2020.05.25 Murder Open Mic Night

Murder Open Mic Night May 2020
Monthly social event to let people get their dose of non revalatory natural anything could show up event.
IC Date	May 25 2020
IC Time	4PM-7PM
Players	Wick, Jimmy, Hayden, Angela, Adeline, Rick, Alex, Clara, Cash, Katie, Evie, Keira, Santino, Kai Dunne
Storyteller	Conn
Location	Murder of Crows
Prp/Tp	N/A
Theme Song	N/A

,

Wick stands watching as Conn makes adjustments to the sound system, setting things up with the mic he'd offered for the night. "It's sounding great now." As Conn steps down from the stage, he steps over to wrap him up in a hug.

Kai walks into the club and looks to everything heading to the bar. He gives a thumbs up to Conn. "Sounding good bro." He says heading to the bar.

Kai walks into the club and looks to everything heading to the bar. He gives a thumbs up to Conn. "Sounding good bro." He says heading to the bar.

Alex walks in wearing is normal degree of clothes and looks around. He spots Wick and walks over to him smiling."I promise I'm not following you, or at least not just, I had signed up to be here as well tonight."

Conn taps the mic again "Hi folks. I'm Conn, owner here. Welcome to the open mic night, we hold it here on Sundays. We have a spare guitar up on the stage," he gives Kai a thumbs up, grateful the sound system is finally working "and if you don't know how to play there are at least two of us here that do and are willing to provide backup. I'd like to invite Wick up onto the stage to accompany me for the opening number, owner's prerogative. I'll be playing Hozier's ``Take me to Church``" Still obviously nervous on the stage, he waits for Wick to join him.

Clara beams at Conn and Wick and finds a seat near the front, taking the lense cover off of her camera

Wick offers Alex a shy smile as he turns up next to him. He laughs and is about to say something when Conn taps the mic. He brightens with delight as Conn calls him up. "Be back in a sec," he tells Alex before scampering up to join Conn on the stage with that guitar of his. He rather beams off at the crowd.

Alex claps and cheers for Wick as he moves up to perform. When he looks back at Alex he winks and smiles at him in return.

Kai moves to the bar and gets a soda and moves to a booth.

Having to show her ID to get in here, Katie takes a little longer than everyone else, but is eventually allowed through. She looks around as she makes her way to the natural place to start, the bar, settling herself into a seat where she can see people and the stage easily.

Having to show her ID to get in here, Katie takes a little longer than everyone else, but is eventually allowed through. She looks around as she makes her way to the natural place to start, the bar, settling herself into a seat where she can see people and the stage easily.

Cash was working the bar - moving through the crowd with practiced ease. For the most part, he was here to quash any trouble. Thankfully, the folks here don't seem to require such attention - so he gets to watch the performances.

Conn clears his throat and starts with a soft chord instantly singing between the first soft chord and the second chord, eyes closed: My lover's got humor she's the giggle at a funeral, Knows everybody's disapproval I should've worshiped her sooner

Smiling warmly as he hears Wick singing with him. The two have an almost uncanny polish to their performance and they seamlessly take turns as melody and harmony with a precision that speaks to their weeks of practice together.

Well, she's here and she's twenty one, right? Katie turns to the bartender and orders a drink for herself, her small fingers wriggling awkwardly into the tight pocket of her jeans to pull out some cash to pay for it. A few moments later and a pink drink with ice is placed down in front of her that she gathers up in both her small hands, taking a sip.

Evie's dressed up quite some, today. Purple blouse, black lace miniskirt, black tights and kitten heels. She's even put some effort into her makeup today. A quick flash of her ID lets her in, and she makes her way to the bar to claim a seat and enjoy the music.

Clara smiles as the song begins and once they are fully into it, she slowly lifts her camera, gazing at the performers through her lense and snapping this shot or that

Rick strolls in the bar, gets paused at the door and looks pleased. He pulls out his drivers license and proudly says "Turned 21 today!" He grins, shakes hands with the man at the door, then heads over to the bar where Katie sits. He leans in and gives her a kiss on the cheek, and a 'hello sweetie.'.

Wick's eyes drift shut to savor Conn's voice as he the man begins to sing. And as the song unfolds, his own guitar joins his as he plucks intricate notes to compliment his chords.

Adeline slips in from outside, eyes bright and excited. She scans the room and spies some friends, and heads to the bar.

Clara snaps a few shots of Conn and Wick, adjusting the focus and such to get just the images she wants - Wick's eyes closed, fingers on the keys, Conn as he sings

"Hey!" Katie brightens instantly when Rick arrives, placing her drink aside so she can give the man a warm cuddle. Relaxing back on her seat, she keeps an arm lazily around him, urging him a little closer. "I went to the music academy earlier, Simone was hosting a show with a few students.", she smiles, "It was quite good.". Noticing Adeline has arrived too, she lifts a hand and wriggles the fingers in a wave.

Kai sits down in a booth by himself listening to the song enjoying the music as his head bobs back and forth.

Angela steps inside, pulling her leather off as she wanders towards the bar.

Conn's voice cracks a little as he sings the 'Amen' refrain of the song, like he's supressing a sob as he sings. You can't be sure if those are tears or beads of sweat, but regardless he seems lost in reverie, singing with Wick.

Angela does a little drum solo along the bar top as she slides along to a seat, trying to get the bartenders attention.

Adeline spies Rick and Katie and waves enthusiastically back. Everyone's having such a great time.

Alex watches from in a seat close to the stage watching Alex but being careful not to... spoil the mood.

Wick can't help but move with the music, shifting with a hint of something sensual. His brows furrow with the pained passion of the music. His own voice lifts hoarse with emotion as he harmonizes with Conn's 'Amen'. He stills, gazing out at the audience. His own eyes shine with unmistakeable tears. And as the pair launch into the chorus, he plucks harsh notes from that guitar of his, pained yet defiant.

