---

---

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---

The music was playing loudly inside of this scummy, rundown shack of a bar, everything about it was terrible, yet still there were lots of people and some nice cars hiding among the bikes and pickups. Milo had spent much of his Friday trying to figure out who was who and come up with a plan, and to be fair the one he had was not good nor safe, but he had a good feeling that it was going to work. Milo had found the man he was looking for, the owner of the bar, Titus Duvali, he didn't have any real evidence or any kind of information, but he did know that if there was anyone that would have more information on Nikki and his whereabouts, the guy that gets him drunk would be the guy. Milo sat in his truck outside the bar and lit a cigarette. "Welp, no time like the present." He got out of the cab and went around to the bed of the truck, he pulled out a few odd shaped bricks and carried them off with a bit of a mad grin.

Inside the bar, the sounds of clinking glass and pool balls were ever present, behind the bar was Titus managing the waitresses, and keeping them busy, as well as making any.. arrangements.. with his finer clientele, however the sound of a scream cut through the ambiance of the room as a young woman and a couple of older men all half dressed sprinted from the back of the building, "Fire!" they shouted. The flames though were not coming just from behind them, smoke and flame started to come from the ceiling as a white hot ball of flame breaks through the wooded ceiling. Panic overwhelmed the room, flames spreading quickly, explosions could be heard, cars outside of the building began to burn. Titus made his way out back to where his car had been, as he reached the door, the searing pain of a pistol grip rang against his head, as he looked up in the moment before passing out, "That worked, better than planned." he saw a face he recognized, Milo, that damn gunsmith, then darkness overtook him.

---

---

Milo sat in his shop and held his phone, he pulled up Paiges number and began typing I text, What has multiple counts of sex trafficking, narcotics with intent to sell, illegal firearms, and is tied up in my shop? He figured that would get her attention at least enough to see if she wanted nothing to do with it, but as he looked over at Titus, chained up to a steel chair, he had a plan to get the info out of him.

@Pilatus

THOMAS LANCASTER

---

"Hey, will you look at that?" Jeanie said, turning her eyes to the stage. "Someone's brave enough to make it for the mic." Then looked at Thomas from behind. "Would you like to shine up there?"

"I don't have a singing voice you know. I'd just make a fool of myself over there. The best I could do is some simple magic trick." He replied.

"Well, that would suffice, wouldn't it? It's an open mic after all." She nudged further.

"Anyway, -- cough -- before doing any of those things, I need a drink first." Thomas replied, pointing at the bar.

The ever out-going nurse shrugged her shoulder before noticing two young girls passing through the two of them, excusing themselves. Jeanie then proceeded after those ladies towards the bar, pushing this young man, sporting an orange suit, with his hand neatly placed on his lap, toward the bar.

"A pint of lager please." Jeanie said as she parked his wheelchair one seat away from one of the girls, before looking over to Thomas, who seemed a little indecisive.

"Make it two pints." So he just went with the flow. But then he was met with a disapproving scorn from his nurse.

"You know you're having a cough. Why are you even ordering cold beers? You shou-"

"Ok. Fine." He raised his voice a little, cutting her off, increasingly irritated with her controls over his diet. But then turned back to the bartender with the usual politeness and calmness taught to every members of his family. "Then a cup of hot tea please. Thank you. And my apologies."

For god's sake.

The bartender was not too concerned and rather giggled at the two quarreling, as he took their orders. As it was a little busy in the club, the bartender surely had to take his time. But surely, for Thomas, it was alright. He could be patient. On the while, he was looking around, paying attention to people nearby. And there was this young lady, with a significant contrast of skin tone and the hair that Thomas had rarely seen before. And to be honest, she was quite attractive, with that gothic style clothing. And she looked as frail as he does. It caught his eyes.

Knowing he was right nearby, and the moment she noticed, he took the opportunity to introduce himself.

"Hello." He said, quickly and simply.

@PrinceAlexus

Joel Nicolosi

“Because I don’t put up with that high-society bullshit.” Joel said flatly in response to Sio’s first question. He leaned on the control lever for his single hydraulic lift and the body of Sio’s Corvette lifted up away from the chassis leaving only a frame with four wheels, an engine and a transmission still sitting on the shop floor. Since Thursday morning he’d worked his normal bizarre hours around the shop stripping it down to the bare components that were now being separated. The parts were spread all over the shop: The dash, the seats, the wiring harness, the long nose section that he planned to swap out, steering linkage and all the plumbing that went through the firewall. He hadn’t decided what he was going to do with the paint, body work was not his forte, but he had a good source. It seemed an unnecessary waste to completely strip the paint when they were just going back to black again. To her credit, Sio stuck around the whole time. Sometimes they’d chat, other times just listen to the radio. She did a little of her artwork, kept track of the parts and sorted through his mountain of emails reading them off as he worked.

The lift stopped slowly when the wheel well was at eye level and he walked around to the back of the frame checking out the top of the gas tank as he went. “It’s one thing if they don’t like you, that’s fine,” He continued giving the chassis a light push and rolling it out from beneath the body, “But to exclude you from a public party that they were hosting.” He shook his head, clearly disgusted with what he was saying, and tossed down a set of wheel chocks to keep it from rolling any further. “That’s just being a bitch,” He said firmly, “I just can’t stand it.” He left the frame and went back to inspecting the underside the body with a flashlight for corrosion, particularly around the old battery area as he listened to her talk. “Sounds like he needs to get a life.” He said answering her next concern nonchalantly. The underside looked as good as the top. No rust, no holes, just like it had come off the showroom. It still hadn’t come undone very happily and he thoroughly cussed Chevrolet the entire time he’d taken it apart.

