The Last Drop Grand Opening

[conflictresolution]

Who: Whoever would like to attend the grand opening mingle at the Last Drop
Where: Entertainment District – The Last Drop
What: The grand opening of the night club / bar
Warnings: Alcohol and low-level drugs




The Last Drop opens big and loud with neon lights and music that booms from within to be heard from the streets. There are two large bouncers at the door, but they were allowing people in very freely on this night until the room was at capacity then there would be a line. The bouncers only stop those who are already three-sheets to the wind and could cause trouble, but otherwise, they are there to break up trouble as the night wears on.

Inside, there was smoke machines, flashing lights, loud music and the drinks were flowing to anyone that wanted. There was plenty of dancing, some dart boards along the walls, a jukebox, tables and booths for patrons to have drinks and discuss business.

There are stairs that lead up to a second floor to one side of the bar, lights on the stairs. There were people lounging on the stairs and it seemed to be ‘employees only’. Patrons were allowed the lounge there as well if they were tired of dancing or the tables or booths were occupied.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4aGrN9ZBg0

Comments

Silco (open)

[conflictresolution]

[With it being opening night, Silco actually made many appearances over the course of the evening. He was checking in with the bartender, and he usually had a drink in hand that he was nursing as he made the rounds of the place. While it wasn’t generally in his nature to do so, he actually would shake hands with people even if they were drunk.

He could be drawn into a game of darts, but mostly he made the rounds of the place. At least three times on opening night, there is an announcement that the current round of drinks was on the house. Silco was there to lift a hand to acknowledge the cheering of the patrons.

He did not partake in any fights, but he did watch them take place and get broken up. They didn’t seem to bother him at all. Enjoyment for all it seemed.]

d a r t s

[murderingjustice]

[Surprisingly enough! Akechi has been keeping rather slow profile ever since the incident with Gogol and snakes. Of course, he had tried to get back at the Clown on his own -- which had retaliated in the worst way possible, leaving the ex-detective even more out of sorts and powerless. But maybe such break was needed, as he did feel the resolve rekindled and thirst for vengeance nurtured.

And just because he had been staying quiet didn't mean he had been blind. Akechi had been following the events around Aldrip, both through network and by making rounds around the city. So, there was no way he'd miss the new bar popping up and about. Especially not when it was yet another establishment owned by Silco. The man was really trying to own the city, huh. Something that he wasn't fan of at all.

Meaning that there was no way he was going to miss the grand opening night of the Last Drop! The place wasn't really one that suited his tastes, seeing that he actually preferred jazz clubs where one could just sit down and enjoy from the slow atmosphere while listening to music. And if he was completely honest? The Last Drop didn't really come across as something he'd necessarily associate with the other man. And yet! Still there he was, attending the party like a good host.

It's only when he sees the other man near the dart board, does Akechi make his move. He walks up behind the man and picks up one of the red darts, spinning it in his fingers all while flashing the other his signature, ever-knowing smug smile.]

I take it you know how to play 701.

slides in here

[enthraller]

[Saralegui does not frequent bars. For one thing, he's never drank much beyond sipping at wine during parties and whatnot. And beyond that, tavern-hopping isn't exactly a hobby befitting a king. Even still, this new establishment looks nothing like any he's ever seen even in passing, what with all the bright colorful lights and booming music. He wouldn't call it appealing, but it's certainly novel. And given he still has no real way to support himself, it'd be silly to pass up any opportunity for free food or drink.

He's questioning his choices, however, as he sits on the sidelines watching a fight breaking out. Saralegui's brows raise slightly at the sight of one drunk clumsily attempting to pummel another, and he glances sideways at the man he's gathered to be in charge here.]

Shouldn't someone do something...?

[He adopts an uneasy expression, drink held close to his chest. Saralegui can't claim to care much what these people do as long as it doesn't involve him, but it'd probably be stranger if he didn't speak up about such a crude display given his public persona.]

