A Night in The Big Easy {{open, open, open}}

[Nina Elizabeth Foster]

With the Mardi Gras season fully underway, the city of New Orleans was buzzing with tourists and locals alike looking for the type of fun and entertainment not typically seen in their daily lives. History, culture, and diversity come together to create such excitement that people like Nina Foster cannot help but want to be a part of it. Bourbon Street, of course, is the heart of such exhilaration in this city. Naturally, Nina found herself walking among the crowd, a pink and blue colored, brightly lit drink in a plastic cup shaped like the head of a witch doctor in her left hand, and a burning, menthol cigarette in the other. She managed to get out of her usual cargo pants and t-shirt; and instead was wearing tight, denim jeans with a pair of black, heeled, knee-high boots, and a cute (if she did say so herself) low-cut, red top. Hell, a little cleavage never killed anybody; and Nina was dressed relatively moderately compared to some of the floozies she’d seen walking around. She almost never “dressed-to-impress,” but the season and the atmosphere called for it. She just couldn’t help herself. While she usually had it tied back to keep it out of the way, her dark, brunette curls were allowed to bounce about freely, catching the breeze slightly. The feeling of being lighthearted and nonchalant was delightful.  

A glance upward forced a sigh to escape her lips. The night sky above threatened a shower, and the thought of becoming soggy with rainwater tried to dampen her spirits. But however gray and ominous the clouds were, they remained silent, without a rumble or a flash to suggest an impending downpour. Nina shook off the dread and took another sip from her beverage. The liquor pleasantly stung as it hit the back of her throat, and she smile blissfully, smacking her lips. She continued down her path, roaming with the rest of the throng of people. Live and recorded music escaped the various bars and shops she passed, some catching enough of her attention to have her involuntarily nod her head or casually shake her hips. 

She took a long drag from her cigarette, and then rolled her eyes, the first outward sign that she was anything but carefree and relaxed during her strut down Bourbon Street. She was, in fact, fighting a battle within her mind. More than a persistent worry, or an annoying song that gets stuck in you head, Nina was listening to a voice from her very soul that insisted to be heard. Nina’s dragon companion, Esmeralda, was speaking to her from somewhere out in the Gulf.  

Nina replied, ‘Seriously, you’re being absolutely ridiculous right now! What’s the deal? This isn’t the first time I’ve been to New Orleans, let alone during the Mardi Gras season. What gives?’ 

‘It’s just a bad feeling… the storm maybe… or someone lurking the shadows. I wish you’d change your mind,’ Esmeralda stated. Her “voice” was definitely strained. Nina could tell she was obviously worried, but she wasn’t remotely willing to let her rarely occurring free night slip away so easily. 

‘Essie, you know how much I respect your intuition, but I’m already here, halfway buzzed, and thoroughly enjoying the evening. I’ll be careful. Get out of my head.’ 

‘I’ve no doubt how “careful” you’ll be… by the way, you know how much I hate that…’ Essie was refereeing to the lit cigarette in between her fingers. Nina always had light up discreetly when they were together, if she could do it at all. She honestly had no idea what Essie’s issue was with them besides the fact it was a poor habit. Nina picked it up early in her teens; it wouldn’t be dropped so easily. Essie was speaking again, ‘There’s more than just ordinary humans in that crowd tonight. And you know how unfriendly some other types can be.’ 

‘I also know how genuinely unconcerned they can be as well. Essie, if they’re here, there’re not looking for trouble. They’re looking for a good time just like me,’ Nina’s reply was tense and annoyed. She’d had enough. 

‘Fine,’ 

And just like that, the transmission ceased. Esmeralda hated it when Nina wandered off into crowded places alone. Nina would have to answer to her later. Ever since they came in contact, she’s been like a protector, or a guardian perhaps, as well as a companion. They had a connection that simply cannot be described, and Nina loved her for it. She smiled at the thought but shook her head impatiently. Essie had a difficult time understanding Nina’s need for the company of other people. The dragon practically loathed the rest of humanity. In fact, Nina was the only human (Draconian, yes, but still human) that Essie had ever spoken to without being threatened with torture, dismemberment, or death. Needless to say, Nina understood her hesitations, but the isolation was slowly gnawing away at her sanity. 

