#( thread w. suresh. )

[thegraveyardshifts]

@naga-raja-suresh

Location; The Danse Macabre

"Bossman!" It isn't busy yet, just the initial opening lull as things finish setting up, giving Chester plenty of time to abandon their post to bother Suresh. Perhaps it isn't the best course of action but, after 4 years, they're loathe to give up such a time honored tradition. Maybe one day it'll cost them their job. Not today though, surely. He's sure his employer finds his antics both refreshing and endearing. His boots clack against the flooring as he makes his way over, long hair secured up in a butterfly-esque claw clip. "So, I was wondering as a...business, where do we stand on...lost property?" Chester asks, tapping a finger almost thoughtfully against their jaw. "How long do we wait before deciding somebody isn't coming back for it?" Because there was clearly something they wanted to pilfer. Multiple things, actually.

[thegraveyardshifts]

"Drugs don't work on you? Shame, I was hoping we could get together one time and take a shit-tonne of PCP one day," Everything out of Chester's mouth contained that teasing, almost musical lilt, a mind racing a mile a minute as his green eyes stared at the small pull in his hand. Taking out a half-crushed back of cigarettes, he placed it inside for safe keeping before shoving it back into one of his many pockets on the combat trousers he wore. Mardi Gras was coming up, never was there a better time to be tripping balls.

Then came the compliments, even with a scrawny build and thrifted clothing, such things gently stroked Chester's ego and made them purr like a kitten all the same. I have a sense about these things. "You're a real charmer, Suresh, I bet you say that to all the boys,"

He downs the rest of his drink, smacking his lips together in a rather un-dignified manner afterwards. "I'll write down my findings, present them in an academic paper for you. Now, you gonna tell me where's best for me not to be, with pills on my person?"

Suresh nodded, "I work with another group that manufactures. But you don't need to worry about that. Bliss can only be sold here, in Club O. Everything else? Can be sold in any of my businesses or territories." He eyed the necromancer, "We can talk about what area you want in a little bit." The question about the type of death made him grin, "You'll have to tell me. Drugs don't work on me. But that would make some sense. One long orgasm in your brain."

"I rather like the way you present yourself. Caught my eye right away." Suresh smiled and nodded, "I knew you might be the right person for the job. I have a sense about these things." The quickness of the hand snatching the pill out of his hand made Suresh laugh. He watched curiously to see if Chest put it in their mouth just as fast. But when they paused Suresh smiled and gave a soft wave of his hand, "Take it. Save it. It's completely up to you. All I ask is that you call me after and tell me what it was like for you in your own words." He watched the necromancer carefully and said, "As a Lotus Eater Affiliate you'll also need to know a few places you should definitely not be caught with drugs on you."

[thegraveyardshifts]

"Well, you can go band together with another business who'd be happy to take your money," Was Cleo's extremely abrupt reply, once more not deciding to look at the man across from her, smiling and serving another few customers their drinks. Oh, that was a low point. Her mother? She sucked her teeth, dark eyes once again that golden yellow to confirm it had touched a nerve.

"Tell my maman you ran into me. She'll say that's nice, don't do it again,"

In truth, it's not like Cleo truly owned the cafe she worked at, and while she could turn down Suresh's money, those working at the beignet store might not. Her feelings were well known, many agreeing that what had happened was simply a tragedy...there was no way she could make them understand.

Even her siblings, to some degree, had moved on, leaving Cleo haunting the past like an un-wanted ghost. Disliking, and partly blaming Suresh made her feel like a real person again - just like owning the little clinic did.

"Anything else I can get you today?" or, were they done.

The Naga was indeed a snake. A selfish thing focused on his own survival. But he had done much for the City since its founding. He had prospered as well of course. That was the point. Suresh did not think of himself as good or evil. He was the weather. The weather just was. Sometimes life giving... Sometimes life taking. The world was harsh and would have continued to be without his presence. He offered and gave those empty mortals that came to him meaning and purpose. He fulfilled desires. And how he loved the starry-eyed dreamers that came to him looking for love. How Desire loved them too while they existed. Each life like a firework. Brilliant and fleeting.

