Beer, Hot Wings & The Supernatural

Who: Dorian and Joey
When: Evening
Where: Nevermore

Being a Friday night - and cold - the cafe was fairly packed and busy. People were eager to sit by the fireplace and drink plenty of hot liquids to which Joey was more than eager to help serve. It was definitely good for business and a night where she didn't have to worry about the closing numbers was always a good night. When she was finally able to sneak away and finish up her paperwork, Joey slipped her jacket on, happy to leave Patty and the others to close up. She didn't have any set plans for the rest of the evening, but she had passed Nevermore on her way in earlier and had seen Dorian inside. She had only met him once, very briefly, but he had been friendly and Joey was never one to shy away from talking to, or befriending, the locals. Especially those who owned small businesses themselves. Fixing up two fresh coffees, Joey set out into the chilly night and walked several store fronts down until she reached Nevermore. She didn't even know if Dorian was still working, but if he wasn't, some lucky employee would get his coffee instead. It took some effort with her hands full, but she managed to get inside and was thankful for the immediate warmth.

Friday nights were fairly slow at Nevermore, unless there was some kind of chaos going on and everyone wanted an explanation. It'd been quiet lately, so that left the store empty other than Dorian, who was sitting in the back reading, rather than manning the register. He had a number of books spread out before him, allowing him to easily cross reference from one to another, though the research was purely for his own enjoyment. Once he closed down, he planned to hit a local bar, or find some place to attempt being social, rather than heading home. When the bell on the door rang, Dorian looked up, able to see a figure at the front of the store through the shelves, but not quite sure who it was, should he know them at all. "Evening," he called out. "Let me know if there's anything I can help you with." Even if it was just a half-ass attempt at being attentive, he figured it was better than nothing at all.

"Actually there is," Joey replied, tentatively moving forward and looking around before she walked back to where the voice had come from. The store was vacant, obviously not a popular Friday night hotspot in Marquette, which was fine by her. She'd been surrounded by people all day. It was a nice change of pace and she welcomed the quiet atmosphere. Joey smiled when he came into view, but paused in her steps, not wanting to simply invite herself fully into the back. She lifted one of the coffee cups with a grin. "I bring coffee."

Dorian hadn't expected a customer, and he really hadn't expected a visitor. The number of people he was friendly with was dwindling down to nothing, especially on the female side, but he was glad to see it hadn't hit rock bottom. He rose from his seat, smiling as he went to great her. "Good to see you, Joey," he smiled. "Just dropping by, or would you like to join me?" he asked, gesturing towards the table. "I might be able to dig up some cookies to go with the coffee," he said, attempting to tempt her, though he was pretty sure she'd planned on staying a bit.

"Actually, I thought I would drop in and try to get you addicted on my coffee. The fact that you're inviting me to join you already tells me that you'll be an easy target." She winked at him and walked over to sit at the table scattered with his books. She set the coffees down and unraveled her multicolored scarf from her neck. "I really should have brought some cookies with me, or chocolate muffins, but not everyone has that kind of sweet tooth. I'll definitely remember the next time I bring caffeine to entice you. Lonely night?"

"Way too easy," Dorian grinned, disappearing into the back only momentarily to grab a box of cookies. They were still in the package, but it was better than nothing, and his store didn't specialize in feeding it's customers. He set them on the table, then took a seat beside her. "I don't expect you to feed me, but I appreciate the coffee. It's always slow on Fridays, unless something crazy's going on. I could shut it down, but I got to reading something and loss track of time. What about you?" he asked, taking a sip of coffee. "Abandon ship for the night?"

"I like feeding people, shockingly enough. Only instead of healthy gourmet meals I try to shove cheesecake and cookies down their throat." She picked up her coffee to take a quick sip and warm herself up. "My shift was over and thankfully I have enough faith and trust in my assistant manager to keep things running smoothly without me. What were you reading?" She was being nosy, but that was nothing new. Her eyes fell away from him to look at the many books on the table.

"I will never turn down your cookies and cheesecake," Dorian said, taking another sip of his drink. "Or your coffee." The coffee did a better job of warming him up than Nevermore's heater did, which was something he'd have to check on before winter really hit full force. "I was looking into various kinds of spirits and how their lives are effected by psychics. It's not something I've studied a lot before. It's really pretty interesting." He watched her carefully as he sipped at his coffee, well aware that some people would think he was nuts.

She smiled, pleased that he enjoyed the coffee. She made a mental note to send a small box of cookies to the store for him the next time she was at work. Any man who complimented her coffee definitely deserved tasty treats. She reached out to pull one of the books to her, flipping it open to skim. "It sounds interesting. You always hear about how psychics are affected by spirits, but never the other way around." Joey looked up from the book to Dorian. "Have you been able to discover anything worthwhile?"

"Since I'm neither one, I find it difficult to make a difference just in reading, but the next time I come across one maybe I'll put it to good use," Dorian said. He'd never considered himself a psychic, even if his ability was considered to be one. "I do wonder if a telepath can read a spirit's thoughts without knowledge of the spirit being present, or if an empath can manipulate a spirit's emotions. If that's the case, either could play a huge part in changing the spirit's hold on this world. They could be seen as a threat, or a relief," he said, then gave a little shrug. "It's all theory for the moment though."

"It's intriguing theory for sure," Joey said, flipping through a couple pages of the book. "I've really never put that much thought into stuff like that before and now I kind of want to know the answer." She grinned and shut the book before she got caught up in actually reading it. "Definitely a benefit to owning a store like this. Being interested in and able to read the inventory whenever you would like. Is there a particular reason you're wanting to know? Or just general curiosity?"

"General curiosity," Dorian said. "I like knowing about this stuff, what's out there and what they can do. That way I'm not caught off guard if I run into 'em. You could call it a hobby, I guess. I've always been drawn in by the supernatural." He knew a big part of it was the role it played in his life, how he fit into the world around him, and how little the world knew about his kind. Rarely did he come across a book on half-demons, and when he did, every one was different. There was no way to predict how a child would turn out with one demon for a parent, though it did make him wonder on the genetics of other mixed species. There didn't seem to be half of anything else.

