Marcus Ainsworth

Mentions: @Majoras End@MissCapnCrunch@CaptainSully

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As the bartender placed the two beers on the bar, Marcus smiled softly at the girl beside him. “Thanks, but don’t sell yourself short. I really enjoyed your song. I could tell you were nervous, but you’ve got a good voice. If you enjoyed it, you should start singing more.” Marcus was quick to open up in conversation when the topic was music. It was his passion, his reason to live, and he could talk about it for hours.

Marcus chuckled as his attention was drawn away for a moment by another woman, calling out, "Hope y'all are having a good night!" He recognised her as one of the regular bartenders here, obviously having a night off to party. She got up to sing earlier too, so he made a mental note to go over later and tell her she did a good job. Marcus raised a brow and chuckled again as he saw her and the owner of the Club start to kiss. Well, that could be interesting. Co-workers hooking up was often a recipe for disaster.

Marcus turned back to Reya and raised his glass towards her with a sweet smile. “Cheers.” He said, giving her the opportunity to clink her glass against his, before taking a long first sip. “So, uh, other than Twenty One Pilots, what bands do you listen to?” Marcus asked, doing a pretty good job at hiding his nerves so far. Talking about music definitely helped with that. It was hard to be uncomfortable when talking about his favourite thing.

_{Marinalia @PrinceAlexus, Alexander @Rodiak, Aoki @Alex_The_Great}

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Ashton perked up a bit and turn her gaze toward a familiar blonde that had decided to join the bar. It was Victoria's sister, Marinalia Romus she believed? The last Ashton saw her, the girl had been practically quite upset at the party. The tall dirty blonde felt a little bad she hadn't done even more for her, maybe even got her a gift? Her equally upset and drunk sister, Victoria, however needed some looking out for. Sadly, there was only one of Ashton to do her best to help others.

Nodding at the question, Ashton gave the fellow blonde a bright friendly smile and waved her right hand cheerfully as a greeting. At the offer of a drink, the scar face firefighter shook her head before lightly patting her hands against her chest then holding out both hands in a ten o' clock and two o' clock positions. Slightly steering them in unison back and forth from left and right. Mimicking steering a wheel as she tried to charade that she was basically the designated driver for the night. Pressing her hands together, the tips of her fingers against her lips, she gave a thankful little bow to Mari in order to thank her for the kind offer.

Mari had spoken to a light blue haired pretty woman beside her, in which Ashton easily looked over Mari's head and gave a friendly wave of greeting and a bright smile towards her. She was about to perhaps question the Romus sister before the firefighter's amethyst eyes blinked in surprise as someone fumbled a bit toward Ashton. Reacting, Ashton raised her hands, gingerly catching the slender male by the shoulders with calloused rough hands. Blinking more at the embarrassed apology as the brown haired male took a seat beside her, Ashton gave a friendly smile, left index finger scratching against her scarred left cheek. Soon waving the hand as she gave a cheerful smile and gently patted the man's shoulder reassuringly.

She was a little surprised he could tell she was female, most people were a little confused thanks to her casual baggy clothing and standing the abnormal height of seven feet. And also having quite a bit of features that wouldn't be considered pretty. Scars, burns... being a beanstalk. Still Ashton gave a curious tilt of her head before reaching in her own pocket and held up her Firefighter badge.



Patting her other hand against her chest as if to say this was her, silently giving a friendly introduction of who she was to the possible new friends.

It's been a few weeks now since the last time Xia went out to a public event. Sol City have been good to her so far but she gave up on the late night drinking after her incident waking up in the bed of a female she met that night before. Since then after that uh-oh, for the most part, she focused on her work at Luna Sports.

While she was helping her client, an elderly woman named Mrs. Pelayo, Xia was busy talking on her cell phone with her mother. Xia was a little upset by the subject that was brought up to her. multitasking by watching her client on the treadmill walking slowly to help her mobility, she had a bit of an argumentative tone. Ma...I understand that you love family and all but...that's not happening. I don't have that kind of time and room for that. Cousin Carlo is just too much baggage. He's a liar, a thief, he's been in and out of jail for the longest. I don't trust him and he's an asshole...

When her mother responded to her language, Xia rolled her eyes and sighed. Well I'm sorry for saying that Ma but even you know you can't trust him. If you wanted him to live somewhere, why didn't you offer your place? You don't have to answer that because I know you don't trust him. So...why should I make room and have him come here. He's going to get into more trouble and then I'll have to bail him out. He may be the closest thing to a brother but I'm not risking dealing with him ma. Xia moved the phone away from his mouth to look at Mrs. Pelayo There you go Mrs. Pelayo...you're gonna run and do back flips before you know it. She chuckled.

She got back on her phone as her mother gave her piece of mind to Xia but she shook her head. Ma....just....let me think about it okay? And I know I know...you want the best for us all. her mother encouraged for her to get out and have some fun again since Xia have seemed a bit uptight lately. When she got off the phone, she looked at Mrs. Pelayo. Mothers... checking her time and noticing the session was done. She turned off the treadmill. Alright Mrs. Pelayo...that's enough for today. Now...remember the easier home exercises I recommended. Do those twice a day...one in the morning and one at night and I'll see you on our next session alright? She asked before dismissing her client.

Xia went back to her locker and noticed the newspaper and some event that was plastered. Karaoke at Club Aether? Interesting name heh... Reading a bit more. It has been a while since she's last been out but she was going to have to create some boundaries. No drinking heavy. Go in, have a god time, maybe get up on stage and make an ass of herself and afterwards, go home. If she did meet with some people, hopefully she could have a better turn out and not end up in their bed.

Xia changed her clothes so she could head back home and rest up before tonight. Heading out, she caught the bus to get back home and prepare herself for the evening but first....a food and a nap.



Xia was up as it was evening, getting in the shower and later, picking out what she was going to wear. She pulled out blue jean ripped capris along with a white shirt that exposes her stomach and grabbed her blue jean jacket along with her white and black sneakers. She grabbed her cap to add to her outfit and headed out the door with her purse while going to the bus stop to catch it and head to the club.

