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[Setting] Dimly lit,Smoke Filled Dive Bar, Downtown.
| >Unsurprisingly, the tiny bar was mostly empty, but for those lost souls who sought to drown their troubles away in this little sanctuary seemingly so far from the dismal reality just outside it's doors. This was exactly why Franklin was there.
"Frank, you haven't gone home for the fifth night in a row. I don't know how the Department hasn't laid you off by now."
>Franklin snorted sourly, clearly inebriated beyond good sense
"Tabby, I dont need you nagging me like my ex-wife."
| >The woman huffed her disapproval before contradicting her own words by setting yet another drink in front of the man
"You're going to drink yourself into an early grave."
>Remarked Tabby, turning her attention to cleaning the glasses with a grubby rag.
"That's assuming some street rat doesn't put me into it first."
| >The man Franklin, was in his late thirties, with a face aged far past that thanks to his years serving as a Detective and member of the Gang Suppression Unit, investigating all of the particularly nasty things they did for money. His dark black hair and begun to fade into a pale dusted image of it's former self, grey streaks finding their way in. His glazed over hazel eyes and stiff square jaw spoke of a man down on his luck, simply playing to a familiar tune, not really alive.
| >draped over the back of his chair was a heavy grey trench coat, the white button up shirt and loose black tie that would have been hidden now in plain sight. He was a sad sight. A defeated man. Tabby on the other hand had a well tailored, pressed, and cleaned barman's uniform, her strawberry blond hair pulled back in a modest bun, complimenting her soft pale skin and heart shaped face. They were truly worlds apart.
| >A pink haired girl walks into the dive bar, taking off her pink raincoat hopelessly trying to dry herself. Barely drier, she wanders to the bar, a blank expression on her face not really paying much mind to the destitute state of the establishment.
"Atleast it's *dry*..."
| >Tabby smiled slightly while setting down the glass she had been cleaning.
"Depends on what definition of dry you want to use. We've got plenty of booze and the roof doesn't leak. What can I get you?"
>Franklin chimed in.
"Another drink."
>Tabby scowled.
"You've drunk plenty already Frank."
| >She takes a seat, a slight smile on her face
"Well, that's good enough for me, some wine, if you have any."
>She casts a wayward glance at Frankin
"Long day?"
| "Long week."
> A fourth party steals the answer. A man makes his way from the door with an umbrella to match a slick black trench coat and flat cap. Peeking under is a snow blonde hair undercut all the way to his seat close to the pink haired girl.
"Sorry for a sudden butt-in."
> The Umbrella did it's job for some part, whilst letting most of the water come down from below his waist. He too was something different from the others.
| >Franklin gave an indignant snort as he knocked back the rest of his drink. Tabby hid a smile as the patrons drug Frank from his miserable wallowing.
"Long days rolling into long weeks that drag out for months."
>Frank was quite clearly gone, as he gently rocked in his stool. He simply grunted at the new-newcomer. His lonely little dive was getting quite lively it seemed.
| "Sounds like this is quite the gathering of losers..."
>The girl sighs softly. before gently clapping her hands together
"Well, how about we share our stories while we drink? The rain is going to keep us here for a while after all..."
>she puts her hands down, a single chuckle escaping her
"The name's Alter by the way~"
| "Alright, that doesn't sound half bad a' plan. Mind you, have any Gin, bartender?"
| >Tabby snickered at the girl's comment, setting out a glass of wine for the young woman and a glass of gin for the man. Franklin got a cup of coffee much to the Detective's chagrin.
"Franklin. GCPD detective, gangs and organized crime. Gangers and mob bosses. I see all the human garbage this "fine" city has to offer."
Frank droned on, speech slightly slurred with more than a few pauses to think and hiccup. The booze had very clearly loosened his lips.
| >No umbrella or coat, no hat, no shelter from the pounding rain outside, a thin figure drifted around the night for some time before ducking into the foggy room, out of streetlights. Soaking wet and compelled not to spread it, the [person] idled by the door. Not even the sense to shake dry like a towel.
| "Quite a title, Franklin. You're effort does pay somewhere, no doubt."
> The man of Gin takes a fine point glance at the thin figure that just entered, sighing.
"Another poor soul. Before anymore come, I suppose I should name myself... It's Min."
| "I never understood detectives. Especially in this city, so much crime... so little time and for what? oh well On the bright side, there's must never be a shortage of work."
>She continues to look at her hands, fiddling with a ring on her finger, before laughing again as the figure takes a seat
"I see misery really does love company~"
| "Well I won't blame you for standing."
> Min takes from his seat, peeling off his coat, but not after finishing another refresh from his drink. He heeds his path to the figure before offering the coat.
"Whether it helps or not, the story's the same. Come, share it now. What's your name?"
| >Noticing her newest patron, Tabby waved the figure in, a welcoming smile as she held out a fresh and pleasantly folded white towel in offering.
"Humph, less of a title and more of a curse. It's like trying to empty a sinking ship with thimble most days."
>He gave a long pause, looking into the murky cup of coffee steaming in front of him.
