Disclaimer: I don't own 'American Horror Story' anything related with or to the show, plot(s) franchise or characters. I'm just a fan of the actors and writers' because they outdo themselves each season.
Summary: On usual circumstances, waltzing in like they own the place is their first mistake. Booking into the Cortez Hotel is their second. Being rude to the staff is the final and utmost fatal mistake most people have been found guilty of committing through the centuries. Meeting Mr. March and Ms. Bathory before he gets halfway into the building's entrance is just the universe's way of flipping him off twice.
Pairing: James March/John Lowe
M note: I'm going to write a little ghost/human yaoi and I'm honestly somewhat surprised that I'm shipping this but it's cool I doubt I'll focus on too much romance because there's so much I could work with.
This is AU-ish and the characters are likely ooc, there's going to be some degree of fucked up stuff eventually. I mean this is 'AHS' so I have to step up my game if I want a successful experience here.
Vie
There's a moment. Something lasting about half a second so it should be considered unimportant therefore forgotten in the span of a couple milliseconds.
It's a moment nonetheless.
The half a second where their eyes meet. He's almost feeling as if he were spiraling, winded without moving and ever regale in his stance.
This is new. An oddity he should be careful of yet here he thinks this curious even.
"Hello there. Are you in line?" John ignores the thought of actually waiting for about ten minutes because so far he sees no one else in sight and these people seem ridiculously high up in a social standing.
He looks around for a moment to actually take in the place where he's expecting to stay for the next three weeks or so.
He thinks this place doesn't look too bad and it'll have to do.
Sure, it strays a little farther away from his normal route and the precinct but it's remarkably close to his house...his ex-wife's house.
He just wants to be near enough so that she knows there's an adequate distance but that he'll be around if she needs something or their daughter wants to visit.
Back to this point in time though, he has his luggage resting on the floor and against the doorway.
His wallet is in his right hand. He thinks he has enough cash on his person to actually cover a night or two, the rest he'll pay in advance and put it on his debt card.
He won't waist more money than he has and borrowing isn't an option so he cancelled his credit card.
It, like quitting with all the alcohol is a good decision. A little boring but safe and he needs a little stability in his life right now.
There's no-one manning the registry desk but he sees people and is guessing they're newlyweds or something equally important to the other because both are regarding the person next to them as if they're itching for excitement.
.
"No, go ahead. We're simply standing here...discussing the weather." James clenches his jaw then smiles slightly as he extends his hand and John shakes it as he introduces himself.
"John Lowe, I'll be staying here a while." He noticed that the beautiful lady next to this handsome man isn't really paying attention to him and is just looking at his badge.
He guesses it just puts some people off. "I'm a detective, homicide. Don't worry, there's no crime. I'm just on a mini vacation of sorts."
"I figured-" Elizabeth raises an eyebrow at the action because James practically cut her off as he speaks again, this time a little louder.
"James March, pleasure to be make your acquaintance this fine morn." It's not that he has forgotten Ms. Bathory's presence or is trying to be rude by interrupting.
However, it is a well known fact in not only the Cortez but also the food chain-net.
The status holder of apex predator within the space between the two of them is unknown currently so the position and power is shared.
If he doesn't want to lose this one he will have to show an incline of interest. It shant be difficult, she'll catch on quickly.
"This is Elizabeth." He's not showing his teeth as he says the words and points at the countess with his thumb. "She's my sister."
.
.
Liz and Iris walk out of the elevator in time to see both The Countess and Mr. March causally chatting with what both instantly assume is a new guest but rest assured probably won't live past the night.
Shame, this guy's handsome.
"Welcome to the Cortez Hotel, we apologize for the delay. We'll be with you shortly." Liz speaks up as John walks towards his luggage.
Everyone noticed when Mr. March offers to help but no one comments because it's obvious what's happened here.
"Room 64 then." Iris hands him the rooms's key while Liz passes him a pen so that he can sign in.
"Shouldn't they go first, I just arrived." John looks at Liz then Iris and the siblings.
He knows he'll be standing here a while longer but from the looks of it.
When he first walked in, his understanding of the situation is that these people must've been waiting for service for at least ten minutes.
"We already have rooms..." James spoke but stops when he hears a loud noise emanating from the detective's jacket pocket.
John stares at him for a second because the guy just seems confused but he dismisses it and glances at his phone.
He doesn't answer and just shoves it into his pocket as if nothing happened but not before putting it on silent mode.
"Your concern is riveting." Elizabeth smirked for a moment. It dissolves when she noticed two newcomers near the entrance.
.
.
.
"I want him." Elizabeth actually bothers to meet his eyes as she spoke. She doesn't mind that he called her 'sister'.
She considers him an equal even if he doesn't stop to appreciate the art in a kill.
"Too bad, he's mine. I've called dibs." James leans on his cane for a second and tips his hat slightly, he likes her even when she waists time and has no regard for the proper disposal of what could be considered evidence.
"Fair enough then, I'm going out for a stroll. Care to join 'brother'?" Mirth fills her tone of voice and he wonders if she thinks he's made a funny.
"No, thank you. I have more pressing matters to attend to. Bring me back a souvenir, will you. Ms. Evers will have a gift ready for your children before nightfall."
"Tell Hazel I won't need it tonight, she'll spoil their appetite. Rain check. Tomorrow evening perhaps."
He vanishes from sight before she can even finish talking but she knows he's heard every word and will have it done.