bakerstreet | They set me up!

[1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and the wildcard option are all fine. Diaval only for cast, but I'm more than happy to play crosscanon. Maleficent is the embodiment of awkward blind date. Any questions or concerns, PM or message. Preferences in journal.]

[A temperamental dragon hybrid who's an educator at a prestigious college located in the outskirts of Chicago. Totally vibing with 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 ]

Edited 2021-09-19 15:09 (UTC)

[Astute red eyes scan the tavern patrons for the man he was apparently meeting on Tav's behalf, something about needing to get in someone's good graces or something. Blah, blah, blah. He was here. He would be charming. Whether or not that got them anywhere was out of his hands.

Astarion's gaze settles on a man matching Tav's description of his 'date' and he tilts his head a little. That heart beat... When Tav had told him to mind his manners because the guy was a bit of a dragon, he hadn't actually thought he meant it literally. He isn't often star-struck but it isn't every day that one runs into a dragon.

With an effortless smile, Astarion saunters over to the table where Anjou is seated.]

If I'm not mistake, you're just the person I'm looking for. I'm Astarion. A friend of Tav's. May I? [He motions with a sweeping gesture at the empty chair across from the man.]

[Anjou was simply gazing out the window when his dinner date arrives, most likely lost in thought. Blind dates aren’t normally his cup of tea but Anjou felt like trying something different and Tav managed to talk him into it. While he’s still on the fence about this mock allegiance between Tav and his friends, Anjou is willing to hear them out at least before making a decision.]

Ah, greetings Astarion.

[He welcomes with a charming smile as he rises to shake his hand. Vampires are something of an oddity in his world but Anjou doesn’t look the least bit perturbed. If anything, he’s a little curious as to how a vampire managed to befriend a man like Tav. After all, Tav didn’t seem like the type to fraternize with ghouls and the likes on a whim. That means Astarion must be someone special.]

I’m Hilbert Ron Anjou, Chancellor of Cassell College. It’s pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[He says before gesturing for Astarion to take a seat. Anjou then decides to order a glass of red wine for them both. After all, the school’s budget can cover a glass of wine or two.]

I trust that we’re here to discuss the terms of our newly-made alliance.

[That and among other things, of course. Anjou can’t help but look at Astarion fondly with those bright blue eyes. This is the first time he has ever met a vampire before.]

Edited 2021-09-21 03:54 (UTC)

[Astarion's expression mirrors Anjou's, keenly curious about the stranger. He gives him a gracious, if vaguely flirtatious smile, flashing sharp teeth as he does.]

A pleasure indeed, thank you.

[He takes the offered seat with a flourish, hinting at his good breeding, nobility of some kind or another. His clothing seem to support the assumption as he adjusts his cuffs once seated, content to let Anjou order.

His expression shifts dramatically when it suddenly sounds like this nice date is supposed to be something more akin to bureaucratic discussion, frowning dramatically.] You can't be serious. [Strange, the man doesn't look like he's joking.] Oh, come now. Let's enjoy the good company and good drinks, hm? I've no interest in discussing something as terribly dull as alliances with you.

[He's keen to find any other more interesting topic to discuss.] The Cassell College, I've only heard of it in passing. You're the... chancellor? [He squints a little, tilting his head. Strange, he'd heard the College was devoted to fighting dragons, or some such. But...]

[Oh, fangs. He likes the fangs. Despite his draconian lineage, Anjou doesn’t have fangs. Most hybrids are able to blend seamlessly within human society as long as they don’t allow their bloodlust to get the better of them. If they do, however, that’s when the scales appear. There’s no coming back for a hybrid if they give into their rancor. The only remedy is death.]

Oh? [He blinks his eyes in surprise.] So this really is a date?

[Judging from his incredulous chuckle, it seems he’s a little surprised. Anjou been worked to the bones lately. He just assumed this date was nothing more than Tav trying to butter him up. It wouldn’t be the first time but his handsome date seems honestly interested in him. That’s oddly…refreshing.]

Ah, forgive me. I constantly have to deal with such bureaucratic nonsense at work that sometimes I forget how to relax.

[He admits with quiet sigh as he picks up his glass. Why is he so tense? It’s not like he hasn’t been on a date before. Maybe it’s because Mister Vampire is quite handsome. A little too handsome. Dating women is one thing but a charming gentleman like Atarion is a once in a lifetime affair.]

Chancellor and Principal both. [He admits with slight nod.]

You see, Cassell College is an institution with a military background. While we manage to stand among other elite universities like Cambridge and Oxford, we’re also considered a military faction in service of the Northern Hemisphere Alliance featuring the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and so on.

It was certainly advertised to me as such! An arranged 'blind' date though just how blind is debatable. Regardless of that, I would've never agreed to it otherwise. [He flashes another amused, toothy grin at the man.] Oh, come now, don't act so surprised.

You ordered us a half decent red and everything. Quite a good start to a date, I'd say. Would you really schmooze someone who was merely here to chat of alliances with that? [He raises an eyebrow appraisingly, trying to decide whether to be impressed or disappointed by the thought. As if on cue the wine is set in front of them and Astarion plucks up the glass with a trained grace, swirl it a little before taking a sip.

Wine was a funny thing, nearly something that his body craved in appearance only. He could often trick himself until the liquid hit his tongue, even the most exquisite of wines being a let down for simply not being blood. It was still palatable though, unlike food.] Not bad. [He lies effortlessly with a content smile.] An excellent choice.

