Logs:Puppies, Poetry and Dimples

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Cast

Lux, Nevermore Usher, Gallowglass, Mary Toombs and Little Fox

Setting

Club Vertigo

Log

Lux looks exhausted as they make their way inside the club. Their lights are a little dimmer than usual, and they're wearing kind of scuffed up, casual clothes. They head straight for the bar and slide onto a stool, waving down a bartender for a very strong drink. Actually, make that a very strong drink and a couple shots, while they're at it. Tonight is That Sort of Night.

Gallowglass has been found in stranger places, let's be real. He's currently in a booth by himself; there's a glass in front of him, something dark and sweating. For once, he's not buried nose-first in his sketchbook; instead, he's people-watching. He watches the throng of dancers with a poignant sort of curiosity; he seems to drink in the atmosphere without having to participate, which suits him just fine. He's in a black t-shirt, black pants - easy enough to blend in.

Lux picks up the shots to knock back first. Booze stright to the brain. Then the brightly colored cocktail is picked up to sip at more slowly as they give a look around the club, searching for... well, no one in particular. Just something to take their mind off of--well, their mind.

Then they spot the mirrory giant and pause to eye him a moment, considering. Fuck it--why not? They slide off the stool and walk over to his booth.

The lights are interesting in this place anyway, but it's the yellow light bobbing towards him that catches Gal's attention. His brows lift in surprise; as Lux sashays up, he moves to one side of the booth to make room for them. "You look like you fit in here a little better than I do," Gallowglass notes, but it's with a curling, lopsided smile.

"Not sure if you mean physically or socially," Lux replies, sliding into the booth across from him. They take another swallow of drink before setting the glass side. "You looked like you were thinking about dancing."

"Maybe both. Oh," he laughs, shaking his head. "No, I most definitely wasn't. Nope."

"You sure?" Lux counters, leaning forward on their elbows, eyeing him a moment. "We should dance. Or drink. Or both."

Gal masks his surprise by lifting his drink to his lips, giving himself time by taking a drink. He sets it down, a smile still playing on his features; leaning in, he folds his arms on the tabletop. "We could do both of those things, yes. I don't drink, though." He taps a knuckle against his glass. "This is just a Coke."

"Oh." Lux glances at his glass with a judging glance, but doesn't press. They lift their own for a pointed gulp--clearly tonight is a Drinking night for them. "Well, I hope you don't mind me getting drunk off my ass. I'll fuck off, if so."

"Don't mind at all," he assures Lux, laughing a little. "Why are we getting drunk off your ass? If you feel like sharin'."

"You see on the news about the protest at Independence Mall, earlier today?"

His brow furrows; he rubs a hand at his beard. "Saw a little bit, yeah. Looked like things got pretty messy." His gaze sharpens, expression darkening. "Were you there? Did someone hurt you?"

"Yeah. I was there." They look down at the glass, turning it in their hands. "Got some scrapes and bruises, but I'm fine. But... one of my partners and his friends got nearly beaten to death by cops. Then got arrested. It'll be fine--there's people helping them, but..." They puff out a breath. "Just one of those nights." They lift the glass, waggling it, then takes another sip.

"Shit," Gal murmurs, frown spreading across his features. "Shit, Lux. Glad your partner is okay, or will be okay, but...that's hard t'see, I know. We need t'go bust him out of jail?"

The plump, be-coated form of Nevermore walks in and heads straight to a seat at the bar. They seem not so much lost in thought as buried in it.

"He's in the hospital, right now." Lux grimaces. "I think the plan is to get him out on bail? Then... deal with whatever happens after that. I'm just... worried. His jobs are like... so important to him. And if this doesn't go well... he might loose everything." They rub a hand over their face slowly. "But... I'm sure it will go well. It'll be fine." They finish off the glass with another gulp.

Nevermore gets a sideways glance as they head to the bar, watching them thoughtfully for a moment.

Gallowglass nods slowly, listening with a troubled expression. "So he needs a real good lawyer. I could probably help with that?"