Joey folded her arms on the table, studying him. She never heard someone talk to openly about believing in the supernatural. Beyond the kooks who were into alien conspiracy and Sasquatch. "It's always a benefit to educate yourself. It holds incredible fascination at the same time. The things we were taught as children not to be afraid of or believe in could very well be lurking around right outside our window in the dark. Not that every supernatural creature is to be feared, however." Of course, Joey had known about these things since she could truly understand. She was a part of that world. "You made good on your hobby." She motioned around the bookstore. "Combining business and profit with something that truly interests you. Not many people are able to do that."

Dorian hadn't really been taught to fear anything, at least when it came to creatures or monsters hiding under the bed. He'd been educated, yes, and but his mother didn't install the sort of beliefs other mothers might. He had received a healthy dose of fear when it came to giving away what he was and the consequences that would come with it. He knew better, at this point in his life, just as he knew there were creatures out there that could kick his ass if they caught him off guard-- and some that could do some regardless. "Not all of them," he agreed. "Some of them, sure, but most get along like normal human beings." In his experience, Marquette was crawling with them. He was willing to bet that one in every ten people had some kind of supernatural association, which was far higher a count than most cities would have. "I'm not really making a killing," he said with a grin, "but it pays the bills. And it amuses me. I'm sure if I wanted to cash in there are other things I could do. What kind of hobbies do you have?"

"Amusement and bill paying is a lot more than some people have with their business, so consider yourself lucky. But my hobbies? Is there were I describe romantic dinners and moonlit walks on the beach? Oh, no, that would be describing the perfect date." She rested her palm in her hand and smiled brightly at Dorian. "Honestly, I don't have many true hobbies. Not any as interesting as yours anyway. I like to collect first edition novels, and watch old black and white films, if you would consider those hobbies?"

"Those are hobbies," Dorian smiled, "And they're much easier to come by than good first dates. Moonlit walks on the beach are only romantic if the conversation's right, and romantic dinners are interpreted differently by everyone." Dorian had never pulled off either successfully, and had therefore stopped trying. Romance wasn't something his life was built for, so if he were to find it, he suspected it would have to fall in his lap. "What sort of first edition novels?" he asked curiously. "I've got a couple of first editions. Well, in some case they're the only edition, but they're all my sort of books."

"I'm not particular about the book," Joey admitted. "I like going into used book shops, or auctions both in person or online, when they arise. I collect books from my childhood, or books that had meaning in my life. And of course, books that hold some cultural significance. I have a first edition of Edgar Allan Poe's Poe's Tales of Mystery and Imagination, which I am very proud to have found as it was really by chance. Of course, I maxed out my credit card to buy it, but I find it totally worth the money. The one that has taken me ages to find is a first edition of Alice's Adventure's in Wonderland illustrated by Arthur Rackham. It's just one of those things you have to keep an eye out for and cross your fingers that you'll come across it." Joey paused and then lifted her coffee to her lips to hide the smile. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ramble on about books. What other hobbies do you have, besides the supernatural?"

"It's okay," Dorian said, having enjoyed her ramble. Books were something he enjoyed searching for, even if his collection was a bit odd. He could relate on the principle, even while the contents were different. He'd have to keep watch for Alice's Adventure's in Wonderland, just in case. "I'm big into books myself, though that's in connection with the supernatural. Outside of that, I like to play cards and occasionally gamble-- another hobby people frown upon. I like movies-- classics, indies, whatever. It's been a while, but I used to go to the occasional film festival." He hadn't gone to once since he'd moved to Marquette, actually, as he'd been far too caught up in his family, then Eury and Aiden, to really find his place. It seemed to be an ever-shifting goal, but maybe he'd get there eventually.

"Hobbies that people frown upon are sometimes the best ones," Joey pointed out, motioning lightly with her coffee cup. "I enjoy playing cards and losing a lot of money. I would say I enjoy winning money, but I'm a really bad bluffer. And I pick locks, but rarely for anything illegal, so it's kind of a pointless skill." Her smile widened. "I love film festivals. It's been such a long time since I've been to one. They would play old Charlie Chaplin films all weekend at the theater in my hometown and I was always the nerd who bought tickets a month in advance, even though it never sold out." She released a small, happy sigh. She missed being young and somewhat-innocence. "Do you ever get to enjoy these hobbies? Or are you too caught up in the 'paying bills with the business' part of your life?"

So he officially thought she was cool, since any girl that didn't frown upon gambling had to be. "Maybe you're just playing the wrong game," he grinned. "Or you need a better good luck charm. You don't have to bluff when you have the cards to win." In his case, he usually made the cards to win, though cards were harder to manipulate than other games, just on the probability that his opponent might have the same. The only thing worse than losing was getting caught cheating. "I learned to pick locks as a kid," he said, surprised that she'd not only have the skill, but admit to it. "Don't often need to use it, but it's a nice skill to keep in my pocket. And really, the only thing keeping me from enjoying these hobbies is I'm not particularly fond of doing them alone. Now that I know you'd enjoy a film festival, I may have to drag you to one."

"I wasn't aware I needed a good luck charm! Damn, there's my problem." Sighing dramatically, Joey leaned back in her chair before laughing. "My problem is, with cards? If I have a good hand, or I think I have a good set of cards, I get this horrifically huge grin on my face and no matter what I do, I can't stifle it. Though if I start grinning during every hand, that will make me harder to read. Hmm." She appeared sly and thoughtful for a moment before shifting her gaze to Dorian. "You enjoy gambling, you pick locks, you enjoy film festivals and you own a bookstore on the supernatural. I should have brought you coffee a lot earlier. But you name it, cards, films... feel free to track me down. I'm not a big fan of doing things alone either, and being in a new town, it's been a bit difficult to find someone enjoyable to hang out with. I've spent many nights in my apartment twiddling my thumbs by myself, and I'm hoping to break that tedious streak soon."