Club Aether

Upon arriving, Xia walked right in slowly and looked around to take a good look at the place wondering if this place was a fit for even her. With a deep breath and watching people socializing, she walked straight in and noticed the bar. Her first step was towards the bar but...she stopped and... Oh hell nah... making a turn not to head towards the bar but instead scope the place out for a moment to get her bearings.

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Marinalia remembered thr last time she saw Ashton was a rather bad night for her, Victoria was blind drunk and she was badly upset with things. In hindsight they had kinda caused a few problems for themselves, and not reacted the best to events but that was 20:20 and at thr time she was befuddled by emotions, arguments and alcohol. Her and her family's women had never had the best of luck it seemed.

Ashton, yep, she definitely had been through the mill of life abit and picked up a few scars, unlike Marlin who could far more easily hide hers. Long as she not wear a bikini or so, no one would notice the scar from that mugging gone wrong.

With a smile Ashton responded to her offer of a drink with a steering wheel gesture, a shake of her head and a little gesture. Thanks to traveling alot around the world she had become fairly proficient at translating gestures and actions. Everyone spoke English but some better than others, so you had to be willing to improvise a a little to make things work out. Did they not use Uber, maybe a cab... Dragging someone out as designated driver was OK if you switched and changed it around abit. It was not kind to ask someone to do it all the time. Not knowing the situation, she assumed Ashton volunteered though.

Uber, its not too bad on price of you book in advance.

Oops!

Laughing slightly at how random a person falling into your lap was and hiding behind drinking her glass of wine, she was going a little easier than previously having learnt her rather hard lesson about getting drunk at events without family around to help her or freinds. Marinalia had become more cautious in Sol.

Some woman, yeah, she was sure she had seen her before entered, had she? She looked familiar in some strange way, rather tall and athletic.. Unless she had seen her at Luna sports when she went for her regular swim, could have been there, she did seem to fit thr rough mould of the place. As she aoroached, she thought about saying hello before they made a sharp detour away and seemed spooked by somthing. Most strange. Definitely dressed for the night, abit more casual than others but it worked for her. Marlin rested her leather jacket on her lap as fairly warm in the vennue, just below the knee dark boots dangling off thr stool as a cooler night with a partially backless slightly shorter little black dress. Some might say "basic" white girl, but it was also a classic that worked for most events too.

Outside there was some kind of small commotion and so going on outside, the loud engines before, maybe someone had arrived in fancy dress or had a dramatic wardrobe malfunction?

Sat at the bar, you had a good view round the club so ideal space to see what was going on, the noise and little reaction outside had tweaked her curiosity. Tonight was definitely not going to be a boring one though and it seemed like it might get intresting. This time round she was going to stay miles away from the firing line should the assholes 3 return. After landing there buddy in jail, they likely be unfriendly...

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@King Tai@Silver Fox

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Ethan found it cute that she swung to the Greek pantheon rather than the Roman one. He smiled down at her as he moved them to the dance floor. Wondering if she was as lively a dance partner as a conversationalist. Or would he have to coax her into breaking out of her shell? Would she be offended if he danced a little dirty? Would he care? He decided to save the dirty stuff for later and kept it pretty tame.

He had some fun moves that he was pretty sure made her smile and he leaned down and said in her ear making sure his lips brushed skin with each subsequent syllable. “I'm going to go sing and then I might get mobbed but you and your friend,” Nodding to Marlin, “can sit with me and the guys. I'll introduce you.”

The couple of songs that they were out for before he walked her back to her spot at the bar as he kissed her cheek and walked over to the closest of his band members Tobias. Who was chatting with a girl with a pixie cut that looked like a hot version of Jodi Foster. He tapped Tobias on the shoulder and motioned to the stage with a jerk of his head. Tobias nodded and excused himself making his way toward the stage.

Ethan located Paul who was flirting with a girl with blonde pigtails that looked way too young to be drinking. Unless she had a fake ID. Ethan shook his head excused Paul and himself chastising Paul about his Lolita obsession and how one day he was either going to demand birth certificates or be in very big trouble. He nodded to the stage and Paul lit up like a sparkler. Nodding Paul made his way to the stage. While Ethan went to find Drew.

Drew was neck deep in fans. He collected them like moths to a flame. Ethan grinned catching Drew's eye and nodded. Drew nodded back and made his way to the stage with a crowd of females following his swagger. A massive amount of them broke off and waylaid the KJ as the guys got on the stage after the last singer completed their song. The four of them walked on stage and Ethan motioned the lead guitarist over. “Hey man you guys take a break and we'll fill in for free for a couple of sets.” Ethan handed the guy 150 in cash 50 for each. Drums, both guitarist, lead and bass. The guy shrugged and handed over his guitar and explained to the other guys who nodded and handed over the instruments to The Sirens.

Ethan pulled down his hood and grabbing the microphone he began an introduction to die for… “Good evening Sol City.” Paul the lead guitarist and a bit of a show off did an impressive run grinning and getting the attention of everyone else in the club. “That would be Paul.” Ethan indicated Tobias. “Tobias is on bass.” Tobias flexes through a series of complex chords and a huge riff that makes sure he is ready for whatever. “Drew is in the back on drums.” The beat that Drew lays down goes from We Will Rock You’s iconic beat to the rolling thunder that is reminiscent of Def Leopard’s epic drum solos back to We Will Rock You so smoothly you could swear that it was all one song. He ends with a flourish and Ethan looks out over the crowd and that smoldering sexy look he gives makes his next words sound like pure sex. “I'm Ethan and we are The Sirens.” There is a roar of approval from fans and Ethan lifts his hands for quiet. “We're going to do sing a couple of songs for you as an impromptu little concert then let the Karaoke flow afterwards. If you're interested in more let us know and we can work it in. We're regular guys so you can come talk to us over there.” Ethan points to a reserved section toward the back. “Just a little gossip. We're back to stay!!! Now let me hear you if you're having a great time!!!” Ethan's voice is hypnotic and even people who look like they wouldn't normally get excited about their music, which would be more hard rock borderline metal, are excited. They started into the first song. “Well I don't know where they come from. But they sure do come. I hope they comin' for me. And I don't know how they do it but they sure do it good. I hope they doin' it for free. They give me cat scratch fever. Cat Scratch Fever” Ethan struts around the stage and hams it up. His singing voice perfectly on pitch as if the song was made for him. “This next one has been around in a ton of movies and we love jamming out to it. So without further adieu…” The drums and guitar started in on their next song Immigrant Song. Ethan belted out the highs and lows in perfect pitch and syncopation in the song. They finished with the crowd breaking into a deafening roar. They existed the stage and went to the sectioned off area as quickly as possible...which wasn't all that quickly.