"And it's more work than I can ever hope to do."
| >That awkward one idling near the door, with no apparent direction beyond holding that place, turns quickly at the brief attention this soaked thing drew in.
"Oh, pardon me... Hello."
>Voice high, tone not quite certain.
"I didn't mean to disturb you. It doesn't seem quite right outside, that was all."
| >Fox practically tears the door of the hinges as he slams into it in an attempt to get out of the rain. There was no way his frame could even damage it, but the thump was that loud. When he's fully past the threshold, he shakes his hair and shakes off the rain on his jacket. The lilim is visibly cold. He sits down at the bar, shivering.
"Ex-x-x-cuse m-m-me. C-c-can I get a uh-h-h b-b-b-beer-r?"
| >a tall man enters into the bar sopping wet while wearing a trench coat. He shakes the water off of himself and checks his pack of cigarettes only to find them wet. He curses and sits down.
| >>267041
"Well, atleast you have a purpose. There really isn't much left for me"
>Alter giggles, putting down her glass to take a breath.
"And what about the other days? you said it yourself, only *most* of the days are terrible"
| >The figure by the door had cleared out by the time footsteps came up outside, sure to be out of the way, dragging a little puddle behind it.
"Pardon me, sorry."
| >Face still graced by a warm smile, Tabby beckoned for the stranger to sit down.
"It's always raining in this corner of the-"
>she was cut short as yet another person crashed through the door and out of rain. He sat down. And then another. Tabby sighed. It was time to actually work.
"Right away,"
As she served the lilim, Frank popped one of his smokes and offered it to the man next to him.
| "Yesterday was a murder suicide, clearly a cover for a mob hit, and a lot of shooting in an ongoing gang war for me."
Frank said dowerly. Almost desensitized but still feeling the weight of his work.
| >>c19d50
>Though startled by the new arrivals, Min's presence wasn't forgotten.
"Oh, thank you, I apologize for intruding... Story, right, story. Could you tell me what it is?"
| >Fox takes a shaky sip of his beer, giving him a foam mustache in the process. He savors it, the karmotine at least helping him ignore the cold for a little. He looks around at the crowd at the bar. A pink-haired girl, someone standing, the man in the trenchcoat and then the bartender herself. Thinking more to himself, where the hell was he, anyway?
"Hey, what district am I in right now? This rain makes my sensors all lame?"
| >A small girl wearing a police uniform, and who has... Horns? enters the bar and then looks around
"Geez, guess this bar will have to do..."
>She sits down at the bar before raising her hand, signaling she was ready to order
| >>267084
You look a little young. You lost, missy?
>The woman to the girl's left finally spoke up. She gave a condescending look to the young girl before taking a sip of her whiskey.
| >>bdd241 >>e698c4
>Frank shrugged and lit the denied cigarette for himself, setting the pack and lighter between them before inwardly groaning as he noticed the tiny uniformed officer. That's just what he needed. Another cop.
>Tabby politely turned her attention to the small officer, a little confused.
"What would you like?"
| >>f2efee
"You're in the industrial district down town. More or less, the inner city."
>Frank told the lilim, surprised he himself knew where they were with how blasted he'd become.
| >>267096
"How rude, I'm not lost"
>The small girl points to her badge with a pout
"I'm a bonafide adult, stand in awe!"
>>267098
>She turns to the tender with a smile
"One sugar rush, easy on the Karmotrine"
| >>267110
Whatever you say, kid. Where y' from?
>She takes a sip of whiskey and glances at her phone.
| >>267107
"Industrial... i thought this was Cat-1. At least the packages went to the right people tonight. Thanks, detective! I'd give you a handshake if I wasn't afraid I'd freeze your own hand"
| >>267119
"Calling me kid, you really are a mean hag!"
>She says, huffing
"I'm from russia I'll have you know! I've seen my share of stuff"
| >>7ced1e
>Striking an equally silly and endearing synth idol pose, Tabby went to work on the drink politely omitting the inebriants.
"There ya go!"
>As Tabby set the drink down, Frankoin grunted in reply to the thanks, nodding off ever so slightly.
| "Yay~!"
>The little girl seems happy and claps her hands before taking a sip and having a sweet expression
"Eheh, this is good"
| >>267128
>>267123
>Fox snaps to attention upon hearing 'Mean hag', and turns to the police officer who said it. He sees her enjoying her drinks and decides to move next to her, since she seems fun.
"Cheers, eh? What brings you to GC, miss?"
| >>267130
"The chaos I guess, a break from normalcy? I also know someone here, used to be in the PD with me!"
>The girl says with a smile
"But now my appartement is in ruins after that damn tungsten tragedy deal..."
>She looks sad
"My favorite blankie... Gone forever..."
| "How damn old are you anyway, kid?"
>Franklin asked the question bluntly, tact long gone along the rivers of booze that flowed through his veins.
| >>267134
>Fox's eyes went pitch black
"You were there?! I only saw the initial attack from the roofs of the Motor District."
>he takes a drink from his beer.
