Time: 9:30 PM. SEPTEMBER 7TH 20XX

LOCATION: Cat's Cradle

TARGET CONFIRMED

Static echoed throughout the cop car as the two detectives finished updating home base, it was going to be a long and hellish night as Detective Simms glared outside as a torrent of rain had decided to greet the two law enforcers as their distinct police car sat on the opposite side of the street in front of what was once a condemned building. Five months and plenty of funds -illegal, suspect- had went into it. The building had been a sad two story sight in an old part of the City as it's doors and windows had been smashed by vagrants time and time again. Only now as literal fresh coat of paint had been slapped on it in rich red color and bullet-proof glass windows. The bullet-proofing could have been called excessive to the outsider, but Simms and Rold knew better. Grunting to his partner, Simms flicked up the collar of his trench-coat as the duo made their way to the busy entrance. It was bustling as it wasn't everyday a venue like this opened up..much of it had to do with proprietor's reputation..another reason the police had been staking out on the place.

A series of sounds escaped discontented guests as the cops stood directly in front of the hired muscle guarding the doorway, like good dogs the men merely grunted and nodded the men in as badges were shown. Rold grumbled something about gaudiness as the bright neon sign welcomed them in. In almost blinding pink fluorescence, flowing script stated 'Cat's Cradle' as a ball of string fell from the E to be batted at by the design of cat. The dimmed lighting was much more welcome as the two men entered the 'lobby' of the business as a thin and snobbish-looking man looked up from a book arching a perfect brow in question. His attire consisted of a fitted suit that didn't seem to match his attitude as a sigh escaped him at the thought of dealing with guests..who weren't continuing into the main area for some reason. "Can..I assist you gentlemen with something...-". His voice was reedy and pitched as the arrogance faded from it, once those damn golden badges were shown, the little color draining from his face. Rold's gruff voice answered "Yes, your boss. Where is she.". The host's answer was halted as Simms glared as the skittish man led the duo into the building. The interior was a subtle mixture of entertainment and something else..forbidden, all legal obviously. The appearance of the two detective didn't stop the staff from glancing at them as pointed looks started silent conversations.

Various uniforms skirted about the place as the bartenders clad in vests and pants halted their shop talk to suddenly become busy. The floor staff of men and women had some lee-way with their uniform as long as one single bell was featured. From the women, low-cut blouses and shorter skirts teasingly showing a flash of garter accessorized by the twinkle of a bell. The men in tight vests alone and slacks as various segments of their ears were pierced with a bell. Shoe-wear varied from topple-worthy heels to comfortable boots. While the performers on stage were by far the most eye-catching as patrons cheered on performances, ~A burlesque club or a whore house would be a better question~ Simms thought as a woman clad in fishnets held up by a garterbelt and a almost translucent corset danced a passionate tango with her male partner. A live band played a sensual and slow beat as the boom of a drum crawled over pips of the violin and flute. Appreciative cheers came from patrons enjoying their drinks and entertainment as the song finished. Ascending to the upper level by way of an iron-wrought spiral staircase as the sounds below became muted as another set of thugs halted the trio's destination beyond a set of black oak double doors. The host stuttered out something, too soft for the detectives to hear as one thug gave a cruel smile before opening the door.

Their escort's complexion turned from sheet white to tinted green as a noticeable sweat beaded his head with each shaking step. Another door awaited them as a snapped "What" came from beyond the final door before the thin man had time to knock. Saving their host the trouble as Simms barked back "The Police. Just hear to ask you a few questions, Miss Liam". A cross between a swear and hiss was their answer as the men entered, the detectives leading the charge and their ill-looking host trailing behind. A pointed glare from the woman behind the desk was all the host needed to hastily shut the office door, before shrinking away into the farthest corner of the office pointedly trying to look anywhere but his employer. The cops took their seats in plush leather seats in front of the desk, not backing down by the pure icy expression directed at them. The office itself was as lavish-looking as the rest of the decor, creeping vines dangled from pots around curtains at the window, the fabric open to allow the evening light and soft patter of rain hitting the glass. Landscape painting dotted the walls as curled script claimed them as originals. A feeling of disgust curled in Simms gut as he knew, hell almost all the general public knew..or at least thought at least once all of this had been obtained using dirty money. Lord, knew how many sets of DNA could have been found on a single bill. His grip on his chair tightened as reality set in..if they had any proof that the blonde bitch before them could be tied to any of it.

