He stood, sliding on his coat, and smirked to himself. "Now what the hell am I gonna wear to this party… leather jacket and a fake smile? Classic vampire chic."
With that, he slipped out of the bar, vanishing into the night and back to his apartment.
————
The streets of New York might be noisy, but it is definitely nothing compared to the beat thumping from the second-floor apartment. James had texted him the address about two days ago. Kai could literally hear the music from a few blocks away, it was that loud, bodies were already moving, and he could smell the air which reeked of sweat, cheap perfume, spilled liquor… and blood. So much blood. Kai could hear heartbeats dozens of them. Fast, loud, rhythmic. It was like the room itself had a pulse.
He adjusted the collar of his fitted black shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows just enough to show his forearms, paired with dark jeans and boots. Simple and Clean, Just enough effort to look good without trying. He ran a hand through his dark-brown hair, casually tousled, and knocked.
The door swung open.
The girl in front of him was Mexican, clearly. Brunette. Her hair curled in soft waves that framed her smooth, honey-toned face, and the crop top she wore did very little to hide her intentions or her curves. A drink in one hand, the other resting on the doorframe, her eyes scanned him like a menu.
"Well hello, papi," she purred, leaning just enough to show off the glint of a silver belly ring.
Kai gave her that signature smirk the one that melted resolve like butter in a microwave. The girl visibly shivered.
"I'm looking for James," he said smoothly.
She stepped aside, eyes still undressing him. "Well, come on in…"
As if on cue, James spotted him from across the room. "Kai! Hey, man, glad you made it! Come on in, enjoy the party!"
He weaved through the crowd to greet him, drink already in hand. Kai took it with a grateful nod.
"Thanks," Kai said, lifting the red cup. "Strong enough to survive the night?"
James grinned, already distracted as someone called his name from behind. "You'll be fine. I'll catch you in a bit!" And with that, he disappeared into the crowd.
Kai turned, sipping his drink, scanning the chaos.
The place was alive with color and hormones. People grinding against each other, laughing too loud, bodies pressed together like they were allergic to space. Someone was getting a lap dance in the corner.
Julia. Sitting on a couch with someone Kai immediately recognized Quentin Coldwater.
Julia looked up, spotted him, and smiled. "Kai! You made it."
"I wouldn't miss this for the world," he said, taking another sip of his drink and sauntering toward them.
As he reached them, she gestured to the man beside her. "Oh, right. Kai, this is Quentin. Quentin—Kai."
Quentin offered a shy wave. "Hey. Julia and James have told me about you."
Kai smiled easily. "Only good things, I hope."
Quentin nodded, laughing awkwardly. "Yeah, yeah. They mentioned you were into the occult, which is… kind of my thing too."
"Yeah?" Kai said as he took a seat beside them. "My parents were into it. Grew up around the stuff. I guess I caught the bug."
That got Quentin's attention immediately. "Do you actually believe in all of it? Magic, the supernatural, that kind of thing?"
Julia rolled her eyes playfully. "Quentin, don't go Fillory on him yet."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "What's Fillory?"
Quentin looked like someone had just asked him what oxygen was. "You haven't read it?"
Kai leaned forward. "Nope. Should I?"
"It's only the best book series ever created. Think Narnia, but better. Way better. Magic, talking animals, castles, gods, time travel everything."
Kai nodded, amused. "Sounds intense."
Quentin launched into a full breakdown, clearly ready to go off the rails with his passion for Fillory. Kai only half-listened, grinning to himself. Until James showed up again, sliding into the couch beside them.
"Hey, Q," James said. "Maya's asking about you."
Quentin blinked. "Oh uh, be right back." And with that, a girl with braids and a wide smile came over, grabbed Quentin's arm, and practically dragged him away.
Kai watched them go and grinned. "He really loves Fillory. Might have to give it a read, just so I don't feel left out."
James groaned. "It's a children's book."
Julia smacked his arm lightly. "You're such a snob. Read it in your free time, Kai."
Kai gave a mock salute. "Aye, captain."
His eyes drifted across the room again. He spotted Quentin now standing by a table with a deck of cards, showing a trick to some unimpressed girls. Kai smirked. 'Really? Magic tricks at a party? Bold move, Coldwater.'
He turned back to Julia, tuning out the crowd. "How are your exam preps going?"
Julia let out a long sigh and slumped back into the couch. "Stressful. My mock tests are trying to kill me."
Kai raised an eyebrow and made a joke. "What, no protective magic shield yet?"
Julia laughed. "I wish."
He smiled. "Come on, you've got this. I mean, if some dork out there can believe in a magical land with talking rams and clock trees, you can survive a few tests."
She laughed again, shaking her head. "You're such a weirdo."
"I know. It's my charm."
James was busy chatting with a friend who slid in next to him. Kai let the conversation drift while he enjoyed Julia's company.
After a few minutes, Quentin returned with a drink in hand, plopping down across from them. Kai stood, casually holding up his empty cup.
"Excuse me, I'm gonna go refuel."
He slipped away before they could reply. As he moved through the crowd, the brunette from earlier the one who opened the door spotted him.
"Well hello again, handsome," she slurred slightly, eyes trailing him like a predator.
Kai chuckled. "Oh hey… fancy seeing you again."
She grabbed his hand. "Come with me."
He let her lead him, smirking. "Ohhh… okay. Where are we going?"
——-
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