Claret

[cade-gallant]

It seems you’ve found him, though he has to worry that you’re going soft, Ms. Mahina. Distraught over a text of all things… [He reached for her hand, brushing his lips over the top of her palm, less in a move that meant to be gentlemanly and more about the dance that they forever circled each other in. It was a treat to see the woman, the proverbial other half to his coin, and he shouldn’t have been surprised that she had come back as well- hadn’t he?] It’s good to see you, Claret, you look very well. As always.

[claretmahina]

And wouldn't that be a terrible shame... [she purred, the brush of his lips sending heat curling low in her belly even as she pulled her hand away. lifting her eyebrow, she set her hand on his shoulder to move onto her tiptoes and brush her lips against the edge of his mouth before taking half a step back for distance.] Of course, I've been working like the proverbial dog, which is a great way to stay fit when you tie in a bit of... fun.

[gabrielle-elk-blog]

Oh I didn’t say … though I kind of … [Claret always kept Gabrielle on her toes, her speech devolving quickly underneath the brunette’s intelligence and class.  They were friends, yes, but there was a definite feeling of intimidation from the blonde any time they spoke.]  I um, probably wasn’t going to hire tonight.

I’m glad that you found a place that was to your liking, though.  I know you can be very … particular.

[claretmahina]

You didn't need to say it, Gabrielle... [amused, Claret rolled her eyes, voice a low pleased purr as she moved closer, shooting the blonde a chastising look.]

Don't be silly, of course you were. Unless you were looking for someone that you didn't need to pay for? [trailing her fingers through Gabrielle's hair to smooth an errant strand that had come loose from the rest, idly skimming the line of her neck before pulling away to look over the crowd.] There's really nothing that's caught your attention? Because I'm pretty sure I could fill my bed for the next thirty-seven hours easily.

[claretmahina]

evan-wolfe:

Ouch, ya wound me. [He dramatically grips his chest before smiling.] I’d like to believe that I have a memorable face. At least a name like Taz should be unforgettable. 

Hmm, no, I don't think it does. [lips twitching briefly with amusement, she sipped her drink before finally smiling.] Now I remember, the little devil, deep breaths I'd hate to have Madam after me before I've fully settled in.

[cade-gallant]

[Ain’t no party like a Madame Vettra party- he’d missed the classiness of establishment, the tasteful indulgence that left him stimulated instead of disgusted. That balance had been surprisingly hard to find in New York. The glass whiskey in his hand was emptying steadily, but the alcohol didn’t stop the soft prickle of hair at the back of his neck from someone’s attention on him, normal smirk naturally finding its way to his lips.] Can I help you?

[claretmahina]

Of course you can, I'm looking for a Mr. Gallant, I'd heard he'd returned and didn't even send a text ahead of him. I'm terribly distraught. [to her credit, Claret's tone was believable, but there was a mischevious smirk that more than matched his as she lifted her chin. to be honest she much preferred that he hadn't, it had been yet another sweet surprise when she'd spotted him across the room and made her way towards him.] 

[dcpravities]

It must be nice to be back, then. [Standing beside Claret at the bar, Amelie nodded along as she listened, a dulcet expression on her face. The other woman was difficult to read, the conversation not giving much away, but Amelie was used to it. With a dulcet expression on her face, she turned to the bartender, ordering a vodka cranberry before shrugging innocently.] Oh, there’s not that much to be curious about, I swear. It’s a very dull story. 

[claretmahina]

More so than I thought it was going to be, I even missed the odd smell of London. [sipping her new drink, she eyed the vodka cranberry curiously for a moment before turning her attention back to Amelie. there was something intriguing about new faces, and while there were others that she did want to reacquaint herself with, she couldn't very well pass up on meeting the new blood.] Seeing as it's a dull story, it must also be a short, go on. I swear I'm no gossip, but a new face in an old place can't be resisted. Pretty please?

[dcpravities]

[There was something about the environment that was reminiscent of the blushing schoolgirl days that Amelie had left far, far behind a long time ago. A nervousness, a hesitance, an innocence. That wasn’t going to cut it here, though. At the voice behind her, she turned, arching one of her brows at the other woman, a small smile playing across her features.] Ah, of course. You’ll have to forgive me, as I’m still becoming accustomed to this. [She wasn’t sure how to react to the greeting, but a greeting was a greeting, and being that she was new, she wouldn’t turn away from it.] Amelie, 18A - nice to meet you. I take it you’ve been here before the reopening?

[claretmahina]

I lived here before it closed, and of course after hearing it was reopening I came back. There are quite a few fond memories here and I can't say that about most of the places that I've lived. [holding out her glass of Jack and coke, Claret smiled slowly, wagging the glass to send the few pieces of ice clinking. without waiting for acceptance, she turned towards the bartender and ordered another, lips moueing into a playful pout before smiling again though it didn't quite reach her eyes.] Join me? I promise that I don't bite unless you ask me sweetly, and I'm madly curious about what's called you here.

[antonymorrison]

Yeah? Well — I missed you, too. [There’s no hesitation about that; her meaning is pretty clear, and there’s no need in his eyes to be subtle about it. He did miss her, and he’s glad to see that she returned as well.]

Can’t say I understand that feeling — [ he’s never had a home he was especially happy to come back to in the first place ] — but I’m glad to hear that you’re happy to be back. I definitely am, though it’s pretty weird, too.

