the openest log to ever open! <3

[defies_reason]

When; Evening of April Fifth
Rating; probably varying by threads
Characters; EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Summary; Big ol' open log for the grand opening of Isaak's bar~ Feel free to come and socialize, even if you don't know the guy! Hooray!
Log;

Word has been spreading, in a quiet sort of way-- a tasteful poster here, an idle comment there, a few personal invitations (with varying degrees of detail) delivered by Isaak himself, and (of course) the polite request that others pass the word along. Simple, but (one hopes) effective.

The Wolf's Den is luxurious without being overly ostentatious; it's warmly lit and comfortable in spite of its newness, with comfortable leather seating and a well-stocked, under-lit bar. No detail has been overlooked-- and, perhaps, no expense spared-- from the hardwood floor to the ornately-tiled ceiling.

There's plenty of food and drink to go around, and as the evening gets underway, Isaak is contentedly mingling among his guests, socializing and keeping an eye on things in equal parts.

So, have a drink; make some new friends. Everyone is welcome, here.

Comments

[rianofski]

Of course Andrew shows up. After the investment he's made in the bar, it seems the proper thing to do, and he has to admit, he's curious to see how much of a crowd turns out. Entertainment sells well in the City, he thinks, and the Wolf's Den fills a niche that no other bar has thus far. He likes the fact that it's quiet and tasteful, that there's no reason to feel particularly uncomfortable here, and as soon as he arrives, he's seeking out Isaak to offer congratulations.

[defies_reason]

Any other night, perhaps, it might seem a bit more awkward-- but the advantage of being an investor is, there's a convenient excuse for his presence. Should he ever need it.

Tonight, though, the crowd is varied-- some friends and friends-of-friends, some curious strangers, some people who'd show up to any party-- so there's hardly any implication made by Andrew's presence.

And, of course, his business partner is pleased to see him.

"Well," he says with a smile. "I do hope it meets with your approval."

[rianofski]

Having had a personal tour before the grand opening, he'd already known it would meet with his approval, but he likes seeing it filled with people. It has promise -- he'd never invest in a business that didn't -- and he's always seen Isaak as the kind of man, like himself, that needs something productive to do with his time. This should certainly suffice.

"It does. I'm particularly fond of the decoration."

This is no small compliment; bars and clubs are generally too gaudy for his taste, but this one has struck a nice balance.

[mortemscintilla]

[ He's here for the food. ]

[ That's Li's default response -- and there's evidence to back his claim up. The clock of his plate is laden with snacks one moment, cleared the next, a cyclical game of empty-full without limit. It'd be easy to dismiss the boy as either a starveling or a glutton. But the truth is: that's how much he eats. And it's the one honest trait about him. He's not playing at anything tonight, but that doesn't mean he's slipping off 'Li's easygoing mask to be himself. He's in something that's neat but plain -- buttondown shirt and khakis. (Never unarmed though; there's a set of throwing knives strapped to his spine under his shirt, and a garroting wire hidden in his wristwatch). By habit, he's familiarized himself with the bar's layout before shuffling in -- exits, entrances, service doors, windows. Positioned at the corner, back to the wall, Li plays the shy wallflower. But this spot affords him with an uninterrupted view of the bar's interior. ]

[ He's curious to see which faces turn up here. To observe, fly-on-the wall style. After all, the same ordinariness that keeps 'Li' off the radar confers the unobtrusiveness that makes him so good at surveillance. ]

[onset]

[Well. Peter is most definitely not here for the food - not exclusively, at least - he's here because he's a curious person and... well. It's been a good while since he's given himself the chance to go around in places like this. Seeing familiar faces is something he hardly expects, considering the scarce amount of people he's actually met in person, so when Li crosses his path he can't help but pull an uncertain double-take and remain stuck in one spot, wondering if that's... really someone he knows.]