"Okay, so maybe poker isn't your game," he laughed. "I usually go for craps or roulette, if I'm really doing heavy gambling." Actually, he preferred to be someone else's good luck charm while they played craps or roulette. Winning too often brought on suspicion he wanted to avoid. It was better if he could spread it out a bit. "If I'd have known we were going to have so much in common, I'd have told you earlier. I just don't usually expect those kinds of things to align." Especially the lock picking. How many girls random said they could pick locks? "We should catch dinner then. Or a movie. Or anything that won't send me home on a Friday night," he grinned, taking another sip of coffee. "Got plans for thumb twiddling tonight?" he asked.

"Oh!" She leaned forward excitedly. "I love roulette. Put me in a casino and I probably won't move from the table until I'm flat broke. And even then I might beg someone for a twenty, as pathetic as that sounds. Roulette is my vice. Not that I'm any better at it than cards, but at least I feel like I can pay attention to the numbers and chance rather than having to know how to bluff." Joey couldn't help but think it was quite nice to be able to talk with someone with whom she had some things in common with. Not that she didn't enjoy Patty and the others at the cafe, but she couldn't relate to workaholic husbands and burping babies with the married, older ladies, nor could she truly understand the high school drama coming from the teenagers she employed. "As for tonight? My plans for thumb twiddling can always be rescheduled if you're up for grabbing something to eat, or catching a movie."

Dorian was pretty sure he was grinning like a loon. Roulette was his game, such an easy thing to manipulate with telekinesis. A little tip and the ball went just where he wanted it to go. It was delicate work, but something he'd been practicing for years. All it took was moving the marble an inch, just tapping it at the right time-- when he was younger, he'd worried about shifting the whole table. He might not be able to get a specific number each time, but he could always get it on red or black, whichever one he needed. "You and I would be dangerous in a casino," he grinned. "I'll have to let you know the next time I go to Vegas. Just in case you're in for a road trip." Which he couldn't even believe he'd suggest this early in knowing her, but he figured he had time. If she turned out to be someone he needed to keep away, he'd just not mention he was going. "Food would be good then," he said, realizing he hadn't touched the cookies yet. "If we want, we can see what's playing afterwards, but I can't completely forego dinner. What sounds good to you?"

Joey was a big fan of road trips, given she had been all over the world since leaving home. And she didn't always use a car, or a plane. Her wings were pretty convenient too. "I'll hold you to that. I haven't been to Vegas in quite sometime. It's probably why I still have money in the bank." She winked again and sipped her coffee, not really believing he would actually invite her to Vegas with him, but one never knew. There were some people who were more about living in the moment, and Joey liked to think she was one of those people. Maybe he was too, and she was sure she would eventually find out, as long as any friendship made didn't crash and burn like the one she thought she had been forging with Ash. Then again, she had no intention of telling Dorian, or anyone else in town now for that matter, that she was an angel of wrath. "I say we go have some decent food and maybe a beer or two and then see what we're feeling when we're finished. If you're up for catching a movie afterward, then we can do that. If you want to call it a night, that's okay too. Sound good?"

"Sounds like a plan," he said, finishing off his coffee before he rose to his feet. He cast a quick glance over the table, over the open books and the state of the store. It could wait till tomorrow. "We can take my car, unless you'd rather drive. Or we can walk," Dorian said, grabbing his coat off the back of his chair to pull it on. It was freezing outside, but walking might get the blood running. Then again, they'd have to come back to the cars later, so he was hoping she'd opt for driving. "Just give me a second to lock up?" he said, moving to lock the back door before emptying the register. There were a few nightly activities that had to be done, but as soon as he could he met her back at the door. A quick glance outside reminded him of the problem he was going to face and he sighed mentally. This was usually where things got weird. "Ready?" he asked, pulling his sunglasses out of his pocket. As he followed her outside, he slipped them on his eyes.

"You can drive, if you don't mind bringing me back to my car when we're finished," Joey said, picking up her scarf and slipping it around her neck as she wandered back to the front of the store. It was chilly outside and she didn't want her teeth to be chattering obnoxiously by the time they got to a restaurant. She waited for him by the front door, smiling when he approached after closing the store down. She couldn't help but glance at him when he put his sunglasses on, and she arched an eyebrow, a curious smile on her face. "Eye condition or is it some kind of 'too cool for school' look you've got going on?"

"Eye condition," Dorian said with a little smile. "Just something I've had all my life. Don't worry; I can drive so long as we're in the city." It was when he really got out in the countryside that driving with his glasses on became impossible. He preferred not to do it at all, but glowing violet eyes weren't exactly a normality. Moonlight was a bitch. "I'm not sure it's considered too cool for school when it's completely inappropriate," he said as he led her to his car. "But feel free to make fun of me if I forget to take them off when we go inside." Shutting her door for her, he hurried around to his side to jump in and start the car, wanting to get the heater going. He didn't know where they were headed exactly, but it shouldn't be too hard to find good food and a few beers.

She buckled her seat belt, trying to think if she had ever heard of an eye condition where one's eyes was sensitive to the dark. But she wasn't a doctor, and she doubted he would make up a fake condition just to wear sunglasses. "I don't think I'll make fun of you," she said once he was in the car with her. "I'll just see how long it would take you to remember you were wearing them. So what are you in the mood for? Appetizer and entrees? Or maybe some wings and beers?" She would be fine with anything as long as it wasn't too loud. She enjoyed conversation and so far she was definitely enjoying his company. "Spicy? Italian? Chinese?" Smiling, Joey settled back in her seat. "I'll be good with anything as long as it's not a frozen dinner."

Since he'd had to deal with his 'eye condition' his whole life, Dorian was usually pretty good about taking them off when he came indoors, though that was mostly because wearing glasses at night annoyed the shit out of him. If he was alone, it didn't matter, but drawing the wrong kind of attention to himself was a dangerous game to play. "I know this awesome wings place, if you're in the mood. Kinda messy, by they make the best spicy wings and have beer on tap," he suggested, starting up the car and heading out. Most girls didn't suggest something like wings, but once she'd said it, Dorian was craving it.

"I'm very much in the mood. Spicy hot wings with a pint of beer sounds like heaven right about now." Joey sighed contently. So much better than the frozen meal awaiting her in her freezer. "And wings are suppose to be messy. That's what napkins are for, right? Just as long as you don't judge me if I happen to get sauce on my chin or something." If it were a date she might be a bit more aware of what she was eating, but this wasn't a date, and Dorian seemed like a cool enough guy that he would probably make fun of her for being messy rather than turned off. Hopefully. If not, oh well, she was going to enjoy her food, appearances be damned.

