Raise your glass (OPEN)|INACTIVE

[kuku]

Vivian smiled gracefully at the flashbulbs, blinking twice after before assuming a new pose. It was a routine she had down cold. She had been perfecting it since high school after all. Still, there was always that familiar little rush when she felt the eyes on her. All that stuff about hiding from the paparazzi was crap. It was no secret where you should and shouldn’t be going when it came to visibility. Vivian knew that she wasn’t why they came here, someone “better” was sure to be inside, but she would sure as hell make herself hard to forget. She didn’t like the idea that this wasn’t her party, so to speak. Never the less, it wouldn’t do to sit out her all night. Flashing one last smile, she strutted into the dark club. Hmmm…maybe she would have to try something a little bit more dramatic tonight. She couldn’t see just who was here that was causing the commotion, but she didn’t want to have to one up some drunken pop-star who had probably just flashed the cameras. There were better ways to go about being noticed. And Vivian knew them all.

With a small sigh, Vivian set herself down at the bar and ordered herself a drink. Something strong. The pounding music and low lighting were already giving her something of a headache. Why don’t you just leave? a small, and probably more reasonable voice inside her asked. She knew why. It was “fun”. And it was…most of the time. But once her buzz wore off she would end up being just another girl sitting at the bar. Vivian Earnshaw was anything but “just another girl”. Someone else would just need to tell her that. Otherwise it was just narcissism. Taking her drink in her hand she turned on the barstool to face the crowd. The nice thing about this was that the room was dotted with mirrors. Nobody liked to see themselves more than the people who everyone else wanted to see too. She always came alone, but made a point of leaving that way as infrequently as possible. Tonight, it didn’t matter who she found, just someone to keep her entertained for awhile. But who? That was the game for tonight. Each night had new players and pieces, a new board. On certain nights it was a new game altogether. But she made the rules up, often as she went along, so it meant she got to win. And that was the point of it all. Wasn't it? Winning. It was what she did best, more often than not. There was always some way to at least make it look that way.

Still, a part of her was always looking for that specific someone. She knew it would probably be a long shot, after all there were always better things to do, not that it mattered. After all, they had been through that a thousand times and more. Nothing would ever end well when it came to that. What would end well was her doing something that would boost her public image and keep her in good graces. This was “work”. Vivian muffle a giggle at that. It was the most ridiculous “job” ever. Really it was like a perk. Get born into the right family, or make just the right moves, and somehow you get paid to do absolutely nothing. She had no business thinking that this was all anything less than mildly dull on occasion.

[hamlet]

Harry looked down at the shot glass, its contents slowly drowning him into numbness. The bartender skillfully attended customers, but always came back to Harry, engaging him in conversation as he served him shot after shot. He was probably looking for a generous tip, knowing Harry was heir of a multi-million dollar company, complete with the press attention to boot. But tonight he didn't care. Tonight was another night, just another night where he would put his troubles into the bottom of a shot glass.

As the alcohol took its familar affects, he started thinking more and more about his family, more and more about his nightmares, about his father. His father told him clearly, clearer than anything rooted in reality, that his uncle was his murderer and Harry needed to do something about it.

As much sense at this made, Harry couldn't base his accusations on a dream, much less probability, right?

The bartender visited him again. "Doing alright, Chandler?"

Harry lazily looked up at him, his grey eyes glossed over, before taking the shot glass and quickly swallowing its contents. Each shot went down easier than the last.

"Yeah." He sighed. "Doing wonderful. Its ridiculous actually. I mean, dreams. Not real right?"

"Right."

"Right, well what if they make sense? I mean what if...dreams made sense? They shouldn't make sense, should they?"

The bartender smiled at him, Harry couldn't tell if it was amusement, pity or both. He didn't care at this point.

"You know my father had a life planned out for me. You know that? My prince, he said. My fuckin' prince and where did his dream go?" Harry lowered and held his head as if he had a headache. "Another one." He told the bartender, without looking up.