Nevy orders a coke and a double vodka, then glances around. Lux and their massive companion get a double-take, then a tentative smile and wave. "...Hi?" They sound as though they're uncertain of their reception

"Got the lawyer thing covered, thankfully. A couple people have stepped forward. It's probably just gonna be a bit of waiting, you know?" Lux grimaces. When Nevy is waving, and Lux lift their hand to return it, wiggling fingers in greeting. "Hey there." A glance to Gal. "Friend of Mearcstapa's."

"The waitin' can be the hard part; I get that," Gallowglass nods, flicking his gaze to Nevermore. He nods to them, lifting one massive hand. "Evenin'."

Nevy almost looks like they're going to scamper, for a moment, but they take a deep breath and square their shoulders. "How are you doing?" ((Would I need to roll an Empathy to notice Lux is a bit wan?))

Lux is clearly physically and emotionally exhausted. Even a little red-rimmed around their eyes. And boy did they drink down that cocktail quick. Today has been a Bad Day.

"Doing alright," Lux replies with a light shrug to Nevy, and a little hand gesture to invite them to sit at their booth, should they want an easier conversation. "You?"

Gallowglass watches the two exchange pleasantries with a thoughtful expression, lifting his glass to his lips for random bouts of refreshment. He lifts his chin to a passing server, pointing out Lux's empty glass; he nods, swirling a finger. Whatever they want; put it on the tab.

Another moment of uncertainty, another decision. Nevy joins them. "Same," They say. When the drinks come, they down the double vodka, grimace, and sip the coke to clear the taste.

"That's... good?" Lux eyes Nevy thoughtfully for a moment, then flashes Gal a grateful grin when he orders another drink for them. "Thanks. Nevermore, this is Gal. Gal, Nevermore."

"Pleasure's mine, I'm sure," Gal nods, his mouth kicking up at one edge. "Anyone who's good with Mearcstapa is fine by me." He thinks on that a moment, then amends: "Unless they fuck it up, anyway."

Nevermore looks up at Gal, then smiles something a bit closer to their normal smile - until he says that last. Then the smile falters. "Ah. I, uh. I see."

Lux looks between the two a moment, then leans back into the booth seat, slumping down tiredly. "Okay. I'm not in the mood to be walking on egg shells. Something bugging you, Nevermore?"

Gal's jaw slides to one side, nodding in agreement with Lux. "I..was just sayin' people gotta not be an asshole still, wasn't tryin' to say you did nothin' wrong. But uh...you two should talk it out. Whatever it is. If there's an it." Gal nods once, as if that settles it, and folds his big hands on the tabletop to wait expectantly.

"I... might have pushed too far. Asking Mearc questions. It's... I'm not sure where we're at." They glance at Lux. "It's... we'll work it out. I think."

Lux's brow arches, eyeing them. "Questions about what?"

Gallowglass has learned that during these kinds of talks, he makes things worse. To show how far he's come, he drinks his pop and shuts his big trap. His attention bounces back and forth between Lux and Nevermore though, following the conversation - probably prepared to intervene if it makes anyone's day much worse.

Nevy eyes them right back. "About... secrets. Things I... don't really think he'd want me talking about here."

"...Ah. Well..." Their head tips to the side, then they shrug. "That'd do it." Then the server is returning with Lux's new drink, and they pick it up for a thirsty sip. "Hopefully it works out. Sorry things are shitty for you."

"I'm sure you can work it out," Gallowglass chimes in, casual. "If not, well, the vodka will medicate."

They nod. "I... think it will be okay." They clear their throat, looking at Lux. "Your artist... collective... thing. How is that going?"

"It's going well. A lot of work. We're moving into our new place this next week. Getting an office set up and a workshop." Another gulp. "Gonna get all the artists together to paint all over the walls. Should be fun." They look to Gal. "How's your training going?"

"Oh, pretty good," he bobs his head. "I'm gonna enroll in a school here pretty soon. It's four hours a day, leaves me open for my other job. Get paid pretty good doin' that one, and I can do it around what would be my time at th'school. So...all in all, really good." He quirks a grin, rubbing a hand over his beard. "I kinda need t'find a place. Excited about that, just...I dunno, some little house or somethin'."

"What are you studying?" Nevy asks the big man.

"A house?" Lux's lips quirk a bit. "Aiming high, huh. Not a bad thing though, if you can afford it. I'm glad things are going well. You'll have to show me some of your designs."