“The only thing she eats for lunch is a piece of lettuce and a glass of water.” Joel replied to her final inquiry. It wasn’t said as a joke or jab, just a statement as he glanced at the clock hanging in the shop and began putting away some of his tools. “And no, we are not dating at all.” He was coming down off some of the rage that the memory of that scene at the party invoked. “I’m surprised you’re worried about offending anyone,” He said glancing back over his shoulder from his massive toolbox at her, “Particularly that lot.” Wiping his hands with a rag, he looked over at the 300 still sitting quietly in the back of the shop bearing the decals of their “sponsors” from the Grand Prix. All those logos reminded him of was the snooty attitude of Marlin’s family, but the memory of beating her at that race was almost as good as winning the Grand Prix. Their dejected and disappointed faces as he cruised back up the flightline fueled some dark satisfaction within him. He again looked at the clock just to be sure his timing was right.

“It’s time to go out to the airport, you comin’?”

@Almalthia

Joel's Shop Radio

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---

Siobhan listened intently to Joel's tirade, albeit short, about the class system and touching on societal faux pas. It was nice to have someone other than Paige think the same way she did. “Woah there Speed Racer. Didn't mean to tune you up there. You have a good point and I agree.” She organized some paperwork. “Seriously? Lettuce and ice water. Wow savage. Give me a nice rare steak and salty steak fries so that I can soak up the juices any day. I'm definitely a full course meal compared to that. Eat your heart out Julia Childs.” Siobhan rearranged a few files then put them in a cabinet. “Okay so offend was too strong a word. I don't want to be a stereotype. Home wrecker or any of the nastier words that come with it. Glad to know that isn't the case.”

She stood up straight rather than leaning on the wall. Grinning she said. “Not coming just breathing hard. Sure I'll go with you.”

---

Marinalia gave Victoria a tap as her grey eyes caught a man looking over at Victoria, long haired, ear thing and so, he definitely looked like a regular and seemed to be trying to busy himself with a friend. oh he definitely was bad at playing the decoy, indicating which side to look over at. oh, she definitely looked striking in the new style, and the intense black hair contrasting against her pale skin. Victoria glanced over a second with eyes almost the twin of her sisters, yeah he defenitely was trying to play like he never did anything. his attempt to hide was not the best though.

Victoria gave a slight blush and turned back to her drink, this was new for her. she was not used to being the one that got noticed, at least not for being like normal... everyone noticed her with her white hair and skin like snow, but this was new.. they where looking at her not for just standing out but for something else. Her outfit and style was quite the head turned, it suited her size and looking in the tall mirror by the stairs on way to there Uber, oh she looked the part.

Marinalia, gave her a nudge, and decided to have a little fun, she forced her out, well they where out they might as well enjoy it, the stage seemed to taken, and plus she had never tried to sing in a long time, well nothing more than on the sofa or in the shower...

Victoria glanced over, in a English accent Tinged with Russain, deciding to stick to her natural one, and hered them going on about doing instead of watching. she had been forced to watch somewhat by her illness, now she could get what she wanted more. even if a few things remain a little out of reach.

Never to late to start doing something. maybe even say hi you know

I'm not Draculas bride, I Don, t bite.

Laughing slightly and turning back to her sister, she did have a blood red short chain and small gemmed necklace that looked like a good gothic horror prop. Late Victoriaian, Victoria... It was a nice conincedence.

She did enjoy her gothic horror... Given her style, and nature, it had kind of been the start of the road... Plus her leaning to Ravens as a spirit animal. A a little dark and mysterious. They where beuterful when you appreciated them though.

Mina more me, shame, but you have right hair colour for her.

Hey, Dare you sis. You sing I sing.... You made me come out! Only fair Vika. abit of Queen...

Maybe... You first Marlin!

Laughing, Radio Ga Ga would be difficult and she was rusty as hell but what the hell. It would show her sister her up abit and be abit of silly fun. Heading over, she saw a man in wheel chair go over too... New Vika was certainly bring noticed. The woman was still on stage so she waited a little for it or clear. Waving to Victoria, she left her to watch her light jacket as she slid if off revealing a little black dress with backless details and a fitted style stopping above the knee. Not ideal for the venue, but it short ernough for a club but not stripper short either. It worked for her athletic figure though, and a slight lift on a shorter boot.

Victoria hered a nouce from the side and turned to see a man in a wheel chair, a orange suit of all things arguing with a woman... She was... Somthing diffrent to be sure. Tea... At a metal bar. They even served tea... Like the hardest tea ever? Wheel chair, fairly smart and brightly dressed, he was a charecter to be sure.

Looking over, he was... She amhad a job offer from university at one point. wait a was he someone she saw before, she had a meeting but the pay from Blaxckshild was alot better. She,d remember someone right. She barely noticed above the sound of the music. Just ernough to hear him come up. She knew well an s anyone to try and look past people's disabilities. Until a few weeks ago she could barely walk without a stick. People where people... Some just had a few disadvantages.

Oh...hi, tea... Il get out way if they go all coyote ugly...

She, s not bad... Once she got going.

Tapping a foot to the woman who was singing on stage and despite looking nervous seemed to juts throw herself into into it and enjoy the momment. Wait.. Blue hair... She had seen blue hair before recently. Probbly not same person, its a big city.

Marinalia stood off to side, and talked with someone about the song, waiting and finishing off the glass of wine, it could be fun... And keep her sister off her back about things. After all things she had been in abit of a pit... Time to try and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air again.