The bartender paused, debating if he should tell Chandler to slow down but he decided against it. He went for another shot.

He sensed a presence, that someone sat next to him. He looked up and saw a woman, her image taking some time to get into focus. She was turned around towards the crowd. Harry sat up and looked over his shoulder but all he could see was a blur of people. Then, his mouth did the talking before his brain could approve.

"So what are you here for?" He asked, defeat in his voice, wishing the woman sitting next to him was Ophelia. He convinced his brain, for the time being, not to pretend that she was.

[kuku]

So far...nothing. Faces were hard to make out. One you got past the door, nobody was really looking to be recognized. The dim lights weren't help. Each time she would scan the room, certain faces, certain people would flash across her field of vision. Nobody stood out for more than a moment, but she knew well enough to know that all it would take was time. Nobody could stay away from the bar for that long, and sooner or later she would find herself someone to toy with for awhile.

Taking a small swig of her drink, she reminded herself to take her time. It wasn't late, by any means and the night was just beginning. There was no telling what a few hours would bring. Still...it was all just filling the time. That was what she did with her life. Time between the next big thing that would make it's mark. It was the waiting that made it worth it anyways. Though that didn't stop her patience from wearing thin. Never mind the fact that she had exactly no idea what she was waiting for. Everything would work itself out soon. All Vivian had to do was sit there and drink her drink, but not too quickly. How hard could it be? Other people were doing it right now. Other people whose company she could be in, but was too proud to put herself in that position.

Slowly, her senses began to pick up, as her drink worked her way through her. This was almost better than being completely drunk. The safe, soft feeling of the first drink of the night. Unless it was her second. Either way, it was nice. Relaxing, like the outside world would just stay on hold for awhile.

As Vivian's mind bean to wander she heard the bartender start to speak to the guy next to her. The moment she realized it wasn't her, she lost interest...until she heard the name "Chandler". Interesting. She wondered if he was one of those Chandlers...The name wasn't really a secret, but it also wasn't the most uncommon name in the book. Her attention piqued, she tried to get anything else from the conversation, while maintaining subtlety. Under normal circumstances eavesdropping was quite unbecoming, but if he was part of what she thought he might be, she would be lending herself to a heavy dose of embarrassment. Being caught in a compromising position would not bode well for anyone. Still, she tried to get a glimpse of him, just to see. There was no way she could get it clearly without turning around, and that just wasn't going to happen. Dignity would have to win over curiosity for now. But she wasn't going to let that stop her from at least making a few mental notes-just in case they would be useful later.

Over the next few minutes, the one thing that became truly apparent was that whoever the guy was, he was consuming a good amount of alcohol. Made her covert thing easier, at the very least. Beyond that she wasn't sure what to do. In the end it would be better to drop it. Eve if he was...it wouldn't be worth it. Her little "was he/wasn't he" game was fun for awhile, but with no real answers she was just getting antsy. Vivian quietly resigned to go back to minding her own business when he turned to speak to her.

"What are you here for?"

Clearly, this wasn't his best night. Though, finally having a reason to turn and get a look at him made it worth keeping the conversation going, for now at least. Vivian was never one to bother with boring people, no matter how interesting they should be. She let out a small breath once she was able to settle that he was in fact the one and only...Thank god she was educated in more than one aspect, keeping track of just who was who was paying off right about now.

She took another sip of her drink, and smiled slightly "I'm hoping to get out of my head for a while. Whats your excuse?"

[romeo]

Flashing lights danced about as the bass pounded from all sides of the building, Romeo Montague son of famed Senator Montague was making a name for himself by selling questionable products to all the trust fund babies who frequented this very club the money was great and the social aspects were nothing short of amazing but ever since his run in with the Count and an unforgettable night at the ball Romeo had begun to question his purpose in life he longed to be a man worthy of the Capulet's love, he knew it was to be a difficult transition but what he feared most was how was he to justify his change of heart to Mercutio and Benvolio? more importantly what was he to do if he'd left this life behind. As a crowd gathered around New York's Golden Boy Romeo waved and smiled with his boyish charms things were different now ever since he placed eyes on her he couldn't bring himself to be the man he once was...

