the night is ours [lyra]

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Late January 2028

Jack checked his phone, then checked it again. Just to make sure he was in the right place. He'd never been the sort of person to turn down a paying gigs, and whilst he was still negotiating a contract with HR records up in Leeds, Jack had to take what he could get. He'd seen the advert for a guitarist to cover for a bandmate at a place in London. Jack figured it was pretty swanky, because it was at the top of the Shard. He'd been to London quite a few times now, but only in recent years. His mams never quite had the funds to cover taking two boys down to the capital.

Shifting his guitar case to his other hand, Jack entered the magical lobby for the 96th at the Shard. As he nodded awkwardly to the concierge, he thought back to this morning, practicing with the band. They were nice enough lads, but not really Jack's type. They had the dour sort of look that came with years of playing without hope or passion. Their regular guitarist was sick with spattergroit, hence the last minute need for a spare. Jack had shrugged, not saying much. A gig was a gig, and money was money.

Their set was due to start off at six pm - perfect for the dinner rush. Jack tuned his guitar in the makeshift green room, keeping mostly to himself. They'd be playing mostly jazzy covers of songs, nice background noise for those who chose to dine at the 96th. Surely, as the night went on, things would liven up a bit. Jack hadn't had the chance to have a look at the place, having been shuffled into the green room immediately upon arrival.

There was a tap on the door and Jack didn't look up. "Just finishing up tuning, Bobby," said Jack dully. When no response came, he looked up. It wasn't Bobby at the door. It wasn't even a member of the band. "Er... hi."

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

More transformations without Rob had come and gone, and much to her annoyance, they didn't seem to get any better. She forwent the Awarewolf he had sent her every month, and sent it back to him without so much as a note of 'thank you but no'. The Wolfsbane hadn't settled her as it used to, no. It was like her body had gotten used to just being soothed by her mate and if anything, the Transformations got harder without him with each passing month. There wasn't much she could do for it, but ride it out. The Waverly had rooms equipped for such a purpose, but short of locking herself away with her creature comforts and just facing it, there was nothing else to do for it. As it went, she stayed out of her room there as much as she could otherwise. Sometimes going as far as sleeping in her office at 96th at the Shard. Anything different seemed to give her some level or lease of newfound freedom, something that wasn't the monotony of just trying to ignore the pain inside and move on with her life; which at the moment seemed impossible.

At the start of February, she would be due to embark on the tour of the States that Hanna had brokered for her. A huge deal for her, and a definite upheaval in her life; just about the right amount of difference she would need on a day-to-day basis. Back to not staying in any one place for too long; back to the almost wildness she had once lived in, that had once suited her best.

For now, though, she would just do her best to exist until then. It was all she could do.

Marilee, the general manager that ran the business for her, had decided to try out something new; live music during dinner. Not an arena-worthy performance or anything. Just some mood-setting music to add some ambiance to the place. Lyra had never heard of who was playing tonight but it was likely better off that way. It wasn't like she particularly wanted huge Diva-esque acts playing and having huge lists of demands or long set lists. Lyra had always championed the unknown, the underdogs, and likely would until the day she died. As she perused the listing for tonight's act, she sipped wine and decided to sneak down to the room where they'd be warming up. It was something to entertain her, right? After not waiting for an answer, she pushed her way in two seconds after knocking and found a pleasant surprise awaiting her. "Oh." as her head tilted to the side, she took Jack in. She didn't know why, but she had assumed tonight's act was a female when the bartender had suggested bringing them a drink. Raising an eyebrow, she looked over his features, his and on the guitar. A wicked smile grew on her face, her own wine settling in her stomach thanks to some possibly not-so-legal aid potions. "Sorry I just wanted to check in on my act for the night. I'm Lyra" Letting her eyes rake over him, she eventually looked back up to his face, a feeling she hadn't felt in a long time reigniting in her. Semi-cloaking the hurt ongoing in her chest. "And you are?"