[rebellions]

[ This isn't the type of place Ragna enjoys, but it's the type of place he needed in the past; the kind of seedy bar where no one bats an eye at criminals hanging out and he could just blend in with other lowlifes relatively free of harassment from the Library or the vigilantes. The Last Drop wouldn't feel out of place in the Orient Town (or hell, even a lower level of a Hierarchical City), what with its bright, neon lights and shifty atmosphere. All of that makes him wonder if Jerry and the Council will have a problem with this new establishing, considering what sort of clientele it seems to attract... but it's not like that's relevant to him in any way, shape or form.

Sitting at one of the tables further in the back, away from most of the merry drinking and games, Ragna watches some idiots start a fight with a bored expression. He only bothers to speak up once the owner of the place himself happens to walk by. ]

Looks like you won't be getting shanked tonight. [ A beat. ] As long as you keep the free drinks coming, at least.

[ Whether that's a genuine statement, or a poor attempt at humor is anyone's guess. It's probably a bit of both. ]

SLIDES IN HERE

[skelters]

[ wow, he sure is making an effort on the opening night, huh? not that vash knows anything at all about how much of an actual evil mastermind recluse type silco is, but he at least knows that the other has put in a lot of late nights and solitary hours holed up in his office for this venture .... which is why he can't miss being here to congratulate! hope you don't mind that vash has literally bought a bouquet from silco's own florists (hey, he didn't ask for staff discount okay?) to bring to the bar's opening. ]

Congratulations, Silco! It's a busy night, huh?

— just so you know, that's how you make a villain.

[opheliac]

i. ❝In my origin story, was the people pleaser — from picked on & prodded & served at your leisure.❞ | OPEN.
▷ THE ENTRANCE

[ maybe YOUR CHARACTER is on THEIR way to this newly establishment out of curiosity, or maybe YOUR CHARACTER caught along with the other patrons standing in this stupid line just to have access inside. is this place really worth that? the music seems to be booming and the smoke is leaking through some of the cracks, so this bar must be something.

whatever the reasoning of YOUR CHARACTER being here, the one thing that will stick out is jinx freely moving around the doorway and loitering around the building without the bouncers scolding her or batting an eye. wait, how is that fair? because whenever someone else tries to mimic her movements, they either get a cold death stare from the men, or they get told to get back in line. why is she getting special treatment? well, this could be YOUR CHARACTER chance to ask, since the teenager is skipping closer with a fruity drink in her hand — in all smiles. ]

---

ii. ❝To the antagonist in your new movie — that's what you did to me.❞ | OPEN.
▷ MAKING ROUNDS

[ inside the chaotic party, jinx is weaving her way through locals and chosen as she moves swiftly to the current record being played on the jukebox. every so often, she leans forward to sneak a sip of someone else's drink without their knowledge — then disappears somewhere else.

in time, she spots YOUR CHARACTER and bounces on over with an obnoxious slap to THEIR back. let's hope YOUR CHARACTER wasn't in the middle of eating, drinking, or having a conversation. ]

Hey, hi! How are ya? Are we having fun? Need anything? — Whatever you want is on me, on the house.

[ she flashes YOUR CHARACTER a wink as she looms her arm around their shoulders. friend or foe, it doesn't matter tonight. tonight is all about having fun and living in the moment! ]

---

iii. ❝Fed me sugar & sweetness & spice — to keep me quiet & lovely & nice❞. | PRIVATE TO THE FIRST TAGGER.
▷ THE BAR CW: violence/breaking fingers

[ things seem to be going swimmingly so far at the last drop with various people are conversing, drinking, eating, dancing, and partaking in... something that might seem squint-worthy. the bar is a little hard to get to with so many patrons sitting or loitering nearby to nurse their drinks, but in the mix of it, jinx is there giggling with someone with a glass in hand. and whatever the conversation is about, it must be a damn good one, due to her being very animated with her hands. the liquid in her drink swings around in the glass until it spills onto a man close by — damping his tight whited shirt. the man swore loudly, and fires a scowl towards the culprit, being jinx. ]

"Hey, watch what you're doing, you stupid bitch!"

[ normally, jinx would ignore a complete nobody, but the insult rings in her ears and she spins around her seat to face the stranger. she studies him quietly, first his stain and then his face, with a smile still on hers and her head tilting to one side. ]

What's that?

