---

Aoki had wrapped her arms around the pretty lady's left arm as she led her past the dance floor. She whined when she realized they weren't going to dance and instead the pretty lady was leading her out of the club. Soon they were stopped by a man. She stuck out her tongue at the man as the pretty lady told him to fuck off. "Y-yeah! Fuuuuuuuck offff dude!" Aoki yelled over the music as she gave the man the finger. She didn't like it when people bothered her or looked at her like she was just a piece of meat. Or when they offered their own meat. Even while drunk, Aoki had disgust for any that stuff. "G-g-get your nasty face ooout of... out of here!"

The man moved closer to them, and Aoki was ready to fend him off when Ashton moved between them and the man bothering them. Aoki gave an approving "ooooh" when she twisted the man's hand as he tried to grab her by the color. She giggled as the man grumbled and left their little group alone. Now that the man was gone they could all enjoy a nice little dance and go home right? Aoki was about to make her way to the sea of bodies dancing when she felt the floor disappear from below her. "Wha--" She looked at Ashton with a pout. "I-I want to dance," she said as she crossed her arms over her chest like a little girl. "Daaaaance!" She tried to push the blonde away, but it was clear that the taller woman was so much stronger than her. She also didn't take notice on the slight limp Ashton had as she began to walk to the door.

They got weird looks from the people around them, but none of them said anything to them. They all probably thought they were escorting their very drunk friend out of the club by the way Aoki kept pleading them to dance or how she would giggle everytime she would look over at the pretty lady's face or Marinalia's worried expression. To Aoki all of this meant that they were not letting her dance, so no one would be able to get her special reward; which was her special business card in the shape of a black back with whiskers. It was a shame because she hadn't been able to give one of her special cars to anyone and she had paid extra to get them done. Maybe she could give one to Ashton and to the pretty lady and Marinalia for making the bad man go away.

Aoki had finally calmed down when they made it out of the club. Her head was throbbing, and her ears felt like they had just been popped, but she kept on giggling to herself about her special reward as she fumbled around her bag for the cards. When she finally got them, she pulled her hand out with an excited "aha!" and offered them to the girls around her. "F-f-for getting rid of the bad man." She giggled and gave one to all of them then leaning against Ashton's chest. "'m tired," she whispered to the tall blonde and snuggled closer to her chest. While Aoki was a person to get drunk rather quickly, it also meant it all came crashing down suddenly. Luckily there was no nausea, yet. For now she would nap on the arms of Ashton.

---

While metal was not Karishma's favorite genre of music, she still wanted to explore the clubs of the new city. The trip to Club Aether wasn't too long from her residence in Riverside. The limo had picked her up at ten in the night, and she arrived there at ten thirty. There was a long line on the outside with people waiting to go inside, so when Karishma pulled up in the black limo, she stepped out of wearing a short red dress and black heels with red soles. He hair had been curled in romantic waves and her make up was popping. Karishma waved at the bouncer at the front door, and he stepped aside to let her in. While she wasn't dressed in attire that screamed "metal club" she was definitely dressed for a club. Her bodyguard, a very tall man with long black hair tied in a loose bun and dressed in a black suit, followed close behind her. There was no place where Karishma went where he didn't go, and although their relationship was strictly formal, Karishma always tried to cause him a bit of trouble just for fun.

As the duo approached the bar, Karishma took noticed of a man in a wheelchair wearing a very stylish suit. As they passed by, he saw the expression on his face was one of shock or worry. She couldn't quite place what it was, but she walked over to the bar and waved a bartender over. "Give that man the strongest thing you got, hun." She winked at the woman behind the counter, and she quickly got working on a drink before it was delivered to the man in the orange suit. She made sure to watch as the waiter brought the drink to the man and when he pointed over at her Karishma only winked at him and gave him a little wave. Karishma was a party person, she loved to dance and sing and scream out the lyrics to a song, but if she saw someone who wasn't having a good time she would try to engage them and bring them into the fun. With the drink delivered to the stylish man, Karishma got herself a nice martini and sat on a free stool next to a man with brownish hair. He had been talking to another man with blonde hair, but he had left to help a group of ladies who were confronting a taller and bigger man. They were all gone now, so the bar had a few empty seats now.

"Not my type of music," Karishma said as she sipped her martini and glanced back at the man in the orange suit. "but the people here sure look rather interesting." She turned back to the man sitting on her right (It's Alex) and eyed him up and down. He looked shorter than her, but she had nothing against shorter men. All sorts of nice and gentlemanly men attracted Karishma. "I do hope I didn't take anyone's seat." She knew that she had taken the blonde man's seat. "And if I did, let me buy you a drink as an apology. Don't mind Gabe." Karishma said when her bodyguard took a seat on her other side and eyed the man she was talking to then the one she had bought the drink for. "He's only making sure you're no danger, and I'm sure you're not."

Ashton didn't speak at all, throwing Alex off a bit. It appeared like she thanked him for the water and he nodded with a smile. He caught the small fond smile she gave when he asked about singing and guessed that she hadn't always been mute. He wanted to ask why she didn't speak, but didn't want to be rude either. She conveyed to him that she didn't talk and he nodded in understanding. After a second she applauded him and gave a thumbs up. "You think I did well? Thank you."

She seemed to be surrounded by friends and, while he was bitter, he understood she was probably out to have a good time with them, not be awkwardly hit on. He watched a couple of girls stumbling around and was about to stand when Ashton turned back to him. She pointed to herself then the two girls and Alex nodded, those were her friends. The tall blonde took both of his hands and shook them with a smile. "I hope to see you around, Ash," he said as she ruffled his hair.

He was about to stand up and return to Thomas when a woman with beautiful long brown hair sat next to him and spoke. "To each their own, let 'em dress how they wanna, he spoke with a hint of attitude after he noticed she looked at Thomas as she said that. No one insulted his friends. The woman offered him a drink and he shook his head, "No thanks, I have to get back to my friend," he stated and walked back to Thomas. He noticed the shot still sitting there and a new drink also placed in front of him. He also noticed he didn't really seem okay. "Do you wanna go get some air? I could use some," he offered hoping that he could help.

---

When Leo told Dustynn there was no food involved in this surprise, her first reaction was to pout, her bottom lip raising above her upper lip, looking like a lost puppy in a thunderstorm. His devious smile made Dusty catch on fast enough as she gave him a playful smack. "You're lucky I like you. No one comes between a woman and her food." she sipped her cocktail happily, the straw slipping from her lips haphazardly as the drinks definitely began to hit the petite woman.

