Post by Veronica Call on Jul 27, 2021 21:22:44 GMT -5
Veronica laced her fingers together in her lap and listened to Rafael talk. She was fully clothed when he had laid his eyes on her and Veronica was relieved that he didn’t see her showing more skin than normal. Veronica loves her body and feels comfortable but showing more in the public was a no no for her. The dress she was wearing, it was something she bought to make herself feel and look sexy when she had turned 21. This was her first sober outing in town so she didn’t want to miss the opportunity not to wear it. “Did you tell Claude to stalk me and see what I was going to wear?” It was creepy how they ended up matching without even talking about it.
“I’ll have zucchini noodle with basil pesto pasta. Thank you” Veronica handed Jess her menu, watched as Jess wrote Rafaels and hers food option on her notepad. She mentioned she would bring out the wine shortly and left them. Veronica looked around the restaurant, low lighting, tea light candle at eat table, classical music playing in the background and very classy. This restaurant screamed romance to her and everything was perfect. Too perfect rather. Things were never perfect when it came to her, her leg started jumping, making her paranoid as to what will happen. Veronica looked at Rafael and followed his gaze to a corner table when a tuxedo man ordered mostly everything on the table. Well someone has more appetite than me.
”No, my friend suggested this place. She had somewhat of a first date here and they hit it off. I thought about coming here couple weeks back but it slipped my mind.” As soon as she stopped talking, Jess came towards their way with bottle of wine and two glasses. Jess poured two glasses of wine and left the bottle on the table for them. Veronica noticed Jess eyeing Rafael and it was a look she knows too well. If Rafael wasn’t on a date with her, Jess would’ve been drooling all over him. Veronica chuckled when Jess walked away quickly. She raised her glass for a toast “To my idiotic insane friends and making more memories.” She clinked her glass to his and took a sip of her wine. Sweet with fruity hints filled her mouth, she swallowed it slowly, savoring the taste of wine. Veronica loved her wine as much as she loved margaritas and tequilas. Tonight was about behaving like an adult and not getting drunk. ”So, what intrigued you about me? I wasn’t naked when you first saw me and I don’t believe in bullshit of love at first sight.” Veronica took another sip of her wine and set her glass on the table. She had been crushed, dead on the inside and now trying to live day by day.
Post by Claudius Galloway on Jul 28, 2021 7:02:36 GMT -5
Claude had been watching Veronica and Raf closely. Pop out from behind the menu, pretending to take pictures of his food but was really taking multiple pictures of them. As they conversed and wrote down notes in his notebook. Most of them were bullet points and he knew when he sent them to Ronanldo to ask if this how dates work they might be confusing. Typing up a message he sent the words, naked,wine,love at first sight, along with a photo with Raf leaving on the table smiling in Veronica's direction. Raf looked happy but he wasn't sure about Veronica; he didn't know her well enough.
It was then when I noticed that the lady at the table next to him was staring so he put down his phone and picked up a fork. Spinning some pasta around it, Claude smiled and shoved a fork full in his mouth with lips pressed together he waved in her direction.When she quickly turned away he spit it all back onto the place leaving sauce stain on his face. He knew next time when on a date maybe he shouldn't order so many types of food. People might ask questions.
Picking up his napkin, he licked it a few times to get the food tasted out of his mouth and we watched as Veronica toasted the first glass and heard her call her friends idiots and say they were insane. Claude didn't really think they were insane, the shape shifters were way more fun than vampires as for then begin idiots he couldn't comment on that he just sent a text to Catcher letting him know what he had been hearing. He didn't give any specifics saying who was saying what or how the date seemed like it was going. All Claude could see was the two looked like they were having some good wine and a back and forth conversation.
Post by Catcher Reeves on Jul 28, 2021 9:42:31 GMT -5
His voice was a white noise; merged with the sounds in the street. Catcher knew it was Cloud’s, who had appeared like a phantom in the night; he would’ve jumped out of his musing if it wasn’t for the fact that there were so many words shooting at him taking away the surprise. His eyes half rolled hearing it all and letting the sentences fester for a moment before pushing them out the other ear metaphorically. There was nothing about this date he wanted to fuck up; there were a whole load of fucks delivered by Cloud and a whole load of fucks he didn’t want to give.
It was evident he made a mistake in text or somebody let his friend know what he was doing and he took a deep breath, exhaling as slowly as possible; the collapse of his lungs a form of meditation. It wasn’t so lonely now, his brother had shown up to give him solace, albeit in a hectic, chaotic way; egging him on to do out of character things as always. There was much to appreciate in Cloud, he was always dependable in spite of his drug induced haze as well as his abrasive image; his personality left much to be desired upon first meeting but there were layers and layers unfolding all the time, the most honourable heart.
”I get it, you’re here to have my back… but we’re not doing anything, alright?” He looked at him seriously, a long stare into his eyes to make sure Cloud acknowledged the gravity of his words; his decision final, the question a courteous rhetoric. If he changed his mind later, they would all know in a heartbeat but for now, he was resolute. A palm patted Cloud on the shoulder, a wordless transfer of his deep gratitude. The text had been seen, and he bit his lip in stern contemplation, almost frowning looking at the restaurant then directly to Claude who was being overwhelmed by dishes and drinks. There was no reason or persuasion he could find to enter the restaurant but he was slightly rooted, unconsciously getting himself stuck binging on all the emotions that came with the view.
Phone in hand, he relaxed and stopped looking at it, on a cliff hanger, unconsciously rubbing his chin with the free fingers as he stared into the restaurant. ”I’m not sure how she agreed but it doesn’t matter. She agreed.”It was a matter of fact, no one could make Veronica do anything she didn’t want to; he was one person who understood that very clearly since they were kids. Right now the idea of dragging her out of there would leave his ears bitten off; but it was the way he just didn’t want to let himself give in to. An impulse, he was as prone to forcibly obtaining what he wanted as Cloud, just restrained when it came to Veronica in particular amongst the small circle of women he held dear; she was a princess but it wasn’t the caricature merman was referring to. She could reign a kingdom with compassion and an iron fist, captivate her nation with passion enough epic tales would scroll into history. He thought highly of her, something he never let her know; something he chose her for once upon a time.