---

@Conscripts@Majoras End@Zaxter996

Joel Nicolosi

A shower and a change of clothes later for Joel and they were taking an Uber out to old Sol International. Joel didn’t say much along the way, but he could tell the curiosity was driving Sio up the wall. He was far from admitting it, but having her tag along lately was refreshing. She wasn’t obnoxious, asked decent questions, seemed to enjoy his crazy conspiracy talk shows and didn’t fall for it when he told her to go get the blinker fluid. What he was picking up from international air freight demanded an audience that could only consist of one and she seemed as good a choice as any. There were few that could keep up with him and his strange habits, but she was holding her own from what he observed. He yawned as the car turned into the small parking lot observing no sign of any white Land Rovers, just the high tail of a Nippon Cargo 747 behind the admin building at the gate.

Throwing a bag over his shoulder he swiped his way through the front door giving a wink to the receptionist as he went. After a short walk they were in the expansive receiving zone where the pallets were being unloaded. The giant nose cone of the aircraft pointed skyward on its hinges while the beep and hum machinery buzzed around in the brightness of high-powered flood lights. The cold air of the night cut through the open space and he looked around with a hard narrow glance as they made their way up to the receiving desk. A low skid, covered with a silky metallic fabric was discreetly set off to the side caused his expression to lighten and he smirked wildly. He swung his bag around and removed a hefty folder from inside. Rolling it up, he used it to point for Sio to take notice. “That’s our piece right there.” He said raising his voice over the noise. His smirk had turned into a near maniacal grin as they came up to the desk.

The attendant, the same one Joel dealt with for years on his imports, shook his head and smiled broadly as Joel and Sio approached. “I don’t know how you pulled that one off old boy.” He said taking the roll of customs and import paperwork from Joel’s hand. He already knew what was under the cover.

“C’mon, let’s see it,” Joel said. “I’m taking it outta here tonight.”

The small barrier that separated them raised as the lock was released. For some reason, in his excitement, Joel took Sio’s hand to lead her over, not taking his eyes off the prize as they walked. He could feel his heart beating, waiting. He’d risked his whole reputation for this moment and nearly lost it by the length of a front air-dam. The roar of a heavy aircraft rotating down the runway sounded in the distance outside and the heavy covering fluttered lightly in the breeze that came through the air off the flightline. It was almost surreal, like a scene from a movie as they removed the clips from the base of the skid. The wind swept under rippling the metallic cover like a wave first teasing a black wheel and a letter-marked tire. They peeled it back slowly from the front, carefully rolling it as they went revealing carbon fiber angles and swooping aerodynamics in a satin-black finish. They flipped the remainder over the high, rear spoiler and folded it over storing it with an extra set of tires on the back of the pallet.

“Remember that bet I told you about?” Joel said turning back to Sio. “This is what I won.”

Set before them and unmarked save for a small outline of Suzuka Speedway behind the driver’s window and the factory badging was the same car he’d struggled to beat for years in the Grand Prix with only one noticeable difference: there were two seats inside the roll-cage rather than one. Joel walked alongside running one hand over the refined lines of the wind-tunnel tested, completely hand-built body just barely allowing his fingertips to touch the paint. “Most of the time I was over there was spent building this car up the way I wanted it.” He said with the utmost seriousness. “It’s not legal for GT racing,” He continued, looking at it. “I wanted all the race restrictions removed, just so we could run flat out, no rules. We tested it at Suzuka over several days until I was satisfied.” He looked on solemnly thinking of how he’d trod in the footsteps of some the greats at that course; the idols he looked toward his whole life. Sharing that same track with them felt sacred.

Digging in his bag he took out a metal plate. The standard Washington State, SOL CITY registration. The large characters spelled out LAPTIME.

“I once told someone the 300 was my Mona Lisa,” He said looking back. “This is the Sistine Chapel.”

@Almalthia

---

---

Siobhan changed into a teal long sleeved v-neck shirt that wasn't paint stained while Joel cleaned up. Her black skinny jeans passed inspection so no need to change those. Finger combing the tangles out of her hair she wondered what was at the airport. It better not be one of those jokes like he tried with the blinker fluid. The conspiracy theories in the talk radio were actually interesting and she had jotted down a few topics to discuss later. Pick Joel's brain a little bit.

She was sitting in the living room when Joel came out studying the painting again and wondering if he'd appreciate one of hers enough to put it up here as well. Maybe. She'd ask him later.

There was an exciting anticipation in the silence of the Uber that they took out to the airport. His good mood was infectious and she didn't mind that her curiosity rose with each passing minute. They got there just as she was about to ask what they were out here for. Getting out she decided that she was going to keep quiet and enjoy the surprise.

The night was a little chilly and she hadn't quite anticipated it to get as cool as it had. Shivering a tiny bit she kept pace with Joel his mood getting more excited as they passed the receptionist who she smiled at and waved as they smiled back. It was a short walk to a receiving area where pallets were being unloaded. Joel's mood seemed to swing even further up as he smiled wildly. He swung his bag around and reached in for something. Drawing out a folder rolling it up and pointing out something covered in a silly metallic cover. “That's our piece right there.” He practically had to yell to be heard. His smile turned into a grin of epic proportions and Siobhan grinned back excitedly as they moved up to the desk.

The attendant, apparently someone Joel knew pretty well, shook his head and smiled broadly as they approached. “I don’t know how you pulled that one off old boy.” He said taking the roll of customs and import paperwork from Joel’s hand.

“C’mon, let’s see it,” Joel said. “I’m taking it outta here tonight.”

The small barrier that separated them raised as the lock was released. Joel took Siobhan’s hand quite unexpectedly and lead her over, not taking his eyes off the prize as they walked. Uh wait...I bet he doesn't realize he's holding my hand. What's interesting is that I don't mind it. That's um...later. Dissect later. For now enjoy. This is going to be interesting. What has him so worked up? If I wasn't already fully bursting with curiosity I would be now.