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack plucked at his guitar experimentally, twisting the tuning prongs as he went until he liked the sound coming out. Now that Jack was set on quitting the Hit Wizarding career path, he knew he had to save up some money to set him on the course for a solo career. That meant taking gigs he wouldn't ordinarily find himself playing at. And Bobby, the frontman of this band... well, he was nice enough. And they were pretty desperate for some talent. So Jack had agreed, mostly because of the volume of galleons that would be deposited in his account after the night was finished. There was a tap on the door and Jack called out, assuming Bobby would be telling him that they would be on stage soon.

The young woman before Jack took him by surprise. She looked young, but had an air of confidence. Like she owned the place. She drank him in as he did to her, frozen mid strum. Something wicked played at the corners of her lips, before she spoke in a honey sweet voice. Jack tilted his head, recognition dawning on him. The reason why she acted like she owned the place was because she did. "Ah, shite," Jack murmured, placing his guitar against the side of the chair and rising. He swung forward a hand to greet Lyra Horvath, who had hired the band for her bar this evening. Her gaze shifted over him, taking him in. Jack felt hot and cold all at once.

Offering a crooked grin, Jack introduced himself. "Jack Clark. I'm just filling in for their regular guitarist today, but I'm under contract with HR records," said Jack. He hadn't told anyone except for Mal that things were so close to being finalised - it felt weird falling from his lips, delivering the news to a complete stranger. "It's really nice up here. I never expected to play anywhere this fancy," said Jack, ruffling his hair nervously. "Thank you... is the drink for me or...?" he asked, glancing from her hand to her face. Merlin, she was pretty.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

As something in the air sparked between them, Lyra let her head fall to the side only to survey Jack some more. Hm. Not too bad. Seemed about her age too. Sometimes Lyra forgot how young she was. She'd been so settled with Rob, a few years older than her, and had been through so much in her short life; she forgot that she was much younger and meant to be irresponsible. She had never had the wild and wreckless stage of her life. Well, in some ways, she had, but it was a wild and survival era rather than reckless and going home to the comfort of a bed in her mum and dad's home. Watching Jack, she wondered just how much of his life had been like that.

"Sorry" she eventually drawled in a low tone. She wasn't at all, and her smile as she watched him probably said that, but it was polite to say so for the minute. To keep up some form of professionalism, even if she couldn't keep staring at him. He was an employee of hers, she supposed in a weird way. Overall the things that were running through her mind were wholly inappropriate and would get her in trouble. For a moment, she wondered if it would be enough to dull the ache in her chest. Like the others she slept with, just to feel a little less lonely at the end of every night. Some she found in dueling clubs. Some she found here. Some she found in nameless, faceless bars around muggle London. That was mostly her favorite of hunting grounds. The people here were unknown to her, safer in her mind. Taking a sip of her own cocktail before she set his one down, she nodded, listening to him introduce himself.

"Jack. Very good." nodding slightly she reaffirmed his name and gave him a small smile. "I work here, in public relations." a small lie wouldn't hurt, right? This would be enough for now, enough of a distraction that was. With another small smile she motioned towards the whiskey-based cocktail she'd set aside for him. "If you want it yeah. The head bar staff likes to experiment. It's not on the menu yet, but might become a regular staple if it gets the boss' okay. Let me know what you think?" with another small flirty smile, she noted this was probably the moment she should take her leave, and yet, something in her was wanting her to hang around him just a little bit more. Puffing up her small frame, she leaned back against the wall and watched him for another moment; fingers moving over the chords on his guitar. "It's nice yeah. Maybe you could play more regularly if you do well tonight" A light tease laced her voice, flirting with him for now would do no harm right?

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack narrowed his eyes slightly as Lyra said she worked in PR for the bar. "Aye, good to put a face to a name," said Jack, bobbing his head. He hadn't spoken much to Lyra, more to Bobby to iron out details. But Bobby had told him to look out for Lyra who had booked them, and to not make a complete arse of himself. Jack wondered if he'd already faced defeat on that front, but said nothing. His hand jumped to his hair, rumpling it with a nervous tic. Lyra was very pretty, with delicate features like an elf. Her eyes were slightly too large for her face, giving her the impression that she was in awe of everything around her. But there was a hard scrutiny behind her gaze. Scrambling for conversation, Jack asked if the drink was for him. It looked untouched. Lyra offered it to him and he accepted.