”You want to eat?” He failed to elaborate this question and diverted his eyes to Cloud for a second, curious to know if the restaurant itself appealed to him tonight; it was part of him considering they should just go, which fell in line with how he had thought of trying the place. His sight was disrupted by Cloud’s lanky frame, and he guessed it was either deliberate or to get his attention. Whichever reason didn’t matter, he was glad because he had been so on the fence about what he was watching. What he saw of Cloud’s full get up wasn’t much of a relief; he looked ridiculous, like a notorious Eminem, just prettier and cooler if that even made sense. It was hilarious but he couldn’t manage any sort of reaction; he was battling a cold grinding mode, only do or die. The phone shook and he bit down, glancing at it to see there was an image sent and he swiped up to open it; Claude had a string of photographs of Veronica and Rafael, presuming they were not there and asking about the blossoming relationship. It was unintentional lure, hooking him in as he couldn’t ignore the words naked and at first sight; he was starting to hate how much his phone had blown up the past few days, creating this addiction to read chats immediately when he could’ve avoided this. He was having an inner tantrum and just kept thinking about Claude to cool it, glimpsing him try to eat horribly. Intelligence was a cloaked trait of Claude and he knew the vampire had vaults of valuable ideas in his head; someday, he would make a heroic ally, indispensable. It was still not enough to compel him to intrude, he would be uncomfortable no matter where he was until the date was over, until it ended shattered. ”Why… are you so agitated?” It was noticeable that Cloud was very excited, bullets of speech firing away; it was rarely more nervous energy than Claude and oddly as jittery as his own frustration. He handed the phone to Cloud so he could do his own inspection of the gossip inducing pictures; tabloid worthy.
Rolling in the deep, he wondered if all this meant he would have to get Cloud in somehow because he was not dress code and Catcher finally sighed; all the sighs in the world combined. ”No stripclub.” He moved a step to the side, tilting to pass Cloud and see what else transpired but there was nothing significant; he had missed anything substantial. His statement was plain, precise and he knew there was nothing even to talk to Candi about although she was probably going to ask him where he had been all night if he didn’t get home before twilight. Her hours of work had shortened as she took on more hobbies and activities she enjoyed, met people, something he encouraged as dealing with slimy guys she danced for was nothing anyone could prepare well in mental health. The happier she was, the more brightening the day would be at his house; it was a strange union, unceremonious but a slowly merging matrimony in their youth.
Their lives were entangled for now and he had no issues with needs and wants of life so he had begun to share everything with her; the only woman who wanted to be around him for the good and the bad and expected absolutely nothing from him. She didn’t turn him away; she sought him and wanted to stay for whatever reason he was hopeful that finding out would not lead to the same disappointments he was used to. The kind of woman who deserved everything he could give. Long before he thought he would mature this way, she was beginning to ground him like they had lived a past life together. The only obstacle to the top of that tiered pedestal she was on was her resentment of Natasha, who was equally a piece of him and until the dreaded separation came from her entering college, he was in the midst of World War Three. Between Natasha’s rejection of stability and a more profound intimacy than the physical, he started giving all she did not want to take to Candela; it just flowed out veining to her as they spent time, his lifeblood.
Post by Cloud Crestfall on Jul 28, 2021 10:28:54 GMT -5
Folding his arms, he sighed dramatically, an exaggerated displeasure in his posture and expression. Cloud had been looking forward to something happening; causing trouble or finding some cheap thrills in this miserable date. He began mimicking Catcher’s serious statement in mockery that he could not alter its finality; he couldn’t change it no matter how hard he could argue and it blows.
”Well I always thought she was confusing too. They are all crazy. It’s not like Beach man wasn’t pushy as fuck. I think Tash could almost be best friends with him since they both hate the same person. You ever think Beach man will want Candi back if things don’t work out with Hula gi-… V?”They were both stunning women and he was considering how his friend could live without worrying that there were many interested men possibly after them; potentially entering and disrupting their friendship circle with ease.
The sugar in his soda was definitely giving him diabetes and hyper awareness, hyper everything. He was right then a machine gun locked and loaded for activity. The bubbly liquid was also slowly making him full, in ways he did not want to have to deal with currently as he tried to put the thoughts to rest and focus on something other than his bottomless pit of a stomach. ”Be funny if he wasn’t human… turns out to be a serial killer after all.” Cloud nudged Catcher with his elbow, trying to get him to react to something. Hula girl running around screaming because of a psychopath she chose to date was a great medicine to his malady; she would be that character reaping what they sowed in every horror film. It was a shame that Rafael wasn't something supernatural, wasn't like them but he was kind of glad they were able to interact with a human. A lightbulb came on in his head and Cloud suddenly wondered what would happen if Veronica revealed what she truly was; Rafael would probably dump her or treat her like a pet dog. It wasn't his fault he thought the man was weirder than Claude; he thoroughly liked Claude.
Looking back into the restaurant, he flinched from an ultra-bright head light beam as a truck passed the side of the road; hissing that the driver was an asshole, under his breath. He could see the restaurant again, the sun setting slowly despite the late hour for dinner; it appeared the waitress had taken their orders and lit a romantic candle which made him raise an eyebrow. How much more sickeningly romantic could that place get, he wanted to know but he also didn’t want to gag and feel the unrealistic fluttering cliché of perfect date locations.