There she sat behind a majestically carved mahogany desk with that infuriating smile on her face; daring him to lose his temper. Crimson lined lips pursed as the criminal asked with false sweetness "Well, what can I do for the two finest officers of the law...". Her expression was calm and collected aside from the twitch in her lips as she noted the clear loathing in Simm's eyes, cocking her head to the side in a questioning manner "Is my attire..troubling you, Detective Simms..?". It wouldn't be hard to mistake her as a member of the floor staff in her current attire, as it was meant to disarm and entice. Standing from her high back desk chair as the blonde strolled around the desk before sitting on the surface of her desk, crossing her legs. Knee high leather boots shined from their last oiling clinging to her legs as fish-net stockings teased pale flesh underneath, disappearing into a somewhat modest skirt as a veil of fabric brushed against the top of the boot. At least that's what it was supposed to do, but as her legs crossed said veil only as guide to the frilled black garter holding up the stockings. Not that her upper half was much better as men's styled shirt in pristine white, tucked in but the excess fabric bunching around her chest area. A tight black vest cupped her figure as the strings behind it held up the garment, making it seem more provocative than it was. A cascade of blonde brushed down to her shoulders in a straight fashion framing her throat as a little bronze bell jingled from the band around her throat. Icy blue eyes behind black framed glasses met brown ones as Irene sighed "Obviously you aren't here to critique my wardrobe..Don't tell me I am suspect..in another one of your little witch hunts..".

Rold snorted "No. Not this time. At least..for now..No. It's about a 'former' associate of yours, went by the name of Pelo..gone missing. Know anything about it..". Irene responded without missing a beat "No. Why would I know anything..as an innocent citizen..just trying to make her way in the City..how could I know anything about a notorious gang member..". A Lie, as Irene simpered on, it was one of the worst kept public secrets that Irene Liam AKA Salem had blood on her hands and connections to the underworld factions of the City. The problem being the police had never managed to charge her with anything..as evidence would always end up missing..somehow. Word on the street was that now Salem was aiming to go on the straight and narrow, already a betting pool had formed on how long it would last..Simms had less than two months on her. It had already been a month since the burlesque club opened..with not a crime in sight. It was almost maddening for the two detectives as forced apologies for wasting the business owner's time were made before walking out of the office, speaking softly to one another.

An uncomfortable silence settled over the office as only the host and herself remained. The man looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him as he took a step towards the door. "Now, Rodrick. Where is you were going.." ..."Back to my..station..Miss..Ah-." A small sound of protest escaped him as a drink tumbler hurtled at the wall narrowly missing him "Stay." Rodrick, forced into the situation nodded before opening and closing his mouth, finally figuring it would be best to keep his mouth shut. Manicured nails drummed against the wood surface of the desk as Irene's eyes flickered about the room eyeing various..throwable objects "Now, I will like to be updated in the future as soon as those damn dogs coming sniffing around again..Are we clear..". Rodrick hastily nodded, about to apologize as his boss weighed another glass in her hand daring him to speak out again. Practically bowing himself out of the room as Irene's focus turned to the shattered remains of the whiskey tumbler. That was her sole purpose of buying the glasses themselves as whiskey wasn't a friend to her in the slightest. The rain continued pouring on outside as the metamorphosing woman struggled with her current dilemma, that murder of Pelo could be destructive in the future for her goals. As that was the single idiotic drug dealer who knew better than to sell to her staff..the others would come sniffing around sooner than later. A hiss of frustration escaped her as another glass fragmented against the wall..Damn it all.