Perhaps he should have stopped and left after his little display. But there was a touch inside of him to press just that little bit harder. To remind her that for all of her upset and rage... What had that gotten her? At her refusal he looked at her for a long quiet moment before he sighed heavily. "I see... I am sorry that you feel that way Ms. Clément." He looked down and smiled looking back up at the woman, "Pull the wool over your eyes? Now really, that's rather melodramatic don't you think? We all know each other very well in the Quarter don't we? And we band together in times of crisis... But as you like it... Next time I see your mother I'll tell her I ran into you." He took the money and stepped back away from the stand.

[thegraveyardshifts]

She never once broke away from his gaze, taking her glass back within delicate fingers and taking a deep drink, idly swirling around the last dregs of a particularly average martini. Was it a challenge? No, Agathe simply wondered about Suresh, his life, what he was and who he was. Was he as radically honest about himself as he was about hedonism and the pursuit of pleasure?

They were things Agathe would never know the answers to. Maybe, if she hadn't experienced another god talking to her, she would've fit in nicely among the Lotus Eaters. Always a slave to her whims, a predator wearing the porcelain skin of a beautiful woman.

"Asking for forgiveness doesn't suit you. Tell me, what do you plan to do tonight? Surely hanging around your empires becomes boring, even for the emperor," They seemed to run themselves, after all.

He smiled at the retort giving a small nod, "Always a boon to be so flexible in our enjoyments." Suresh's golden eyes staying on the vampire's face, watching her with a deep amusement. A very lovely laugh as well. But she was a creature very aware of herself though there was an effortless quality in her movements probably from practice. A gorgeous predator. He raised an eyebrow at the comment about them being similar, she was correct in the assumption. "Indeed, I'm not much for the sidelines. But I also would consider myself rather flexible in my enjoyments. "

Immortality required a certain level of stamina that most lacked. And Vampires, curious creatures that had started their existences as humans often lacked that stamina. But there were a few that seemed to have far more than others. Reinvention and avoiding monotony. Suresh chuckled when she called him rude. He gave a small bow of his head in apology. "Forgive the unintentional rudeness. It comes from a place of care."

[thegraveyardshifts]

"See you, boss man," Chester responded in turn, going back to his position behind the bar with the card heavy in his pocket, and the widest grin on his face - ever the picture of the cat that got the cream. Old habits died hard, even ones that landed you in prison.

[ END ]

The best seductions, romantic or otherwise, often made the other person feel like they were the seducer. The necromancer's grin widened and Suresh could feel it. How badly Chester wanted things. And that was were Suresh and his powers lived. A promise of desires fulfilled. All it would take would be an offering on the witch's part.

A breath of hope brushed through the Naga as Chester took the card. And Suresh was certain that the young witch would be reaching out. The Naga nodded his head, "Have a good night Chester. I look forward to you coming to see me..."

[thegraveyardshifts]

The grin on his face grew wider at Suresh's teasing, so sure that they had easily wormed their way into his good books with little more than a funny comment and natural charm Chester was so sure they possessed. Things would finally look up, there would be money and job-security and they'd make powerful friends and nobody, nobody, would ever take advantage of Chester again.

Safety, the idea of it, was tantalizing, and so incredibly close. Hope was something in short supply but, a stupid part of Chester couldn't help but have it, if nothing else. Taking the card, he glanced at the number, noting the crisp card and shiny lettering, shoving it in the breast pocket of his shirt.

"Expect it. The call, I mean,"

Stopping someone dead in their tracks was something that Suresh took in stride. Knowing what his God had given him and what it could do to those around him. But that light in the necromancer's eyes spoke of something that could be encouraged. The joke caused a soft, relaxed smile to spread on the Naga's face. Micro-expressions flitting across his lips and through his eyes. Possibilities. The Naga responded with a soft good-natured tease, "And so modest too."

He waited to see, but could already taste the temptation the other felt. Suresh tilted his head to the side, back straight as he regarded the other. The Naga made one, seemingly innocent look around the club, before his golden eyes settled back on the necromancer. "That depends on what you feel most comfortable with... But you've been here long enough. I know you're a good earner." He pulled his right hand out of his pocket with a card and a number on it, offering it to Chester, "That's the number for my PA. Call them and they will set up a time for us to talk further it you are actually interested."

