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Dark Secrets and Bright Smiles [Kry x PapillonCameo]
Jade stood behind the counter, wiping it down with a rag. He was smiling and whistling a happy tune. There were no customers, heck he didn't even have employees. But the cafe was open, more or less. It seemed to be in a bad part of town, not really bad, but just not a good spot for a cafe. No one seemed interested in his little shop that he had worked so hard to get. Still he was just happy to be far from home. Far from his 'father'. Also he still held out some hope that a customer or potential employee would walk in. The cafe was small and a two floor building, though the second floor was an apartment, where Jade lived. Stairs leading up to it somewhere in the back of the kitchen located near one of the storage closets. That counter was already spotless, but he wiped at it mostly from boredom.
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Byron peered at the streets with calculating eyes. He was searching for someone, following yet another dream, but he couldn't find the monster. Not today. It seemed like his luck was out, and that was when the café caught his grey eyes. The blond man strolled into the store, pausing as he heard the chime signalling his presence.
It was a surprise not to see anyone else, save the person manning the counter. The café was new, or so he thoughts as he walked past the empty tables and chairs to peer at the menu. Strange, the man was familiar somehow... Perhaps another monster of a type he hadn't encountered before? The self styled lord let his head fall, eyes roving over the man as he tugged absentmindedly at the long braid hanging over his shoulder. "I'll have whatever you recommend." Now, how to go about things with this one? "And maybe later I could make m own recommendation..." Byron smiled at the thought, secretly hoping that the seductive tone in his voice was enough to lure his prey away. |
Jade was rather surprised when the door opened, pleasantly surprised it would seem as the chime signaled the entrance of his first customer. The blonde haired, green eyed boy was practically bouncing on his feet with the man came to the counter. "Welcome!" He spoke that one word wholeheartedly. "How about a couscous salad and green tea? That'll be the day's recommendation.." A slight blush colored Jade's cheeks at the seductive tone of the man's next sentence. For a moment Jade looked almost bashful, a little uncertain. "Ah..that..That could be fun I suppose." This man was flirting with him! His first customer and the man was so handsome and flirting with him.
"I'll be right back with your order, sir." Bright smile on his lips, light blush still on his cheeks and he turned quickly to vanish into the kitchen to make the man's salad and tea. Remembering belatedly that he should have made the tea first so the man would have something to drink while waiting for the salad be fixed. Really though it didn't take long for all of it to be prepared and quickly Jade was returning to the other with salad plate in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. "Here we go!" He set the items down so he could push buttons on the register. "The total is three dollars even." He giggled a little at that, not even sure why the total being an even amount amused him. |
A tiny smile tugged up his lips as Byron nodded. "That does sound delicious." For some reason, it didn't seem like he spoke of just the food or drink being offered him. The tall man leaned an elbow against the counter as he waited patiently. He was used to waiting and bidding his time, today was no different then usual. At least he was being served as he ought, though the person serving him was not worthy of such a responsibility.
The store owner seemed a monster indeed, with a honey sweet personality to draw in unsuspecting passers by of Byron's city. That simply wouldn't do. Elegant hands eclipsed themselves in the pocket of his vest as Byron sought change. The coins clanked against the counter as the man let them fall. "I recommend the dinner theater, it has such nice shows, especially if the company is as delightful as you seem to be." There was implication enough in the statement for near anyone to understand what Byron asked for. |
Jade picked up the coins from the counter to drop them in the register. Looking at the man as he recommended the dinner theater. That did sound like fun, Jade was blushing again, and squirming just the tiniest bit. It made his heart flutter in weird patterns when this man flirted with him. Though he had never been flirted with much before, always locked away in his father's mansion or at school with no time for romance. "I've never been to a dinner theater before." He blushed a little bit harder. "Do you really think I'm delightful company?" That smile was on his lips, bright and perfect.
All this was so exciting, his first customer, might also be his first date, unless Jade was reading too much into this flirtatious man. He didn't think he was reading too much into it though. "I'm Jade Delacroix." He spoke the words after realizing the other didn't even know his name. Though he was a little uneasy about giving out his last name, even in this city people might recognize who his father was. A few hundred miles from his home, that name seemed to follow him everywhere though. It was hard to hide from something like that though, when your father was the head of a large company, and one that produced things found in almost every electronic device. |
The name sounded familiar, but not enough to halt his plans. Byron lifted the transparent tea cup and took a sip. The flavor slipped over his tongue, making him half close his eyes in delight. Truly, it was delectable. Done savoring the beverage, the man turned his attention to the young man again. "Then I suppose it's time I introduce you to one. As to that, of course ... Jade." The name rolled from his tongue; Byron had to admit he liked it.