Leo beckoned and Dusty followed along merrily, he could have led her to nearly anywhere and she would have followed along with the grin she had plastered on her face. When they reached the stairs, Dustynn used her free hand to steady herself as they climbed. Looking back down towards the dance floor, it was clear that tonight was very crowded and popular. Another person belted their heart out. She thought for only a moment how she wish she would have been working tonight, knowing she would have gotten plenty of tips- but she wouldn't trade any cash amount in the world for the evening she was having.

Reaching Leo's office, Dustynn raised her eyebrows her mouth parting slightly. Had this been a ploy to fire her all along? She shook off the initial worry and gave a gentle smile to Steve. He was her complete opposite in size and the two got along fairly well at work when they were scheduled together. The large man raised an eyebrow at her and she put out her pointer finger to poke his stomach. "Shutup STEVE." she hissed, her tongue sticking out playfully before the two went in, the door closing softly behind them.

The smell of a delicious roast filled Dusty's nostrils as it lingered in Leo's office. If it tasted nearly as good as it smelled, it would make an absolutely wonderful dinner. Slipping off her shoes once more, tired of the horrid invention of heels; she let herself be slightly embraced by Leo. She set her full drink on the coffee table next to the sofa bed. His size, towering over her but in no way daunting. His voice explained how he had planned this out for hours, debating what food to have, and whether or not it was good enough for her.

"So what do you think? Do you want to give it a go?"

His voice lingered for a moment before Dustynn threw her arms around his midsection, embracing him tightly. She pressed her face into him, her dark eyes closed tight as she desperately tried to hold back tears. Buying her breakfast, her mother breakfast- that was kind. This however, was above generous; something the woman had experienced in life but, nothing like what Leo offered so easily. She stayed in his arms a slight bit longer before looking up at him, her eyes slightly glossed over and wet. She hoped he would think it was just the alcohol. She hoped that he would just think she was really excited about the food. "I would really like that." she said, a bit on the quiet side as she looked towards where she assumed the roast had been cooking. "Do you need any help? Where are your plates, I'll make yours!" she said with a little more excitement, her bare feet anxiously moving around.

---

---

Ethan looked around for Victoria. He hadn't seen her in the crowd around the stage. She was rather petite which he liked but made for getting lost in a crowd easy. He finally caught sight of her with her friend. She was trying to hide and doing a really bad job of it. He chuckled softly and called over a waiter. “Victoria Olympus and the little blonde she is sitting next to. Get their drinks replaced courtesy of Ethan Aster. Make sure they know who bought the drinks and that the invite to sit with us is still on the table.” He watched the waiter walk off but got caught up with a fan wanting an autograph. Wondering to himself when he was going to be able to talk to Victoria again.

---

A waiter brought Marlin and Vika a refill. “Compliments of Ethan Aster the lead singer of The Sirens. For Victoria Olympus and friend. He wanted to let you know that the invitation to sit in the bands reserved section was still available. I think someone has a crush on you sweetheart. You go girl!! Get ‘em!!!!” The waiter winked and smiled at the girls as he walked off thinking nothing much other than it was romantic to say the least. A group of girls glared at the sisters.

The group of about six girls came over and glared at Vika and Marlin. One of them a tall thin blonde in a black Gothic style dress tapped her this season Prada heels. “Just who do you think you are accepting drinks and invite to sit from the lead singer of a band that you haven't even heard of?” She flipped her hair self importantly. “Bitches like you ruin everything for the rest of us. I mean seriously who'd want you; with your three seasons ago boots and pathetic skirt and top that you bought at a Goodwill? No fashion sense whatsoever. On top of that bet you're easy and you lie there like a fish and think you're great. Thinking the sad boy who took you home is going to be the one. Bet they don't return your phone calls or text messages either. Honey get some moves and you might get actually get a real man. Not that you'd know what to do with him. Cause if you dance like you fuck then you need to go back to the sandbox little girl. Leave the men for us women.”

She smirked and tossed her honey blonde hair as the girls around her snickered. “Oh and your little pathetic excuse for a friend here looks like she's waiting for someone to roofie her so she can get laid. Probably happens a lot.” The blonde smiled viciously as she directed her comments to Marlin. “Yes it's all your fault sweetie pie you make an easy target. Sad and pathetic is what your old lovers look for in girls. So you two little girls should send the drinks back and leave.” The group; of about what started out as around six girls had grown to about sixteen, at this point all pointing and laughing. Some even nodded emphatically and watched smirking. Others sneered and snickered. A few lewd comments directed at the sisters were heard. Things like “I've got some time to teach them how to fuck!!” and “I like fishing I'll take you home!!!”

---

Done signing about what felt like the hundredth autograph Ethan looked over to the reserved section in hopes of seeing Victoria. No such luck. In fact what he did see was a face he hadn't seen in years. Joel Nicolosi with a gorgeous redhead? Well well well. That was something else to ponder for later. He'd have to go say hi. When he looked back at where he last saw his little goddess she looked like she was going toe to toe with some sycophant of his. Right. Time to step in. He shouldn't have made the gesture of the drinks. He headed over her way.

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

---

Ashton glanced her amethyst eyes to the two sisters at their comment, the tall blonde giving a smile and tilted her head while shrugging her shoulders in response. It did seem to she always got into situations like this didn't it? Marine might nag her later for getting herself in trouble once again. But it was her duty to help those in need wherever she can. Blinking as Aoki whined and complained about not dancing, gingerly trying to struggle and push against the giant, but Ashton's grip was firm and gentle in order not to drop the poor drunk. The struggling did cause some spikes of pain to run up her arms and her leg whenever she moved it wrong.

Turning her head to look at the two sisters, Ashton blinked as she noticed a large growing group of people seem to heckle the two women. Worry crossed her amethyst eyes, forcing herself to pick up her pace and out of the bar. Blushing a little shyly and embarrassed as Aoki seemed to now just snuggle into her, Ashton gingerly took the offered card, her eyes glancing around. Spotting a bench, the firefighter going over to a nearby bench and gently setting Aoki down. Taking off her jacket and wrapping it around Aoki for some extra warmth from the crisp winter air.

Looking to Xia, Ashton quickly shuffled her hands in her pockets before pulling out a wallet and handing a hundred to Xi if she wanted to use a taxi or something to take the girl home. Gently putting pointing her left index and middle finger towards the amethyst eyes, flicking them toward Xi, then towards Aoki before bowing while clapping her hands together in a pleading manner. Asking Xia to watch the drunken girl.

Ashton then quickly rushed back into the club, eyes scanning and spotting the two sisters with a now bigger group of people. Per usual, Ashton quickly pushed toward the heating fire. Wearing just her gray tank top now, the toned muscled but burned arms were shown. Gently, she put a hand on the two sisters' shoulders. Stepping once more in between, though there were quite a few more people. The firefighter gave her usual friendly smile, holding her hands up and waving them bit. Wishing for the people to calm down and to just walk away now.

