James Hook

James Hook | 38 | Owner of the Jolly Roger  I'll show you this ghost has blood in his veins.

[heroic-little-thief-deactivated]

“Well, I mean.  Whatever,” he said, though it wasn’t very convincing.  “I guess I could take a job at the Jolly Roger…I mean it’s because I’m there all the time.  Whatever.”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

“I’ll give you two weeks to start. Prove your worth. If you can handle it, then we’ll talk about hours. For now, you are my temp. We’ll just have to find the right position for you s’all.” 

James gave a devious smile, one that might have served well on a mad man with a plan. There were some gears turning. Granted, Eric might have landed himself with the short end of the stick in this scenario, but didn’t every new comer? “Now, tell me this, how well are you with controlling bar fights?” 

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

Dishonest Intentions | Maris & Hook

[maristhompsons]

Maris bit her lip to keep from smiling; of course, he had hit the nail right on the head. Talking to him again had been a big part of this visit but she would never admit that fact out loud. Especially to him. So instead, she sighed and dramatically shook her head. “Alright you’ve caught me… I’m just so desperately in love with Smee, I couldn’t stay away!” She gave him a playful wink before throwing back the rest of her drink and motioning to the bartender for another.

Again, a wave of familiarity washed over her. The ability to tease each other seemed to come naturally and Maris would be lying if she said she wasn’t drawn to him because of it. There was something about their encounters that filled a void she had been feeling lately at the club. The gentlemen at Crown and Country were just that- gentlemen. James offered a more advantageous fling in the sense that he could offer her some real excitement. “What about you? There are plenty of other girls here; why aren’t you sitting with them?” She asked, eyes wide with feigned innocence.

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

As Maris teased on, James watched with delight. Speaking of Smee with that cunning smile had told him just what he needed to know. It wasn’t so much a concealed secret, but it was one he was not blind to either. Maris was there for one thing: not for bar fights, not the alcohol, and most certainly not for his best mate. And that smile told it all.

The question was answered simply; “I’ve got my eyes on something else.” He leaned in, letting it be known that the something was indeed a someone. “Now what could that something be, I wonder?”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

princesslottiebelle

“The entertainment?” Lottie almost furrowed her brows together before looking back at the dance floor. “Oh, you mean you like to dance?” Her face beamed when she thought of a follow up question. “Does this mean you’ve brought someone special to dance with?” Her expression deflated when she saw him pull out the second flask that she’d seen that night. Was alcohol really that important to everyone? She almost felt insulted. She’d been asked to set up a family friendly event which was the main reason for the lack of liqueur and others fount it so important that they brought their own. Oh well, there was nothing she could do about it. She’d just have to pray that nothing bad happened due to what god only knew was in the flasks.

“Oh, that’s right! It was Thanksgiving if I remember correctly. How did yours go by the way? Did you enjoy it? -Oh! Was your special friend there?” She asked still assuming the man had come here with someone to dance with. Thinking over his offer she pursed her lips. She wasn’t comfortable going to certain parts of downtown, but perhaps she could talk Finn into escorting her. He often went to down town, she thought he probably wouldn’t mind her tagging along. He didn’t have to sit with her or anything, she just felt a little safer knowing he was in the same area.  "I’m pretty swamped until after new years, but I’ll try to swing by when I can squeeze it in.“

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that I was "in charge” exactly. Mayor De Luc and his wife asked me to put this together, but unfortunately they were unable to attend. So I guess in a round about way, maybe but all I really did was throw some decorations on the walls.“  

The blonde continued to elude to some secret lover he brought along with him. And while that was well and kind of her to think, Hook hadn’t met lady luck yet. “I hate dancing, one. And two, this lady friend you speak of did not accompany me here this evening. Nor did she find the time to come around Thanksgiving. It’s a shame, really. But I did fancy a few new lady friends while I waited. Patiently, I’ll admit. One does not stand me up. I simply wont tolerate it.”

Not only did he not tolerate these things, but it made his anger boil and bubble. In the form of that pestering ticking sound. “Have you any one you’re here with, by chance?”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

Dishonest Intentions | Maris & Hook

[maristhompsons]

The Jolly Roger was definitely not the type of place people would expect Maris to enjoy. The constant barrage of drunken bar fights brought back memories of her favorite pub back in Dublin. She was much more able to let loose here in ways she couldn’t at home or at Crown and Country. That and the fact no one would judge her for ordering beer here was enough to make Maris a semi-regular customer. Slipping into the building, she nodded at the patrons who caught her eye before making her way to the bar.

Casually, Maris looked around the bar for James as she waited on her drink. She had enjoyed their conversation the last time she had been here and was hoping to maybe get a quick chat in before she went home. Finally spotting him at the back of the bar, Maris smirked before turning to watch a fight that had broken out behind her. She would wait for him to come to her; Maris didn’t chase after all. After what felt like ages, Maris finally felt James sit down next to her. Took him long enough, she mentally griped before turning around and giving him a dazzling smile. “Who says I came here for you?” She asked innocently. “Can’t a girl come out to enjoy a pint and a fight or two?”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

“I’m not so inclined to believe that’s why you’re really here. For if you were, I’d see you here far more often than your sporadic visits.” James gave her a smile once he was through trying to prove a point. 