Of course, Nina wouldn’t brush of Esmeralda’s warnings entirely, but she wasn’t about to let the entire night go to waste. She was sucking on ice cubes now. It was time for another drink. She dropped the charred end of her cigarette on the ground and deftly squished it with the rounded edge of her boot, smothering its life. Walking through the next doorway, Nina didn’t even notice the name of the establishment, just headed to back, meandering her way through the crowd. The music was much louder on the inside, but also clearer as it wasn’t mixed in with music from other bars outside. The crowd was relatively thick, most tables occupied, and zero seating at the bar top itself. Just as well; Nina planned on grabbing a drink, and heading back to the street anyway. She squeezed herself between two seated patrons, and attempted to get the bar tender’s attention, as the chick was busy flirting with a group of guys at the opposite end of the bar top.  

[Marcus Drago]

Mardis Gras season. Marcus didn't like it. There were too many celebrations, too many people, too many woos when someone mentioned the word Mardis Gras. If Marcus had any choice in the matter, he would stay at home and never come out until the season was over. Unfortunately, he had no choice.

He was a mercenary after all, and mercenaries never took a day off. So, Marcus was at a club tonight, the Unsullied Bite was what they called it. It was obviously a bar made for creatures like vampires to get a good bite out of all its costumers. Marcus had no business with those creatures, though, he would love to see them killed. No, instead, Marcus had business with another creature, one who swindled his client out of some money after his client paid for this bar. He was to deliver a message, that money was as important as life. For now, however, Marcus watched others have fun in this bar and enjoyed what little things were funny to him.

His apparel was a simple one, a white shirt with black jeans and combat boots. He didn't need to do much to impress people, his physical appearance was enough to have many women draw their attention to him. Marcus could already feel his muscles stretch his shirt to their furthest capable length. It was the wings, though, the two large deeply black feathers that flapped on his back, that really drew the ladies, and others, in. Constantly he got requests for people to touch his real wings as though they thought it was a mere costume. If Marcus had a good attitude, or if the girl was cute enough, he would let them touch him. However, if he was in a bad mood, he would tell them to fuck off. He mostly told them to fuck off.

As he sat down at the bar, watching the bartender flirt with more than two guys on the other side of the bar, another girl that was rather sexy sat right next to Marcus. She tried to get the bartender's attention, but the other girl was too into the wonderful feeling of flirting to do her job. The daemon really hated when workers didn't do their work.

Marcus rubbed his elbow to the sexy girl next to him. If he got her attention, he would point to the bartender on the other side, flowing some of his magical energy into the metal necklace on the worker's neck. Then, Marcus would make a come hither sign, and the female worker would suddenly fly to their end of the bar, and right in front of the woman next to Marcus. Without expecting thanks, Marcus would go back to his drinking. 

[Nina Elizabeth Foster]

With a frustrated sigh, Nina realized she was going to have to physically interrupt the flirtatious conversation at the other end of the bar in order to receive any sort of service here. Seriously, how irritating. Just as she was about to back away and head down the line, she rubbed elbows with someone to her right. As it seemed more than just an accidental gesture, as was fairly easy in such a crowded place, Nina turned her head. She met the red-eyed gaze of a blonde-harried, chiseled-face stranger. He filled out his shirt nicely; the seams appeared ready to yield against the stretch of his physique. A naughty thought crossed her mind, but she suppressed it dutifully. ‘I heard that,’ Essie’s voice registered through her psyche. 

Of course, it was the wings that caught Nina’s eye longer than was necessary. How could she have missed those when she walked in? Nina was prepared to write his apparel off as an interesting, albeit unusual, costume designed for the season. After all, she’d seen many odd getups in her stroll down Bourbon Street, usually glittery green, purple, and green ballroom masks, jester hats, beads galore, top hats, and feathery caps. But black wings? A bit morbid, but not unheard of.  

