A Table for....5? (Reira then Gabriel)

[Charles Bass]

Charles Bass. He truly out did himself for this brunch. There was more than enough food laid upon the table. More than what four people can eat.

He had caterers and chefs and the like busying themselves with Chuck's brunch. Four plates and crystal wine glasses were displayed upon the table. Charles and his famous smile, rubbed his his hands together as he watched everything fall into place.

"You are wearing that?" Charles turned to see it was his father talking. Charles was wearing a baby blue business suit, and had a pink dress shirt underneath... then his signature, plaid scarf... and ad the blue bow tie.

"Why yes, Father. I dress to impress." he didn't appreciate his father showing up at his house and start criticizing the brunch and his outfit. Chuck long left the home in which Bart was head of... Yet, he still tried to control him. Luckily Charles wasn't some idiot and listen to what his father said.

Bart walked away with a roll of his eyes, as Charles' crooked smile returned.

He pulled out his gold pocket watch to check the time. It was almost brunch, Demetri and Reira should appear anytime soon...

And it will be time for the games to begin!

His eyes scanned the desserts and they came across chocolate covered strawberries. Instantly his mind went straight for the obvious.

"I would love it for that sexy angel to eat these..." he mumbled, but half spoke to a chef near by. He nodded in agreement, even if he didn't know who Chuck was referring to.

[Reira DeMorvick]

Reira was going to thoroughly enjoy this. Charles Bass. That name was now permanently burned into her memory. She had spent the entire evening thinking about him. His stupid grin, hair, and his damn scarf! The brunette was thoroughly irritated with him and his damn legacy. She was also ticked off at Demetri for being so easily intimidated by Bart that she was forced to act like someone she wasn’t. Yet, things could prove very interesting. Chuck was a sly one and publicly humiliating him made her smile. Oh it was so on.

Reira did a look over in the mirror. She chose her outfit carefully, so as not to overdress for brunch, but not to under dress either. This was just a casual brunch between the lot of them and she wanted to make a good impression, for Demetri’s sake. As for her own wishes, well those were better off left hidden in her mind. And so, she dressed accordingly, did her hair nicely and picked out flattering accessories. Living large was so annoying.

After spraying an sweet smelling perfume on her neck, she hopped into the back of the limo where Demetri had been waiting for approximately five whole minutes. “We’re not going to be late,” she said annoyed. He just nodded, and off the limo went…back to the damn house she didn’t want to step foot in, but for revenge purposes she would be doing so today. Stepping out of the vehicle, she stated that Demetri should go on ahead of her and she’d meet him up. A little out of it, he agreed and left.

