#█║❯ THREAD — ( jackie.jazz.01 )

[bestiatexere]

Low jazz tunes resonated throughout the club, a soft & lilted symphony as the band strummed a soulful tune even without the momentary accompaniment of their vocalist. Their vocalist, who had transferred to the bar, head cocked upon a hand as digits idly swirled a stirrer through her glass, vaguely content in the midst of her solitude; before dull recognition of another's presence sliding into the seat beside her made her sigh. "Please don't." She doesn't even spare them a glance. "I'm on break."

Sleek, polished stone made up the exterior in flat tiles, stacksof striking shapes, and carved, geometric motifs. A series of bold lines racedupwards from either side of the symmetrical façade and fell into an angular,zig-zagging rhythm as they climbed towards each other. They met as they bloomedoutwards into a wide curve of stone ledge, decorated by stylized flowers andvines. The floral statues supported a large sign which glowed a warm yellow andannounced the building’s name.

The Midnight Sun.

The arched entry was set in deep under the ledge and up aset of low, stone steps that swept out from the face of the building. A sturdyhandrail, of a contrastingly delicatewave design, lined the worn steps leading up to the entrance. The wood andglass double doors were topped and framed by a set of textured leadlights presentinga starburst display. In an eye-catching script, club’s name was repeated withinthe central sun.

With one last, admiring look, Raz headed up the steps andthrough the elegant doors. Inside, the smooth, herringbone floor of theentryway spread out before him and seemed to soak in the glow coming from thedramatic pendant light above.

Straight ahead was a large desk with an employee positioned behind. Off to the side of her was the metal face of the elevator, with etchedpanels on either side and golden streaks of details on the doors. To the right,the floor stepped down into a lobby area, filled with comfortable chairs andcoffee tables, and complete with its own bar on the far wall. It was a place tomingle in a quieter atmosphere while still enjoying the music flowing from theother half.

Raz smiled and inclined his head at the woman behind thedesk as he turned left. He moved throughwide, open doors into the main lounge, stepping past a happy couple makingtheir way out.

Spacious, but lit in such a way that made it feel intimate,it was like the rest of the world didn’t exist…The club was beautiful. Finelocation, fine craftmanship, fine refreshments, and even damn fine-lookingemployees. Yes, this was the place to be, and the place he would make his ownsoon enough, if everything went according to plan.

Dark wood made up the floor, frames, and the majority ofthe furniture inside the large room, with metallic detailing inlayed withinthat drew the eye, but did not overwhelm it. High above, like crystalisedraindrops, suspended and glittering, the brilliant chandelier cast its lightonto the floors and walls, which seemed to bathe in the warmth.

Lights installed in rectangular covers were spread out alongthe walls, resting between the gold, bronze, and silver lines that ran along insubtle bands. His eyes followed along and reached the point where the linesmoved into a broad arch along the back wall. The stage was nestled beneath, setinto the curved alcove and holding the array of musicians as they played.

Hmm…

He frowned after checking his watch. He wasn’t late…

Turning his attention to the large blackboard, which heldthe evening’s schedule within its ornate frame, he easily spotted his problem. Theyhad changed the line-up it seemed, and he’d missed a certain woman’sperformance as a result. Damn them.

His frown disappeared with a sigh and a mental shrug. Therewas always next time. For now, he could just enjoy the scene and continue abouthis goal.

In between surveying the people around and moving throughthe room, his eyes travelled up along the walls and ceiling, finding the uniquedetails and impressive architectural traits that were this building type’ssignature. He took note of what might need touching up or reinforcing in thefuture. (He had to take care of his investment after all.) This place was goingto be around for a long time, if he had anything to say about it (and he did).

God, there was something about this style that stirred up anodd ache in his chest, and even he, who was usually in such good control of hisexpressions, couldn’t hide the light which came into his eyes due to it. Highquality materials, sleek lines, geometric designs, an air of classy refinement,with a dose of extravagance and luxury…it was a miraculous balm, a soothingpresence and one that pleased him like no other trend or movement had donebefore. If there was one thing humans did right, and that he thanked them for,it was the creation of this ‘Art Deco’.