”Man, I really hope it’s not just us. I need a third opinion about all of this shit I’m seeing with Beach man….” Having witnessed the large surfer dude choke on water to prompt Veronica’s nursing, he was skeptical about the cheesy slowness that he had been playing to them all at the party; maybe he was a lot more nuanced than they thought. How did he get Candi in the first place if she mentioned it wasn’t for his appearance? That must have been a lie, there was no way these women ignored his Hawaiian god portrayal. He wondered if Seth was going to show up since he had seen the texts, but figured that if he didn’t, it was no matter; if he did, he was curious how the three of them were going to conceal themselves from Veronica and her superhuman abilities to pick up on their antics. It seemed to be a perfect opportunity to prank him and mischief took over him. Catcher had given him his phone to check out Claude’s amateur paparazzi photographs and he zoomed in and out to spot all the awkward movements and blemishes he could. It made him laugh that there would be more of these when they started eating and he was going to share them with everyone else on the other group chat like a creepy stalker, hopefully something like the choking and Veronica chugging wine. Closing it, he made a mental note of the captions and was well aware of how it would affect his friend; opening Seth’s contact, he typed a reinforcing message to dress up as Claude’s date. It would never have worked just coming from him, they never took him seriously but if Seth misunderstood Catcher wanted him to do the same, it would be priceless. He had sent out a text to him directly on the way there but received no response; it came off as a hinting joke when he was dead convinced they would have a ball with Seth in drag at a fancy restaurant. Now that he had seen Claude look like a dandy, he thought every Bond had to have his Bond girl.
”Stripclub after…? Yea I’m hungry, I’m always hungry but it doesn’t help all I’ve had is soda and I want more but I don’t want more. The sooner I get to those plates the better; he’s like... messing it all up.” They were both looking in Claude’s direction simultaneously, watching Claude wipe his mouth and shiftily look around to another table of old women staring at him. He loved when busy bodies watched people eat; he would be the most blasphemous thing they ever laid eyes on; he aimed to please.”I dunno… I must have taken too many addies with the pop. I think I need a smoke.” His eyes lit up as the idea came to mind and Claude took out his vape; the cigarette would not burn down soon enough if Catcher randomly just went in. He would need to haul ass into the restaurant. He was surrounded by CBD before realizing the immense clouds just made him stand out too much and he kept trying to release the vapour through his nose like a steaming cartoon character, so infused it was a wonder nothing came out of his ears.
Post by Seth Rivers on Jul 28, 2021 13:52:11 GMT -5
Seth was just about to leave Port Angeles, he was there picking up some special order car parts for a client's sports car. He had left his phone on his seat, when he went into the autoparts outlet, forgetting all about it. Climbing back into his sleek black Chevy, he picked up his phone before clipping his seatbelt and starting the engine.Some of his friends were glued to their phones but someday Seth could care less if he even checked it once. Looking at his screen he had a bunch of missed messages. All were related to Veronica going on a date with Raf but one was directly from Catcher asking him to show up in drag. Seth rolled his eyes, he dressed in drag only once before but this time his best friend sounded like he needed it again. Replying with an ok. He sighed and went to go find the closest department store.
He found a place about a mile down the road, not wanting to take too long . He quickly ran into the store and bought a little pink dress that should fit,a bra, a few packs of panty hose,a pair of size ten heels and all the makeup he needed to be presentable. He didn't know why exactly he needed to be in drag but he was going to get Catcher to pay for everything he needed for his get up. When he was done paying he headed to the store's bathroom and locked the door.
Seth began stripping out of his mechanics uniform and into the pantyhose, he put on both pairs to conceal the thick dark hairs that covers his legs, which if he had more noticed he probably would have shaved the tights were so restricting that if he wasn't trying to pass a lady he won't even wear them. When he had gotten everything secured into place, Seth slipped on the bra stuffing in with some rags he had stashed in his pocket for cleaning car interiors. The dress was the worse part. It was hard to figure out how to get the zipper up on his own and he succeeded. He was regretting telling his friend ok.
The last part he had to finish was his face, pouring some fountain on his hands. He spent it thick across his whole face and blended it out until it looked smooth. He added some red lipstick, some dark eye shadow, and mascara. Tying his hair back into a ponytail he checked himself out one more time. For getting into drag quickly he actually thought he looked passable. Seth quickly shoved his uniform back into the plastic store bag and unlocked the door. When hebopen up there was a lineup of four men waiting to use the bathroom, they were all giving him storage looks but Seth just smiled and waved as he walked by.
He walked across the parking lot as quickly as possible,his stride was cut a little short and he realized the dress was a little tight around his tights but it was too late now to worry about it. Picking up his phone, he texted Catcher that he was ready and would be there in a few minutes. The Bella Italia restaurant was actually no to far from the department store so Seth pulled up nearby, looked around for a parking spot and started walking down the road. Getting out his nose picked up the smell of tobacco and he knew Cloud and Catcher were probably not too far away. Speaking loudly he spun around it a circle. "Okay, I'm here. Why in hell did I have to be in drag?"
Last Edit: Jul 28, 2021 13:53:23 GMT -5 by Seth Rivers
Post by Rafael Wolfe on Jul 29, 2021 8:21:33 GMT -5
The soft instrumental music playing in the back would usually disturb Raf as sometimes when a bunch of different things happening around him would get easily distracted. Tonight Veronica had his whole focus, every time she spoke he never wanted her to stop, he wanted to know everything about her. He shook his head slightly and sat up more straight. "Why would I do that? Purple I know is a weird choice for a man but I love the colour, I almost wore a white jacket, this one just felt more suitable." He actually had a big collection of jackets for someone who spent a lot of time on the beach. Outside his beachwear he was actually pretty fashionable. He had a suit in almost every colour depending on the event and some even had patterns on them. "You could have worn any colour but purple seems to suit you quite well also."
The waiter returned back to the table and poured them both a glass of wine, he smiled and thanked her and didn't pay her much attention besides that. Veronica sitting across from him captivated him. "I'm glad I could finally give you a reason to come out here then." He then picked up his glass as Veronica toasted her friends and took a sip. He wasn't much of a wine drinker but he would finish this glass at least before the end of the night. Placing it down on the table and he held it around the stem. She didn't seem amused by his statements because she questioned what made her so intriguing to him.