He gestured towards the bartender on the opposite end; As Nina’s eyes followed his indication, she realized she hadn’t notice the other worker earlier, as she was much further away than Nina’s original goal. The girl seemed a little less preoccupied with her patrons, actually working her way down the row of stools. Nina was about to signal to her as she had with the first girl, but of course, she didn’t need to. A flick of the stranger’s finger, and Nina found herself face to face with the girl who was, a second ago, ten feet away. The girl whose name tag red "Jess," looked a bit befuddled, and the surprise left Nina momentarily stunned and muted. But unexpectedly, Nina found herself laughing at the whole thing. So her “helpful” stranger is actually a supernatural being, not unlike herself, but one that Nina would rather avoid. She frowned upon the use of his powers on the unsuspecting girl, but was pleased she could finally get another drink and be on her way. 

Her laughter died away, but a smile remained on her face as Nina snapped her fingers in front of the girl’s eyes, waking her up from her confused stupor. The look on her face when she met Nina’s gaze was some sort of professional obedience mixed with alarm and fear, as if Nina was the one who “pulled” her over. She was sympathetic to the girl’s bewilderment; after all, how could she have known what really happened, who the real culprit was? Nina played it like nothing was amiss, apathetically ordering the most festive-sounding drink on their menu. In the thirty seconds it took for “Jess” to prepare whatever concoction Nina ordered, Nina slyly glanced back at the supernatural stranger who “assisted” her. He had already gone back to his drink, as if he was this anonymous, good Samaritan that had competed his good deed for the day.  

Nina remembered the day she discovered her true self, when she finally met Esmeralda, and learned about the other beings that existed in her world. She’d since crossed paths with other Draconians, as well as other super-humans, but she didn’t exactly seek out other types of supernatural beings. It wasn’t that Nina or Essie feared them. They weren’t ignorant enough to believe all these beings meant humanity harm; in fact, they knew a good amount that either wanted to help or could care less about humankind. It was the fact that the supernatural races attracted Hunters. Essie and Nina alike had enough dealings with hunters to diligently avoid them, and those they hunted. But hey, today was a special day, Nina was in a great mood, and this guy looked way to good to ignore. 

“Jess” placed her drink before her and walked away without even giving Nina a price or expecting a tip. Nina shrugged her shoulders and took a long swallow through the straw. Nina could taste a bit of orange and cherry flavor, and a huge amount of liquor that she was sure could burn a hole though her tongue. With a satisfied ahhhh, Nina turned towards the winged man and reached over to touch him lightly on the arm so he knew she was speaking to him. His skin was warm to the touch.  

Nina was grateful, even if she disapproved of him using his powers to manipulate the poor girl. No harm, no foul, right? “Thanks,” she said, “It probably would have taken me another hour to get a drink. Or a very rude, shoving people out of the way kind of gesture… You probably saved me from some spittle in my drink. Although that girl will probably be tripping over herself the rest of the night.” 

[Marcus Drago]

"Thanks," Marcus heard the woman next to him say. “It probably would have taken me another hour to get a drink. Or a very rude, shoving people out of the way kind of gesture… You probably saved me from some spittle in my drink. Although that girl will probably be tripping over herself the rest of the night.”

The daemon chuckled. "It'll be funny seeing how she copes, and no thanks needed. Just blame it on the fact that I can't stand to see beautiful women struggle." Marcus flashed the girl a grin and sipped his drink, all in a charming way for a man with extravagant black wings. It was so long since Marcus tried to charm someone that he thought that he had lost a talent. He had no needed to put on a warming smile since his darker years, when he attracted women of different ages for a midnight torture. Yeah, Marcus use to be a classical daemon, doing horrible things for his own pleasure. When he looked back at those days now, he almost laughed at how much he changed. Now he cares for people's emotions, and he represents a goddess and all her teachings.

"How's the party treating you?" Marcus thought to ask the girl. Since she started the conversation, why couldn't it continue? The daemon needed a little person to person interaction anyways. He shifted himself to where he could catch a perfect glimpse of the dance floor of the club."This normally isn't my thing," he said. "But, I figured I might as well try to let loose and have a little fun once in my life." He took another sip from his cup. 