He shrugged, "And if you don't call. That's up to you.... If you are content where you are."

[thegraveyardshifts]

"Designer drugs?" The idea of them was interesting, leaning forwards slightly to further inspect the red pill in Suresh's palm - Bliss. Such a name conjured up wonderful images of how it would affect the taker, even Chester interested in such a thing. Psychoactive and causes euphoria...the best part of dying. "Like an orgasm then?" They blurted out suddenly, following it up with a quick; "Y'know...la petite mort and all that,"

They knew what they meant, and that's all that mattered to them. "I'd be happy to sell for you. Despite my general...being," He motioned to himself, taking another sip of the drink. "I can be discreet in such matters," After all, the only reason he'd gone to jail was because somebody else had thrown him under the bus.

A free sample? The witch all but snatched the red pill from his boss' grasp, holding it up to the light for a few precious seconds but...not taking it. "Mind if I save it for a rainy day? Or just like when I'm at Waffle House at 2am,"

This was part of how Suresh fueled his empire and how he continued to have the cash flow to hold his section of the city. Suresh and the Lotus Eaters were deep in the trade of every possible vice in the city. He smiled as the Necromancer called him by his first name. He couldn't be certain but he was almost sure that's the first time Chester had ever done that. Suresh chuckled, "We're a nightclub not a trailer park. No meth, no weed, no rock. I have some very specific and designer drugs that can only be sold at this club." Suresh lifted up a pretty red pill, "This is called our newest offering, Bliss. It's a psychoactive that causes euphoria. But it is so much more than just another party drug." Suresh's gold eyes drifted over Chester's face, "I've been told that it feels like the best type of dying... Without the permanent effects. And you can sell it to supernaturals as well as humans."

He closed his gold tipped nails around the pill, looking at Chester carefully, "Only affiliates can sell for me. I don't do private contractors. But you get a few perks as an affiliate... A few clubs that you are now always allowed in. And no cops will hassle you so long as you sell in any place I own. All I ask for is that you move the product you're given and you stay discreet. And I think you can do that." He paused and opening his palm offered the pill it to the other, "Would you like to have a sample? Consider it a gift."

[thegraveyardshifts]

He was a snake, pure and simple, Cleo believing that the man had never done anything good or selfless within his long existence. She hated his faux care, how he oozed his rot into her home along with everyone else who claimed a gang, and the gods of those gangs, his smooth, honeyed words and fleeting promises sounding like a chorus of angels to the unwise. To the impressionable, just like her brother had been.

The shifter didn't look over as she continued to dish out drinks, hoping that he would soon have just fun at irritating her and then just leave yet, Suresh seemed determined to stay and wind her up further, as if she were a jack-in-the-box. Always a few seconds from popping open.

His words made her huff out a quiet laugh - my city? How Cleo saw it, he only wished to see it thrive under his careful gaze and manipulative hand, all disguised as loving gestures.

The money was taken for the drinks yet, the stack of $500 sat untouched.

"I do, and you aren't welcome to contribute. So, tuck that roll away and give it to someone whose eyes you can easily pull the wool over,"

There was a change in her emotions that was noticeable enough to the Naga. But it had been expected and even anticipated. Her eyes changed, that lovely yellow of her lion. She was a glorious creature and Suresh did feel like it was a pity that she was so dead set against him and the Lotus Eaters. But he hadn't expected a change of heart. This was in fact done to slightly antagonize her while showing up positively in the community. Something else he knew would annoy her.

It was Cleo herself and her stubbornness that had made her brother more than just another dead soldier in the perpetual war for the heart and soul of New Orleans. But telling her that she was the real reason he remembered his name would be unhelpful at best.

Suresh smiled and shook a few hands as the people got their drinks. Before he stood in front of the counter. His golden gaze intense and focused on her waiting until she had to look at him. "Of course. I love my city and only wish to see her thrive. Cash okay?" He said, taking out a group of bills and flipping through them to pay. Taking out another five one hundred dollar bills he placed them on the counter, watching Cleo's face as he did it, sliding them over with two gold tipped fingers, "I'm sure you have something set aside for funeral arrangements, this is for that."