"I guess you're much tougher than me"
| >A young man makes his way into the bar, shrugging the raindrops from his leather coat before making his way to an empty bar stool. He nods to the bartender, remaining silent as he sits down.
| >>48ed1f
>Tabby was impressed by the showing, to say the least. Business was-a boomin. She nodded back to the man. Waiting to be of service when called upon.
| >After a little while, the man,finally speaks up.
"Hey, how much is a Fringe,Weaver gonna be?"
>He asks, resting his head on his cold, hard, gray hand.
| "First drink is always on the house. Within reason of course."
>Tabby replied to the man with a small smile, happy with the uptick in patrons. Not many came through this part of town, let alone stayed long enough for a drink. As promised, she serves him up, free of charge.
| >He smiles, taking the drink and relaxing into the setting, finding comfort in the haze and kindness of the bartender.
Thanks, ...?
>He pauses, looking for a nametag or something to tell him her name.
| >>267138
"I'm 31!"
>The girl exclaims while pushing her flat chest forward
"See, I'm an adult aren't I!"
>She continues drinking while happily swaying her legs
| >>267195
>Fox tilts his head slightly and laughs a bit.
"Well, human years are weird to me, so I believe you 100%!!.
>Fox finishes his beer, now looking more comfortable.
| >>7ced1e >>48ed1f
>Tabby was smitten by the girl, she was so delightfully adorable that she almost completely missed the fact that the man was searching for what she assumed to be a name tag.
"Tabitha. But you can call me Tabby."
>she told him with a smile. Franklin however eyed the girl with doubt and suspicion.
"You sent to here to pull my leg? Was it Duley? That son'bitch playing pranks on me?"
| >>267210
"Who's Duley old man?"
>The girl says
>She did have a name tag: it reads Sgt.Chanka
"This is good! Another!"
| >A young girl wearing a plastic rain coat, found herself in a bar. She was running away from someone. She knows shes shouldn't be there, but the place is good enough to hide.
"Um...."
>She's somewhat frozen at her place.
| >The young man smiles to Tabby.
"Thank you, Tabby."
>Just before he begins his drink he hears the door open again, and checks to see it isnt anyone he should be careful of. He seems to have formed a habit of this lately.
| >>7ced1e
>Frank just growled a bit at the girl and lit another cigarette, maybe it hadn'tbeen them.
>>948fce
>Waving to the her newest guest, Tabby beckoned for her to join the rest, doing her best to be a welcoming and accommodating host.
| >Somewhat frightened, she comply and sat with the others.
>It's her first time in bar. And she's underage, if it wasn't because of her school mates she wouldn't be there.
"Do you have...an non-alchol drink?"
>She timidly asks the friendly-looking female bartender.
| >The small horned girl turns to the new arrival with a quick glance before shrugging and then downing her glass, a smile on her face before turning to Frank
"Are you PD too, mister old man?"
| >>948fce
>Tabby smiled at the obviously nervous girl, nodding confirmation while making her a cup of tea to try and get her warm again.
>>7ced1e
>Franklin grunted in confirmation, snuffing out the cigarette and immediately lighting another.
"Yeah, what's it to ya, kiddo?"
| "Thank you"
>The young girl replied. She soemhow calmed down a bit, thanks to the tea. She then tries to takes in this tyoe of environment, for her to be less nervous.
| >>948fce
>Giving the girl a "thumbs up", Tabby went back to babysitting Frank, topping off his tea cup with more stout black coffee. He grunted his thank.
| >>267235
"Stop calling me a kid! I'm an adult"
>The small girl says before puffing her cheeks and stomping her feet
"Cant have a conversation here or something How rude can you even be!"
| >>7ced1e
"Humph, I don't see anything telling me otherwise, and Halloween costumes don't count."
>Frank snorted a laugh as she displayed yet more childish behavior even as she protested to the contrary.
| >Unable to help but overhear the conversation, the young man, who goes by the nickname "Fringe" smiles softly to himself.
| >>267251
>Fox stifles a laugh and finishes his beer, softly sending it forwaed in front of him.
"Hey, Tabby? Can I get a brandtini and whatever this horned officer wants? Put it under the Fox tab.
>He punctuates his statement by putting down his ID card, rather than a typical credstick
| >The girl seems angrier now
"Grrr, how dare you call this a costume! This oughta show you!"
>She shows you a badge, its the real deal
| "Haha"
> The young girl laugh almost quietly at the conversation. 'This bar seems nice' she thought to herself.
>They surely don't have naked fire bending bartender nor shady characters around like what she hears from her classmates.
| >>267267
"ehhh? I'd feel bad to accept such a proposal!"
>She's drooling and her eyes are filled with stars, looks like she doesnt mean what she just said st all.
| >>b55365
"Yes, of course"
>Tabby replied pleasantly, filling the young man's order.
>>7ced1e
>Frank scowled at the girl, his beer goggles in full effect, his addled mind not working on all cylinders.
"Where the hell did you get that, kid. Don't you know it's wrong to steal?"
| >>7ced1e
"Uurrm..."