"Thanks," said Jack, sipping the concoction. He frowned. "I never thought of mixing whisky and orange," said Jack. But he took another sip. As strange as it tasted at first, it quickly grew on him. His gaze flickered to Lyra, and he offered her a grin. "It's nice. Different. Is there cinnamon in there?" he asked, taking another drink before placing the glass on the table. He fiddled idly with his guitar as he spoke to Lyra, trying to decide if he wanted to tune a step down or not. They would be playing jazz... not his usual genre, but Jack took what he was given.

Glancing up at Lyra, Jack smirked. "Will you be about then?" asked Jack. "See, I'm only filling in. Not really a jazz lad meself." Jack strummed his guitar twice more before starting a tune. "We only said goodbye with words, I've died a hundred times. You go back to her and I go back to black..." he sang, closing his eyes as the words flowed through him. He stopped abruptly. "Sorry. I dunno I just..." Jack trailed off. He didn't know why he wanted to show Lyra that he could sing as well as play, especially since he'd be taking more of a backing spot this evening. Jack reached for the drink and took a gulp, busying his hands as his face burned.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

Jack hadn't asked her to leave, that was always a bonus. she only paused hesitating for a split second before she moved into the room and planted herself in an armchair. There was no law against making herself comfortable in her own bar, right? Lazily she had her legs draped over the side, wet look leggings squeaking on the leather just slightly. Brushing it off she sipped from her drink and hope he didn't hear it. "Mm-hm, it's good. I'm not sure. But either way, it's good." a small coy smile grew on her lips.

Lyra hoped her at-ease demeanor did something to calm his nerves. He shouldn't be this on edge before he took the stage surely? Though maybe it was her mere presence that was making it worse.

As Jack went on, it became more clear. "Ah." It made some sense, but as he began to sing she rolled her eyes playfully. "Well, you're good at it anyway. That was good. Smooth. Easy to listen to" her eyes danced with a mischievous spark as she continued to watch him. "That's what they like here. Some nice background music. And yeah, I'll stay around. I'm here most of the nights of the week I guess..." Her eyes drifted to his fingers fiddling with the guitar strings for a moment before looking back up to his face and shooting him a more enticing smile, eyebrow arched with daring.

"Why, want to buy me a drink after?"

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

The way Lyra was looking at him lit a fire in Jack's belly. It wasn't that he was ever wanting for attention from either gender. It was that there was something powerful about the witch before him - some raw, untapped potential that was nestled inside of her. Jack wanted to tease it out of her, to see who she really was. Just a PR girl? Maybe, but behind closed doors, Jack was certain she was much, much more. For a brief moment, he thought of Addy. Lyra was like Addy, several years after accepting herself. Not letting herself be held back by the demands of her family or the weight of doing the right thing. Someone who was selfish, just like Jack.

Taking another sip as his face burned, Jack had to look away from Lyra to maintain his own composure. He didn't know why he'd chosen an Amy Winehouse tune, but it was the first thing that had popped into his head. "Easy to listen to?" asked Jack, arching a brow. "I'd rather be emotive. But I suppose I'll do that with my own songs," he replied with a smirk. Jack enquired if Lyra would be around if he were invited back, and was please when she answered affirmatively. "Sound," said Jack, inclining his head slightly before taking another drink of the whisky. It was disappearing faster than he would have liked.