"I won't judge you, but I may laugh before handing you a napkin," he teased. "Now, if you were to whip out a fork and knife? Then we'd have a problem. There are a couple of foods meant to be eaten with your fingers. Hot wings are one of them, and pizza is the other." And those that used utensils on such foods, usually had a stick up their ass... but he decided not to say that part aloud. For all he knew, she'd intended to eat them with a spoon. "So, where are you from?" Dorian asked, realizing it was a very basic question, but one they'd not covered. He remembered she was from down south, from the last time they spoke, but he didn't think she'd said where.

"Don't forget tacos," Joey pointed out with a laugh. She was not a fork and knife kind of girl when it came to wings. Or pizza or tacos. "I think I would look ridiculous sitting there with a knife and fork, cutting into my tiny wing. Might as well put a straw in my beer too." Joey readjusted the scarf around her neck and glanced at Dorian. "I'm from Loreauville, Louisiana actually. A much smaller town than this one, if you can believe it. What about you?"

"Tacos are definitely on the list," he snickered. "And beer through a straw somehow defeats the purpose. The only time beer should be funneled is if you're drinking it through a beer bong. No straws allowed." Now, that took him back quicker than anything. He was pretty sure the last time he'd drank from a beer bong he was in college. In fact, Aiden was present. "Loreauville?" Dorian asked, briefly turning to look at her, then back at the road. "I've heard of it, but never been there. I grew up in New Orleans."

"A beer bong?" Joey laughed, lifting a hand to her mouth as she looked out the window. "Oh man, you were a frat boy in college weren't you?" He looked the type to have enjoyed a beer bong or two in his time. And that was just fine with her. Joey hadn't exactly been Ms. Responsible during her college years. But of course, she had probably attended college well before Dorian had. Her eyes widened in surprise to hear Dorian lived in New Orleans. "You grew up in New Orleans? That's about two and half hours from Loreauville, which I'm sure you know, but... wow." Small world, wasn't it? What were the odds and that they would have as much in common as they did. "I loved going to New Orleans on the weekends with my friends if I could get my parents to let me. There's honestly nothing in the world quite like Mardi Gras."

"I wasn't a frat boy, but I had my wild side," he grinned. And he still did, even if it was tailored a bit differently than it had been back then. He'd always thought that he'd be wild in college, so that he could calm down afterwards. Now he knew that wouldn't work so well. Now he had another hobby that he didn't quite speak of. It wasn't near as acceptable as gambling. "Not far at all," he smiled. "This world just keeps getting smaller. But, yeah, there's nothing like Mardi Gras. No party anywhere else in the world, as far as I'm concerned. Did your parents actually let you go down for it?" he asked. "If I'd had a sister, I don't know if that would've flown." Then again, he had no idea how his mother would have brought up a daughter. Maybe she'd have encouraged the flashing.

"I think everyone had a wild side in college at some point, and if you didn't, you were probably missing out." She found herself looking at Dorian now, rather than staring out the window. She had definitely found something more interesting to observe. "I went to Mardi Gras my senior year of high school. My dad was vehemently against it, but my mom and I managed to persuade him. Two women ganging up on one guy? He doesn't stand a chance." Especially two angels. "It was such an amazing experience, the atmosphere and the people. Yes, before you ask, I did get plenty of beads, but mind you, I was eighteen at the time and if my friends were getting beads, then I was too. Living there, I imagine you got to experience it every year?"

"I'd think that'd be any father's nightmare, sending his daughter off to sin city for the weekend," Dorian chuckled. "I'm sure you could still get plenty of beads," he said, shooting her a quick glance. She was hot enough, that was for sure. It didn't matter that she wasn't eighteen. "I went every year. It was the kind of party where my parents didn't even expect me back before dawn. They knew I was with friends, and my mom was always kinda cool about things like that." Cool probably wasn't the right word, seeing as how his mother actually encouraged mayhem half the time, but it was the only way he knew to describe how he remembered the situation from when he was younger. "Have you gone again since you were eighteen?" he asked.

Joey shrugged with a small laugh. "I would like to say that like Vegas, what happens at Mardi Gras, stays at Mardi Gras, but that's next to impossible with the technology and people walking around with video cameras. Thankfully I didn't end up on any Girls Gone Wild videos, so he was able to sleep easy. I went again when I was twenty one, since I could drink legally, well before Katrina hit. I got a couple beads then too but I was less inclined to flash people for some reason." She chuckled and picked a bit at her scarf. "I actually haven't been back to Louisiana in awhile. My parents moved to Florida once I was officially out of the house and traveling on my own, so I never really had a reason to."

Dorian nodded as he turned down the street, able to see their destination only a few blocks away. "At some point you start to understand your actions might have consequences you're not all that fond of. Either that, or you just didn't have enough to drink," he smirked, teasing her lightly. "I haven't spent a lot of time in Louisiana since graduating high school. There were a couple summers that I went home while in college, but that still seems like a long way off. Now my parents are out traveling and my little brother's staying here with me, finishing high school here in Marquette. There's not really anything in Louisiana, other than an empty house." And even if his parents were there, Dorian was still too pissed at them to visit.

Laughing, she reached over to punch him lightly in the arm. "I really like to think that it was the former, thank you very much." Though admittedly she hadn't had as many beers or White Russians as she had the last time she'd attended Mardi Gras. "Wow, you're taking care of your brother?" Her eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. "A teenager, no less. That's probably been a learning experience, hasn't it? Unless of course he's a straight A student, mild mannered, obedient and lacking of any teenage angst that plague so many."

To say living with Caleb was a learning experience would be putting it mildly. It had literally thrown Dorian's life into a spin when his younger brother had come to live with him, and he still wasn't entirely sure it was safe to breathe. Things had been quiet lately, at least to his knowledge, but it was possible that Caleb had gotten used to going to Mathias while Dorian was gone. "There's more teenage angst than I know what to do with," he confided. "It's gotten a little better, but now my older brother's in town too, so that's lightened the load. I don't really think we function as a normal family, but it works for us, and that's all that matters."