---

Aoki saw the blonde girl wave over at her as a greeting. Ashton was what she heard Marinalia call her, so Aoki waved back with a bright smile and offered her a card too. Her card was left on the counter, however, because a man came almost crashing down on Ashton. Aoki blinked and wondered if he was drunk, although he didn't look that way when he had been up there singing. She wanted to compliment his song, but it seemed like he was more interested in Ashton than anyone else. Aoki turned back to Marinalia, her head spinning just the slightest.

"So, you fly?" Aoki called the bartender over and asked for another beer; her speech was slowly sluring. This would be her fifth one, and a dangerous one so she would have to take it slowly from now on. She didn't have anyone to take care of her. "I'm a p-painter," she smiled as she took her beer and took a small sip from it. "I...I work in the Sol Museum restoring veeeery old paintings, and I do a few commissions on the side. I do wish my office view was of the city and not the parking lot of the m-museum." Teaching people to fly must be fun and exciting for Marinalia, but for Aoki, she thought of it as never wrecking. The woman didn't do good in planes, or in tall places. Aoki was scared of the heights.

When Marinalia turned away from her, she glanced back too, noting the woman she was looking at. Blue jeans and a white crop top, not bad for a club outfit, seemed to fit more into a hip-hop club than a metal one. Either way, she wondered why she turned away from the bar. With a look around the counter space, she knew why the bar had gotten a lot crowded in the few hours Aoki had been here. Then again, it was a club, and people liked to drink in clubs.

Aoki's mind felt hazy by her second sip, a lot more hazy than it had felt previously. She would have to call a taxi or an Uber home soon. Maybe drink a glass of water before bed and try not to throw up as she changed into her pajamas, but the more Aoki drank her beer, the more she thought that wouldn't happen. Oh, how she wished her friend had made it now. She would have been able to care for Aoki in her drunk state, and she couldn't ask Marinalia to watch out for her, she was pretty much a stranger! Her worries disappeared when she heard a very familiar voice. Her head turned towards the stage to see The Sirens there, all of them playing and singing.

"N-n-noooo way!" Aoki laughed and quickly stood up, ignoring the slight dizziness she got from the sudden movement. "I love this band!" She quickly abandoned her seat in the bar and rushed towards the dance floor where quite a few people had gathered to dance and sing along to The Sirens. She almost crashed into the woman with the white crop top. Aoki was on the dance floor, singing and jumping with everyone else in the floor. Her pale blue hair was whipping wildly in the air with every jump and dance move she made, finally letting go of her controlled demeanor as Immigrant Song played. She sang along, her arms raised high over her head until it was finished.

Sad that only two songs had been played, Aoki stayed standing in the dance floor alone. As she regained some sense, the spinning in her head had just gotten worse, and she cursed herself for letting her impulse to dance take over. She stumbled away from the dance floor, but not without bumping into quite a few people who were trying to dance. She apologized to them as she walked by, her speech slurred just the slightest. Although she was mentally scorning herself, she was still smiling and swaying her hips back and forth as she bumped into the woman with the crop top.

"Sorry, pretty lady." Aoki winked at her as she made her way back to the bar, almost crashing down on to the stool she had been sitting down. She laughed and leaned against the counter and finished off the rest of her beer. Oh, how Aoki was going to regret this night in the morning.

Yeah this place mostly had the metal theme. Xia didn't mind though. She loved just about all kinds of music that sounded good. The the people talking and seemingly some of them looking drunk, Xia found this sort of familiar like last time she went to an event but then again. Every club will have their alcoholic situation. She just had to be careful this time around.

She's learn one thing about Sol City, the people here do not disappoint. These are some of the most lively and entertaining individuals that she's seen, even being at the gym. She managed to see a fight between two soccer moms fighting for what they considered their 'favorite treadmill', Met a douche who only goes to the gym to pick women up, and believe it or not, saw a 13 year old boy dead lift 280 lbs (or 127 kg), not only that but there's a pervy old man who goes swimming in a bikini. Weird but entertaining as hell.

Now, when a band was up on stage and started playing, Xia quickly turned her head to a laughing drunk girl got up, rush over to the floor that she was currently standing at and gave a bewildered look upon barely getting out the way. She definitely have pretty light blue hair just like how Xia herself had some blue on her twist braids. The girl was definitely close to her height and her build, if Xia was to fight her, she'd have a test of strength with this one. But she couldn't hate on the black dress and leather jacket the girl had on.

out the corner of her eyes, Xia noticed someone she's seen before. With a little focus, she could've sworn that was the girl she met at that swan record store event, which....was the very last event she went to where she drank last. maybe she could go and officially introduce herself.

The music continued to play, allowing Xia to smirk to the beautiful voice she was hearing and just being to herself bobbing her head slightly until the songs ended. Xia was about to meet up with the girl she met at the last event before her focus was broken when someone bumped into her. She gasped What the fu- She turned to notice the girl who nearly ran into her before as she was stumbling back to her seat. She heard the apology but seeing this girl in such a state, Xia looked around first to see if someone was going to come to her aide. Maybe a friend or...someone.

With a sigh, Xia followed back to the place she didn't want to go to and that was bar. She walked up next to the light blue haired beauty. Hey...are you alright? Besides being pissy drunk? I'm surprised you're still drinking that beer that could've been spiked with roofies... She said to the girl.

Paige Kennedy

“Odd place to hang out on the lam.” Xi said as they strolled down the dark corridor. The steady thrum of the music reverberated down the long hall.