"Here you are sir, enjoy." said Alejandro as he handed over the glass of champagne.

The patron merely grunted a thanks in return before handing over his fifteen dollars. Not the most eloquent of patrons but he was a regular, which was nice. Alejandro only wished that The Cats Cradle attracted a younger, richer, better looking, and more feminine clientele. But alas, it was a place for old perverts with a little too much money on their hands and not enough charm nor social skills to enjoy a woman in a more private, less professional setting. What could one expect from a cabaret themed establishment? Although admittedly, Alejandro did appreciate the uniforms on the female staff. Those low-cut blouses accentuated the cleavage well. He was also quite a fan of the fishnet stockings in particular. There were times when they looked so good on a conquest that Alejandro insisted that they be left on. Ah good times, he thought as he momentarily waxed nostalgic.

As Alejandro polished a crystal wine goblet he noticed a pair of large, gruff looking men in trench coats being led across the floor. They were being led towards the spiral staircase that led up to the boss' office. It was obvious that whatever those guys were there for, it certainly wasn't for pleasure. The boss herself was a stone cold fox. She may look sweet but Alejandro knew all too well that she knew how to handle bad attention. A femme fatale in every sense of the word, Irene was the only woman that truly intimidated him. There were times when he seriously considered sampling some of the spicy forbidden fruit. But alas, such temptations led man down dark paths, or so he was raised to believe.

"Hey, barkeep! A gin and tonic for me and my date." requested yet another customer.

"Coming right up sir." responded Alejandro.

It seemed that Alyssa got herself yet another customer that night. She was fairly new but already was getting quite popular. Having a rather dexterous tongue is a great asset in her line of work after all. An asset she used for more than just impromptu conversation. Alejandro performed a little flash bar tending by juggling the gin and tonic bottles. Alyssa was clearly impressed, as always. The patron though merely looked impatient. Dealing with demanding drunks with low self-esteem got tiring after a while so anything to brighten the mood was always appreciated. This was especially true of the female staff who took on extra special duties.

After deftly mixing their drinks he then placed them on the bar with the grace of a dancer. The two full tonic glasses spilled nary a spec of moisture.

"Two gin and tonics, enjoy." presented Alejandro.

"Thanks man." said the patron as he handed over his thirty-five dollars.

"Make sure you tip this lovely lady huh. She'll make your night extra special." counselled Alejandro.

"It's always a special night here in the Cats Cradle, everyone knows that honey." responded Alyssa before shooting Alejandro a conspiratorial wink.

"Yeah, whatever. Baby lets go. I wanna catch the show first before we, ya know, go on our date." ordered the patron.

"Sure thing daddy. See you around Alejandro." said Alyssa as the couple left the bar.

"Buenos noches, and have fun." Alejandro said in return.

It wasn't as festive as the Tropicana bar from across town but hey, it paid well. Alejandro contented himself with this thought before he polished more of his crystal glasses.

Sometime before his lover was engaging in maintaining the reputation of her establishment, Adrian was halfway across two ensuring the vitality of his own business endeavors. The sun had set long ago over the city, but the alley out of which he conducted his business often never saw the light of day due to the commanding presence of the buildings on either side. Adrian had moved his trade into the hole-in-the-wall establishment less than a year ago, but it was already hopping with trades coming in and out of his door at a rate he could hardly keep track of.

"Adrian - look, Adrian, it really doesn't have to come to this." Far within the building at the end of the alley, one of Adrian's former associates found himself seated across from Adrian himself. He could feel his stomach knotting and couldn't help but wonder if that was Adrian's doing or his own nerves betraying him.

