Good ol' Bloody Whiskey

[Rukou]

Bloody whiskey. A strong drink but a favorite to this vampire. Three shots of the mixture already. "Another, please," he requested. The bartender mixed another for him. One quick tilt, swallowed. Whiskey really relaxed Rukou. Especially on cold nights. That's all he wanted. To relax, even though he's always relaxed. Maybe he just wanted to get drunk?

Now, Rukou was a pretty good looking man. Dark brown hair, average height, and a slick dresser. But always in black. Your typical vampire color but he doesn't wear all black because of it's symbol, he wears it because he can blend in more easily into surroundings. But after years of wearing it, he refuses to wear any other color. But what he wore at the moment was a shirt that he requested to be made. A little to difficult to describe, but it was very laced up and lots of fabric dangling off it. It was definately fitted for him and gave him a bit of a curve to him. To match, he wore black pants with lots of random straps to it. Nothing like those annoying Tripp pants thast he hates so much but something more messy looking.

His hair matched his clothes. A little long hairstyle that had many layers to it and a messy look to it. "Werewolf" is what he called that style. It was a dark brown color with bits of black in it. For some reason, his hair would always change from black to browns. No one knew why, it was just natural.

'Learning How to Smile' by Everclear played over the tavern's speakers. [One of the FEW places that has electricity!] "Victor's been playing with the tracks.." Rukou whispered. He fiddled with the shot glass and read it aloud "Black Stone Academy - The Blood Tavern". Under it was a picture of a bat. Hah, a bat. Tap tap tap. He tapped the glass on the table, a sign meaning he was bored. The glass was flipped over. Drops slid down from the inside. Rukou walked to the billiards table, his favorite game to play.

Reaching under the billiards table and unlocking a secret compartment, he pulled out his cue. A simple regular looking cue. Nothing too fancy. Just black with a fleur de lis on the wider part as well as his name. He chalked up the tip and took off the rack that kept the balls in place. After placing the cue ball in spot, he positioned himself for a good shot.

Aiming.. Right for the left of the center. SNAP! The triangle of balls broke and only a couple stripes went in. He tapped the table with the cue and aimed again at some solid balls. Shot after shot, ball after ball, they all went in. Eventually to the last ball. The black 8. The one he always saves for last.

[Ryesen Hawke]

Ryesen, still disappointed that she left the Mortal World, sneaked up behind Rukou. Her steps were light and she even held her habitual breath. Because Rukou was her elder, she had no idea if he could hear her. However, she would try her best. Not necessarily to scare him. Thinking better of her steps, she began walking on air (she really levitated herself).

She had to walk around for a little while before her clothing had dried off for the most part, but her hair was still damp from the rain in San Fransisco. It suited her in a way. The Bengal cat that had earlier followed had returned to Ryesen's room out of fatigue. Cats are easily tired...

The girl whispered into his ear while grinning, "You're not going to ruin your streak and miss that eight, are you?"

'Walking' from behind Rukou, she let out a small smile out of her grin and tilted her head a small degree. Because of levitation, she made herself only an inch under Rukou. Ryesen didn't want to be any taller than the boy. "Dion proposed something to me and suggested that I would come and talk to you about it," Ryesen stated. "Something about your band," she finished.

It would be just her luck if Dion had been lying. Somehow, she felt like Dion wouldn't lie. There was no reason to believe that, but it just felt alright to trust his word over this. It seemed like a small thing, yet a large thing at the same time.

[Rukou]

Startled, he shot at the black ball but missed. The black baize of the table was scraped, showing the wooden texture underneath. "Goddamnit!" Being able to sense people wasn't a power of his, even if it was a simple human sense. Who would do such a thing and sneak up on the poor boy and make him miss the last shot?

The cue was gripped firmly and angrily. Though his face wasn't facing Ryesen, there was an angry expression on it. Rukou spoke calmly, "The band? You? And Dante?" He turned around, actually seeing it was Ryesen. Of course, he couldn't really recognize her voice over the music playing. "Oh, Ryesen." His gripped on the cue was loosened. If he didn't know it was Ryesen he would've smacked the cue over her.

Billiards was a game that he spends great pleasure in and being disrupted when playing alone was definately a bad thing. But the table was ruined now. He didn't want to pay for another one to be made, especially since it was for a bar. Oh well, he'll just dear ol' daddy to replace this one.

"Yes.. the band. What did dear Die ask of you?"

[Ryesen Hawke]

"Oh, Rukou! You wouldn't be mad, would you? Sorry I disrupted your game," Rye exclaimed. "Of course, now that it's over... he said something about the need for a new girlie to be with the band. He claims I did well on a duet he challenged me to!" Rising up a little further, she took the stance of sitting, then moved over and rested her self on the ruined Billiards table. No harm to a useless table.