"The important thing is that you function," Joey said. "Normality is overrated if you ask me, especially when it comes to family." Being an only child, Joey didn't really know what it was to have siblings and deal with their issues. "I'm guessing you lived alone before your brothers showed up? Kind of a drastic change, I would think. Do you like having them around?"

"It's different," Dorian said, pulling his car into the parking lot. "I didn't actually like living alone. It felt like the house was too quiet. So I like having them there. But it's also a drastic change. One's seven years older, the other's seven years younger, so there's these generation gaps that leave us not knowing each other very well." Or not knowing each other at all, as things turned out. They still had a lot to learn about one another. "Do you have any siblings?" he asked, looking to her as he turned off the car.

"It's not like college, having a roommate the same age and willing to work a beer bong with you on the weekends?" She winked and unbuckled her seat belt to get out of the car. "Maybe if you are all under the same roof long enough you'll learn something worthwhile about each other." And if they didn't, well, they wouldn't be the first family to go through life not knowing a damn thing about one another. "I'm an only child. I think I was enough of a handful for my parents that they really couldn't think about having another." Raising an angel of wrath definitely took most of their time and energy. Having another child in the mix might have proved to be too difficult, especially for her father. "I would have loved to have siblings though. But we've never been the kind of family that has to talk every day, or visit during the holidays. I actually haven't seen my parents in a couple of years."

Dorian was finding that maybe the things they learned about each other weren't the things they wanted to know. Either that, or maybe they liked each other less. He couldn't tell and he didn't really know if he wanted to look into it too deeply. He'd rather things be okay between them, at least for a little while. "It's funny how blood holds you to people, how all you share are the same set of parents, and so you've got this instant connection. I don't talk to my brothers every day. In fact, before they moved here, I could go months without taking to them, but I know they're there for me, just like I'm there for them." Dorian hoped they knew that, even if they'd never called on him for anything. Mathias seemed better at taking care of himself, and Caleb... well, if Caleb needed help, he had a hard time asking Dorian for it. "Years seem like a long time, though. Do you know where they are right now?"

"It's nice to know that someone is there for you, whether you go a day without speaking, or a year," Joey agreed. "I don't think you need to have something in common with a relative to love and care about them, like maybe there's an unspoken bond? But then again, I'm an only child so the chances are I have no idea what I'm talking about." She opened the door to the restaurant and immediately welcomed the smell of food. This had been a great choice. "Years is a long time..." For mortals. Angels, not so much. It made her think of her father, and again regret that she hadn't been around when he finally passed away. Her mom had since remarried, but it was just easier to talk about her parents in present tense than to try and explain everything else. She never got close enough to someone to even want to attempt it. "But I like to travel, and so do they and most of the time they're on one end of the world and I'm on another. I know they're still technically living in Florida, but I think the last time I talked to my mother they were in Italy. We talk every now and then, so it's not like we don't keep in touch, we're just not terribly close, I guess. Are you close your parents?"

"No," Dorian said, locking the car, then holding the door open for her as they entered the restaurant. "We were never all that close, and then we had a bit of a falling out a few months ago. I'm currently not on speaking terms with my mother." Azura honestly didn't get the problem and Dorian was of the opinion that it wasn't the demon side of her that was causing this. She'd have worried about Dorian or Mathias, so her lack of interest in Caleb's life was appalling. And then there was his father, who Dorian truly didn't understand. The man was human, yet he was so infatuated with his wife that he'd hardly noticed how his youngest son was being treated. "My home life was kind of complicated. And though I think my mom did her best, she wasn't a very good mom. That's just something I realized recently, seeing how my brothers and I have turned out. Parents can do an amazing job of giving their kids complexes."

"I'm sorry," Joey said with a small frown. She and her mother had had a few falling outs over the years, but they had never lasted more than a few weeks before one would call the other. Her mother drove her nuts sometimes, but Joey would find it odd to not talk to her every now and then. "I guess not every woman is as maternal as people think she should be, and not every parent knows how to raise their children at the ages when they're the most impressionable. I wouldn't say my mom was a bad mother, she was just very... by the book on a lot of things. I think she had really high expectations for me that I never really met. It wasn't all her fault, though, since I tended to do things to rebel the minute I knew what rebelling was." Joey led Dorian to a booth to sit. It was busy, given it was a Friday night, but not uncomfortably so. "The important thing is who you become once you're out from under their thumbs."

Part of Dorian felt bad for saying his mother was a bad mom, like he was betraying her, except... it was just a fact. Maybe she'd done an okay job with him and Mathias, but two out of three just wasn't good enough. "I was never really the rebel," Dorian said with a little snort of amusement. "I made it my business to be as different as I could be from my big brother, since he was my mother's golden child, but I really didn't start to get wild till I went to college. Then I got out and tried to be straight laced again. Finding that middle ground, where I can just be myself and be happy with it, is currently the goal," Dorian said, taking a seat across from her. "You don't seem like a rebel," he said with a little smirk, "but that's coming from the bookshop owner to the coffee shop owner. I don't think we become our parents, but they usually play such a huge part in our lives that they make an impact no matter what."

"At home you try to be who your parents want you to be. At school you try to be who your friends want you to be... in the real world you really find out who you are. Hopefully it's someone you're happy with being. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that it is." She smiled at him and plucked the tiny menu from the middle of the table to look over the wings selection. "I'm not really a rebel anymore. I never did anything too terrible. I just dated guys my mother would hate, tattooed my body a couple of times, snuck out of the house to go to parties. I guess even now I sometimes do things because I know it would irritate my mother. I guess owning a coffee shop is pretty tame. I thought about buying a sex toy shop, but I have more of an addiction to coffee than vibrators, sadly." She looked up from the menu to Dorian's face. "I would hope that the impact our parents make on us would help shape us in a good way, no matter how wonderful or awful they were."