"But it does though, doesn't it?" Adrian rose from his seat and braced his hands on the desk. His head swam for a moment, and he remembered all too late that he was still getting over a very similar scenario from the evening before. "It's really nothing personal, Jim. I just have to make a statement, you know?" Jim gave a soft gasp, seemingly in response to Adrian's remark, but in reality, he swore he could feel the blood rushing from his head. He was breathing heavier now, but the light was fading. And before he knew it, he had toppled off of the chair to land on the floor.

Jim came to in a sudden gasp for air. He tossed on to his back, only to find Adrian standing just above him. "Take that back to your boss. Don't let me catch you here again - might have to leave you there a bit too long next time." As Jim scrambled to leave, Adrian followed after slowly. His hand caught the door behind the frightened man. His hand clenched around the door as he steadied himself again the wave of exhaustion.

"I'm heading out," he half-barked, half-mumbled to the man who stood, armed, outside of the office. "Call me if you need me - I don't want you coming inside." When things went south, he often found himself paying a quick visit to Irene, his lover. She surely would take issue with him and his men all entering at once, armed to the teeth. No, they would stay in the car while he stopped by, grabbed a drink.

The car was pulled around for him by the time he gathered his jacket and belongings. He was dressed in a well-fitted suit, a prized possession of his that he had purchased soon after his business had taken off. Now, he oversaw the trade of more drugs than he could have even fathomed all of those years ago when he first started selling and running with his friends.

The ride was a quick one, and in all honesty, he might have been able to walk, but he was drained and anxious beyond belief and couldn't bear to walk the streets at this time. Adrian shut the door behind him, leaving the driver to find more legal parking. It would be ironic if he, after all of his doings, found himself at the butt end of a traffic violation.

It made him smile to see how active Cat's Cradle was. The project had been Irene's baby, and he loved to watch how she lit up each time she had a new idea for it. Adrian unlocked his phone and pounded out a quick message to her.

DO you have a moment? I thought I would stop by. I'm the handsome one at the bar.

As he typed, he made his way to the bar, nearly barreling into a passing worker. He reached out to steady her, and he held his grip on her upper arms for a bit longer as he took her attire in. Irene had certainly...outdone herself in the design. The bells were a unique touch as well, one he found equally alluring and humorous given her inclination towards anything cat-related.

But, knowing Irene would likely be out soon, he let his hands fall. "My apologies, miss," he said, offering a quick smile before he passed her. Adrian slid into a seat at the bar and let his phone rest on the bar top so that he might see when Irene messaged him back - if she did for that matter.

"Could I get a Manhattan?" he asked, looking for the closest bartender to take his order.

Time: 9:30 PM. SEPTEMBER 7TH 20XX

LOCATION: Han-Mason Residence

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Within the quiet and tidy three bedroom home that Eric shared with his beloved family, the man of the house seated himself on the living room sofa with a remote held firmly in his hand. He was browsing through Netflix while his wife Rowen tucked their adoptive son Kenneth into bed. Eric had always given Rowen that one on one time with Kenneth, due to how much she was out working for most of the day. It was a small arrangement, but Eric was sure the time meant a lot to them both.

For a few seconds, Eric drowned out his surroundings to just let his current life sink in. He did this from time to time as he wondered how he could be so lucky. Settling down was not something he had been initially looking for, but it was beautifully perfect. He held a steady job that allowed him to work from home, a loving wife and the best son the world could give him. More than anything, Eric was grateful of the life he had now. The only downside was that he always feared the day that this joy could be taken from him. He was technically still hiding from the crimes he had committed after all.

“Mission accomplished?” Eric asked with a smile once Rowen entered as he referred to her putting Kenneth to bed. The boy adored the fame and glory she attained from when she was the super heroine known as Blaze. As far as Kenneth knew, his dad was just some amateur teleporter who could only use his powers carefully and once in the blue. Telling your five-year old that you used to be a criminal probably would not be the best thing to do as a parent who somewhat looks up to you. Eric would say somewhat only because of how much Kenneth adores his mother and her previous alter ego.