Mm. [He nods at the explanation of the college, only half paying attention.] There is something about dragons though, isn't there? Or am I thinking of something else entirely?

[He frowns a little at the thought of completely mixing it up with something else and decides to placate himself with another sip or two of the wine.]

[A smirk lingers upon Anjou's lips as he regards the vampire. Astarion is as astute as he feared. Tav was right to pair the two of them together. They're practically a perfect match. The vampire was able to see through his ploy rather quickly. Anjou never had any intention of humoring this late-night affair, that is until he finally met the man.]

You got me there. [He admits with a good-natured smile.] I've done plenty of things in the past to smooze various business partners but never once did I bother to order them a glass of red.

I suppose that means I'm willing to give this a shot.

[Anjou is typically quite guarded but for right now, he decides to toss into the wind and simply enjoy himself. That is until Astarion asks the following. A faint chuckle escapes him as he watches the vampire. He isn't too surprised that Tav blabbed about that. After all, people hear the word "dragon" and become quite starry-eyed. While Astarion is doing his best to keep his fascination under wraps, Anjou can just sense his lingering disappointment from here.]

Dragons, hm? [His smile sharpens somewhat, almost with a sinister edge.] They're fascinating creatures, aren't they?

[The candle at the table flickers as the temperature starts to rise. It's getting a bit stuffy here all of a sudden, almost as if there's molten lava right under their feet. Thankfully, the wine is still nice and cold but something is amidst here. Astarion sensed it earlier when he heard tremors of his beating heart. Maybe it has something to do with the fact the waiter serving them in locked-in motion along with the rest of the patrons of this quaint little tavern. Everyone is deathly still, all of them locked in place like living marionettes.

Time has stopped.]

So majestic but so vicious.

[A pair of bright golden eyes stare at Astraion in amusement instead of the tranquil blues from earlier. They're beast-like in appearance, almost serpentine much like the eyes of a venomous snake.]

But tell me, what do you know about dragons?

[The tonal shift is practically palpable and Astarion seems to freeze for a moment, expression firmly in place as if carved there. Two centuries of torture and enslavement, he knew acutely when he'd misstepped and this felt uncomfortably familiar. He doesn't panic, he refuses to, gaze intensely locked with Anjou's.

He doesn't really notice the shift in temperature until it's hot enough to hint at something akin to fire.

Dropping any pretenses of being unaffected by what was happening around them, Astarion looks alert, very, very alert, eyes open a little wider as he takes in everything, straining his supernatural senses to detect the most minute changes. It's not alarm, not yet, but he looks ready to react.]

Majestic and vicious? [He echoes the words, tilting his chin up, his eyes catching the light of the candles reflectively.] Sounds familiar.

[His eyes don't leave Anjou's as they shift and turn gold and predatory, reptilian.

His eyebrows quirks a little higher at the question and he speaks slowly, choosing each word with deliberation.] I can't say I've ever met one. [There's an unspoken 'until now'.] I only know what's been written about them - Chromatic dragons are evil and Metallic dragons are good and blah, blah, blah. I would be curious to know if things were so... clear cut. So black and white. [Vampires, after all, were also said to be inherently evil.]

[Thankfully that little misstep won't cause Astarion to trip and fall. Despite the brooding intensity of Anjou's aura, he lacks the urge for violence. This is nothing more than a mere demonstration of what lurks beyond this mortal coil. Just a taste, at best. Anjou would never dream of hurting Tav's esteemed companion.]

Nothing is black and white--[He all but whispers as he locks his gaze with the vampire.] There is no purity and there is no such thing as justice either.

Everything is grey in this world, where truth and falsities are fruits of the same tree.

[Anjou leans back in his chair a little and lets out a slight sigh. The vampire's fear is almost as palpable as the heat festering between them. A tinge of guilt tugs at him now as he regards Astarion but he wants to make his draconian lineage very clear. While he might be a half-breed at best, Anjou is still very much as threatening as his draconic forefathers.]

However, bask in knowing that you're speaking with someone who has dedicated his very existence to slaying the evils that threaten this hideously grey world.

[As sporadically as the heat began to rise, it suddenly plummets as those serpentine eyes fade into blue once more. The candle upon the table stops flickering as the smoldering heat recedes. Life is breathed into the tavern again as the people suddenly begin to move. None of them seem to notice the precious few seconds Anjou managed to steal from them.]

Edited 2021-09-22 05:35 (UTC)

Heh. [He tries to force something of a chuckle and a smile but hardly manages a short, breathy sound and quickest flash of teeth.]

'Nothing'? A dismissal of absolutes using absolutes. [He finds it somewhat amusing. He doesn't agree. There are evil beings in this world, he's met a few personally. He hadn't been anticipating an intellectual debate of ideals and world views but he rarely shied away from the opportunity. Focusing on his thoughts is actually surprisingly reassuring though he isn't about to drop his guard.

The distraction is incredibly short lived as Anjou mentions dedicating himself to slaying evil. Evil like vampires perhaps.]

Slaying evil? What a selfless, noble pursuit. [His tone is nothing but bitter, hanging on each syllable just a little too long.

As the world around them seems to wake up and resume, Astarion glances around, watching for a moment. Everyone once again moved around mundanely as if nothing at all had happened. Fascinating.] That's quite the trick.

