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Post by indeath on Aug 2, 2021 20:16:16 GMT -6
The smell of perfume, alcohol and food filled the air. Bright lights hit the stage as Wren performed their final number. They could feel the sweat building under the heavy lights but their makeup wasn’t going anywhere. Their black lips had been painted large and feminine, winged eyeliner that went forever, with false eyelashes glued with extreme care. A purple wig in a fifties style, complete with horns that twisted above their head. They wore a black silk dress that hugged their figure, showing a flat chest and arms that were well muscled. At odds with the femininity of the dress, makeup and stockings. Their feet hurt so much in these platforms but it was all worth it for the look. As the song finished and Wren collected their tips, they noted Hank in the audience with a large grin. They appreciated the support even if all Hank did was stare at the lights. It was the thought that counted.
Wren finished up, revved up the girl going after them then headed for Hank’s table. Wren let out an audible sigh of relief as they sat down, finally taking weight off their feet. Wren had known Hank a while now, so they were ready for whatever Hank had to say. They thought about song lyrics, it was a little cheeky but what was a little cheek among friends?
“What was your favorite part? Did I nail it or what?”
Wren’s voice was husky like they had a permanent cold, or smoked a packet a day. Neither was true but it meant they weren’t always the easiest to hear in loud places. They glanced at the table to see what Hank had been drinking.
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Post by beastly on Aug 4, 2021 17:35:18 GMT -6
Oh, the lights... Hank blinked at Wren, a smile forming on his face when he found them off the stage and now by him. He'd tried paying attention, and had managed some success, but the lights were so beautiful. It was one of his biggest weaknesses... ah well. Someday, maybe Wren would preform in daylight or somewhere regularly lit. He leaned forward slightly. They were going to ask him about what he'd liked- a few possible conversations played out in his head. Wait. Justin Bieber? No.
Hank's green drink sat untouched by his elbow.
"Yes! What was my favorite- You did marvelously! I saw the first part, I got a bit sidetracked, aha. I think the second bit I caught? Yes, with the," he gestures, and it could mean anything,"Very good! ...I enjoyed the lights too." He tapped his fingers together, still smiling widely, thoughts already straying to trying to guess their next words. Oh. He might spill his drink. Hank adjusted his drink, away from his elbow.
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Post by indeath on Aug 8, 2021 5:57:56 GMT -6
“Too sweet! Thanks, Hank.”
Wren smiled warmly at their friend. He did try his hardest. They really should accommodate his obsession with lights. Try to land a drag brunch gig or something. Wren patted their friend on the arm, gave it a friendly squeeze.
A small invisible being flitted from a corner and crawled up onto the table. A small pile of cheese fell from nowhere. Hank’s cup leaned as something drank from it, humming softly to itself.
A small squeaky voice sprang from the air.
“Mmmm midori, bold choice! I liked the dress and body glitter. Would have been better with the wig I chose but you’re so headstrong. Pink is everyone’s color.”
Wren sighed swatted at the space almost spilling the drink. It was cursed it seemed.
“Pfft that was an awful wig. Would have made me look ridiculous. Uh do you want another drink? Sorry about her… Pretty sure you’re too young to drink, Bubbles..”
Wren motioned to one of the waiters they knew, a friendly guy with far too many piercings and a mop of red hair. He waltzed over with a spring in his step and a wink for the two visible people at the table.
“What can I get ya? Great show Abbi! Loved the bit with fake blood. Hey dude!”
He waved at Hank and patiently waited for an order. Wren was curious what Hank would order for them. Cider. Beer. Cosmopolitan. Wine. White Russian.. lemonade for bubbles. There was no question there.
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Post by beastly on Aug 12, 2021 17:45:13 GMT -6
Hank stabilized his drink just in time, smiling still at the space where Bubbles was. That had been a possibility.
"Hi, Bubbles," He greeted the imp fondly, holding out his hand to near where she would be, "I'm glad you approve, but they're right."
Looking back at Wren, he scrapped his response about the drinking age for house imps to a question they hadn't asked. " I... Yes a replacement would be good, I think." The mothman did not fear Bubbles germs, but he hadn't touched that drink since he ordered it at the start of things- it had sat for quite a while. He put a finger to the lip of the glass, holding it still. It very much wanted to spill.