Eric patted the empty space next to himself on the sofa and smiled once more. Though he never confronted Rowen about her feelings of being retired, he tried his best to make her retirement from heroism as great as it could be. Would just that be enough?

“I saved you a seat. You in the mood for The Office?” Eric asked as he was in the mood for some laughs while he the two spent some time with one another. “Anything interesting happen today?”

The faint sound of beeping tore Irene's attention from the pouring rain outside as it only furthered her darkening mood. She hated the rain as it made all the disgusting scents of the city all the more noticeable as well as several extremely unpleasant experiences of having her fur soaked through during her 'walks'. The water film felt like it clung to her skin even after several days of toweling off, even Adrian knew better than to wake her after that last time in the rain. Still, the storm couldn't reach her in here as she glanced down at the text on her phone, mulling over her lover's visit as a mood lifter or a mere distraction from her current problem. Cops sniffing around had always fouled her mood which usually would be solved with three ideal solutions; copious amounts of booze, inflicting some poor sod with a bit of payback, or tempting Adrian into a distraction. Irene had her pride on the line after all, she was never the type to go whining to her lover about all the slights against her or seeking his pity..at least directly. Any direct questions about her foul mood would be met with bristling responses and a cold shoulder.

Adrian would find out about her problem eventually, she would much rather talk about it public and with booze steeling her nerves. The public as stupid sheep forced her to keep her temper and voice down..the privacy of their apartment did not. While the booze was another problem as she was a notorious lightweight as a few drinks could send her emotions into a balancing act. It wouldn't be proper for the prosperous owner to get smashed during business hours, another safeguard a less pissed off Irene had put in place. Still all the safeguards in the world couldn't ward off the cold aura radiating off her as Irene descended down the metal staircase flanked by three guards who straightened their posture sensing their boss's mood. While guests' attentions were stolen for a moment as the blonde slipped through the crowd, while her guards took up various sentries posts nearby.

The bronze of her choker's bell flashed in the light for a moment as Irene wandered behind the bar, grabbing a martini glass and various other ingredients. Not that she was exactly helping in the work flow of the venue as her manicured grabbed a bottle of vodka from a passing tray much to the irritation of the waitress who had to fetch another bottle. Said irritation was kept carefully hidden as the waitress knew better than to mouth off at her aggravated boss focused on her task at hand. That was one positive of her foul mood, it drove her forward to get rid of it as soon as possible. Stress had to be carefully managed least her power start emerging in response.

Spitting mad was the least desirable side effect for a public face as she had been reduced to literal hissing in more than a few instances. A shot of vodka soothed that fear as the clear liquid burned her throat, another shot soon flowed into the martini glass followed by another liquor and lemon juice. Swiping a garnished lemon around the rim as it too was added into the tart drink, followed by grains of sugar sprinkled over the wet rim of the glass. Satisfied as Irene shoved the used bottle back into some random bartender, another handsome face with wavy locks. Although, something about him was different..he wasn't one of hers from back then.

Sliding onto the stool next to her lover as she took another drink from her glass. The shot from earlier was already doing it's job as her temper simmered as a coy smirk slid onto her face as she placed a hand of his leg as her lips were inches from his left ear "-Fraid I can't spare the handsome man a moment of my time..". Her hand slid flirtatiously upward as her teeth caught his lobe for a scant second "I can..however-". The husky tone turned amused as the black leather of his wallet waved in front of him as Irene leaned away teasing "Spend a bit of his cash on a few drinks..Don't worry..just tip the bartenders..I know the owner..". Placing the wallet back on the counter, as she leaned forward again chastely pressing her lips against the scruff of Adrian's cheek quickly. Human irises flickered cat-like for a few brief seconds as something seemed different about her lover, he looked a bit tried..what had he been up to. Deciding to not push into the subject just yet as she took another sip of her drink before stating conversely "So..any special reason to come visit..tonight? Aside from the free drinks..".