Staring at the time, she smiled in satisfaction. Gabriel should be arriving very soon. She told her to meet him here for an important brunch. She was allowed to invite people, right? Well too bad for the Bass’. Easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission. Besides, maybe Gabriel could strike up a few business deals himself. Bart and Demetri were very high up there, it could be beneficial. Humming slightly, she waited, wondering how Demetri was holding up. Poor nervous fellow.

~~~

Demetri had stepped out of the elevator and into luxurious loft of Charles Bass. The father and son were there to greet him. With his best business face and expensive suit perfectly ironed, Demetri bade them good morning.

“Reira will be arriving shortly. She said she had some last minute things to tie up. Girls!,” Demetri said jokingly.

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel set on himself a white semi-formal suit and button-up matching with it a pair of black satin slacks, the heavy pair of black waxed buissiness attire shoes to match. He wanted to make good impression with Reira's friends; the invitation came out of the blue most certainly as she pleaded with him not to be left alone with Demetri. Of course Gabriel could attest to that fact, his trust had been shaken in the man as of late. Rushing out the door in a very expensive black Lotus Gabriel shot off down the luxurious manors all the way to Demetri's Palace where he'd catch up with the beautiful Reira.

Rolling down the window he stuck his head out towards her, "Waiting on me Gorgeous?"

He doddled along for a short second before parking and stepping out fixing up his attire. Secretly enough he'd stashed a single rose in the passenger's seat which he drew free and presented her with shortly, giving a small peck on the lips. His hand would cradle down to entwine with hers.

"I'm following your lead." He'd suggest with a coy smile.

[Reira DeMorvick]

Reira didn’t have to wait long to see Gabriel’s hot car come speeding down the street, coming to a complete halt in front of her. Smiling excitedly, she immediately ran up to him and hugged him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. Arm linked in his she began walking to the Bass’ Palace, or to be more literal, their five star hotel, with whole lofts as rooms to rent. “I’m so glad you’re here! I really needed someone sane in there with me,” she said with a giggle. “Thank you, I owe you one!” He would then present her with a rose, which earned him a sweet little kiss and yet another thank you. Hand in his, she led him inside the building.

The elevator ride up was spent with her telling him a little bit of what to expect. Basically, boring business lectures, but it couldn’t be that bad anymore now that Gabriel was here. Then again she had her own little battle to be won as well. Elevator doors opening, Reira stepped out first, Gabriel followed closely behind her. She could see Demetri’s plan as day ‘what the hell face’ and it appeared she had a little explaining to do. Oh well. Everyone knows that Reira always got what she wanted. And she wanted Gabriel here, and that’s the way it was going to be where the spoiled brat Chuck or his father liked it or not.

“Mr. Bass, Chuck, this is my boyfriend Gabriel Seran,” she said sweetly. “I hope you don’t mind. This brunch interfered with our prior plans we had together with the charity we had, so to make up for it, I thought it would be wonderful for him to attend. I believe you may know of him Mr. Bass?” As she said this, she was in the middle of taking her seat at the colourfully filled table. She didn’t look at Chuck once, almost as if he didn’t exist. Gesturing for Gabriel to sit beside her, Demetri did so as well, but on the end of the table, closest to Gabriel.

Watch out Chuck, you’re about to be bitten.

[Charles Bass]

Chuck awaited their arrival, to be awfully surprised by the plus one. It annoyed him of course... She was just doing this to get on his nerves. If Chuck hadn't flirted with her, he would have guessed she would not have brought Gabriel to the Brunch.

“Mr. Bass, Chuck, this is my boyfriend Gabriel Seran,” Charles smiled, not showing any irritation. He would not let her win... that and he didn't need this tool here finding out his true intentions for his girlfriend. “I hope you don’t mind. This brunch interfered with our prior plans we had together with the charity we had, so to make up for it, I thought it would be wonderful for him to attend. I believe you may know of him Mr. Bass?”

"Reira, Call me Bart...And yes I do know of him. Fine young lad, Used to do some business with his Parents... knew this boy when he was just a young lad."

Bart would reach his hand out to shake Gabriel's. Chuck would smile that crooked smile and wait his turn to shake the man's hang. "Gabriel? Reira certainly had told me so much about you. I'm delighted to finally I get to meet you." having his father know this man's family certainly was a new twist.

Once they all headed to the table, Chuck placed the back of his hand against his father's chest, to stop him. "Gabriel will be getting in my way to Reira... can you keep Demitri and Gabriel...Occupied?"

Bart nodded and they headed to the table. Both the eldest men took each side of the table, Reira sat aside Gabriel. Charles was sitting across from them with an empty chair beside him. Chuck waved his hand for a waiter to attend to his wishes.