Rick snuggles up to Katie and says "I'm sorry I missed it. I was suddenly tired for some reason." He waves to the bartender and says "Can I get a ...uuhh...tonic water please?" He gives a little shrug to Katie and says during the singing "Guess 21 isnt that exciting to me any more

Clara is grinning behind her camera as she catches more moments with a click of the shutter. Lowering the camera, the pretty woman is chair dancing slightly as she enjoys the song

Cash makes his way over to where Clara is seated, grinning as she's chair dancing. He's not going to interrupt, though - letting her enjoy the fantastic song and performance

Angela soon has a beer, spinning on her stool to watch the singing, grinning a bit as she spots Wick, perking up a bit to listen.

Angela glances down the bar briefly at the patrons, seeing who she does or doesn't know before returning her attention back to the pair.

Clara looks up with a grin and playfully tugs Cash down for a hug with one arm, the ohter hand protecting her camera

Turning on her seat so she's facing Rick, Katie opens her legs for him to stand between, resting her hands on his hips. "You had an exciting birthday..", she smiles, a mischevious twinkle in her large blue eyes, "Did you try your car? It's not falling apart, is it?", she chuckles. "I didn't know what to look for."

Alex moves to go talk to Angela

Evie stops bobbing her head to the music just long enough to flag down a bartenter for a rum and coke.

Alex says, “Hey sorry about the other night. How are you doing? Also um. do you think maybe you could give me some advice.”

Alex's voice becomes sort of quiet at the last part.

Conn sings the last chorus, letting the final strum of his guitar resonate and not silencing it as is his normal wont. When the guitar string silences itself he rubs the sweat off his brow unceremoniously with his shirt and smiles at Wick. "Theydies and gentlethem, the inestimable Wick." He genuinely has no idea how good he himself is, content to bask in Wick's presence and talent.

Angela grins over at Alex, "I just had a few too many, no need for you to apologize baby it's ok." she laughs a bit and sips her beer, "Advice? I can give advice... good advice is a whole other thing."

Rick actually sits on the seat a little bit, between Katie's legs, and he leans back to give her a kiss "I did! I drove it here, its parked outside. I'm the designated driver, so have as much as you want tonight." He snuggles up with her and gives a wave over to Adeline "Hey Adeline! We love your picture, we hung it up in our dining room so we can see it whenever we eat. Thank you _very_ much for doing that for us, it is absolutely beautiful."

Adeline claps both Conn and Wick with wild enthusiasm, eyes shining, and calls, "Breathtaking!"

Cash returns the hug to Clara, grinning to her. He gives applause and whistles for the duo on the stage. Once everything's settled down again, he comments to Clara. "They are really good."

Clara kisses Cash's cheek then applauds brightly for Conn and Wick, giving them a sharp whistle of approval "yeah they are"

Wick seems rather lost as the music fades, but Conn's voice brings him back to the stage. He smiles up at him with a profound warmth. "And the magnificent Conn!" And taking his hand, he faces the audience to take a bow. "Thank you all so cmuh. Hope everyone will take a chance to perform tonight."

Hayden walks into the club and heads for the bar. He orders a double gin and tonic hold The tonic.

Evie stands up and applauds the duo as they finish. "Bravo! That was amazing! Woooo!"

Angela's eyes linger on Evie for a bit as she stands and applauds, she does so in turn, being sure to snag a sip of her beer after.

Alex motions over at Wick while he's still on the stage

Angela laughs a bit and nudges Alex, "Good one."

As he's putting his back to her, Katie drapes her arms around Rick's waist, nuzzling playfully against his neck for a second before resting her chin on his shoulder. When the song ends, however, she lifts her hands up to applaud the pair on stage, glancing around at all the others doing the same. "It is /really/ pretty..", she says to Adeline, ".. you picked out the parts of the us that.. are like.. us!", she chuckles. Touching her fingertips to her lips, she presses a kiss to them, then blows it over to Adeline.

Angela laughs a bit with Alex, leaning over to him.

Angela offers Alex a toothy grin, "I kid I kid!"

Clara grins as the guys come down off the stage and points at her camera mouthing "i got it" with a laugh

Rick smiles at Katie's words, then applauds Conn and Wick "That was a fantastic performance. Perhaps...Hey Katie, you want to go up on stage? You've been taking music lessons!" He looks back over his shoulder at her, perhaps steeling himself for the incoming smacks but grinning wickedly.

Cash gives a grin to both Conn and Wick. "Damn fine job." He offers over, standing near Clara for the moment. "I ain't wantin to follow you guys - you all are phenomenal."

Alex makes a loud applause for them and screams,"Whoot! Go Wick! That was great!" And motions for him to come and sit over by him and Angela.

<WRAITH> Jimmy enters through the door. He is silent as he moves, the only sound is that of a sledgehammer being drug behind him. It grinds on the floor. He stops for a long moment and peers from the pitch black darkness of his hood. Listening and watching for something.

Adeline is still cheering for the genius musicians Con and Wick. And she looks so entirely thrilled that Katie and Rick liked the gift, and responds with the very largest beam and blown kiss of her own.”It was pure pleasure to make it. And you’re going to sing tonight, Katie, yes?” Something makes her pause a little startled, and she glances at the door, but soon she is smiling and clapping again.

Clara glances over her shoulder and blinks at something in surprise then smiles up at Cash "I'm sure not getting up there, I cant sing my way out of a wet paper sack!"

Angela leans back a bit against the bar with one elbow, she pats the bartop a few times in her own applaus, too busy with the beer in her hand to bring them together, smiling as she puts the glass to her lips again.

Evie starts looking back and forth among the people next to her at the bar, then looks a bit panicked before leaning in to whisper something to Adeline.

Cash looks to Clara for a moment, eyebrow raised. "Everythin' ok?" He asks, squatting down near her.

Conn shudders as as though someone had walked over his grave and looks in the general direction of the entrance. "If you want to go hang with your friends, don't mind me," he says to Wick, waving fondly at Hayden before joinng Clara at her booth.

Adeline grins at Evie, and murmurs back.