"What on earth's name would you need a female vocalist for? You and I both know that Baiser is popular enough on its' own. Am I wrong," the girl asked almost politely... She really didn't come across as pompous; she was being playful! Going the the Mortal World always made her a bit gleeful and having the proposition of a real band didn't make her mood bad at all!

Even in the back of her mind, she wondered if she sang enough that she may receive the entire experience of a concert! Ooo... That would finish her day off. Nothing would bring it all back... However, joining a band could bring it a step closer!

[Rukou]

"It's fine," he sighed, smoothing out his hair. First, he was enjoying a nice quiet game of billiards and now he has to deal with a new possible member of Baiser. Bad timing.

"Duet, eh? What song was chosen? Nevermind. If Die sent you, you must be good. He always sends me people with voices I'm always looking for, but I never knew you were the type to sing. You don't even look it." Oh, such cockiness and rudeness. He must still be a in bad mood to be speaking that way. A well raised prince wouldn't speak that way.

"Well, as you may know already, Baiser needs to release new songs."

Baiserwas an old band. A little less than 500 years old, really. Well, it didn't start off as band. Rukou was the only one in Baiser at first. He was a talented violinist and pianist, playing solo. Eventually, his brother joined him on as a secondary violin. They weren't well known but they continued making music, Rukou being the main composer.

Dion grew bored of the violin and eventually learned the viola and double bass. Years later, Costel joined as a violinist and Rolphe on cello. Now a quartet, they eventually became more well known. Being hired to play at many parties and events. Their sound wasn't so unqiue but it was still good enough.

By the time the six stringed guitar came out, both Rukou and Costel practiced it and became experts. The guitars became part of the music, and their music a lot more unique. This was when Rukou thought up to add vocals to the music and gave a special "look" to the band.

The visual style was very.. theatrical. They would start up with a play and then play a few songs, and then add onto the story of the play. Their clothes were quite different, too. Black was the main color they wore, excluding Dion who seem to wore any color he wanted, but Rukou always made him wear black from time to time.

Over the years, their instruments would be replaced with different ones they had learned. The 19th century came and Rolphe left the band to pursue a career in the visual arts. They were left without any other member support, but that didn't stop the band from continuing to play their music.

But something else did. In the 20th century, music had evolved drastically. Different styles and instruments were introduced and the band couldn't keep up. They had to find new musicians. But after years of searching, they finally found two new people. A drummer and another guitarist. They started working on new songs, an album. Very behind on the times, they continued with their original sound, adding in rock elements.

Near the middle of the 20th century, their new album was released. It consisted of heavy strings with guitars and drums, as well as songs with just traditional but original rock sounds. Positions were still similar. Dion now on bass guitar, Costel on lead guitar, Rukou on vocals, and the other two on rhythm guitar and drums.

But right after their release, the nameless drummer and guitarist was killed for reasons unknown. The band had to play with many replacements, none suiting their likings.

Only one time in a century, would they release new songs, then continue playing the same songs until it time to release more in another century. Last century was fun enough, now it's time for more. But with something new.

"I want female vocals to accompany my voice. Duets, solos, etc. I want to try something new with this band. But I have some special requirements." He smirked, "Can you play any instruments, my dear?"



***Think of the darkness of Klaha era Malice Mizer but the music style of Gackt era Malice Mizer***

[Ryesen Hawke]

Scowling, she turned her head straight forward and away from Rukou. "Well, there's the violin. I don't expect you to need one of those, though. Or the piano. Those are the only two instruments that I believe I could do anything with," she sighed. Ryesen had dabbled with other instruments, but really only excelled with the piano and its' instrumental relatives like the organ and its' electric version.

"Don't act so pompous about things, Rukou," Rye continued from her earlier words. "The idea was just introduced to me. I'm not in desperate need to join a band. No matter what it would be like to be in one."

She wasn't in desperate need for anything! Really, she felt no need to impress Rukou no matter how long the band's history extended to!

[Rukou]

"Is that it, then? You can leave me with the beaten billiards table if you want. I'm a patient man when it comes to my band. I've waited decades for new musicians, I can wait longer." He was leaned over the table, resting his head on his palm, hand covering cheek.

"Honestly, I haven't even heard your singing yet so I wouldn't know if I should've allowed you in the band or not. But since you can only play piano and violins, I wouldn't have allowed you in. As well as a female vocalist, I'm searching for a rhythm guitarist or a drummer to replace my deceased. Maybe even a bassist. I am doing something special for this century." He grabbed a random beer that was probably someone else's from the edge of another pool table.