One of the girls scoffed and sneered as a big oaf was suddenly in between them. Putting her hands on her hips and giving a scowl. "Oh what? Now you need some big ugly oaf to protect you? Get real. Figures you'd keep a raggedy dog at your heels. Should you throw a biscuit for it?" she sneered as she took a step foreword. Ashton blinked at the words, but kept the soft smile. At the step foreword however, so did Ashton that forced the much shorter female to take a step back.

Ashton didn't want people to fight, why couldn't they just get along? Wouldn't everyone feel a bit better if they all could be friends? Perhaps these people had a little too much to drink and were taking their frustrations on others without meaning to?

"What's wrong? Going to say anything? Or are you actually too big of a chicken to actually do something? No bark or bite?" the girl sneered, seeming somewhat irritated this giant was playing body blocker and didn't seem to be getting agitated, nor saying anything. The girl stumbled a bit, perhaps a bit intoxicated as her fist clenched a bottle in her hand before frustratingly thrusting arm up.

"Would you fuck off bitch?!" she hissed.

Ashton was taken a little surprised and didn't have a chance to react as a bottle was thrown and smashed against her right temple. The bottle shattered against her head, the glass falling to pieces to the floor. The firefighter stumbled a little but regained her balanced and remained firm as she stood. Though her vision was blurred, her amethyst eyes blinking to clear them. Warm liquid seemed to gingerly drip from her head. Rolling her shoulders backward like it was nothing, she assumed it was just alcohol, her feet casually and gingerly scraping at the broken glass to bundle it into a pile. Not wishing for anyone to step on it, that would be unfortunate.

Little did Ashton really realize, it wasn't just alcohol dripping from her face. Trails of blood gingerly slipped down over her scarred face, dripping the good of her right side in blood. The sight of a scarred giant figure with blood all over, with them barely reacting to getting smashed in the face caused some onlookers to nervously stare.

Xia was two seconds away from delivering a roundhouse kick to the bastard that confronted them. One thing Xia never tolerated is her being called outside her name in a derogatory way. The moment she turned around to say something, she noticed the tall individual, Ashton showing up after she placed her hand on Xia's shoulder, towering over her and her new drunken acquaintance. Were they going to jump him? Xia sure as hell didn't mind. But seeing how Ashton didn't talk and and simply waved her hand and made gestures, Xia wondered if she was deaf or mute?

With her confronting the guy and hearing her drunk acquaintance spouting off out the mouth, Xia chuckled just enough to not be upset anymore. it was even more of a relief when Ashton stopped the guy, hurting him a little to make him back off and with that, the potential threat was over. Xia didn't have to start a fight, her drunken acquaintance didn't get hurt, and things could go back to the way it was.

When All was done, Xia took the cup of water that Ashton gave her before watching the blue haired girl get scooped up to be carried out. With a smile, Xia simply thanked Ashton for the help. Xia noticed the girl she saw a while back coming forward. She could hear the protests from the drunken girl when Marinalia introduced herself. Xia nodded. Yeah I think we met back at the swan record event thing a few weeks back....after that night I have not been out much. I'm Xia Alexander....and I appreciate you coming over. She said. Looking over to Ashton and the other girl heading out, Xia turned back to Marinalia. I know this is sudden but....here...I'd like to give this to you. She pulled out her massage therapy card. Not actually offering massage but her contact information was on it. I still have yet to get all around Sol City. I like meeting new people and I feel if I see someone twice...and still have not met them...step forward and make the acquaintance. You can contact me using this number. I know it says massage therapy...I can give you one for those too but this is mostly to contact me if you want to hang out sometime... She explained.

Looking back once more at the other two, Xia turned back to Marinalia. Um...sorry but...I'm going to go check up on my blue haired friend...hit me up sometime... She smirked, walking outside. Getting outside, she walked over to check on her when she saw the girl fumbling around to pull something out. A business card? She looked at it and looked at the girl and smirked. When she was passing out, Xia turned to Ashton. Do you want to take her home or should I? She asked. Seeing Ashton take the girl to a nearby bench and being given money, obviously Xia was on duty to take the girl home. She didn't mind that at all. Xia simply nodded and put the money in her purse before thanking Ashton as she rushed back in. Xia noticed a limo showing up with a woman wearing a sexy red dress, getting into the club with her security guard, Xia wondered if this woman was a celebrity....but...she brought her attention back to her acquaintance.

Marcus Ainsworth

@Silver Fox@Almalthia@PrinceAlexus@Majoras End

---

Marcus smiled widely as Rei rattled off a short list of band, most of which Marcus knew and liked to some degree. “Lindsey Stirling is so talented. And Paramore has always been one of my favourites. Their first three albums are still in heavy rotation for me.” He replied with a smile, taking another sip of his beer. “I haven’t heard of The Hush Sound, though… What are they like?” He asked, seeming genuinely interested, because he was. It felt good to have a conversation with someone that wasn’t Chris or his mom for the first time in several weeks. It was not as scary as he thought it would be at all, not at all feeling awkward with Rei, which was good.

Suddenly, his calmer, happier mood was tainted as his attention was caught by some rather harsh words. His head snapped around and he saw this mass of girls surrounding a table of two others. He recognised the two women as the short one who he had been caught staring at, and her friend who had gotten up to sang. Marcus felt sick to his stomach as he heard the words coming from who seemed like the ringleader of this mass of women. They were venomous and completely uncalled for. As far as Marcus noticed, it was completely unprovoked too. He didn’t understand how people could be so cruel, especially to strangers that they don’t know from a bar of soap. There was too much hate in this world, and there was no place for it. Especially at a bar where people are just trying to have some fun.

An hour ago, Marcus would have frozen up and tried his best to ignore the situation or get away from it. But, this night was different. He’d taken a leap of faith by getting up on stage, and again when approaching Reya. And it felt good to be out of his shell. So he wasn’t going to lose his nerve and retreat back into his shell now. He looked to Rei with an apologetic, yet driven expression on his face, and stood from his seat. “I’m sorry, I’ll be right back.” His heart was beating like a bass drum at one hundred miles per hour as he stared at the ringleader girl with anger burning in his eyes.

“Hey!” He called out as he walked over to the group. His hands were shaking so hard he had to keep them clenched to try to stop it, and he was screaming at himself in his mind to turn around and not get involved, but there was no turning back now. “There’s no place for hate like that here! It’s fucked that you think it’s okay to treat someone else like that. I don’t know what kind of fucked up things you’ve gone through to make you this insecure, but don’t take it out on others. If you feel the need to shit on other people’s nights, then get the fuck out and go somewhere else. The world is fucked up enough, without people like you making it worse, when we’re all just trying to enjoy ourselves!” He kept his voice as calm as he could, trying hard not to let the trembling show, but it was obvious he was furious. He was terrified, but he felt a rush of adrenaline that helped boost his courage. He’d never stood up to a bully before, and it felt great. For the first time ever, he felt powerful. He felt like he was doing something worthwhile.