[ the man's brows bunch together, and he grinds at his teeth over her response. how dare this girl act so innocent when she knows exactly what she did. ]

"I said to watch what you're doing, brat. Shouldn't you be at home? It's past your bedtime."

[ the smile on jinx's face tightens, and she nods steadily, as if she's beginning to understand this stranger's dilemma. ]

... Oh. Here, let me take care of that for ya.

[ placing her drink down, she hops over the bar counter to the other side and disappears underneath the table. is she going to clean off his shirt with chemicals? to find a napkin or a cloth? getting a wine stain out of a white shirt isn't necessarily a quick fix, but jinx is a genius and she has all the solutions.

... except when she pops up again, the teenager grabs a hold of the man's wrist then lifts her other hand high above her head — revealing a hammer in her clutches. and before the man can register what's happening, the girl slams the mallet down to his fingers. the patron screams in pure agony and jerks his now injured hand close to his chest. with a crooked smile, jinx leans forward and gingerly rests her index finger against his lips to hush him. ]

Shhhhh, it's okay. [ her voice coated with artificial sweetness. ] — Maybe next time you won't cry over something so minor, hm?

[ with a bigger grin now, she pats her hand playfully against his cheek, which signals him immediately bolt out of her sight and possibly out of the establishment. the blueberry girl hums a little giggle and stretches over for her drink again, casually sipping as if what just happened... didn't happen at all! ]

---

iv. ❝& I'd choke it down like penicillin — 'cause it doesn't matter to you how I'm feeling. ❞ | OPEN.
▷ @ THE STAIRS/IN FRONT OF THE EMPLOYEE'S ONLY DOOR.

Hey, hey, HEY...!!

[ whoa, hello! for some reason YOUR CHARACTER wanted to explore or something and made their way up the stairs. but there's a two long braided hair girl guarding the door with her hands firmly on her hips. ]

What do you want? Why are you doing up here, huh? — Can't you read...?!

[ jinx drastically thumbs the sign over her shoulder that's being desplayed on the door. ]

"Employees Only". Meaning me, the boss man, and not you. ... Unless you got business with him.

[ eyeing YOUR CHARACTER with suspicions, jinx steps closer into THEIR personal space as her expression darkens. ]

And if you do, you better spill.

---

v. ❝Stole my life, that's what I call a heist — sold it back & then tripled the price.❞ | PRIVATE TO SILCO.
▷ INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S ONLY ROOM.

[ the party is still going downstairs, but the commotion of it is hardly a disturbance for her. if anything, it's such a nostalgic and oddly satisfying sound that is has the tired out teenager yawning in the rafters. jinx swings delicately in her hammock as she relaxes with one leg dangling off from the cradle. ]

Think I'm gonna turn in early tonight... How about you? You're not going to stay up all night, are you?

---

vi. ❝& I'm not on your payroll — but I'm makin' a killin'.❞ | OPEN.
▷ THE WILDCARD

— idk, make up something here. it's almost 2am and i'm getting sleepy. so you know where to reach me.

v.

[conflictresolution]

[The bar had turned into a full on nightclub at this point in the evening, and the boom of the base could still be heard from his office though muted through the floor and walls. The rhythmic sound meant that he could work if he wanted to, but currently, he was pondering his next step. So far, there wasn't much trouble below.

He leaned back in his padded chair and crossed one leg over the other as he glanced up to the rafters where his daughter's hammock was hung. They both seemed particularly at peace to be back in a place both of them would consider home. This was where he had spent a considerable amount of time in Zaun after all.]

Not all night, no. I will remain awake until the place closes of course so I can check on the new employees on how they made out. I expect I should make one more appearance with those enjoying the atmosphere as well.

iv - lmao ok let's go (cw: hallucinations

[traumaticus]

[Unfortunately(?), the Last Drop didn't hold much if any appeal to Richard. It far too loud, the flashing lights were far too bright and harsh, and people with various states of undress were rubbing against each other in a rhythm of the demonic music. It was as if people had lost their minds, offering their souls so freely for the sin and devil's worship.

"Then this place is just perfect for you!" The white witch speaks to his ear again. "It's a mad world, Richard. A devil's party for a devil. You should join in. Unless. There is another reason why you're here?"