Katie keeps applauding when Wick and Coon approach, giving a smile to them both before she's hearing what Rick is suggesting. The panic on her face is enough to make anyone nervous, "Oh, I don't know..", she mumbles, hiding her face against Rick's shoulder. Hearing Adeline asking the same question has her look up again, a soft red on her normally pale, freckled cheeks.

Hayden waves to Conn and Wick. He looks to the stage and back to his drink.

<WRAITH> Adeline glances towards Jimmy, with a friendly and slightly sad expression.

Clara nods quickly at Cash then smiles when Conn come and sits, laughing "that was awesome my friend, your just getting better all the time

Wick drifts off the stage after Conn and heads for the bar, ever in need of a drink after a performance. He keeps close at Conn's side, somewhat overwhelmed at the attention. He smiles off at Clara and Cash with an appreciative warmth and nods. Having caught Alex's enthusiastic invitation as well, Wick glances up at Conn and nods. "Ok. I'll come join you soon." He offers Hayden a as he makes his way to the bar.

Wick sits down at The Bar.

Conn smiles at Hayden "You're allowed drink on the stage," he says with a wink, "and if anyone give you hassle for it I'll have words with them."

Alex waves over to Wick to come to the bar with him and Angela

At your table, Clara laughs "yeah i'm so going to protest you sitting with me"

Angela puts her empty pint glass on the bar top and spins it as it wobbles around on its edge, she keeps an eye on it to make sure it doesn't fall over as it spins more quickly as it straightens and finally comes to a rest, she turns to look at the bartender, "Hey... HEY!" getting their attention, "Ya.. same same." she smiles.

Hayden hugs Wick. "Save my seat and watch my drink?"

<WRAITH> Jimmy slowly turns his head looking around in silence. His motions are smooth and almost surreal. As a person who has nothing but eternity on his hands. The hammer rests in place. Even his robes are motionless and dead. A wailing can be heard from outside, almost a scream of pain that was carried by the wind of a minor maelstrom. The door closes and silence...

Rick stands and turns in his seat where he's standing between Katie's legs and looks at her "You can do it. I believe in you. You should go up there and sing. Pretend you are just signing to me and no one else."

<WRAITH> Adeline shudders as the moan pierces the festive atmosphere.

Clara shivers and rubs her bare arms a moment then smiles at her friends as they talk

Angela runs a hand through her bright pink mohawk, the rows of spikes sproinging back to attention, giving the back of her head a little scratch, "Only caught the end of it, good shit there Wick... whatcha drinking? I'll get the first one."

Alex smiles in agreement with Adeline,"Yes, Wick you were beautiful." Alex says quietly under his breath,"You still are..."

Hayden walks over to Katie and Rivk. "Excuse me ma'am but would you do me the honor of sharing a song with me?"

Cash is chatting quietly with Conn and Clara at the table, scratching at his chin.

Angela gives Alex a little scrunched up nose confused look but with a big smile, "Oh baby..." she grabs her new beer as it arrives, taking a big drink from it, "You're fuckin cute as a button sometimes.".

<WRAITH> Jimmy begins to move again after satisfied with the lack of spectral presence in the Shadowlands. He moves towards the stage and comes to another stop, standing right in front of it. He slowly looks up and seems to concentrate on something. The hammer, still drug behind him has stopped as well. If one looks to the floor, a trail has been made in the thick dust that covers all surfaces in this place. The strange thing is, there are no footprints...

Evie glances at Wick, then Alex, then back to Wick, and just bites her lower lip, before bringing her hand up to cover her mouth, trying to hide a slight smile.

Angela nudges Alex, "Precious.. maybe you're cut off?" she raises an eyebrow at him.

Adeline looks wildly amused at something.

Alex looks at Wick,"Can I buy you a drink maybe?"

Katie gently pulls Rick a bit closer, as her arms are around him, sitting up a bit to touch a kiss to the end of his nose. "Maybe after the next one.", she replies to him with a smile, unable to tear her gaze away from his eyes. With Hayden approaching, she eventually has to, giving him a gentle shake of her head, "I wouldn't know what to sing. I don't know many songs.", she chuckles.

Clara shudders and turns away from teh stage before the boys see her take a deep breath, square her shoulders and face whatever it is with a smile "So whose next? On stage I mean"

Hayden says "what do you know? You can take the lead if you want?"

Alex orders two things of whiskey, one for him and one for Wick.

Angela's eyes widen a bit then narrow to a furrow, "Did I wander into a talent show of some kind? I don't even know what the fuck is going on anymore..." and with that she decides she needs to finish the beer that it seems like she just got, pounding it, "I need to catch up it seems."

Evie claps her hands over her mouth to stifle a giggle, side-eying Adeline in amusement.

Wick takes up his first shot of whisky as the bartender sets it down and pauses at Alex's offer. "Oh... I..." But he smiles as Alex goes ahead and orders another shot. He nods and tosses back the first and sets it down the empty. He smiles with warmth at Angela. "Thanks for the drink. And... yeah, it's open mic night." His features brighten. "Oh! You should sing something. Could you?"

Rick glances from Hayden to Katie, and turns back to Hayden and smiles kindly. "She's only just started singing lessons, so I was teasing her. Maybe you can go first while she figures something out?"

Hayden nods "Sure thing."

Angela rubs the back of her neck, "Open mic night heeey... I dunno man... sometimes these pipes need ta hide a bit behind a little auto tune voice modulation." she snickers.

Alex tosses back his drink and looks down at the bar playing with his empty glass.

Evie quickly whispers something to Adeline, before turning to pay attention to the stage to see what Hayden has planned.

From a distance, Hayden starts to play a heavy metal riff and laughs before he breaks in to "I'll make a man out of you" from Mulan. He's rocking it hard core not paying mind to the silliness of it all. He is quietly laughing as the guitar covers most of it. He waves to Katie and blows Wick a kiss.

Adeline cheers Hayden on.

Rick watches Hayden go up to the stage, and gives him a big round of applause. He leans back to look at Katie, and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "Do you want something from the bar, some liquid courage?"