The roar of a heavy aircraft rotating down the runway sounded in the distance outside and the heavy covering fluttered lightly in the breeze that came through the air off the flightline. It was almost surreal, like a scene from a movie as they removed the clips from the base of the skid. The wind swept under rippling the metallic cover like a wave first teasing a black wheel and a letter-marked tire. They peeled it back slowly from the front, carefully rolling it as they went revealing carbon fiber angles and swooping aerodynamics in a satin-black finish. They flipped the remainder over the high, rear spoiler and folded it over storing it with an extra set of tires on the back of the pallet.

“Remember that bet I told you about?” Joel said turning back to Siobhan who nodded mesmerized by the beauty in front of her. “This is what I won.” Her eyes met his. He's sharing this moment with me?!?!? And I'm freaking speechless!!! This is beautiful!!! I swear if it sounds half as good as it looks...dear god!!! And the ride?!?! The man is out to kill me with pleasure!!!

Set before them and unmarked save for a small outline of Suzuka Speedway behind the driver’s window and the factory badging was the same car that raced in the Grand Prix with only one noticeable difference: there were two seats inside the roll-cage rather than one. Joel walked alongside running one hand over the refined lines of the wind-tunnel tested, completely hand-built body just barely allowing his fingertips to touch the paint. “Most of the time I was over there was spent building this car up the way I wanted it.” He said with the utmost seriousness. “It’s not legal for GT racing,” He continued, looking at it. “I wanted all the race restrictions removed, just so we could run flat out, no rules. We tested it at Suzuka over several days until I was satisfied.” He looked on solemnly.

Siobhan shivered in reaction to his fawning over the car. Oh that is just SO SEXY it's wrong. Thank god he can't read minds right now. He wouldn't survive the ego trip he'd be getting from me.

Digging in his bag he took out a metal plate. The standard Washington State, SOL CITY registration. The large characters spelled out LAPTIME.

“I once told someone the 300 was my Mona Lisa,” He said looking back. “This is the Sistine Chapel.”

Siobhan walked around the masterpiece in awe. She reached out but didn't touch it just hovered millimeters away from it. Putting fingerprints on it seemed wrong. She came around back to stand by Joel admiring his work of art. She was so keyed up that she got closer than she normally did; which typically was arms length or what she could determine was a safe zone. She was definitely within arms reach. Not crowding him but closer than she normally got. With the exception of the roof, of course. “Wow...just...wow. I'm speechless right now. She's beyond gorgeous, seriously though no words do her justice. I really don't know what to say, other than thank you and if I don't get to ride in her then I may just kill you. Slowly. Then bring you back to life only to kill you again till you agree. You seem a decent fellow I hate to kill you.” She didn't seem worried about how close she was and actually was comfortable with the lack of distance. She trusted Joel and it spoke volumes for her to be able to relax in his presence and let her guard down. She grinned at him.

Being stopped in her tracks by Leo, Dustynn wondered if he was going to tell her how the song was inappropriate and that she should hit the road and never come back. It was strange how wildly your imagination ran when you did something courageous in your life. Dustynn loved the adrenaline though, she felt so alive in that moment that she couldn't contain her smile. Heat radiated from the two of them as they stood there, the sound of the music faint in the background as another person took the stage. The crooner's voice just a mumble in the dizzy world that the two were sharing together. Leo began to part his lips and Dustynn eagerly wanted to kiss him and stop him from whatever he was going to say next. However, before she could, his words came out in the form of a fresh drink and a reserved table right by the bathroom.

How romantic.

"Thanks!" Dusty said louder than intended as they scooted over to the table together. She took a seat, regretting having traded in her comfortable shoes for heels that night. She slipped them off under the table secretly as they took rather quiet sips of their drinks. She looked to him out of the corner of her eye before putting her pint on the table. "You know, I've heard you sing a few times, but the crowd was wrapped around your finger tonight." she commented, rubbing her feet together to get some feeling back into them. "I suck, but it's more fun on stage than in my shower." she continued on, going off on a random tangent like she often did. "Speaking of which, the girl's bathroom needs an update, maybe some paint- red..maybe gray, I don't know.." she commented the subject matter somewhat related but questionable at best.

Taking another sip of her drink, she looked to Leo more intently before offering him a reassuring smile. "You're pretty dope." she complimented in the only way she knew how. She toasted with him as they finished off the rest of their drink in one swift motion. Now, Dustynn could handle her alcohol fairly well, but she hadn't had a full meal truly all day. She was definitely feeling it a little more than usual. She rubbed her eyes with the knuckle of her thumbs gently, not to cause unnecessary tears. After doing so, she looked to the bar, seeing quite a few people surrounded around. "Hey, isn't that, that Siren band or something?" Dustynn commented, her eyes squinting as she looked over at the men and the few surrounding them. She looked to Leo with her eyebrows raised, wondering if they should go mingle with them and see what they thought of the bar. It also occurred to her that it would be a good idea to see if someone from the kitchen would make her something to snack on so that she could continue her night without suffering too much the next day.

---

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Ethan noticed the two girls that sat down at the bar. Both attractive and no wedding bands to be seen. Excellent. Marcus has been caught staring at the dark haired one. A shame since Ethan's preference was brunettes. Petite ones at that. He'd chat her up and see if it went anywhere. Looking at Chris he nodded. “Good luck with the encouragement. Excuse me.”

He got up with his drink and took the seat that the other girl vacated to sign up to sing. He turned to the girl sipping the white wine and smiled at her. “Hi I'm Ethan and I saw you and wanted to ask you something besides your name. Are you an interior decorator? Because when I saw you the entire room became beautiful.” His voice was smooth and sensually hypnotic and he smiled looking her in the eyes as he reached out his hand to shake hers. Instead of shaking her hand he turned it over and kissed her knuckles lightly not breaking eye contact. “And I hope you shoes are tied because I'd hate for you to fall for anyone else.”