When the redhead stepped up, Hank waved back, still cheerful. He tried not to get shy, but he had trouble talking to people he didn't know well. "You too," the response didn't fit, "We would like a, an, a lemonade," he looked at Wren," Vodka and Tonic- and another midori sour, please." He finished with a smile, the lights nearby glinting off his glasses.
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Post by indeath on Aug 17, 2021 20:42:54 GMT -6
On stage a queen dressed in bright green sequins and tulle sashayed to Billie Eilish. She was a little off beat but doing her best. The crowd were supportive at least. Wren made a loud ‘Whooo’ sound.
Hank would feel his hand taken by a very small furry hand and given a short formal shake. Then a small mound of cheese was placed in it. Bubbles liked Hank a lot.
Wren’s lips wrinkled at the sight of Hank trying to keep the drink from spilling. They were very tempted to just knock it over. That wouldn’t be great for poor Hank’s nerves and Bubbles would never let them hear the end of it.
The redheaded waiter grinned at the table, looking to Wren for confirmation of their order. They nodded smiling back at him. The waiter gave Hank a long look before going off to get the drinks.
“He likes you. I can hook you up if you’re into it. How’s work going? Got any fun podcasts on the go?”
A hmpppf noise came from the space where Bubbles was.
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Post by beastly on Aug 20, 2021 7:07:18 GMT -6
Hank's gaze was caught by the sequins on stage momentarily, eyes following the sparkle of light. He was brought back to earth by Bubbles gifting him a lump of cheese. He mouthed 'thank you', and set the cheese in his pocket, where it would presumably melt.
Blinking after the man, listening to Wren, Hank explored a few possibilities. Mmm. No. "Podcasts. I'm flattered, but after Jeremy... mmh. Podcasts. Yes, actually, I'm into one on tropical fish keeping? Lovely. 'think outside the fishbowl'. Work is good, how is your work going? Man with an arrow in his chest?"
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Post by indeath on Aug 26, 2021 0:55:05 GMT -6
Wren patted their friend on the shoulder and gave Hank a sympathetic smile.
“You’re too good for the likes of Jeremys. Pfft fuck Jeremys. Well… not literally. Err do you actually own any tropical fish? Yeah it’s alright… Still don’t know too many people who aren’t dead. Though at least dead people don’t judge you right? Even if you nibble on their intestines heh… oh arrow? I was thinking of doing a drag look inspired by Saint Sebastian. Oh there was a guy who died from asphyxiation… “
They went quiet as the waiter returned with their drinks and they took a large sip. Once out of earshot they continued.
“They couldn’t work it out until I ate a little of him. Ends up his lover had shoved him into a cupboard and accidentally sealed him in, trying to hide him from his jealous husband. The husband is a night hag. So uh they thought he’d done it. Poor guy.”
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Post by beastly on Aug 26, 2021 19:11:32 GMT -6
He listened, or rather, tried to listen to Wren speak. He had a bad habit of trying to predict the next words out of their mouth, which lead to him getting lost in conversations sometimes. He nodded along regardless, and thanked the waiter when he brought their drinks.
" Suffocation. That is tragic, mm. Poor fellows," He took a taste of his drink and nodded to himself, " I don't have any fish, but I like to hear about them. No, I haven't heard from Jeremy since last month."
Hank drummed his fingers on the table, getting lost in a light for a moment before looking back at Wren, smiling at his rediscovery of them.
"Yes, dead people. -You will find friends. Don't worry, you're a very good friend, and they will see it eventually."
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Post by indeath on Sept 22, 2021 21:21:54 GMT -6
Wren returned the smile with a touch of amusement in their eye.
"The dead people? I don't think they're going to see much of anything now... But, thanks. You're a good friend too. Please don't give Jeremy any of your time. Unless it's to tell him I'll eat his heart if he hurts you again. It's long dead. Barely a snack. Heh would you like some fish?"
Wren couldn't quite make sense of spending all that time on something you might not use in real life. They didn't want to make Hank feel bad though and hoped they hadn't overstepped their bounds. Perhaps fish would be good for Hank, Wren couldn't imagine they did much that needed predicting. You never knew though. Wren was more of a true crime kinda person themselves. That came in handy with their work among other things.
A small squeaky voice sounded from the lemonade. A small round of cheese fell from the air and rolled off the table.
"Jeremy... More like Germy.. face."
She then began drinking loudly from the straw until she discovered blowing in the other direction. The lemonade began to bubble between giggles. Luckily no one seemed to be paying much attention but still, it could end in an accident. The imp had little mind for what might happen to the glass.