The latter remark makes Richard flinch and hastily turn around, ready to fend off the witch with his hand. But instead of Joan, there is another patron who's drink Richard manages to spill with his sudden movement. He, however, does not linger around to wait to see the repercussions as the patron keeps shouting demands at him. This is ridiculous, he thinks bitterly to himself. Once again, he feels like he is somewhere he doesn't belong to.

However, instead of, he doesn't turn around to leave the establishment. Not yet. After all, he does know just who is the master of this party and it wouldn't feel right for him to leave without seeking the man out first. Damned be the witch and her giggling. So, Richard makes his way towards the back and to the staircase. But before he manages to take the first step up he is already being stopped by another person. This time by a peculiar looking, grinning girl.

Richard's eyes widen a bit at the sight of her. The blue hair is, of course, the first thing he pays attention to. That and her.. Well, immodest state of dress. But what truly gets to him is the almost unnatural shine that she has in her eyes, like a wild fire.

At first, he doesn't seem to react to her as he keeps his expression neutral and lips sealed tightly even as she presses up and close into his personal space.]

...No. [And that's all he says to her before turning around to step away from her and leave.]

ii;

[laserguy]

[Why is Scott here? Support his friend's... father's local business? Get a free drink?? Just see what the new place is all about? Yeah, guess those are all the reasons, even though he's starting to sport a small headache from all the music. He's fine, mostly, but for once in a long time, he's really not in his element. Not like he visited bars like these back home and the one that Dazai used to own is a lot more lowkey.

As such, he's kind of glad when Jinx comes up from behind him, even if it's just to smack him in the back and nearly making him choke on his drink.]

Hey, Jinx. [He awkwardly responds, smiling just a little as she swings an arm around his shoulders.] Congrats on the new place.

iv

[solitarysoul]

[Oh no, he didn't spot Jinx when he noticed the quieter spot. He has half a mind to just turn and leave but he knows she won't let him go with out an explanation
or some reason to badger him.]

S-Sorry....I wasn't going to go in, I-I just wanted to sit somewhere, um, alone...er. For a bit.

i

[entreats]

[ .. ugh. This is so not Ange's sort of thing.

But Silco had made this entire opening sound more important than just your regular bar. And Ange is curious whether or not this place will live up to that. If the people in charge of this place do intend to shut the place down, then she intends on being there to witness it - and even if it doesn't happen, maybe she can pick up on some rumors in there to gather more information about this place.

The problem though.. It's the line. Ange dreads the idea of having to stand in there in order to be able to get into a place she doesn't particularly want to be at in the first place. The girl is of half a mind to just turn around and go back home--

--but that's when she discovers someone who's apparently able to skip the line easily. Someone familiar.

Ange makes her way over towards Jinx as the other walks out of the bar, just plainly asking: ]

Can you get me in there?

[ Dang, Ange, not even a hi first or anything, girl? ]

Jim Kirk | OPEN

[finalfrontiersman]

The music is loud and industrial, which reminds Jim of home so much it's uncanny. It's been a while since he's been in a bar like this (a deep space exploration mission doesn't exactly lend itself to opportunities for wild shore leave) - raucous, exciting, the underlying thrum of potential violence palpable. Jim's already seen at least two fights break out, sipping his whiskey and hanging out with Spock in one of the booths. His friend is currently buzzed, scribbling at some equation in the notebook he'd brought along, and Jim is well on his way to joining him. He's taking this moment to get up and get them another round from the bar, a chocolate martini for a certain Vulcan and a Scotch neat for himself.

Part of him is jonesing for a Caradassian Sunrise, but maybe that's the homesickness talking. For all that this place reminds him of his world, it's not quite the same as a grimy spacedock bar; still, the neon lights, bumping dance floor, and smoky games in the corner are close enough.

"Make that a double, thanks." Jim amends to his drink order, as the bartender is pouring the scotch, and he slides the odd coins Aldrip uses as currency across the counter, picking up the glass with the other hand and downing half of it. He still couldn't get over the novelty of actual, physical currency - yet another reminder that this wasn't quite home. At least he doesn't look out of place, though perhaps opting to wear his black, Starfleet-issued thermals was nondescript enough to look odd, if one was looking close enough. "Actually, can I get another one?"