What's that, Astarion? [He questions with a somewhat devious smirk as he regards the vampire. Even though his eyes have reverted to that calming shade of periwinkle, his pupils remain horizontally-slitted much like a cat. He's on edge.] A rebuttal?

[While the vampire's fangs are quite noticeable, it's the bitterness in his tone that catches his attention the most. What happened to this man in the past? What's Astarion's story? Anjou cannot help but ponder as he stares into his eyes. It's not like Anjou to feel such curiosity for another. He typically doesn't care for most people and never will. However, Astarion truly captures his interest in a way Anjou never thought possible.]

There's nothing noble about it. [He replies with a slight frown.] And judging by your tone, you more or less agree.

[Wanting to steer this conversation away from his profession, Anjou decides to settle on explaining that neat little trick of his.]

It's called "Time Zero" or rather that is what my former masters once called it. The name sort of stuck since it perfectly explains my ability without giving it away.

Less of a rebuttal and more of a... let's call it a musing, shall we? [He cracks a humorless smile as he says it, making a sweeping motion with his arm that almost resembles a mock curtsy.]

It just sounds a little contradictory. You don't believe in absolutes - no good nor evil. And yet you are hunting evil.

So... whatever are you hunting, darling. [His smile turns a little teasing and smug.]

But, I think I understand what you mean. Maybe. At least, I hope it's what you mean. You hunt evil individuals and not wildly sweeping generalizations of an entire group of things, yes? I... agree with that. Because there most certainly are evil people in this world. I've met more than I'd care to have. [His lips pull back in a fangy, displeased grimace.

Indeed, the strange ability was much more interesting. He tilts his head, sipping on the wine.] Time zero. A rare ability or one those with draconic blood are predispositioned to?

[A dry chuckle escapes Anjou as his date prattle on. Astarion is lucky he's attractive or else he wouldn't feel so inclined to humor him. Even so, Anjou knows he's being a little contradictory here. His philosophical outlook regarding the world is heavily skewed by his experiences. However, he's not so blinded by his dogmatic sense of morals to always assume he's in the right. No, he's just not that kind of person.]

I'm hunting dragons, mostly. [He admits with a slight frown as he reaches for his glass of wine. He wasn't planning on ordering any food but he's starting to feel a bit peckish. Thankfully, there's ample enough wine here to suppress his hunger.] The alleged primordial evil that stalks the shadows. While there might not be such thing as good and evil, there's plenty of monsters that come rather close.

I don't discriminate solely because of one's lineage, I focus upon their deeds.

[He answers Astarion's next question with a nod. His time-bending abilities are a rarity even among dragons. He's the only hybrid alive capable of such a skill.]

Very rare. I believe I'm the first of my kind so far to possess such an ability but hopefully, I'll be the last.

[Anjou pauses for a moment as he idly whishes the wine within his glass. It's almost as if he's debating with himself how much he wants to talk about himself.]

The power of my bloodline is woefully limited. Controlling the very fabric of time is quite strenuous and comes with its own set of dangers.

Hunting your own kind? Fascinating. [He swirls the wine thoughtfully and takes a sip.] And... understandable. Familiar. [A hint of bitterness creeps into his tone.] Who better to hunt dragons than another dragon.

[He nods almost sagely. Deeds were something he certainly agreed was a good thing to judge people on.]

Fascinating. Truly. [He does seem to be carefully filing all of this information away in case he ever needs it, still looking at Anjou as if he's trying to solve the puzzle to who he is.]

It's own set of dangers? Most powerful abilities require a trade off... or two. [That bitterness crawls back into his tone but is gone just as quickly.] What kind of dangers?

Precisely.

[If other hybrids like him didn't take up the sword against their progenitors, humanity would've surely fallen by now. That much is apparent since the dragons are much more powerful than most mortals. Even so, humanity did at one point used to hunt these beasts. So who knows? Either way, Anjou is content with his violent profession.]

The type that would threaten my life, of course. [He comments with a somewhat flippant tone despite the severity of the topic at hand.] If I attempt the impossible and control time indefinitely, I will die.

[Something akin to worry lingers within his gaze before he finally decides to order some food. Dragon or not, Anjou is hungry.]

Slowing the time for others speeds the time for me.

Edited 2021-09-26 14:50 (UTC)

Well, that just makes sense. [His tone is light and dismissive, lips even curling into a slight smirk, as he talks about the, likely brutal, death by time stopping.]

If there's one common through line between any creature that deigns to interrupt or cheat the natural order of things, it's that they tend to reap what they sow. Fighting against the tides of time comes with a steep price tag.

[Astarion notes with interest that Anjou doesn't ask him if he'd like to order anything. In his mind, that answers the question as to whether or not he'd been told about what he was. Good, that saved time.]

What did that little display of yours just now cost you?

[Yes, he's more than aware of Astarion's vampiric inclination. Their colleague told him all about it but even so, Anjou feels a little guilty for not ordering him anything. That's why he plans on giving Astarion a delightful treat later, assuming the vampire stays on his good side. Anjou can be quite generous at times, almost to a fault.]

Not too much. [He admits with a sly smile.] Just enough to remind me of my delayed mortality but since I didn't cross the threshold too much, I won't be croaking any time soon.