"Sorry good people of Manhattan the morrow be young and I need to attend to other matters this evening" as Romeo pushed his way through an ocean of bodies he noticed familiar faces at the high class bar...One individual was clearly the famed Chandler heir, Romeo had considered talking to him about a modeling contract or an internship maybe an actor if he was lucky with such a renown enterprise and what a gold opportunity it was Chandler himself was but a few steps away!...he could finally make an honest living and escape the rumors of his fathers questionable activities and if the lord was watching maybe even restore the Montague name to its former glory, thus lord Capulet may yet put this tiresome family feud to rest, Romeo could only hope that given support from Chandler and Cristo things would change for the better.

Thus lay one problem, the female next to him was possibly the queen of campus!, you see in school Romeo was truely the best looking guy on campus and was always in a friendly rivalry with a stunning female who was truly a master of manipulation and beauty....guys would literally worship the ground she walked on. One thing was clear these two clearly had history of a time long past...ironic how one is subject to his past when he resolves to change his future. How would she remember him? it had been over a year since grad...would she try to get a contract from Chandler as well?....so many thoughts raced through his mind.

Romeo put on his best smile as he made his way towards Chandler's left stool so he was now between both the beautiful youths....yet Romeo was not sure if that woman was actually the girl from campus he may have been mistaken it was dark at such location

"Good morrow sir, would you by chance be Sir Chandler?" he asked as he ordered a round for both of them "I'm Romeo we met briefly at the ball?"

[hamlet]

Harry's brow furrowed at her as he tried to pinpoint the look she gave him. He wasn't sure if he approved of it or not, it was hard to decipher. His best guess was pity--a look he was familiar with. Did she look down on him like all of the others, thinking it completely irrational to still morn over a man who is long dead?

No not long dead. Not long at all.

Yes, that was the idea of it all, wasn't it? As soon as a man croaks, take everything. Everything.

Perhaps her expression harbored curiosity. Curiosity--wondering how a man like himself could reduce himself to such a low? How such potential could be wasted, how his father's legacy...because of Harry...would be buried with him.

He saw recognition in her expression as well. He was nothing more than a name and a face now plastered where ever the media gods deem necessary.

"I'm hoping to get out of my head for a while. Whats your excuse?" she asked as his next shot slid towards him. Harry looked at the glass and then back at the woman, a lopsided smirk with half-lidded grey eyes gracing his features. He let out a half hearted laugh. "My excuse...heh," Oh this was amusing. "I'm already out of my head it seems. Way, way...far way. You know what the real funny thing is? Hm? Even outside of your head...you're still losing it a little, you know? You still can't get away from anything. Believe me, I tried. I mean, people follow you. Once they know your name and, you know, the way you operate...you're kind of stuck. Inside...outside. No, outside."

He lost track of what he was saying anyway so he started going for his shot when a young man approached them.

"Good morrow sir, would you by chance be Sir Chandler?"

Harry blinked. Sir Chandler? Well that was a first. He didn't know he was knighted....or something like that. Well it least this guy proved his point, whatever that was. Something about being recognized. He looked at Romeo, his brow raised, amused. "You, my friend," He put a hand on his shoulder. "Are a class act, you know that?" He called Harry sir for goodness sakes...Harry's father would have thought that was worthy of some praise.

"Good for you." He said a bit too seriously than he intended, letting go of his shoulder. "Are you always that cordial in bars or did the name Chandler just sound nice with a 'sir' before it...it does you know....sound nice. I guess."

Harry downed another shot, sighing with satisfaction as it traveled down his throat. The bartender came back and Harry told him, "yeah get a few drinks, some for him," he gestured feebly at Romeo. "Some for her," Again a gesture toward the woman. "Get them what they want and put it on my tab. Bring a few extra drinks just in case, remember that."