“He’s an odd duck for sure.” Paige said. She hated heavy metal music. Songs were better when a person could understand the words.

“So how did CC find him here?”

“Apparently he was online bitching about the music sucking,” Paige replied steadily having to raise her voice as they drew closer. She handed him her phone which displayed an update on CT’s blog carrying on about the rock music scene in Sol City going soft. “He mentioned some popular band being back in town so they started following the social media back to here.”

Xi chuckled. He had the spark-plug wire to CT’s moped in his jacket pocket. After some light teasing about the man’s earlier escape, it had taken him about two minutes to pop the seat off and remove it when they found it, again hidden behind a dumpster in the back lot close to the exit. Still grinning slightly from the story earlier, he regarded Paige carefully in the corner of his vision as they walked. Her usual recalcitrant mood seemed colder than normal when they met up across the street. Ever since coming back to work from her stint in the hospital, he noticed her fuse seemed to have shortened a bit and he could tell there were other things on her mind, though he lent the majority of that to the newly reopened Giancana file and knew she’d been working on it most of the day instead of being in the field. The poor thugs that passed as “security” folded instantly under her deathlike glare and the presence of two Federal Officers.

Paige wore her standard jeans, sneakers and leather jacket over a white top as well as her usual stoic look and pony tail when they hit the main hall. She hated clubs. Perhaps lending to her strict rearing, she only viewed them as a hives of debauchery and ill-repute. She was looking forward to dragging CT out of there in the public view.

“That looks expensive.” Xi said with a glance up to the impressive, glowing chandelier.

Paige only gave the lighting a passing glance amid the sounds of crashing guitar riffs and the triumphant shouts of drinks being downed in large amounts. Xi managed to think of the spark plug wire before her and she was looking to make it even. She had a good idea where to look and nudged him to come closer so he could hear. ‘Look past the chandelier,” She said. “I think that’s a wireless antenna.” She took out her phone again and looked at the available networks. On the Heavens was listed with the highest strength and open access. “That’s it, the CC guy said he would be on the public Wi-Fi where he couldn’t be traced.” She looked around again. “That, and he’s probably wiping out everybody’s bank account that’s on it too.”

Xi followed the wires coming out of the antenna hidden in the rafters down from the ceiling where they entered the bar area. “We just gotta get’em to turn it off and he’ll pop up.”

“That’s easy enough, just watch my back.” Paige replied and headed towards the bar.

It was crowded, shoulder to shoulder, perfume and cologne clashing against bare skin and sweat as she made her way. Paige had a presence that made people naturally step aside and combined with the remnants of the bruises slightly hidden behind her blonde locks; she cut a more intimidating figure than usual as a space at the corner of the bar opened up. As one of the bartenders came forward she had to admit she did like the ornate décor of this particular club especially the exquisite stained glass behind the main bar. It was a nice touch and told her things stayed relatively controlled in Club Aether for such a delicate piece to remain unharmed. She put a twenty-dollar bill on the bar and scribbled a note to the young girl before she could ask for her drink order:

Turn off the wifi

The server looked down at the note curiously at first then looked back up strangely at the unexpected request. Paige drew her jacket open slightly revealing her sidearm and Marshal’s star. “Five Minutes, and I’ll have a Collins.”

The girl seemed intrigued and as she stepped away to start Paige’s drink reaching under the bar for the router and turning it off.

Alex was a bit thrown off when the woman didn't speak, and instead help up a firefighter badge. "Your name is Ashton? 'M names Alex," he offered with a soft smile. He really wasn't sure what he was thinking when he walked over here, losing all courage he had previously had. The bartender made her way over to them and he ordered just a water and turned to Ashton, "Whatever you want, it's on me." The woman handed him the drink(s) before making her way to a girl with long blonde hair and green eyes. As a people watcher Alex watched the interaction and thought it odd that the woman scribbled something on a napkin before ordering a drink. Shaking his head of the odd interaction he turned back to Ashton. His flush returned when he made eye contact and instantly turned his eyes down to his water on the counter. His right leg started bouncing and he was chewing on his lower lip. "A-are you going to, ahm, to get up on stage and , and sing? It's a hell of a rush that I, uh, I h-highly recommend," he stammered, just thankful his voice didn't crack.

Some band he had never heard of got on stage after that and people seemed to go nuts. The lead singer certainly had it in him to enthrall a crowd and while this wasn't exactly Alex's preferred style of music he could respect what they do and enjoy the show. The lead singer seemed to have no problems throwing his voice around and Alex was a little jealous. He didn't have full control of his voice anymore to jump around like this man was doing. About midway through the second song he realized what was playing and felt all the more respect for them, it wasn't an easy one. Once their set was over he applauded them and turned to Ashton once again.

---

The woman who had the pretty blue hair seemed pretty drunk, and she felt slightly, a tiny bit respohinable for keeping her safe. Somehow there was a whole female thing to look out for each other. Life was dangerous as she knew and did not want anyone else to face what she had been put though. She, d keep a eye on her then she could, just incase.

Responding cheerfully to the woman, yep she was a flight instructor, it always did attract a abit of attention with em that as a job title.

I fly! Yep. Alaska, Rome, London and more.

That sounds awesome, I cannot draw but I appreciate the love and hardwork someone put into painting them.

Why I love my job, I just find a new view.

Giving her a cheerful wave as she ran off to join the crush over the new act coming up, tapping her foot she had to admit they where good, even if there whole stage take over brought back uncomfortable memories of events past. Long as no one played jazz. It was not her favourite type of music, but the singing was good and soon had her bobbing along to the music.

Marinalia glanced over with her grey eyes, spotting the woman who seemed to look and make to look over to her. She had a intresting sense of fashion and that was just making more links between the two. There was someone at the jazz night from hell with a rather stunning black and white long dress... Maybe it was her?

She almost looked like she would head towards her but then someone bumped into her, it was the blue haired artist she was talking to who headed off. Well small world, and hey, random world it was!

---

Victoria gave Ethen a look with distinctive grey eyes, and a hint of determined ice to them wanting him to just to dance with her and stop stalling. She just wanted to have abit of fun tonight and someone confident ernough to come up and say hi... He had looked cute, but of he would not even say hello what was the point. Not even be able to hold a dance.