[mortemscintilla]

[ Hei spots Peter considerably before Peter's gaze flits his way. He's been trained to file away faces and voices, to catch them in the undifferentiated mass of a crowd as if they're distinct as photo-frames. But he plays up 'Li's cover, swiss roll arrested halfway to his lips as he peers back at Peter. ]

[ Recognition blooms in a two-step: a surprised blink, then a smile. ]

Ah! [ He pops the roll into his mouth, chewing around upturned lips. ] Mr. Peter! Hello!

[defies_reason]

[Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on one's perspective,) Isaak is not one to be easily taken in by appearances. It's less a matter of seeing through it, and more a disinclination to trust anyone. Still, being mistrustful makes him no less gracious a host, here-- and of course, a suspicion is merely a suspicion-- so he's perfectly friendly when he wanders over in the course of the evening, drifting through the crowd. There's no call for anything less.]

Enjoying your evening?

[mortemscintilla]

[ Look one thing; be another. It's not just a motto that dictates Hei's life. It's a necessity to survive back home. He wears Li's benign smiles and clumsy air as camouflage; but just as he can spot a fellow chameleon employing the same tactics, he's aware that those with similar perceptiveness -- more than that, an acquaintance with deception and violence -- can spot ragged edges around his soft persona. ]

[ It doesn't particularly trouble him. He knows how to manage his assets and liabilities. Knows too, how to transition the latter into the former. But he reserves that for if the problem manifests itself. So far, it hasn't. Isaak simply has a naturally watchful nature. In turn, Hei's careful not to let that predacious side of him tread too far beyond Li's shell. ]

Mr. Isaak! [ Over his full plate, he beams. His eyes radiate -- appear to radiate -- a boyish good-humor. ] I am, as a matter of fact. The decor is amazing. And the, um, snacks...

[ Well, actions speak louder than words in that case. ]

[valentineluke]

[The invitation (dropped off at Oh Aces) for such a place Underground wouldn't have raised an eyebrow. Topside, however, was different. Unlike the many and wide ranging varied flavors below, the City's openness instead opted for nonspecific offerings. While nice, it was also a bit bland. Hence why his off hours were rarely spent within the City.

This bar opening was breaking new ground. Once inside, he felt doubly more so on the matter.]

[defies_reason]

[Isaak is hardly looking for something revolutionary; it's only a matter of taste. One must do something and, he thinks, it's best to do something one finds interesting. It's one thing to stick with an established line of work for the sake of convenience, regardless of one's attachment; here, he's found it all too easy to walk away, as there's no chance of repercussions.

For the moment, he's leaning against the bar, watching over the crowd with no small satisfaction.]

[valentineluke]

[The nervous energy he sensed while coming up the block, is almost palpable inside. It's not from appreciation and fear, but excitement and joy. His heightened hearing catches snatches of conversation - some are in the know, others not, and everyone comfortable with one another regardless of obvious orientation. That all welcoming gentle introduction combined with the soothing warmth projected by the decor - smart business move. The clientele would gradually become gay dominate overtime and without having to exclude heteros.

Sees owner Isaak, and gives a nod of approval.]

[majorcrotchgrab]

Raikov had heard the rumors of a gay bar opening. While his lover's business was similar, this place was above ground and didn't have strippers - which he found to be annoying at times.

He made his way inside, admiring the very elligant interior. Reds and golds with low lights? His favorite! It really set the mood. He was interested in meeting the owner of the place. ... But the first place Raikov went to was straight for the food. Socializing could wait. Food was important!

[whitetwoguns]

[Who doesn't like a night out? A new bar (that so happens to be gay whatever it's no big thing) White is out and about. He and Orange got separated. That's fine it's good to mingle.

Uh oh is that who he thinks it is? Yep. That's Raikov. He's never been the runner type, not ever. It was one time. One night. Maybe he won't see him.]