[opheliac]

Are we drinking to forget, or drinking to remember something?

[ jinx has a tendency in manifesting out of nowhere when someone least expects it, especially to the individuals who are all by their lonesome. this time around, the teenager is without a drink, but with a fish sandwich occupying both of her hands.

she makes herself at home (in a way, quite literally) and hauls the seat next to the stranger — taking a big mouthful out of her hoagie. what jinx isn't aware of is that she had spoken with jim before over the network, and already made herself acquainted. but given their exchange was over text messaging and not audio nor video, it's not like she will be able to put two and two together.]

[conflictresolution]

Silco expected to see otherworldly currency show up at this place, and he had instructed his staff to accept it. He needed to know more about other currencies now that he had purposefully put himself in control of producing Aldrip's style of it. The more he knew of other metals that might not be of this world, the more he could provide to his daughter to experiment with for her devices.

He approached the bar where Jim happened to be ordering drinks, leaning over. "A whiskey on the rocks," he said simply. He gestured at the younger man next to him. "Serve this one first, of course. Patrons are always provided for."

Levi | Open

[solitarysoul]

Clubs weren't really his thing, maybe a low-key jazz one like PRHVL Bop was but The Last Drop was nothing like that. Still, he figured he'd show up to support his employer's new business or...something. Gotta keep in the boss's good will. Silco had never implied it, but it was always good for the higher ups in the army. The whole thing is pretty overwhelming, though, so while he tries to spend some time near the bar or playing darts he's more likely to be found in a booth by himself, hanging out in the quieter area by the stairs or ducking outside to get some air.

[conflictresolution]

He wouldn't be a particularly good employer if he didn't check in with his Chosen bodyguard employee. He didn't expect Levi to be out on the floor as he thought it wouldn't be a comfortable experience for the ex-child soldier. Still, Levi made the effort to make an appearance, so Silco would make the effort to slid into the booth near the younger man where they didn't have to yell at each other over the boom of the base.

"What's your poison? I can get you whatever you like, you know. Bar is fully stocked after all." Well, maybe less now with everyone enjoying themselves.

peter quill | OTA

[starguy]

[ Flashing lights? Smoke machines? Drinks and booths and drunk patrons? Man, Peter is home at last. He's not huge on dancing, but he is big on drinking up the vibes of this place, and that's something they've got here in spades. ]

1. every 1's a winner

[ At the start of the night, Peter can be found at the bar, sipping on a drink and chatting up the bartender. Possibly flirting with the bartender? Depends on who you ask. He's just really friendly! And he doesn't mind getting interrupted, though the bartender might appreciate it if you distract Peter for a bit. ]

2. dance party

[ Later on, after a few more drinks, Peter can be found on the dance floor. Yes, this man is dancing. Badly. But the drinks and the general vibes of the place mean he does not care. Maybe you're just walking on by and he bumps into you, or maybe you're soaking up the vibes with him. ]

Whoops! Hey, sorry about that, dude.

[ He's having fun, that's what counts. ]

3. closing time

[ As the night stretches on and closing time nears, Peter can be found practically collapsed in a booth, nursing a drink (water, he's too old to drink all night.) His smile is a bit tired by now though, and he mutters to himself in that way buzzed people do. ]

Man, the guys would love this place...

[ He sighs, blinking hard and leaning forward till he lands with his cheek on the table. ]

3.

[conflictresolution]

[Most people had cleared out of the Last Drop by this point, either by their own drunken volition or with some assistance of a combination of bouncers, friends or random strangers. The place was the usual expected mess after a lively night, and he considered it a success as he surveyed the scene and moved around.

He spotted a younger man lounging in one of the booths and approached. Alcohol affected but not someone he was particularly concerned about.]

Which guys would that be? Do you have someone to assist you home?

[It was bad for business if the patrons couldn't make it somewhere to sleep safely.]

2

[solitarysoul]

[Levi practically jumps as Peter bumps into him, but composes himself quickly and looks a little sheepish.]

N-no, it's okay. It was probably my fault.