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Post by beastly on Oct 12, 2021 16:58:19 GMT -6
"Mmh, not the dead people, Wren," Hank drummed his fingers ," Your coworkers. People about the city. I predict this. Don't be afraid to speak first."
The disguised super gave a slightly wistful sigh, running a hand over the bracelet that allowed him to take human form. "It was a risk. He was either going to accept what I was, or be completely horrified, and I took a gamble. I'm not good at odds, oh that bridge, I don't deal in concrete odds, just possibilities. Some are stronger...It felt like a coin toss, this one. It just hurt."
Jeremy could hardly be blamed too much, the mothman's aura of fear and dread was powerful. Hank had only hoped that with enough of a warning and education Jeremy would have been able to accept him after seeing his true form, glowing red eyes and all.
He brought his finger to trace the edge of his glass, eyes straying to one of the lights before focusing on Wren's face.
"I wouldn't mind fish, but they require a deceptive amount of care, and I travel. I have to go to Chicago again in a month or so- I'll try to make less of a fuss than last time. Windy city, mm."
Seeing the glass prepare to wobble, Hank steadied the glass. She was a cute little creature, even invisible.
"Thank you, Bubbles. It's okay."
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Post by indeath on Nov 25, 2021 1:01:01 GMT -6
“Thanks! I will try my best! If you say it, then it must come to be.”
Wren smiled warmly at their friend, honestly they considered him their best friend. They gave him another squeeze on the arm.
“Your moth form is adorable! So fuzzy. I am sorry Hank. I know what that’s like. I don’t think I have shown anyone special my ghoul form, you’re braver than me.”
Wren took a sip of their drink, swirling the straw in the glass as the bubbles moved around it. Thinking of, they were grateful that Hank had saved the glass but moved it further into the table just in case, followed by annoyed noises from Bubbles.
“True. Oh what are you doing in Chicago? Just there for the… weather?”
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Post by beastly on Feb 2, 2022 17:22:53 GMT -6
"Cute? Ha...Oh...You're too kind, Wren," He adjusted his glasses," It's not really bravery if I know the most likely outcomes, is it? I appreciate the sentiment, though."
Hank took another swallow of his drink.
"I've got to visit a friend, and while I'm there I want to gather material for my book. Chicago is lovely, even if It's easy to get dazed at night..."
He'd caused a bit of trouble the last time he'd been there- he'd been spotted in his natural form in flight, causing people to claim a 'mothman flap' was occurring in Chicago... Which lead to the speculation that something awful was to happen in the city. He would relent and take the trains, sticking to foot travel.
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Post by indeath on Mar 7, 2022 17:40:51 GMT -6
Wren shook their head at Hank, guy couldn’t take a compliment. Wren smiled slyly at their friend.
“Oh? And how often are you right, though?”
Wren was often impressed by Hank’s abilities but often than not he seemed to get caught up stopping one future that he never considered another option. Wren stood up and tried thinking about tripping before they launched themselves at Hank for a hug.
Bubbles tittered on the table, almost knocking over their’s and Wren’s drinks. Getting very pointed looks especially after Wren’s antics, they were in drag after all. They weren’t exactly not sticking out tonight.
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Post by beastly on Mar 8, 2022 14:09:33 GMT -6
"I'm frequently correct- oh!"
Hank had put his arms out to catch Wren in case they fell, but instead was met by a hug-tackle that pushed him back into his seat. His surprise was evident, followed by laughter as he hugged them back. It was always entertaining when Wren tried to throw him off. He enjoyed that about his friend.
"You did surprise me! Point taken," Hank smiled widely, letting go of Wren with one arm to fix his glasses after they'd gone sideways, "I'm not always right. No, I know that. Yes."
Bubbles drew his attention.
"Careful now..."
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Post by indeath on Mar 30, 2022 0:43:59 GMT -6
Wren smiled, pleased that their little trick worked. They flopped back into their chair and promptly knocked their drink onto the floor.
“Whoops…”
Bubbles burst out laughing causing the table to rock slightly. They definitely had a few patron’s attention. The barman began bustling over to clean up the mess. Wren’s face just went red, obvious even underneath the layers of makeup. They grabbed the squirming Bubbles and tried not to look too odd. No one could see her after all and it was hard keeping ahold of something invisible.
“I’m so sorry… I uh… I’m a klutz.”
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