After Marcus had interjected with his rant, a rather tall woman stepped in, and wasn't saying much, if anything, just trying to calme things down before it escalated, seemingly. Well, that definitely didn't work, as she got a bottle to the side of the head. "Oh shit!" Marcus exclaimed, shocked at the sudden burst of violence. He rushed to the tall girl's side, to attempt to catch her is she were to fall over. But, she seemed unaffected, as if it were just a tap to the head. Marcus turned back to the perpetrator with a furious gaze. "What the fuck is wrong with you?! Back the fuck up!!" He was shaking with anger. The only reason why he didn't lash out violently himself, was that he would never hit a girl, no matter how angry he was. That's something his dad always taught him.

Paige Kennedy

Paige glanced down at her phone watching the signal for the public Wi-Fi blink away enjoying her drink and waiting. As she’d mused many times before, her job often reminded her of going fishing with her granddad when she was a little girl back in Florida. The bait was set. They just had to watch the cork bobbing for a signal to pull the hook though this particular lake only had one catch she was interested in putting on the line. Sitting quietly as music continued to blast across the club, the looks and observations of others did not go unnoticed: The tall blonde in plain clothes, the nervous looking young guy and also a familiar face. She remembered Marinalia Olympus’ face from Bob’s case file, but the look of another one with dark hair that suddenly slinked away behind her made her olive eyes scan by again briefly like a sentinel. She was mostly interested in the tables and the lounge area where her prize was suddenly finding his connection broken and didn’t follow the retreating woman any further.

A few moments passed and a text from Xi, popped up on her phone:

Coming up behind you

She picked up a small knife on the bar counter and angled it daintily in her hand as if she were a bored, single-girl playing for attention, but actually looking for CT’s approach in the polished metal. He had his slender laptop folded under one arm and looked like he hadn’t changed clothes since that morning still sporting his track-pants and stretched white t-shirt. Same as they had done, he could easily tell where the signal was controlled and as he neared she flicked her hair playfully and spun around on the stool drawing her jacket back and putting one hand on her gun. “Hello, CT” She said cheerfully.

“Shit.” The man spat stopping in his tracks. He seemed to consider his actions briefly and looked around. Paige watched his eyes instantly dart to the exit. When he turned to bolt again, Xi was right behind him and he bounced off the ex-Marine like a brick wall dropping his laptop and hitting the floor in a heap.

Paige took another sip of her drink and left it calmly on the bar before stepping down from the stool and placing her weight on the knee she saw him favoring after he’d jumped from the window earlier. “Told you I’d get you.” She pressed her foot harder not caring that others noticed her.

“Alright! Alright! Shit!” CT protested against the pain. He reached for his laptop, but she deftly stooped down and swiped it out of his grasp.

“No-no, now,” She said with parental sarcasm. “This could be considered a dangerous weapon.” She handed it over to Xi.

“You didn’t get me a drink?” Xi said observing her empty chair and abandoned glass as Paige cuffed CT and hauled him up to his feet. He still had the smell of an apartment dumpster on his clothes; the ripe aroma of diapers, stale food and rotting fruit. Her lips curled a bit in revulsion.

“I’ll get ya one for the ditch.” She said with a triumphant smirk.

Xi’s glance seemed to wander away as she spoke. The small perimeter of onlookers they’d attracted also looked to have their attention drawn elsewhere. “Nah, I think I’ll pass now,” He said gazing curiously towards the other end of the bar. “Looks like the locals are getting restless.”

Paige glanced back finding Marinalia and the small black haired girl being confronted by another group of women. That poor girl seemed to attract trouble wherever she went. However, instinctively, she knew the shorter one was none other than her sister, Victoria. Sio’s story of the bar back at the Gala first flashed in her mind at the sight and she knew her intuition to be correct. The little skunk had apparently covered up her white stripe, but the stench was still there and making a scene as usual. A part of her wanted to join the others in stomping her ass into the curb after what she did to the her car and how she’d embarrassed Sio, but she waited all day to nab CT and they had to get him out before things got completely out of hand.

And escalate it did! As she pushed CT out of the back door, the man glanced back almost gleefully at the sight of a catfight, but slightly relieved to some extent. The sound of a bottle shattering combined with numerous whoops and shouts escalated over the music as the heavy metal door shut firmly behind them.

“Better go ahead and make the call,” Paige said to Xi with some amusement as the growing raucous could be heard even outside. She looked back as they crossed the street to where their cars were waiting at a small drive-in diner. Xi was already on the phone with 911 reporting the fugitive in custody and calling in the local police department for a Code 10-10 (Fight in Progress). Soon every SCPD unit within a ten mile radius would be descending on Club Aether.

@Silver Fox@Almalthia@Alex_The_Great@PrinceAlexus

---

Marinalaia smiled when she handed over the card, it seemed her drunk way of being nice so she slid into her pocket of jacket. She was majorly drunk and definitely needing someone to keep a eye out for her. And she had 3-4 people helping her. There was kind of a code not to leave a vulnerable woman out in danger, you never knew when it might be you..

Just get home safe OK! Bad man gone.

And lots of water! Help with hangover.

It was a a little simple, but when you where drunk, simple was easier and drunk people understood simple alot better than complicated. Little did she know that this was only the start of the epic drama.

Talking to Xia, the woman in daring dress before, yeah it was her! She seemed diffrent from last time, but guessed they both had a rather dramatic experience at jazz night. They had been a rather extreme event and that walsys changed your prepspectives.

I've been vuntable before, you gotta help. Jazz night was not a fun one for me.

Sure, thankyou. Massage be nice sometimes after a long week I have to admit! I might have to call!

I'm a flight instructor, no cards I'm afraid. Best office view ever though.

OK, just get her home safe. She needs a friend. Have a nice night, definitely catch up another time.

Being honest with Xia, she could understand why, and maybe think better of her reaction to situation that she not out to hurt the poor blue haired drunk, after jazz night she had needed help, so return the favour.

Poxkwtinf the second card, well damn.. Was this a new thing most people carried on a night out? Oh well, she could text back tommrow and say hi at least. They needed to make a few friends. Being a flight instructor was always abit intresting so that helped. Wishing her well, the woman was in safe hands ot seemed and would be free from that creep who had slinked off to find others. Perverts like that needed a good kick in the balls with a flaming axe.