"Oh, uh, I'm studyin' t'be a tattoo artist," he explains, nodding once. "Sort of in th'real early stages, but...seems t'be goin' pretty good." He bobs his head at Lux, quirking a grin. "Okay, an apartment. Probably can't afford a house. Somewhere I can buy a real bed and not sleep in a sleepin' bag, I'm really excited about that part. With a shower." The excitement radiates from Gal, etched in his smile and the brightness in his eyes and the way his shoulders lift.

Nevy grins. "Oh, that's awesome. You..." They hesitate. "You... that... Yeah, that sounds... pretty nice. Do you have any places in mind yet?"

"Aww, Gal..." Lux smiles across at him, seeming more sympathetic than judgy. "That sounds awesome. I'm sure you'll find something great. If you want help apartment shopping, let me know."

"Nah, I ain't really looked. Ain't picky, I just want lots of light and my own bathroom." He shrugs, breaking into a grin.

"I just came into town not long ago. Some of the apartments I was looking at might still be open, if you want the info."

"Might not be a bad idea," Lux says with a tip of their head towards Nevy. "Hm. Either of you considered experimenting with street art?"

"Sure, I'll take the info." He furrows his brow at Lux, head cocking to one side. "Like what you do?"

Nevy blinks. "I, uh... I hadn't. I mostly work in pen and ink, which..." They give a lopsided smile. "Doesn't tend to cover walls well."

"That's fair. It's not for everyone," Lux replies with a nod. "I, meanwhile, have a really hard time doing art on a smaller scale. I'm used to having a lot of space. But yeah, Gal--like what I do. Or not like what I do. Not all street artists use the same styles."

His mouth purses thoughtfully. "I haven't thought about that exactly, but - one reason I was plannin' on gettin' a house eventually is so I could cover th'walls. So..I thought about inside art I guess, not outside art." He takes a drink, rattling the ice in his glass. "That'd be interestin'."

Nevy's been thinking. "I... could try doing something, I guess. Paint instead of pen?" They shrug. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Lux smiles softly. "Well, come by the workshop sometime. Give it a try, maybe."

"You got a whole workshop where you set up for that?" Gal raises his brows, appearing a little stunned at the idea of a whole space to just get to do art.

Gay bar? GAY BAR! This is the perfect place for a tiny creature seeking new experiences! Especially a Fox. Freshly-washed, wearing clean clothes, someone probably washed them for her because she can't usually be bothered, and even wearing shoes, Fox zooms in, backpack strapped to her back, and hops up and down to look over the heads of the gathered people. "Luuuuuux!" Fox does not understand subtle.

Nevy, about to answer Lux, instead whiplashes themselves upon hearing the name called over the whole bar. Their eyes widen.

"What the...?"

"Yep. The building we're renting is pretty big. Space for the office and a huge studio that is open for artists to come in work in," Lux replies, bobbing their head. They take another big gulp of booze. Their lights are turning a bit warbly now--for those that can see them. Which, well, is just Gal. Not that it isn't obvious they're getting buzzed as fuck in other ways too, granted.

They blink as they hear their name called out, sitting up to look towards the door. "Yooo," they call back, lifting a hand to wave.

And it's not so long after the Fox makes their way in that Harmony also makes an entrance. A gay bar means new people to meet, a friendly atmosphere and a chance to unwind following recent events. And there's Fox ahead of her, Harmony's eyes taking her in with a huge, huge grin.

Wearing her yellow sun dress and shoes (she dislikes shoes but barefoot doesn't work in the city), she proves she's pretty unsubtle too. "Naikaaaaaa!" You'd think she hadn't seen him for days, rather then just being held up outside.

Gal engages in some mystical sign language again with a server; this time, when Lux is brought another drink, it's paired with a tall tumbler of ice water. His head cranes to one side at the reunions being tossed around, jaw sliding to one side. He drains the last of his glass, ordering a tonic and lime to replace it.

She's good at getting through crowds, and wriggles between people to find herself next to Lux and Co's booth. Greetings from Little Fox to people she has declared as hers are enthusiastic, especially after she's spent all day being a puppo and therefore has border collie affection and enthusiasm. Unless Lux dodges, there's a hug incoming. "Hello, drinkydrunk!" And then she turns back to call back toward the door: "Over heeeeere."