[Hopefully. Anjou knows what he can typically get away with and what he can't. Besides, he wanted to thoroughly answer his date's question with a demonstration rather than with mere words.]

Now, what about you? I've been prattling on long enough, dear vampire.

[The man was the best kind of puzzle, the kind that only deepens the more you learn. Astarion finds himself wondering just how old Anjou really is and what that number even means.]

Well, that's good. A dead body isn't all that thrilling to most.

[Anjou catches him while taking a sip of his wine and he raises an eyebrow as he sets the glass down. Ah, good, so someone had forewarned him.]

It's not very interesting, I'm afraid. I'm not even a vampire - not a true vampire, at least. I'm a vampire spawn. Free of the roost, as it were, through... fate. Luck?

So, what about me? [A bit of a smirk tugs at his lips.] I'm afraid I can't offer a demonstration. Not here, at least. [There's a definite teasing purr that creeps into his voice.] And, if you're hungry, you really should eat beforehand. [His smirk turns a little more impish.]

[There's much to unravel about Anjou considering the man's entire past is something of a mystery. He's an anomaly in every sense of the word, an oddity even among his kind. It's terribly lonesome to be the oldest of your brood, to know there's no equal. But that just might change since Anjou is starting to warm up to Astarion.]

A vampire spawn? [He arches his brow a little.] Forgive me, I don't know much about vampires other than they require fresh blood as nourishment.

I take it that you once had a sire, yes?

[While Anjou wishes not to pry too much, he cannot help but do so. He's oddly fascinated with the vampire and those little fangs. He'll most certainly be looking forward to a demonstration later.]

So, I might get the opportunity to test how sharp those fangs are?

[He questions with a smile once the food arrived. Like most hybrids, Anjou can pretty much eat whatever he wants but he prefers hardy meals like steaks and stews over those flimsy salads. That's why he chose to dine upon a pan-fried steak for this evening with portabella mushrooms and asparagus drenched in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of thyme and freshly chopped parsley. It's a simple dish but a robust one and, yes, he likes his steaks medium-rare like a proper gentleman. He's half-dragon, he likes the blood.]

If you need a nibble, just ask.

[And he's not talking about the food either judging from his flirtatious smile.]

Mm. [He verifies before taking the glass of wine and knocking back the rest of it.] Would you mind bringing the bottle when you've a chance, my dear?

[It only take a moment for the waitress to return with the bottle, which Astarion graciously accepts, waiting for her to retreat back to the kitchen before pouring himself another glass.]

I was bitten by a vampire lord. I died. I became... what I am. [He takes another drink.] Vampire spawn aren't given blood from their lord, effectively making them a slave with some vampiric powers and all of a vampire's... 'quirks'.

I've recently become- [He tries to decide what world to use.]- Conveniently misplaced. And so have quite a few of my quirks. [He gives Anjou a toothy grin.]

Mm, I should hope so. Most people wouldn't consider that an 'opportunity'.

[The smell of the food, no matter how raw and bloody, made his stomach turn as if his body needs to remind him not to be an idiot.]

Ah, no, I'll wait for the main course as it were.

[Vampire lords sound suspiciously like Dragon Lords to Anjou but even so, the way these vampires distribute their powers differs greatly. It seems that all a vampire needs to do is bite some unwilling victims and transform them into their spawn. To be frank, that terrifying. Just one bite and your entire life will be over, forced into a terrible servitude forevermore.

Which begs the question, how did Astarion escape? Perhaps that's where their mutual contact comes in, which would make sense. Astarion won his freedom through the help of their friend and certainly plans on keeping it that way.]

Conveniently misplaced? Hmm, I like the sound of that.

[Anjou replies after taking a few bites of his food. It's almost a crying shame that Astarion can't eat regular food anymore. The steak is delicious.]

Oh, I'm the main course now? [He asks with a grin.] I almost like the sound of that.

[His smile doesn't quite reach his eyes when Anjou echoes his words.] It's complicated. But, yes. I've been misplaced. Like a lost toy. And happier for it.

[Of course, that implied that there was a possibility that someone might want him found, but he'd deal with that when the time came. For now, his focus was simply staying lost.

He chuckles softly.]

Very few would share your sentiments, I think. [He considers him over the glass of wine musingly.] I'm not sure what that says about you. Perhaps our paths were destined to cross, hm? [He chuckles again.]

[Anjou can't help but scowl. Just the thought of Astarion's former master coming to fetch him angers him on a level he didn't know possible. Nobody should have such dominion over someone else. Vampire spawn or not, Astarion is a man of his own free will and deserves to live his life accordingly without some bloody vampire threatening his autonomy.]

How powerful is this master of yours? [He questions after taking the last bite of his steak. It was a wonderful meal but Anjou's thoughts are focused upon other matters right now.] Do you think he can be defeated?

[If so, tell him how, Astarion. He'll fight and kill this monster if it means winning the vampire spawn his freedom. After all, Anjou is a dragon. He'll bite their bloody head off.]

Perhaps or maybe I'm just a bit of a masochist. [He jokes with a slight grin.] Nevertheless, I think we would make a rather interesting pair.

I'm not opposed to the idea, not at all.

Immensely so. [He frowns thoughtfully, though Cazador is the last thing he ever wants to think about and isn't it just hilarious that he tends to be the person he thinks about the most.]

... Yes. I do. [He speaks slowly, choosing his words carefully.] Regardless of how powerful he is, how powerful anyone is, they are not undefeatable.