"No problem," The bartender said.

He smiled at both of them, satisfied with his generous gesture for the night, not like any one of them needed it.

[kuku]

Vivian watched as he tried to decipher her. As a lady it was her job to make sure that didn't happen too well. Things should work the other way around. If only he wasn't about half past drunk...Still, there was potential here. She couldn't help but be intrigued. It wasn't like this was any ordinary drunk guy.

So she let him ramble slightly. Usually she liked her drunk guys less wordsy, but the sad thing was, she got it. Looked like everyone had something they needed to drink away. Suddenly she felt like she had some catching up to do in that department. Pulling the olives out of her martini glass she motioned for another. Whoever the bartender was, he had the good sense in him to be attentive. She would have to leave a good tip-if she could remember that by the end of the night. The way things were going now, she half hoped she wouldn't be able to. Just to be sure she slipped a few bills back at him. Glad to have that taken care of, she returned her focus to Chandler. Thankfully he was still going on, it gave her time to give one last scan out at the club. Who was she kidding though, there was no 'doing better'.

"No shit." That about summed it up. With that she started in on round two. Started and finished, just as someone else joined the party. Someone who was certainly giving her the same look she had just given Chandler-even in her own mind she didn't think of him as a first name guy, it just didn't fit. Plus she liked the idea of the name. It had a lot of prestige behind it. As for the new guy, she had just finished a game of 'are you/aren't you', if this guy wanted to know, he could figure it out herself. Though he did look...oh well, she would get that solved soon enough. Dark lights and drinks were making her thinking fuzzy and it just wasn't worth the effort. Vivian worked very hard to keep her thought to that. Overall not such a bad night after all. Not bad in the least. The little rush was back, the one that came from knowing she was with people of her own standing. A surefire way to get herself noticed, that she could count on. Twisting a lock of hair around her finger, she waited for them to finish their little man embrace thing.

The words 'put it on my tab' were music to Vivian's ears. She pushed her empty glass back at the bartender, and smiled widely at Chandler. While she had no intention of slowing down, she was going to have to make sure what perhaps not all of it went on the tab. Vivian would hate to make a bad impression by running up the tab. Still, she would never complain, nor reject a few free drinks.

"Care to introduce me to your friend?" She raised an eyebrow in Chandler's direction as she asked. Perhaps she wouldn't need the introduction, but she was going to play it safe for now. Even if she was something of an entitled bitch, she wouldn't want to come off that way. The social games and protocol would never stop being mandatory, even if she was incredibly drunk. Half the time it was about acting that drunk anyways. She knew enough to know that you never wanted to be more or less drunk than those around you, but always wanted to keep your wits about you. So it usually meant acting a drink or so ahead of your real total.

She sighed lightly. Now that she was thinking about it there was something she couldn't quite..."Oh god, it's you." Vivian rolled her eyes and stiffened her posture. Of course-nothing to ruin a perfectly lovely encounter other than realizing just who else had joined the party. It hit her like a ton of bricks.Romeo Montague...a sight to make eyes sore. Not so much fun...or perhaps more fun than she was intending...Already her devious little mind was churning. More drinks were going to have to happen very fast if she was going to keep a decently civil tongue in her mouth. Not that that meant she wasn't going to poke a little fun.

[fagin]

Fagin hadn't been to a place like this in awhile, not in months. It was amazing how his double life as a pawnbroker and a fence could make him so busy, leave him so little time to do anything but his two jobs. That and sleeping. Fagin slept a lot these days; he was getting old.

But tonight, he'd decided to close up the back room and go out on the town.How strange that sounded. Him, out on the town indeed. Well, it wasn't as though he was going to do much. Just nip into a bar or somewhere similar for a glass of gin or two. nice gin, not the cheap stuff he was usually able to afford.

Being a part time criminal had it's perks, and it turned out that Fagin actually had some cash to spare. Might as well spend it on something nice.

