A Late Entrance

[Trillian]

Charon had stolen himself away, burdened by so many eyes looking at him, hearing the mental whispers of their disgust. He was still more confident and outgoing than he'd ever been, because now he knew of the worshippers, those mortal youths who saw only his power and didn't care about his looks. Ben had spoken of them early on in their relationship, when he used to visit Charon's house instead of the other way around, before Charon had been convinced to masquerade as Kerr. Ben's acceptance of him had been what had given him the courage to try - and now Ben was in the midst of a wolf den. He'd not realised that Jake McCloud was quite that ruthless.

It was a sore point now, that Jake hadn't arrived early and sought him out. A thorn that the younger vampire would hold court at Sabrina's coming out party. A scar that once he was in Jake's line of sight, the other still hadn't excused himself of the flies buzzing around his table to approach the host of the party. Instead he'd made Charon wait. And wait. He'd even taken the time to romance a mortal.

And not just any mortal, but Murphy Hilton, from the ranks of Sacramentum followers, and also Ben's closest friend and ally. He thought there was a move in that, something that wasn't sincere. Jake was moving many pieces out of Charon's chessboard, and it worried him.

Now, sitting in the library, he could sense Jake McCloud finally coming to him. The party was still going, people were still mingling, though some were starting to leave. Upon his high-backed green leather armchair, Charon waited to see if Jake would stay and talk, or if he would merely pay a passing visit and say goodbye... in which case the gauntlet would be thrown and alliances abolished.

Charon didn't want that, but it was up to Jake, now.

[Black Philip]

Murphy Hilton was all over Jake's mind as he walked back towards the manor home, a smile visible on his face. He was lost in thought, and almost hypnotized as he worked his way to the great one's library. His bow tie was in his hand, shirt slightly unbuttoned. He stopped at a nearby bathroom and washed off his makeup and looked in the mirror. He was fresh faced again, and strangely bubbly. Luke followed suit, making no chit chat unless Jake started it. As they reached the library he told his faithful bodyguard to wait outside. "District Leaders only," he explained. 

He opened the door and closed it behind him, hearing the loud clang fill the noiseless room. He stood there for a moment, uncertain of himself. He should've come earlier. His personal life distracted him. He turned slowly and worked his way towards the family head. His face showcased a nervous man, and Jake bowed his head.

"You've thrown a wonderful party," he began.

[Trillian]

Meaningless words.

"Thank you," Charon said, bowing his head. He indicated with his hand for Jake to take the similar armchair diagonal to his, so that they could talk.

He wasn't going to lead the conversation anywhere. It was Jake who'd wronged him. He would see what became of it.

[Black Philip]

Jake took his seat as ordered, nerves increasing. He felt young. All the Lazarus's and Damien's in the world couldn't make him feel like that, and yet he suddenly felt like he'd missed curfew and dad was not happy about it. He kept his face together, although Charon was probably reading his aura as he responded. He figured he might as well just dive right in.

"Before we discuss what I'm sure we both agree are issues of policy, I would like to apologize to you. I did not see you as we entered and so I sat a table. My table remained a focal point of conversation. I was too wrapped up in pleasing those who had sought me out, and not the one who invited me. It was my mistake. Once I did see you, you were with Ms. Zoehert. I don't mean to speak ill of her to you...

but he was going to

... but she and I don't see eye to eye on... anything. I didn't wish to sour what looked like a pleasant conversation for you. And lastly, I became distracted by someone. I let my feelings come before my professional and personal responsibility to you. Please accept my apology. I humbly respect you and your family."

The nerves left a bit, but built up again at how Charon might receive his apology. He did try and meet his gaze, fear or not.

[Trillian]

Jake was indeed young, and it was because of this that Charon forgave him of his social oversight. The other was not adept at juggling people, and in honesty, Charon extended much of his socialising to his family. He'd thought Jake had a family of his own making, but they'd stuck to him like glue instead of being sent out as his diplomats. He would learn in time.

"I accept your apology," Charon said, his head giving a brief nod. "What policy have you come to discuss?"

Issues of policy, the young vampire had said, as if sneaking into the West at nighttime and executing demonic gang leaders was just another day at the office.

[Black Philip]

Jake melted a tiny bit in relief. Most vampires wouldn't have noticed it, but Charon would. He seemed pleased to not have left a stain in that way.

"Well, for starters I fully support Sabrina in the south. I think it's a wonderful idea."

Jake wanted Charon to know that he still wanted other districts, just not the west to be separate. He expected that Charon wanted to discuss that decision, but he used this statement as an indirect way in.

[Trillian]

Here was an opening.

"I was looking for a suitable leader to take over the East because one District Leader holding two districts is inappropriate," he said.

[Black Philip]

Jake couldn't help but grin. That had been a sly move. Jake was beginning to see how he'd survived so long. He wondered how he should respond. It was a tad hypocritical he thought. Sure they'd given up the south tonight, but Jake had heard it was a matter of resources not desire. He knew that was the wrong approach. Instead he just decided to roll with it.