[He just isn't sure how to defeat Cazador... The sun maybe. Finding him in order to defeat him is the tricky part. A vampire doesn't become as powerful and old as Cazador by being stupid.

Anjou cracks a joke but Astarion fixes him with an almost serious, steady stare.] Are you though? A masochist, I mean. [Instead of the usual light flirtiness in his tone, it's shifted to something darker. Something hungry.]

[If given the time to research more regarding vampire lore, Anjou is certain he could defeat Cazador. He's almost willing to bet money on it but at the same time, Anjou is arrogant to a fault. After all, he is the strongest of his kind and had virtually remained undefeated for over fifty or so years. Even so, Anjou is a bit of reckless at times. A little more than just reckless, actually. The man doesn't seem to know his limits even after all these years and he'll do anything to appease a pretty face.]

My, my, it seems I said the magic word. [Anjou mutters once he notices that stark change within the vampire's demeanor.] Pain can be as pleasurable sometimes, that is if one knows how to utilize it.

But I wonder if you can make me feel anything.

[He muses aloud with such a sly smirk. Anjou is curious if Astarion will take the bait. He's certain that those lovely fangs could cause some damage but will they be lasting? After all, hybrids tend to heal relatively quick.]

[He cracks a smile as he turns his head, giving the appearance of coyness.]

Don't sound so proud of yourself. [He's smirking again as he fixes his gaze back on Anjou.] I'm simply curious whether you're joking... [Once again, his expression turns more dark and serious.]... or not. [The curl of his lips predatory.]

Mm. So you like the intense feeling of it, the mix of pleasure and pain?

Noted.

[He traces his wine glass with the tip of his finger.] I'll keep it light, darling.

[Oh, he'll certainly be taking the bait, the hunger is clawing at his insides.]

I can assure you, I'm not joking.

[He answers before fishing within his blazer for his wallet. He'll pay for the meal and their drinks. After all, this wasn't much of a treat for poor Astarion, so why make him pay? The real treat begins now.]

Come, let's go somewhere a bit more private.

[Anjou suggests after paying for the bill. He gives the waitress a handsome tip that will most likely make them their favorite customers of the night before standing. It's then that he gestures of them to leave. As of where, well it depends on Astarion.]

Have any recommendations, dear? You look absolutely famished.

[Astarion just smiles at him, the edges dark, predatory. He's not even bothering to hide it. Why bother? His prey is willing. Not prey, that's why he's willing.

Tipping his wine glass back to down the last mouthful, he sets it down and stands gracefully.]

Let's. I'd like nothing more.

[He makes his way out of the restaurant, stepping out into the night.] Oh, hardly. [He gives Anjou a toothy smile.] You wouldn't like me when I'm famished. [He lets the word roll around in his mouth. But he's serious. He's very much in control of himself.]

Hmm. Options, options. A nice hotel? Or perhaps a private room at a club I know of? [Either seemed like good options to him. However, the club might have a few toys that they could use where the hotel most certainly would not. But they wouldn't be able to spend the night in the club. Decisions, decisions.]

Decisions, decisions...

[Anjou idly taps his finger upon his chin as he mockingly paces around Astarion. He knows that the vampire is absolutely starving but he seems hellbent on making him squirm for his next meal. That's why Anjou takes his sweet time deciding what to do with his esteemed date. Going to the hotel would be rather nice but then they would have to worry about checking in and waiting for a room. That would kill the mood drastically but if they went into a club, they could have a little bit of fun before turning in for the night at a hotel.

That sounds like a good idea, doesn't it? Anjou thinks so.]

I got it! [He stops abruptly as he turns towards Astarion with a giddy grin.] Let's go to the club first, then grab a room at the hotel.

[It seems that Anjou is planning on keeping Astarion around longer than just a night.]

Most agreeable. It's not far. I can practically smell the watered down drinks and desperation from here. [He flashes Anjou a grin, street lights glittering in his eyes and reflecting off the sharp angles of his fangs.

Honestly, he is pretty sure he can hear the solid thud of the bass from here, even if they are a block away.

He starts off in a leisurely stroll, eyes bright and alert in his element. Busy bars and people wandering down dark streets, this had been his hunting ground at one point. Not for himself, of course. For his his lord.]

Have you been to a club like this before? [He looks over at Anjou, gaze brimming with curiosity as he continues to try to feel out his new acquaintance.]

[A faint chuckle escapes Anjou once he hears the question. While Anjou has a habit of hanging out at bars or lounges, he's not much of a clubber. It's usually too loud and crowded for his liking and typically lacks the ambiance he seeks but for tonight, he'll humor it. He just wants any excuse for this lovely date not to end.]

Not particularly but I'm quite aware of the usual dregs that linger within such establishments.

[He gives Astarion a playful wink when the vampire glances at him.]

Therefore, I suspect this will be quite the venture.

[It's a beautiful night despite being a bit cloudy and hazy. While the stars above can't be seen, the moon is still visible. There's plenty of barhoppers wandering around, most of them drunk college kids who don't know how to hold their liquor and the occasional couples meandering through the avenues. This is the perfect hunting ground for someone like Astarion but thankfully he doesn't need to hunt when he has his next meal right next to him.]

How far off are we? You have a keener sense of smell than I do.

[i can swing any of 'em! easily au'd, but love spacey mashups.]