>Frank was slightly taken aback, unsure of what to do now that the gurk was abruptly on the verge of tears. He stretched his head, looking to Tabby for help. She just shrugged.
| >The young man raises an eyebrow, unsure of what to do. After some thought, he recognized his best plan of action was probably to stay out of it and let whatever may happen happen.
| >>267300
>Fox gives her a playful pat on the head and takes a sip of his new drink.
"Just let him be mean. I find that detectives just put on a hard front to seem cooler."
>Fox sounded confident, only because his own sensors couldn't tell a facade from the real thing.
| >The girl sniffles
"I-I'm not crying! Adults dont cry!"
>She seems to have taken more confidence now, and drinks her newly arrived drink with a pout
| >Alter laughs, patting the girl on the head
"Adults cry a lot more then you think you know, we're just good at hiding it."
>She sighs contently,
"So miss adult, what are you here for?"
| >>267460
"I-I see"
>She coughs and then looks at her glass
"I'm here to unwind, paperwork is getting the best of me since my boss left! She really was inconsiderate"
>She says while raising a finger
| >Through the door... of the bathroom, Come a well suited man, wearing a suit, concealing his plate carrier, peppered with small bullet holes. He takes a seat at one of the bar-stools.
"Hey bartender, you got a gut punch?"
| > The young girl is almost done with her tea. She might as well leave but she hesitates thinking that those punk are still outside, searching for her. She still have money, she might stay until the rain stops.
| >>267472
"If you need to unwind, i got just the thing~"
>she finishes her wine glass, placing it down.
| >Someone with what looks like rotting skin walks in. He's wearing a hentai themed T-shirt and jeans. He seems to be holding some kind of book in his left hand.
"Smoke filled and dimly lit. Just what I wanted."
>He walks up to the counter, and looks at the bartender.
"Could you give me something sweet?"
| >>b594bb >>e698c4
>Tabby have the man a playful salute then got to work whipping up the man's drink. Not often someone asked for that particular beverage so she had to look at her laminated chest sheet behind the bar before proceeding. Glancing up, she addressed the pink haired girl.
"We have fairly cheap rooms to the stairs to your left. We keep them relatively inexpensive seeing as not many people know about them. Something of an open secret."
| >>63d447 >>b594bb
Once she was done making the drink, Tabby turned to the newest patron.
"Sure! How about a sugar bomb?"
| >>267805 >>267818
(Hate to critique, but if you'd use post numbers rather than poster ID's, that be great.)
"Thanks for the drink..."
>The man forces the gut punch down, swallowing a few painkillers along with it.
"But can I have a glass of water, and a cigarette if you have one."
| >>267832
(Sure thing, sorry bout that. Just got this last night)
"I can get you water but I'm afraid I dont smoke tobacco."
>Tabby informed the man regretfully, pouring him a glass of filtered water. Franklin on the other hand wordlessly slid his pack of cigarettes and lighter down bar to the man in question.
| >>267845
"Thanks, mysterious benefactor of nicotine. I'm John, and you must be..."
>John lights a cigarette, and slides back the pack and lighter.
"A detective?"
| >>267857
>Frank grunted in response, he was hitting a lull in his drunkenness and the coffee didn't seem to be helping him much.
"Frank. Yeah. I'm a detective. You some street punk lookin' fer trouble?"
>Tabby rolled her eyes.
"He's well past drunk, don't mind him too much. We dont often get more then the two of us most nights."
| >>267818
"Sugar bomb sounds good."
>The newcomer gives the detective a curious look, he then looks at John, and back to the bartender.
| >>267874
"Right away sir,"
>as polite as ever, Tabby gets to work. It felt strange being a real bartender for a change.
| "This locale is quite small, but it seems fairly popular. Have you thought about expanding?"
>The zombie asks the bartender, while looking around him, at both the establishment and it's guests.
| >>267910
>Tabby shook her head, smiling softly at the man.
"That's not my decision to make. Tonight is an anomaly, truth be told. And the owner was adamant about keeping it small. Something of a personal getaway of his I suppose. I personally enjoy the atmosphere here, it isn't too hectic."
| >>267864
"Don't worry detective, I'm only a career criminal."
>John smiles as he takes a sip of his water
| >>267942
>Frank scowled at the man, but didn't bother to do anything or make a reply. He didn't have the energy, or sobriety for this.
| >>267929
>Garrett looks back at the bartender again.
"Sounds nice. How many customers do you usually serve?"
| >>267947
"Don't worry Frank, I'm not here to cause trouble. In fact, people usually call me to clean up trouble."
>John smiles wider.
| >>267951
>Tabby snickered, jabbing her thumb in Frank's direction.
"It's a wonder this place stays open. We get drifters, onesies and twosies, but this place is mostly kept afloat through the sheer generosity of someone I have yet to meet. He mostly send letters or leaves notes for me to find. I do the same. It's strange but that's how he, I assume it's a he, communicates with me."
>She shrugged, unconcerned by the bizarre arrangement.
| >>267957
Frank however scowled more at the man, lighting another smoke as he glowered at who he was beginning to think was a "cleaner" for the mob or the rich and powerful. He didn't approve of either.
| >>267959
"Sounds shady, but also kind of nice. Maybe both."