Lyra's direct response stoked the smouldering inside Jack. His smirk morphed into a mischievous grin. "Aren't you the one who's meant to be giving me drinks? I'm the talent after all," said Jack smugly. "But... I suppose I can spare the time for a glass or two. Only for someone as remarkable as you," he countered, draining the whisky. He set the empty glass on the table, checked his watch, then appraised Lyra. "I've got ten minutes til places. So tell me, Lyra. What brings you to public relations at a place like this? You seem to me more like the type who thrives in a grungy bar with louder music than your eardrums can handle, shitty beer and good craic all around. Or am I wrong?"

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

Her mouth twitched at the corner at his simple turn of phrase. Even more so when she watched him purposefully look away from her owlish gaze. She was making him uncomfortable she knew that much, but she wasn't sure she minded. After all, it was her place they were in, her territory. Feeling powerful off of the dueling platform wasn't such a terrible thing.

"Maybe some other day we can listen to your music. But for now, this place just wants some nice background music I suppose" Lyra shrugged it off nonchalantly, even if she did secretly wonder about his own music. Maybe she'd get to listen to some later, in private. Sipping from her own glass again, she glanced away and offered him some sort of reprieve. It was only fair she supposed. Something in her was also telling her to leave him wanting more, which she was extremely happy to play with tonight. Closing her eyes for a half second, she licked at her lips and grinned at the sweet tang of the whiskey left on them before smacking them together with another mischievous grin and peek at him.

"Well look, truth be told, yes drinks are part of the compensation packet so I suppose I could. But then again, I thought you'd just want to buy me one by the way you kept looking at me" Her teeth showed now, grin turning more wicked by the moment. "Or how about you just bring me a drink and tell me you bought it, either way, the social intonation is there"

She started to watch him again as he went on, only shifting slightly in her chair. "Well, you're not wrong Jack. That is more my sort of place. Throw in an underground duel ring and you're spot on, but, something has to pay the bills, right?" With a shrug she pushed herself to sit up slightly, her face slightly more serious. "Plus, when the new owner took over, they took more of a hands-on approach to marketing themselves as Werewolf friendly, I'm involved in that" flashing him a wolfish smile, she paused and looked him over again.

"I should leave you to finish warming up I suppose..." something in her voice was regretful though "But I can see you after for that drink..."

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack eyed Lyra for a long moment, then nodded. "Aye, I suppose you're right," he replied, his gaze flicking momentarily to her full mouth before scanning the rest of the room. It wasn't that she made her uncomfortable per say - it was more that she had some aura about her that Jack couldn't quite place. It threw him more than he was willing to admit. Jack chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ordinarily, yes. And even still, yes. But I suppose you probably get free drinks anyways," said Jack. "Hate it when reason prevails," he added playfully.

Jack thought that Lyra seemed more of the underground type. When she revealed her taste for duelling rings, his lust for her skyrocketed. "Beautiful and dangerous? A thrilling combo," said Jack, his voice even despite the fact that he was warring internally with himself. "Ah, fuck bills. Do what you're passionate about, and you'll make it work," Jack countered. Was that not exactly as he had wanted to do? And then Lyra gave Jack that wolfish grin and he was a goner.

Opening his mouth to say something, Jack was saved when there was a sharp rap on the door. Bobby called through the wood that it was places. "Suppose that's my cue," said Jack, rising from his perch. "Been a pleasure chatting. See you after, Lyra," said Jack, his voice husky as he took her hand, squeezing it as he passed and left the room.

A set had never gone so slowly. Jack found himself rather distracted, though he played all the right chords at all the right times. He kept scanning the place for Lyra, but he couldn't spot her. Probably she was busy booking other acts for other nights. Darkness settled around the venue and faeries winked into existence, twinkling and lighting up the place. There was a charmed warmth about it, despite being hundreds of metres above ground and the middle of winter. After what seemed like centuries, though in reality it was just a few hours, Jack spotted Lyra loitering near the bar with that secret smile of hers. The band finished their last song, thanked the crowd, and Jack was off, not even bothering to shed his guitar.