Nevermore seems half-intimidated by this newcomer's boundless energy and half inspired by it. They glance between Lux and the Fox. "Hi there," They say, hoping their expression is friendly.

Lux is a little caught off guard by the affectionate greeting, but doesn't dodge. They pat her arm as she squeezes, offering a tired lopsided smile. "Hey. Come, sit. That a friend of yours? This is Neveremore, and this is Gallowglass. Gal is being veeeerrrry helpful and buying me drinks. He's the beest."

She grins and weaves her way through the crowd. And, wow, input. When you can sense life all around you, being in a bar does pinpoint a whole lot of people. Especially when you also have sharpened senses. A drink is acquired before she seeks out Fox, reaching out to offer them an one armed hug in turn. "Hiii!" She offers to the booth, beaming. "I'm Mary. Yous all friends of Nakia?"

Gal snorts in amusement, leaning forward to nudge the ice water closer to Lux. "Don't forget t'drink that one too. You'll thank me tomorrow." He offers Fox and Harmony both a faint smile; his expression registers as more than welcome to new arrivals, while laced with a quiet apprehension at performing socially. He folds his big arms on the tabletop, affecting a comfortable slouch.

"Mary, this is Lux, and Lux's friends, who I don't know yet but am about to!" She concludes the hug and patpats Lux's arm gently. "Everything's mostly sorted, and Aaron was feeling a lot better when we left. If you wanna go visit tomorrow, I have to go talk to Mei some more." The little Thyrsus' gold-and-green eyes fox on Gallowglass next. "Are you buying for everyone?" The corners of their mouth curl up, and he wriggles his fingers at Nevermore next. "Hi! I'm Naika. Or you can call me Fox. I'm not bothered. And this is Mary."

Nevy comes to a decision. They will not be out-extra'd by this fox. They straighten, then go into the best elaborate bow that the booth will allow. "Nevermore Usher, purveyor of the macabre and watcher for the weird, at both your service."

"Really?" Lux looks up at Fox, shoulders slumping a little in relief. "That's... that's good. Yeah, I planned on going to visit tomorrow. Thought I'd try sneaking in some decent food. I--oh shit." Their eyes go wide. "Chewie! Fuck, I--is anyone taking care of Aaron's dog?" As if Fox should just know this. "I should... go make sure he's fed in a bit..." They frown, rubbing a hand over their face. "The poor thing, I can't believe I forgot..." They give a suddenly very tired smile towards Mary. "Hey. Nice to meet you."

"Hey Nevermore, Lux and, well, hi, I'll pick up your name too I hope." She smiles at Gal. Quieter then Nakia, she nevertheless listens to the talk, head canting slightly. "And that's all kinds of awesome." She declares brightly to Nevermore. "Weird needs the watching, I reckon." Pause, blink. Eyes on Lux. "What happened?" A glance at Nakia. Clearly something's up here. Lux gets a smile back though. "Hey. Good to meet you too. Sorry if you're on a rough patch."

"I am poor as dirt, so nope," he informs Fox cheerfully. "You can buy your own." He nods to Harmony, flipping the fingers of one hand in a wave. "I'm Gallowglass. Uh, Gal works, too."

Fox curls her fingers in, pressing the first knuckles of her fingers together like she's going to prop them under her chin, but instead she presses her thumbs under her nose and peers at Nevermore over her hands, hiding her smile behind her hands. "Oh wow, you're fantastic! Oh, I didn't ask for pronouns. You can use any for me, including neopronouns, it, I don't care. Defaulting to presentation is just fine!" She offers Nevermore a bow in return, but hers is much more formal, Japanese-style. And then her attention slides back to Lux. "Yeah, it's ... "

Pause. "... you know. I... I don't know. We should go take care of that, actually. Maybe not right this second, but... yes. I didn't know he had a dog." That's a Concern, clearly. A glance aside at Harmony, and she shakes her head wearily. "You know the incident that was on Facebook Live, with the cops in Independence Square? Lux's boyfriend -- boyfriend??" Repeated as a request for clarity. "Person. Was one of them."

