OTA

[shannonteverius]

Shannon had been spending more time out in the evenings and at night lately. He hated the sight of an empty bed and tried to avoid it until it was absolutely necessary. Because of this, he was also branching out from his usual haunts. Not too far from them but the places he spent his time were becoming slightly more eclectic.

Tonight he was in a local jazz club. He wasn't a fan of jazz per se but the place was nice and the music gave him an excuse to be there besides drinking. The clientele were a little more classy than a regular bar as well which he appreciated.

He accepted his glass of wine from the bartender and took a seat at a small table some ways back from the stage. He would rather someone join him to socialize than to listen to the music for the whole evening.

Comments

[hollow_moon]

Val smiled at that, his eyes bright and happy.

"Come on, let me get you that tea."

[shannonteverius]

Shannon's answering smile lit his whole face. "And something sweet. Don't forget," he teased.

[hollow_moon]

"Ah, here I was thinking you were the sweetness, but alright, I'm sure I can find us something just as delicious to nibble on," he joked playfully.

[shannonteverius]

"You were planning on nibbling on me?" Shannon asked.

[hollow_moon]

"It had crossed my mind," Val purred, offering a playful wink, and then his arm. "The place I had in mind's not far from here."

[shannonteverius]

A thrill ran through Shannon at the bold flirtation. Their interaction felt a little dangerous to encourage but it was fun and Shannon was enjoying it. Valentine was handsome and charming, and Shannon did love to be desired. He slid his arm though Val's with a delighted laugh. "You are obviously one of my more troublesome friends," he said. "My brother would disapprove of you." His tone suggested that this was not a problem for Shannon.

[hollow_moon]

"You don't think I'd win him over with a smile?" Val asked, laughing softly as he began to lead the way.

[shannonteverius]

"That would only make him more suspicious," Shannon replied. "He isn't the type to be easily charmed."

[hollow_moon]

"Oh, and what type is he?" Valentine asked, his curiosity genuine. "The stern and stoic sort? The posh sort, perhaps?"

[shannonteverius]

"Powers no!" Shannon shuddered at the thought of Stephen being posh. "He's very much the former."

[hollow_moon]

"Does that mean you're the fun one?" Val grinned.

[shannonteverius]

"Do you even have to ask?" Shannon gave Val an affronted look.

[hollow_moon]

Val grinned, then shrugged. "I just thought it might be rude to assume..."

[shannonteverius]

"I'm sure I would have forgiven you," Shannon said.

[hollow_moon]

"Oh?" Val asked, smiling faintly as he held to door to the cafe open for the other man.

The rich scent of tea and coffee invited them in, and the warm and comforting scent of fresh baked goods begged them to stay.

[shannonteverius]

Shannon stepped inside the cafe and breathed in deeply. The aroma was largely tempting and he turned a dazzling smile on Val. "Don't forget, you promised me something sweet. I'm going to get us a table." He headed off toward a table for two near the front windows.

[hollow_moon]

Val watched him go, a faint grin on his lips as he stepped up to the counter and placed an order for two chai latte's and two decadent looking brownies. A moment later and he was carrying it all over to the table and setting it before his friend.

"I wasn't certain what you favoured, but chocolate is usually a safe bet."

[shannonteverius]

"It is," Shannon agreed. "So what is it that you do Val? When not fighting off the pressures of family?"

[hollow_moon]

"I run a small museum of curiosities from all around the world. From Victorian medical devices to cursed skulls from the Congo," Valentine smiled. "You should come see it sometime. I'd give you a private tour."

[shannonteverius]

"That's unusual. What brought on an interest in such oddities?"

[hollow_moon]

"Personal curiosity," Val replied with a small shrug. "Let's just say I was looking for something, and the quest became a hobby, and the hobby became a passion."

[shannonteverius]

"Your quest brought you Victorian medical devices to cursed skulls from the Congo?" Shannon asked. "What were you looking for in the first place?"

[hollow_moon]

"Well... A cure, actually. I suffer from a rare condition," Val replied, deciding that was near enough to the truth.

[shannonteverius]

Shannon blinked in surprise. "Nothing catching, I hope," he said before he could stop himself. Then, to soften his rude outburst, he added, "Are you OK?"

[hollow_moon]

It was rude though, and Val frowned slightly.

"It is, but only under very specific circumstances," he replied, crossing his legs and looking slightly closed off.