Victoria relaxed as watched and then someone came up scrambling their names alot but offered some drinks. From ethen, we'll that was kind. And given from thr bar direct she had more faith in those than ones from a person. Victoria was overly cautious about some things, and times paranoid for a good reason. It was not paranoia if the threat was real.

Marlin seemed to be doing OK, and helping out the woman, she tried to blend in abit before the shit it the fan with a force a tornado into sewage plant.

Some bitch came up and started laying into her, eyes flashing icey as a polar winter, and accent taking on a noticbele edge of hostility that sounded more threatening when her Russian accent kicked in fully as well. Tall and blonde she definitely looked the type anyway. Regina George was not meant to be a role model.

oh, sorry to interrupt your fawning hopelessly. Women... Sorry I must of missed the band of deformed overly made up trolls.

Jelous they Don,t like used goods that's been round the block more times than cab?

Giving her a look of cold disgust, her next line riled Marinalia up no end and she gave her a look that would be close to a death glare, she had a rather lack of give a shit to some things, and they where past that mark. Her urge to slap though her caked on makeup was growing expentonally and expose the ugly trolly below. She was taller than her, but years of swimming meant she had a good swing, be it slap or breaking her nose job. Both backed up slightly as the mob grew knowing that they had a real fucked up situation and dealing with them was gonna be difficult.

oh great... And you wonder why you lot all Don, t have men!

Get out my face before I remake than nose job and the rest of your ugly mugshot. Il even help your friend.

Plastic surgery mistakes club meeting tonight?

Rather defensive, her accent would about cut a diamond and she slid a hand to position her hand just where the cs spray was. If they made a move, they could be on a one way trip to eye watering pain. Granted there faces where so fake they could have none.

As the mob backed up and shouting grew in severity and noise, any response got Drowned out and they where severely outnumbered by some 15 or more of the trollops. Victoria nodded and glanced a major situation could happen, and they would have to react with a more proactive defense. Shouting back was hopeless as the pack of harpies began to decened and summon more of there evil kin.

2 vs 15 trolls, this was gonna be a night out to remember, qaulity they where not, how much plastic surgery did this lot have? At least a few kilos of make up anyway, designer... Sure, they still looked like trollop even if they had couture.

Both notices Ethen looking over and gave a help us glance, hoping he had brains to break this up before it ended up a rather one sided cat fight. Still, there dad had taught them to finish one if it started.

...

Then things went worse.. Ashton stepped into the problem and soon things went more shitty. The shitnado was gathering pace as the harpies laid into her. A split second later and a flash of a bottle and what looked like blood. Jesus this was turning fucked up into a new artform. This was pure chaos.

Marinalia finally decided ernough was ernough and as she saw Ashton stagger, and she was pissed off. She had been kind to them, and helped her sister out alot. They owed her and was not gonna let them get away with it. Reacting to her attack with a suprise elbow to her face, and backing up letting a cloud of eye searing CS spray. There dad had brought it, she was not sure how strong it was but it was definitely strong, and would sting like a bitch to anyone caught in the spay. Pepper spray, this was a whole new level of fuck off.

Back up... Bitches...now!

Backing up, she was shouting, and covering the much smaller Victoria, she was alot lighter, smaller and would not do well of they decided to be aggressive. Protecting her sister mattered, and Ashton. her action should draw the flak off her.

Victoria was suddonly emotionally volitle, watching her scared and then angry. Marinalia had ernough and was had sent a few back slightly, the spray would not linger too long and they would have to deal with the angry trollop team. Hand shaking from the anger and fear, Victoria skid hers out the small bag, there was not too much, it was more compact than Marlins but would provide her a nasty suprise. At her size, outnumbered some 7 to one at learnt, this definitely was self defense. She was not gonna sit back and let freinds of family be hurt.

Aston! No!

I do bite. So. Leave. Now.

Her accent was cold as it got, Victoria was a ice queen at and could be pretty cold and hostile at times, one thing was true. She was loyal to her friends and family, and would happily take on some trollop to do so.

As things began to turn worse, and look bat for team Romus, a man came up and started shouting at the women who where gathering. He was the man who was too scared to speak to her, and gave him a smile for helping them. He could not talk, but could start a full blown bar brawl!

That was a suprise.

A little help please.

Marinalia was shaking from lashing out at the woman who attacker her who was glaring and her nose steaming with blood looking like she was about to try and claw her eyes out with her tacking false nails. Her fiend who was bunched over from CS spray to the face, eyes steaming looked equally vichous as the pack was closing. She was fucked, but she could still send a few more says at them before the deterrent ran dry.

Both sisters exchanged glances. Even with his intervention, it was still shitty odds. Very shitty. Hopefully security or someone else intervened before the trouble got worse. There definitely was going to be drama tonight. Maybe Ethen could bail them out, he might at least be able to keep them from getting kicked out for defending Ashton honour, and 5-1 ganging up was definitely a a defensive situation. They had not started it, but it might hurt alot of they did not end it.

---

@Zaxter996@King Tai@Silver Fox@Almalthia@Rodiak

"O-Oh, well they're-" Reya was about to tell Marcus about one of the band she mentioned, The Hush Sound, when the sounds of argument were heard from across the room. She looked over to see a group of girls insulting the girl with black hair she finally recognized from the cafe, and who looked to be her sister. As Marcus excused himself to confront the posse, she could only sit idly and watch, trying to think of what to do. Rei was only a nurse, maybe if a fight errupted, she could help patch up the wounded?

She nearly jumped out of her seat when the tall blonde she also saw at the cafe got hit in the head with a bottle. Now she really wanted to help somehow, but the woman seemed to brush off the hit like it was nothing, even though blood was dripping from her head. The sisters seemed to retaliate, but what luck would they have against 16 other drunks? "O-Oh god, what do I do, w-what do I do?!" Reya panicked, bitting her finger as she tried to think. Fight or flight? Find cover and wait till the cops arrive, or protect some of the others?

While she was stressing over the fight starting to errupt, a familiar boy with dirty blonde hair walked up next to her, watching aswell. "Woooow, look at what the bitch parade brought in!" Ryan sarcastically commented, looking over to Rei with a smirk. "Rai? When did you get here?!" Rei asked her sibling in shock. "Twintuition, my dear twin. Now," Rai brought out a checkbook, and wrote one to the bartender. "Get me four bottles of wine, asap." He told the bartender, before looking back to his sister. "I usually try to avoid confrontations in bars, usually ending with me having to fend for myself. But with a crowd like this, ya gotta strategize."

"I know, last week I had to wrap bandages around your head cause someone threw a chair at you." Reya looked back at the group of people. "But what are you implying?" She asked Rai. "In the case that a fight does happen here." He explained, the bartender giving him the bottles of wine he ordered. "We gotta get people out of here." He gave her two of the bottles before getting up from his seat. "Stay behind me, okay?" Ryan asked Reya, who nodded in reply before following him.