[Nina Elizabeth Foster]

Without really looking at her, the Daemon managed a chuckled reply that genuinely surprised her. Even after his assistance, Nina wasn’t sure if this guy was going to tell her to beat it or make her the next victim of manipulation. The smile he flashed her seemed genuine, but rather out of place. It didn’t match her preconceived notion that this guy might just be the unsavory type. After all, when she first took notice of him, his dark aura was rather disconcerting, and the red eyes and the black wings hardly emitted friendliness. Being a Daemon, as she suspected he was, she was sure he must have been the subject of many ill feelings and prejudices. But one flashy smile and a chuckle had Nina doubting her intuition, or maybe she’d had one too many cocktails. 

‘One too many cocktails,’ Essie confirmed in Nina’s mind. She could be a real pain in the ass sometimes. Nina was deliberately ignoring her now, unconcerned that Essie continued to keep an eye on her. Nina hoped she was enjoying the show. 

Nina soon realized she had created an awkward silence by not immediately replying. She hoped that he wouldn’t catch on that she had been sizing him up mentally or battling an unseen voice in her head. He continued the conversation smoothly enough. His shift in seating had him facing her, although he was looking past her, surveying the surrounding scene. They were relatively close together; the bar didn’t exactly allow for much personal space. Nina was able to get a better look at his angled features – sharp nose, high cheek bones, cleft chin, – and caught herself watching his lips as he asked her about the party and commented on his own partiality to a good time. 

Nina propped her chin on her hands, elbows steady on her knees, as she leaned forward slightly to connect to the conversation. Nina wasn’t the type of person who necessarily needed to be “charmed.” Much to her dragon’s dislike, Nina was naturally drawn to different kinds of people, and was happy to be out in a crowd engaging with them. And this guy, who had practically initiated the interaction, was especially intriguing. Or perhaps Nina had just been out of the scene for too long. She was having trouble remembering the last time she had been among so many people. 

“Well, you could have fooled me,” Nina replied in good humor. “I had you pegged as the anti-social type for a moment there. You can call me Nina by the way.” She had to raise her voice slightly, as the next song playing over the loudspeaker seemed significantly louder than the previous one, adding a good bit of base and screaming vocals. One would think the entire clientele of the bar was deaf. 

[Marcus Drago]

This woman was paying specific attention to him. It wasn't that odd for him to be looked at as an enigma trying to be figured out. He seemed malicious, as was his natural intent. He was a tall man with black wings and a mean mug. Many people wondered what type of person he really was and whether he would kill them or toy with them. One time Marcus saved a female from being eaten by zombies only to have her run away from him in fear that he would finish the job. He used to love that feeling of having someone fear him and run away as though they even had the chance to escape; however, now he was trying to be a good person, and seeing their reaction to him would sometimes hurt him, at others it made him feel indifferent.

“Well, you could have fooled me,” the woman joked. “I had you pegged as the anti-social type for a moment there."

Marcus almost told her that she wasn't wrong, that she should run away now in fear of the big bad daemon, but he thought against it. For once, he wasn't going to be a jackass to someone nice, and instead he let out a small chuckle. He turned back to his drink that was sitting on the bar table, and he played with it, twirling the wine inside the cup and watching it dance. 

"You can call me Nina by the way,” the woman said.

"Hello Nina," Marcus replied. "The name is Ghost, at least for this night. And yeah, I tried the whole social friendly thing. Not too many women wanna dance with a grumpy looking monster, though." Marcus sipped the wine again, enjoying the cherry flavored liquid as it went down his throat.

The music was becoming louder with every song, and many people liked the song that was playing now, hence the reason why it was so loud. The dance floor suddenly became more compact and most of everyone were jumping and banging their head like the young people they were, having the grandest time of their lives. Marcus looked at them and smiled. How humans interacted was fascinating, and Marcus really enjoyed watching them enjoy their lives.

