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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Apr 17, 2021 23:01:44 GMT -8
Lucas moved through the streets of Las Vegas with a new energy that matched the energy he held when he resided in Detroit. In Detroit, there was a level of acceptance that everyone was fucked up in their own way. No one tried to hide it with bright lights, endless flows of cash, and flashy headlines. There was an understanding that the more accepting one was of their flaws, the stronger the hustle was. His mental illness was apart of him but it didn't define who he was. Maybe he wasn't as broken as he thought he was. Maybe it was the Freehold's culture that made him feel like he was broken because he didn't fit into their idea of what functioning looked like. The more he reflected on the tidbit of information Sedna shared with him about a certain HR representative, the clearer he saw this city for what it really was. He wasn't going to shrink back any more. He was going to take up space for himself in the Freehold because he belonged here too. It was when he allowed himself to shrink away, hanging his head in shame, that he started "Sleepwalking". Ostara had sparked a flicker of life inside of him that had been dormant for years. He needed to stay awake. He was going to stay awake. Instead of his usual clothes that caused him to fade away into the crowd, he had chosen to wear something flashier. The destination he had in mind was far from a black tie affair. However, he did take the time to pick out a nice black button up shirt, a fine leather belt, freshly washed dark blue jeans, and white Addidas sneakers that were scuff mark free. He wasn't paying much attention to the crowd as he had the volume in his earbuds cranked up, mentally grooving along to Chvrches "Bury it", which reminded him that whatever he was struggling with, he needed to bury it and rise above.His travels eventually lead him to the Denny's that was located on top of the Casino Royale. He wasn't in the mood for going to a pretentious bar or talking to complete strangers who would look at him like a charity case. Staying back in his apartment wasn't going to help him stay awake either. Tomorrow, he would pick himself up a fish so that he was not the only thing alive in his apartment. Tonight, he would enjoy the company of the colorful characters in Denny's, feast on a Moon Over My Hammy, and knock back any negative thoughts with whatever alcohol Denny's served his way. When he arrived, there was a small line in front of him. He hung out in the lobby area by the entrance, waiting on his turn to be called.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 17, 2021 23:12:55 GMT -8
Firebringer is a frequent customer of this Denny's. It has a wild card atmosphere; you never know what you are going to get out of an evening. Sometimes she just comes for the waffles, other nights she comes for the subsequent fight which leads to yummy glamour, and sometimes she just comes for the alone time amongst people. Tonight, she isn't sure which one it is going to be.
The Elemental is dressed in black skinny jeans, a studded belt more for aesthetic purposes than anything else, a black tank top, her typical boots, and a leather wristband. Her hair is frizzy, as per usual, however it is up in a ponytail, wisp of hair popping out in a somehow pleasing manner. She looks somewhere between a stage hand and a goth kid, but at least she looks cute.
She's got a nice view of the floor from the corner, not far from the bar. In front of her is a half finished margarita and a plate of chicken and waffles. As she slowly munches on her food, she considers all the crap she's gone through in the last couple of weeks, from friendships ended to new hope for desire. It's a lot, but she's going to take it in stride. Or, at least try to.
For a brief moment, her eyes flicker to the corner where she felt... nah, this place gets kinda drafty sometimes.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Apr 17, 2021 23:24:30 GMT -8
While humming along to the new song he was listening to, Lucas scanned the crowd for any interesting customers that might be worth people watching. It was amazing how many secrets people were willing to discuss when they were in public, all because they were given a little privacy in the form of a booth. In the midst of scanning, his eyes landed on Fire.
If he was a smart man, he would look away and wait for the host to seat him somewhere. No, correct that. If he was a man who was always going to fear his past, he would allow the host to do that. The Moth and him had already had their fabled reunion. It had gone decently, even if the two of them hadn't actually resolved anything. He was going to have to continue to deal with Spring courtiers and their associates if he wanted to get to the bottom of whatever Buck was up to. If Riley wanted to get mad at him for being inroads with other courts and slash his tires later on, so be it. After they did it the first time, he had purchased a warranty protection on the next set of tires he bought.
Plus, Fire looked like much better company than the trio of drunk men who were trying to drink each other under the table.