1

[skelters]

[ alright, vash is nothing if not a nosy busybody who really should keep to his own little personal space ... and he had no plans to break up such a friendly party, he swears! but it's probably someone's duty to step in and distract the guy when he isn't even letting the poor bartender concentrate on making drinks for other people, right?

not that vash is holding that against him, though. the guy is probably lonely, right? and it's not like he's here with someone, or chatting with another person. he could probably (maybe) help?

which is why vash scooches over to the stool beside peter, before waving a hand to catch his attention: ] Hi! What are you drinking? That looks nice!

Richard | OTA

[traumaticus]

i - [Okay. Needless to say that Richard has never been in a place like this before.

Having spent rather significant portion of his youth on the road, traveling from a camp to camp and so on, he wasn't exactly unused to taverns and pubs. Rowdiness was expected of such establishments and honestly, things being rough around the edges didn't bother him. In fact, he found that there was a charm to them. Seeing the people act freely, do as they please without being held back by pretentiousness of the nobility. No rules, just humans.

He could see it here, too. The way people would laugh, sing and move their bodies along the chaotic rhythm of the music. But it is too loud and too bright, the smell of sweat mixed with smoke and alcohol filled every nook of the place. It's almost overwhelming, assaulting all his senses. And the worst part? Richard does not only feel like an outsider in this place, but he looks like one. Unable to relax properly and awkwardly bumping into the other patrons when trying to move around. Someone tries to pull him to the dance floor, but he swats the reaching hands away, only barely escaping from their pull. In a way, the atmosphere of the bar reminds him of deep maze within the forest -- rousing the restless anxiety from within him.

So uh, come and help him as Richard is just 🧍‍♂️ in the middle of the bar? ]

ii - cw: hallucinations

[And just like always, the anxiety doesn't come alone.

Richard has actually managed to order a simple glass of whiskey from the barkeep, and is now nursing it in the corner of the bar counter, away from the other people. From the people but not from the witch.

The spirit of the French witch, Joan of Arc, is there with him -- although, only visible to Richard eyes. She standing behind the counter, pouring drinks left and right as if she belonged there.

"Are you not happy Richard? This is devil's paradise! A perfect for you, hm? Go ahead, dance and sing! Join in the debauchery of the soul and set yourself free! Is that not what you want?"]

No. [Richard says quietly to his glass, not bothering to look up.

"Aw, why are you here then? Just what is a demon looking for? Orrr... Who is he looking for? Hahah!]

Shut up.

["Don't be like that. I'm sure that if you speak louder they will all be able to hear you! Who knows. Maybe someone will hold your hand again, hmm?"

The last taunt finally gets a proper reaction of him. Richard slams his fist on the counter and looks angrily up at the witch's sneering eyes. Joan laughs again, giggling a "whoopsie" before dissolving back into the air. For now, at least.]

ii.

[conflictresolution]

[The nightclub section of the evening was deep into swing and that's when the fun normally occurred - and the most fights too. The place had reached its capacity in a sense and it was loud and lively. This was the ambiance of home that he recalled the most and was pleased that it had been recreated here in Aldrip. This had been an excellent choice on his part.

Silco slipped through the crowds of mingling people, some playing cards, some dancing, some laughing or yelling loudly at each other. Most people let him pass without incident, patting him on the shoulder like he was an old friend, and he allowed the contact because it was all about ambiance at this point. His mission, aside from making appearances, was to head to the bartender to communicate that another round of free drinks was coming so they were aware of the potential sudden influx of orders.

That's when he spotted Richard looking like a man completely out of place. He redirected his feet to head in that direction as he watched that fist slam against the bar, and he arrived to rest his folded forearms on the bar and turned his head to regard the younger man. He would like to defuse any episodes for the moment.]

Good evening. I'm surprised you came to the Last Drop. May I order you a drink? I suspect I know something you might like.

i

[enthraller]

[After Saralegui finished chatting up the bar's owner, he's lingering a while longer and people-watching. So of course, he notices when one of those people is familiar.

He doesn't immediately approach. Saralegui sits with the drink he's been nursing for a few minutes, observing, and the corner of his mouth quirks up at the man's stiff, awkward hovering. It's a little sad to watch. He gives it another minute or so while he finishes his drink before setting his glass down and heading over to rescue the duke.