[Nina Elizabeth Foster]

Ghost? One would think a guy trying to pass off a fake name would be a bit more creative, but whatever. Why should Nina care if this guy wasn’t willing to share? She’d probably never see him again, probably shouldn’t ever see him again. Hell, Nina was probably foolish to give her name seeing how she was now certain of her initial assumptions, that he wasn’t usually a nice fellow. His entire demeanor was malicious and threatening, his character nonchalant and deceitful, but it did seem that tonight at least was a special occasion for or just a rare occurrence of his relative friendliness. He was certainly being nice enough to her, hadn’t told her to get lost, or attempted to entice her into his serial killer van. 

“Ghost’s” red eyes were focused on his wine glass, peering into its depths like it held the answers to life’s greatest questions. Nina found herself transfixed as well, wondering just was what going through the Daemon’s mind. When he took a sip however, the spell was broken. Nina blinked. 

She sighed and stated mockingly, “You’re right. A woman would have to be absolutely nuts to wanna hang around a guy like you, let alone dance with you.” She was teasing him of course. Any woman would find him attractive enough; and the dark, alluring persona he was emitting was sure to entice a certain class of lady. Nina wasn’t necessarily drawn to they mysterious-dark-stranger type, but this guy caught her fancy. She slid down from the barstool. The intense bass of the current song drowned the sound of her heels hitting the floor. She flung her hair back behind her and then reached for Ghost’s arm to turn his stool around. “Buy me another drink, and I’ll be that crazy lady tonight,” she tried to shout over the music. 

Her hand slid away as she walked towards the raving crowed. Unlike the majority of the mass Nina didn’t know and didn’t care what the song was. It had a beat, and that was all the mattered. Hands in the air and hips swaying to the music’s rhythm, she blended into the mass like any other patron. She tossed her head back and forth, hair flying accordingly. She looked back at Ghost. If he met her gaze, she would motion him forward. If not, she’d find some other good looking, half-wasted guy to grind on dance with. 

Either a result from the pounding cadence in her ears or a grudging surrender on Essie’s part, her Dragon’s voice was silent.

[Marcus Drago]

Marcus began nodding his head to the beat of the music. It was a contagious fever everyone caught when a large group of people danced their fullest. They were all having fun, jibing as they did, so why could he not? Marcus was always a grumpy individual. In fact, he was always angry over the queerest of reasons. Now, however, the daemon was getting very tipsy and starting to feel a need to let loose. It may have been odd for a guy who rarely danced to finally dance, but he was slowly starting to not care.

The woman teased him about his demeanor, and Marcus shook his head and smiled. Once again, she was very correct. Only the crazy ones wanted to get a piece of Marcus, the sane ones had warnings inside them to tell them to stay away from him. This one must have been crazy as well, but Nina was very different than the others. She was... Young; young, seductive, and fun. Marcus liked those type of women, they made the best mates for him.

Nina grabbed Marcus' arm to turn his stool around, surprising him with her move. She spoke in his ear as loud as she could for him to hear. The music nearly drowned her voice, but he could hear her mention something about another drink. That was all, though, and Marcus stared at her with a confused smile as he waited for her to tell him more. If only he could read lips, this interaction would be much easier.

Marcus figured that she gave up in trying to talk to him, because she moved the dance floor instead. He watched the young woman get mixed in with the crowed. And, for a moment, he thought that he lost her among the other young and wild. He searched around the dance floor a little more, wondering if she slipped out while among the pleasant chaos. When Marcus' eyes finally met Nina's body, her eyes were also on him. Her hands flew in a motion as to ask him to hither to her. He couldn't resist this perfect chance to let loose, not this one chance, so he glided to the dance floor.

Marcus made his way towards Nina, then gently placed a hand on her waist to let her know that he was there. Whatever beat, be it fast or slow, Marcus followed with his body. If he had to, he would jump up and down with the rest of the people, bobbing his head and causing his golden hair to fly in every type of direction. Although, his main focus was Nina, and as they would move and groove together Marcus would become bolder with his fingers; not taking it so far that she felt uncomfortable, though.

[Nina Elizabeth Foster]

The atmosphere was exhilarating. Nina and her Dragon had spent so much time alone for fear of being hunted that Nina had almost forgotten what is was like to be relaxed and carefree. Between the liquor and the surrounding excitement, Nina gave no thought to what might be happening elsewhere; time was suspended only in this moment. The feeling of utter liberation was so foreign that she hardly recognized it, but enjoyed it just the same.  