He motioned to the host that he was good, gesturing towards the bar.
Then he strolled on over to where Dani was sitting, removing his earbuds in the process.
"What's up, Phoenix?" A playful grin grew on his face when he greeted her.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 17, 2021 23:34:08 GMT -8
Dani had been munching on a piece of chicken, dipped in honey mustard when Jerk Face Pretty Boi suddenly appeared in front of her. "Fuckin-A" And to think she had the best possible place to chill out and watch things and the moment she stops paying attention for food, she is ambushed. Well, ish. Lucas seems... pleasant enough?
It's a weird thing. She doesn't really know Lucas, but he's her partner's ex, though Riley hasn't told her the full details yet. Now she kind of wonders what Lucas might- no, that would be obnoxious. Plus, if he is going to talk to her, she'd rather it be about something cool than something that'll make them both agitated. Then again, it could be fun to be the tussle of the night. Too bad she wouldn't be able to nab glamour off of him in the midst of it.
She swallows, waving in an awkward 'I was not prepared for this' manner. "Oh, uh, chicken and waffles and people watching. Mostly. People here are weird; it's amusing. Sup?" she eyes him curiously, not entirely sure what to expect. Then again, he was perfectly nice at the coronation. At the same time, people at parties are different than they are one on one. Could be an interesting comparison. Not that she is going to shoe him off anyway. She isn't that kind of Lost.
Alright. What am I getting into now?
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Apr 18, 2021 8:15:46 GMT -8
Lucas caught onto the Summer Courtier's awkwardness, the wave of her hand and uncertainty in her voice made it obvious. Not to mention, it did not take a summer detective to figure out this situation was rife with the potential for awkwardness.
Even though he wanted to make room for himself, he didn't want to force his company onto anyone either. At least not in a social situation like this. He knew that his presence could be overpowering when he hit the "on" switch and turned everything up to the next level. The alternative had it's own complications as well. He knew how sympathetic he could come across even when he wasn't trying to garner any sympathy. There was something about him that gave off a certain sympathetic, trustworthy vibe. The best guess he had come up with so far is that it somehow tied into his time in Arcadia. When the Wyrd infused him with it's essence, that was the energy it had decided to take on.
Then again, the two of them were at a Denny's in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. This wasn't the kind of place that required a lot of overthinking.
His body language became more relaxed, which in turn caused the features on his face to become softer. His vivid blue eyes took on a more soulful look rather than the playful look they held moments again. The grin switched over to a gentle smile. Even the mist rising from his mantle became lighter, making room for the warmth radiating from Dani's mantle.
"Sometimes I get restless at night. I was bored in my apartment, so coming out this way to stretch my legs and grab some food seemed like a good idea." His fingers strummed the counter just above the bar stool that was next to Dani's spot at the bar counter.
"Mind if I grab a seat? I won't be offended if you say no." The smile on his face lit up more in a reassuring way to try to emphasize the sincerity in his words.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 18, 2021 9:41:18 GMT -8
She can't really get a read on the Winter before her, so she isn't quite sure of his intent. He could be genuine, or the softening she is watching him do is an act to try to get on her good side. Then again, does she really care? It could be an interesting thing, talking with their ex. Also talking to the dude Rowan had spoken of a bit. That creates a pit in her, but it isn't like she could really do anything about that now.
Then there is something that Dani doesn't like about the mixing of their mantles. No, not doesn't like, but makes her uncomfortable, though she does her best to keep that one inside. That isn't one she wants to be touching tonight. Or any night. Not really.
Dani gives a nod, giving an eye to the unoccupied seat in front of her.
"Food is good. You must not come here often though, unless we just constantly miss each other. It's kind of my insomnia spot," she says with a faint smile, making an effort to put on a kind face. She's always thinking that the world would be a better place if it was filled with less 'assholes', so she should probably follow her own advice and not be a total ass.
She takes a sip of her margarita, "So, uh... how's it hangin'?" Might as well get his status while she's at it.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Apr 18, 2021 10:28:51 GMT -8
"I've been here a few times, but I took a hiatus around winter. You know how our aligning seasons go for us." He replied in a casual tone, not mentioning that he was depressed for a few months and he didn't bother doing much of anything around during that stretch of time.