"I heard you before I saw you, you were laughing and having fun with your friend. When you turned around and looked at me I felt like we connected for a second. You're beautiful, V can't say that doesn't matter but a girl like you isn't usually my type." He swirled the wine around in his glass and bit before taking another sip. The girls that usually sought him out were these short brainless little blonde that thought he was nothing but man candy. He didn't want a shallow girl. He wanted someone who cared about who he was under all his muscles
Last Edit: Jul 29, 2021 8:22:26 GMT -5 by Rafael Wolfe
Post by Veronica Call on Jul 29, 2021 9:32:06 GMT -5
Despite being a romantic restaurant with beautiful ambiance, Veronica heard every little noise, smelled bullshit miles away and not mention if any of her friends were near by, she would know about it before they appeared. She loved her friends more than anything in the world, they were her family but she has her own limits when it comes to their “perfect” antic that would be legendary. If they so much ruined her day or night, she will release her wrath and there was no going back after. With family meant protection and she felt like a child, at times, when they make decisions for her without consulting her. She mentally sighed and kept her brain, eyes and ears on alert. The night was going too perfect and nothing is ever perfect in her world. She casually looked around the restaurant, scanning the area and for odd reason, her eyes kept stopping at the corner table where tuxedo man ordered everything and old lady giving him an eye. Veronica rolled her eyes and turned back to her date. She wasn’t about to pay attention to fishy looking tux man or the old lady.
She sipped on her wine, savoring each sip she took and smiled at Rafael. She placed her empty glass on the table in front of her, she toyed the rim of empty glass, wondering if she should get another glass of wine or let it be. She had already finished one glass on an empty stomach, not to mention two shots she had earlier. The alcohol was slowly hitting her head and decided to wait for food to arrive before getting another glass of wine. She kept reminding herself that this is a date not some random she met at afar. Then again, they met a strip club weeks ago but she barely knows the man. She’s been through hell and back, and she deserved this to blow off little steam and have some fun for a change…away from her friends and their prying eyes. Veronica didn’t feel what Rafael felt towards her and she doesn’t want to lead him on but words didn’t form correctly and she didn’t want to sound like a bitch. ”Purple is beautiful color along with dark shades of red. You can pull off any color but I feel like neutral and dark colors suit you better.” Veronica loved dark colors and red was her favorite. She had worn red daring dress during prom for couple of hours maybe less, slapped Catcher and left. Next day she woke up wearing hula skirt with coconut bra. This time around she wanted to wear different color. Veronica smiled lightly when he complimented her. She would have said thank you or push back but stayed shut. She wasn’t used taking compliments like that nor she plans to.
Jess came out with their food plate and placed them in front of them. The smell of basil pesto made her mouth water and couldn’t wait to dig it. Looking at the portion she knew she was able to finish it and later on she might pop some pizza in the oven if she gets hungry. She was allowed to eat her feelings or have cheat day everyday. Jess asked if they wanted cheese, Veronica told her no and she looked at Rafael. She poured more wine in her glass and noticed that Rafael barely drank his. She should have know that not every man drank wine and she should’ve want went to a mexican place. First date meant something romantic, first impression of each other and seeing where it will go. It didn’t take long for their waitress to leave their table to attend other guests.
”A girl like me?” Veronica raised her right eyebrow wanting to know what he has to say or explain rather. Veronica knew what she wanted, made decision for herself and did not hesitate to jump in and defend someone. She didn’t know what Rafael was referring to but all she knows is that in her mind, she had killed herself multiple times and each time she would come back alive, she would cut his beard with scissors. Veronica wasn’t attracted to long bearded man, she was attracted to their sweet personality with hint of bad boy vibe. Her finger automatically went on her lotus moon tattoo to make an outline. She was close to say something else to him and turn this date around. For some odd reason when she touches her lotus moon tattoo, it calms her down. One more thing that had that kind of power over her.
Veronica grabbed her fork and swirled her zucchini noodles then shoved it in her mouth. The basil pesto complimented zucchini perfect and if she wasn’t on a date she would’ve groaned and did a dance. She did weird things when she eats her food. She gets all happy and starts acting like a kid. She chewed her noodles, swallowed it then took a sip of her wine. ”Tell me something ro—Rafael. What truly scares you?” She cleared her throat and sat back in her chair with wine glass in her hand.
Post by Catcher Reeves on Jul 29, 2021 9:54:41 GMT -5
”Why the hell are you in drag?” Clopping heels approached them and he didn’t think anything special of it until it was right where he was, matched with none other than Seth. The colour in his face washed out and he just swallowed, slightly gaping at his best friend as was asked in a way that blamed him about the crossdressing when he had no idea. ”Were you… going somewhere?” It took him a break in words, a pause in between to wave a hand as though that would propel some answers for him to try to make sense of it all; Seth could just say what this was all about right off the bat and cut him off but he didn’t. He didn’t look very amused and he almost felt bad, too bewildered how it would ever be a thing that he’d ask him to show up in drag unless he was in drag too. There was never a time he clowned Seth; they did it together on other people.
Glancing at Cloud being too quiet not to be suspicious, he snatched the vape from his fingers, sighed shortly again and took a drag then turned it off, stuffing it in his pocket, confiscating. His phone was still in Cloud’s hand and he pursed his lips, blinking many times in irritation before just looking dead eyed at his two friends. He was so used to Cloud that he wasn’t even going to give him the satisfaction of having successfully pranked Seth through him, a case of mistaken identity but he had to take the phone back and it was swift. ”I didn’t tell you to come like this but you look fine. Claude will appreciate it; he did love prom night. If you want to change back you can… I think…”Prom night was now the root of all their problems and the catalyst of all the fun they could have. What he said was some sort of reassurance, but also the truth; Seth did quite a professional job for something so makeshift and last minute, he was a convincing queen but if he really didn’t want to go like that he didn’t have to. Unless he had no other clothes, Seth was in no other position. He wasn’t even sure why he was leaning toward joining Claude and he shook his head to clear it, running a hand through his hair.
