of her leggy frame! The crowd cheers and whistles wildly.::

I just have one thing to say to Rihanna and Nicki Minaj....follow THIS, you BITCHES!

:: The audience heartily agrees, clapping, cheering and voicing their approval of the chanteuse as the dj, her back up singers and dancers all gear up for a high octane number next!::

:: She launches into her next song. Strong beat, fast tempo, pop with a latin flair.::

:: Dominique and her dancers move with grace, style and allure as her vocals kiss and caress the beat.::

:: those who were on the dance floor, stay...while MORE join and others just outside the Moonlight Lounge are also nodding their heads now.::

 

[Arsenal]

"I'm having a GREAT time."

She held him around the neck as she spoke to him. He grasped her waist in his hands and continued to dance, using his hands to gently caress her sides. He was in no 'danger' zones yet, but he was damned close.

Devereaux went for another number and they stayed on the floor. He no longer worried about how she would react to closeness, so he held her and continued to dance. She felt very good to him, soft where she was supposed to be, though she was a bit colder than he expected. But then again he had no idea what to expect, so it wasn't unusual at all. Not at this point. He had passed 'batshit crazy' on the train of life 3 days ago and was headed to 'stories to tell your grandkids when you want them to stop visiting so you can chase grandma naked'.

And so he kept close-dancing with a vampire while buzzed and pretty much kinda almost feeling on her booty. Tonight would definitely be legendary, even if this was all there was to it.

 

[Ruby]

:: Cass was lost in the music and the dancing...until she realized where Mike's hands were slowly going. This was NOT supposed to happen. She didn't mean to lead him on like this, so she stopped dancing. ::

*apologetically*: "I'm sorry. Do you want to sit down? I could use another drink."

:: If she had thought that this was where it was going, she never would have slow danced...even if she was enjoying it. She would never intentionally arouse something in somebody she liked if she couldn't honestly follow through on it. She smiled hopefully at Mike. She didn't want him to be mad at her. ::

 

[Arsenal]

Cass abruptly stopped dancing. He could see the concerns, many of them, on her face. He moved his hands away to much safer zones.

*apologetically*: "I'm sorry. Do you want to sit down? I could use another drink."

Sure Cass. Whatever you want.

He hoped she did not feel uncomfortable, that was not his intention at all. As they sat back down, he ordered a Coke, no alcohol, just in case his own judgment was a bit more impaired than he would like. Being a up-front guy, he spoke to her as the attendant went to get their drinks.

Hey Cass. If I made you uncomfortable just now, I apologize. I meant no disrespect. Let's move on and enjoy hanging out, no problem. Are we good?

Mike wanted to squash any discomfort and focus on fun and relaxation. Which is where they probably should have stayed in the first place before dancing got more intense that it needed to.

 

[Ruby]

:: Cass ordered a water with lemon when the server came to their table. ::

Hey Cass. If I made you uncomfortable just now, I apologize. I meant no disrespect. Let's move on and enjoy hanging out, no problem. Are we good?

:: She smiled at him. He was so sweet. Like Mike was apparently, she was also up-front. She shook her head. ::

*comfortingly*: "No, no. If anything, I should be the one apologizing. I'd never intentionally arouse something in you that I couldn't follow through on honestly. I meant no disrespect. Yes, we can move on and hang out still. I'd like that. We're good."

:: She smiled at him and held up her fist for him to bump. ::

 

[Arsenal]

Fist bump returned. And she was no beat-around-the-bush lady. He could appreciate that.

Cool. So, this has to be one of the most interesting days I have ever experienced. But who can beat a drink, a good dance, and good music to top it all off? I wonder if Karen made it down to hear the concert?

 

[Ruby]

But who can beat a drink, a good dance, and good music to top it all off? I wonder if Karen made it down to hear the concert?

:: Cass raised an eyebrow. ::

*teasingly*: "Not to mention great company."

:: She smiled at him for a beat and then sobered up when Karen was mentioned. ::

"Ohhhh...I forgot that this was Morgan's hotel. I wonder how she's doing. It's bound to have brought up some memories."

:: She stared off into space for a bit. ::

"Do you think we should go see if she's okay? I also wanted to see how Arielle's faring earlier, but I don't think she wants to see me..."

 

[Arsenal]

"Ohhhh...I forgot that this was Morgan's hotel. I wonder how she's doing. It's bound to have brought up some memories."

:: She stared off into space for a bit. ::

"Do you think we should go see if she's okay? I also wanted to see how Arielle's faring earlier, but I don't think she wants to see me..."

We will figure it out.

He motions to the attendant and passes them a C-note before taking Cass' hand and helping her up. Chivalry was dying, but for him not yet dead. He walked with her over to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor suites.

You start with Doc while I check on Arielle. I will be by soon after once I catch her up on the shop and make sure she is cool.

The elevator opens and they each prepare to walk their separate ways to check on people in their group. But before she gets out of reach he grabs her arm gently and stops her.

Cassandra? You were right, the company WAS great. I had a great time. Some other time perhaps? Your call.

Mike turned and walked down to Arielle's door to knock...

 

[Ruby]

The Parthenon

We will figure it out.

:: Cass smiled a bit at what he said, taking great lengths to NOT let him see. What he said spoke DIFFERENTLY to her. ::

Yes, we will figure this out, whatever 'this' is. All I know is that I like hanging out with you.

:: Cass grinned up at him as they walked to the bank of elevator holding hands. She had forgotten what it was like to hold a human's hand and it felt...good. She gave his hand a little squeeze but didn't say anything. He dropped her hand when they got to the elevators to press the button. The elevator comes and they both get on. ::

You start with Doc while I check on Arielle. I will be by soon after once I catch her up on the shop and make sure she is cool.

"Sure."

:: Before she started on her way to Karen's suite, he grabbed her arm gently. ::

Cassandra? You were right, the company WAS great. I had a great time. Some other time perhaps? Your call.

:: Cass leaned up and gave him a CHASTE kiss on the cheek. ::

*shyly*: "I'd love that."

:: She chuckled as she headed towards Karen's suite. ::