He appreciated her kind smile but something about her demeanor seemed off and he wasn't entirely sure what it was. Didn't she just ask him how he was doing with her 'sup and now she was asking him the same question more or less again, but with different words?
"I'm about to have some alcohol and delicious, greasy, sometimes questionable but always filling food, so pretty good on this end. How about yourself? How are things hanging in your side of Vegas?"
While he asked the question, Lucas took the time to study Dani to try and get a better read on what's causing her discomfort.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 18, 2021 10:44:13 GMT -8
"Things are things. I think I will perpetually have glitter in my hair and no amount of shampoo is going to get it out due to work. The struggle life of a bartender." She takes a sip of her margarita, "Also struggling not to judge this drink, but you know. Alcohol can be alcohol," She chuckles a little bit. It tends to be easier to talk about random nonsense than the weird small talk about blah days and things. It's more interesting when you delve into something weird.
She stretches a little bit, trying to get her mind off of the little bit of chill coming her way, but at least it isn't heavy. Though it isn't so much the chill as much as it is the wetness of it. She wonders suddenly what Riley would think if they stumbled upon this scene. The thought of it actually brought some amusement. She shouldn't want to see her partner a little miffed, but she kind of liked when Riley got all fiery.
"What do you do besides being a ghostbuster? Or at least, I think that's what I heard you do through the grapevine." It is a curiosity, especially given Rowan's issues. Actually, many of the Freehold issues. It feels like ghosty ones are in high demand these days. Too bad she's just really good at ripping things apart and setting them on fire.
Suddenly that meme of that little girl standing outside the burning house with that creepy grin pops into her mind and she recognizes that she is that little girl when she thinks of arson. Of course, she hasn't done arson in a hot minute.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Apr 18, 2021 11:11:13 GMT -8
Since he turned down his force of personality and she didn't seem to mind talking to him, he gathered it was something about his physical presence. Was it that his body didn't give off any heat or his mantle? Maybe a combination of the two of them. He was on the other side of the comfort zone. Because he didn't retain any body heat, hanging out by Dani's mantle was like hanging out in front of a toasty campfire without having to worry about becoming uncomfortable with the heat. Be that as it may, he was mindful of his body language and he made a conscious effort to not encroach any further in her space.
"I mean, it's Denny's." He laughed and shook his head. "I'll take what I can get here because, yeah, alcohol can be alcohol. Bartender, eh? What bar do you work at?"
He considered her question about what he did and the best way to navigate the conversation. He didn't want things to get too heavy especially if something about his physical presence was making her uncomfortable.
"The grapevine is correct. Ghostbusting is what I do. Occasionally ghost persuading, ghost questioning, and ghost hijinks."
His playfulness from earlier found it's way inside of his eyes once more. He turned around on his barstool, looking out into the sea of people in the Denny's.
"I also like to people watch. Up for a friendly wager?"
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 18, 2021 11:30:03 GMT -8
"I work at a drag bar on the weekends. The Back Door. It's a cool Latin joint and the Queens are total babes in the best way," Bartending is one of her favorite things to do. Chatting people up, guessing what's eating at them when she feels like it. She still really needs to pick up more Spanish. She's still getting by on the three years she took in middle in early high before she dropped out.
"I used to work at a coffee shop, co-managing, but uh, let's just say it got fired at by assholes and now it is under renovation. Kinda sad. We had really good cran-orange scones." And I almost died. I mean, you know, that's fine. If it weren't for Alecto, I'd be toast. So much toast. To a certain degree, that still bothered her, and yet it made her consider what she's been doing. She has shit she needs to do, people she needs to come home to, people she's got to poke at and finally work things out with. She can't be going out and dying because of recklessness.
"But hey, ghostbusting is cool. They're real popular at cons," she knew what he did was serious, and she'll admit, actually really interesting, but she also likes to poke fun. It's what she does. "I'd be curious if you have any weird stories." She was the kid, after all, who sat up at night watching the dudes on the Sci-Fi channel going ghost hunting at haunted places. It would be cool to check out some of those places... does Vegas have any weird kind of places like that? Then again, Supernaturals are actually real, so it might be bad to test it. Kinda like when she realized that many serial killers were under control by Huntsmen and/or were privateers getting business done. Fucking government not doing shit about half of it. Most of it.