There was no keeping a straight face at that point, and Dorian began to laugh. "You know, I-- I don't know what to say to that," he grinned. "I guess it's far more acceptable to openly admit an addiction to coffee than vibrators. And you're likely to meet a different sort of person working in a coffee shop than a sex shop. But if you're into casual sex, the latter's probably a better choice. Still, I like the coffee shop," Dorian smiled, giving the menu a quick glance. "I think I'm closer to being happy with myself than I have been in years. A big part of that was learning that it wouldn't come about by trying to please everyone else. And if I didn't turn out too bad, then maybe my parent's did fine. Who knows. So tell me about these tattoos," Dorian grinned.

"Hey, I could totally work in a sex shop!" Joey grinned. "I'm an excellent sales woman, you know. Maybe I could merge the two and say for every two vibrators you buy, get a free latte. I'm pretty sure I could be a millionaire with that idea, given the amount of pornography and groumet coffee sold a year. But I'm glad you like my shop as is." She skimmed the menu again, thinking she was going to go for the spicy sauce. "It sounds cliche, but you can't please everyone. You only end up making yourself unhappy in the process. As for my tattoos?" She lifted her hand and tugged back her sleeve to show the intricate black design on the inside of her wrist. "Don't ask me what it means, as I don't know. I got it during a rather, er, inebriated moment in Europe. The other? Is in a place I can't show you. Do you have any ink?"

"How many people do you think would actually need to purchase two vibrators at once though?" Dorian asked, this being totally outside his realm of expertise. "Wouldn't it work better the other way around? They'd come for the latte, leave with the vibrator get addicted to both?" Wow, this really isn't the kind of conversation he imagined them having. It was way off track from the norm, but he was enjoying himself, so hopefully it didn't matter. "That's nice," Dorian said, lightly brushing a finger over the design on her wrist as he examined it. The revelation that she had another somewhere else came with a little smirk. "I've got a solar eclipse on my left back shoulder blade and then an ambigram on each of my biceps," Dorian said, his ink covered by his long sleeved shirt. "The sun is older, but the words are more recent. I got an itching for ink while I was on vacation."

"Vibrators are way more expensive than lattes. I'd be losing money if I gave away a free vibrator for every two drinks! Maybe I could just say, buy a vibrator, get a free latte. And I'm sure I could away coupons for sex toys for every drink purchase. Thank you, Dorian, for helping me out here. I'm finally realizing my dream," she joked. She slipped her sleeve back over her wrist and picked up the menu again while eyeing his shoulder, though she couldn't see it with his clothes on. "A solar eclipse? I'd like to see what it looks like someday. I usually get inspired to get more ink when I'm some place amazing, but I've managed to refrain from it." She wasn't that rebellious. The two tattoos and small diamond stud in her nose was plenty. And she was impressed that he had gone for something other than celtic knots, which seemed to have been all the rage around the time he was probably in college. "Where were you on vacation?"

"Always on the look out for ways to promote debauchery," he smiled. "I just didn't realize it was best mixed with caffeine." The waiter stepped over then, and Dorian paused so they could both order a beer and their share of wings, jumping right back into the conversation as soon as he was gone again. "Most people think the eclipse is a big black dot," he said with a little laugh. "It has meaning to me, though, and that's really all that matters." All of his tattoos had meaning, which was the only reason he didn't have more. "I was down in South America, backpacking." Kinda. It wasn't a lie, since all he really did have with him was a backpack. "Where've you been that's inspired you?" he asked curiously.

"Good tattoos are suppose to have meaning," Joey said, though she couldn't really find any for the one of her wrist other than it was a reminder of a drunken moment during one of her many trips. "I've been to quite a few places, although I haven't tattooed my body each time I've been inspired otherwise I think I would be covered in ink. But I would say that Greece was one of my favorite places to visit. Very life changing in a way. I was sad to have to come back to the States. But what was South America like?"

"I haven't been to Greece, but it's on my list. I've always thought that the historical aspect would make it amazing," Dorian said. Mythology was could be fascinating when one knew that some of the stories might have an element of truth in them. He'd never believed in the Greek gods, though. Not any more than any other set of gods. "South America was... chaotic, and beautiful, and like nothing I'd ever experienced before. It's not the safest place in the world, but there's so much to take in. I don't see myself going back any time soon, but I'm glad I went." Going back just might get him killed, but it had been a life changing experience.

Joey nodded, quiet as the waiter set their beers down in front of them. "Athens is gorgeous," she began, once they were alone again. "Breathtaking and full of so much history. I've never been to South America, but I imagine it's a very different experience. It feels strange, being in these places and experiencing so many awe-inspiring things and then somehow ending up in Marquette, Michigan. Not that I don't like Marquette, because I do, but it's definitely a significant change." She took a sip of her beer. "What made you decide to settle down here?"

This was a question that always earned a little bit different of an answer, partially because Dorian was never sure which was the truth. It changed depending on his mood, and what he really felt was the truth of the moment, but if she asked in a week, he might believe something different. "There are a lot of little reasons, but I think that, most of all, I felt drawn here. Which sounds a little silly coming from someone who believes they make their own fate, but I felt like this was where I'm supposed to be. I passed through here while I was still in college, and it was the first place I thought of when I got out. So here I am. What about you? It's a big change from New York," he said, taking a sip of his beer as he remembered their first conversation.

New York? It took Joey a second to remember their first conversation, but when she did she smiled and nodded. Well, Marquette was an even bigger change from South Africa, but that was definitely a conversation she wasn't up to having. Especially with the mess she left behind. "Would it be a cop out answer if I said the same thing? I've lived in a few big cities, and traveled a lot over the past few years, and I wanted a change. Something with a small community where I could open up the shop and get to know people better. That's the thing I enjoy most, learning about people. I'm a little nosier than I should be." She chuckled, sipping her beer again. "Then again, I don't know what I was thinking, coming to Marquette at the end of the year. I chose snow and ice over the sun and beaches."

The funny thing was, Dorian hadn't been looking for any of that. There had been an honest to God draw to Marquette that he hadn't been able to ignore. Then he'd realized the kind of trouble he could get into up there, that he wouldn't be the only one in the area that was special, and he'd been sold. It had never been the sense of community a small town could offer. "We'll both see how we handle the winters then," Dorian laughed. "This'll be my first real experience with snow. Which means I may be spending a lot of time in your shop keeping warm."