Cassidy stopped outside of The Cat's Cradle, rocking back and forth on her heels and trying hard not to call her sister @Framing A Moose for backup. She was to meet someone here. Someone who would no doubt be mean to her. On purpose. She bit her lip slightly, worrying it back and forth between her small, white teeth.

When she had received the call from her childhood bully a week ago she had completely freaked out. After all, they hadn't seen each other in years! What could Melany even want? But instead of facing up to her fears and answering no to the possibility of meeting up at The Cat's Cradle she found her lips moving to form a yes. What was she thinking?

She breathed in deep and purposely flipped her phone so that the only incoming calls she would receive would be from Melany. Cassidy shifted her light brown leather shoulder bag and headed inside, the subtle scent of alcohol hitting her. She didn't drink but she settled onto a bar stool anyway. Right in front of a handsome, bad boy esque bar tender @TwelveOf8 that other girls would've probably started batting their eyelashes at.
"Could I have some sparkling water please?" She would've liked a mug of hot chocolate way better but this was a bar and it wasn't that cold out anyways.
She glanced at her phone. She was 30 minutes early. A sigh escaped her lips as she leaned on the counter and put her head down onto her folded arms, brown-black hair spilling everywhere.

If only she had a forcefield to protect her from verbal insults. That would be nice. A small cage covering her easily broken heart. Her phone vibrated with texts, none of which actually involved her. Group texts between all of her school friends. They were excited to meet up and see each other again. Normally, she would've been furiously sending emojis with all of them but there was too many things on her mind and too many thoughts weighing down on her.

What was the use of a power if you couldn't use it to protect your heart?

"Uno Manhatten, coming right up senor." replied Alejandro reflexively.

He then promptly got out a bottle of whisky, a bottle of vermouth, and a bottle of bitters. Through muscle memory alone, Alejandro concocted a picture perfect Manhatten. It was the kind of drink one would see on the cover of a bartending instructional book or on a billboard ad. A deft mastery of cocktails was one of Alejandros many charming traits. A trait that betrayed his secret super abilities if one were observant enough. Every single drink he mixed was a uniform work of art. So good was he that many a prospective bartender have begged to be his apprentice. But alas, Alejandro could never truly teach anyone else to mix like him, for he was the only one he ever knew who possessed a power such as his.

As Alejandro handed over his latest work of art he finally got a look at this lucky patron. Such looks and charisma were not a usual sight in the Cats Cradle. Well, not amongst its usual customers anyway. Alejandro surmised that a guy such as him could easily get whatever girl he wanted. Alejandro couldn't help but wonder if this guy was better looking than him. No way, thought Alejandro dismissively. The outrageous thought was banished from his mind as quickly as it appeared.

All of a sudden, a rather stunning blonde woman entered the bar. She was rummaging through all the bottles of mixers and tonics like a kid at a candy store. Alejandros temper flared up fiercely at such a rude and presumptuous intrusion. He was about to give this drunk slattern a piece of his mind. That was before he got a good look at her face. Alejandro blanched visibly when he recognized her. It was the boss. The stone cold fox herself, Irene. He had heard stories of her violent and terrible moods but he had not seen them in person himself. Judging by her erratic movements though, such an event seemed likely. A woman as beautiful and as fierce as her was a welcome challenge to Alejandros charm. Unfortunately, this woman happened to be his boss. And so he decided to lay off charm for now and wait for the possible storm to blow over.

Alejandro could tell that the waitress was extremely pissed off about the boss taking her bottle of vodka like that. No doubt he would get an earful of said incident after work. Expansive and seemingly never ending tirades about the sleaziness of the customers and about how much of a psychotic bitch the boss is. Such an earful wasn't Alejandros idea of a good time. And so he decided that it probably wasn't a good idea to party with that particular girl that night.