[thegraveyardshifts]

He was glad not to be fired on the spot after the obvious suggestion that seemed to be taken on board by Suresh. Chester's eyes seemed to light up, about to reply when a gentle touch stopped the mouth that moved so much faster than the brain. It wasn't electric, no, that easy spark wasn't there, more like a...light suggestion, almost.

"I carry everything off beautifully, on account of my good looks," The witch joked back eventually, coming back from being slack-jawed. I always have side jobs. Wouldn't it be nice? Some extra cash in the pot, nicer decor for the apartment, nicer clothes, expensive bars and clubs, a new phone. The temptation was there, tantalizing close, he only had to be brave enough to snatch it.

"Say I was interested," Chester began. "What kind of...side jobs would these be?"

That deep well of want was one of the reasons why Chester had gotten hired in the first place. Even after Suresh had seen the felony drug conviction. Not that, that would ever stop Suresh from hiring someone that the Naga liked. A pretty mix of resilience and fragility wrapped in a frilly shirt. Suresh always promised more. More to anyone willing to accept it. More for anyone willing to pay the price he set for it.

The grin was precious and it caused those gold ophidian eyes to become a little more focused on the witch. Suresh moved a little closer, voice curious, "Are you looking for more work?" Suresh was thinking about Mathias new drug that he was going to start selling.

The comment about the assless chaps made Suresh chuckle. "I'm sure you will carry it off beautifully." He carefully reached out and touched Chester's shoulder very lightly, brushing his hand across it. The touch looked quick but wherever he touched a strong pull of possibilities and longing lingered and seeping into skin. He put his hands back in his pockets as he said, "If you are ever interesting in earning some extra money. I always have side jobs for people I like."

[thegraveyardshifts]

Chester grinned at the prospect of being able to have anything he wanted after this informal business meeting, brain knowing immediately what'd be good. (A good mix of benzo's and speed, one to keep him from the unpredictability sleep caused, and the other to make sure when he did sleep, he wouldn't remember anything.)

"I'm always in the market to make more money, Suresh," It felt odd to be calling their employer than and not just...bossman. "In whatever way possible. I can shift gear, better with pills and powders than weed. Meth's a no-no because tweakers freak me the fuck out but, I'll shift heroin if you have it,"

Suresh always enjoyed looked at what Chester was wearing. A very distinct style, both grimy and yet fashionable. But all of that was wholly based on how the young necromancer carried themself. The observation made Suresh smile and cock his head to the side curiously. The comment about spiking the drink would be a favor and Suresh golden eyes drifted over Chester's face thoughtfully. "I try not to spike drinks at my business meetings. But if you want something after I'm sure we have anything you could want here."

He nodded at the obvious and easy answer. Calm eyes drifting down to the bouncing knee. "And how would you feel about making more money by selling some things for me on the side? I pay generous commissions. And I am aware that you have some experience in sales."

[thegraveyardshifts]

Something jumped in her at the moment, dark eyes flickering to the yellow not of the cheetah but, of the lioness - only for a moment, for in the next blink they were gone. Cleo liked to think of herself as fair, and understanding, mature yet, Suresh quite happily burnt all of her assumptions about herself to the ground. The few in the line thanked the naga for such a generous offer, but Cleo could only manage a tight smile.

He was poison, as were all those that headed gangs - her brother had been disposable, just as her siblings were. Yet, try as she might, Cleo could not get them to see it like that. It didn't matter who you worshipped, after the dust had settled, another wide-eyed fool looking to prove themselves would slip so easily into the shoes left behind. They were a blight on her beloved home, not even the Loa could brush them away.

"Very kind of you. To care about the city," Cleo responded, keeping it short, busying herself with making orders. She had to keep calm, collected, unbothered by his presence or she'd spoil a good day.