"Ah, now see, there's the benefit of opening up a cafe in a small town coming up on winter. A cozy atmosphere with hot drinks and a fireplace." She tapped her forehead with a grin. "I was thinking on some level that it would be good for business and draw people in." It was easy to use the 'wanting a small town' excuse when people asked why she chose Marquette. Explaining the things she had heard about the town, and the fact that she had been drawn there for those reasons would probably come across as strange. Maybe not to Dorian, since he seemed to be a believer, but she would rather keep certain things to herself. Admitting what she was to another angel had been a bad idea and admitting it to a human was even worse. Unless there was more to Dorian than she thought, but she didn't know him well enough yet to figure it out. "I wouldn't mind your company. I get restless when the shop is quiet and I think that even when there are several inches of snow on the ground I'll want to go out and find people to socialize with. So you can do your part to save me from frostbite and visit often."

"I have the feeling your shop will be packed, while mine will be empty," Dorian chuckled, "Unless some new weird shit goes down. Then everyone will be in mine, trying to figure out what's going on." At least, that had been his experience in the past. That was when he actually enjoyed working at Nevermore, rather than the slow days that brought in few visitors. "But I'll definitely be around to save you from frostbite. The last thing I wanna do is be stuck indoors with my brothers for an extended period of time. The house might not be standing by the end of the week if we have to go through that," he grinned, mostly teasing.

"I appreciate that. Though there's bound to be some days where no one wants to venture outside at all." Days like that were nice to just keep the shop closed and stay in with hot chocolate, a book and comfortable pajamas. With another drink of her beer, she figured it would be safe enough to ask him her next question, since he owned a supernatural book store. "I'm guessing that when you said 'new weird shit' that means that weird shit has happened in town before? Unexplainable events?"

Dorian would have to find something to do when he was snowed in. He just hoped it wouldn't happen any time soon. He considered his answer with another sip of beer, tapping his fingers on the bottle as he set it back on the table. "There've been a couple of things. Some happened while I was out of the country. One in particular happened to me and a group of people that I still don't know my connection to. How much do you believe in terms of the weird?" he asked. "Cause I'm really enjoying your company, and I don't wanna run you off now."

As much as she was enjoying the conversation prior to this topic, she was definitely interested now. She set her beer down and folded her arms on the table, her eyes settled upon his. "I'm a pretty firm believer in the weird, and other things. I can pretty much guarantee that you're not going to run me off. Other people in town have made vague reference to some of the weird stuff, but I've never really asked for any specific details until now. What's been going on?"

Okay. Here goes. Dorian took another sip of beer, then started in on a conversation that made most people look at him like he was crazy. "The first thing I remember was this cat attack. Which sounds stupid, but the town was literally covered in what I can only describe as demonic cats. They started attacking people. People went to the hospital. Got sick. It wasn't rabies. And then one day they all just died-- the cats, I mean. There were dead cats all over the streets, there had to be a mass cleanup attempt. And the weird part? All the cats looked identical. It was written off as nothing, and that one I'd let pass, but that was only the start."

Joey nodded, her brows drawn together curiously as she listened. "I can see the weird in that, definitely. Most people could chalk it up to a science or medical experiment gone wrong, but of course, if you look closer you see there's probably more to it than that." Joey probably would have been of the mind that they were demonic cats, with the cats being identical and the illness brought upon people being attacked. "What happened afterward?"

"So, at first I just thought something weird was going on with me. I was having these dreams every night. Dreams about a place I'd never been to, and then I felt the urge to look for. And then I found the place, and eventually realized I wasn't the only one having these dreams," Dorian explained. Listening to himself, even he thought it sounded crazy. But he hadn't been, and neither had anyone else. "The dreams were leading us to this mine shaft, and eventually we decided to explore it. But when we did, we lost one of the groups somehow. We were finally able to find them inside mirrors-- have you ever heard of the Inbetween?"

The knowledge that several people in town were having the same dream was intriguing, and a bit disturbing at the same time. Joey was enthralled in the conversation, realizing now that the things she had heard about Marquette were seemingly true. She wondered if the connected dreams had just chosen random people, or if there was something special about Dorian, and the others. "I've never heard of the In Between," Joey said with a shake of her head. "But I know about people who can travel through mirrors, perhaps that's where they go? Were they all okay? I imagine that had to be a pretty traumatic experience."

"Apparently the Inbetween can be accessed via mirrors, but only for certain people," Dorian explained. It was easier not to go into Fades, since the only one he was familiar with was Chance. "I happened to know a guy that could go in, so he was able to lead them out while I waited on the other side. It was kind of crazy for them to go in a mine and come out in Nevermore, but," Dorian shrugged. "I don't think there's a reasonable explanation for any of it. Somehow the mine connected to the Inbetween, I suppose. They were all okay, but it wouldn't surprise me if there was some emotional scarring to be dealt with. After that, the dreams just stopped."

Crazy was a bit of an understatement. But it wasn't unbelievable to Joey, given she knew what was out there. Given what she was. "So, there was no real answer to what the dreams meant?" Joey asked, lifting an eyebrow. "That has to be frustrating. Unless there was a purpose to the mine and everyone was distracted from it by the missing group. I'm guessing because of what happened the last time you guys explored the mines that no one has been back to check it out?"

"That might be the case," Dorian said, trying to remember all the different events that might have occurred during or after the mine incident. "I don't know if anyone's been back. I left town a short time after that and, from the sound of things, there were plenty of distractions to follow. I heard that vampires came into town while I was gone, and later some kind of shadow creatures came out of the mirrors and attacked everyone. I know people died in both cases, but it seems like people just forget about it as time passes."

"It's easier to forget about things like that than to sit around and try to figure out a logical explanation behind them. That's just... with all that, in such a small town, I'm surprised everything feels so normal right now." Joey fell silently instantly when the waiter returned with their baskets of wings. Her eyes followed him until he gone and then she looked at Dorian again. "I was wondering why there were so many houses for sale in town. I imagine after the vampire attacks people packed up and moved out. Which I suppose was the smart thing to do. I bet you get a lot of new customers after something like that happens."