There was something about her that caught his eye. Whether it was her smile, her eyes. He wasn’t so fortunate to say it was any one thing. Though, a good part of it, he believed, was the way he had to chase her around. And even then she only ever gave him subtle signs that she too felt similar. James was not cut out for relationships; one night flings, even two night flings, he could wing. But a consistent fling, as boring he feared it could have gotten, was also something he had been open to exploring. There was no purpose in closing doors to the unknown.

“So why are you here? If not for me, and so obviously not for the bar fights.”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

Dishonest Intentions | Maris & Hook

James spent most of the evening drinking with some mates, ordering Mr. Smee around until his face turned blue, and mentally trying to escape from that blasted ticking. It was close to eight when he spotted the redhead. It wasn’t like him to intrude as his patrons entered. Though to watch from afar, keeping an eye out, he would come to find her soon enough. She didn’t seem like the type to dash in and out of a tavern. It crossed his mind that maybe the reason she came back wasn’t strictly to feel a little light headed. 

Twenty minutes had passed, a bar fight or two had been put to rest, and James had finally spotted her again. Taking a seat beside her, he waited patiently for her to turn around and see him. 

James cleared his throat, and smiled at Maris. “Now, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

princesslottiebelle

Lottie had been observing the festivities with her partner in decorating until some other gentleman caught his eye and he gave Lottie a subtle gesture to let him fly solo.  She obliged. With her beverage in hand she walked around, hoping to see a ton of smiling faces enjoying all the stuff that she had thrown together for them to indulge in.  It was then that she saw a gentleman that looked really familiar to her. Lottie didn’t really know many in town that wasn’t a part of the female population outside of Padraic, Jacquimo and a few others who she had organized parties for before–oh, and there was Hades too– she supposed. Offering a warm smile, she approached him.

“Hey there shug!” She greeted. “I have to say I wasn’t expecting to see you here. I got the impression that the Holiday’s weren’t really your thing.” But that wasn’t to say that he was unwelcome. Lottie was happy to see anyone and everyone enjoy the parties she put together.

“Right you are, love.” James first made a look around the place before settling his eyes on the vivacious blonde. She was a sight for sore eyes. “I’m here for the entertainment.” He pulled out the handy flask from his jacket pocket, pulling the cork out in with his mouth, displaying a clear lack of manners. As he did, he caught a glimpse down before finding her eyes again, playing it off carefully. 

He was sneaky like that. 

“Haven’t seen you around in quite some time. Come by the Jolly Roger. I’ll get you a drink, we’ll talk,” he said, cutting himself off by taking a sip. The burn from the rum finding the back of his throat with a sick familiarity. 

Reviewing the decorations, it was fair enough to say it was truly that time of year again. It was dreadful. “I take it you’re in charge of this whole-” he muttered, settling on a word to describe this, “shindig.” 

[maristhompsons]

“Oh darlin’, you know you have to be super rich in order to ride this ride,” Maris teased, giving him a flirtatious wink. “But who knows? If you’re a good boy, I might just text you a picture of me in my outfit as your Christmas present.”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

“Aah, but that’s never stopped me before.” He began to speak, staring off in a daze, which worked to fuel his imagination, with the lovely red head in mind.

“You see, when I have a vision in mind, I treat it much like a conquest. My drive, my desire, is to fulfill whatever that may be. And I can assure you, I’ve never been one to quit when the going gets rough.”

Picture or not, he was confident he’d see her just as she’d teased. It was only a matter of time before she found reason to agree.

[cerendipitous]

Luz had spent all night at Hatcher’s. She hated the night shifts, but every once in a while she had no choice but to do them. It was dawn, and the sun was slowly breaking through the clouds, and she was ambling home through the downtown streets. She hugged her faux fur coat close to her body to keep the cold out, and was momentarily distracted from her mundane thoughts by the sound of a groan nearby. Rounding the corner, Luz found a man sprawled out on a bench, looking more than a little worse for wear.

“It’s about seven a.m.” Luz glanced down at him, a look of concern on her face. “Have you been out here all night, carino?”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

James sat up, another groan escaping him. The sun was just blaring this morning. “Round four or so. I don’t recall much of the evening,” he said, with the rare honest tongue. 

Looking her up and down, he could see she must have spent her own night busy. And with the fur coat wrapped tight against her, he imagined she had lead an interesting life, to say the least. “What of you? No one dresses like that for 7am, unless they’re coming from a long night themselves.”

[gamblingtheunderworld]

Hades gave a grunt of laughter as he reached up to fuss with the lights dangling over the doorway. “Well, I’m pretty sure a guy threw up on that one in particular last week after stumbling out of here. So, I mean…up to you if you want to still lie there.” 