She soon sensed Ghost behind her, the bulk of his physique and his dark aura giving him away immediately. A rush of excitement banished all other thoughts from Nina’s mind, and a smile displayed across her face. She shrugged off the fact that her requested drink was missing because she figured he probably had no idea what she had said back by the bar. She felt his hands on her waist, and as the minutes rolled by, his contact become bolder, drawing her closer and begging for her undivided attention. Nina had no qualms with his touch; in fact, it was exactly what she wanted. She craved it.  

Their bodies moved together, matched in the rhythm with the surrounding crowd. The mass had giving them a wide berth; Nina attributed their attitude to the Daemon she was currently keeping company. Inwardly, she laughed. Any inner warning bells that may be sounding were silenced by the adrenalin and liquor coursing through her veins and the pounding music in her ears. Nina had already decided that his guy may be dangerous on a regular basis, but tonight, he was just another civilian looking for some fun. And so was she. 

Still within Ghost’s grasp, Nina turned to face him, lifting her head to meet his red-eyed gaze and encircling her arms around his neck. His body was an inferno, temperature driven by the immediate atmosphere. How many bodies can one really stuff into such a confined space? Nina could feel herself perspiring as she noticed the tiny beads of sweat forming on his partner’s brow. She licked her lips and tasted salt. As she looked into his eyes, her mind was numb. What exactly did she want from this guy? All she could think is that she didn’t want the moment to end. 

[Marcus Drago]

Lust was something that every man had. And whether they were gay or straight, white or black, or human or daemon; they were made to procreate. Their need to reproduce and spread their children was what gave them uncontrollable lust. Lust wasn't bad, not since it continued the survival of a species, but there was such a thing as too much lust. It build in men everyday, waiting for the moment of sweet release. If there was no release, then it will build until a release was forced.

Marcus had nothing but lust built inside him from the months of un-satisfaction. He spent the entire year traveling, never stopping to enjoy what all he could. This was the first time where he had fun, and he was beginning to love it. When Nina moved against him, he loved it; when his hands flowed across her body, he loved it; and whenever Marcus would turn his eyes and spot a man envious of his position, he loved it. However, this loving moment ended early for Marcus as he began to remember. The memories of another woman, her laugh, her smile, even the look she made when she was angry circled his mind and prevented him from having fun. 

Why did he feel like this? He was single daemon devoted to no one. He had no wife, nor a girlfriend. in fact, if he wanted to, he could leave her and never return. The other woman was suppose to mean little to him, just like Nina was suppose to mean little to him. They weren't his tools, but they were his means of enjoyment, as he hoped he was the same to them. So why did he feel such horrible guilt? Why torment himself for doing something wrong when was faithful to no one but himself? There was no reason.

Nina turned around to view Marcus. She came close to him and locked her arms around his neck. Marcus moved his fingers around the curve of her waste. They were interlock, perfectly held together by Marcus' strong arms and Nina's lithe hands. He gave her a smile, then chuckled as he saw the sweat on her as well. She was having fun and enjoying the moment. Marcus wanted that, he deserved that. He couldn't allow this one chance of release to be ruined, so he released. 

"Don't tell me you're done yet," he said while giving her a wicked smile. The music was still as loud as it could possibly be, so Marcus had to speak up a little. He didn't like speaking loud, it required too much effort. But it was worth it just to tease Nina. He leaned to her, their lips nearly touching. This was one of his most favorite flirting techniques, and he loved seeing every woman's different reaction to that. Talking to her, he said, "We can always sit down if you want."

[Bethany Barone]

Bethany was getting good at this killing and revenge thing. Tonight she had gotten another handful of those bastard Vampyres, and it was almost too easy. It was thanks to the training from Alan and her own experiences.

Now that her little side job was complete and she had the rest of the night to waste. This whole Mardi Gras celebration wasn't really her thing, but she decided to give it a shot. It was better than sitting in her hotel room all night bored. She did go back to her hotel room to change into something more appropriate for going out. Beth looked in the mirror satisfied before heading to the streets.