"My name is Byron Truesdale." Introductions were always such a bother, when all he wanted to do was see glistening red. Perhaps someday soon, it would be Jade's red he saw, flowing from lines on pale skin. |
Jade was rather pleased when the man didn't react to his name the way others often did. Perhaps he had finally found someone unfamiliar with it. That was so very refreshing for him, for one who was always trapped under the shadow of his father. He gave the tiniest of shivers at the thought of his father, and pushed thoughts away. He was still blushing though, and seemed to blush a little bit more at the way his name left those lips.
"Byron." He practically purred the name out. "It's such an elegant name, I think it suits you wonderfully." Ironically enough, Jade had seen plenty of red running from lines on his pale skin. It was why he wore a thin long sleeve shirt, even now in the midst of summer, it hid those scars one's inflicted on himself, and the ones inflicted by his father. Despite his troubled past though, Jade tried to be a happy boy. He tried. Especially when others were in his presence, but his smiles never quite reached his eyes. "I'd be honored if you took me to a dinner theater." Though he did seem slightly uncertain. Essentially this man was a stranger, and even if he was interested in Jade, he probably shouldn't go off alone with him. Then again, they wouldn't be alone really. They would be in a crowded dinner theater. Jade was getting almost anxious. When would the man want to take him? He didn't dare ask, for fear of seeming to eager. |
The boy would probably think him crazy, like others had, if he spoke of being a lord. It was far too soon for that anyhow. Instead, he smiled, leaning forward to show off his fine features and interested grey eyes. "Thank you, but your name is far more suited to you then mine is to me." Byron was far more dangerous then the genteel veneer he painted over himself ever showed, at least until it cracked.
"When are you free to go? Would you like it if I drove you, or would you prefer to find it yourself?" Last time Byron had taken too many risks with his prey. It was best to proceed with caution now, when the police had become so much more suspicious then before. |
He smiled a bit more, if that was even possible as Byron turned his compliment back on him. Those eyes, Jade stared into them, for a few moments he feared he might get lost in those grey orbs. The seemed so deep and unfathomable, except that interest that Byron was showing in him. He blinked, turning his head away just slightly, giving him an almost shy appearance.
"I haven't been in town long..I don't really know my way around. It might be best if you came and picked me up. I'd probably get lost on my own." Jade looked around the cafe for a moment. "I would be free tonight, I don't think I'll have many customers." He pouted, looking terribly sad for a moment as he mentioned not having any customers, but Jade brightened up quickly enough. "Oh, but if tonight is too soon, then we can go whenever you like. I can work my schedule around anything, I'm sure." Was he imposing? Was he being too excited? Too anxious? He really didn't want to come off as being like any of that at all. |
He had to admit that the monster's smile was enchanting, though there was something just a little off about it; the expression didn't read Jade's eyes. O well, the young man's emotional state was no concern of his. Byron had other plans for the store owner.
"Tonight? That works well for me too. When, and where should I go to pick you up?" Someone new in town ... That was perfect for his plans. He could take his time with this one then, without worrying over much about being found out by the meddlesome police. The law enforcement should have been helping him in his quest, not hindering his every move. |
"You can pick me up here, I'll wait out front. I live in the apartment right upstairs." He glanced up at the ceiling briefly as he said that, it was a very modest apartment, only furnished with the absolute necessities right now. But Jade planned on doing a lot of shopping for furnishings for that apartment. He wanted to make it bright and warm. Even if he was the only person that ever saw it Those thoughts quickly slipped back around to the present and the current topic under discussion. "As for time..I dunno..don't the shows at dinner theater's have a certain time when they start?" He was uncertain, he didn't know, since he had never been to one but it made since that the shows would start at certain times. He shrugged slightly and continued to smile at Byron. "It doesn't matter about the time though, whatever time is best for you will be fine with me."
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Byron nodded at this new information, promising himself that he would find some way into the apartment above without being noticed. It would make stealing Jade away so much easier if he knew the layout of where he lived. "Does 7:15 sound good to you? The show begins at 8 o'clock, and it would give us time to settle down and find our seats before the opening act." The show was a musical, the kind of thing you'd see on Broadway actually. For the next while it was Chicago taking the stage with all its sultry and dangerous mystique. Byron was quite fond of the story, and it showed as his smile finally really reached his eyes.
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Jade nodded eagerly, somewhat afraid he might seem too eager. "That sounds perfect." He bounced a little on his feet, and picked up the rag he had been wiping his counter with earlier. "Oh. Please excuse me for a moment. I need to clean up a little in the kitchen." Jade was a marvelous baker, but if he was doing anything in the kitchen that didn't involve baking, he was just a mess. Luckily he hadn't made a big mess when preparing Byron's salad, but it was still a mess, no matter how tiny and it did need to be cleaned up.