A loose shrug to Gallowglass. "Oh, I'm broke too. I just sent my monthly stuff to Rainbow Railroad. Mary, buy me a drink."

Nevy smiles. "They and them for me - today, anyway." They indicate their pin. The smile widens. "As for fantastic - I try." They blink at Lux. "Oh, my God, you know - and then he - and you...." They blink again. "I hope everyone's all right."

"Umm..." Lux looks momentarily flustered. "Yeah. Boyfriend, I guess." They stare down at the last unfinished drink, then push it aside with a sigh. They couldn't get shitfaced drunk now, not when adorable puppers are depending on them. "I'll deal with it in a bit. Gonna drink this water first." They pick up the glass of ice water, flashing Gal a see, I'm drinking!! look, before taking a long sip. Nevy's reaction seems to confuse them, their brows lifting at them. "Ummm...? Thanks...?"

"Oh." Mary looks down, nodding woefully. "Yeah, I saw. It looked rough. I do hope he's okay then." A glance to Nakia, then Lux. "If I can help with the dog problem. I mean, I know you don't know me, so, erm, yeah, drinks." She nods with a small smile, standing. "I'd ask what it's worth to you normally." She tells Nakia with a slight grin. "But what do you want, your usual? Do you have an usual?" A look to the other three. "Anything for you all too?"

"I can go feed th'dog," Gallowglass murmurs, studying Lux for a moment; the conversation swirls around him and he looks earnestly lost otherwise. He rubs his hands together idly, gaze shifting to the dancefloor so he can people-watch.

"You got it, Nevermore Usher, they and them today." She offers them a little close-lipped smile. "Oh, sorry." This to Lux, and Naika does look genuinely sorry. "I was just trying to -- not -- understate things." She puffs her cheeks out and waves a hand absently, fluttering it in the air. "Whatever's clever, Mary! I would like something fruity and delicious."

"Everyone's going to be okay," Little Fox adds on the end.

Nevy blinks at Mary. "Um... a Lion's tail, please," They say to Mary. Then they glance around the table, seeming to have lost the bravado they'd brandished a moment before.

"Thanks, Gal. I appreciate the offer, but I don't really feel right sending strangers to his apartment." Still, they smile gratefully at him, even stretching out a foot to bump against his leg. Their hand waves dismissively towards Fox. "Oh, naw, it's cool. I mean, I guess he is my boyfriend, it's just early enough in the relationship that it's a bit weird to hear people say it? Not bad-weird. Kinda giddy-nice-weird, but still weird." They gulp down more water, then nod. "Yeah. Everything will be okay."

"Fruity and delicious. Deal." She nods to Nakia and then Nevy with a smile, glancing at Lux with an agreeing nod as he explains about the apartment and strangers to Gal, that'd certainly cover her too. "Good though, I hope?" To Lux with a warm smile. "Exploring something new with someone and figuring all the details out? And if you or Gal want me to grab you drinks too, give me a shout?" And with that she's heading for the bar.

"I know," he nods, unsurprised by Lux's reaction. "I didn't think you'd go for it, but I would've felt like a shit if I didn't at least offer." He gives the glowbug a lopsided smile of reassurance, drumming the fingers of one hand against the opposite arm. Stilling the restless motion, he plucks up his glass for a leisurely sip. "Oh, I'm good. I don't drink, this is just tonic water."

"Is there anything I can do to help out?" Nevy says to Lux, their expression subdued now.

"It's good, yeah. And thanks--but I'm good with water," they say to Mary, before smiling back at Gal. "Well, thanks for offering, anyway." They consider a moment, then shake their head at Nevy. "No, I don't think so, but thank you."

Returning, Mary sets down the drinks, watermelon vodkas for her and Fox, and Nevy's lion's tail. "Don't pull on it." She tells them teasingly, looking between them. "So, ah, tell me a bit about yourselves, if that's okay? Or just direct questions my way, that'd be good too." A small but warm smile.

