Homoween 2019: Hollywood Coven

Day 7: Fangs for Last Night

Ra wasn't what you would call a typical night club- it was much bigger, much noisier and brighter. Practically encouraging you to over indulge. Luke could enjoy that sensation, he mused, but he preferred those smaller night clubs in Miami. The night life was much more beautiful and less messy and well, nothing was quite so satisfying at the end of the night like a taco truck chef. Hard work made the blood taste better sometimes.

The pool side ginger waiter was harder to find in this club than it was to keep track of Derek. Derek seemed to just bounce all over the place and his enthusiasm knob had been cranked up to eleven since they arrived. Luke had a hard time getting so excited about things- he often just found things pleasant- and a harder time understanding how Derek was still single. He was an explorer and a little wild (even for a wolf), yet attachments to people off set seemed to elude him.

Ah well. Perhaps that was better- considering an actor's life. 

What was positive about being an actor on the hunt was how many doors quiet fame and cold hard cash opened to you. For instance, the Luxor hotel in its pyramid shape had elevators that sloped upwards and there were secret VIP areas in RA that mimicked that. Luke in his blood silks and pressed pants almost looked out of place outside of the VIP areas. Here, he could look as though he were holding court- fascinated by the masses. It made for quite a scene, as though he'd always been in those VIP rooms and gracefully pouncing among its catwalks.

"We have here for you tonight-"

His server hadn't noticed yet. 

"- table side service of course sir-"

Look at me Jude.

"-Are you waiting for any companions?"

"No. It's just me right now. I may be looking for a companion or two though."

Though he could see Luke, he didn't seem to be interested or affected. In fact, he seemed even more apathetic inside than he had seemed outdoors. 

"I may have a few larger bills to pass around for the right companions. You know, just having a fun boys night."

"Of course sir."

"How do I look?"

"Fine. What would you like to drink sir?"

Okay. This wasn't- usual. Luke knew what he looks like. Mirrors hadn't been made out of silver for many years; so he could see his reflection. It was almost like this guy was neutered.

"Bring me a bottle of fine champagne."

Luke had time to think while Jude was out getting his drink. Should he be more aggressive? Shy? There were cameras here so it couldn't be private. He was being watched and perhaps even the guards were in on it. They would all have the tattoos likely if they were. He would have to tread carefully. He was sure he could do that.

He reclined on the sofa, unbuttoning a few of the top buttons. Classic vampire pose.

"Your champagne. Should I open it for you sir?"

"Please. And- get the door. I like to hear the cork pop."

They were alone. Jude went about his duties and he didn't seem to notice the skin. Even if he were on the clock and merely being professional, servers knew how to woo for bigger tips. Especially here it would be the bread and butter. Luke obviously wanted to be fawned over. He was practically lighting up a neon sign above his head.

"Join me for a glass?"

"I'm on duty, sir."

"I tip well."

Jude poured himself a glass then and sipped lightly, looking at the other.

Luke tried the vampire stare. 

"You are quite pleasant to look at Jude. I must confess I came here tonight because I thought I might see you again."

"Thank you sir."

Too monotone. Uncomfortably so.

"Are you feeling alright?"

"I don't enjoy champagne much sir."

"You don't have to finish it. Do you see anyone out there with tattoos? I enjoy a man with tattoos."

"More than a few yes."

"Not a lot of tattoos though. Just small ones in indiscriminate places."

"I wouldn't know anything about tattoos sir."

"But you have one."

"No I don't."

"I promise you do."

"A joke by some co-workers then," Jude shrugged. "I'll leave you to your evening sir."

Jude practically ran out of the room, leaving Luke to pursue just slightly. But not too much. It was clear something had happened. But it was it magick or trauma? No. There was something there. But why if the tattoo and the jewelry had matching symbols- why did the jewelry have no effect on Luke or Derek? Was it just pure mortal humans they affected?

Well, at least it was something. There was any obvious effect here. And at least Luke had gotten some champagne out of the deal.