Now he had more to consider about getting into that restaurant. It was as if they all wanted to go in but kept giving him more excuses not to do so, expecting he would lead this ‘charge’ since they were all here for him when he was the last person on the planet who wanted to be caught dead by Rafael and Veronica.”He’s inside… they’re all inside.”His friends didn’t have to waste their time here; they could go anywhere else except ‘starbutts’ or he was just going to see Feather, she would probably want to cleanse his aura.
Pointing, he guided Seth’s view to the three figures in the restaurant across the street. Awaiting some comments, he watched the young waitress carry a bottle toward the couple, noticing they were being more sophisticated than he had ever realised they could be. Stuck in the past, he saw now that when they were all together, they reverted into former selves but with Rafael, Veronica was a completely new woman; someone he almost didn’t recognize. What if that was what she desired, the change she had found in Axel or any other man aside from him; could he even grow up to be more than a lost boy. ”Whether Raf wants Candi back it’s up to her.” Blunt, he tried not to think about it; her returning or leaving would be an abominable loss to him but he didn’t believe she would ever be that senseless. He wanted to give the opinion that he didn’t think it would ever happen even if today was a day of reckoning. The way Rafael had talked about her briefly was unsettling to Catcher; sometimes it offended him and he knew that would build up until he overstepped his place in their friendship and went off on the man. There were many things he couldn’t get over about Candi’s relationship and it took immense energy to not be affected by his mysterious scorn. Veronica’s future partner or not, she didn’t deserve the accusations and dirty laundry; he chose to take her side and didn’t care about Rafael’s at all, bitterly hoping that Veronica felt the same.
Cloud was nudging him and he shook like a tree with every elbow poke, standing unwavering and blank. The fact was Rafael was most likely not a serial killer, at most he was a potential stalker who wouldn’t really do much if he was getting what he wanted from Veronica. It made him feverish with sickness that perhaps this man was as magnificent as the way that waitress was serving him seemed to revere him to be. ”I’m not going to the strip club, you can take Seth and Claude. Maybe to a different one, not the one he works at.” He wanted to lament, he had no interest but Cloud was adamant and that was just going to be on him tonight, whatever Seth chose he didn’t really know half of what his own best friend was up to these days.
Catcher couldn’t keep up with the endless number of suitors hitting up Seth wherever they went, men and women now that he behaved more freely; open to them all about his sexuality. Just like he had with Cloud, he patted Seth on the shoulder to thank him for being there; he couldn’t really make up for the state he was in but if there were ever a way to make him feel what he thought, it would bolster his confidence. He was a talented man who made an outstanding drag queen; for all Catcher knew, he could’ve shown up looking like a gigolo in some bursting animal print shirt and shorts. That would probably get all those crones off of Claude’s back as he ate; Seth might even earn some sugar mamas. What was a disturbing thought… ”Nevermind, let’s get out of here.”If life was pain then he buried his, his feelings for Veronica were from a long time ago, but still alive. It was taking over him, numb inside but watching these waves crashing over him, underwater yet on top of it. He was close to being at the bottom and that was the problem. He wanted to no longer feel things even though he knew he should; it killed him inside.
Last Edit: Jul 29, 2021 9:57:11 GMT -5 by Catcher Reeves
Post by Cloud Crestfall on Jul 29, 2021 10:33:05 GMT -5
That long puff he had taken was sublime; the smoke so thin and aromatic, the streets were now not even where he stood. Cars honking sounded like nothing more than a muffled drone and his eyes closed, his head fell back and he was about to take another taste.
The vape slipped out of his fingers so quickly he shot back to consciousness. It had been stolen and he wasn’t going to get it back anytime soon; Cloud threw up his hands above his head, waving angrily and robotically. What was that for?! His mouth was open to retort, to protest and yell about why he had his toy confiscated especially when Catcher took a smoke right before hiding it away. If they were both using it then why wasn’t he allowed; this guy never explained things either. He was going to speak when the phone was also grabbed from his hand and the death stare he was met with was enough he looked away to see Seth. It would be futile to contest because Catcher would just walk away and never look back leaving him to chase him down like a lovelorn girl.
Noticing Seth made him shut his mouth, he knew he was caught but the shut lips just trembled like an earthquake until he spat out laughing and heaving, circling to the side, stomping his feet like he was tripping. His hands were gripping air, fists of delight as they pounded on his thigh and his eyes filled with tears. It worked, he was magic, this a great bamboozle and he wasn’t sorry. It was Seth, they were friends, not as close as they could be but every time this sort of thing happened; they would end up being closer. Cloud panted, choking and then he straightened, wishing he had something to flap into his face to cover his joy. Settling down was going to take longer than a few minutes, but they had time and he leaned on Seth, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and patting him in congratulations. He was proud of him for showing up exactly the way he was asked to; a true hero for the night’s festivities.
Catcher was less amused, he obviously had a conscience and Cloud just shook his head fixing his eyes on him, clicking his tongue in judgment. That mood was pulling him down from his mania and he got that the balance was struck only when he had him around; he could have gone wild so many times without Catcher and he practiced inhaling and exhaling slowly. The frenzy of laughing so hard had pressed his stomach and now he was calming from fear that he had drank too much soda. Something was creeping into his bladder and it was filling but he was thinking everything would be fine if they just needed a few more minutes to decide where to go instead.
”You should definitely go in man, don’t waste that whole… dress.” For lack of a better word, he was gesturing to Seth, checking him out from head to toe, impressed and trying to express approval. ”You can be Claude’s date. Trust me, it’ll be fucking awesome.” He was referring to the hags that might talk, and everyone else who was a hater. There was no way Rafael or Veronica would dream to think that Seth would come to this lavish restaurant with some tuxedo wearing man dressed as a woman; there was just no way. They could conceal in the obvious.”Look at all the food…” Nearly drooling, his mouth was watering just thinking about it but he showed no sign of starvation aside from how everyone always thought he ate nothing because he couldn’t gain weight.
