The Press Lounge had just opened in Hell’s Kitchen. It was quickly garnering attention with the young influencers of social media but also the well-to-do establishment of the city. Those somewhere in between liked the smaller price point, the grew views, the patio heat lamps and open fires… It was popular now and sure to be popular once the warmer temps hit considering that wading pool, so best to become a known regular now.

Certainly Ved had no interest in becoming a known regular, but he did appreciate getting the lay of the land. This seemed like a prime place to grab a drink, pick up a lead or two, or maybe just have some fun. He readied himself as appropriate with some fine attire, some loose change, his business cards for this guise’s work, and off he went.

Entering the lobby he went not towards security or the elevators for the various offices or smaller residences, but the direct elevator for the lounge. Jonas was seemingly 6’4” with auburn curls, bright green eyes, and a wide smile of pearly whites. Some old boots, a nice pair of denim jeans, and a brown bomber jacket over a crisp white shirt spilled the beans he had some southern heritage to speak of.

He glanced around at the few others nearing as the doors opened and they climbed into the elevator.

Oh there was no way someplace this nice was opening somewhere called Hell's Kitchen. However, it was a nice place, fairly lower in price compared to other places, and it was pretty close to home. So naturally, Cesca had to go check it out. Besides, it was in her blood to check out the finer establishments in the city; cheap just didn't suit her. 

Naturally, the former mob-princess decided to pull out her finest attire: A silky crimson blouse with her unzipped leather jacket resting over the top of it, a pair of slacks, accompanied by a gold-trimmed black belt, and her usual combat boots. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail, her usual black ear, navel, and even tongue piercings were replaced with gold, and she even went for a little more makeup than usual: a black eye-liner that really brought out her piercing yellow eyes, and a deep red lipstick.
Topping off the outfit was a black silk tie; she never wore dresses or skirts, but she looked damn good in this getup, and she knew it.

Uncharacteristically of her, Cesca didn't walk into the building like she owned it. No, there was an admiration and a respect, a sort of reverence in her body language, from the way she walked to the way she took in the sights.

This is definitely a front for the ****ing mob. It's gotta be.

Not that her suspicions were going to stop her from having a good time. Hell, if it was a front, she wouldn't view it any different if the place was well run, and places hiding criminal activity were usually the best run joints in their area. Arms swinging freely by her sides, she made her way to the elevator, heading straight for the lounge. As she entered the elevator, she made note of her fellow patrons. Most were none to write home about, but there was one who stood out; a good bit taller than her 5'10, He was dressed...nicely, but still made her feel a bit overdressed. More of a country type compared to her big city swagger. It wasn't bad by any means, people came in all flavors and styles, and as long as it worked, one couldn't argue with results. 

Once in the elevator, she made her way to the back wall and leaned against it, arms folded and allowing for more room for the others who were getting on. Looking over to the gentleman she'd been sizing up, she gave a nod and a half-smile in greeting. 

There was a guy with a fake rolex. There was a person with really nice unisex perfume or cologne on. An older woman was answering work emails on her phone. And there was a gorgeous young woman with unnaturally gold-mustard eyes that were well complemented by the gold of her jewelry. The leather jacket was just a great touch and he loved that black tie. This was a woman who knew what she liked and how she wanted to be seen.

Fun.

Being tall, he gravitated to the side of the elevator to give others more room. Up it started but he caught the half-smile that came his way from the bad ass in the crimson blouse. He returned that smile with a full one, and the nod with a nod though it was canted some 20 degrees much like you’d see down south. There was a bit of a bow in that nod, a bit of a hello there. Jonas was a persona Ved was well practiced in after all.

As the elevators opened and people scooted off into the pomegranate, ruby royal red and light and black leather of this bar, Jonas bid the young woman go first with a casual gesture. There was music but it wasn’t terribly loud, top 40 with a bit of EDM, but quiet enough that the lounge could truly be a lounge and not a nightclub.

“It’s my first time here. Got a drink recommendation?” he asked with a hint of South Carolina in his tone.

She could already tell this was going to be fun; it had been too long since Cesca had let her more…sophisticated side out to play, and truth be told she was almost downright giddy about it. The seedy bars were down to earth, with a sense of unpredictability, nightclubs were wild and high energy, but this…this was relaxed, classy.

When the doors opened, the woman hung back, letting everyone else off first, then taking the handsome stranger's cue and stepping off the elevator, but waiting for him to join her.

"It's my first time too, actually," she said with her natural ever so slight Chicago accent. When in doubt pick something simple yet familiar," she instructed as she took the lead, confidently heading to the bar. "My go to is a rum and cola, but depending on your tolerance, a good bet is whatever beer is on tap. From there it's easy to play it safe or branch out and get adventurous." She glanced over at him as they reached the bar.