"Fetch yet another place. We have a special guest with us." he smiled at all the people at the table. He knew how to put on an act.

"Demetri? How goes you're visit in California?" all the while Chuck was smiling, his foot would find Reira's leg and he would trail up slowly to her thighs. That devilish smile, as cunning as ever.

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel gave her a satisfied grin at the thought of him owing her one. He let out a small chuckle before letting his words flow out. "Well I suppose I should take note of how many debts you have to me, perhaps I could capitalize on them. Gabriel grinned eluding to something else in a joking manner as the elevater doors opened wide. The look on Demetri's face was priceless but Gabriel didn't break his character, Reira was at the lead and he would follow.

Gabriel didn't falter as he played up to his part as an escort very well though he'd never let Reira out of his sight for an instant keeping a grip on her hand like a child never wanting to be released.

"It's great to see you again Mr. Bass, I do miss my parent's dealing with you." Gabriel said with a respectful nod shaking his hand gratefully

As for the other Bass he shook his hand kindly as well though Gabriel hade immediate causious vibes towards this one. He didn't understand as to why, perhaps it was the parting of his hair, the hungry look in his eyes but something set him appart from the other's in the room.

Gabriel would follow entow to the table releasing Reira's hand only to pull out her seat and thus taking one himself at her side entwining them once more. A feeling of ease when that occured that never ceased to amaze him.

Gabriel would now only half listen to the discussion. He wanted to know why Demetri was still here. Perhaps the fact that he didn't trust Gabriel with the life of Reira on his hands.

[Reira DeMorvick]

Well it was about time Bart told her she could call him by his first name, she was honestly getting tired of being so formal. Nodding at his request, she took her seat and the brunch began. With an empty plate in front of her, she began to look at what exactly she wanted to eat. She wasn’t a big breakfast eater, but those strawberries looked amazing. Placing a few on her plate, along with other random things, she parted her lips and took a bite. Mmm, soo good. Looking around, she saw that everyone at the table was well in their to eating.

“It’s been nothing but excellence. Though I will be returning to Venice shortly, business calls,” Demetri said with a casual chuckle. Picking up another strawberry, she began to slowly eat that one too, looking from Demetri, to Bart and listening in to their business endeavours and future plans. Did anyone else feel as awkward as she did? She stole a glance at Chuck, who was acting as charming as ever. Bastard.

“Speaking of business, I have worked alongside Gabriel before,” Demetri said, trying to kiss Bart’s ass. That’s how powerful Bart was. He made the infamous Demetri Marino shudder under his glance. “Perhaps you two can work a deal out, I’m sure the boy won’t let you down. What do you say Gabriel?” All the attention was focused on Gabe…almost everyone’s. Chuck was staring over at Demetri and Gabe, with a charming smile on his face, but she knew where the source of that smile was originating from.

Half choking on her strawberry, she let go of Gabe’s hand and brought a napkin to her lips, making it seem like she just had an itch in her throat. As normal as anything. Her legs tensed, feeling Chuck’s foot slide higher and higher. Not giving slipping any clue as to what was going on under the table, she looked to Gabriel as well. “Yes, what do you say to that Gabe?” Her voice was calm, and never quivered, even though the foot on her smooth leg was giving her goosebumps. It made her angry. Time to retaliate. Quietly kicking Chuck’s foot away, (she did this by crossing one leg over the other so as to keep it subtle), she carefully outstretched her foot so that her heels was directly in between Chuck’s legs, resting right on top of his balls.

Slowly she pressed down, wanting to cause him a little bit of pain. The asshole deserved it. But wait…her foot was on his…omg! Sickened, she rose from her chair, playing her part excellently. “Please excuse me, I must take to the ladies room.” Smiling at them all, walked down the hall and into the exquisite bathroom. The room was so far away that she couldn’t hear the chatter of the others anymore. Once inside she threw her purse on the counter and began digging in it as a means of distraction. I'm going to kill him. Kiilllll him. That god damn little...

Meanwhile, in the dining room, Demetri had took a sip of his coffee. “Well Gabe, what do you have to say for yourself?”

[Charles Bass]

Bart listened to what Demetri had to say about Gabriel. As they talked, Chuck had his eyes on both D and G. Though, his peripherals were on Reira.... eating that strawberry...Then she choked on it from the thought of him touching her.

She managed to push his leg away... clever girl... though what pissed him off was her crushing his prize possessions.