Jack approached Lyra, grinning. "You look thirsty. Can I buy you a drink?" asked Jack.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

With a small dip of her chin, she confirmed his theory "Of course, I get free drinks" She was about to let out her secret and add 'because I'm the owner' but for now she cut herself off. He seemed the type to get all serious and professional if she spilled it all. This way was much more fun. With a small smile she watched him go, hoping she was making herself oh-so mysterious and appealing.

"I'll see you after then" stopping by the door she blew him a playful kiss before taking her leave

During his set she moved in the shadows, listening and watching intently, but of course not letting him know she was there. He was good. His voice buttery, the kind she could listen for prolonged times. Like someone else she knew. Swallowing down that thought, she pressed her lips together and pushed away the thought of him, just like she ignored the dull ache in her chest for months. All she could do was pray this would be enough of a distraction tonight to let her get some sleep.

She was only alone for barely a beat after the music stopped before he had searched her out.

With another cat-like smile, she touched his arm. "That was good. And yes, I'll let you keep your promise. A whiskey sour please" Enjoying herself a little too much, she tilted her head at him before he left. "Also, the owner wants to see you in their office. And they usually don't like to be kept waiting..." guilty she nibbled on her lip, wondering was she going a little too far.

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Though the set passed dreadfully slow, Jack knew he had played well. Bobby even let him sing a few crooners. "Maybe Lewis can be sick more often," he joked, grinning at Jack. Jack only offered a noncommittal smile as they finished up the set. At last, he spotted Lyra, whom he hadn't managed to find throughout the entire evening. He'd been distracted by the temptation and promises she'd left him. He stepped down from the stage, not even bothering to unsling his guitar and shuffled over to Lyra, grinning. She offered Jack a feline smirk in response.

"Absolutely." Jack turned to the bartender, who looked confused by the entire exchange. "Two whisky sours, please," said Jack, rifling around his pocket for a few sickles to pay. "I suppose I have Bobby to thank. And Lewis, if we're really stretching. But dunno if this is a sustainable gig for me," said Jack, turning back to Lyra. After all, he was in talks with a record label. But in the meantime, he did still need cashflow. Playing music was better than the alternative. Jack wanted to write and sing and feel the emotions of the crowd, not just listen to the clink of silverware on china. But he couldn't be picky.

Jack's stomach dropped to the floor at Lyra's next request. "Bollocks," he murmured under his breath. "Aye, alright. Er, I'll catch you afterwards? Where is her office?" asked Jack, a cold sweat washing over him at the prospect that he'd done something unforgivable. Was he not allowed to flirt with the staff? Sure he had been rather obvious, but still. There was no harm in it.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

Taking the short tumbler from him, she gave him a small smile of thanks. Even if it was coming out of her own pocket at the end of the day; the small act of chivalry was worth it. "You don't think so?" Raising an eyebrow she watched him, her face now shifting to a slight frown. She had just gotten used to having an actual interesting reason for being around her own place, that wasn't business related. "Why not? Seeing you around a little more would be pretty good actually. I thought you'd be back to play some of your original stuff.." sipping her drink, she downplayed her eagerness to see him again, keeping herself just the right amount of interest without being overbearing.

At Jack's curse, she rolled her eyes and giggled, enjoying it all a little too much.

"Don't worry, I'm sure they'll go easy on you" Reaching out, she gave his bicep a reassuring squeeze. "I'll wait for you, either way" raising an eyebrow, she sipped again before motioning down the corridor where the toilets were. "Down there, keep going. The door at the end, on the right. They're waiting on you, so don't bother knocking or anything" She had barely waited till he turned to go before she apparated right into her own office. She had set up blocks on everyone else being able to apparate on site, other than in the entryway, but she was allowed as some sort of safety measure. Settling herself on her purposely overbearing armchair behind the huge desk, she crossed her legs and propped her combat boot-covered feet up on the desk before turning down the lighting with a flick of her wand and a soft giggle while she waited for him and sipped at the same whiskey sour she had started just moments ago.

This was all great fun.

JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack stared at Lyra, suddenly suspicious. It seemed almost too good to be true to be offered a more regular gig, playing his own music. He'd enjoyed being on stage, and he'd enjoyed playing with a band. But what Jack loved most of all was sharing his sound with the world. Maybe that made him pretentious, but Jack liked to believe it was just the musical genius in him waiting to be tapped. When Lyra explained that the owner wanted to see him, Jack cursed, and ran his hand through his hair nervously. He wondered what he'd done wrong - but Jack suspected that Lyra would vouch for him in case the owner was displeased.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," he promised as Lyra directed him to the dragon's den. Jack shuffled down the hall, wishing he'd stashed his guitar before pausing in front of the door. Lyra had said not to knock, but that didn't seem right. Jack tapped the door twice with his knuckle before pushing it open. His eyes went wide as saucers as he took in the scene before him.

Lyra languished on an oversized armchair, looking like the cat who'd caught the canary. Jack blanched, and sputtered, then snapped his mouth shut. His mind was whirring a mile a minute - had she not just been in the other room? And why did she look so sexy, all important and relaxed like this? It made sense that she knew so much about the club, beyond being a PR representative. It was a fairly new place - no one could be as familiar with it as the owner. Jack swallowed, taking a moment before the smirk started to creep across his lips. "You called for me? And here I thought you couldn't apparate within the property. Must be perks to being on top," Jack teased, closing the door with a snick behind him.

Lyra Horváth

[Lyra Horváth]

Grinning wickedly, she watched the door and waited. It didn't take long for Jack to come sprawling in and noticeably double take. His reaction of disbelief only made her smirk wider. "Safety measures. Only I have the privilege of it. Everyone else is only allowed go as far as the landing platform and then they hit the wards." with a low, husky laugh she threw her head back to look at him properly now "Definitely a perk of being the owner, yes."

Eyes fixed on him as he shut the door, it relaxed her more. The only movement that forced herself to rouse though was reaching forward and giving her wand a lazy flick to lock the door behind him. Watching him, she let her gaze rake over him almost sluggishly. She had learned the live with the symptoms of denying herself her mate, to deal with the distance between them; but in this moment, the heat rising in her had just about pushed all thoughts of Rob to the back of her mind. She'd gotten good at that, not thinking about him; and yet as she noticed the way Jack was looking at her she found she barely had to try.

Her eyes drifted to fix on his lips for a moment, focusing a little too intently before she forced her attention elsewhere. In a languid movement, she pushed herself up to cross the office to a side beaureu with a decanter of her favourite sitting atop of it, two glasses and a fresh bucket of ice beside it. "But yes, it was getting a little too.....busy outside I suppose. So I called you here." her back to him she still smirked and she moved swiftly enough to pour them a glass each. "More undisturbed..."


JOHN ELLIOT CLARK

[JOHN ELLIOT CLARK]

Jack was struck dumb for a long moment as he took in Lyra's lithe form, lounging on the oversized and intimidating looking armchair. He regained his composure more slowly than he would have liked to admit, and straightened. "So you paraded around as a PR exec to..." he trailed off, arching a brow inquisitively. "Undercover agent. Maybe you should be in the police," he added with a smirk. Jack closed the door behind him and let his gaze rover over her form appreciatively. She emanated a sort of power, with her legs slung over the arm of the chair and her dark gaze captivating as it pinned him to the spot.

Now that Lyra had admitted to owning the place, Jack thought back to the things he'd said to her before. The only incriminating evidence had been that he didn't think this place was really the right vibe for him. But Lyra had brushed away his protests, dangling the offer of a more regular gig playing his own music whilst he got on his feet with the record company. Jack wondered if the offer came with other sorts of... perks... and by the way Lyra was looking at him, he suspected it would.

Lyra's gaze drifted to his lips, which parted at the prospect of tasting hers. She then rose in a fluid motion and crossed to a side table, pouring out two measures of an amber liquid and passing a glass to him. "More undisturbed?" asked Jack, his voice lowering to a purr. "And what would we need this level of privacy for?" asked Jack.

Lyra Horváth