THOMAS LANCASTER

---

Thomas blinked his eyes a few times. Get out of the way if it goes bad? Ok? He didn't really get what she was trying to say. Still, he had to admit, tea was a little uncommon in a pub. It wasn't his fault though. A certain someone was nagging him not to drink beers. And while he could drink it at a normal temperature, it would not taste as good anymore. And besides, it is an obligatory rule for any pubs to serve tea or coffee, even though it isn't served as much. The reason is simple, for people who couldn't stand alcohol, or could not consume it.

"I'd honestly like a change from my usual taste, but I simply don't wanna taste alcohol at normal temperature..." He replied to her tea comment, trying to turn the conversation away. "It's family tradition really."

But, without his intention, she suddenly switched to the woman on stage. Well, he'd agree. She did have a good voice, though the first few lines were a little awkward, perhaps due to stage fright. But eventually, she had one satisfactory, at the very least, and good, at the very most, performance there. If Thomas were to cross path with her, he'd give her a compliment. If she did.

Thomas intended to make some more casual conversations like this, this time perhaps making his identities clear, but before he could, someone else was, more proactively, making his way in, with his unique way of approach. For someone like Thomas, it was a little flirty for his taste. But nevertheless, a confident guy.

"I believe she is a programmer though." Thomas waited until he finished his sayings, looking at the pretty lady next to him. "I am a computer person, so I can recognize a peer with a glance."

"But anyway, it would be rude of me not to introduce myself properly. I am Thomas Lancaster. A pleasure to be meeting you in this pleasant club." At that moment, his tea came, with the bartender smiling lively. The dollar bill in his hand that was placed on his lap was then passed to the bartender. He was about to scramble for the change when Thomas simply and gently raised his hand.

"Keep the change." He said before taking the cup of tea. "Cheers"

@PrinceAlexus@Almalthia

Marcus Ainsworth

---

Marcus froze, and his whole face adopted the colour of a ripe tomato. The short, dark haired girl had obviously caught him staring, though she didn't seem mad. Did she... Did she even invite him to come say hi? No, couldn't be... He must have misheard her. Chris couldn't help but laugh at his awkward friend, nudging his arm again. "You heard her, man. Get over there! Go say hi."
Marcus responded to his friend with a nervous look, attempting to stutter out a few words. "I... Uh... But..."
Before Marcus could even finish his sentence, Ethan excused himself. The much more confident man had obviously taken this moment to go talk to the girl himself, opening with some of the cheesiest lines Marcus had ever heard. Cheesy or not though, the guy was smooth, and Marcus was sure that now, he had no chance. He sighed, finishing the rest of his pint. "Shots? Shots." He suggested to his friend as he slammed the empty glass down on their table. Chris chuckled, but agreed, the pair moving to the bar and ordering two Jaeger bombs.

Marcus downed the bomb as soon as the shot hit the red bull, exhaling heavily and planting the glass down firmly on the bartop when he finished. Chris did the same, then laughed, shaking his friend at his friend. "I mean, I feel like that proves even more so, you gotta take opportunities when you're given them. Take life by the horns man. You won't get anywhere if you're always scared to take chances."
He knew Chris was right, even though he hated admitting it. He did have to start taking more chances. It might not get him anywhere, but it sure as hell would get him further than sitting at home alone, doing nothing.
"You know what... You're right." He said with a determined nod, giving Chris a pat on the shoulder before walking away from the bar.
"Where are you going??" Chris asked with a confused, yet amused look.
"To take some chances!"

Marcus approached the sound desk, to sign up to sing. He had the perfect song in mind. He bounced on the balls of his feet slightly, filled with a sort of adrenaline. It could have just been the combination of alcohol and energy drink, or it could have come from the sudden determination to stop being a wall flower. He had listened to people tell him the same thing for years, but never had the guts or follow through to actually take the advice. But moping and waiting for the "right time" was getting him no where. As Ethan said to him, there was never going to be a right moment, so he just had take the leap of faith, so that's what he was doing. He just hoped he got his turn before this adrenaline wore off and he chickened out again. As he waited, he watched the other performers from the side of the stage, doing his best to keep himself motivated.

@PrinceAlexus@Almalthia@Conscripts

At first, durring her performance, Rei kept herself by the microphone, avoiding eye contact with the audience. Yet as the song went on, slowly her confidence kicked in, and she started to have fun singing. Once the song was over however, the adrenaline dissapeared, and Rei's shyness kicked back in. She quickly made her way off the stage as another woman took her turn to sing.

She started to make her way over to the bar when she noticed it was already crowded. Most of said crowd talking with a strangely familar girl with black hair. Rei started to wonder if she had met said girl before, but shrugged the thought off. "She's probably just popular as hell though..." she thought to herself.

'Wow. Confident, social, and pretty. She's everything you have a hard time trying to be.'

Rei smacked herself on the head in reply to her thoughts. Now was not the time to be critical. She was supposed to be having fun, and yet she doesn't even know what to do. "Ugh, forget it. Ryan, you better not have me walk home..." she groaned, grabbing her phone and dialing Rai.

Paige Kennedy

After the morning escapade, Paige spent the rest of the day mostly around the Marshal Service office either working on the Giancana case file or checking in with Cyber Crimes officer to see if he had come up with anything to help her get another line on the hacker that managed to escape that morning. The young man didn’t seem to mind the company, but she could sense his nervousness around her, much like CT’s friend back at the apartment. It was all very high-schoolish, she thought. As if the teacher had paired up the chess champion and pitcher from the softball team. She reminisced with a whimsical thought back at her high school days and the sports she played: mostly volleyball and softball; never really putting enough into it to go farther than being locally recognized. It wasn’t really her forte. Though she was fiercely competitive, she was mostly there for the status and social aspects.

