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

[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.

[shannonteverius]

"My apologies," Shannon said. "I didn't mean to offend you."

[hollow_moon]

"Well you did a poor job of it then," Val replied calmly, picking up his drink and turning his attention out the window.

It didn't help that he was feeling a touch wound up tonight already. His mood had a tendency to wax and wane with the moon.

[shannonteverius]

"Apparently," said Shannon, "but I did apologize."

[hollow_moon]

Val hummed a little, but it was clear his fur had been ruffled, and he wasn't feeling very forgiving at the moment.

Finishing his latte, he set his cup back down and studied the man across from him.

"I think, perhaps, I should call it a night," he decided.

[shannonteverius]

Shannon sighed. "If you insist," he said. He wasn't going to apologize again. The number of people he could remember apologizing to in his entire life amounted to less than the fingers of one hand. Val was practically a stranger despite their banter about being good friends. He would only give so much to someone he didn't know.

On the other hand, he did find Val interesting and fun to talk to. If the man wasn't the type to hold a grudge perhaps they could still be friends.

"If you change your mind, I would like to take you up on that tour," he said. "Let me know if you find the time for one."

[hollow_moon]

Val rose to his feet, then paused for a moment and pulled one of his business cards from his shirt pocket.

"Of course," he replied, offering the card to the other man. He'd offered a tour, and he wouldn't take that back over hurt feelings.