"First one's on me."

“You don’t have a set list?” Carrick shrugged at the question. It was a legit one but he had never played at this location before. It was a newer bar, a bit nicer than the dives he usually played at. This would be a place the princess would drag him too after arguing with him till he put on a nice pair of jeans. Which was why it was clear he was a little uncomfortable.

Acoustic, this was the atmosphere. It was relaxed and there was a piano nearby which told him easy listening would be the best kind of music. “How do you not have a set list?” one blue eye and one green eye fixed on the manager who seemed far too frantic for the night. ”Mate, how do you not know how to describe yer atmosphere. You just said not a dive.” in fairness it was not. It would have been fine. His instrument was tuned and music was one of the few areas where he confident in. Too bad they did not hand out a GED for music. Stupid tests.

The newest guitar to his collection was removed carefully, no one would have been able to tell his last one was broken due to another bar fight. That was what you got for hanging out with Zek though. Chaos.

The elevator doors opened as more people exited the elevator, he shuddered at the thought of being trapped in the metal death trap in fact all of his golden brown feathers frilled out for a moment before he regained his composure. ”Evening all, welcome to the nicest joint in Hell’s kitchen. I’m Carrick O’Conner and this... is music.” he gave a wink to the manager who smacked their forehead.

Who needed a set list?

His fingers started running up and down the guitar as he plucked a few strings till an easy listening melody started to surround the rooftop. His bushy tail smacked the side of his guitar giving it a drumming sound as he continued to play. This was where he excelled.

Ved picked out that accent real fast. This woman was from Chicago, or at least nearby. One of his main personas here in NYC was from Chicago; thankfully not the one he was sporting now. Jonas was more fun anyway and he loved the South Carolina affectation.

Indeed, Jonas gave a look of surprise as the young woman said it was her first time here. He followed her to the bar with a, “Wow I assumed you basically ran this place.” Another few nods were made about what to order and he blushed just ever so slightly as she said the first drink was on her.

“Thanks, maybe I’ll join your rum and cola with a whiskey cola then,” he grinned, eyes big and green and bright. “I’m Jonas by the way. Nice to meet you.” The tall drink of - whiskey apparently - leaned against the bar but purposely avoided getting in the sightlines of this leather-jacket beauty and the bartender.

The bartender - a mid 20’s transfer from upstate with chocolate brown eyes and a lot of energy - prompted Cesca with a, “Hey, what can I get for you?”

Jonas - or truthfully Ved as it were - scanned the crowd and heard the call of the musicians- Holy shit was that a sphinix? Lion man? What were they called locally? He had wings! Carrick O’something was it. Irish? It seemed he was quite the bard. “That guy is using his tail as he plays,” Jonas remarked with wonder as he leaned in toward his new friend, as if it was some secret the whole bar couldn’t see. “Wow!”

She smiled, but it faded as she found herself thinking about home. She shook her head and regained her composure, taking a deep breath. "It's all about confidence. Behave like everything is going according to plan and you know exactly what you're doing. But, don't get cocky. Keep it simple, don't dig yourself into a deep hole because then everyone will know you have no idea. Keep your head high and your ignorance close to your chest."

She felt like she was in her element here. In control. Powerful. Something she honestly hadn't felt since…

"Whiskey is a solid choice. I'm Cesca. Nice to meet you too. Very refreshing compared to what I'm used to."

When they reached the bar she sized up the bartender, giving a polite nod. "Run and cola for me, whiskey and cola for my new buddy here, his first one's on me."

She turned her attention to the entertainment, not so much taken aback by his appearance as much as the performer's….casual approach to this. It clashed with the atmosphere of the place, but the music was good.

"Wow. That really is something. I'm not much of a guitarist, and I don't have a tail, but learning to coordinate another limb on top of both hands and at least one tapping foot…remind me to give the talent a good tip."

Jonas noted the smiled melting away as she thought, but she clearly shook those thoughts - feelings? - away before speaking of confidence and plans. Was this about someone she used to work with, be with? It was interesting that her next words about avoiding cocky behavior while following a plan. That sure sounded like good advice for someone who ran cons, or heists, or rescue missions under cover…

Or maybe it was about climbing corporate ladders, but she didn’t quite look the part. Didn’t mean she didn’t own her own business, but Ved doubted she worked at a law firm or one of the financial giants here in the city. They were pretty strict on attire.

She respected the whiskey choice, and he respected a love of rum. He gave a country nod and warm smile at her refreshing comment. Cesca was a pretty interesting name. “Cesca, thank ya,” he said quickly.