"Ladies, lads, let's not get ahead of ourselves here." Ryan walked up in between the groups, hiding the wine bottles behind him. "Now, I know you're pissed off cause these two lasses got your husbando's atention instead of you, but that doesn't mean you should bully the poor girls!" He talked with the ringleader, whith a hint of a scottish accent kicking in. "I mean, you could get arrested for this shit! You already damaged the tall one's skull, what if you 'accidentally' MURDERED HER?! Think about it, for fuck sakes!" It seemed stupid to Reya for him to talk with a drunk, but who knows, maybe they'll back off. "And t-that goes for the rest of you too!" She added, looking over to the other girls behind the ringleader.

---

Aoki didn't know what happened next. She could hear commotion behind her but in her drunken stupor she didn't care what was happening. All the cares about was closing her and resting against the warmth of Ashton's chest. She curled up and whined when they were finally out of the club and the cool air hit her bare legs and face. Aoki was so tired and her head spinning like crazy. When she felt herself be put down and sat in a hard surfaced she whined again, this time louder, and said something under her breath in Japanese. Aoki wanted to go back home and go to bed. She wanted to snuggle with her cats and just sleep until the spinning stopped. Instead, all she got was a hard bench and a coat over here, but she didn't complain. She just pulled the coat closer to her body and closed her eyes.

"Bye bye Ash!" Aoki said when she heard Ashton leave to go back to what ever had been happening inside. After a few moments she opened her eyes and stared up at the pretty lady looking down at her. She smiled and pressed a hand over her hot red face. "I-I... I don't feel good, pretty lady." She said right before she leaned over to the side of the bench and emptied the contents of her stomach on the side walk. The taste was horrid, but the noise-- on the noise. No details. After Aoki was done she leaned back on the bench with Ashton's coat still over her and closed her eyes. "Ohhhhh... I'm never getting a date with the pretty lady now." Was the last thing she said before she started bawling her eyes out. Clearly, Aoki was not the best of drunks.

---

---

I should have been more clear. Karishma thought as she watched the cutie leave her on the bar alone. She looked back at the drink and shrugged, no drink should ever go to waste so she downed the liquor and followed the slightly shorter man. Ah, I see. Must have thought I was insulting him. She smiled at the cutie and then at the man in the orange suit. Her bodyguard, Gabe, followed close behind her as she approached the two men. "I'm sorry if my words came out as rude, I didn't mean it that way," she turned to the man in the wheelchair. "I dig your style, love the color, goes well with you." She smiled and winked. "Hope you enjoy the drink, dear."

Karishma brushed her long brown locks behind her shoulder. "I truly am sorry about the misunderstanding, should not have approached you if you already looked a bit pissed." She was about to say something else when a bottle broke and chaos erupted. She hadn't noticed the commotion happening just few steps away from them. It all seemed like a huge brawl and in just a second Gabe was pulling Karishma behind his towering figure to keep her away from the small group who seemed to be fending off angry fangirls.

Maybe she wouldn't be stealing a kiss tonight, but a fight was just a tiny bit more exciting and this looked like it would turn to be a full on club fight. She almost wanted to jump in but her agent would give her shit if the media ever found out. At least there were no paparazzi yet.

Joel Nicolosi

Thankfully it appeared that karaoke singers had run their course for a time and Joel happily chalked that up to good luck as they managed to get a fairly decent table. The ambient music the Club usually belted over the impressive sound system would be good enough for a while and as he toasted glasses with Sio he thought for a little while at least that it would be good to just spend some time with her. With the car picked up, the last vestiges of the Grand Prix weekend were put to rest. Sure, there would be other things that came of it as they continued to slog through the mountains of e-mails, voicemails and letters that poured in daily, but most of it was just junk to Joel. There were a couple interesting ones from well-known racing teams that he needed to consider and he liked that Sio represented a completely unbiased opinion.

The main floor continued busy as ever as he leaned back in his seat and scanned around. Everyone was just a wash of people and faces from their table on the perimeter. No one really stood out, nor was he looking. His eyes were making their way back over to Sio when he spotted Ethan looking towards them with one of his customary, predatory glances. Very nonchalantly, Joel shot him the finger in return, making sure the lead singer got a good view as nodded with a challenging smirk as he did it. In high school they were a couple years apart, not friends and not really enemies either, they moved in distinctly different circles, but both were Sol City natives and their combined fame and egos created a bit of an unspoken rivalry. He couldn’t wait for the inevitable question from Sio.

“Looks like somebody’s already having too good of a time,” He said motioning with his glass for Sio as what appeared to be two plain-clothes officers were dragging someone up from the floor. However, his attention shifted as a few catty shouts went up from the other end of the bar where he couldn’t really see anything other than the people’s backs aside from one extremely tall person. Whatever the confrontation was about, it seemed to mostly consist of women which he found mildly entertaining. He glanced over at Sio and shook his head as a couple guys very futilely attempted to calm the situation. He knew better than to get in the way of a bunch of drunk women out for blood and sure enough the tall one took a bottle to the cranium as things were really getting riled up and people started throwing hands.

Joel sighed a little and finished his beer regretting that he hadn’t trusted his gut instinct when they walked in the door. If he wanted to see a fight he could have just taken her to the 501 Club. Somehow he expected Ethan to be at the root of it as causing drama was one of his favorite MO’s. “Better drink up,” He said to Sio unenthusiastically watching a full-on brawl taking shape. “The cops will be here any time and we’ll be here all night.”

Ambient Fighting Music


@Almalthia

penelope honeycutt.

Poppy shifted on the stool she sat perched upon, propping her elbow on the mahogany bar and her chin in her hand. With her free one, she self-consciously tugged the edge of her white lace dress over her thighs, pulling her denim jacket closer around her as a soft sigh of restlessness left her burgundy lips. The more she looked around the crowded establishment, the smaller and stupider she felt for letting Cassandra drag her out like that. If she'd wanted to go out for a drink, what was wrong with local pub?

Truly, Poppy was certainly not used to the nuances of the nightlife. Her definition of a 'nightlife' so far had been binging TV shows with her teenage cousin, until he'd get bored and waddle off to his room to play video-games, and she could finally have a few glasses of whiskey, or a beer. Sometimes she'd go completely nuts and build up a nice buzz, before she had to sit and grade papers for her class of nine-year-olds-- their stories were wild and utterly ridiculous, so that was always fun.

Club Aether. I thought this was supposed to be a bar. Is it a club, is it a bar...What even is this place?

The small woman felt like a underdressed fish out of water.

The music's quite good, I guess. I didn't expect Cass to be into metal.