In a low tone he looked at her. "Mind your limit with those strawberries... you don't want to choke." right then she got up and excused herself from the table. He caught on to the conversation between the three other gentlemen.

Bart chuckled, "I would be delighted if we could work together!"

Charles stood suddenly, reaching into his breast pocket for his phone. He flipped it open.

"Hello, Charles Bass speaking." Bart looked up at Chuck disapprovingly. He was never proud of his son when he interrupted business meetings. Chuck erected his index finger to gesture for one minute. "If you will excuse me, this is a call I must take..."

Charles left the table and went the opposite direction Reira had... but little did they know, once he turned a corner into the hall; he snapped the phone closed and a smile was now on his face once again. This hallway also lead to the washroom. He just needed to get their subtly.

Charles opened the door and closed it after himself....

*click*

It was now locked. He wasn't planning rape or anything, he just didn't want another being walking in and interrupting their unplanned rendezvous.

He walked up behind her, and got too close. She would be pinned against the sink and she would have no room to turn around. His eyes would stare at her reflection.

"Quite a sexy display..."

[Reira DeMorvick]

Reira’s whole body tensed as she felt Chuck press his body firmly behind her, her stomach against the sink counter. Her hands were gripping the edges of the counter so tightly that her knuckles were appearing white. That was how much she wanted to beat the shit out of him right now. Though she held back. How bad would that look on Demetri’s reputation. Never in her life did she wish that Demetri was non-existent, so that maybe she could beat this asshole up without any remorse. And Reira loved Demetri to pieces.

“Oh, just for you baby,” she said, acid in her voice.

Immediately after, she raised her elbow and aimed to jab him hard in the gut. She had just about enough of him. It was bad enough that he was pressed so firmly against her, to the point where she could feel the hardness of his muscles. It was just so…uhh, yeah she needed her space back.

[Charles Bass]

She didn't move and her reply was fruitful.

"Of course it was..."

Because he was so close to her, he could feel the sudden change in her body and was prepared for the elbow she had sent flying towards his stomach. He caught it before it hit him and he smiled at her reflection. "Everything you did this morning was for me.... Is it because...." his hand would trail down her forearm, and he would press the palm of her hand against her own thigh, as his palm pressed against the back of her hand...his fingers entwining with hers.

"He can't make you feel the way I was able to make you last night? You couldn't stop thinking about me; even when you were in your bed late at night.. or this morning. I know you wouldn't have invited him... You just don't want to admit it... you are hiding behind him..."

His other hand would grip her other thigh, then it slid and caressed up her side to eventually reach her left collar bone. Gently, his middle finger would trace a line from one collar bone to the other..then to her neck. He pushed her hair back and then now her neck was left bare. He leaned his mouth close to her ear as his eyes stared greedily into her reflection's eyes. "We are the same you and I. That is what draws me to you and you to me." he nipped at her ear before his last request.

"Have sex with me... Once is all I need..."

[Reira DeMorvick]

“I’ll have you know that Gabriel and I have an amazing sex life,” she said with authority. She was lying obviously, but Chuck didn’t need to know that. Gabriel and her were taking it slow, the farthest they got was making out…something that Reira wasn’t all that used too, but she could totally handle that.

Her mind was spinning with all the possible outcomes of this situation; all of which ended up with Chuck moaning in pain on the floor. But her body…her body was leaning towards another option all together. Catching her elbow in his hand, he gently traveled the length of her forearm, until his fingers were entwined perfectly with her own. He would then, with his hand still over hers, place her hand on her thigh. She stared at all this happening in the mirror saw her fingers grip the fabric of her dress tightly.

“No it’s…not,” she said in an soft uneven tone. She couldn’t say more, as his deep, rich voice continued on; her fingers tightening over his own, digging into her thigh. She wanted to tell him how wrong he was, but found her words replaced by her deepening breaths. Her lips parted as his other hand travelled up her other thigh, coming to glide sensually across her collar bone. It was wrong, so wrong, but she was helpless to move…didn’t want to move. Her eyes would close as his fingers worked their magic around her neck. Instantly her mind flooded with suggestive images. Letting out a slow breath, she once again opened her eyes and met his intense brown ones.

His mouth came close to her ear, where his warm lips nipped it. Reira bit her lip. She was going absolutely crazy. She went over board when he said his last request.

"Have sex with me... Once is all I need..."

Her heart skipped a beat. Then she blinked, finally realized just how dangerous this man was. She had so blindly fallen into his trance! Disgusted with her bodily reactions she bucked her hips, pushing him away from her. She would then turn to face him, a look to kill on her face.