Cleo. His eyes drifted over the were creature as she made drinks for the tourists and locals alike. The surgery sweet smell of the drinks wafting along carried by the warm heat of the beignets. She had made it quite clear from the very beginning that she wanted nothing from Suresh Lal or the Lotus Eaters. Suresh always tried to take care of the families of members that lost their lives. But there were always a few that spurned his attempts. Cleo was one of them. He understood her anger. Even if it was misplaced. He had not drawn her brother into anything he hadn't willingly signed up for. And he'd been a good soldier and a good believer.

He is standing behind the person that gets her smile. And Suresh reaches out and touches the man's shoulder and offered, "Let me pay for that..." He stepped up to the counter looking at Cleo, taking a wad of cash out of his pocket. Looking down the line and saying, "Everyone's drinks are on me for the next ten minutes." His golden eyes looked at Cleo. "It's for the city afterall, isn't it?"

[thegraveyardshifts]

"Oh, you know me Suresh, I'm a multi-faceted being. I find satisfaction in many things," Agathe batted her eyelashes at him before descending into a fit of little giggles afterwards, as if the innuendo was the funniest thing she'd ever heard. Though, he was correct in the assumption that she preferred to take part - Agathe was a particularly hands-on type of woman in many aspects of life. "I feel that you are the same in that regard,"

Pleasure was a great thing, and when you lived forever, you had to come up with increasing ways to find it, and be satisfied by it, lest life lose it's particular zest. Agathe knew she would live forever. If life became boring, it would surely set her on a destructive path. "The assumption that I'll get caught is very rude of you, you know? If you weren't my boss, I'd chew you out for that,"

Suresh's shadowy power reached out and danced along the vampire's skin. Not to influence, just to feel her emotional state. Agathe felt things very intensely and Suresh found the emotions enticing. Any creature that lived without any sense of shame or doubt were deeply attractive to the Lotus Eater Boss. Even with the sumptuous buffet that was Venus in Fur all around them. Still his focus moved to her. He smiled, understanding and feeling her words even better than she did probably. Because yes, their desires were delectable, especially tonight. His golden eyes glittered with amusement, "I didn't take you for a watcher, Agathe... I figured you would find greatest satisfaction in participation."

The mention of the new casino made him smile and her remark about the blackjack dealers made him chuckle, "Trying to get banned on the grand opening my dear? Very adventurous."

[thegraveyardshifts]

It had always been part of Chester, the desire for more, such a thing borne of coming from nothing, a childhood where the only currency had been attention and getting it no matter what. If there wasn't love, then there was anger, or disgust, and both were better than a fat heap of nothing. Even now, nearly 3 decades after such an upbringing, it stuck to him like glue, a mouse in a trap resigned to its horrible fate.

"Are you giving out any suggestions?" He asked back, a cheeky little grin flitting around on their face - after all, Chester did have experience selling a certain something. Sure, it had landed them in prison that one time but, it was easy. The money was brilliant, and yo didn't need a fucking CV.

"No, I just have some assless chaps and I'd kind of like to go to the club in this rave-esque yet also Midnight Cowboy get-up? Mix it up a little,"

Suresh enjoyed adoration, it fed him. That desire of others and Chester desired rather a lot. Though the Naga wasn't sure if the Witch knew that about themselves. But he liked the playful creature. And admired the expression and sense of style. Suresh liked singular things. The Naga quirked up an eyebrow at the comment about selling IDs and passports. But let his own smile slowly spread across his lips, showing that he appreciated the joke. "I'm sure you'll find something else to sell if you put your mind to it."

When they mentioned what it was that they wanted Suresh gave a vague gesture of his hand, "Take them." The mention of the hat though stopped him as he looked at Chester, "Are we having a cowboy themed evening?"

[thegraveyardshifts]

Everyone was having fun, so why shouldn't she? Venus in Furs had a few more clientele than usual thanks to the fundraiser, so many ready to enact their own personal brand of degeneracy in aid. An excuse to show true colours under the guise of helping. Very funny to Agathe, watching from her perch as people paired off into the private rooms - if she listened carefully enough, every word spoke, every creak of a whip or a chain, every sob could be heard perfectly. It was a wonderful little den of sin and vice, and she did love it. "Oh, but this is fun. These peoples, their wants, their petty vices and sin. Watching it play out is so satisfying," The vampire responded to her boss from around the rim of a martini glass.