There was a party going on at every turn. Beth took in the sights but didn't join. She felt pretty awkward walking around town alone so she decided to head inside this club. The music was blasting and there was barely any room to walk around. And apparently she was waaaaay overdressed. 

By some miracle Beth was able to get a drink in a decent amount of time. Ok, so she ordered a drink and a shot for herself. Who knows when the bartender would get around to her again! Bethany wasted no time downing the shot glass of liquor before turning back towards the crowd of dancers.

[Nina Elizabeth Foster]

As her eyes met his, Nina caught a glimpse of something other than excitement or joy in the moment behind them. For the briefest of seconds, right before he caught himself, Nina noticed that the Ghost’s mind had not been present. Perhaps he was simply lost in a tangent of unchecked thoughts or caught up in a current of memory too strong to ignore. Whatever it was, Nina had just barely noticed it before it become obvious the Daemon’s attention had been rapt once again by her alone. Even as she wrapped her arms around his neck, the flicker of distraction in his eyes faded so quickly that Nina decided she didn’t care about whatever it was that may have demanded his absentmindedness. As his attention came back to the present, she saw his resolve to thoroughly enjoy where he was at this moment. Excitement flashed thorough his gaze, tinted with a darkening lust that Nina was half-tempted to indulge. 

Ghost had leaned in closer. Nina’s eyes went to his lips as he teased her, his wicked smile mirrored by her own as his playful words reached her ears. Nina was hardly finished with him, but she was tired of being jostled around in the crowd. And while she was enjoying their closeness, a hesitation had crept into Nina’s subconscious. Impulsively, her right hand came from around Ghost’s neck to touch his lips, as if to stop him from inching closer. As she untangled her other hand’s fingers from his hair and herself from out of his grasp, she hid her uncertainty behind downcast eyes and a playful voice taking him up on his offer, not necessarily to sit down, but at least to get out of the crowd. Even as her fingers slipped away from his lips, the heat from his breath clung to them as she held on to on of his hands, and squeezed between the gathering masses. “I could really use some fresh air actually! And you still owe me a drink anyway!” Nina told him before leading him out. 

She hoped she didn’t completely ruin whatever it was they were experiencing between them. Nina could hardly pinpoint where her wavering indecision and uncertainty had come from. Nina has always been the type of person who knows what she wants and goes straight for it. In fact, that was exactly what she had been doing tonight. And she wasn’t known for leading people on without following through. But suddenly, she was struck with doubt, perhaps even fear. Of what? Ghost’s was definitely not the first stranger she’d ever kissed on a whim, or wanted to. He wasn’t the first one-night-stand, never-call-you-again, hook up she’d purposely sought… And he certainly wouldn’t be the last. The fuck was wrong with her tonight? Why, when things were going so well, would she suddenly balk with hesitancy?  

Due to her inner monologue, her mounting frustration with her own actions, and the fear that she’d pissed off the only guy that was making her night worthwhile, not to mention the sheer volume of people entering and exiting the building, Nina took no notice of the overdressed woman by the bar observing the dance floor. The only person that held her attention right now was Ghost, and she was pretty sure she’d damaged his pride. Nina’s frustration grated against her nerves, and she could feel the redness of embarrassment rising in her cheeks. Just outside the dance floor, Nina stopped, her back still towards the Daemon. She couldn’t even seem to work up the courage to look him in the eye. 

[Marcus Drago]

Just when Marcus was finally about to enjoy himself, Nina moved her finger to his lips. At first he thought she was playing with him, teasing him with a sly move. However, it was when she said that she could use some fresh air that Marcus realized that Nina was done. He tilted his head to her, smiled, but kept his thoughts to himself. In all honesty, Marcus was disappointing and most definitely ashamed by what Nina just did. It made him question if he was losing appeal or if she got bored of him. Of course, there was still the thought that she was tired and in need of a little rest.