A text interrupted her musings as the man hammered keystrokes and clicked away on a laptop. The afternoon had been mostly quiet after he’d given up on conversation long ago. They had nothing in common. Paige glanced down at her phone reading the text from Milo. Her lips twitched and curled with thought and she glanced over at her temporary partner. “I’m going out for a minute,” She said. “You want me to bring you back anything?” She added to make it seem less conspicuous.

“No, but thanks, go ahead,” The man replied. “I’m on his trail, but he doesn’t know it… yet.” He continued looking intently at the screen. “I’m just staying behind him a few steps at a time.”

Whatever that means. Paige thought to herself. She scribbled on a piece of paper and slid it over to him. “That’s my phone number,” She said. “If you get anything, you text me. I don’t care if he’s in Mexico.”

The young man’s free hand left the keyboard only briefly and slid the slip of paper over to his side, not even looking down. He merely nodded. The fact that she had given him her phone number meant nothing.

Paige smirked in satisfaction as she walked away. She could appreciate professionalism.

Milo’s shop wasn’t far away and she didn’t bother texting him back. She just showed up and let herself in with the key he’d given her. Even if he wasn’t near the window, he’d know it was her when he heard the striker draw back inside the door. Her sneakers tread softly through the quiet darkness of his house and her shadow was cast over his things in the faint light that he kept up for her arrival. She found him waiting with the man, sweaty and bruised from the restraints Milo used to fasten him down. He looked at her, seeing the star and the gun holstered at her hip, almost looking relieved that law enforcement had arrived. She grinned back at him as the dim light darkened her face. “Hello Titus,” She said politely before looking over at Milo seeing the array of metal-working tools he laid out and giving him a nod. She picked up one of his rounding hammers, calmly feeling its weight and balance in her hand and watching Titus’ eyes follow her with confusion. She looked back at him, not speaking for a moment, only holding the small nordic-style hammer lightly in both hands. “Did you know my daddy was a preacher?” She asked.

@RoccanIronclad

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Marinalia watches the woman finish her run and despite a shakey start came through and ans produced a solid peformence in the end, all it took was a alittle confidence. Smiling to her as she passed, distinctive blue hair... Very blue.

Great peformence.

Heading up thr blonde in a shorter black dress headed up and smiled before taking the mic and with a rusty start she found her voice a out a, 3rd through and soon was belting it out without a care in the world. Though Freddy Mercury might not be entirely aproving of her rendition. It was a rock bar, and it was a classic band. He'll they where British too... Time to give the Americans some culture. Bit by bit, she found her groove, dancing slightly to the song. Well if you embarrassed self... So it properly.



As the song carried on her nerves at being rusty managed to be overwhelmed by the adrenaline on ans fact she had not sung at all like this in years was forgotten. The song was complicated and with a few managed words she finished up confidently, blowing a kiss to a crowd and heading off the stage and passing the mic to the next person.

He looked... Diffrent with spacers, and a few things. Wait he was one who was trying to talk to Vika... Yeah he was right? Well he seemed to... Did someone scare him off.. She had only caught a second before it was her turn on stage.

good luck. Crowd seems friendly. Warmed em up for you

Smiling as she handed it over mic, she had the same eyes as her sister he had been staring at, both with matching grey, speaking in a very English accent despite her travels. It had remained pretty strong and crisp.

Maybe they should go here more often. It was seeming fun, and being quite glad Victoria had dragged her out this evening.

@Majoras End@Zaxter996

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Victoria went a a little pink but mostly she just looked slightly less pale as she was not used to being the centre of attention, firstly the guy nearby came up, and was pure flirt. Taken aback by the whole situation she smiled and her grey eyes twinkled slightly. She never had been the woman they all tried to go after... This was somthong new... It was always Marlin.

He was... Yeah he was a singer from the Sirens... Was he the singer... He was definitely a member of that band. It had taken her a while to reconise as she had not quite followed and they looked diffrent from last time she had seen somthing about them. He was pure cheese and the kids was sheer drama but part of her loved it... The other side was her rational mind fighting his voice that seemed to be pure magic. How did she end up in such situations... She did have a ring, a ice blue diamond one no less but it was on the opposing side to that ring finger, there was no chance it coming off, it had been on her finger so long bar a few hospital treatments that it was slightly indented and a white mark into there. The ring had been tight when she first wore it but now it was just a extension of her.

Pulling her hand away after the kiss like a old fashioned lafy for show, she was determined not to just fall for the first cheesey line... However well presented it was, though her eyes did glitter slightly at the sheer randomness.

Hi, my name... But you could steal my powers!

Well... I have to credit you for the strongest cheese this side of France!

Now I reconise you, trying run my ship aground on the rocks are ye! A sirens call.

Laughing slightly and taking a drink from her vodka and coke, he definitely had a effect but she was sobre ernough to not just fall totally into his magical tones and be turned quite that easily with one line. She definitely was enjoying herself though. She was joking back, he was a in a bad and probbly expected it easy... Well he was cute but could not just let him have everything on a silver platter.

Victoria, that depends how you impress me. I normaly only fall over because I hate heals. What brings you to this bright beacon of a city?

Adding with a smile and a small challenge back, it was more fun that way, and she did not want to be seen as some easy woman who was turned by a single line and a old fashioned gesture. However much it was definitely confident and that could be pretty attractive.