He'd normally take the opportunity for casual touch – a gentle hand on the arm or something, the sort of thing that usually helps subtly attract people – but he saw the way Richard swatted away that one bar patron and so decides not to risk it. Instead, he just steps in close and leans into Richard's line of sight, his expression all soft concern.]

Are you alright?

i;

[notthekingpin]

[ Matt walks right up to him and claps him on the back. Unfortunately he has no way of knowing this is the guy he talked to on the network since he couldn't see his picture, but he's absolutely willing to invade the space of complete strangers, too. ]

You stand out more in the middle of the room like that you know. Come on, let's get you a drink before your scare someone.

s'chn t'gai spock >> ota.

[ashaya]

i. we men are wretched things

[ Spock has never been one for the center of rooms, for the warmth and the press of the crowd. He'd always preferred the sidelines, the quiet the fringes afforded. Observation had always suited him better than idle conversation. When he was young, it had given him time to formulate what it was he wanted to say. When he was older, it gave way to means to slip back into his lab, to engage only with individuals who might have found his company wanted. As an individual of two cultures, two worlds, two species - it was easiest. It was simplest, to thread through when opportunity was presented. For both his sake, he'd thought, and their own.

And so, it is only with Jim's cajoling that he finds himself here. The scent of bodies and booze and neon diffused is enough to give Spock a headache, but there is something to be said of the ironclad controls of Vulcans. That it extends over the whole of his body and autonomic functions? A great pleasure in these circumstances one should know. But, still:

Most will find Spock in the early hours of the night tucked into a booth toward the back with Jim. That they seem to be scanning over a notebook jointly is not really unusual for those who know them, but they seem to keep drifting closer and closer together throughout the course of the night without their seeming awareness. They might even be using two separate writing utensils at the same time on adjacent pages. Does it correspond to the increasing collection of glasses? More data is needed.

At other times, Spock is alone for short periods. The booth still seems to be his preferred location, if evidenced by the array of martini glasses that periodically appear and are taken away. If caught too early, his attention will be fixed and focused upon whatever it is he's deigned to bring with him to work on in that notebook of his. If caught later? Well, maybe he's neatly organized all the glasses that are scattered across the table into precise categories. Seems to be density at one point, color at another - maybe even pitch? Hard to say. Either way, he's very particular about how he picks up his glass when he drinks from it. His fingers stay always and firmly on the slender necks, as if he's attempting to avoid any sort of moisture from touching his fingertips.

Also, they all seem to be... Chocolate martinis?

As for other possibilities? Well, it isn't exactly unsurprising to see the booth paused by for a few minutes. He may be participating in idle conversation with a handful of individuals, but the most common point of interest seems to be how he's done his makeup. It's hard to miss once it's noticed. It stands out against the black-on-black attire. For people who have encountered him before, it might be surprising to see he's actually quite fit. Huh. ]

ii. you will never be lovelier than you are now

[ Late in the evening, one might find any of the following situations if they go poking about outside:

There is a cluster of cats in the back alley. Why? Because there appears to be a man crouched down nearest where the gaggle is thickest. He's jotting down quick observations in a plain, black notebook. The writing is sharp and cramped, his dark eyes flitting occasionally upward toward newer additions. Sometimes, if someone watches him for long enough, he'll thumb over to another page. He'll say, eventually:

"While not essential to me, you are blocking their light."

Who's light? A cat's?

At other times, Spock might be found arranging his grey cardigan under a makeshift bench out back. Why? Well, the answer will soon be obvious. There's a cat winding around and around and around his legs, chirping all the while. It's an odd sight. At least, when contrasted with his impassive expression and the gentleness of his actions. ]

( ooc: i am fine with both brackets and prose! i actually tend to prefer the latter if you want me to really cut loose with longform tags, so choose wisely(?). )

ii

[solitarysoul]

[While ducking out of the club to get some air, Levi notices the mass of cats. That was weird, right? He's pretty sure cats are supposed to be solitary but it's not like he's ever had a pet. Maybe the guy was feeding them? He moves a bit closer but stops when Spock speaks.]

O-oh, um, sorry? S-should I go?