Come on.. Before I curse you with my powers...

Teasinf about her choice of goddess, it was a real wild card but she also was not exactly a normal person herself.

Starting off a a little slower, she was still nervous about her balence, and falling over or so, despite not likely she knew her recovery was not complete and had to take a little care. Why her studded ankle boots, where a very conservative heal, despite being so short. Though she found her pace after a song and Soon was enjoying herself happily and things where a a little tame compared to some, but also she was not giving him signs that she wanted him to stop. Not end up in bed with him... But she wanted a a little more fun before the night was over. Despite aperineces, she was a a little different under the surface, not quite as tame... Beware the quiet ones. She was not slower out of wanting to, but more she had to be careful, and ending night in a ambulance was bad idea.

beware, they might not let go once they get there nails in. There a dangerous species in packs.

Maybe... Depends if you sing as well as you claim Ethen...

Teasing, she knew exactly how he sung, and probbly has one of there old albums back home somewhere, she had lost track of a few od there newer stuff, but life had got abit busy at that stage. Feeling him tease her ear.. He knew exactly how to... It felt good... But she would not fall over him.. Nope. He would have a little work to do.

One for luck

Giving him a quick kiss on the cheek in return. He was lower, she was too short to reach up normaly without pulling him down to her height. He had teased her ear, she was not going to make it seem like he had everything in his control. Turning a a little pink at kiss... In her terms, less pale... She was Suprised by hat, and ordered a fresh drink as he headed off to the stage.

As he took to stage the club came to life to a whole new level and watched from afar, not being of any size to survive the mosh like rush, that was not a place she would do very well at all.

Hugging her sister, who was teasing her a a little over the whole dance and guys seeking her out, they where enjoying the music from the side, was a a little quieter, and they could escape the rush and crazies. It was nice Victoria was happy and having a a little fun though.

As the concert was making a good pace and a solid vibe. She sipped her vodka and coke as someone, she definitely was not where for fun.. And some guy. Somthing about her was not right... She was not super perceptive. But you did not need to be to tell. She was somemthing else. Wait...little miss deathstar? On crap... She was headed to bar, and after the whole Milo thing and the car... She probbly was not gonna be in good book, she wad a cop like the red head. Thankfully her hair, skin tone, no walking stick, new clothes, that should be ernough layers of disquise as the raven haired slightly gothic woman pulled her sister over. Pretending to point somthing out, away from her, grey eyes flashing like polar ice a micro second tracking the womans movements, and deviating her angle away as they approached bar.

She was busy with somthing else entirely so the decoy should work, whispering to Marlin to help cover for her, which she did not knowing exactly, but that did not matter.

@King Tai@Rodiak@Almalthia@Pilatus

_{Marinalia @PrinceAlexus, Victoria @PrinceAlexus, Alexander @Alex_The_Great, Aoki @Rodiak
Mention: Ethan @Almalthia, Xi @King Tai, Paige @Pilatus}

---

Blinking as the blue haired girl handed the firefighter a card, Ashton glanced over it with interest before her amethyst eyes looked over to the drunken woman with concern as she fumbled through the crowd. The itch to go and assist was there, but she also didn't want to bother her. Thankfully, the drunk girl returned to the bar looking a bit out of it. Perhaps Ashton will really have to look out for the others here, just to be safe. Maybe offer a few rides home or something. Luckily, a woman the blue haired girl had bumped into and recently entered, had come over to check up on the drunken girl, so that was a relief. Looking to Mari at the mention of using Uber, Ashton gingerly scratched her cheek again as she gave a slight unsure smile.

Marine had said she didn't exactly trust them in a drunken super, or herself for that matter. Plus she was dragged to places like this in order for socialization and things. She knew her friend was just trying to look out for her. Even if Ashton wasn't much of a actual partier or drinker. Perhaps she was a little worried about the tall dirty blonde. Though whatever her plans were, it usually ended the same. Ashton would be the driver, and end up taking care of anyone who needed some help.

Giving a brighter smile, she waved her hand as if to say for Mari to not worry too much on the matter. Giving her a bright curious look, the fire fighter nodding her head toward the fellow blonde as if to ask how her night was going.

Her amethyst gaze caught sight of Victoria, which made the scar face of the fighter brighten, though it did soften as she seemed to be having fun with a handsome young man. Suppose Marine was correct on her assumption. Well, she was happy her newly made friend was having fun at least. And the man seemed to have a nice voice as well when he started to sing up on stage.

Turning her attention to the boy who had bumped into her, Alex as he had introduced, and gave him a bright friendly smile in greeting, putting her badge away and waving both her hands in a hello manner. At the offer of drinks, Ashton seemed to chuckle, even though no sound escaped from her lips before looking to the bartender and held up her empty glass of water. It was quickly refilled. The question Alex then offered caused the giant to give him a surpirsed look before giving another smile. However it was a lot more softer. Perhaps even nostalgic.

Slowly, Ashton had to shake her head side to side before putting her hands together in front of her face and giving a little bow of thanks. Sitting up straight, her right hand raised up to grasp her throat. Opening her mouth and moving her lips. No words came out of them as she did though. Pointing to herself as she did so, her next gesture had her hands crossing over one another in a x. As she tried to silently explain, that she couldn't talk nor sing.

Giving a brighter smile, she did clap a little and pointed at him with both index fingers then giving a double thumbs up. Conveying that he did well.

Ashton looked not too far to see a serious expressioned looking blonde take a seat at the bar and speak with the bartender. Victoria also seemed to come over and hide behind her sister. Ashton tilted her head at the two sisters, but was otherwise oblivious. Giving a bright friendly smile, she outstretched a long well toned and well worked arm, the sleeve of the jacket sliding down to reveal some of her new burns, and waved it over her head as she greeted the raven haired girl.

THOMAS LANCASTER

---

The interaction with Alex was short, as he seemed distracted by something, or someone. Thomas could see it in his eyes. They weren't looking at him, but somewhere else. He didn't look like someone who couldn't maintain eye contact while talking, due to prior interaction with him at the zoo the other day. It wasn't really a happy thing, but at least he was friendly. Hopefully it wasn't just simply politeness.