”Yea, that Candi thing… dark and all but I really need to pee.”That feeling was not going away, he was thinking about just going in the alley but that was not for a city like this and not for a time like this. It would provide reasons for his friends to never enter the restaurant with him in tow. However, he didn’t need to worry about that, he was just going to go in there and use the toilet and sit down with Claude, eat everything, drink everything; not a care in the world if Beach man and Hula girl spotted him. He could leave Claude to explain himself, he was just a victim of circumstance, the research partner; there to gulp down all the stuff and clarify some normal things to the vampire. She would have to believe him even if she didn’t want to. He had wanted to go to the strip club and now all he could think about was one place only; they’d just end up doing whatever, didn’t matter anymore.”Fuck it”
Cloud passed Catcher and Seth to walk through the zebra crossing, over the stripes, strolling to the other side of the street, heading to the entrance. He paused and started motioning them with his head, appearing to be dodging some invisible ball, trying to tell them to get their asses in with him, eyes wide open and articulating spastically toward Catcher and Seth. He began attracting too many passersby as well as the attention of the incoming valet who doubled as the doorman and desperately needed them.
Post by Seth Rivers on Jul 29, 2021 11:44:20 GMT -5
Seth couldn't believe he fell for the oldest trap in the book, he'd do anything for Catcher son when he found out it was Cloud's doing he began tapping his heeled foot on the asphalt below. His hands on his hips resisting an open hand smack across face. "I wasn't going anywhere. I only got this because you texted me emergency and to come in drag so I did." Seth clapped his hands together as Cloud laughed at him. He had forgotten to press so his fingernails were still stained with black grease that took ages to scrub off. " Keep laughing because when I take your sister out on a date. I'll make sure you get photos of us making out." Seth pushed his lips together knowing he didn't seem like he was being treated in this get up but outside of it he was a good looking guy, his golden skin and smile stole lots of hearts.
Looking over to the window he saw Raf and Veronica who seemed to be enjoying their date and in the corner was Claude. His table was big enough to fit four or maybe even six covered in many plates full of food. Seth's stomach growled just looking at all of it. It was tempting to head in but he didn't want to be seen by Veronica, he was in enough makeup for Raf not to recognize him. "Okay, so if I go in there a V sees me then what?" He didn't even get an answer from Cloud before he passed him and crossed the road.
Sighing, He looked at Catcher "I guess he was right if I dressed for it might as well get a free meal." As Cloud motioned them across the road Seth walked over talking longer than he would have usually would with the restraints of his whole get up slowing him down. He stepped closer to the door and looked back at Cloud." So I tell the door person I'm here for James Bond over in the corner and just slip in and use the bathroom."
Seth walked up to the podium, talked to a hostess and she walked him back to Claude's table. He quickly took a seat next to him and tapped Claude on the shoulder. "Do you mind if I eat some food Buddy?" Not waiting for a response Seth picked up a bread stick and crammed it into his mouth. The old woman from the table next to him looked him up and down and Seth smiled and waved in her direction before leaning back over toward Claude’s. "I guess Cloud thought you needed help spying or something."
Post by Rafael Wolfe on Jul 29, 2021 12:43:42 GMT -5
Raf smiled and nodded at Veronica as she mentioned he would look good in darker colours. It was true he did like darker colour clothing but he enjoyed having a price or two in his wardrobe that really made a statement. "You're probably right but dark clothes thought slimming isn't fun. I think you can tell a lot about a man by the way he dresses." Rafael knew this all too well . Depending on his clothing choices some people either treated him as a Bro or someone to be respected. He loved to wear jackets to help hide all of his tattoos and muscles.
The food had finally arrived and Raf looked down at his plate. He waited for Veronica to take a bite of her own before he started eating. He poked at his food carefully to make sure nothing dripped into his beard. It was actually very delicious and he'd have to come back here sometime to see what other good things the menu had to offer.It had been a while since he had itlan the didn't come out of a jar and a cardboard box.
He watched as Veronica poured herself another glass of wine, if she'd asked him why he had he would say he didn't like wine but used being the designated driver. "Yes, a girl like you. A girl with a brain for one. Not a bleached blonde valley girl trying to climb me like a tree." Raf laughed he was being serious because he was over the beach girls in bikinis trying to get him to pay attention to them. they were not his scene anymore. He had grown up a bit since his accident, so he took that time to reevaluate his situation. When Veronica asked what he feared it took him a second to think. Besides spiders, the only thing he could think about was not being able to walk. "Couple years back, I got in a bad surfing accident, hit my head pretty badly." He pointed to a scar above his eye. "Broke my leg too, compound fracture, the bone snapped popping out of my skin. It was the worst pain I've ever been in. There is a titanium rod in there now. I was laid up for a while at first incase told I might not even walk again. Now I run. Sometimes it hurts but you have to get through the pain to know the good stuff." He took another bite of his food. He swallowed. "So want about you what scares you?"
Post by Veronica Call on Jul 29, 2021 15:59:22 GMT -5
Veronica nodded her head as she watched and listened to Rafael. Deep down, she knew that he was harmless and he was still figuring his life out and trying to prove to the world and god know who else that he is not an idiot. She felt for him and knew that in some odd way they were the same when it came to people judging them certain ways. She took a sip of her wine then placed it on the table before digging into her food. She sat, quiet in her own thoughts while eating. The peacefulness, the perfectness and being dolled up was killing her. If she kept thinking about how it was going perfect, she would sabotaging the whole night.
”I love it when men wear shades of pink and purple and when they know how to dress is a bonus in my eyes.” Veronica smiled at Rafael, took one more bite of her pasta, cleaned edges of her mouth with napkin and set it on the table. ”There’s nothing wrong with beach blonde girls. I find them pretty and I didn’t love my brown colored hair, I would have dyed it blonde. You will be surprised how smart they are. I am just a girl who is lost, hardheaded, and wants happiness.” Veronica couldn’t meet his eyes for a second so she looked out the window to gather her thought and compose herself when she noticed Leah look alike in pink dress walking across the street right behind a blonde hair man. What the actual fuck! If she was a cartoon character her eyes would have doubled in size and her head would blow up. Telling herself that she’s imagining again and neither Clearwater sibling were there. Groaning mentally, she grabbed her wine glass and chugged it like it was water. I can’t stay sober for this anymore. It wasn’t a mistake that she was there but she pushed herself to go on a date just to prove to herself that she deserves happiness.