Then someone rolled in, quite litalaly to be true. He did roll into the situation, introducing self and remarking that she worked in computers... Wait did she give off some pehermaone that told him that... Why they reconised each other made little sense but they did... Her response was a fraction colder at first... She was a person, not a job title but warmed more. Though it took on a slight tinge more Russian accent into the British.
It tended to vary abit at times.

A skill I'm yet to aquire. Up my perception start? You must be a higher level. Alcohol, vodka is good at any temperature though. Half Russian facts.

Victoria Romus. And yes... But security, pay was much more generous, and websites are too easy.

Just thought we would take a chance on a place, it seems pretty nice set up here so far, bit of fun. So, you going to go up and have a go on stage tonight?

Good going Mali!...

Tapping her feet as her sister gave some old classic rock a go, sure a few did not seem to enjoy but she found her a feet and delivered a pretty solid showing, even if there may be a few die hard fans who dislike her performance, waving as she belew a kiss to the crowd. It was pure show off but, well when you where on stage... You where on stage.

Joking slightly to him, she t glanced between the two, and though it was a unsusl situation for her kept calm.. Least externally. Inside, she was Suprised but how much attention she recived. Patting down her rather short dress just incase, she had layers on, and so, but even so it was habit. It was not exactly a dress she would wear on its own. She had teased him abit but he did blurt things out to her abit.. She was not entirely helpless.

Tonight was definitely a few suprises...

@Conscripts@Almalthia

Marcus Ainsworth

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As Marcus waited for his turn to get up on stage and show what he’s got, he noticed one of the girls that performed before, the one with blue hair who did a rather cool rendition of Twenty One Pilots’ Heathens, standing on her own, pulling her phone out. While he still had a few minutes, he decided to go over and say hi. “Um, hey. I’m Marcus.” He introduced himself softly. “Uh, your song was great. I’m not a huge fan of the original but your version was great.” He offered the girl a smile, before turning around and noticing that the current performer, the taller girl who was standing with the one who caught him staring, was finishing her song. “Alright, well my turn now. If you’re still around later, uh, I’d love to buy you a drink or somethin’.” He smiled again softly before rushing over to the stage.

Marcus was very glad this was a metal bar. Not just anywhere would he find a house band with guitars tuned to play the song Marcus had in mind, let alone who know the song. As his turn approached, he gave a smile to the blonde, who had sung one of Queen’s hits. Ambitious choice. “That was really good Freddie Mercury is definitely not easy to sing.” He said with an encouraging nod.
As he took the first steps onto the stage, and looked out over the packed club, the nerves started to kick in. He hadn’t been on stage in a long time, let alone just singing. In fact, he’d never been on stage without a guitar before. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself so he didn’t turn around and bolt back off stage. He picked up the mic, giving the band a nod. As the opening synth started to swell, Marcus closed his eyes and smiled. The crushingly heavy down tuned riff started, and he opened his eyes again, looking out at the crowd and raised the mic to his mouth. “The weight of the world is resting on thin ice! When the surface breaks will I find paradise?”

The sounds that came out of the thin, emo looking young man, probably caught a few people by surprise. He screamed the opening lines with pure ferocity, emulating Sam Carter’s signature vocal style fairly well. By the end of the first verse, he’d gotten into the swing of things, grinning from ear to ear, not that it could be seen very well from behind his mop his hair. “I’d take a leap of faith, but I’d lose my nerve! In the end, I’ll get the hell that I deserve!”
As the song, moved into the slightly stripped back chorus, Marcus, sweeped his hair away from his face, grinning out at the crowd. “If you know the words, sing along with me!”

Now really got to show off his range, hitting the stratospheric, screamed notes of the chorus with such passion and power. It was obvious that he really connected to the song, and the lyrics.
“I’m always gone with the wind! Crawling in and out of my mind! God knows, I lost all my faith!” Marcus slammed his fist into his chest as he belted out the words, already putting everything into his performance. “A sickness with no remedy, except the ones inside of me! You ever wonder how deep you can sink into nothing at all? Disintegrate!!! Annihilate me!!!”

Marcus grinned even wider, as the adrenaline of performing fueled him, standing up straight, right at the edge of the stage as the song started building up to the breakdown. “Let’s get rowdy!!” He called out, and took a deep breath before the next line. “Do you remember when you said to me, my friend, HOPE IS A PRISON.” He started headbanging furiously, before repeating the line, and letting out a guttural “BLEGH!”

Now thoroughly into the groove of the song, he moved more as he screamed the next verse. Jumping around the stage, giving a real show like any good frontman of a metal band. As the song mellowed out again, Marcus stilled, hooking the Mic back into the mic-stand, holding it with both hands. He already showed he could scream, and he showed he could sing too, softly delivering the more mellow chorus with beautiful clarity, but still had that passion and emotion, that showed how much he loved the song and related to the words.

He seamlessly transitioned back into the heavier screams when the music picked up again, grinning as he saw that a small moshpit had started up in front of the stage. He did that. He incited that, and knowing that filled him with such a joy that he had not felt in so long. As the song moved into the outro breakdown, he belted the closing line with all the furiosity he had left, before putting the mic back in the mic stand again. “Thanks guys.” He said with the smile of someone who was buzzing with adrenaline, and practically bounced off the stage.

He was greeted by a tight bear hug from Chris, who was also grinning from ear to ear. “Dude! That was fantastic! I knew you had it in you!”
Marcus hugged the taller man back tightly, shaking from the adrenaline. “That… Was so much fucking fun. Thanks for pushing me to do that.”
“See, that’s what happens when you actually take my advice!” The pair laughed, still hugging for a few moments, before walking back over to the bar. “Many more drinks for you!”