One big gulp of the beer went down his throat, "Though, I'm sure you wouldn't enjoy rock star life. The connection the members have, the partying, the excitement performing in front of a large crowd, and most of all, the fans." He smiled, "Having them cheer you on, singing along to the songs as you sing, watching them go crazy. It's almost like sex. Maybe better."

He wasn't trying to tempt her into the band by describing her what went on. He was only trying to relive the moments. Baiser was a great band with great members. Only the original three that is. Complete trust, and they all had fun with it together. Just a small family. Even though Rukou and Dion were already family, they still felt closer.

[Dion Dante Lucifer]

"Rulu, don't be so rude. You know Ryeha would make a beautiful addition to the band." Dion was sitting on a far side of the second pool table. He had already been following Ryesen after one last song at the karaoke bar. That hair of his had turned back to the ashed baby blue and those eyes were irisless again.

He'd been listening to their conversation for awhile now. His abilities, though not vampiric, were much more evolved than Rukou's.

A dramatic disappointed face was easy to see on his face as he made his way to his baby brother. He put his arm around him and grabbed the beer from him, "And this is my beer." The beer was set to his right side. "Ryeha, consider the band. It's so much damn fun to be a in band! And little brother here has so many plans for this century.

Certainly, we can't release that information to non-band members, huh Rulu?

But! I think we can use a violinist since Costel and I are busy on the guitar and bass, and Rukou being our special frontman."

[Ryesen Hawke]

"I'm not really sure where you boys plan to take Baiser. Now, things like the electric piano and such are popular. They add a wonderful sound to a band. Violins are only used when a band is looking for that touch, though," Rye spilled as a little modern knowledge. She proffered singing more than instruments any day. However, it was easy for her to play the piano and sing at the same time. "Things change, so if you intend to do something special this century, waiting a few more decades will kill the time you intended to make 'special'."

It was understandable, though, that Rukou wouldn't see her as a band person. Well, that was what she was thinking to herself, anyway. After all, she was just the Archery Teacher at the school. She wasn't happy at the aspect of having to sing and play violin, though. That wouldn't be as fun.

"Well, it's up to you boys. I would care to join if you wanted me to, I suppose..."

Shifting, she made her way off of the table and stood, now staring at Dion and Rukou. Rye didn't have her arms crossed or anything. Her hands were loosely clasped behind her back with her arms relaxed. A tilt of her head returned from before and she smiled, "But I do think it would be fun. Afterall, I've known about Baiser almost as long as I've been a vampire."

(Rye <-- Feels a bit inferior to Dion and Rukou, mainly because of age. Won't EVER show it more than she can help.)

[Rukou]

He glared at Dion. Rukou was shocked by Dion's sudden appearance and wanted to bash Dion's head with that beer bottle. The shirt Dion wore was noticed. "..Are you wearing my shirt?" How many times have people stolen his clothes? It was tiring and annoying. Especially since they were all designed and custom made by and for him.

"Nevermind." He turned back to Ryesen."We may or may not incorporate the use of electric pianos. I'm still debating on that, but I am going use electric strings instruments. But take decades of perfecting our music and songs. Though, what I'm doing this century might upset the fans. Hopefully, they still love us either way.

Since you say you know much about us, and want to experience band life, I may consider you. But I need to hear a sample of your voice and right now, I'm pretty angry that my pool table is ruined at the moment so I choose not to set anything up to hear your voice."

Still pissy. Rukou wasn't sure whether or not to to accept her yet. A guitarist or drummer was really needed. His plans for the band seemed very.. not band like.

[Dion Dante Lucifer]

"Rukou.. my baby brother." Dion gave him a big kiss on the cheek, "Let our Ryeha join the band. Pleaaase? You would absolutely loooove her voice! And I got a recording of her voice on my recorder!" He was definately trying to get her in the band, especially since he was using a whining voice that almost seemed creepily cute.

Standing in front of Rukou, he kneeled down and put his arms around him and licked his neck, bottom to top. The licking left a small trail of saliva. Brotherly love? No. Just something Dion does to everyone he's close to. This is what happens on the stage during lives. Sexual Dion making out with everyone, especially the frontman. It wasn't because he wanted to please the fangirls, it was because he loved anything that's physical. Kissing, licking, sexing, punching, everything.

"Just listen. Then maybe after we can do something more private, huh?" The recorder was pulled out of his pants pocket. Of course, the device the illegal in Black Stone, but no one wanted to stop him. He did have special connections within the school adminstrator so it was basically allowed for him.

Click. The green marked "play" button was pressed. The duet that Dion and Ryesen played. Hopefully, it was loud enough to hear over the bar's speakers.