She looks out to the crowd of people then and looks at Lucas curiously, "Alright. What are we looking for/betting on? I already know that the girl at the corner of the bar is crying because her ex girlfriend cheated on her with the dude she does dance with on Tuesdays. Been using the classic excuse of staying late to help out with the beginners evening class. Got caught when this one decided to surprise her by showing up to take a class. Obviously, she wasn't there. Kinda sucks. The dude next to her is her best friend's boyfriend and I'm sus about their friendship, but that's a whole other story."
She likes to listen to people when they aren't paying attention. People have interesting stories to tell, particularly when they are drunk.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Apr 18, 2021 11:52:31 GMT -8
"That sounds like an awesome gig. Back when I lived in Toronto, I used to check out drag performances with some of my friends. I never got around to making it out to a drag brunch. Maybe I'll head out that way sometime." His voice suggested a genuine interest in drag performances. Plus, who didn't enjoy a good brunch? However, he wasn't going to just mosey on out that way if Dani still felt uncomfortable with his presence by the end of the evening. Someone's work place was a place to be respected even if it was a general social hub.
"That sucks, I'm sorry." He frowned while his eyes took on a more sympathetic look.
"I hope you're able to find a replacement scone somewhere. Probably not here, but you know, there's no shortage of delicious baked goods in this city. "
He mused at the comment about conventions before reflecting on her question about interesting stories.
"No shortage of them. Truth be told, most ghostly disturbances are incredibly boring in nature because most ghosts lack the proper oomph to really affect their surroundings. Where the real interesting tidbits come in usually ties into the superstitions of the living. People come up with all kinds of weird and wacky rituals to try and exorcise ghosts from various places."
Without the right training, an exorcism usually turned into exercise in how worked up and paranoid someone could make themselves in 10 minutes or less.
The fairest looked impressed as the elemental rattled off various facts about the girl in question. He enjoyed a good challenge and it appeared Dani was up for giving him one.
"Alright, I'll pick out a booth and you'll need to guess if they are being legit with whatever stories they are telling their friends or if they are lying. If you guess correctly, I'll buy you a new drink. If you guess wrong, then I get your last chicken tender."
He held a hand out to her, also curious to see if she would actually shake his hand or not.
"Deal?"
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 18, 2021 13:54:43 GMT -8
"My joint doesn't personally do brunch sadly, but I know a couple that do. Best reason to get smashed at eleven o'clock in the morning," she chuckles a little bit, seeming a bit more comfortable. Yes. This is fine. Nothing weird, just chatting like two normal people. Give it a chance.
Still, the misty fog from him makes her slightly nervous, but nothing weird has happened, so that's comforting. It isn't water, it is just visual. And cold. Dani has always been nervous around water, terrified when she is submerged in it. Showers are fine, drinking water is... mostly fine, but tubs of water? Pools? Real, watery mist, is one of those ones that puts her on edge. It isn't rain, but it is just everywhere, coming and going and making her skin feel numb. A vapor that threatens to dull her light.
"Tis what it tis. I'll divert to Starbucks for a little while and be mad about going with the system until I find a new place." She likes to complain, but she will secretly admit their scones are amazing. Coffee sucks, but the scones. The SCONES.
"Legit." She kind of wanted to ask more, but she didn't want to push into it. It'll turn into her poking for every story. Drove her ex nuts sometimes, but in her defense, conspiracy theories were the most amusing sort and needed to be fully explored.
She looks down at her chicken tenders then as he speaks of the spoils of the game. Hmm. Alcohol is nice, but this is risking my tendie... The problem with Danica, however, is that she can't resist a challenge. It leads to odd situations and good stories for later. At the same time. Tendie. ...she could also just order another plate. She probably will anyway. She may be small, but she can eat.