Alex feels cold as Wick draws close and he's just blushing heavier. Then slowly looks up at him and at the same time his eyes look another direction he says,"Um... I'm fine... maybe I should go next." He quickly orders a drink.

Wick bursts out with bright laughter as Hayden's voice lifts in that familiar song. He gives a whoop from the audience, cheering with everyone else. And with a broad smile, he catches Hayden's kiss out of the air and presses it to his cheek. The applause brings down the house and Wick is quick to join it. Looking to Alex, he smiles with a shy warmth. "You should! If you need a guitar, there's a spare one for you to use on the stage."

Alex smiles,"Oh I don't know how to play at all... oh I talked to Simone about you giving me lessons though."

Angela rolls her eyes a bit, "I knew I should have learned to play a fuckin guitar... piano lessons for daaaaays... thanks Mom." she snickers a bit as a new beer arrives without her asking, smiling at the bartender who knows a drinker when they see one.

Katie gives Rick a gentle squeeze of a cuddle, a soft kiss on the lips, then she wriggles her way out of their position and slips off her seat. "I'll have to do it next week, it's nearly class time..", she explains, holding onto his hand gently as she moves around. "I'll see you at home later. Happy Birthday! Oh!", she glances to Wick, "Wick! It's his birthday!", pointing at Rick and calling over to him loud enough for half the bar to hear it. She gives Rick a cute grin then starts heading for the door.

Clara doesn't look as confused as she looks angry, glaring at the stage or.. soemeone near by

Hayden stares but does his best to distract from events by singing the bongo cat song.

Cash's hands go to the table, using considerable strength to hold the table down. "The fuck?" He rarely swears, he looks pissed.

Adeline waves fondly to Katie, and then looks uneasily towards the other table. She bites her lip.

Angela catches the drinks spilling but not the shake as she's watching the stage, "Cut off!" she yells out with a laugh.

Evie flinches as she hears that table violently shaking, glancing over nervously. She hastily tries to distract herself with Hayden's performance, kind of bobbing halfheartedly but turning her head every so often to see if the table gets weird again.

Wick grins up at Alex and nods. "Ah! Right. Simone mentioned that before I left. I'd be happy to teach you. Though... this will sort of be my first time as a teacher." He ducks his head a bit. Katie's announcement draws a bright smile. "Oh! Happy birthday, Rick." He's about to say something further when his gaze darts to violent shake of that table. "Excuse me a moment..." And with a concerned furrow of his brow, he drifts over towards Conn.

Conn growls a little and puts his hand on his drink to steady it "Just a tremor, the downside of living in california."

Angela glances back a bit to the table out of curiousity, pint to her lips.

Claras green eyes are snapping angrily even as Cash wraps a protective arm about the small woman's shoulders

Rick smiles and gives Katie a kiss as she exits "Alright, see you at home." He looks to Wick and nods his head "Thank you si-" Then the table rattles, and he looks over there with a bit of confusion.

Alex turns his attention towards the table with a put of frustration. Then decides to ignore it."It's really fine. It'll be my first time learning an instrument so we'll just both have to practice a bit of patience with each other." He looks at Wick and smiles a little.

Evie just can't focus on the performance at hand. She ends up looking around at everyone else's reaction, bewildered and absolutely baffled. She moves to say something, but just shakes her head in disbelief before turning back to the music.

Wick's gaze shines with caution as his gaze lingers on the table. He nods with Conn's explanation and draws in to press a light kiss to his cheek. He lingers a moment more before starting to head back towards the bar.

Clara makes a few small adjustments on her camera then points it at the stage and snaps a few shots

Rick looks from Conn to Wick, then approaches Wick and extends his hand to shake the man's hand "How are you doing tonight friend?" He asks, then if allowed, wraps Wick up in a hug for a moment.

Wick pauses as Rick approaches and accepts his offered hand. "Oh! I'm doing well." He smiles, and brightens further still, surprised yet quite pleased as Rick wraps him up in that hug. He returns it with warmth. "Happy birthday again. Can I buy you a- a soda?"

Emrick heads in and heads to the bar, sliding onto a bar stool and ordering a beer, and giving those he knows a smile and a nod.

Rick grins and releases Wick from the hug "Oh, sure, a soda would be fine. Thank you."

Angela shakes her head a tiny bit and rolls her eyes at Alex's words, then buries her face in her beer with a laugh.

Adeline claps appreciatively for Hayden's moving singing.

Conn tries really hard not lo laugh with Angela, from across the room. Smiling at Emrick instead with a knowing look.

Wick smiles up at Rick and heads with him back to the bar. Catching Emrick settling onto a bar stool, he soft smile turns luminous with delight. "Hi Emrick!" He pauses at Alex's question. His cheeks grow rather warm. "Oh. I..." He hesitates before nodding. "We're close. But... Conn is dating a number of people."

Clara puts the lenscap back on her camera and hangs it about her neck

Angela watches the stage as Hayden plays a less... strange... song.

Adeline is giggling, she can't hide it.

Conn takes out his phone and starts to tap furiously on the screen.

Alex's face gets kind of red as he asks,"Are you dating anyone then... or are you single... do you... nevermind." He starts to get anxious and shifts around in his seat.

Santino enters in and looks about. If one had been outside recently, there was violin music coming from somewhere, echoing off the buildings. It was actually beautifully haunting, though the haunting could have been from the distortion of wind and surfaces the music danced about. If one tried to find it though, they never easily could. Now comes in a gypsy carrying a fiddle and bow in his left hand. The instrument seeming worn and beaten, much like the man, but whispers of a character shaped by time and life. He heads toward the bar to get a drink.

Angela heads towards the stage if Hayden seems done, leaving her drink behind amazingly enough.

Adeline glances at Wick, eyes sparkling, and slaps Wick on the shoulder in silent, amused commiseration.

Wick grows rather still at Alex's question, blushing to the tips of his ears. "Oh, I... I... This might... um..." He stammers, a bit flustered. But before he can manage to say much more, Conn calls Alex off to his office. He blinks as Adeline slaps his shoulder, a bit overwhelmed. But he can't help but smile with Emrick's greeting. "Hi Emrick. It goes well. Wonderful to see you. And me and Conn performed earlier."