“You’re disgusting, and I hate you,” she said in a rage. “Now if you’ll excuse, I have a brunch to attend.” Seeking to leave the room, she was shocked to feel herself being tugged back to him...for her hand was still tightly holding his. Growling in frustration, she ripped her hand out of his, brought her arm back and smoked him in the nose. Grabbing her purse in a fury, she unlocked the bathroom door and stormed back into the dining area. Before she did so however, she stopped in a random hallway and leaned against the wall to catch her breath, and to rub her now painful hand. That was too far. This game was becoming too serious. Waiting until she was no longer flushed, as she made sure she checked in her Mac make-up mirror, she re-entered the dining area, where she saw Bart, Demetri and Gabriel right where she left them.

“Heey,” she said smiling to Gabriel, “Sorry I took too long, it took me forever to find the bathroom! This place is larger than I thought,” she said with a chuckle, once again resuming her seat.

[Charles Bass]

He could hear her breath and feel her body tense. He knew it. This was all he needed to know. Even if she turned down his offer, he knew that he could get under her skin... any maybe that dress...

Reira the shoved him away.

“You’re disgusting, and I hate you, now if you’ll excuse, I have a brunch to attend.”

He smiled when she tried to walk away. "Then why are you still holding my hand?" and as if she just realized it, she tore her hand from his and smacked him right in the nose. She got out of the bathroom fast and he held his hand to the bloody mess. Being careful, he grabbed some tissue so he would not spoil his expensive suit.

Before leaving he rinsed of his hands and held a more clean tissue to his nose. He went back the way he came, but before he turned the corner he had the phone to his ear.

"Sounds splendid. Call me again some other time and we can set it up. Farewell."

He "hung" up the phone and looked at everyone sitting. "Sorry...did I miss anything?" he still had the tissue to his nose of course. The bleeding would not subside.

"Well, we haven't really gotten into depth with anything...I was about to ask Gabriel if he wanted to see a project I have been working on with his parents before some things had taken the wrong turn."

"Ah, well glad I didn't miss anything..." he sat himself down, and grabbed himself a strawberry, staring at her luscious lips.

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel nodded recognizing the pressure of the scene being redirected upon him, enough so that he didn't realize what was occuring beneath the table. He kept a bemused face lit with a certain portion of constraint and excitement; he knew enough about these men to understand them very well. Cunning, Genious, and rather two faced. Just like the business world itself.

"Well that certainly seems plausible, I wouldn't put it out of the game just yet. Though mind you I do recall us splitting ways at one point, seems you deemed it necessary to stick out of my business." Gabriel said rather elequantly before acknowledging Reira's escape, he would stand respectfully and be the last person to sit caught up in staring as she left.

The conversation followed a rant of boring scemantics about certain policies each organization had. But more or less it was a band-aid to conceal the wounds of the past. Gabriel leaned on to his nhand still acknowledging the statements made but grew bored. He was a man of action and veryu few words. However when Reira rejoined them he was lit with an excited smile. Again he would stand respectfully as was tradition in public to do so.

“Sorry I took too long, it took me forever to find the bathroom! This place is larger than I thought,”

Gabriel leaned over to whisper in her ear shortly, "Thank God you didn't leave me with these bloodsuckers." he chuckled in a humored tone.

"Well, we haven't really gotten into depth with anything...I was about to ask Gabriel if he wanted to see a project I have been working on with his parents before some things had taken the wrong turn."

Gabriel turned nodding with a lose of words, he'd been trying to forget his parent's deaths. It was never a great topic to catch Gabriel on reguardless. He gave a small nod.

"Go on Mr. Bass, I'd like to know what you had in mind." Gabriel would state ignoring the fact that he'd brought up his parents at all.

[Charles Bass]

~Bart's PoV~

"Go on Mr. Bass, I'd like to know what you had in mind."

Bart smiled. He was pleased the boy was finding business such as this interesting at such a young age. Least he could say about his own son. He stood and would wait for everyone else to join them. He had the all follow him to the elevator. There was a bit and he needed to speak with Demetri.

"You kids take the other elevator... meet us on floor 13."

Chuck was about to join the two adults in their elevator, but Bart stopped him. He didn't need his son finding out anything. "No, you join those two." he would press the button that would make the elevator door close faster and he would be in the elevator with Demetri.