>The zombie stares at Frank. It's obvious that he's an alcoholic, and apparently he's a detective too. Judging by the thumb jabbing, it appears he's a regular here. What a cliché.
| >>267961
"Now I know what you are thinking, 'scumbag works for the mob!'. Nah, I'm not that petty. I even do jobs for the GCPD. But don't worry, I'm still a scumbag."
>John's smiles eases up.
| >The heavy rain roared on, filtering into the quiet establishment, the dull drone a reminder of the calm that stood in stark contrast of nature's unstoppable display just outside the walls. It was a scene straight from the monochromatic grey of an ancent crime noire film. The sound of a lone saxophone score almost haunted the thick air around them. Some clichés never died, others transcend time. This one in particular was right at home. The cast was assembled and the stage set.
| >>267976 >>267998
"We have no lack of shady patrons, but most have been nothing but pleasant."
>Tabby confirmed with a grin as she finally gave Franklin his next drink.
"Humph, I don't want to know."
>Frank replied a little too harshly, knocking back the offered booze.
| >>268013
"Oh. I wasn't referring to the patrons, but I can imagine you probably get some of those too."
>The zombies just stands there, silently judging this Frank person. He seems like a pain to deal with. Good thing someone posted a request for someone to fuck him, though he pities whoever accepts.
| >>268022
>Tabby chuckled a bit before replying.
"Well, most establishments these days have their own shady goings on. Ours at least aren't too awfully illicit by comparison."
>Frank truely was a pitiable sight. While not unattractive, he was clearly a mess, in many more aspects than just his appearance. Tabby obviously cared, although she clearly wasn't committed to him in any particular way. Just a friend that cared, really.
| >>268028
"Now you can't really say that, can you? If you don't know about the deals, only about the money, your boss could be selling child prostitutes without you knowing. Maybe he just wants this bar as a hiding place if things go south."
>Done with judging Frank, at least for now, Garrett turns back to Tabby again.
| >>268040
"I suppose that's true. Call me a hypocrite or an enabler, but none of it bleeds into the bar itself. I'm content with not being directly implicit in anything that might be going on. I just serve drinks after all"
>With no more requests for drinks, Tabby went back to cleaning her glasses and organizing her bar.
| >>268047
"And that's completely fine. I'm just nitpicking."
>The zombie watches the bartender clean glasses for a bit.
"Excuse me, but you might have forgotten my order. A sugar bomb please."
(I never received the drink)
| "Ah, i forgot to ask for another glass of wine"
>Alter rests her head on the counter, humming a lullaby
| >suddenly realizing her mistake, Tabby exclaimed, cursing herself inwardly for forgetting. She'd gotten complacent.
"I'm so sorry, the next few are on me."
>serving him up, Tabby blushed visibly as she poured a second glass of wine for Alter. Listening to the quiet song drifting through the smoke filled air.
| >Fringe blinks a few times, drinking his Fringe Weaver at a moderate pace, listening in on the interesting chatter just a few seats away. He tries to place the tune the girl is humming, curious if he has heard it before.
| "It's fine. I'll pay for myself."
>Garrett takes his drink, a seat, and starts reading his doujin, named "Watashi ni Mawashite 136".
| >The figure who had been idling near the door, now at least dry enough to leave that murky puddle where it had stood, seemed at least a bit out of place standing around like a coat rack.
>Whoever this was, that much wasn't lost on them. Instead of sneaking back out into the rain, it advances towards the bar, pressing the tips of its fingers gently into a stool. Some drops of water were left behind.
"Uuu."
>It turned to Tabby, probably the first time for proper eye contact.
"Towel?"
| >>268136
>Close enough to see and be seen now, it had shoulder length hair, grey. The face was androgynous, clinical. The clothing, like a white gown, was a bit on the feminine side. Everything under, though, was left to the imagination. It was a loose fit, and soaking wet.
| >The little police officer looks at John with a complex expression
"Aren't you the one... No must be thinking of someone else there's no way this would happen!"
>She smiles before turning again, this time looking at Garret
"A book? What are you reading mister?"
>She asks inoccently
| >Fringe finished his drink, setting the empty glass down and leaning back a bit, looking at all the new faces and taking them in. He looked with a light smile to the g/u/rl who seems to be in the process of passing out on the bar.
"Hey, Tabby? Could i get a beer please? And, don't be shy on the Karmotrine, I'll pay extra."
| >>268111
>Fox had loosened up significantly and was at least feeling warmer. The water-tight seal on his joints at least made sure his important bits were safe. He began to hum Lifebeat of Lilim until he eyed the book that Garret was reading. He knew the title more than well enough.
"Uh... where did you get that book? Aren't those illegal to export???"
| >A tall man in his late sixties wearing a long coat and a stylish bowler hat steps inside
"I'm sorry, do you have any bathrooms?"
>Behind him is a shorter woman wearing a detective's long coat filled with pins and other trinkets
| >Fringe mutters
"Business is booming."
| >>268136 >>268145
>Being as equally friendly with this, urm. *Person*, as she had the rest.