From a distance, Angelawanders up to the stage, she looks at the guitar, then the mic, "Umm... well this is an old one..." she shrugs a bit, "If you don't know the music it may just be weird?" she laughs loudly, then covers her mouth as her boisterous laugh is amplified across the room.

Hayden walks over to the bar. "How was my performance?"

If one actually notices the gypsy, which for some reason when you look for him one's mind seems to fall on someone or something that is more appealing, more intresting, than the worn man. But if one does notice, and watches, they see a man moving with undefined grace, each step silent and carefully placed like a cat, each turn of his head, each movement of his arms, something predetermined and meaningful. He slips down onto the barstool and raises a finger to gain the bartenders attention. "Something unusual, if you will, something to experience."

Angela takes the mic stand and starts tapping her foot lightly, eyes closed, head moving slightly as if she's listening to the intro to the song.

Clara sighs softly and kisses Cash's cheek then rises to go, the spirit of fun seemingly having left the woman's green eyes

Evie spins herself to face Hayden. "It was bad timing, honestly. I liked what I paid attention to, but with the tremor... I'm sorry, I wish I could say more!"

Wick smiles bright up at Hayden as he returns from the stage. "You were great. And here's your drink. Still here." He nudges it over towards him. As Angela takes to the stage, he joins the applause. But as Santino joins them at the bar, he his head tilts, watching him with a keen curiosity.

Adeline clap Hayden enthusiastically, but she, too, has her attention entirely caught by Santino. She watches him, her gray eyes warm and pensive.

Hayden takes his drink."Next time i am going to sing a rap song about tea."

Angela 's voice changes instantly, it's a little breathier, softer, as she adds her voice to the room, "I hear the roar of a big machiiiine..." head moving eyes closed as there's a pause, "Two worlds and in betweeeen..." eyes opening, "Hot metal and methedrine...." her foot tapping, "I hear an empire dooooown...... I hear an empire dooooown...." <sisters of mercy lucretia my reflection for anyone who cares: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuezNswtRfo>

Alex says, “I have to go, I guess we will talk later”

Wick offers Alex a small nod and gazes off after him and Conn.

Clara slips over to Wick and kisses his cheek "See you later" she smiles on her way out

Adeline absolutely CLAPS Angela's delivery of Lucretia My Reflection, shouts, "FANTASTIC choice!" And whistles.

Evie is by now too busy bobbing again with Angela's singing to notice Santino's entrance. Her leg starts involuntarily bouncing up and down as well, in time with the beat.

Angela nods her head and continues with the song, she's no stranger to the microphone that's for sure as she fills the room, always seeming to hear the music in her head, eyes closed for the most part as her boisterous self ... at least at the begining of the song is softer.

Rick takes a breath, wrinkles his nose a bit and says to Wick, and Adeline "I'm sorry, but I need to get out of here for a while. The smell of booze is starting to make me twitch a bit. I need to get away from it."

ngela opens her eyes, her voice rising quickly, belting out the next verse, "I hear the sons of the city... and dispossessed! Get down, get undressed!" continuing to a more energetic part of the song until she gets to "WE GOT THE EMPIRE! No as then!" she punches the air with a fist, totally into the song, moving over the lyrics smoothly.

Adeline looks at Rick and nods, murmurs, "I'm gonna have to scarper soon too. But --" she leans in to murmur.

Wick's attention ever drifts off towards Angela on the stage in between those who speak to him. He smiles with warmth up at Clara and nods. "It was good to see you. Good night, Clara." And as Rick and Adeline start to leave, he nods. "well, thanks for coming. Rick, I hope you might perform some time. I'm sure we can set up keyboard for you..."

Santino looks down the bar and his eyes fall on Wick. He studies the man for a moment. There is some form of recognition in his hazle eyes, more brown in this light than green. He nods to him with a small nod and a small smile. The bartender puts something in a tall glass before him and Santino nods to the man, "I'll ask you what it's called later. Wouldn't want a name to dilute the taste." The gypsy has a heavy Romanian accent without much influence from the western lands to weaken, or soften, it. He looks back to Wick, "I have seen you someplace before, but I don't recall from when or where." He lifts the glass and then smile at Wick or the drink, "Too much drink, too much laughter, I think." His eyes fall on Adeline, "You I don't know but would like to." He raises his drink to her as it looks like she is leaving.

Angela eventually brings the song to a close, voice coming back to a softer tone "We got the empire, now as then, We don't doubt, we don't take reflection.... Lucretia... my direction... dance the ghost with meeee...." she grins a bit as she still hears the song finishing in her head before opening her eyes again.

Angela leans into the mic, "I love that fuckin song.." then heads off the stage.

Rick pats Wick on the shoulder "Alright. Thank again, and next time we'll do a performance. Have a good night and give my regards to Conn." With that he turns, drains the rest of his soda, and makes his way for the door.

Evie stands up and applauds as Angela finishes. "That was good! I loved the enthusiasm," she cheers out.

Angela smiles at Evie's applaud, "Appreciate it."heading back towards the bar, "Who took my fuuuuckin bee... oh there it is." she finds her half finished beer behind someone.

Wick joins the applause for Angela's brilliant performance, and even uses two fingers to lift a shrill whistle. He smiles at her as he rests back against the bar. But as Santino studies him, he glances over with equal interest. His head tilts. "Oh... Have you? Um... well... I perform at a couple other venues in town." He pauses and offers his hand with a soft smile. "I'm Wick."

Emrick finishes his beer and then sighs in satisfaction. "Wick, I gotta head out, you have a good one." he says with a smile and stands from his seat to pay.

Evie shoots over to Adeline, "Hey, hopefully you can stick around just a bit? There's a song I wanna sing." Then to anyone else, "Unless someone else had next?"

Hayden looks at Evie. "I have a song after your performance."

Adeline looks regretful, and murmurs to Wick and Santino and Evie, "Gosh I am sorry chaps, I do have to go. it's been amazing though. Lovely to see you all!"