"I'm showing him the hotel that had burned down ten years prior from today." he knew Demetri would know what he was talking about. The fire that killed the Serans. Bart needed to get rid of the Serans, they were getting too powerful, and Bart needed to be on top, so he hired a hit man to burn the hotel down. Only recently the hitman wanted to retire. The man wanted a clean slate before he died, so he wanted to confess all his sins.

Bart couldn't have this and ordered Demetri to kill the man.

"I've been thinking of rebuilding it, and what better way to gain publicity? It is to do it with the son of the originals. People will be heart warmed when they see Gabriel stood up in his parents' place."

They got to the thirteenth floor and He would gesture for everyone to follow him into his own loft. Though technically it was his California office location. He unlocked the door and had them all enter.

There was a large hotel model set upon a table. "This is the hotel I was built with your parents. Though, if you had seen prior pictures of it..you can tell I remodeled it to modern times..."

Not far off the building, was a picture on the nearest wall. It was Bart and the Serans at the Grand opening. In the background, Rias.

~Chuck's PoV~

His father deprived him of joining the two of them in the elevator. With an irritated smirk, he turned to the two. "Come..." he got them in the elevator and he leaned against the wall of it, avoiding his stare towards Reira. He dabbed at his nose to find it finally stopped bleeding. The reached the floor and they were brought into his father's loft, a loft so big, many would wish it were their home and not some office that was barely used.

"I want you to help invest in it with me."

He listened to his father's speech and got a little annoyed. His father never made business proposals towards Chuck. It was so Bart to leave his son out of everything he was working on.

[Reira DeMorvick]

Demetri was paying attention to every word that came out of Bart’s mouth. It was important, for more than one reason. He knew Bart, on a personal level, one could say they were friends…but that was only because of his father, Rias. Demetri remembered the very first time he met Bartholomew Bass. It was way back in the years, around the time he was sixteen. Rias had patted his son on the back and told him to always pay careful attention in such business meetings. It was on that day, that Demetri was present for his very first meeting, and it just so happened that it was between Rias and, low and behold, Bart. Course at this point in time, Demetri was pretending to be interested in his father’s way of life, when in actuality a few days later he ran away from home in search of Samara. Many years would pass, Samara would have Reira, and him and his cousin would eventually kill Rias, leaving Demetri his legacy.

Though, all this happened after performing a certain task for his father. One that signalled his passing into the double life of a mafia leader and a business investor. Drinking the last bit of his coffee, Demetri followed Bart into the elevator. He knew what he was going to say. Faithful to his thoughts, Bart mentioned the hotel. He remembered so clearly how he casually killed the hitman, under Rias’ orders, which were from Bart. See Bart knew all about the Marino’s. (Bart was Rias’ business partner after all) How they ran a mafia in secret, while to everyone else appeared to be nothing more but rich business elites. It was Demetri’s first ordered kill. Course he killed many before that…this was just different.

Demetri grunted, both hands in his pant pockets. “Do what you must, but heed my warning. Though Gabriel may look unintelligent, the boy is extremely clever. You’ll have to keep both eyes on this one Bass. He may cause you more trouble than he’s worth.” The elevator doors opened and the two men walked out into a large office, reunited with the others. Bart wasted no time in showing them the mini model of the hotel, new and refurbished. But that wasn’t what Demetri was looking at. A picture caught his eyes. A picture of Bartholomew, the Seran’s and his father. Demetri wanted to spit at it. How he hated his father, still to this day, and so much that the very sight of him disgusted him to the core. He then focused on the model, his eyes held a certain edge to them.

…and I’ll keep both eyes on you Bart.

~~~

Reira grinned at the secret sentence Gabriel said in her ear. She didn’t blame him, she’d hate to be left with them too. Totally ignoring Chuck, but very happy to see him have a bleeding nose, Reira followed her father and Bart to the elevator’s, only to be ordered to take a second one. It only meant the two older men had private notions to discuss. Typical, typical. What was worse was that chuck was forced to ride with them too. FML. Nothing interesting happened in the elevator and soon they were on the 13th floor looking at a mini model of a hotel. Apparently it was related to Gabriel somehow, but such things she did not know about. And so Reira’s eyes wandered, listening to how Demetri would finally get his business investment he wanted. She saw the picture.

“Hey, my that’s my Great Uncle..,” she said, staring child-like at the picture with Rias in it. He was the man that hunted, and sought to kill her mother for all those years. This was the man that kept her mother from her, made her feel abandoned. Like Demetri, he hated him as well.