"Sure," she replied while handing the towel to the sexually ambiguous character before her.
>Swiftly, she moved on to serving Fringe his next drink.
"There ya are. Dont get too silly now."
>now noticing yet another unexpected visitor, Tabby politely motioned to the doors near the left corner of the bar.
| >>>268155 >>268157
>Once Tabby had showed him the way, Frank caught sight of the woman behind him and audibly groaned, past the point of being polite.
"Great."
>For a detective, he sure disliked other cops.
| >Fringe smiled and thanked Tabby, resuming his R/R and observing the other patrons in their activities.
| >>268145 >>268141
>Garrett looks up from his book, and to the little girl.
"I'm reading Watashi ni Mawashite. It's a hentai series."
>He then looks at Fox.
"Since when has hentai been illegal?"
| >>268157
"Thank you."
>The man passes the door as the other goes to sit down at the counter, taking off her hat to reveal black and white hair combined with heterochromatic red and blue eyes
"I'll have a Marsblast."
>She whips out her ID, she's 46 if it's to be believed, name's Steve 'Alter' Falschen
| >>268163
"H-Hen wha?"
>The girl smiles with a complex expression, looks like she doesnt get it
"I-I see, have fun with that?"
>She just turns back and looks at the new arrivals
| >>268157
>It bows at the waist briefly, before taking the towel.
"Thank you."
>Carefully wiping the little drops left behind from earlier prodding, it folds the towel over the stool well enough to soak up any water it might leave behind. Seemingly satisfied, it sits. Then looks down at the stool a few times, as if to confirm yep. It's there.
| >>268164
"Well, I just remember that my old caretaker would always say those kinds of books weren't legal to export from Japan. But he also said this was back in the 20th century"
>Fox goes back to his own drink and stares at the newcomers.
| >>268167
"You're welcome,"
>Tabby replied while looking down at the ID,
"Marsblast, got it."
>just to humor her, Tabby omitted the alcohol. She wouldn't charge.
| >>268168 >>268176
>Having seemingly drawn some attention, it begins smoothing back it's wet hair, sort of fidgeting with it, not looking at either for fear of excluding the other one... Or something.
"Pardon. I don't mean to disturb you, or your dubiously legal activities."
| >>268176
"Old caretaker huh. Probably just wanted to keep you away from it."
>He looks back down at his doujin, takes a good sip of his sugar bomb, and flips the page.
| >>268181
>Fox raises his glass and flashes a grin
"It's no problem at all! Everyone in a bar is at least on equal footing, you know?"
>>268168
>Fox looks at her and taps her on the shoulder, followed by a gesture to her horns.
"Excuse me, but are you a hybrid? I've never seen a human with horns yet."
| >>268177
>The girl takes a sip and sighs
"... This is shit, why'd I order this?"
>The man with the bowler hat comes out of the bathroom and goes to sit next to her
"What happened?"
>He smiles at the bartender, and then turns back to '
'Falschen'
"Mika told me this drink was super good, turns out it's just bitter."
"She does like bitter stuff, maybe a bit too much."
>He chuckles
| "Equal... Footing, right. If you say so, nn. It's true."
>It takes a moment to look at the dubiously legal hentai, quirking it's head to the side. It stares for longer than one might determine necessary.
| >>268187
"Huh? A Hybrid?"
>The girl touches her horns, they look like something an Oni would have
"I never gave it too much thought actually, I had them ever since I was born"
| >>268188
>Tabby stifled a giggle as the girl's face contorted in unpleasant expressions after taking a sip.
"Just tell me if you need anything else ma'am."
>Tabby turned to observe the now bustling room, well, comparatively. It was pleasant.
| >>268188
"Fa-Falschen where?"
>The little girl officer is getting some handcuffs out, she's shivering
"I-I gotra arrest"
| >The door opens, and a man in a black leather jacket with slicked back black hair walks in, looking like he stepped straight out of an old trideo
"Huh, pretty busy place here. Oh well, if the drinks are good the drinks are good"
>He walks up to the bar, grabbing an empty seat and grinning like an idiot
| >>268201
>'Falschen' turns to the little oni
"Don't compare me to that loser, please."
>The older man sighs
"I'd like a brandtini."
>He takes off his hat and removes his glasses
"You should calm down, Falschen, the girl didn't mean anything by it."
| >>268197
"That's so cool! Can they do anything special? Or are they just sort of their like a cat boomer's appendages??"
| >>268196
>It continues looking as it begins to reply, only making eye contact at the end.
"Curious, I suppose... It seems to defeat the purpose, doesn't it?"
| >The man in the leather jacket listens to the commotion nearby
"You some kinda celebrity or something?"
>He grins.
| >>268205
"Brandtini, gotcha"
>Tabby whipped up the man's drink and watched the amusing scene before her unfold.
| >>268211
"Pornography. Doesn't it defeat the purpose of sex? I don't really see the point."
>It quirks it's head, wet hair sticking to it's face.
| >Alter speaks with her head still down
"You never heard of the exhibitionist vigilante in a mechsuit Falschen?"