Santino sets his drink down to applaud with one hand for Angela. Though just one hand, the slapping against his thigh seems to ring out. "I wish I has such a voice. I would never stop singing to myself!" He looks back to Wick and bites the bottom of his lip a little and shakes his head, "No, it was more than that. Memories are a cursed thing to me. One day I will forget even how to play." He looks to Adeline with a smile, "I am Santino. Why do you capture my attention so?"

Adelinewaves amiably to the rest of the bar.

Evie frowns as Adeline has to hastily depart, but she nevertheless gives Hayden a nod and makes her way to the stage, straightening her shoulders as she does.

Angela raises her glass a bit in a thank you and takes a sip, "Thanks... " she smiles as Evie heads to the stage.

Wick can't help but draw in to wrap Emrick up in a quick hug. "Glad you could make it. Hope I might see you later." He nods, smiling with quiet warmth as Adeline also rises to leave. "Enjoy the evening, Adeline." His head tilts with Santino's words, and his gaze lingers.

Emrick returns the hug, tussles Wicks hair a bit, gives those he knows a small wave and smile, and then heads out for the night.

Cash was still seated at the table that Clara had departed. He has a frown on his face, eyes scanning the crowd.

Wick rather glows as Emrick tussles his hair, and his gaze drifts off after him to the door. But as Evie takes to the stage, he lifts his hands to join the applause, keen to see what performance she'll offer. Looking to Santino, he leans in a bit. "Do you think you might play tonight? I'd love to hear."

Hayden is drinking double shots of Gin, no tonic as he listens.

"Now let's see..." Evie starts flipping through the jukebox menu, looking for something in particular. An "Aha!" indicates she's found it - and having done so, she picks up a microphone and starts up "Thank You" by Dido. She starts up low and somber, "My tea's gone cold I'm wondering whyyy, I got out of bed at all. The morning rain clouds up my window, and I can't see at all..." She uses both hands to hold the microphone high and close to her chest, looking up and off to the side solemnly, as if she's singing to those very rain clouds in the lyrics.

Keira steps in to look around, carefully shutting the door behind her. She spots someone familiar and starts to head his way, walking up behind Cash to slip her arms around his shoulders from behind. "Why the frowny face?"

Santino continues to hold onto his violin crouched protectively along his left arm. He looks over to Wick, then down to his fiddle and says, "How about it Narraine. Would you like to play tonight?" He smiles back to Wick, "If the audiance would have me, then we would love to play for you." He takes back up his drink, "But I need a bit more inspiration in me first." He drains the glass to set it onto the bar and tries to signal the bartender for another but turns first as he seems to be caught up by Evie's performance.

Wick smiles with as soft pleasure at Evie's choice of song and rocks a bit with that chill beat. Looking to Santino, his eyes shine with mirth. "Mm. I can understand that. And I'm sure the audience woud love to have you. /I/ would." He takes a sip of his drink the bartender had poured earlier. "Might follow you with a song of my own." He points to the guitar slung over his shoulder.

Cash's mood brightens, hearing the voice and feeling the touch of Keira. He turns in her arms, kissing her soundly. "Just a weird night, Keira." He grins. "Glad you could make it, though. Wick and Conn crushed the song they did tonight."

Angela wanders near the stage to watch Evie's performance, beer in hand.

Evie continues with her wistful lament in line with the lyrics, still facing away from the crowd but easily singing loud enough to be heard. As the chorus approaches, though, she starts pivoting slowly to walk off the stage and toward the bar, still singing: "...and it's not so bad, it's not so ba-aaaaad. And Iiiiiiii want to thank you, for giving me the best daaaaay of my liiiiife..." As she hits these lyrics, she strides right off the stage and takes one hand off the mic to touch Angela right on the nose - she was just the closest person to the stage, honest - and confidently keeps going. As she exits the chorus, she returns to the stage to do a small dance during an instrumental.

Angela's face brightens at being involved in the performance, she wiggles her nose a bit and sips her beer, a big grin on her face.

Hayden sayz "if y'all perform a hen I dont have to sing the rap song about tea.

Keira slides around to sit next to him, taking Cash's hand in hers. She looks towards the stage briefly before speaking to him again, voice politely lowered for the performance. A bright smile lights her face. "Don't they always." Her fingers stroking over his.

Cash grins, leaning against the woman who joined him, enjoying the touch and closeness. "I was thinkin' of goin' up there, but I ain't much of a

singer."

As the song continues, Evie changes her voice to match the mood of the lyrics, sad when she needs to, happy when she needs to. Next time the chorus rolls around, though, she doesn't duplicate her earlier stunt - instead, she beams at the crowd and pans a hand across the room to involve everyone. She does this again for the final chorus, and when the song comes to a close, she neatly replaces the mic, sits down on the edge of the stage, and pushes off, kitten heels clacking on the tiling. She strides back to her place at the bar, a great big grin on her face.

Hayden drinks more "I'll go sing a rap song about tea if you dont."

Angela applauds, "Well done, loved it." she heads back to the bar after Evie to get another... drink

Santino stands up and nods to Wick, "I'll try it now!" He says, "All the bad influences have left out the front door, and now, now I will play." Who knows what all that was about, it was definatly odd. He goes and takes the stage.

Angela snags a water amazingly enough, "Now thaaat is into it... " she laughs and drinks half of it quickly.

Wick joins the applause, offering Evie a bright smile. "That was /wonderful/! You have such talent." And as Santino takes to the stage, his features brighten further still. He eases away from the bar to go stand with Angela closer to the stage, watching Santino with a smile.

Angela had come back to the bar to snag a drink but will head out to the stage soon enough.

Cash thinks, glancing over to Keira with a grin. "You sure about that?" He chuckles, eyes mirthful. "Cause I'll get up there..."

Evie briefly stands and offers a bow to both Angela and Wick, broad proud grin still on her face. "Thank you both very much!" As she sits back down, she exhales a heavy sigh of relief. "Whew. That was exhilirating."