[Ryesen Hawke]

Ryesen listened to Rukou quietly and suddenly really noticed about the pool table. Honestly, it could still be used. However, it did look pretty disgraceful with the harm done to it. "Sorry about the table. I didn't think you'd react very much."

When Dion took his time to speak, Rye felt only a tinge of awkwardness. Many people she had met had done odder things in front of her, but it was rare for the kind of situation. To her, the conversation was lacking formality, though. Therefor, Dion being Dion wasn't really a bad thing.

Rye nearly shuddered right in front of the two. He does that to his band mates...

The girl really had wanted to speak up and ask why Dion pushed for a position in the band for her. She figured before that it was all for Rukou, Mr. Frontman. Totally confusing.

Dion then had pulled out the tape. Ryesen looked around a few times and noticed people glance at the machine and then simply take their glance away. Grinning, she listened as Dion announced it was their earlier duet. What in the.. The song played and it was at least a little audible over the bar speakers. Someone had allowed a softer song while theirs' was playing. Out of dismay, Ryesen wanted to sink into nothingness as she heard her voice. Terrible! Absolutely terrible! (She hardly ever hears her voice. A lot of people think like this about their own voice). Near the end, while Dion may have started sounding a little more tired (may or may not have- leaving it open to the next poster) in his voice, because he had been breathing heavily, Rye's continued on with almost the same strength as in the beginning. At least there's one perk, I suppose. Could go on for a while. Isn't there a Mortal Singer that passes out all of the time on stage?

Looking between Rukou and Dion, she wasn't exactly sure what to expect. Basically, he liked her voice or he hated it. "Either way, I confess I enjoyed singing with Dion. He has an avid talent for someone who doesn't actually have a vocals part in the band. Though I'm sure Baiser has members of many talents, right?"

The last compliments honestly weren't to coax anyone out of flattery. She suddenly just felt it was right to compliment the band on obvious points.

[Rukou]

Rukou stared at Dion. He looked like a dog humping your leg. Every other occasion, Dion would always seem to romanticize him to get him to do something, since Rukou himself was also a sexual deviant. Though they were brothers, they still showed a bit of sexual interest in each other, but never have they had sex before. They had their limits, especially since they already had fuck partners.

He just stood there, listening to the recording, with Dion still around him. "Is that our song..?" Honestly, he didn't like that their song was being sung. Oh well. It's been done, but it seemed okay to him. The voice could use a slight bit more practice if it was sung in the style he wanted. Unlocking Dion's arms from him, he kneeled down to Dion and whispered into Dion's ear.

Really, he wasn't saying anything. What he was doing was transmitting his thoughts into Dion's mind. Just making it seem like he was telling a secret I suppose.

[Dion Dante Lucifer]

An insane Dion laugh was let out. "You sure?!" He kept on laughing as he kept getting Rukou's messages. "All right then!" Lifting himself off the ground, turning to Ryesen, he spoke in a polite, deep gentleman like voice with a serious, non-smiling face, "Ryesen Hawk, archery teacher of Black Stone Academy, you have been accepted to join Baiser as a secondary vocalist. Congratulations." The voice was gone and the smile came back. "WELCOME TO THE DAMN BAND!" Another insane laugh followed.

Dion lied earlier. He LOVED her voice. It was fantastic, gorgeous, and definately a voice that Baiser needed. And maybe he could use her as another love toy on stage for the little fangirls to be jealous of.

[Ryesen Hawke]

Nearly upset as she was left out, Ryesen looked between the boys. She became nervous as Dion maintained a gentle voice.

AH! As Dion exclaimed her acceptance, the girl nearly fell over just from his laugh! Of course Ryesen was utterly confused on who supported her newly acquired position between the two.

Somehow a sense of Dion's last thought drifted to her. Not really the full thought. Just something that made her think. Watch yourself, Rye. The stage will always just be an act for fun. Don't take anything the wrong way, there.

A rush of thoughts passed her by. Making sure she didn't get too caught up. Make sure she could always hold her teaching position. Bands fall apart every day. Their last drummer and guitarist were killed. ...on and on...

But that was in the back of her mind.. In the forward, she smiled. "Wonderful!" She hadn't lied. Being in a band wasn't necessary, but she was still effink excited. Her eyes shifted around the place for a little bit yet retained the awkward urge she felt to hug one of them out of appreciation. It just didn't feel like it fit her to do so. "Thank you, boys. What.. instrument did you decide I should play? Or will I?"

[Welps I'm tired. So if you'd like me to change this post out of crappiness, tell me tomorrow and I will. I'm just too bumped out to know the difference between punctuation and my pillow.]