He lingered for a moment, reluctant to leave his only customer, who was now his date. "If you need anything else please don't hesitate to give me a shout." That bright, friendly smile remained on his lips, even as he finally turned from the other to disappear into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen Jade would set about cleaning up the small mess he had made. |
He nodded, still smiling, and watched as the young man walked away to take care of the disarray in the kitchen. This was indeed a nice little café, it was almost a shame that it would be under new management soon, if Byron had his way. Though, strangely, he found himself wondering how long he could delay that. It would be interesting, playing this game of cat and mouse while doing his best to keep his prey unaware.
Byron savored the greens, set artfully upon a plate before him. Once done, the tall man plucked up the dishes he'd used and moved to place them upon the counter. "Jade? Could you recommend something for desert? Your suggestions were delicious last time, so continuing with them seems the best option." Flattery, he hoped it put the blonde at ease. |
It was only a little mess, so it really didn't take him very long at all to have it cleaned up. Jade lingered in the kitchen though, wondering what he should wear tonight. Something with long sleeves, or arm warmers. He didn't need to frighten off this lovely man by overwhelming him with the scars on his arms. Jade decided that he would wear what he had on, as long as he didn't end up spilling anything on his clothes. Though knowing Jade he probably would change before the 'date' anyway.
He was stepping out of the kitchen, just as Byron set the dishes on the counter and called his name. Bright smile met Byron, and Jade clapped his hands lightly in front of his chest. "Dessert? That's the best part of any meal, in my opinion. I know the perfect thing, too." Jade turned and moved over to the part of the counter that was behind glass, with shelves lined with all kinds of baked goods and pastries. He bent down to retrieve something from a lower shelf, he held the plate carefully as he stood and came back to Byron. A small slice of red velvet cake sat almost delicately on the little plate. He offered the plate to Byron carefully. "I think this is a nice follow up to what you've just had." That smile had almost turned shy as he made his suggestion. Once the other had taken the plate, Jade would pick up the used dishes and quickly go drop them in the sink to be washed later, before returning. Eager to see if his new friend was enjoying it. |
Red, what a beautiful color. Byron's lips curled up at the sight. "This does looks delicious." Wordlessly, he lowered a hand to fish inside the pockets of his dark jeans for change. The sound of metal hitting against more of its kind filled the air for a moment, and then ended when the blond man had found what he wanted. He let the change fall to the counter when Jade disappeared.
Absentmindedly, Byron grasped a fork in his elegant fingers and took a few slow bites of the cake. He lifted grey eyes to peer at the monster when it returned, harboring a half false smile. "You seem to have a knack for knowing what I want.." The words were definitely suggestive, and were made even more so by the way he tilted his head to look at the other man. |
Jade was glad Byron was pleased with the cake he had picked out for dessert. Slight blush coloring his cheeks at the suggestiveness of the other's words and Jade turned his head slightly away, once again giving him that half shy appearance. "Well, I just know what desserts compliment what courses really. I only guessed that you might like the salad." He shifted on his feet slightly for a few moments, then seemed to quickly recover from that almost state of shyness Byron had put him in. That bright smile was still on his lips though and he watched Byron with sincere delight, event though that smile refused to touch his eyes. He was glad that he was getting along so well with Byron. "I'm very happy that you liked all of my recommendations so far." He wriggled slightly for a moment, it seemed rather hard for Jade be too still for long amounts of time.
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The lord's grey eyes became more assessing, weighing the words and actions of the potential monster. There was something about the young man, something different then those he usually set his malicious sight upon. "I look froward to seeing more of you, Jade. For now, it's time to leave. I need to get ready for our outing tonight." Byron smiled and bowed slightly. Strange, how the action seemed appropriate all of a sudden.
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At first Jade wasn't sure how to respond to that. Byron was looking forward to seeing more of him, did that mean that there would be other dates? Though Byron called it an outing, and Jade nodded slightly. On the inside he was bubbling over with excitement, almost too much to contain. Still, it was just an outing, wasn't it? Just two friends going to hang out...No, it was totally a date. It had to be, especially with the way Byron spoke in suggestive tones and flirted with him. It was definitely a date. That smile continued to play over his lips, as if it were permanently stuck there. It almost fell though, a very slight twitch of the lips the only indication that Jade's smile nearly slipped away.