Cesca ordered, calling him her new buddy, and even spelled out the first drink was on her. Ved wasn’t sure if this was a good sign or a laying out of the rules. Either she had game and was setting up well or she was doubly clarifying expectations. Either way, he decided, this was already a good evening and Jonas was certainly enjoying himself.

“Yeah, wow,” Jonas replied at Cesca’s remark on the musician’s talent. The bartender quickly extended both drinks from between the two. “Thank you for this,” the southern boy lifted his drink to clink it with Cesca’s. “Cheers!” And after they did he took a quick, refreshing sip.

“Oh thanks for the lime,” he said quickly, glancing back at the bartender who gave a nod. His eyes went to Cesca and then back to this winged musician, who had stood as he played. Tail tapped and wings beat with the percussion. It’d be rude to ask if he played a harp right, but he seemed talented. Did the moving wings help focus the sound? Or maybe it muffled the chit-chatting around the lounge?

“What brought you out tonight? Trying this new place?” Jonas asked with an inquisitive tone that betrayed his own reason for coming out: trying the new place.

"Anytime; good first impressions are to be rewarded, I say," she replied, clinking her glass with his. "Cheers." 

Her first sip was slow and methodical. Much like her very entry into the building, she was surveying. Unlike when she went to the seedy joints or the dive bars, she didn't down her drink like it was plain soda. She wasn't looking to get hammered here, no. She was merely out to get the lay of the land, and luckily she'd met someone that didn't require alcohol to enjoy their company.

She was oddly relaxed and the music certainly helped with that. 

"Honestly, yeah. It's close to home, and nicer than the other places I've hit up so far." It wasn't a complete lie; she was checking out the new place and looking for a nice bar to regularly attend. Though she deemed it unwise to tell someone she just met her suspicions, especially while there.

"Honestly what brought me here was the appeal. It stands out in this area. I like that." She flashes a smile, unconsciously letting the gold piercing on her tongue trace her lips. 

The rhythmic bat of his tail continued until he was finished with the song. Mismatched colored eyes shifted from the instrument and his hands to the crowd that had entered to gauge a response. That usually dictated if he continued with the sound he just played or change directions.

The song was a few minutes long, that was good to know as it was the first time he had played it. Set list. Carrick cracked up at the words again and gave a wave to the crowd before taking a slight bow showing off more of his wings and tail again for added flare. There weren’t too many performers like him, that was part of the show. ”Ladies n’ gents if ya give me minutes and I’ll be right back.”

Usually he’d play two or three songs before taking a smoke or a pint break. This time was different however as the manager was bugging him with a ‘more’ gesture. Not knowing if he liked it or not Carrick set his guitar next to the stool he ha ignored during the performance and headed to the bar smiling whenever someone made eye contact. It was more of an upscale place, meaning the trust fund kids hardly paid him any mind. Not like they understood music.

When he got to the bar he smiled, ”Aye friend! Pint of the dark stuff and a shot of the whiskey.” he didn’t get a chance to get either before the show. The bartender nodded and started to gather the drinks. His tail flicked behind him as his eyes shifted from Rolexes to fancy earrings. That was when he saw some gold in a smile. It wasn’t much but he was part bird, shinies.

”Evening! Enjoying the performance so far?” Carrick asked the two who seemed far more welcoming than anyone else there.

Ved had to agree; good first impressions are to be rewarded. This Cesca made a very, very good first impression. His sip was quick but hers was slow and savoring. He moved the conversation to what brought her here tonight and she obliged.

Nicer than other places she said. He had to wonder if she favored the more run down bar, something with rock and leather, or maybe a bit of the neighborhood and run down off the main streets… She had to live here in Hell’s Kitchen by that comment. Jonas was listening with a faint smile and a tapping foot in time with the music. He smiled about the place standing out and then sipped his drink. Thankfully he was too because it hid the smile at watching that gold piercing trace her lips.

Suggestive and clever, or just suggestive and cool. Either way, a good first impression…

The smile was a little tamer, but still warm as the drink came down, "Well it's a stand out place for a stand out woman. I mean, I thought ya practically owned the place."

Carrick O’Catbird - he’d have to figure out that last name - called out then that he was taking a break. Jonas clapped, setting his drink down and letting his eyes go back on the musician. Seemed he was ready for a drink as those few in the ways moved to give way for the wings and tail. Even Jonas shifted a little, drawing a bit closer to Cesca so Carrick had some room at the bar.

Carrick greeted them and Jonas chuckled, smiling big and wide like the country boy he was pretending to be, at the call for an ale and whiskey. Irish. The accent was lovely and well, whiskey… Not that Ved liked stereotypes but well, it sure made it easier to craft up a guise. His green eyes glanced to Cesca and then went back to the musician.