"I don't plan on staying long - that new casino calls my name. I must see how many blackjack dealers I can hypnotize,"

Location: Venus in Fur (Lakeview)

Who: @thegraveyardshifts (Agathe)

Suresh was taking the day to visit all of his clubs and businesses. Making sure that the correct things were designated for charity. There were other types of services that many of his businesses sold that would not be going to the city but to the Lotus Eaters that needed assistance. He was a careful business owner and he knew how important it was to make sure his city was strong. But he also knew better than to just throw money into the cesspit of bureaucracy. But everything would appear perfectly correct on the books and in the press. He was trying one of the new cocktails that the bartender and Venus in Fur offered him to test. Passively feeding on the rich glut of desire that always existed in this particular of his clubs when his eyes fell on one of the most strikingly beautiful vampires he'd ever met. From the moment she'd started working at Venus in Fur about a year and a half ago. He smiled at Agathe, "Hello my dear. I wasn't expecting you to be working tonight. Too much fun to be had out in the city."

[thegraveyardshifts]

The sliver of a tanned chest was tantalizing, and Chester made a mental note to try and find a similar fit - maybe a patterned shirt, though? Lots of necklaces, maybe a silk neckerchief...different to the grey jumper they wore today, holes decorating it, a specific combination of ratty and purposeful. This was comfy, though, hid where he'd been nervously picking at skin, alone in his apartment.

"Luxury and tack do go hand in hand," The necromancer nodded solemnly though, there wasn't much bite behind the insult, or simply observation. "Quality control? You'd be doing me a favor if you spiked this,"

It would be a blessing, blacking out for a few hours, with no memories or experiences or - anything. Existing in a state of complete nothingness sounded like bliss.

They did as asked, sliding into the chair and tucking a leg under them, knee bouncing idly. "I do," The witch admitted easily, for such a thing wouldn't cost him anything. Chester took a sip of their drink.

There was an infectious energy from the other. A protection of delight and delirium that Suresh found charming. But the Naga could taste that slight feeling of nerves that the energy covered. Suresh looked like he usually looked, mostly human save for the eyes. Clothing the same flowing black slacks that came up to a tight waist and a mostly open white dress shirt. Suresh smiled and shrugged, "I like what I like. And can afford what I want..."

He nodded at the request and made the necromancer their drink. He walked over to Chester but before he handed the other the drink Suresh took a small sip of it and then offered it to the other with a wink. "Quality control." And so Chester knew there was nothing in it in case he was worried. "Take a seat Chester..." Suresh went and poured himself a drink and finally asked, "Do you like working for me?"

[thegraveyardshifts]

It was a silly, stupid little thing but, the fact was Suresh had a magnetism to him like nobody Chester had ever met. There was a want to be around such a person, to be silently approved by them, to talk and hope that in some twisted way, a little rubbed off on you. The question was something they could've truly figured out themselves, if the opportunity to interact with the boss hadn't presented itself.

"Shame, I was thinking about pawning those off," he sighed in an overly-dramatic fashion, though they weren't being serious. "Couple of jackets. There's this really nice leather one with fringe that runs from arm to arm, and a matching stetson," While both items certainly were a little butch for a creature like Chester, they did have a pair of assless chaps to pair with both.

Suresh did monthly rounds to his clubs. He had managers but he liked to see how things were going with his own two eyes once every month or so. It kept everyone on their toes and kept things from slipping through the cracks. And there was a small vain part of him that liked having his employees come up and speak to him. It was the personal touches after all. His golden snake eyes fell on Chester as the young witch called out to him.

Chester was an interesting creature. Their emotional state that Suresh could feel was often very erratic, as if there were many people inside of them. And so Suresh paused so that Chester could catch up with him. "Yes, Chester? Did you need something?" Suresh listened to the question. A small question. Something that didn't really require his attention. But since he is the one here he might as well. "30 days for people to reclaim their lost property. Unless it is something like a passport or ID, those we keep and then turn into the police." He paused and asked, "What is it that you want to take?"