( m/f, she's 18 here. because this is totally what people do when they're trying to be normal and put their life back together after the black prom, right? )

[no 4 or 6 but go nuts /fingerguns]

[ pointy canines and cat-like eyes, oh boy! where he's from the warriorborn are viewed as something not-quite like a second class citizen, but yeah ]

[ His mother set this up. ]

[ any interest in a millennial superhero hacker spy? ]

[ sure, go for it! ]

[ Daisy Johnson has never in her life been on a blind date and, as she stands outside the upscale bar, she suddenly remembers why. Sure, people had tried to set her up over the years, but she'd always escaped the clutches of the dreaded blind date with one excuse or the other. Back in the day, she'd just left down for some mysterious hacker meeting or other, and these days she could usually count on a SHIELD mission keeping her occupied. Sadly, the latter excuse only works when your boss isn't the one participating in the setup — something she will never let Mack hear the end of.

SHIELD had helped resolve a dicey situation with one of NYC's rich elite, who had invited the agents involved to a swanky party as thanks. As much as they all hated it, making connections like that was important for an agency that no longer received government funding, so they'd all begrudgingly attended... Which is how she'd met one Jessica Whitly. The rest, unfortunately, is the history that led to this evening of staring at the bar's front entrance in dread.

Maybe it won't be so bad. She'll have a drink, they'll make small talk, and then she can escape with her usual mission excuse. Hell, maybe she'll get lucky and she really will get called in. All she can do is hope.

So, in she goes, giving her name at the front and being shown to a table. She shrugs off her leather jacket, draping it over the back of the chair, and tries not to feel uncomfortably underdressed while she waits and checks her phone.

Where's a good supervillain when you need one? ]

Malcolm has, unfortunately, been on a few blind dates, most of which have been set up by his mother. She's trying so hard to find him someone when she doesn't seem to realize that he's okay on his own. He'd even argue that he's better off. Not many people can understand him and what he's been through, and he's not always the greatest boyfriend material. Malcolm wishes she'd just leave it alone.

But, this date is already set up and it would be rude to cancel, so here he is. He's wearing his suit from work, which is very nicely tailored. The maître d points him in the direction of Daisy. His first impression is that she's pretty at least, if not a bit underdressed for this bar.

"Daisy?" he asks as he approaches the table. "Malcolm Bright."

Daisy has a nagging suspicion that Mack had encouraged her to accept this blind date out of some older brother worry that she might be alone forever. Granted, she's had the same thought herself once or twice, but she's accepted that it's probably better that way. Her trust issues are deeply ingrained, and after losing Lincoln... She's just not sure she can stand to have her soul crushed again like that. Her life is dangerous — why pull someone else into that?

The man who approaches looks just like the photo his mother hadn't hesitated to show off. Standing as he approaches, she smiles cordially and holds her hand out for him to shake, intending to use the same firm grip she uses at work. It's better for her 'date' to understand right off the bat that she's not some dainty flower. "It's nice to meet you."

And don't think she doesn't notice that suit or the money it exudes by virtue of being so nicely tailored. She's spent the better part of a decade around Coulson and his collection of suits; she's picked up a thing or two along the way.

Despite all of his problems, Malcolm is at least somewhat handsome. Count on his mother to hook innocent women in with his picture.

He notices the strong handshake; it's unusual for a date, but he's not upset by it. "Nice to meet you too." The two of them sit back down at the table and a waitress appears a few seconds later. Malcolm orders an old-fashioned and then looks across the table at Daisy.

"For you?"

More than anything, Daisy just wants to order a beer and try to get back into her comfort zone, but she's already feeling out of place in this far too swanky establishment, so instead she looks up at the waitress and says, "Whiskey, neat."

No way is she admitting that she has no idea what's in most of the cocktails whose names she can actually remember. Just sticking with a classic.

When the waitress retreats, Daisy smiles awkwardly at her date for a moment, scrambling for something to say. What comes out is the first thing that popped into her head.

"So, how many of these dates has your mom set up for you?" Because surely she's not the first.

Malcolm's already observing her behavior, picking up on any little quirks. She seems uncomfortable, but that could be due to the fact that this is a blind date, one of the most uncomfortable situations on the planet.

The question is blunt, but it makes him laugh. "Uh. Since I've moved back to New York, or ever?" he asks. "You're the third since I've been back here."

And that's only because he's managed to wriggle himself out of a few others, thanks to using work as an excuse.

As a highly trained spy, Daisy is pretty good at hiding her emotions and putting on whatever act a situation might call for. She can fool even the most skilled criminal masterminds if she puts her mind to it. But this isn't a mission and she's not working tonight, so while her usual walls might be up, there are still little things that slip through the cracks: that discomfort with being out of her element and having to make small talk with a total stranger; the slight fidgeting of her fingers on the table while she wishes this place wasn't too classy to have sugar packets sitting out. The alcohol will help, whenever it arrives, and she'll at least be able to hold the glass for something to do with her hands. It's not ideal but it'll have to do.

At least she gets a laugh out of him. That's a good sign.

"I might have only had one conversation with her, but I'm not surprised," she admits with an amused smile. "Is she just the meddling type or does she really want grandkids or something?"

He is, unfortunately, always on edge. That's a part of his anxiety. He's also always observing behavior, always profiling, because he can't help it. It comes as naturally to him as breathing. She's fidgeting, which belies her nerves. Malcolm doesn't judge her for that.