"Aweeee, the point emerges." He crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't think it's inappropriate if the district leader in question can manage such a feat. Why should geography stop progress?"

His words were challenging, but his tone was not. He offered his thoughts as if casual observations that any sensible person might say.

[Trillian]

"Every war on this earth has been started over territory," Charon said. The challenge wasn't in his tone so much as in his eyes. "Did you not think others would consider your move aggressive?"

He noted the way Jake looked relaxed as he sat, but his words were sharp. This was no casual meeting for either of them.

[Black Philip]

"I don't seek war with anyone," Jake responded, letting his words come through harsher. "I have made no war on another district leader. I simply absorbed a lawless middle of nowhere and put it back on the map. The truth is, I'm done expanding."

He wanted to hear what Charon thought of that, and how far he'd make Jake go to prove it.

[Trillian]

Charon stared at Jake for a moment as he processed the other's explanation. It wasn't a very good one.

"You did not absorb a 'lawless middle of nowhere'," Charon disagreed, his tone quiet. "It was under the Ward's protection, which you cannot say you forgot about, since their headquarters are in your district." He huffed, but kept eye contact. "And while you bleat about how you're finished with expanding, as though you've eaten your fill, others have turned their eyes to you. Angry eyes."

Charon steepled his fingers beneath his chin. "And what faith am I to put into our freshly made alliance? You made overtures to me, accepted my token of apology in Ben, and remained silent on your plans to take the West."

[Black Philip]

"Supernaturals were showing themselves to humans. Demon gangs were running racketeering schemes and murder innocents. Pets and fledglings were unregistered. Why was the ward not dealing with these issues?"

He responded rapidly, hating the entire idea of the ward. It was less effective than the united nations and had a building half as impressive. He'd never seen the point of something so ineffective.

"Zoehert I assume," Jake asked, wanting to know his enemies list. The next part was tricky. He would be truthful but he was not sure how Charon would take this next statement.

"Please don't misunderstand me, I was not clear with you. I went to Venture to tell you but then everything happened with Ben and the night got away from us. However, when you kissed me I assumed you would've looked at my political plans." The next part was said with a decent amount of shame. "It's what I would've done." He hung his head a bit.

[Trillian]

Charon's eyes narrowed at Jake's admission, but while it irked him, he was also pleased by the honesty. A difficult choice, then.

He didn't mention Zohoret or whether she was an enemy, nor Sabrina's opinion (of which was still forming), or of any of the words about Jake McCloud that he'd listened to at the party. He wasn't intending on doing anything about it. Conversations were just conversations until they became plans of action. Until that happened, talk was cheap and he had no desire to weaken his standing with McCloud until he knew more.

"Out of respect, I did not." He said nothing about Jake taking advantage. "The north is without a district leader, now. The shifter is well and truly gone. He is in another country, raising babies." Charon stated this with a smirk, but it quickly disappeared. "Should I be concerned that you might suddenly feel the desire to expand again? Would I be told if you are?"

[Black Philip]

Jake knew his next move was important. He noticed Charon didn't confirm his suspicions or deny them, which meant he didn't know or he didn't feel like sharing Well, so apparently Charon could have his secrets but not the other way around. He saved that little nugget for later, just in case he needed it.

"I will make a promise to you that I wont. If I ever change my mind I also promise that I will come to you to have a discussion, not tell you a decision. I value your council. To be perfectly clear, the Anarchs will not be taking the north."

He sounded as resolute as possible. "However, what can I do to earn your favor about the west?"

Charon was pragmatic enough to at least consider another deal with Jake. It was all about price in the end.

[Trillian]

Jake's words brought a broad smile to Charon's face. Of how the conversation was turning out, he was pleased. Very pleased.

"I have an opportunity to smooth some ruffled feathers," he said, quite smug about making a joke to himself about the dark angels and also hinting that Jake's earlier guess had been correct. "Tomorrow night I have a meeting that will no doubt include you as a topic. I had rumours of someone making moves in the West before you took it for yourself, so I'm sure that's the main cause of upset. They were only whispers so I have positioned myself to hear more." He stared at Jake intently. "If we are aligned as you wish, then you will owe me not one, but two favours, at a time upon which I will call on you, and you will give."

He waited for Jake's consent.

[Black Philip]

"And in exchange you will publicly back my presence in the west," he clarified, needing terms to be tight as a drum.

[Trillian]

Charon perused Jake before him, his gaze raking over the young vampire who could be a bitter rival but also a troubling ally. Jake's moves were grand and impulsive, but Charon would be lenient.

Once.

"Next week, I will make it known I support your move to the west. This will allow me some time to speak with those I have to speak with." He turned his face away, breaking eye contact and looking at the bookshelves that lined the walls. He was done with Jake.

[Black Philip]

"Then I accept your deal," he said with a bow, rising to leave. A week was an eternity in politics, but then again who was he to question Charon's honor? Jake had been the one who lied. Zoehert did not have the strength to oppose him alone, and he doubted Sabrina wanted war. Charon's support would seal the deal. He only hoped Zoehert didn't have more to offer than he did.

"Good evening," he said, before leaving the party with Luke.