Setting her glass down and listening to Rafael tell her about his biggest fear in life. She couldn’t help but to feel for the man. He was injured which resulted in him giving up on his dream and old life. La Push or Washington state wasn’t known for their beaches and sunny weather. ”Cold weather affects a lot of injuries and health. You shouldn’t stress your body with working out.” Wish she could feel those injuries instead of being numb at times. Her biggest fear in life is never finding happiness, finding someone that she can love or give love to, she doesn’t have any love to give to anyone aside from herself that too, very little. ”To be honest, I am scared of a lot of things. Funny how a girl like me is scared of living her life and being in love again.” Veronica laughed dryly as she poured another glass of wine. She was ready to chug wine straight from the bottle. Veronica never thought she would confess what she is truly is scared of but she spilled the beans before she could have stopped herself. Setting the bottle down, she finished wine half the wine in her glass and chuckled.
”Anyway…” Veronica felt the wine hitting her head and she couldn’t think about what topic to talk about. Her eyes fell on tattoos on his hand; a small skull below his right thumb and ‘diablo’ written on his right middle finger. ”How many tattoos do you have?” Changing the subject may give her mind some peace and change the atmosphere around them. She had lost her appetite for her pasta and wanted some ice cream.
Post by Catcher Reeves on Jul 29, 2021 16:59:22 GMT -5
The tapping heel of Seth’s shoe made him wish he just slapped Cloud. ”I should’ve checked… remind me never to give my phone to him.” He acknowledged Seth’s loyalty and his willingness to lay everything down for him and he wanted to apologise but found no appropriate words that held weight. This was not an emergency, he could handle it; he had already let Veronica go once before with someone who probably …'deflowered' her. Blood rushed back to his face and he blushed, a light flush and he grimaced turning to the sky; it was weird, such things were biological but she was his youthful fancy and he couldn’t shake it. She turned him into a child sometimes. Thankfully, Seth continued speaking and verbally stabbed Cloud in his softest spot; his worry over his sister, his insecurity that she would find someone and be uncontrollably in love. He would lose his wits, lose his brotherly authority and be forced to stop acting like the tyrannical king of the world; finally subdued from getting himself hurt.
”If she sees you just say you’re on a date and if she sees Claude then you’re his date.”Catcher had nothing else; nothing else made sense but somehow when he produced the suggestion he was left the only one without a good reason to defend himself against Veronica’s certain madness. There was no time to think, Cloud had walked with gusto toward the traffic and crossed the street, making a stupid jerking motion to get them to catch up. He was the one who sped away before they could react and now he had to weave through the cars as the traffic light was green; angry drivers skidding. ”You might as well eat everything before Cloud does.” Charmed by the idea of everyone stuffing their faces, he smirked softly, looking at Seth as he did so, reflecting he was the only one who unhealthily fed on emotions.
So they were always meant to enter the premise; it was fate. All that agonizing over nothing was duly noted as he rushed to the other side beside Seth, slowing down as Seth distracted everyone in the walkway and Cloud shoved himself like a toothpick through a family who were exiting. He could tell the footman was completely staggered by Seth and his sashaying after Cloud while the tobacco pipe of a man had B- lined to the restrooms. Observing amusedly, he took the time to prevent the fall out of the establishment throwing them out; the hostess had no idea what Seth had said and looked at him like he was crazy, speechlessly wondering which James Bond he was referring to so casually, flipping through the reservations too slowly.
”The gentleman in the tux is our friend.” They had sauntered past the valet and he was quick to follow a brazen Cloud who never cared about people in the first place, now desperate for the lavatory; a dangerous combination of middle fingers. Catcher’s eyes were judgmental, as critical as he knew the employees of such a place usually were, returning the favour with satirical kindness in the truth. ”Don’t mind him, He’s a rockstar.” The words were crisp, cutting like a knife before they could ask a question; he had watched the hostess open her mouth and move to reprimand Cloud although he stopped for nothing and didn’t even feel her presence. It was necessary to give some makeshift answer that was truth he wielded like a blunt weapon at her, pulling out a clipped fold of cash and dropping it on her counter. Money didn’t work every time, but instead of listening to her or other servers talk, possibly even converge to exile them and making a scene to ask for Claude’s confirmation, it was really the treat to top off their generous guest who was Claudius who had probably tipped like an emperor.
Now the staff could mingle together and know two pieces of information which combined to great effect. As far as things were concerned they couldn’t prejudice Seth in any way and he would be the only one of the three of them to stroll in there with or without a handbag to wave down Claude like it was just another day at the park and that was exactly what he did. The fact that James Bond had ordered everything, no concern over payment and was dressed to impress, it was their golden ticket and a creeping wide grin emerged as he strolled past everyone hastily to Claude’s table. Sitting down, he looked around and moved his chair slightly to be closer to the vampire, looking in the same direction as his friend collected intel.
Their table’s designated server returned and he simply asked about a drink; seeing as Claude ordered every gastronomical item under Bella Italia’s sun. Catcher sank into the chair, lowered to gain less attention in case they had created a fuss enough Veronica’s eagle eye would see. Given his personal circumstances he should’ve ordered the Jupiter. Such was a shaken iced liquor drink that contained ‘Parfait Amour’; the pretty purple colour a combination of grape jelly and marshmallow flavours, exactly the cloudy issue between his wondrous love for Veronica, her past favourite colour and Natasha in the shade he saw her aura. It was the fragrance of absinthe; that fitting and envious green ‘lad’s love’ he enjoyed. He wanted to drown in it as he missed that spirit fairy while he watched Veronica and Rafael stimulating feelings with every second that passed on their date.