>She raises it and then starts sipping on wine
"How novel"
| >Fringe remains silent, having become lost in the commotion, not fully understanding what some of the people were talking about. He turns back to his drink.
| >>268217
>The man laughs
"No, no, somehow that one slipped by me! So, an autograph wouldn't do me any good I guess, would it?"
| >>268217
"They're scary! Once I tired to arrest them and they just pushed my head back with their hand and I couldnt do anything! Can you imagine"
>She seems very terrified
| >>268216
"I wouldn't say so. Sex is to further the human race. Pornography is entertainment."
>The zombie looks ready for a conversation about the topic.
| >>268222
"... Brat, that sounds more like a comedy skit than a fight."
>The older gentleman sighs and turns back to the bartender
"Thank you for this drink."
>Meanwhile, 'Falschen' is still staring at the small oni
"He cuts off people's arms and hangs them while they bleed, now that's spooky. Gotta admit he has good taste, though, if only in his methods of causing suffering."
>The man looks displeased
"They don't call you Queen for nothing."
"No they don't."
| >>268223
"Entertainment... What about watching sex is entertaining, then? If not the act of sex. Don't most people who forgo procreation want love? ... Is that what you feel for them?"
>It gestures to the characters on these Lewd pages.
"Isn't that... Waifu, right?"
| (I am so lost lmao)
| >>268230
"Depends on the definition of scary, Chibi."
>The man pats the Oni's head and whispers
"She likes looking tough, but she's super kind. Just don't make her angry, she gets violent when angry."
>'Falschen' turns away
"I can still hear you, you know?"
| >>268236
>'Falschen' turns to you
"... who the fuck are you?"
>She looks at John's face with an inquisitive glare
"Never seen your face, would remember otherwise. You got the wrong Falschen, like the brat there."
| >The man in the leather jacket turns to the bartender
"Hey there, can I get a marsblast? As much fun as eavesdropping is, it doesn't do much for my buzz!"
| >>268232
(Lots of conversations going on at once, it's fine)
>Alter hums
"I wonder if this era has any cutes..."
| >>268228
>Garrett looks like he's about to burst out in laughter, but holds it in.
"You're cute. First of all, no. This is not my waifu. I don't have any. Second of all, it's pretty apparent that you're either a lucky motherfucker, or asexual. Third of all, I don't feel love for them. It just stimulates me."
| >>268239
>This odd declaration compels it with a desire to pet the small oni's head... Not wanting to be rude, it reluctantly refuses the impulse.
| >>268244
"Cutes? Era?"
>Fringe asks, confused at the words she uses. Does she mean people who are cute? Is she from a different time? What does it all mean?
| >>268245
>It flutters it's eyes at being called cute, unsure if that was a good thing here.
"A...sexual?"
>It quirks it's head.
"I don't think I'm meant to be that... Why does it stimulate you, then? If you're erect, for example, doesn't your body want to do the act itself? That seems terribly frustrating..."
>It studies him for a moment,
"Perhaps you are the motherfucker?"
| >>268251
>Garrett laughs whole heartedly and loudly at that last comment.
"Perhaps I am the motherfucker."
>Garrett tries to regain his composure, and succeeds.
"Asexual means that you don't have sexual feelings, which from the way you speak, I believe you are. Also, I don't necessarily feel the need to have sex from something like this, but I still get a good feeling from it. Exactly how it works is beyond me."
| >>268239
>Fox pets her head and tussles her hair.
"Gah you are just the cutest. I'd take you back to the Motor District with me."
>Fox finishes his brandtini and sets the glass down, his face now a dark grey
| >>268255
>It ponders this for a moment, fidgeting with it's hair again, smoothing it back.
"Asexual... Well, I don't know how you'd define sexual attraction. I like looking at people, I think..."
>Hands a bit damp now, it points to the little oni.
"Like her, that's very cute... Cute, nn.."
>It turns back to Garrett.
"That's what you called me before, motherfucker.. Then, are you attracted to me?"
| >>268256
"You a pedo or something?"
>'Falschen' looks frankly disgusted
>>268239
>She then turns to the Oni and begin patting her
"... what a cutie."
>She mumbles
| (@-@ cant even keep track of who's who)
| (on mobile tap where it says "ID")
| >>268248
"On this day, in a differant time, pethaps even in a differant world, i was about to become a wife. But it isn't all bad i suppose"
>Alter smiles at Fringe, taking het silver ring off.
"Cuties like you are my passion after all."
| >>268264
"What??? I don't know if that could apply to me, a simple automaton. I was deployed not six years ago, so I guess I am a child too??"
| >>268271
>Fringe nods, taking another swig of his beer, now understanding what they meant.
"Got it. Wait, what's that supposed to mean?"
| >>268274
"Oh nothing, we're both a little drunk after all"
>Alter sips her wine
"Of course i think a lot of people are cute"
| "ah, fuck it. Place is too busy for my tastes"
>The man in the leather jacket stands up and leaves, sober but still grinning like a creep as he strolls out the door
| >>268276
>Fringe nods, scanning her, sizing her up.