“Oh yeah, yer great!” Jonas said excitedly, nodding a few too many times with excitement. “So cool how ya use that tall ya got there too. Play here on the regular?”

For the first time since leaving Chicago, Cesca felt in her element. Powerful. In control. Radiating a unique confidence that showed in her eyes.

She gave a small chuckle at the comment about standing out, and repeating that he thought she'd owned the place. "Good to know I haven't lost my touch." She raised her glass and took another sip. She applauded along with Jonas as the cat birdman person finished his song and took a brief drink break. Though she didn't need to, she slid closer to Jonas ever so slightly as he made room for their new guest.

She gave a nod and the hand holding her glass raised a couple of fingers with dark red painted nails in greeting. "You've got talent Very impressive so far," she complimented. "Love the more relaxed atmosphere you brought to this place." She lowered her voice a bit. "Most venues of this type tend to be a bit…tight and stuffy, if you get my drift. Your music adds a nice bit of flavor and fresh air." She gave an honest smile.

The gold vanished when he spoke but occasionally popped back up again. It wasn’t obvious but his eyes focused on the precious metal before shifting his attention everywhere else. ”Don’t no. This is the opening innit?” Carrick smirked eyeing his drinks as the bartender approched.

”Hope so, seems like a nice enough place. Imagine the manager and I will have some words though.” the shifter said as a matter of fact waving to the man who looked flustered when he wasn’t moving about the room checking in with the patrons. The wings shifted as he waved drawing some attention from the others in the room.

Turning his eyes back to the woman he mocked a bow, not one he did when he was addressing the princess but one that was a little less... smug. ”Thanks love, though ya haven’t seen much yet. Just getting started.

The bushy tail swayed behind him, ”Love to add a bit more ta the atmosphere but the manger is a bit stuffy. He wanted a set list, couldn’t even tell me what the atmosphere was here.” he clicked his tongue and reached for the shot.

”More fake Rolexes than I thought.” knocking back the shot he reached for the pint next. ”But this is the kitchen.” taking a sip of the pint next ”You two are?”

Jonas gave a reassuring smile at Cesca’s comment she hadn’t lost her touch. He very much agreed, taking another sip with her. Carrick came over and as Jonas moved he noted Cesca did too. Only she moved closer to him. That was another good sign of a great evening with more fun to be had.

”Don’t no. This is the opening innit?” Carrick asked. While Ved knew the exact date was last week with the private opening the week before, Jonas bit at his lower lip playfully while he glanced upward in supposed thought seemingly unsure.

Green eyes went to the out-of-sorts manager as Carrick waved. Jonas turned slightly, pointing a finger at Carrick, and then gave a big thumbs up followed by a chef’s kiss motion. Try having words when your patrons openly show appreciation! Maybe he’d have to talk to the manager later…

Cesca was complimenting Carrick and the winged musician worked that accent and a bit of flirtatious appreciation himself. Just getting started, like this night, but Jonas had to admire the word choice. Jonas would never call someone love, but maybe he needed a hot Irish charmer who called people love in his persona repertoire.

“I’d say the musician can set the atmosphere, stroking hearts, evoking tears, or getting everyone dancing,” Jonas gave a quick, southern right nod in full agreement with his own words. “You just keep doing what you’re doing and I’m sure he’ll come around,” the big southerner smiled and then chuckled at the rolexes comment.

“Oh I’m Jonas,” and he shifted back a bit to give Cesca a bit more room to move, “And this is Cesca. Much as you might think, she doesn’t own the place.” He leaned in to Carrick, stage whispering at a volume Cesca couldn’t miss, “But she's so hot yet chill I think she might actually be tricking me.” Leaning back, he winked a green eye at Carrick and grinned.

"He does seem the type, yeah…" Cesca replied as she shot the manager a glance, sizing him up. She knew them well; managers that didn't belong in a position of power but were so full of themself you couldn't tell them otherwise. It actually fit into her little theory about this place. Not that there was anything she would or even could do about that, honestly.

"I agree. The worst they can do is not book you again. Though if that's the case, probably better to come as a patron." She shrugged lightly. "Some bridges are best left burnt, after all." She took a smug swig of her drink, using the glass to hide her blush as introductions were given and she caught Jonas' whisper-that-wasn't-really-a-whisper-at-all. She'd never admit it but it caught her off guard.

Gathering her composure, she set her empty glass down, smiling coyly. "No tricks here–yet," she said with a smirk, regaining control of the situation. "Francesca Galloway, technically. But just call me Cesca," she said smoothly, reestablishing the rules with an air of confidence once again. "Another drink, please?" she waved to the bartender, who promptly made it for her. "And put Mr. O'Connor's next drink on my tab too,would you, dear?"