"No, you can enjoy your drinks. I've had mine." He returned Alex the response that he probably didn't need to receive. And there, he was left alone. He tried to make some conversations, but everybody seemed to be busy with their own, and Thomas didn't want to just barge into theirs. So for a while, he sat there, by himself, thinking of something else to occupy his mind, and to see if there was anyone to talk to, or if somebody would come to him. He could simply think about his thesis now, but the music and talking made his concentration more difficult.

Moments passed, nobody seemed to pay attention to Thomas. It's a little disheartening, for someone to come to a club to socialize and nobody wished to have a conversation with him. Why so though? Was it because he was too weird for the club's theme? He didn't have any of the modern style clothing, so he changed for something close to it. Or was it because he had something that people just don't like in general? What the hell could that be?

The train of thoughts were finally broken. A little depressingly, broken not by someone at the club, but by his phone.

Thomas reached his hand for the phone in his pant. The number and the associated identity that he had given those strings of numbers appeared on the screen:

Elizabeth Lancaster

'Sister?'

What could it be that his sister called? She just called last Monday.

"Good evening sister." Thomas clicked the respond button before placing it on his right ear.

"Good evening Thomas." A woman's voice came from the other side, clear and elegant. "Are you at a party or something?"

"Yes. To Jeanie's request, and that I don't want to hole up inside my room for long." He replied.

"That's good. Some fresh air for a change." Elizabeth remarked. "Anyway, how's your thesis going? I haven't had the opportunity to ask."

"I am writing my thesis right now, though I may have to come back to the research process for the last chapter, because of lacking convincing evidence. But it should be done soon. If nothing happens, I should finish this soon enough."

"Great." She said, before letting out a long sigh.

"What's wrong?" Thomas asked.

"Listen. There is actually a reason for this call."

"What is it?" His eyebrows were raised. It looked like something serious

"Do you remember when grandfather had that pain in his chest years ago?"

"...Yeah." His eyes drooped a little. "What about it?"

"Well, I just discovered early this Wednesday a few things about it." The voice got a little tense.

"The cause?" He asked.

"No. I still don't know how he got it, but the scary thing is: it is hereditary." She said. "That meant it is capable of passing down to us as well."

So both him, his sisters and parents are also capable of having this. But why? His grandpa did not show any symptoms until he already had all the three sisters. Could it be that...

"And yeah, I know what you're thinking right now. It is in fact something he contracted when he was young, but did not manifest until his later years." She said. "As a result, we are likely to also have it from birth, and can manifest too given the right condition."

My God...

"Though I am confident it will likely not turn up to hit any of us, it's better to be careful. Report to me if you have chest pain. I'll also try to find any other symptoms out there that it may have."

It took Thomas a bit before replying.

"Ok, I will."

"Alright, take care." She said before hanging up, leaving the young man in silence. It really had potential to become really bad. But Elizabeth did say it is likely to not manifest. His second sister is one of the most respected doctors of her field, so every words that come from her are likely to be taken with almost certainty, or with very careful debate. So it was something to mitigate. However, her statement is, in the end, inductive. It could end up wrong...

---

Everything was spinning, and Aoki was having a great time. She heard someone behind her speak, but the music was too loud to catch most of what they had said to her. She looked over her shoulder to see the pretty woman she had bumped into just a few seconds ago. "Oh! P-preeetty lady!" She laughed softly as she held her head up with her hand. "I'm doing allllll right! Just dandy. Perfect! Having the greatest time of my life right here with Ashton!" She giggled as she looked over at the blonde woman and waved at her. "Why? Do you want to dance with me? I want to dance with you. Ireallylikeyourhairtoo." She didn't take notice that Marinalia was gone from her seat and was taking to another woman.

It was clear that Aoki had too much to drink and it was all finally getting to her head. Another giggle and she was trying to convince the woman with the blue braids dance with her. A sober Aoki would have never been able to ask someone to dance or even flirt with someone; drunk Aoki was quite the opposite. She liked to flirt with everyone who she deemed pretty or handsome. Right now the center of her attention was the woman in front of her. Aoki liked the way her hair was done and the way she had done her make up.

"Please? I haven't danced with anyone in a while!" Aoki pouted and tried to make her best puppy eyes to the stranger, "I'm a great dancer. I can sway my hips like a pro!" She tried to demonstrate it to the woman but only made the stool almost slip. Aoki luckily caught herself on the counter and laughed at the fact she almost fell. She knew she was making a fool of herself at the moment, but the alcohol made her not care one bit. All the wanted to do was go back to the dance floor and sway her hips to the music. Maybe even joy the mosh pit that had formed at the front of the stage. Or crowd surf, oh that sounded like a great idea for her right now.

"Bartender! Another beer!" She called out, but the person behind the counter saw her state and denied her the alcoholic beverage. Aoki whined and tried again, but the bartender just shook their head and moved to attent another person. "I-I'm not even d-d-drunk!" She protested and turned her attention back to the woman. "Dance with me, pretty laaaaady? I'll give you a s-s-special reward if you do!" She winked up at her.

Joel Nicolosi

Joel could tell Sio was a bit star-struck, suddenly less her constant joking-self and at a temporary loss for words, but he shrugged it off with a smirk. He could remember when his dad first taught him to drive and how he’d similarly been blown away with what could be done with a car in the right hands: How to take a corner, when to brake, when to accelerate, oversteer and understeer, feeling the weight of the car moving in the seat and not being overwhelmed by the shift in momentum as you worked the wheel and pedals. It was like playing an instrument, but difficult really to describe to the uninitiated and a talent honed over years of practice. The experience was life-changing for him. Looking forward and storing the thoughts away as they walked the long corridor, he stuck his hands in his jacket pockets, leading the way and breathing the delightful smell of burnt rubber that still clung to his clothes. In his hopes of not being recognized, his jacket was a less conspicuous fleece with a small Bridgestone logo on the left chest, jeans and sneakers.