"Wow, she managed to hook you in after one conversation," he says, taking a deep breath and then letting it out with a sigh. "She... cares about me. Wants me to be happy. And probably also wants grandkids."

He'd thought that Ainsley would be the most likely source of those, but now he's not too sure.

"It's nice that she cares," Daisy comments, an air of sadness clinging to the words. Not all mothers do, she wants to say but catches herself in time to keep that particular bit of history to herself. They'll very likely never see each other again after this and he doesn't need her baggage ruining what is looking to possibly be an okay evening.

Another smile grows as she adds a clarification, explaining, "And technically, she hooked my boss after one conversation. Your mom introduced us to a lot of people that night — and Mack probably thinks it's about time I start dating again."

It should be very clear what she thinks of that last part. She adores her surrogate big brother but please stay out of her love life, thanks.

"Yeah, I guess so." He can guess what Daisy is getting at. At the end of the day, Malcolm is glad that he has his mother. Without her, he'd have no one.

"So we both got set up?" he asks with a playful smile. "Sorry that you got roped into this."

'Dating again' implies that something significant happened to whomever Daisy was dating before. Bad break up? Death?

Daisy shrugs, smile still in place, as the waitress approaches with their drinks. "I can think of worse ways to spend my evening."

Malcolm will have to outright ask if he wants that particular segment of her tragic backstory, and he certainly won't get the full thing. No way is she telling some random normal guy that her boyfriend died saving the world by blowing up an alien in space. That's a second date story, at the very least.

Edited 2021-10-13 00:20 (UTC)

Malcolm's heard a lot of strange things from women on dates, but that might be a first for him.

He accepts the drink and toasts Daisy silently before taking a sip. Liquid courage. Malcolm could blow this entire thing off and not care about what kind of impression that he's making on her, but she actually seems interesting.

"You work for some kind of government agency?" It's half a guess, but he thinks it's solid.

Before meeting him, Daisy would rather have been on the most boring stakeout ever than on a blind date. She would rather have been tackling a mountain of dreaded paperwork than on this date. Now? Well, blind dates still suck, but at least he's turning out to not be an entirely terrible one.

"I'm an agent of SHIELD," she answers after taking her own bracing sip of her drink. "We used to be government-funded but now we try to be self-sufficient. This way, we don't have to explain our decisions unless we really screw up, and we don't have Congress breathing down our necks trying to tell us how to do our jobs."

He's been on some pretty excruciating blind dates before, but paperwork is pretty fucking awful. At this point, he'd probably rather take the date. At least this one has gotten off to a good start.

"That's the best way to be," he says with a wry smile. "I used to work for the FBI. The oversight is... smothering, at times."

Malcolm had found it increasingly more difficult to play by their rules before he was ultimately fired from his job. He does what it takes to get answers and to get justice for victims. Some people aren't willing to go as far as he is.

Daisy gives a single laugh and half a smile as she nods in agreement. "That's one way of putting it. When I first started working with SHIELD, there were a thousand rules and regulations to follow that made no sense to me. It was all just... really damn frustrating."

Taking another sip of whiskey, she tips her head to the side in a semblance of a shrug. "The reorganization has changed that much, at least."

It's about the only good thing to come from the whole mess with HYDRA. The agency has become what it was always meant to be — and she's gotten to be a part of that process.

"My methods can be unconventional sometimes," Malcolm says with a shrug of his hand. "The FBI isn't a place to be unconventional." They loved his methods when they closed cases. He must have become too much of a liability.

"I've heard about SHIELD, but I'll be honest, I don't know a lot about it." He sits back in his chair. "What kind of cases do you guys work, if you're at liberty to say."

Daisy might not be able to give specific details about cases, but he's fine with a broader description.

Even now, Daisy can't imagine working at any other agency than SHIELD. They deal with unconventional issues through unconventional methods on a daily basis — anything more rigid and structured would be a terrible fit for someone like her.

"Most of what we deal with on a local level has to do with people with abilities or technology beyond normal means," she answers after a moment of thought, choosing to take a more diplomatic approach. "One of my first missions, back before everything with HYDRA came to light, involved a group of people who were forcing others to commit illegal actions. They'd removed a woman's eye and installed a cybernetic implant with an interface that allowed them to communicate with her; if she didn't follow orders, they would detonate the explosives within the implant."

She tilts her glass, watching the amber liquid move within. "Later, they changed their method to what they called the Incentive Program. Instead of harming the individual, they threatened to harm family members they'd kidnapped."

Even just talking about it makes her sick. And angry. After all these years, she's still disgusted by what Garrett and HYDRA had done to so many innocent people.

At first he questions what she means about people with abilities. Then, after her example, it makes more sense. He can tell it brings up something within her, a sense of anger and disgust.

"People can be diabolical," Malcolm says, leaning back in his chair and observing Daisy across the table. "How did you stop them?"

Diabolical. He doesn't even know the half of it... and it's good that he doesn't. The more people who can live their lives without knowing the kind of evil that's out there, the better.

"Stormed the castle," she answers, then takes another sip of her drink. "I went in with another agent, just walked into this normal-looking office building and got their attention with the explosives I was carrying. We got the hostages out, communicated that to someone under their control, and he took out the head of the operation as soon as he knew his son was safe."