"While I wouldn't wish it on the town, it's great for business," Dorian smiled, picking up a hot wing and taking a bite. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until the food was hot in front of him. "You know, most people are at least a little taken back when I say vampires attacked or something like that. You didn't even bat an eye. So I'm led to believe you've had some kind of experience with this stuff before or...?" Dorian raised a brow, hoping he'd get some kind of explanation. She was one of the first to be so completely accepting of stories that would be seen as outrageous to almost everyone else.

Joey bit into her own hot wing, wanting to moan at how delicious it was, but she managed to resist. Instead she licked her lips and shrugged one shoulder, thinking it would be pointless to deny that she believed fully in the existence of supernatural beings. She just didn't have it in her to pretend to be skeptical or show surprise and disbelief at his stories. Dorian owned a bookstore on the subjects and he seemed pretty convinced of their existence as well. "I've had several strange experiences over time. I've seen enough to say that I believe what you've told me. Does that surprise you?" she asked before taking another bite.

Dorian considered her answer, well aware that it really didn't tell him anything. She believed him, and maybe that was good enough. Most people wouldn't even do that much. "Not really," he answered, licking his fingers before picking up another wing. "The number of people in this town that have had supernatural experiences of some sort seems to be through the roof. You also grew up in Louisiana, and if your childhood was anything like mine, you might have seen a bit there yourself. Travel enough, and have an open mind, and you're bound to come across something. Some people just write it off in their mind, unable to accept what they're really seeing."

"You've pretty much hit the nail on the head," Joey said with a small nod. It was a bit weird, and refreshing, that they were able to go from discussing gambling to believing in the supernatural. And she didn't feel like she had to be guarded about it, other than what she was. "Some places are natural hotspots for the supernatural, and maybe Marquette is one of them. I did come across a few strange things in Louisiana, and I definitely had my fair share of experiences overseas. Some people just can't mentally accept what they're seeing, so they block it. Or they come up with a less than logical but acceptable explanation. I've never been that way. I believe what I see with my own two eyes and I always have."

"So if Marquette is one of those natural hotspots, do you think we're crazy to stay?" Dorian asked. "I mean, for me, it's part of the draw. This kind of stuff has always interested me. What is it, do you think, that keeps people from running away?" He knew she'd only just gotten there, so she'd probably have to experience some of it for herself before she made such a decision. It was other people he wondered about, people that had just moved to town that didn't go running from the danger. He supposed those that had lived there all their lives might be trying to wait it out, but that wasn't the case for the newcomers.

"Maybe we are," Joey agreed, wiping her fingers on a napkin. "But to some people, this is their home and has been for years, or for life. It's not so easy to just pack up and leave it behind, especially if certain people can explain away the weird things and try to believe it's just a bad phase in town that will go away. Denial is a powerful thing. Or, like for you, it can be part of the draw, and if you know how to take care of yourself, it's not so frightening."

"That's true," Dorian said, drinking down the rest of his beer before flagging down the waiter for another. "I'm assuming you can take care of yourself then," Dorian said, his lips turning up. He was curious to how she might deal with some of the threats, but didn't outright ask. He couldn't explain his own defenses, so it was probably better left to the imagination. "Things have been quiet since I got home, though. I don't know if that means this is the calm before the storm, or if we've finally hit a dry spell."

"I've been on my own for a very long time," Joey said with a sly grin. "I can most definitely take care of myself. Don't I look tough?" She lifted both hands up. "Come on, tattoos!" And then she pointed to the tiny stud. "Nose ring! I just scream 'back off'!" Chuckling, she reached down and picked up another hot wing. "Seriously though, I'm glad it's been quiet here so far. I hope it stays that way. But if it doesn't, I'll be prepared as much as I can be."

"Oh, it's definitely the nose piercing," Dorian nodded with a laugh. "You've got me beat there. In fact, I may have to call on you for defense!" Such a thought was a little bit ridiculous, but it was fun to laugh about. "Does my extra tattoo make up for it maybe? Or do they have to be visible to make me look tough? It's a little too cold for me to use them, if that's the case." He could just imagine himself walking through town shirtless, just to ward off evil. Ha! "You know, if something comes up, let me know. I don't know that I'll be able to help, but at least we'd be better prepared."

Joey pretended to study him thoughtfully before shrugging. "It could help you out, I suppose. The extra tattoos. But you really need them to be visible enough, which they're not and I doubt you would want to move around in public all day without your shirt on. Not that the females in town would mind it, but you might." She grinned and took another drink of beer. "I'll keep you up to date on everything if you promise to do the same for me. I like knowing what's going on, especially in small towns like these."

"If we weren't approaching winter, it could be an option for consideration. Maybe," Dorian chuckled, rolling his eyes. He would never purposefully wander around with out a shirt on just to show skin. It just wasn't his style. "It's a deal. At this point, I don't really see you calling me crazy for whatever I'm reporting, so I don't mind at all." In fact, it would be awfully nice to have another friend who could brainstorm with him when things went wrong. He had a very short list of friends he could trust to believe him, and it was nice to think it was growing longer by one.

"Definitely not calling you crazy," she assured him. "I think it's actually a relief to have someone in town who believes." She knew Ash believed, given he was an angel, but she didn't think he was on her list to turn to when things got weird. "It's hard to talk to people about what you think might really be going on when they look at your as if you've got lobsters crawling out of your ears."

"Generally I know within the first five minutes if I need to shut my mouth," Dorian smiled. "But if I need a handy excuse, I've got Nevermore. Some people think it's a sales pitch, but it's usually just me going on about whatever I happen to be looking into at the time." Taking another sip of beer, he sat back in his seat. "So, do you think you're up for a movie? Or should we just hang out here till they kick us out?"

"I'm actually enjoying this," Joey said with a smile. "So I wouldn't mind hanging out here for awhile, if you're up for it." While she enjoyed the movies, it generally meant two hours of silence, and she was enjoying talking to Dorian.

"Definitely up for it," Dorian smiled, picking up another hot wing. He had nowhere else to be, so he might as well spend the evening hanging out with Joey. And talking was better than watching a movie in this case, especially since they seemed to have plenty to talk about.