As they stood at the entrance to the main hall, Joel could tell he’d made a wrong decision when a sign advertised karaoke night. Oh for fuck’s sake… He thought to himself. He wanted to hear good music, not drunken flotsam. He sighed a little; almost embarrassed that he’d drug Sio along and contemplated turning around and going elsewhere, but his practical side anchored him down. You’re already here, might as well get what you came for. A view of the bar further reinforced his presuppositions as the array of people, that were clearly not fans of the musical genre he preferred, congregated. Overdressed, clueless and not his sort of company, the scene looked more like the Mos Eisley Cantina bar than any sort of reputable music venue. He glanced back at Sio, not wanting to ruin her good time as a familiar voice took the stage. He leaned in to talk in her ear over the noise of their first song, “I actually went to high school with that guy,” He said nodding towards the stage. At least they were a professional band and their practiced sound was crisp. “C’mon, let’s get a table.”

In the dim lighting and roaring speakers he hoped that no one would recognize him. With Ethan and his lot strutting around like a bunch of punk-goth turkeys he felt an extra buffer of distraction as he led Sio around the perimeter of the main floor to get a booth or table where they could chill out for a few.

@Almalthia

---

---

Siobhan composed herself as she and Joel walked into Club Aether. She checked her pockets to make sure she had her ID when asked for it. Putting her phone and wallet in the zip pockets of the jacket. She included the neatly folded hood in a side pocket as well.

Joel's posture changed, tensed a little. Siobhan peeked around him. Nothing out of the ordinary or at least she thought. People looked fine, no scuffle. There was no perceptible difference. Was it the karaoke? Well if it began to give them a headache they'd leave. Joel glanced back at her then leaned over and whispered in her ear. She shivered at his nearness. Went to highschool with Ethan Aster of The Sirens? Well that's pretty cool. She was a fan of theirs and some of their albums had been inspirational to her ever ravenous painting Muse. He also mentioned getting a table. She nodded listening to the songs that were coming from one of her favorite bands.

The moved around the outside of the club and got a table. They sat down and she motioned a waitress over and decided to order. “Two Blue Moons please.” The waitress nodded and brought back the order and Siobhan handed over the 7 dollars. She waited until the waitress walked away and looked at Joel pointedly. “To getting your heart's desire...may your libido be content as well.” She grinned wickedly and held out for the clink of Joel's beer before she was going to sip her beer.

Xia listened to the drunken girl's response and the way she was acting, this was not going to turn out well. She knows what happens when you're drunk and you have your eyes set on someone attractive. It's like the instant booty call alert blare with the dizziness one would feel. This girl definitely was not alright. Xia was playing it cool trying to be patient and helpful with her only to twist her own face up a little smelling the harsh booze breath leaving Xia to pull her own head away from the smell. Well goddamn! Xia's eyes constantly fluttered with blinks to recompose herself from the smell of booze.

She looked over to the one she called Ashton that the girl waved at and stared for a moment. not really staring at the scar but in her mind, Xia was wondering if that was just a really tall feminine looking boy or if that was a female...maybe transgender? maybe she could find out later but She needed to make sure the woman was going to get home safely. Xia gave a slight smirk and nod to Ashton before bringing her attention back on the blue haired girl.

Now, she wants to dance. She highly doubt this girl could possibly do that in this condition. hearing the compliment, Xia spoke. Thank you. I see we have the taste in color for our hair. Your hair looks cute too. Look sweetheart, my name is Xia. I would love to dance with you but...you look like you're about to puke and if you puke on me...no offense but I'm gonna puke back on you...we'd end up matching even more. She smirked giving a lame joke but she wanted to get this girl home. Xia reacted to the slip of the girl who almost fell getting into position to brace her but she caught herself. While she was laughing, Xia looked over to this Ashton and since she knew that person's name, Xia gestured her hand for Ashton to come over. Xia even looked over to the girl that she seen a while back at the swan record shop event with a concerned 'help me' expression once she'd look over. She just needed a little assistance in getting the girl out of there.

The girl was now asking for yet...another beer! But thankfully the bartender knew she had enough. Now...she was being bribed with something special if she was to dance with this drunken girl. Xia chuckled. She motioned to take the girl by the hand. How about this...I'll dance you out of this place to get you home okay, honey? She offered until she heard a voice of someone coming up behind her.

A large overweight guy with short black hair and side burns along with tattoos running up and down his arm, wearing glasses and with a few piercings in his ears, came up to them. Hey...you girls look like you're ready for some fun...especially her... He said nodding his head to the drunken girl. Need some help? Just like that girl there said...I have something special....for both of you...I like dark meat too.. he said to Xia and the girl, pulling out a small baggy with pills.

Great now she had a creepy douchebag to contend with. Xia stood in between the male and the drunken girl. She didn't like how he came onto them like this. And then had the nerve to show some pills to them. Bruh...you can go fuck off....okay...we are not interested...so you can take your STD-sharing is caring-ass away from us...thanks...bye. She said before turning to tend to the female before the male spoke again. Why are you being such a bitch? He asked, causing Xia's expression to turn from annoyance to anger.

"Y-You're right. Thanks..." Rei nodded in reply, thanking Marcus for the advice with a crooked smile. Rai always told her that she could ditch the nurse job to become a singer, but she had never thought about it till then. Speaking of, where is that little shit anyways? Could he still be at work?

She was brought out of her thoughts when the woman that sung after her yelled over to the rest of the people around the bar, before pulling the Club's owner (and who she thought was the woman's boyfriend) into a kiss. Rei quickly looked away, and back to Marcus, both of them clinking their glasses of beer together. Taking a sip of her drink, he asked her about the bands she listens to. "Oh? W-Well, theres Halestorm, Paramore, Panic at The Disco, The Hush Sound...and oddly, Lindsey Stirling." Rei chuckled.

_{Marinalia @PrinceAlexus, Victoria @PrinceAlexus, Alexander @Alex_The_Great, Aoki @Rodiak, Xia @King Tai}

---

Flicking her amethyst eyes toward the drunken Aoi and the new companion she had managed to acquire, Ashton returned the smirk with a smile at the unfortunate soul who was now the prime target for antics of drunken flirting. The dark skinned woman looked fairly toned, most likely works out and athletic. She was being quite patient considering the stumbling situations that had fallen upon her.