Marcus clung onto that thought while he was led off the dance floor by Nina. He bumped into a few people with his wings on the way. Those large things always managed to get him into trouble. One time he was mistaken for another murderous daemon by hunters because of his wings. Whenever he wore a jacket over them they created a bulge. It made him look like Igor from Frankenstein. The hunters thought he was some guy named Deante in disguise and tried to kill him. Marcus barely escaped that attack alive. Fortunately, his wings did not cause him difficulties today, as most people ignored his minor shoves and continued their partying.

Marcus was paying too much attention to the people around him that he barely noticed Nina suddenly stop. He placed on his breaks as quick as he could to avoid a crash. Luckily, he was fast enough to catch himself. Marcus stared at Nina for a small second, waiting for her to address him or at least look at him. She did none of it, which made Marcus think that he was boring indeed.

He didn't want to wait for her forever to tell him that he was dull, so Marcus decided to take the advantage. He came close to Nina's back and placed a gentle hand on her right shoulder. "Wanna get your drink and go outside?" The daemon tried to say over the loud music. "I need a smoke anyways, and you look like you need to get out of here." If she accepted then Marcus would remove his fingers from her and head straight towards the bar.

[Bethany Barone]

The music was starting to sound better now that she had a little alcohol in her. Her attention was pulled away from the dancers as she chatted briefly with a man trying to get a drink for himself and his lady friend. They joked and laughed and the woman invited Beth to come join them, but she politely declined. She didn't want to barge in on their time together. Their genuine kindness had put Bethany in an even better mood, and she turned once again to the dance floor.

But that's when she seen it; The thing that turned what could have been a good night into total shit. There he was with another girl. A gorgeous one at that. She stared for a minute in disbelief that it really was him and they happened to be in the same state, the same club. She had to do a double take and was hoping it wasn't really him, and maybe he was just on her mind as usual. But that was not the case. He was really there in the crowd, and with another girl. It was hard for her to admit to herself, but she was jealous. Extremely jealous. Bethany couldn't help but watch their interaction, and although the large crowd wouldn't allow her to see lower, she just knew they had their hands all over each other.

To think she had been feeling guilt for the time she had been spending with Alan. And she certainly wasn't feeling him up like Ghost was doing to that woman! The more she thought about it, the more angry she became.

Her mind had wandered off as she felt a big mix of emotions all at once. She tried to tell herself that she had no right to feel this way. They weren't even dating. Maybe if she had kept in touch more, maybe if their lives were different then he'd be with her instead.

When she looked again she seen them heading towards the bar towards her. Beth's thoughts shifted between backing away from the bar unseen to going straight up to him and smashing in his pretty face.

[Nina Elizabeth Foster]

It seemed to Nina that Ghost hid whatever damaged pride he was feeling and gave her a way out, which she was grateful for. A cigarette right now sounded like heaven, and she was feeling more and more claustrophobic inside the crowded building. She nodded in acceptance saying, “I’d like that.” She wasn’t’ sure if he could hear her over the music, especially as she was facing away from him, but she knew her nod would do the job either way. His hand left her shoulder as he mounted his way through the crowed, parting them easily with his large wings. 

Nina was grateful for the moment to compose herself. She was being absolutely silly, and she was ready to make it up to him once they got outside. While she waited for him to return, she casually leaned against one of the buildings support beams that were stationed throughout the interior. She took this moment to give her hair a toss, running her fingers through a couple loose tangles, and rearranging it over her shoulders evenly. As she did so, she seemed to catch the eye of another woman sitting at the bar. At first, Nina brushed it off as one of those accidental eye catches strangers do from time to time, and quickly looked away only to realize the woman’s gaze had shifted to what Nina would refer to as more or less her date.

Her heart leapt to her throat, and a slow, simmering bundle of anger stirred in the pit of her stomach. Jealousy. A heavy frown had crept upon her face, but Nina shook her head, trying to lose the rouge emotion. Ghost was a hot, sexy guy in a bar; half the ladies in this place had eyed him once or twice, so why should she feel even a twinge of jealously at this one? Nina realized it was her own insecurity. She did lead him on earlier only to balk at the last second. Perhaps if a more willing participant approached him, he may abandon Nina altogether. It was his right of course, and she certainly had no claim on him. But Nina did want a chance to make it up to him.