Santino takes the stage, a breeze slips about the room probably from someone coming in from outside, blowing his hair about, and others down about the stage, and then dying. He laughs with a laugh pure as a babbling brook that winds about a quiet glade. He sets the violin to chin and taps the bow across the strings three times. He says with words bathed in a deep Romanian accent, "This is gypsy dancing song. This is audience participation tine! Everyone up and dance. No, not formal dance, just clap and move, be a part of that which moves you." He speaks delightedly but as the first note rings out on his violin, his words have faded and then there is just the music, something so compelling to stand up or simply clap to, something almost magical. He plays: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=52&v=LPVhAGRKn5Q&feature=emb_logo

Angela wanders back out to watch the next person, working on that water pretty quickly.

Keira laughs softly, "If you want to, go do it. I'll love you just the same even if you sing out of tune." She grins at Cash, reaching to steal his drink from him.

Evie can't help but stand up and dance along, hands clapping above her head as her hips sway back and forth with each clap, bouncing quickly with the fast parts of the music, slowing down as the music does.

Wick smiles up at Santino with a bright laughter. Already standing there at the stage, he is among the first - perhaps /the/ first - to start dancing. Lifting his hands up over his head, he lets the music carry him off with a joyous abandon. There's something sensual to his movement as he loses himself in the music.

Angela watches for a little bit, but as people start to join in so does she, placing her empty glass off to the side.

Cash grins and claps along with the music, not dancing per say. Perhaps he's nervous about that. He looks to Keira, chuckling. "You asked for it, Keira." He winks, waving to Wick and motioning to the stage.

From a distance, Santino comes to the end with a, "haha!" And three high steps of his feet, left, right, left down onto the floor. He laughs then and motions to the audience, "You are most kind. Thank you for joining in with this ole gypsy." He bows and then exits the stage.

Wick dances with the brightest smile, carried away in the music. He reaches for Angela's hand, hoping to draw her in to join with him. Should she accept, he gives her quite the twirl before dipping her with that bright laughter. But as the music ends, he lifts his voice to join the cheers. And he's about to take to the stage himself when he catches Cash's wave. "Oh! You want to perform? Go for it, Cash."

Keira laughs softly, slipping her hand around his cheek so she can plant a kiss on the other. When he beckons to Wick she grins and takes her hands back so he's free to move.

Angela applauds and checks the time, "Ok I should fuckin bail I think.... maybe... possibly..." she seems uncertain

"You got this, Cash!" Evie shouts encouragingly toward the stage, waving excitedly toward him as he steps on. "If I can get up there, so can you!"

From a distance, Cash smirks, sliding out of the booth and making his way to the stage. He finds a song on the karaoke, though offers any of the musicians present an option to join in. The big man blows into the mic, testing - clearly this isn't his thing. A wave to people. "I ain't much of a singer, but y'all have me wantin' to give it a whirl. This one goes out to someone special." A grin, the country music starting up. His performance, isn't all that bad at all! It's clear he's putting his all into it, especially his heart.

Santino goes back to the bar to gain another drink. He turns to listen to Cash and nods along with the music. He chuckles softly at the music.

Angela smiles, "See ya around, Wick." she passes Alex on her way to the door, giving him a little wave as she heads out of the bar, "Night night."

Conn returns to the main floor smelling distintly of pot. But none of the smoke alarms went off so he must have smoked a joint outside.

Evie orders a water, content now to just sway gently along to Cash's country performance and casually people-watch the others. She offers a wave to Angela as she leaves.

Alex giggles quietly and says to Wick,"I like you."

Angela returns the wave to Evie as she heads out into the night.

Alex blinks a few times."Do you see those rainbows. Man Conn has good stuff."

Conn smiles at Hayden "Hey love. Sorry, I haven't been much fun tonight. It's been a rough week."

Hayden is a little unsober and says "I think I could kiss you better and sing a rap song about tea? Should I?:

Wick drifts off with Santino back toards the bar, smiling over his shoulder up at Cash on the stage. But as Conn and Alex return from the office, he stills and watches them with a bright curiosity. Alex's words draw a hint of warmth to his cheek. Smiling, he laughs. "No rainbows. But yes... Conn does." He peeks over at Conn.

Keira folds her hands under her chin, giving the man up on the stage all of her attention. She smiles softly, listening. Her expression terribly sappy while he sings.

Santino has his worn violin tucked back into his left arm. He holds out his right hand stright armed and like someone holding up a hand to stop someone has his fingers splayed apart and looks about the room though that splayed visage. He goes back to take up a drink with his right hand and does indeed drink heavily with a laugh, probably to himself.

Conn smiles faintly at Wick "He's mostly harmless. I think all four of us should go back to my place tonight and have one of those nights of long chats and getting to know each other."

Wick smiles up at Conn with trust and nods. "Mm. I... I think I'd like that." He nods before grinning up at Alex. But then glancing back to Santino, he says, "I was just going to perform a last song..."

Conn keeps an arm around Alex to give him some footing "Down boy, you'll make Wick uncomfortable. You have, like, zero chill. You should have at least seventy percent more chill."

Cash climbs down, song done. He offers another wave, cheeks a bit flushed from being in the spotlight. He steps towards the table he'd shared with Keira, sliding in next to her and picking up the bottle of water he'd left there. "Terrible, right?"

Hayden says "we could tie him down with cooked noodles and torment him with sharp pillows . I could give him chill lessons."

Alex looks at Conn and his eyes narrow at him,"I have total Chill, have you not felt my hands. Here, let me show you." He pulls one of his hands out and pokes Conn with his icy finger.

"Seventy percent of zero is still zero." Evie tosses out a casual comment almost reflexively, before turning to applaud Cash. "You did great! Slow songs are always good."

Wick joins the applause for Cash's song and calls to him. "You were wonderful, Cash!" He can't help but smile up at Conn as he keeps that arm around Alex. But his cheeks rather flood with heat at Hayden's suggestion of tying someone down. He glances off towards the stage and then back at Conn. "Are we heading out now? Or could I do a last song?"