Irene then approached the handsome customer and embraced him like a lover. Alejandro of all people knew what a lovers embrace looked like. She then whispered what were no doubt sweet nothings into his ear. It was then that Alejandros jealousy roared back with a vengeance, stronger and more fiercely than before. The Latin fiery passion was as alive in Alejandro more so than anyone else he knew. He couldn't help but feel slighted. That his honour and his manhood were being threatened. Such feelings were beneath Alejandro but he couldn't help but feel them at times.

A voice interrupted his simmering jealousy. A rather sweet and gentle voice. It asked for a sparkling water. Such a request was not common in the Cats Cradle. Alejandro couldn't help but jolt his head in the direction from which the question emanated. Leaning on the counter with her arms crossed was one of the cutest, sweetest, and most beautiful women Alejandro had ever laid eyes on. For once, he was lost for words.

@TwelveOf8

Cassidy raised her head from her arms after a couple of moment's silence. She asked for sparkling water, in a pub. It couldn't be that hard to get her some, could it? A frown was working its way on her face again. She usually had a cheerful disposition so this gloomy mood hardly suited her. She rested her chin in her hand and smiled at the bartender, raising a single brow as if to ask where her order went.

He looked good. Like really handsome. But honestly, she wasn't that into the bad boy types. She'd never had a boyfriend and imagined that if she did they would be some nerdy video gamer. But this guy... She shook the thought out of her head. She must really be out of her mind to be fantasizing about someone she hardly knew and wasn't even her preferred type of guy! She tried furiously for the blush rising up her cheeks to disappear before glancing quickly down at her phone. No texts. She glanced back up at the guy. She wasn't one for starting conversations, no matter how hot her subject was.

Cassidy found herself tapping out a rhythm on the counter, smiling distractedly at the guy in front of her. It was getting awkward was all she could say. With her sudden shyness and the red hotness rising up steadily through her pale cheeks she was embarrassed. Plus, she did not like awkward silences.

"Hi." She managed to mumble out, smiling the sweetest smile she could muster.

Adrian settled into the bar stool as the bartender received his order and began working. Quickly, and perhaps a bit nervously, he forked a hand through his hair, pushing it a bit further back on his head. As the bartender worked on his drink, Adrian took a moment to survey the room, taking in the workers, the patrons, and the overall vibe of the establishment. Irene had done well for herself, there was no denying that.

The drink was slid in front of him, and Adrian turned back quickly, making eye contact with the bartender. He could feel the other man taking his appearance in. It felt like an analysis, and Adrian returned the look with one of his own. The other man was handsome enough, causing Adrian to begin subconsciously squaring up against him. He hated this feeling of being perused.

But his attention was quickly stolen back by another presence.

His lover, cat-like as ever, had slid into the stool next to him. It was her hand, placed along his thigh, that had startled him away from eye contact with the bartender, and it jolted him into staring into her eyes. A slight smile started on his lips as she leaned in to whisper into his ear. Adrian could feel a shiver course through his body, engulfing him in a wave of anticipation and adoration for his lover.

Adrian's lips parted in a gasp as she brushed her hand along his thigh and her teeth grabbed at his ear lobe tauntingly. The alcohol on her breath wafted past his nose. But then she was pulling away from him, and Adrian found himself leaning after her, still craving her touch until he noticed the wallet in her hand which looked suspiciously like...

"You sneak," he chided, unable to fight back the smirk that was quickly spreading across his lips once more. "A man can't even go to a bar and talk to a nice lady anymore without these shenanigans." But he leaned into the peck on his cheek nonetheless, letting his hand rest on the small of her back as she pulled away. His fingers traced light circles against the scant fabric of her attire as he surveyed her quickly.

"Do I need a reason to see my lover?" He emphasized the final word with a dramatic flare, wiggling an eyebrow as he caught her eyes flashing. His demeanor dropped for a moment. "Early day, I figured it couldn't hurt to come by tonight instead of go home." Adrian grabbed his drink and took a few large sips of it before he continued. "How's business over here? Everything running smoothly?"