His gaze drifted down from a stylistic painting of a cabaretperformance, going along with one of the lacquered lines along the wall andover towards the large bar. As guests moved across his vision, he caught aglimpse of a familiar figure.

Well, well, well…

The corner of his mouth quirked up, eyes once againbetraying his interest and delight.

Because there was one otherthing he thanked humanity for, and that was the gorgeous, talented woman thatsat at the very bar he was now heading over to. He might have missed out on herperformance, but it seemed he would currently have a better opportunity, one toactually talk to her and perhaps figure her out.

It was unlikely to him that she had noticed him in heraudience over the past week as he scoped out the place, given the lighting andthe fact he’d tried not to seem toointerested. But oh, he was veryinterested. There was something about her. Something different, and tempting. Useful, he told himself.

Perhaps if he got closer to her, literally and in otherways, he would figure it out. (His best guess so far was some sort ofconnection to a siren…)

He brushed past a pair of gentlemen, a waitress, and a womanon the prowl. A man with greasy hair and eager eyes was making his way towardsthe bar, eyes trained on the vocalist’s curves. Raz caught his arm in a lightgrip and tugged his attention onto himself, almost as if they were old friendscatching up. As their eyes met, he smirked, a glint of warning in play,delivered along with the low words.

“Think again, mate. That little songbird is not your game to hunt.”

Raz tightened his grip as he pushed a ‘suggestion’ into theman’s mind, “Stay on the other half of the club, and don’t you dare look at heragain.”

The surprised note in the human’s eyes melted intounderstanding and acceptance. Raz let him go and watched as the instructionswere followed and the man stationed himself on the opposite side of the room.

Satisfaction slipped in with a hint of a smirk and eased hisshoulders. Sometimes things were almost too easy.

But now, to get back to his objective…

He closed the remaining distance with no other troubles and claimedthe seat beside the woman at the bar in one smooth motion. His weight settledlightly on the leather top of the barstool, one of his arms coming to rest onthe smooth bartop. Pieces of carefully cut mirrors were arranged on the wall, reflectingand spreading the low lights around, catching on the multiple rows of glassesand bottles lined neatly on the back counter.

Those were details he had seen frequently this week, he didn’tneed to look at them now as there were others that held his attention (in theform of the singer beside him). He took in what details he could from thisangle, aware that this was his first close-up look and possibly the only one he would get, depending on how this went.

Long, dark lashes caught his eye, along with the soft skinof her cheek, and pretty profile of her nose and lips. She was beautiful, yes,but he was more interested in a detail that went beyond skin…or, moreaccurately, beneath it. Her bloodand the scent it gave off. Even with this proximity however, he couldn’t figureout what it was whispering to him. What was she? Perhaps if they were alonesomewhere, it would become clearer…

With a slight turn in his chair, he faced her a little moredirectly in preparation of starting some sort of conversation with her.

He didn’t get a chance to even open his mouth.

Her words beat him to it and caused him to blink. Amusementsnuck in and brought a smile, even as he gave a small wince and shake of hishead.

“That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it, love? You don’t even knowwhat I was gonna say, or if I was gonnasay something.”

Shot down so swiftly, without even being looked at! (It was good his pride could handle such a thing) Thiswoman was clearly used to being approached and was no pushover. Interesting.And well, he couldn’t exactly blame her for wanting to have her break toherself.

He lifted his hand to catch the bartender’s attention,signalling for a drink before he added to the singer, his attention back on her,“Maybe I’m just here for a nice view, hm?”

There was a touch of teasing in his tone and smile as hiseyes briefly flicked over her and then glanced away. He shrugged and waved hishand in a conciliatory gesture.

“But, I get it. You want to be left alone.” There was a beator two, his focus drifting around towards the other people showing interest inher, seeming like they might approach. “So how about a deal?”