Regarding doing another song, Dustynn would consider it- she had been pretty sober when she had done her first song, so doing a second song would not take much liquid courage, though some of the lyrics might be lost in a cheerful slurring hum. She would have to think of another song, or perhaps she would ask Leo if he would put in a request for her.

As the two talked back and forth Dustynn comfortably pulled her legs up and underneath her body, criss crossing them, bare foot. She rubbed the side of her temple, unable to play with her hair that was made into two tighter braids. "It would be a big project, but I think it would be worth the extra effort. We could do it, no problem!" she commented about the bathroom facelift. She was usually last to suggest extra work for herself- but she wanted to show Leo that she took some initiate in this job, his business, and in general him. Chatting back and forth a bit Dustynn was lost in her own thoughts for awhile as well. The performers came one after another and with the noise you could begin to float away if you weren't planted too firmly on the ground.

At what point during the week had Leo became something that brought this lion into a door mouse?

When Dustynn had applied for her bar tending position at Club Aether- she came into it will full confidence. She knew how to mix a good drink, she knew how to get people buying more drinks, and she knew how to tell someone they needed to get the fuck out of her face with their drink when it got to that point during the night. Leo had been an approachable boss, but held to the utmost standard. Everyone that worked at Aether had a lot of respect for Leo, not just to his face- but behind his back as well. It wasn't often that you could speak to your boss as a team mate rather than a higher being.

At least a month had gone by since her hiring and the two hadn't really spoken more than a few sentences now and again to one another. His raised eyebrows and looks of disapproval as she spent her lunch breaks smoking out front instead of eating. Dustynn was often too involved in her own problems to get others intertwined in her life. People came and went too often for her to really feel anything worthwhile in the relationship department. Her previous boyfriends used her for several pleasures and then either got bored or found the same feelings in other vices. There was something about a Southside girl that put a mark on your name before even opening your lips.

They weren't worth the time.

Complimenting Leo came natural, she watched with a grin him drop his head and finish off his drink.

It was the days between that late breakfast at The Coffee Pot and tonight at the bar that Dustynn found herself thinking of Leo more and more. When she had headed home to drop off food for her mother; her first thought returning to work was to flood his ears with her spiraling thoughts and emotions. Of course none of that came out, her joking demeanor masking anything and everything that resembled "deep conversation". The Friday afternoon was spent hurrying around the house making sure she looked nice, deconstructing herself, just to begin again. It wasn't in her nature to care that much about those meaningless things, but for Leo she wanted to try. By all means she wasn't being anyone but herself, but perhaps just a little more updated edition.

When Leo asked about The Sirens she shrugged her shoulder's slightly. She knew of them, heard of them, liked a song or two but she wasn't anything close to being considered a fan. "Nope. But they are kind of noticeable huh!" she chuckled, looking back to the bar. They were a bit eccentric in their appearance and their assumed fans surrounding them at the bar were not much different. Dustynn watched Leo check his watch, as she looked down at hers. It hadn't worked in over five years but she often pretended it did- giving people the wrong time as often as they asked. She wondered if Leo was bored of sitting there with her, hence his watch checking. She hoped that wasn't the case as she spoke, "It's alright. I'll say hello when we go back up to the bar for that drink, but my attention is yours and yours alone tonight." the last part of her sentence came out as even a surprise to herself. She owned it though. Smiling and returning friendly gaze.

"I'm starving!" she admitted loudly as Leo offered a surprise trip to the kitchen. She put her feet down, searching for her heels she had kicked off earlier on the floor- her leg grazing against his slightly before finding it's destination in her shoe. She spurted out a quiet, "Woops." but not apologizing for the touch. With both shoes on she stood up, grabbing both of their empty glasses to return back to the bar.

"Huh?" Rei looked up from her phone to see a blonde haired woman walking to the stage after the other woman's turn to sing, complimenting her on her performance. "U-Uh, thanks, eheh.." she thanked her, a crooked smile on her face, before looking back down at her phone.

Her thumb hovered over the call button when another person, one of the guys she saw by the bar, decided to introduce himself to Rei. "O-Oh, nice to meet you! I'm Reya, b-but people just call me Rei for short." She introduced herself back, before he made his way to the stage after the blonde finished her song.

Looking back down at her phone again, Rei thought for a moment, before turning it off and stuffing it into her purse. "Guess I could stay her for a few hours or so." She thought to herself, a light smile on her face, as she walked back to the bar and sat in one of the empty seats.

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Milo was panting a bit at this point, the man in front of him now bleeding all around the head, Milo took another heavy blow to the mans stomach, "Just tell me something useful, a name, a location, something to make me think you like your teeth." Milo wiped the back of his hand on Titus's shirt. Titus spat some blood to the ground and looked at the both of them, "What? You think any of this is worse than what Nikki'll give me if I talk, you can take your switch ass back to florida and fuck yourself." Milo was almost laughing at the comment, he walked over to his tools and looked them over before shaking his head, he grabbed a table vise he had pulled from his table, "Alright, I hate to do this.... I'm kidding, I don't actually care." Milo set the vise around the mans thigh and started to tighten. Titus began panicking as the vise tightened, he shouted obscenities as Milo assured him that soundproofing is important for a metalworks.

SNAP! the crack was sickening but only half as bad as the man yelling, "Alright, now can we get to the point?" Milo took off the vise and as Titus took a breath he started to talk,"Ok. I know ab..." Milo drove a fist down on the newly broken femur and was met with more howls of pain, "oh, you were gonna actually say something? I thought you were gonna make another bigfoot joke." Milo grinned as the man tried to compose himself through the pain, "You... You dick. I hook Nikki up with a few things, I'm not his buddy or anything, but if you want to piss him off, fine." Milo grinned finally getting somewhere with this he stood back and listened to all the broken bird could sing.

@Pilatus