"Alright, Pretty Boi. You're on." She hesitates for just a moment before shaking the Winter's hand and setting the chicken tender on a small plate that once held some bacon in between them. "Set the target." And now she has to be focused. This is a dangerous game.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Apr 20, 2021 1:14:20 GMT -8
Lucas had built up a hunger during his walk and that tendie was looking mighty good. He also knew the service here was hit or miss. Sometimes you could order an appetitezer right away, other times, you had to wait until it was almost time to get your main meal.
Plus, who didn't enjoy a wager that actually held some challenge and risk to it?
He hummed softly while his eyes surveyed the crowd. Lucas needed to track down a group where locals here, as it was obvious that Dani was in the know with the regular Denny's crowd. He couldn't help but grin, picturing using the Denny's crowd as a point of contact for the various happenings in the city. He was willing to bet a great many of them had "seen some shit" and were fairly reliable when they weren't in a food coma or full of alcohol.
Aha, perfect.
His gaze landed on a group of three women who looked to be somewhere in their early 60s. They had telltale signs of being tourists: Fanny packs, they smelled of suntan lotions, the shoes they wore did not look supportive at all, and they appeared to have no idea what an "indoor voice" meant. The leader of the group was wearing a t-shirt she picked up at one of the tourist shops that sells 4 Las Vegas themed shirts for $20. At some point, she had hit up a saloon for a fresh dye job, and she knew that it set her a step above her friends whose grey roots were coming through. Every now and then when she spoke, she would look at their roots, and the smile on her face grew just a touch.
"Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Randall. I'm sure he will get into one of the other schools he applied for. Community colleges are starting to become respectable too, you know." The woman the leader was addressing looked deflated while she sighed.
"I was hoping he would take more after his mother than his father." The women all made hums of agreement in unison. "How about Tim? Did he get accepted into Boston college?"
"Oh, he did. However, he has so many options and with what's going on at home, he is debating staying somewhere closer to his mother. He's such a sweet boy."
Lucas turned the upper half of his body towards Dani, grinning at her.
"Alright, is the Fanny pack leader being honest about Timmy boy being accepted or is she making up excuses to still come off as top dog of the Grandparents club?"
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Apr 21, 2021 19:57:46 GMT -8
What is it with old touristy people who come hanging out with their old touristy friends needing to act all... catty. But not catty in the good way that is listening to someone spill hardcore tea, but like, the kind of catty that makes you wanna snatch a wig and blow a raspberry because the level of petty is obnoxious. And she likes petty. It makes for good story and crap to talk about later. Or maybe it was just her.
So, the real question is, was the winner of the Mrs. Catty contest telling the truth about her grandson or not? For the sake of humanity, she hoped she was lying and would get caught in it later. ...Wow. I really am petty. I don't even know them.
Before she even considers if they are really lying, she reflects on her own catty nature. And she comes to the conclusion she has a right to be catty. She's a freaking fire. Burns are life and what is life without a little fire and spice?
Still... this is for the tendie.
She watches carefully, squinting her eyes, watching the body language. And then she thinks she knows.
"Fuck. She's telling the truth. The universe has no justice." She looks at the tendie and back to him, raising her eyebrows, "So... am I correct? Cause Imma bout to eat this if you aren't quick enough."
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Apr 23, 2021 23:44:44 GMT -8
On that dark night, in the heart of Vegas, in the middle of Sin City, the two of them learned just how unjust the world could truly be.
Lucas watched the leader of the fannypack as she crowed over the group, bragging openly about the success of her grandson and how he was such a sweet boy. Lucas studied her body language closely alongside Dani. In the end, he came to the same conclusion; she was telling the truth. Everything about her body language signaled that the moment her grandson made a decision on where he was going,her entire wardrobe was getting an overhaul. She was ready to load up on hats, sweaters, pants, and bumperstickers that tied into her grandson's university.
May God have mercy on her companions souls because the leader of the pack certainly was not going to have any. They were in for many hours of having to look at photos from his time at the university and social media posts centered on how proud she was of any positive grade he got.
Lucas shook his head, sighing deeply.
"You are correct. There is no justice in this world and no chicken tenders for me. "He laughed.
"I need a drink after observing that conversation. What drink do you want to give a whirl?"
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