His hopes for a relativley quiet enviroment for his rare gin indulgence were soon dashed; everywhere seemed crowded and noisy, or maybe it was meant to be like this and he'd just become unaccustomed. With an inward shrug he made his way to the bar of one of the less crowded clubs (if that was possible on such a night as this) and ordered a gin and tonic from the bartender.

While he waited for his drink to come he glanced about him, trying to discern faces in the gloom. Giving up he returned his attention to his immediate surroundings, trying to figure out where he'd seen some of these faces before. He was sure he knew two of them at least...from the newspapers maybe? He'd certainly never seen them in person...

(ooc: I hope it's OK for Fagin to pop in...it just seems everyone is of a high social status. XD He needs to meet more people though, odd little recluse that he is. =P)

[hamlet]

Harry spaced for a moment as the woman's request buzzed around in his ear before finally registering in his mind. "What?" He blinked and finally said, "Oh, him?" But it looked as if the woman recognized him before he said anything. Harry laughed to himself at the woman's reaction to Romeo.

"You two met before haven't--wait." He leaned over the bar to look at the woman, his eyes squinting. "I know your name. I should know your name, shouldn't I? Wait, don't tell me." He looked at her, vision slightly out of focus. "I've seen you somewhere. Tell me where I've seen you. Wait, wait, wait." He stared at her for a moment, bemused.

But then someone sat on his other side, an older man. "I know her from somewhere. Don't know you. You know me, I assume, don't you?" He sighed and rolled his eyes slightly...of course he knew him. This older man knew him and it was one of the reasons why he was stuck in this godforsaken sorry excuse for a city. He debated inwardly if he wanted another drink and quickly decided that he did. But before he reached for another one he turned to Romeo, anticipating his reaction to the woman.

(thought i'd get this post in. tag you romeo)

[fagin]

It was as Fagin returned his attention to those sitting nearest him that one of them adressed him, although whether he was really certain he was there was another matter. The man was acting as though he'd drunk a lot already that night.

"I know her from somewhere. Don't know you. You know me, I assume, don't you?"

Fagin was about to reply; he knew who the man was alright, he'd read about him in the New York Times! That was where he'd seen him before! But before he could attempt a reply to Harry Chandler, for that was the man he was seated beside, but the man had returned his attention to his other acquaintance.

Fagin found he almost didn't care, he was so intruiged, so amazed, to finding himself, a pawnbroker from the Bronx, sitting next to the Prince of Hamlet Enterprises!

He'd been mulling this over for a few moments when his gin and tonic arrived. He paid the barman with a hasty grin before taking a languid sip from the glass. Well, this was certainly interesting. What would Eponine say, he wondered, if she could see him now?

True, he hadn't actually talked to Chandler, but Chandler had talked to him. And to Fagin that brief interaction counted for something. If he was ever going to make up his mind and change his colours, change his ways, he would need to interact with those of a higher status to climb the rungs of the social ladder. Maybe tonight would be the night. A night for change.

[kuku]

Vivian practically tingled with excitement as Chandler started talking to some other guy. She couldn't imagine who it could possibly be, but she was thrilled just the same. It would have to be someone worth the excitement if Chandler was so willingly talking to him...but he was clearly about half past drunk.She hated to think that he could make a bad impression on someone, especially wit her here. Burning bridges was something she preferred to do for herself, and not let someone drunk do it for her. Plus, she was just so damn good at it. But apparently not good enough she thought, shooting another glance at Romeo. Some people were apparently just impossible to get rid of, even if you tried as hard as you possibly could.

Leaning back onto the bar she got herself a good look at the new player. Not what she had been hoping for-or expecting. She pulled a quick frown and tried to ignore him. She wasn't going to be associated in any way with someone that clearly wasn't up to social par. She had tried that before, and it hadn't ended well. Even that hadn't been so bad, just complicated. Whatever Chandler was going to get himself into there, she would rather deal with Romeo, surprisingly enough. At least he had the family and the name to back it up.