His lopsided smile resurfaces for Lux, who gets a big thumbs-up - which turns into a finger-gun. "Of course. I mean...I'll do anythin' to help." His grin widens, turns teasing; he bumps his foot into Lux's shin. "Anythin' t'help a dog. I'm a sucker for pups. Oh!" He snaps his fingers. "That's what I need in a place, too. That I can have a dog."

Nevy gives a small smile and sips the delicious beverage. "Well," They say, "I'm an artist and a poet. I just put out a book, actually."

Lux smirks across at Gal briefly. "Anything? You should be more careful with your words, Gal. I might hold you to it," they tease in return. "But yes, you totally need a dog. A tiny yappy one to dress up in little doll clothes." A flash of a smirk, before they turn to Mary. "It's a good book. I'm an artist as well--street art, mostly."

"Daaaaangerous thing to say, yep." She winks at Gal. "But I get wanting a dog, they're awesome to have around." A keen nod to Nevy and Lux. "Both creative types then? That's cool to hear. How's your book doing Nevermore?" A warm smile to Lux. "And I'd love to see some of it at some point, if I can? Have you done any recent pieces?"

Gallowglass's mouth scrunches to one side as he fights his amusement; he turns up his nose, folding his arms tightly across his chest. "I would never do somethin' that ridiculous," he rumbles, snorting. "Doll's clothes." He levels his gaze on Lux, incredulous. "That's offensive." He pauses, and then: "They make all kinds of dog clothes. My precious baby angel will get real dog clothes, thank you."

They shrug with a wry smile. "It's selling decently - among the goth crowd that know about it and have the spare cash to spend on a book of art and poetry in this economy. Sooooo..." They leave the sentence there.

Fox's phone had gone off and they wandered off to take the call, coming back just in time to ask: "You have a dog?" of Gallowglass. "I like dogs." She picks up the drink that Mary got for her and curls her little hands around it. "So nothing you could live off of?"

"My latest piece is in the front lobby of an art gallery, if you wanted to check it out. It's at the Touatl Gallery," they say to Mary. "Pretty proud of it." Then they smirk at Gal, head tilting. "Oh, well, excuse me... I look forward to seeing your very well dressed baby angel, then."

She laughs brightly, sipping her own drink. "A halo and a white robe then?" She asks Gal, winking at him. "And I like dogs too, love 'em, in fact. But I'm an animal lover in general." Mary stretches her legs out under the table, getting more comfortable. "And the book and artwork, mm, I'd love to see them both. I'll take time out to visit the gallery when I've chance."

He gives Fox a smile at that, complete with dimples. "Not yet," he clarifies. "But it's at th'top of my list. Gettin' a home, then a dog. Wait, no. Home, then bed with real bedding, then dog." He ticks his list off on his fingers, as if this is a routine he regularly recites to himself. "Yeah, you better get ready," he assures Lux, nodding decisively. "Little shit's gonna dress better'n I do."

Nevy snorts at Fox's comment. "Pretty much," They say. Then they smile, reach into their bag, and pull out a slim volume with a stylized rose on the front, which they proffer to Mary. "I mean, if you're curious..." They say in a tempting tone.

To Gallowglass, they say "You'll get all of it, I'm sure. It sounds like you've got plenty of people cheering for you."

"I definitely want to go see that piece. But also, you're supposed to send me pitcures of your art, too." A close-lipped smile aside to Lux. Fox sets her glass down on the table and presses her hands to her cheeks. "Oh, and you've got dimples! You're adorable! Yes, I'm sure you'll get it together. A dog is a good motivator."

"To be fair, that's not hard," Lux quips back to Gal. They're drunk enough to go for the low blows now, apparently. But they're still grinning widely, obviously just joking. "Oh--yeah, here..." They pull out their phone to poke at. "I'll send you my Instagram, which has most of my stuff on it."

"He does, doesn't he?" She hums to Fox about Gal, then pauses, looking back at him. "Ah, is he and him right? I should ask these things, sorry, to all of you. Fox is right though Gal, you've cute dimples." A wide grin before she reaches out, carefully taking the book from Nevy." Thank you." She tells them earnestly, flipping it open and making sure to not get any drink on it. "Can I has your instragram too Lux? I'd love to look through."