Hearing his question, the man once again turned to face his squinting, bleary-eyed companion. “Jesus, how long have you been asleep? Christmas, man.” He gestured towards the lights. “I’m decking the halls. Or, at least I’m trying to. I don’t know if it’s looking any good so far. What do you think?”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

James merely shrugged. From what he’d gathered in life experience, people threw up everywhere. In his bar, on benches even. He’d be more surprised if he sat somewhere that was untouched by that realm of disgust. But alas, here he sat.

“Oh, I should have known- what with the ample amount of red and green you’ve got there.” He stood up with a smirk, straightening out his jacket. “Let me guess, the holy spirit thrives within you this holiday season.”

He nodded, growing closer to the decorations. “Looks like a god damned ticket nightmare. It’s perfect.”

[heroic-little-thief-deactivated]

“It’s a figure of speech,” he insisted, starting off towards his car that he had parked not too far away.  “Anyway.  Whatever.  I’ve got bread at my place, so unless you want to eat bleached flower that’s been…breadified, I suggest we head to the Jolly Roger.”

About that job…  Eric stopped and spun around slowly, pointing at the man.  “Are you really offering me an interview?”  He asked, confused and a bit excited.  He looked down at his wet pants, and he nodded.  “Change of clothes would be nice.”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

“Well, that all depends. How badly do you want it?” James could imagine it was up there on his list of things to desire. 

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

Snowballs|| Open

[thecuriousalice-deactivated2016]

Alice vaguely recognized him as she turned to look at him. She could remember seeing him once or twice before when she had been out on walks, but they had never spoken until now. She laughed, arms crossing over her chest. “It certainly makes it more fun for me if I see it coming. How do you expect me to defend myself when you just hit me in the back. If paying attention I can return fire, like this.” Scooping up a handful of snow, she tossed it at him. She couldn’t help but smile as it hit him in the shoulder. “You see now this is much more fun.”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

James could have moved, but he let the snowball hit him, watching the blonde react with a smile. “I let you have that one,” he said, brushing the remains off his shoulder. Closing the space between them, James then got a better look at her. Still couldn’t gather a name, but that face... it was familiar all right. 

“Now, where oh where do I know you from?”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

[heroic-little-thief-deactivated]

“That you do, but I’m going to tell you again, sir, I’m not interested!  I’m a free woman who doesn’t need a man.”  He returned Hook’s smile with a completely genuine, teasing smile. 

“That I do.  I’m experiencing it right now.  I’m also chafing because someone threw my jeans into the water.  Come on.  I gotta go get new pants.”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

“In my defense, you did say toss them to you. You failed to specify where.” James took a few steps forward, glancing to the man with little remorse in his eyes. Hell, there was hardly time to feel sympathy for men who weren’t clear in their requests. There was no use in starting now.

“Now, about that job you so desired,” he speculated. Eric was there enough to make him believe the lad wanted a position. He could certainly use another pair of hands, alongside a dry pair of pants, however. “Perhaps a change of clothes might suit you better for an informal interview. Though, I do suggest you bring an extra next time. You know. Incase you make another foolish decision.”

[gamblingtheunderworld]

Hades had noticed the man on the bench a while ago, passed out from a night of revelry. He could sympathize, honestly. But rather than wake the poor sap up, the man was busy getting the front of Underworld all Christmasified. Granted, the blue lights weren’t your typical christmas color, but they went better with the front of the dark building than anything red or green or white. 

Hearing a groan behind him, the tall man turned his head over his shoulder as the figure stirred to life. “Well it’s definitely not time to be sleeping on a bus stop bench, if that’s what you’re asking.”

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

“And why not?” James sat up, squinting over to the voice he heard, which was accompanied by strings of blue lights. For a moment, he thought he was seeing police lights. But luckily, as the man came into focus, he realized he was in good company. Better anyway.

“What's all that for?” James asked, giving a belligerent hand wave to the ‘far from festive’ lights. Regardless though, they looked charming. 

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

“Not again,” James groaned, bracing his eyes for the sunlight beading down on him. Another night spent passed out, drunk in the midsts of downtown. He and Smee had gotten an apartment close enough within walking distance for times like these. Though it seemed the folks he spent his evenings with tended to stay out till early morning. Being a ringleader, he only encouraged it.

“What time is it?” He asked aloud, more so to himself than to the bystander he was unaware of.

[heroic-little-thief-deactivated]

Eric rolled his eyes at James, throwing his hands up and slapping the water in mock frustration. “Thank you,” he said, getting out and quickly pulling his pants on. The chilly December air was a bit much, but he liked the cold. Made him feel awake. “You know. I think you just want to see me naked. But not anytime soon, James. I’m a hard heart to win,” he teased and he pulled on his shirt.

[devilishlyhooked-blog]

“I provide you drinks almost nightly, lad. I think I won your heart the moment you decided you relied too heavily on a drink to get you by.” Hook gave him a charming smile. One that could easily be mislead in the wrong eye of vision.

“You know what the cold does to us gentlemen. What in the world are you out to prove?”