[majorcrotchgrab]

[Too bad for White, once Raikov's thoroughly stuffed his stomach, he spots his old fling and calls out in that high-pitched voice of his]

Oh, Larry~

[defies_reason]

Had there not already been one, in fact, Isaak might have considered a strip club, if only because the business was familiar... And, much as he disliked the tawdry shows and the crowd they drew, the Fox Hole was never a poor investment, though of course the bulk of the money came from the trade it disguised.

But really, this place was much more to his personal tastes.

Taking a break from making the rounds, Isaak is fortuitously over by the food himself. Not picking at it-- more wondering if there's going to be enough.

[bettercallit]

Still checking the club out, Clint is wandering around with a drink in one hand and nibbling something from the other. The Blue Light is where he usually goes, but after a year of more or less the same a change is always nice, and this place is definitely different.

[defies_reason]

Different is necessary; there are, after all, any number of bars in the City, something has to set a new one apart.

Alternately mingling and stepping back to watch the evening proceed, Isaak has been fairly pleased with the turnout. For now, he's making the rounds again, chatting pleasantly with strangers and old friends alike.

"Enjoying your evening?"

[whitetwoguns]

[This is a pretty swank place. White makes it a habit to venture out and have a taste of the high life. His pallet fluctuates from beer to champagne, the same way with his budget. This was worth the trip. They may come on back again.

White nurses his drink and keeps an eye on the crowd.]

[orangetoughguy]

[Here comes Freddy making his way back from talking to someone else or other and just seriously Larry did you think he wasn't going to find out it's not open bar? He IS coming back with a drink in his hand though, a high end admittedly delicious beer.]

[defies_reason]

[There are certainly cheaper places in the City, but there are pricier ones as well. Isaak wanted classy, but not overly exclusive; that would defeat the purpose of having a bar here, really. It's not as though anyone has a name to bank on, and with a niche market it's better, here, to aim for a little mass appeal to make up for it.

Over by the bar, during a lull in working the crowd, he gives White a friendly nod.]

[candothat]

[If Chekov has received details about the Wolf's Den, he has either chosen to ignore them or simply doesn't care (the future is, fortunately, rather enlightened in some respects). It's a nice place; Isaak has done very well, and the eighteen year-old is pleased to see that he has stocked the bar with some of the best vodka to be found in the City.

With a drink in one hand, Chekov alternates between seat-hopping and discretely snacking his way through enough food to feed a small family. Naturally, he's keeping an eye out for Isaak and anyone else he may know.]

[defies_reason]

[Honestly. All you young men are going to eat him to the poorhouse.

But, that aside, Isaak is unquestionably pleased to see Chekov here, coming over as soon as he catches sight of him, cutting easily through the crowded main room.]

Glad you made it! [The older man claps him gently on the shoulder.] Not bad, hmm?

[mortemscintilla]

[ A plate of chocolate-mousse cups balanced in one hand, a drink in the other, 'Li' drifts up to Chekov. The rim of his glass chimes in a clink against the younger man's. ] Kanpai. [ It's a friendly gesture. Almost tipsy. (Fake, but it comes so easily.) Settling against the wall, Li smiles good-naturedly. (That comes easily too.) ] Having fun?

[ By the first glance alone, it's evident he's in-costume -- boyish and bubbly. But there's a sharp focus in his eyes that contradicts the bonhomie aura. ]

[dr_conscience]

[Wilson had received an invitation - and of course, an invitation from an acquaintance is enough to get Wilson to come out to a new bar. The details of the bar have not been mentioned to him - but things have come together.

But that's okay. He's a progressive, tolerant kind of guy. He can roll with it. (And hope that nobody gets the wrong idea.)]

[defies_reason]

[Perhaps, in getting the word out, Isaak hasn't been overly concerned about specifying that the Wolf's Den is aimed to a particular demographic. In part, it's legitimately a matter of being welcoming to everyone-- particularly with his grand opening, as he wants as great a crowd as possible. However, he can't deny that he enjoys seeing people flustered.

But, really, it's all in good fun.]

Doctor Wilson, [he says pleasantly, drifting over with a smile and a drink in hand.] Glad to see you've made it.