"What'll it be, sweetheart?" one of bartenders gruffed. He was a big, orcish fellow, and yet Poppy wasn't nearly as intimidated by him as she was by every other sharp, streamlined person riddling the vicinity with their gorgeous intensity. She looked at the man with a polite smile, tucking a dark tendril behind her ear.

"Oh, I'm just... waiting for a friend for now--"

"POPPY!" Cassandra's shrill voice pierced through the the bubble her friend was struggling to establish, making her cringe at the unexpected auditory assault-- which was saying something, considering the music she had managed to overpower. In addition to the strawberry-blonde possessing a frequency sharp enough to lobotomise people, she had no shame or qualms about containing it in public. Cassie sashayed over to her friend, arms outstretched in anticipation of a hug.

"What the hell took you so long? I've been perched here like a bloody canary for the past half hour," Poppy replied through a forced grin, her lips pressed together as pale blue eyes evaluated whatever stare Cassie's entrance had gained them. "And what's the occasion? I thought we were just having a pint--"

"Oh, sure we are, but there's karaoke here too." An odd, twitchy smile played on her scarlet lips as she pulled away from the hug. "Plus, a squad of Ethan Aster fangirls just lost their shit and bashed some lady in the head with a bottle."

"Wait, wha--"

"Oh, yeah. Stuff is going down back over there. Whoo," she hollered, taking a seat on a stool beside her friend with ease. "Cops might be showing up soon. Honestly, Poppy, how have you been here for half an hour already and not noticed?"

"I-- I was listening to the... um... the... yeah..." the raven-haired girl mumbled distractedly, trailing off as her wide eyes began scanning the space for any sign of the trouble in question. Meanwhile, Cassandra was trying to get the bartender back over. "W-Well... is it safe to be here?... Is the woman alright at least?"

"Probably."

"You didn't ask?" Poppy uttered in outrage. "Cass, what the f--"

"Yeah, no. Why the hell would I get myself on the radar of a bunch of killer groupies?" the tall woman scoffed, crossing one leather-clad leg over another. "Anyway, Pop-tart, this kind of thing happens all the time. If I stuck my nose into every single scuffle that went down in places like this, I'd never fucking dance. I'd just be getting rides for people."

"Brilliant," Poppy murmured, squirming in her chair and resisting the urge to look around again. She bit her lip. "... Look, get yourself a drink, I'm gonna be right back."

"You're kidding, right?"

"Ah, just... I'll be just a minute. I've got to check this out. Maybe they could use the help."

"Pft, alright-- Miss Honeycutt to the rescue. Hey, we're doing shots when you come back, so don't take forever."

Poppy slid off her seat rather unceremoniously, pulling the skirt of her dress down again with an awkward tug, and bracing herself for the barrage of bodies she'd have to weave her way through. It seemed like everyone was either taller, or broader, or sleeker, and as she maneuvered through the endless silhouettes of people, she felt like she was lost in some kind of maze of dark, beautiful skyscrapers.

THOMAS LANCASTER

---

The man in the wheelchair at first didn't notice the drink placed on his side. He was still in a little contemplation after the call. Did he ever inhibits those symptoms before? Not to his memories now, and he could only hope he never had them. It was when Alex returned when he noticed what had been going on around him.

"You want to go outside for a while? Hmm, yeah. That's not a bad idea." He wasn't too sure what to say, but he did take the drink next to him. It was far from the last drink he ordered. Looks like a pretty heavy drink there to him. But still, to the lady who bought him that out of kindness, he'd gladly take it. May his alcohol tolerance be high enough for it.

"Thank you for the compliment, miss." He raised the drink to the brunette. "I hope you enjoy the party."

The moment he said that, chaos erupted from the other corner of the bar. Jinx

"What the hell was that?" Thomas looked over to the bar to see over a dozen young women gathering around two ladies. He couldn't figure out the identity due to the chaos, but it looked like Victoria was one of the ladies in the latter group. And from his peripheral vision he could see Jeanie, who was curious at whatever was happening. More people began joining. And then...

SMASH!

A bottle to the head. Ouch, that must have hurt. A lot.

At that moment, it seemed like the instinct within his dark-haired nurse began to be triggered as she immediately rushed for the scene...

---

"Hmm..."

What a great masterpiece of drink...A shame she couldn't get anymore. If she was to drink more, she wouldn't be able to be driving her client, or to her perspective her friend, home. Not only she would put his and her own safety in danger, but she would also risk driving her career as a nurse down the ruin if she got caught.

One could be admired of this woman's self-control and self-restrained ability. But it was all part of the job as the nurse. Especially when dealing with her patients, when she couldn't allow any of her emotions or personal bias to interfere with her treatment of people. Especially when it comes to Thomas, who was probably incredibly difficult to find the comfort zone for him. She could totally understand how other nurses got into conflicts with him. He is a nice and decent guy, smart too, but he had a little bit of thin skin once he got out of his comfort zone. And that is when you intentionally ignore him or overstep the relationship boundary, something nurses tend to. But for her, she is pretty happy in her place right now. A permanent, at least until he wants otherwise, caretaker to him. And she could probably say the same for her employer and client...

"Hmm..."

What the hell is going on over there?

Seemed like some sort of dispute going on. Pretty large one if you judge it by the sheer amount of people involved. But still the typical bar fight that she could always expect from a bunch of bitches who thought the sun rises and sets on their asses. It was totally not worth her time.

SMASH!

Until she heard a bottle smashing on something. Or rather someone's head.

"Oh god..." Her instinct immediately ticked once she saw this woman got hit in the head. The next thing she knew, she was already pushing her way through the crowds of people swarming the fight, trying to reach the large woman. Seeing as how some people were so hostile to the approach, she repeatedly said.

"This lady needs medical support! If you have any consideration for your fellow human being, thank you!"

The effectiveness was questionable, but at least she reached the girl, passing carefully through the bottle fragments, who stood like half a head taller than she is. Blood were dangerously dripping down her right cheek, along with the alcohol in the bottle. She had to clean that as soon as possible, before the wounds gets infected. She took out her portable first aid kit, which was lying in her purse all along, in case she or those with her were injured, and retrieved the cotton ball. She ripped out a small piece and gently asked the woman, as she looked up to her.

"If you would, miss? It would be dangerous not to tend it."

---

All the while, Thomas was observing the fight from afar. Seeing his nurse in action, he could only give her this remark

"Be easy on them please." He said before taking out his mobile phone. "If things do not resolve themselves, I'll inform 911."

@Silver Fox@Alex_The_Great@Rodiak

Just what in the blue hell was going on in there? Xia looked back at the entrance hearing the smashing of glass and yelling. This was shortly after hearing some words and Ashton going back in. Hopefully she was not hurt but if Xia saw what would've happened, more than likely, Xia was going to help take someone from Sol city to Suplex city. Then again, he fight would just be getting started and would turn into one of those Chinese martial arts films where one martial artist just seems to be able to fight 20 people alone. Then again, Xia could just get her ass kicked if not careful even if they are drunks.