For a moment, he's caught between two expressions - one of near-blushing, sheepish acceptance of Harmony and Fox's praise, the other a mockery of offense directed at Lux. "I dressed up," Gallowglass points out, slapping the table at Lux. He thrusts a finger out towards the dancing people "See? Black," he explains, and then plucks at his black t-shirt. "Black. I'm fuckin' vogue."

The book is a collection of poems and stylized artwork in an intricate gothic style, intertwined. Despite the dim light, it's possible to make out pictures of roses, hands, skeletons, and wrapped around them poems of longing, love, madness, and loss.

Nevy also pulls out a couple black business cards with instagram, Etsy store, and commission email information on them from a pocket. "If anyone's interested," They say as they set them on the table. They smile at Gallowglass and gesture to their own sugar-skull-embroidered black coat. "Absolutely," They say. "Black is never going out of style."

Lux grins impishly over at Gal, even poking the tip of their tongue out at him. Then a beat pause, and they squint. "I never even noticed you have dimples. Huh. They are pretty cute... And psssh." Their hand waves at him. "If you really want to dress up, you should let me pick out your clothes. I can make you look hot. Hm. Hoter."

"Sure," Lux says to Mary, going back to tapping their screen. "What's your number?" Once it's given, Lux texts her an Instagram link. One of Nevy's cards is picked up and pocketed as well.

"Okay, yeah, send me your Instagram, but also, pay attention to me and text me pictures," Fox sighs, oh so dramatically, but grinning all the whine. There's a low, chattering sort of laughter at Gallowglass protesting his fashion choices. "The dimples are the best accessory," she points out, then reaches to snatch a card. "Ooh, you have an Etsy store!" The card disappears into her pocket.

"Black's pretty stylish if you ask me." Harmony chuckles, studying Nevy's poems with a slowly growing smile. "Tumult.." She muses. "And vibrant, you're good at capturing strong elements Nevermore. How much would this book be?" She happily takes one of their cards, and gives Lux her number for the instragram account. "Hotter, yes." A broad grin at more Gal teasing. "Oh! And I don't know if it'd catch any of your fancy, but I teach yoga and tai chi, if that might appeal to any of you. It felt right to say, as we're all sharing."

He laughs outright, mostly to over the way his ears and cheeks turn a lovely shade of dark. He rubs two fingers against his forehead, his mirth evident in his expression and the way his shoulders relax. "I'll keep the dimples then, but only for you, Fox." He wrinkles his nose at Lux, shaking his head. "Now I know you're drunk. Drink your water."

They chuckle at Fox. "I do - I sell prints of some of my other work, and I also take commissions." Nevy grins at Mary. "For you? Twenty dollars. For that, you keep the book and get the knowledge that you're helping a Goth stay safe in this strange, sunlit world.""

"Okaaaaaay, here, I'll text you my favorites seperate," Lux replies to Fox, rolling their eyes good naturedly before, indeed, sending off more texts. "I drank the water!" Lux whines bratishly at Gal, then squints at the glass. No, there's still water left. They pout as they pick it up to drain the rest of the contents, then waggle the empty glass at him before setting it down. "Ooh... Yoga is cool. Where do you teach?"

The little Thyrsus coos, wrapping her hands around her drink again, and wrinkles up her nose happily in Lux's direction. "Thank youuuuu," Fox answers, swinging her feet under her seat and bumping her shoulder against the Bright One's. "Oh, for me? Thank you, you shouldn't have." The most winning of smiles toward Gallowglass, but never showing her teeth. "And I am dying to see the results of this shopping trip. I didn't know hotter could be possible in this case." She slides her green-gold gaze toward the other Awakened. "Yoga is cool."

Harmony mock pouts at her old mentor. "How come only you get his dimples? I mean, aside from being an awesome person and really hot, but still. Unfair." She grins, sipping more of her drink and then hunts down a note to present to Nevy. "That sounds a good deal. I'll take pride and satisfaction in providing for a lovely Goth."

She nods at Fox and Lux. "Really is. The world's often n so much of a rush, yoga offers a chance to simply breathe, which is harder then it should be. And it's good for spiritual and physical balance as well. I don't have an indoor space, I tend to hold small sessions in Fairmount park, and most of my students end up there through word of mouth. So fairly small groups."