In spite of all this knowledge, he leaned back in his chair and looked at the waiter. ”A Lion’s Tail… and Hendricks.” And, ‘The French 75’ or ‘The Ritz’, was what he really wanted but he remembered they were in Washington and that he was not celebratory; he was so anxious he would spend wads of money just to engage in the retail therapy of his choice. That was the only time he knew he was really in trouble. The name had nothing to do with an actual lion but he was amused to make Cloud drink it; maybe he would think it actually tasted like a tail, his own big cat tail. A ridiculous notion but one that distracted him for a few minutes before he drummed his fingers on the table; no rings to scrape, there was only one on each hand as though he married himself. If that were doable he might be saved from his woman woes. The drink itself somehow matched his version of Cloud; bourbon and all spice, some sour lime and bitters. Since Cloud wasn’t present, he automatically ordered it in his stead and unrolled a folded bill to the waiter for his trouble and the liquor; it was clear as day everything on the table was about to be consumed by a ravenous mountain lion or a wolf. He was too strained to focus on eating but fiddled rotating a bread plate.
Watching the date was one thing, hiding around captain obvious 'the secret agent' and the 'Hollywood whore' was another; it was Seth sitting between them who took things to an astronomical level. How it was all real and he was sitting there not in the matrix was a fairytale. As he had watched Seth, the dress, the makeup and everything was screaming the next winning contestant on drag race; he didn’t even believe his best friend was going to survive bursting through the seams if he ate. He was definitely here impressing a whole other crowd like the hottest piece of ass there was at a bachelorette party; probably the merman adoring crew and championing the cougars at the other table who were all drunk on bottles of champagne. Contrary to what he had hoped, they were sticking out like thorns and garnering more whispers and eyes than was helpful; he wanted to melt into the ground. Would dressing like Claude have been an improvement at all; he didn’t think so.
Since their table had no use for a menu, there was nothing to even cover his face with and since Claude was using the wine list, he borrowed it to peek, heart racing while he panicked over Claude trying to take photographs with the volume up making snap sounds next to him. Catcher slumped to one side, supporting his cheek with a hand, forefingers pushing an eyebrow, the elbow on the table, glancing frequently between Rafael and Veronica then Claude’s scribbling. There were weird shapes and sentences mixed together, illegible and not following a straight line, some diagonal, some vertical and he knew he was looking over like his brain had been lasered by martians."Claude she's gonna see you if you keep the flash on..." Through gritted teeth, he whispered and then just rolled his eyes, sighing without breath.
Last Edit: Jul 29, 2021 17:33:55 GMT -5 by Catcher Reeves
Post by Claudius Galloway on Jul 30, 2021 7:46:18 GMT -5
Claude was taking his research tonight very seriously and Raf and Veronica were giving him great pointers for any future date he might be one. The biggest problem was he didn't eat or drink wine so it crossed things off his list. Writing down a note, he scribbled in his notes and crossed a few things off and ripped a page out grumbling. One again the old bat, who seemed to be concerned about him spying from behind the wine menu, looked over his way. Picking up a glass of water he took a mouthful in until she looked away. Spitting it back into the glass, the leftover chucks of pasta and sauce left in his mouth came out with it looking like dirty dish water. Claude quickly moved the cup and hit it behind some plates.
He didn't expect anyone to join him for the night but he started seeing flashes of Cloud, Catcher and drag queen Seth, he could hear their voices coming from outside the restaurant. Claude rolled his eyes knowing there was probably going to be a bit of a scene. Not wanting to blow his cover he watched the door pushing the daters out of his mind.
Seth had just strolled over looking what Claude would call a twenty dollar hooker and sat beside him asking him if it was okay to eat anything. He looked Seth up and down chuckling quietly. "Sure doll face enjoy." Looking back at Veronica and Raf talking about their fears, Claude was invested in this part knowing that fear can make people do weird things. He hardly noticed Catcher, who he affectionately named Ronaldo, sat down close to him. He ordered some drinks and then moved closer using his hand as a disguise, Claude would have tried that sometime. Going on about the flash on his phone Claude put it down on the table. "I've been taking pictures since they got here, I think it will be fine." He rubbed Catcher’s head, getting a few strands of hair stuck to his fingers, and shook them free over a plate of pasta. "Have some food Ronaldo. "
Post by Rafael Wolfe on Jul 30, 2021 9:07:10 GMT -5
The concern she showed for his past injury and working out made his face flush. She was starting to care about him. He nodded, unable to pull the silly grin off his face. "I take it easy most days, but sometimes it's pain that reminds us we're still alive right?" It was true in a way being in physical pain after his accident sucked but it helped remind him his life wasn't actually over. It depressed him not knowing he might have not even walked again yet alone surfing. The waves was the place he felt happy and free so that almost being taken away affected him a lot back then.
She began to reveal her fear and he could see something change on her face slightly as she spoke,like Veronica was trying to hide how hard her fear hurt her. For someone so young to be scared to live and love it was almost sad. " It's not funny, it seems like a tragic way to have to live life. Everyone deserves to be happy in life, love that's a whole other thing. You shouldn't let your fear stop you, having adventures to look back on." No one deserved to live a life full of sadness, and even if she never wanted to go out on an official date with him, he would still somehow want to show her life is worth living.
There was a bit of a commotion coming from the table in the corner,it seemed like few people had joined the restaurant critic, not wanting to have it steal his attention he kept looking over at Veronica not letting the noise steal his attention away. He watched her as she raised the wine glass to her lips again, did she really need the wine to get through the date, did he suck that bad. When she mentioned his tattoo it pulled him back into the conversation. "Tattoos? Oh yeah." He pulled off his jacket and placed it on his lap. "I noticed yours earlier so I thought you might ask me." He held his forearm showing her the arm cuff that was inked in midway up his forearm. " This is the one you probably noticed is in tribute to Aumakua, it's like a family crest. My family's guardian spirit is a shark. So they are tribal shark teeth.There is more behind the design but no need to get into it tonight." He also had a few others, the other one with the most meaning was his Ohana. Tattoo that sat over his left peck close to his heart. "There are few more, they all have a connection to my family. Besides the badly drawn skull on this one I got it to be cool"