Conn blinks very obviously a little stoned at Evie "Yes. But zero *plus* seventy percent is seventy percent."

Keira laughs softly, reaching to take Cash's hand. "You were actually pretty damn good. More than you gave yourself credit for." She tugs him closer so she can kiss his cheek again. "That was lovely, and would get better if you practiced."

Hayden says, “70 percent of what? you're missing a variable there. x +70 of y = z.”

Alex looks at Wick,"I'll try to go up there with you, if you don't mind sharing the stage with a beginner."

Conn shakes his head at Wick "I'm staying for a while yet."

Alex eyes narrow at Haydne,"NO! No math, don't be a buzzkill man." He giggles. "And the pot calls the kettle black." He giggles again.

Wick nods up at Conn before smiling at Alex with a shy warmth. "Sure. You're welcome to join me." He offers out a hand.

Alex takes Wicks hand a big ol' grin crossing over his face."Yay! Let's go. Also Cann I gett another drink?"

Hayden says, “I am all math all the time except when I am not.”

Alex raises an eyebrow,"Aren't we all?"

Conn nods "I've always rather liked math. It's the universal language. Wherever you are, in whatever country, there are few immutable truths. Math gives us one of them." He nods, as though he's said something about 50% more profound than it is.

Santino looks at Conn, "That is not so....music is the universal language."

Cash beams at the compliments, nodding to the people offering them over as well as Keira. "I been praticin' dancin. Singin' is for the shower." He grins to the woman clasping his hand. "Thank you. I meant it."

Evie glances about at the others, and suddenly starts looking a bit nervous herself. "I... think I should be going myself, sorry. I had fun though!" She quickly pays her tab, offers a polite energetic wave farewell, and takes her leave.

Wick nods with Santino's words. "Mm. That feels like truth, that." Then with a bright smile to Conn and Hayden, he says, "We'll be right back." And taking Alex by the hand, he leads him off to the stage.

Conn grins "Music is just applied math and material physics. There's a reason that 1 3 5 in music sounds good, but 1 2 4 does not. It's to do with the relationships between the standing waves that the strings make."

Alex yells back as he's pulled to the stage,"Boring! We're going to go make pretty sounds with our mouths!"

Hayden places a kiss on Conn's nose. "kissing noises are not pretty." he chuckles.

Santino applauds for Alex, "You tell im!" He looks to Conn, "We should have this discussion at another time as I find it interesting at how wrong you are. I will prove it sometime, if you'd like." he turns his attention to the stage.

Keira laughs softly, "I would say what else the shower is for, but we're in polite company." A grin and she reaches out to lightly tweak Cash's nose. "I enjoyed it, it was very sweet. You'll have to sing for me again." A glance around the club before she looks back to him. "I think I'll head back to the Show for now though, got a little bit of a headache."

Cash smiles to Keira. "I'll join ya. I'll give you a masssage to get rid of the headache, yeah?" He suggests, sliding out of the booth again and offering Keira his hand.

Hayden kisses Conn then as noisy as possible.

Keira takes the hand and stands up, sliding into the crook of his arm so she can loop her arm around his hip. She smiles up at him and grins. "You don't have to, I can just take a nap if you want to stay. You could just wake me up when you get home."

Conn looks around for the polite company and then lands on Santino "I mean, I guess he's polite," he says with a good natured grin and is suddenly very loudly kissed by Hayden. He briefly considers feigning indignacy but he's just not that good a liar.

Alex smiles brightly,"Yeah that sounds perfect. Let's do it!"

Wick lingers for a time with Alex at the edge of the stage as the two quickly discuss what they might perform together. At last, Wick heads up to the mic with a smile. "Looks like we're gonna close out the night with Undisclosed Desires by Muse." Then with a glance off at Alex, he shifts his guitar from his shoulders and starts plucking out the notes of the song.

Santino chuckles softly at Conn and Hayden. He says to Conn, "I did say another time. Tonight we listen to others."

Alex taps his foot for a while before going up and trying to sing the lyrics as best he can

Hayden says "Next time the rap song about tea."

Wick shifts with the music, moving with a hint of sensual grace. His eyes drift half-shut as he leans into the mic. "I want to satisfy the undisclosed desires in your heart..." No trace of his earlier shyness. In this moment he exudes a languid confidence as he smiles off at Santino, Conn, and Hayden.

Cash gives a round of applause for Wick's song, smiling at the other man. A nod to Conn, and the man begins stepping out - following Keira out into the evening.

Alex harmonizes with him and sings alongside him doing a pretty good job for his first time up there. He lets the music take him and the memories of the song fill him. Still it's more like a really good karoake performance than that of a professional singer. His romanian accent occassionally bleeding into his singing at various points. Still his emotions can be felt as he sings the song with Wick.

Wick looks to Alex with a surprised pleasure as he harmonizes with a decent amount of skill. As the two bring the song to a close, he smiles off at those who remain with a bright smile. "Thank you all for coming. And let's hear it for Conn! Our wonderful host." He holds out his hand towards the man.

Santino will applaud for the pair, "Excellent! Wonderful! I would love to hear more."

Conn stands and takes an in-situ perfucntory bow, still a little stage shy "We play here semi regularly Santino. And we have a semi regular slot at another place. I'm actually not much of an artist. I mean, I can play the guitar well, but only because Wick taught me... and you weren't actually here for my performance." He looks earnestly confused.

Wick hops off the stage with Alex and flashes a broad smile at Santino. "Thanks. I'm glad you liked it." Drifting over to stand at Conn's side, his smile quirks with an affectionate warmth. "Conn, you're a /wonderful/ musician. Never seen anyone pick up the guitar like you did."

Hayden gets quiet again.

Santino seems to be holding Conn's hand and says to Conn, "I was applauding to those two on the stage just then, but, would love to hear you play as well. Music being the universal language means just that, you might not know the words of sounds you want to play, but some of us can sense your heart's desire though your music, however it is played, and hear the beauty of the desires of your soul." He nods to that and smiles to Wick, "I think that deserves a drink, yes?"

FtB