[claretmahina]

I don't fully understand it myself. I went home once, very briefly, and was absolutely miserable for three full days before returning to Italy. But here? [shoulders rolling in a shrug, she shifted her attention to an escort walking by, her gaze calculating before warming as it returned to Antony.] Not entirely sure what it says about me that I'm more comfortable in a whorehouse, opulent though it may be, than in the home I was raised in for almost two decades.

But that's a boring discussion, what have you been up to, Antony? Anything heart stopping?

[gabrielle-elk-blog]

I know you won’t, I just … [Gabrielle followed the direction, of course she did, chest expanding almost painfully as she takes the deep breath Claret suggested.]  It’s been a while.  Again.

Atrani?  [Her pronunciation probably wasn’t any better, but Italian was quite unfamiliar to her.]  It sounds lovely, really.  I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, heart.

[claretmahina]

I'm surprised that I had as few phone calls as I did, though I am very proud of you for discovering abstinence. It will mean whatever lucky escort you hire is in for quite a ride.

It's... in Italy. Honestly all I did was find somewhere to kick up my heels for a while and found it well enough to my liking. [a brief flicker of amusement in her eyes at the endearment, she'd almost forgotten Gabrielle's constant use of them, her own coming out far more biting.] It's very rare that I don't enjoy myself, sweetling.

[dcpravities]

Well. This is mildly terrifying. [Parties like this are nothing out of the normal from Amelie, managing to put together her ensemble for the evening with little to no thought at all. It’s the addition of the people around her in nothing at all that’s sets her on a bit of an edge, and even though she’s the one who is paying for the services, it’s a bit unnerving to finally be in this element. Taking a deep breath, she lingered by the door for a moment, unsure of what to do, before taking the proverbial plunge and walking in.] I need a stiff drink if I’m going to make it through this evening. 

[dcpravities]

[claretmahina]

[Claret had a good memory for faces, and the one that moved towards the bar wasn't one that she remembered. which only made her smile, because if there was anything that would make for a good coming home present it was a new toy to puzzle out.] I believe the whole point of having the escorts scantily clad is to have a stiff something but not a drink per se. Unless, of course, you've a taste for softer meats. Claret, by the way, I live in 10C.

[antonymorrison]

Tch, who knows. All I heard was weird rumors. I figure Madame has it all handled, no matter what it was.

[Antony’s grin widens at her recognition; he’d been half afraid she wouldn’t remember him.] You look good, too. Happy to be back?

[claretmahina]

Mm, I did admire her cleverness, I'm half convinced that it was merely a publicity stunt.

I did surprisingly miss the place, and some of the people. [smiling so there was no confusion as to the fact he was on that particular list, she let out a short lived laugh filled with self depreciation] Oddly enough coming back here feels more like coming home than my actual home, and I'm not entirely sure that's a good thing.

[gabrielle-elk-blog]

I … I don’t know.  [Uncertainty, there was always uncertainty when it came to Claret, all the things that she wasn’t.  So certain, so sure.]

Oh, I know, it’s just a turn of … how was Italy?  I did like Venice.  [Part of her wanted to supply the when and the who, because it hurt to think about.]

[claretmahina]

You're stammering, Gabrielle. Take a deep breath would you? You act like I'm going to eat you alive or something...

Atrani [her pronunciation was terrible, a brief glimpse of her midwestern upbringing peaking through before fizzling away to the nowhere accent she had] Small little town, charming. I had a beach right outside my patio doors. 

[gabrielle-elk-blog]

[The look wasn’t lost on Gabrielle, cheeks flushing slightly as she sipped her champagne in an attempt to cover.  But she knew nothing fooled Claret … nothing.]

I’ll have to keep that in mind.  How are you?  Where did you run off to?

[claretmahina]

I'm well, of course, What else would I be? [she was teasing, though it was hard to tell by her dry tone.] 

I don't run anywhere, Gabrielle, but I did spend time in Italy. That was... enlightening.

[antonymorrison]

Yeah, I guess that’s true. I hear the whole building was closed for a year, though. Some kind of legal problem kind of ordeal, I heard, but I dunno.

[ His grin widens. ] It’s good to see you, Claret. 

[claretmahina]

Oh? [she hadn't paid all that much attention honestly, it was closed and done with and then it wasn't. Antony's grin pulled a smile from her that she hadn't meant to be so broad, her nose wrinkling slightly.]

Good to see you too, Antony. You look well.

[gabrielle-elk-blog]

[Relief flooded through her as Claret acknowledged her memory, though it was quickly replaced by confusion.]  Stranger?  I … I guess not.

[claretmahina]

[letting out an amused huff, Claret looked the other woman over slowly]

I think you'd enjoy it honestly, it's safe enough for you to enjoy it and just unusual enough to thrill you.

[gabrielle-elk-blog]

You … you really don’t remember me, Claret?

[claretmahina]

Mmm, no, not off the top of my head.

[ a mischevious glint filled her eyes. ] 

I suppose you've never played Stranger, have you Gabrielle? 

[antonymorrison]

Jeez, it’s… really weird to be back…

[ He actually moved back in a few days ago. He’s beginning to think that the weirdness won’t ever fade. ]

[claretmahina]

I'm more surprised that my old apartment was still open, a bit of everything changes and stays the same I suppose.

[claretmahina]

I remember you... Though your name seems to have slipped off my tongue, be a dear and remind me.