He wasn't ready for his new friend to leave yet, but he was right, he should go and get ready. Besides the man could hardly spend all evening in the cafe, with nothing to do but talk to Jade and sip tea or coffee and nibble on things. Jade a ran a hand through his hair, bouncing on his feet slightly. "I'll be waiting out front for you." Jade was a little surprised by the slight bow, but pleased by it. He did like things like that and it did seem oddly appropriate. "I'm so glad you came into my cafe." Jade was very sincere in his words, even if saying them out loud made him feel a little cheesy. He couldn't help it, it was how he felt. He was so very glad he had met Byron, he was certain they would get along wonderfully. |
Byron smiled, moving to press his lips against the other man's cheek. It was hard to resist, the monster looked so adorable. "I'm glad I walked through those doors. Til later, Jade." He almost meant it too.
Now he finally did walk away. Byron slipped into his car and drove himself to the suburbs. Once there he walked into his comfortable home with its deadly secrets. It was only a matter of taking the stairs from the kitchen, and then he was in his room choosing something elegant and charming to wear. It really wasn't much. Just a dark pinstriped vest, a fedora, an emerald green shirt and a pair of dark dress pants. This would do to impress, he was sure. |
Jade watched, with that smile on his lips, as Byron exited the cafe. He set about to wiping things down again, even though it didn't really need it. He cleaned up the dining area, and then moved to the kitchen. Tidying up a bit and cleaning up things that probably didn't really need it. He closed the cafe a little earlier, and darted upstairs to his apartment. He was so very excited, he couldn't keep from bouncing on his feet any longer. He rummaged through his closet, picking something to wear, then putting it back to pick something else only to put that back. It took Jade a while to figure out what he would wear, even though he had originally just planned to wear what he already had on.
Then he hopped in the shower. He had taken one this morning, but still he did smell rather like tea and cake. Once done with the shower, he slipped on the clothes he had decided on. Jade came down into the cafe wearing dark slacks and an equally dark button down long sleeve shirt. It was thin, so he shouldn't get too hot in it, and he would have to remember not to roll his sleeves up if he did start to get hot. He didn't need to frighten Byron away with the scars on his wrists yet. Jade sipped at some tea for a few minutes, before he moved to wait out front for his date. |
He slipped into his car, humming softly to himself as he drove through the night's traffic. Strangely Byron was actually looking forward to this date, and not just the potential capture of the man he was going with. But that such things, with a monster .... A creature set out by dark forces to take control of the world ... There was no way he could actually enjoy spending time with it, was there?
Byron forced himself to smile as he parked and slipped out of the car and onto the curb. A brisk knock to the front door announced his presence at the café. The blond man almost knocked again, so impatient was he, but instead he let silence fall for a little while longer as he waited. |
Jade was more than ready to open that door when the other knocked on it. He had to stop himself when he was halfway to it though. The young man didn't want to appear to eager, to excited for the date. On the inside though he was brimming over with excitement. He ran a hand through his hair a moment, to make sure it was all in place, then his hands over his clothes to smooth them out a bit. He inhaled deeply to calm himself some, then he covered the rest of the distance, and pulled open the door.
Bright smile on his lips as he peered at Byron. "Hey..Hi...I'm all ready to go." He shifted on his feet, feeling foolish all of a sudden and turning his head away to give that half shy appearance. Jade was nervous and excited, and it probably showed, especially in the way he had responded once opening the door. Almost nervously he toyed with the end of one of the sleeves of the shirt he wore. |
With quiet force, the tall man guided his companion to the car with a firm touch here and there. "And you look quite handsome. You seem nervous, or excited maybe?" Probably both, in this shy monster's case. Better to know the young man's weaknesses, before using them against him, better to know how to plunge in the knife and twist, before capture.
It would be so much easier to learn about the others in the city if this one frightened easily and gave everything away. Byron didn't want to admit to himself that causing any irreparable harm to this one was a disgusting idea, even to him... Even if it was his duty to protect the city from monsters who walked among people. |
Jade let Byron guide him to the car with those firm touches here and there. Each one sent a thrill through him. This was so very exciting. He blushed slightly as the other called him out on his nervous excitement. "I'm very excited..and nervous..I keep thinking I'm going to say something stupid, or do something stupid and then you and I would never go out again." He brought a hand to his lips, covering his mouth slightly and blushing a bit deeper in embarrassment. He really shouldn't have said anything like that. Now Byron really would think he was dumb.
Jade chewed his bottom lip slightly, though once inside of Byron's car, Jade did seem to relax slightly. For most people that might have made them even more nervous, being in the vehicle with a practical stranger. Not Jade though, sitting down in general seemed to just calm him slightly. He hoped they had a lot of fun, and that Byron did really like him. He shifted slightly, and soon that smile was on his lips again. "I haven't been out much, with friends or on dates, people never seem to want to get close to me." He spoke the words casually, most were intimidated by Jade's father. But he was far from that man now, and on his own and he was determined to have a good time with Byron tonight. |
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