Daisy doesn't know the half of it either. His father single-handedly ruined his life - as well as the lives of hundreds of others. Diabolical is a perfect word.

The corner of his mouth quirks up in a smile. "Very nice. It's a more direct approach than what I usually take, but it sounds very effective."

[voicetesting!]

[ info here. I apologize in advance...]

[ It's hard to meet people when your job is dealing with gruesome crime all day, y'know? Canonmates and cross-canon welcome. ]

[ I am explicitly here for terrible ideas, hellacious awkwardness, and hijinks. Canonmates and cross-canon welcome!

~~Possibly heteroflexible for Jester, everyone wants to kiss Jester, c'mon~~ ]

[up for some hilarious antics with 3 or 4? I'm also open to 5 or 6]

[ AM I :D

The AU where these two of all people are in an arranged marriage seems cursed and part of me is here for it, but I'm also extremely here for a good old fashioned #3 where they got set up by ... like ... Marius or something. ]

[goddamnit Marius!! I love it, lemme know if this works.]

[It's a lovely evening in Nicodranas and it's time for a horrible date.

It had started with a bet. One that Molly lost, terribly, that left him filling in as a companion for someone Marius promised he'd set up on a blind date. At the very least it promised to be entertaining.

Thus, Molly finds himself in one of the cities classier establishments. Not too classy, mind you, but a level above dingy bar and below the businesses that would turn their noses up at him for his state of dress. Which is fortunate, because if he got kicked out in his ass at the doorstep, Beau would never let him hear the end of it.

He gives a wave and a wink to the host, dropping Marius's name which gets him led out onto one of the restaurant's intimate balconies overlooking the sparkling waters of the ocean. A perfect view, really. But one that he could only appreciate for a moment before his eyes fell on the small, green, and very familiar form of his companion for the evening.

For fuck's sake, Marius.

With a shake of his head, he takes a seat across the table from Nott, leaning over the table towards her with a wide grin on his face.]

Well now, look who it is. Fancy meeting a goblin like you in a place like this.

[ Nott has been alternating between suspicious glares at the ocean -- yes, it's beautiful, but at what cost -- and nervy glances at the door. She shouldn't have let Marius talk her into this, right? But he'd assured her that the guy was hot, and "kind of a weirdo, like you," so ...

And also he wouldn't drop it, so like. For fuck's sake, Marius.

She's looking out at the ocean when Molly addresses her, and she jumps. ]

--Molly? What're you-- Listen, not to be rude, but I'm expecting someone.

[Molly grins. She was twitchy as always. At least the evening would be interesting, since Nott's buttons were always so easy to push.

He leans back in his chair, spreading his hands out to indicate the empty table between them.]

Who are you expecting? This doesn't seem like your usual scene.

[ She heaves a sigh, propping her chin on her hand and drumming the fingers of the other on the table. ]

If I tell you, you gotta promise not to tell Fjord. Or Beau.

[Molly makes a show of considering, giving a long, drawn out hum.]

I can pull one over on Fjord, but Beau might be a problem.

You think you can't lie to Beau? Come ooooon.

Oh I can lie to her any day of the week. But it might not go over so well because she's part of the reason that I'm here.

[ Surprised and curious: ] She is? So what're you doing here?

Because I lost a bet and Marius was pestering her because he needed someone for a blind date.

[ Just gonna check the ol' Deception roll as Nott puts several puzzle pieces together and then attempts to keep a straight face.

It's a 2. Her Deception is -3. Her face could only be conveying "OH. OH!" louder if she actually said it. ]

A -- blind date, huh? A blind date. Interesting. A blind date.

[Molly's got a passive Insight of 16. He sees you, Nott. And he gives her a grin, since he's already put the pieces together.]

Isn't that curious? Now, what was it that brought you here.

Thuuuuuh wine, probably.

[ She gives Molly a narrow look as she reaches for her glass. ]

Why'd you say yes?

[ When you escape from an underground testing facility run by murderous computers it can be tough to get back on the dating scene.

Probably skip 3 and 5 unless there's established CR of some kind ~~GLaDOS???~~, but open to others! Cross-canon more than welcome, canonmates if you're ready for things to get awkward. ]

They set me up!

The BLIND DATE Meme

Caleb Widogast 》Critical Role 《 OTA

Maleficent | Maleficent: MoE | M/F

Ron Anjou | Dragon Raja

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kei yuki | captain harlock | ota

Chloe | Detroit: Become Human

jyn erso || rogue one || ota

cassian andor || rogue one || ota

rey || star wars || ota

sue snell | carrie

ben solo || star wars || ota

bodhi rook || rogue one || ota

rose tico || star wars || ota

mobius | mcu | ota

Ignis Scientia | FFXV | ota

Gilderoy Lockhart | Harry Potter | OTA

benedict sorellin-lancaster | the aeronaut's windlass

Malcolm Bright | Prodigal Son | M/F

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i'll match your preferred format!

sorry for the delay!

no worries at all!

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sorry, life ate me :(

it's clearly been eating me too :(

life pls chill out

for real

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inanna | babylonian mythology | ota

Amy Rose | Sonic the Hedgehog | M/F

ruby lucas/red | ouat | ota

Jerry • Tales from the Gas Station • ota

Beverly Katz | NBC's Hannibal | OTA

Nott the Brave | CritRole C2 | M/F

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