"Yeah, well," he sighs, feigning an expression of smug pride; he lifts his glass to toss it back. "If you think I'm hot now, wait'll you see me after I have my own bathroom." He bumps his brows all around the table, devoting a second or two of Eye Contact to each. He makes it through one round of such expert flirting before he makes a face and drops his gaze, rubbing the line in his brow with one thumb.

Nevy takes the $20 with a grin and another elaborate bow. "I thank you, tr- lovely? Really?" They're interrupted by Gallowglass's flirting, and turn to look at him with the straightest face they can muster for a moment.

"No problem," Lux replies to Fox, leaning sideways to lounge against her while eyeing Gal. "Hmm. If I actually manage to drag him out shopping, then I'll be sure to send you some sexy pics, Fox." They snort softly. "Freemont Park. Got it. I'll keep an eye out." They exhale a sigh, then push up out of the booth. Which results in some wobbling and them having to grip the back of it for balance. "Whoa. Hmm. Anyway, I have a dog to go rescue. Gooooood seeing you all."

And that leads to a little burst of happy clapping from Fox, clutched in front of her chest. "Oh please send me 'big tall sexy man hot new clothes pictures', that is an experience I am VERY much looking forward to." And then a long, happy sigh. "Because I asked for the dimples, Mary. See. That is an important lesson to learn." She winks one gold-green eye at her former student.

Oh, that Gallowglass flirting. Fox flutters her lashes back at him, lounging back against Lux. "Mm. You want help, Lux?" She picks up her phone, fiddling with it for a second.

"Hm." She nods thoughtfully, looking between Gal and Fox. "Can I ask to share in the dimples then Gal, and maybe the hot new clothes and pictures and all?" She laughs quietly, then nods firmly to Nevy. "Lovely." Confirmation. She leans back in her chair, stretching a little. "I'll do my best to bear that lesson in mind." She agrees to Fox, meeting their bright eyed wink with her own.

Gal sobers, watching Lux carefully; he scoots his way out of the booth. "Lux, are you - you sure you can get where you're goin'?" Gal sort of hovers, occupies space in his spectacularly awkward way, shifting his weight from foot to foot. "I know, no strangers. Just...text when you get there, that's all." His hands fidget, fists opening and closing. He looks back to the occupants of the booth, and he tries...so very hard to look annoyed. He fails.

Nevy seems flustered at the compliment, but Lux's movements sober them slightly. "I was going to take a cab home. If where you're going is on the way, you can come too."

"Naaah, I'm good. Stay and have fun!" Lux says to Fox, then looks down at their phone to squint at. There's some clumsy poke-poking, and then Gal stands up and hovers above them. They peer upwards, staring at the Ogre for a long moment before grinning slowly. They pat-pat at his chest. "I'll take Nevy's cab if you really let me take you shopping and play dress up."

There's an exchange of text messages -- like, honestly, it's really obvious that Lux and Fox are texting each other -- and then the little Thyrsus scoots out of the booth to let Lux exit. "I definitely need at least pictures," she sighs. "Video! Video, definitely video." And then she scoots back into the booth.

She nods to Nevy, withdrawing a touch at their discomfort and offering a smile and nod. "Thank you for the book, I'll take a deeper look later." She offers a slow grin at observing Gal's and Lux's interaction, before seizing a chance to scoot into the booth next to Fox if there's room. "Video. You should hold out for video." She agrees.

Gal's mouth pinches together in a constipated line; he scowls at the Bright One, but it's without teeth. He exhales through his nose, hunching forward to draw his face closer to Lux's. "You're a pain in the ass," he informs Lux, but there's a smirk there. "Fine. If you take Nevy's cab home safely, you can take me shopping and play dress up." His mouth pulls into the same lines as if he'd just eaten lemons, but he is dutiful in reciting the terms of the agreement.

"Oh, hun, you have no idea," Lux replies with a smirk up at Gal, then leans up onto their toes to give him a smooch on the cheek while he's leaned in. "I'm holding you to that!" Then they turn on their heels and offer their arm to Nevy. "Shall we, then?" With a gesture to the door, before heading that way--whether Nevy takes their arm or not. "Byeeee!" they call back to those remaining.