Blinking as the dark skinned woman beckoned her, Ashton smiled then looked to Alex. Pointing to herself then nodding over to the two girls. Basically trying to excuse herself so she could go and lend a helping hand. Still, the tall firefighter took both of the slender boy's hands and shook them cheerfully. Trying to convey that she was happy to meet him. Raising a hand and gingerly ruffling the brown mop of hair, she got off the stool with ease. Shortening her pocket cane and putting it in her pocket before moving towards the two girls.

It was then that it appeared that the two were starting to be bothered by a large man who had taken a interest in the pretty women. Ashton gave a silent sigh as she saw the full anger radiate from the girl named Xia. Mhm Ashton will have to keep of names today, she's meeting all sorts of people! Walking over and placing a comforting and reassuring hand on Xi's shoulder, giving the girl a bright friendly smile. The firefighter soon stood in between the man and the two girls. Standing tall at seven feet, the dirty blonde ran a hand under her hood to ruffle her hair a bit before crossing her over her chest. Although she was wearing the usual friendly smile, Ashton waved her hands a little and shook her head firmly.

She would prefer things not to get heated. After all everyone here was trying to have a good time. Watching him, Ashton saw some hesitation as this towering figure with a heavily scarred face now stood in front of him. Even then however he seemed to take his chances as he puffed up in front of her to try and look a bit more intimidating.

"Hey! Get outta my...." He growled as his hand reached to probably grab the collar of her shirt, but her left hand reached and tightly gripped his hand and twisted it backwards enough for it to be just a bit painful. Watching him wince away and glare at her, Ashton gave a smile as she held up her hand vertically and gave a little bow of apology. Lightly she patted his shoulder in a friendly manner, motioning to the rest of the club. Gingerly scratching a index finger against a scarred cheek as he grumbled something like 'fuck these bitches' then wandered off.

At least that didn't escalate, he might bother others so she'll probably have to come back here and make sure everyone is alright. Turning around, Ashton looked to the two girls and gave a bright friendly smile like nothing happened. Looking to the bartender, Ashton picked up her own glass of water, pointed to it then flicked gun pointed fingers toward the door. Watching the bartender give a nod, she soon returned with a to go cup of water. Offering the cup to Xia to hold, the tall firefighter smiled cheerfully at Aoki before bringing her long arms around the girl.

Wrapping the left arm around the shoulders while the right arm wrapped around the legs near the knees to promptly pick up the drunken girl so she didn't get into too much further trouble. In her absent mind, she forget her leg was still recovering. So she did feel her sore leg take a few painful stab at her, however Ashton chose to ignore it. Shifting her body so she wasn't favoring that leg, Ashton looked between the two girls with another cheerful smile and would start heading out of club.

---

When the woman gave Marlin a help me look, she was torn between helping her sister and the drunk girl though Victoria was better placed to handle herself than the girl. Anyway Ashton could likely cover for her and she had a very diffrent look to the one that the woman she seemed to hide from knew. Just hide her eyes a little and decoy her accent.

Giving a nod, she glanced over to the woman and whispered to Victoria before walking over to rescue the woman from the creep tying to come up with the best way to make him think twice. Adopting thr most cut glass accent she could, and walking over with a click of low healed boots, pulling her jacket over so the salime ball could reach less skin. Before she left, she made a quick swap to put her ring on a engagement finger, the pale mark should be invisible in the dimly lit club, maybe put him off going for her a second to get her out.

Miss! Finaly your late! We expected you here a while go to sing miss adento.

We need you in... Make.. Up

Gesturing about to pretend to be a pushy foreign PA planning to drag them away as a mock band, Ashton pushed in and broke things up alot more directly than Marinalia plan to deceive the jerk. Oh.. Well that was effective anyway...

that was more direct! I'm Marinalia Olympus, have we met before? Sorry, you look familiar.

Jeez that's a slimeball, pepper spray might have been abit too dramatic and got us banned. Thanks Ashton. I have had bad experiences before.

We need to get you home Aoki. Your drunk miss, and that jerk is still here.

Laughing slightly as he left with tail between his legs, ans introducing her name so more trust worthy, he was a utter slime ball and she needed someone to protect her. After her previous experience, her give a fuck about hurting creep line had been shrunk quite abit. She was genuinely concerned about the woman, she was sobre and he creeped her out, yet alone a vulnerable drunk.

Keeping a eye out, the woman definitely needed someone to look out for her, and ended up with three, thankfully the taller woman with darker skin had a good eye for help and danger.

...

Victoria was Suprised as Marlin told her she had to help but understood and glanced over at the scene as Marlin tried to intervene before Ashton came in and caused a far more direct way of breaking up the situation.

Though that left her with Paige..., deciding that was not the best plan as her raven black hair twirled when she grabbed her drunk from counter and took a round about route over not realising who she passed before linking two... A second cop... Jeez definitely somthing strange going on, and sat with Joel too?

Well things had gone badly.. And so, it was understandable just a suprise. Her red hair was hard to miss, glad of her dramatic image change she went by carefully and quickly as she could, catching them with a quick ice grey glance as she passed looping round. Adopting a full Russian accent, and deciding she was a not Victoria if they only knew her English accent/tinged accent.

Hey Ashton, always running into fires... Never a boring night!

You know who's sister and boy racer... Here. Offside from bar.

Adding the second part alot more quietly to her sister, her accent was heavily Russian and very much accurate. Hopefully ernough to convince those she did not want to reconise her anyway. Anyone like Xia would notice they both shared near identical eyes, and somewhat similar as half sisters but not identical as diffrent mothers.

Marinalia gave a quick glance and saw, hoping the whole show that the Sirens had going was a strong distraction. It was true, they where not... And things had, but she was not exactly how to think about seeing them though. Especially after her last rather badly gone meeting with Joel.

Only time would tell what happened if anything, good or bad.

@Silver Fox@King Tai@Almalthia@Rodiak@Pilatus