Right now though, Xia needed to warm up her new friend. Xia stared at the girl after she was sat on the bench. Reflecting back on Marin and with pretty much both of them agreeing to maybe meet up again sometime. She sat and attempted to place her arm around Aoki, the name that Xia saw on the card. She looked down to her when she spoke once again. Xia smirked. Hey... She said before the Aoki mentioned she didn't feel good, Xia looked a little confused until Aoki leaned over to throw up. Xia did not do well with vomiting and looked away when Aoki started blowing chunks. OH....MY....GOD!! The gurgling sound and the noise of it hitting the pavement was already much but the smell of it made Xia nearly gag.

Xia looked over hoping she was done and she couldn't hide her expression of being nearly sick to her stomach. She needed to keep her composure. Xia gulped to make sure she kept her contents down but she was going to stick with the girl until she was safely home. Xia slowly and cautiously placed her hand on the girl's back before she sat back up. Hearing her say she won't get a date, Xia gave her a look of near pity but still she was going to stick with her. Honey, you're still pretty. We can think about the dating stuff later okay? I have some water here for you if you want to get the taste out your mouth. I just called a taxi and they will be here shortly.

Now Aoki was crying. Okay...Xia was not expecting this to happen when she decided to come. Xia motioned to get Aoki to lay her head down on Xia's shoulder until the cab got there. It's not the end of the world, honey. Look...I'll tell you an embarrassing story as well...when I was in college...I was shitfaced drunk and I pissed on myself while I was out cold. She said to her. See...nothing to be sad about...just...hope you won't remember this when you wake up next time. She told her chuckling.

The cab was soon to pull up looking for the one who called for the ride.

---

---

Siobhan was looking around nonchalantly enjoying the atmosphere and company. When she spotted a girl who seemed vaguely familiar walk by. Openly staring at the raven haired girl she watched her walk over to someone she did recognize. Marinalia. Which could only mean one thing. That was Victoria, the little formerly white rat was now black. Well Siobhan knew that while makeovers could change your attitude; she found they were more like Bill Cosby’s definition of coke. It intensified one's personality; if you're an Asshole you became more of one.

She shook her head and looked around till she felt that feeling you get when someone is looking intently at you. She looked back at the sisters. No it wasn't them. Looking around she saw Ethan Aster staring at her with a predatory look. She saw Joel flip him off and leaned closer.

Just as she was going to ask about Ethan a scuffle broke out and Joel pointed out a commotion then she saw a man get cuffed. And was that...Yes it was Paige!!! What in the world? Well that was quick. She's so cool!!! Wait she's not here to spy on me is she? No way. But if she put some kind of tracking device on me I'll be upset. Siobhan looked at Joel and saw his focus had shifted to a different part of the bar.

She looked over in time to realize that she was seeing someone confront Victoria and Marinalia. “Looks like the Ice Queen pissed someone else off tonight.” As she watched her eyes became wider as the girl swung a beer bottle upside Ashton’s head and cracked him with it. She winced and looked back over at Joel as he told her to drink up and that the cops would be there soon.

She grinned and chugged about three quarters of the beer as she heard yelling looking back over at the commotion. Startled she saw and smelt pepper spray fly into the crowd. Cutting her eyes back over to Joel she swallowed the last of the beer and wiped her mouth with the tips of her fingers. “So cops on the first night out with you? I think I remember reading somewhere that's supposed to mean you're dangerous. But then again you can't believe everything you read. Think we can get out of here before they show up? I quite liked the car ride here. I'd love to see the look on the face of that punk who doesn't know shit about cars if you showed up in her.” She was glad she had paid in cash so they could leave quickly. Which was the name of the game tonight apparently. A little miffed that Victoria and Marinalia cut her night short with their antics but c'est là vie, such is life. Trouble seemed to follow them around, like moths to a flame.

---

---

Ethan watched the scene unfold as he tried to get through the crowd to Victoria. A couple of guys played the white knight and stepped in and the sycophant cracked one over the head with a beer bottle. Then things got really physical. He looked over and saw his bodyguard Giovanni slide up to him. “Evening Mr. Aster. We will now be retiring to the office due to the nights activities taking a physical turn. Need to remind you that you're due for an interview tomorrow with Miss Rita Haywood of the Sol City paper about your return home.”

Ethan nodded watching the girls get pepper sprayed he shook his head. That was a bad move on Victoria’s part or the blonde with her. “I understand Giovanni. Call Nikki and tell him I want The Barracuda on standby. They just sealed their fate in the drunk tank and will probably be charged for assault without provocation. See if there is a bond on them…” Ethan sighed as Giovanni escorted him away from the floor. “Just get me a phone I'll talk to Nikki.” Ethan was dragged away before he saw the pleading look for intervention. He met up with Paul and his bodyguard Antonio. Drew, who was pissed and Joseph who was equally pissed. And finally Tobias and Vinny. The bodyguards looked like quadruplets in black with the obvious Italian swarthy olive complexion, dark hair and eyes. The only thing that set them apart from one another was their personalities, which could be seen in the varying degrees of harshness.

They moved fluidly through the crowd to the STAFF ONLY door where they meet the Club Manager. Giovanni looked at the poor man and without emotion said. “Office. Now.”

The poor guy paled and pushed through the door and was followed by the entourage. “Mr. Virachelli. My boss is back there-”

Giovanni cut him off. “Good. He needs to be informed that the police are on their way. My clients will need a moment before their car arrives. Don't make me ask you again, I don't like it when people don't pay attention the first time.”

The club manager cowed lead them to the office and stalling tapped on the door. Antonio rolled his eyes saying “Non abbiamo tempo per questo Giovanni.” and opening the door on Leo and Dustynn.

Right as the woman from the bar apologized there seemed to be a fight at the bar. Normally Alex would have just watched and let things play out, but then he saw Ashton running to the girls' rescue. It happened in slow motion, a bottle made contact with the side of her face. As she stood back up he saw blood and was getting up from his seat. He noticed another woman tending to her and thought about leaving her to it, but decided to help. Right before he got there he noticed people crying and realized someone had used... pepper spray? His eyes stung from what was left in the air as he gently guided Ashton to a bar seat behind her. He saw the woman grabbing what appeared to be a small first aid kit from her purse and gave her a soft smile. He turned back to Ashton and held her wrist, not sure how she's take him holding her hand. "You need to be careful, you had no reason to jump into this. This wasn't your battle to fight, you should have stayed out of it, dork."

---