"I dunno about you, I got an implant, can't get drunk all that easy."
| >>268261
>Garrett is still smiling, and is truly enjoying this conversation.
"Well, finding her cute is one thing. I think everyone does that. Wanting to have sex with her on the other hand, that's a different story. I wouldn't say I'm attracted to you, no. Motherfucker does not mean that you want to fuck them. Not necessarily."
>The zombie thinks for a little bit, then says:
"Ok. Let's start with a little question. What gender are you, if you have a gender?"
| >>268282
>It pauses for a bit, tapping it's fingers against it's knees.
"Gender... I guess neither one? Or both, somewhere around there? I can... Unn.. Perform as either one, I suppose, but... Naturally, I'm not anything."
>It glances around the bar for a moment, as if comparing.
"...I don't know if I was one of them before recently, or both, I don't think I got to decide that..."
>It seems uneasy.
"Pardon.. That wasn't your concern."
| >>2131ac
"You definitely are an interesting character."
>Fringe puts down his drink and turns to face her.
| >>268280
"An implant to prevent drunkeness? How amusing, but... why drink at all?"
>She continues to smile at you, resting her chin on her hands. Her scarlet eyes are empty as if looking beyond, and her pale visage makes the girl seem almost like a ghost or a painting. She doesn't seem particularily threatening or sinister, just worn
"How long are you going to stare at me? It's rude"
| >Fringe smirks a bit, chuckling.
"Eh, social lubricant, bars are fun places to be, and it doesn't work all the time, it has a limit, it just makes it harder to get drunk. Trust me, if I have enough Karmotrine, I won't remember the night before."
>He shakes his head, still smiling.
"I ain't starin', just trying to read ya. If you want, I can stop of course."
| >>268285
>The zombies facial expression changes to a more curious one, but he's still smiling. He finishes of his drink before he replies.
"No no! It's fine. So you can perform as either one. Do you ever feel the need to quote unquote perform with anyone? Like, do you want to perform with the cute kid, or anyone else here, for that matter."
| >It looks back at the oni for a moment, curiously, and mutters under it's breath.
"Lolicon... Isn't it?"
>After looking at the stranger, a bit too obviously, it turns back to the zombie.
"...I don't think she can do that yet."
>It pauses a moment, tabbing on it's knees.
"...I think that depends? For example, if you had said you had wanted to Perform like those girls in your pornography, I feel like I would have said yes. But I'm not sure why."
| >>268296
>Garrett's smile broadens immensely.
"Yes. That is a lolicon, or loli. Also, everyone can technically perform, it's just that most kids don't feel any need to. So you would have said yes if I wanted to perform with you, but you're not sure why? Would performing with you make you happy, or would you do it just because I asked you to. Would you do it if anyone else here asked you?"
| >>268287
>Fringe moves a bit closer, enjoying the conversation, in all honesty.
What's your name, shiny-eyes?
| >>268299
"Any... Need?"
>It quirks it's head, the tapping stops.
"So like you, then, with your hentai?"
>It looks a bit too triumphant about making this connection.
"Making me happy... I think I would be happy to be of use to you, then. I know that much."
>Looking around for a moment, it slowly comes to a realization.
"...The bartender, maybe. I think she does a very good job. I could reward her."
| >Even as the relatively pleasant hustle and bustle within the bar continued, those who sat and listened could hear the rolling of thunder off in the distance, very gently shaking the building when it got close. Rain continued to fall, in yet heavier sheets now, a torrential downpour upon the tall spires reaching to touch the black skies. As the night goes on, the storm grows stronger. Too much longer, and they may be stuck.
| (At this point I'll allow Tabby to be used for actions such as ordering drinks and basic services. The bar is more than it appears, should exploration begin, discovery may follow. GM, out. 07 )
| >>268240
"Really? It feels like we meet at every bar in town, Miss Falchien, mother of one."
>John, or Johnathan, teases.
| >>268312
"Your not any need theory is not correct. A kid feels a lot less, sometimes no joy from sexual pleasure, while I feel a great deal of joy, from sexual pleasure, even if it's just hentai."
>By now, Garret has put the hentai in his surprisingly big left pocket, and order and received a sugar rush, which he now took a sip of.
"So you would like to have sex with the bartender, to reward her for a job well done? Then why is it that you would like to do it with me?"
| >>268328
>The girls seems to be searching her memories
"Wait, wait, did we meet at the Midnight Drifter once? I must say your face is super plain, don't recall it much."
>The man sighs and takes his hand off the Oni's head
"Always the awkward one, Falschen."
"Shut up, Steven."
| >It frowned a bit as he pocketed the porn, though not sure why. Taking a moment to ponder, though nodding first at his distinction between himself and children, it folds it's hands near it's mouth.
"Nn..."
>Apparently deep in thought, it finally seems to come to some conclusion.
"Maybe I feel bad for you?"
>It doesn't seem to realize that's something nobody wants to hear.
"Being pent up, I mean."
| (Meant to mention, if you'd like to still interact with Tabby as a character feel free to tag me when you do. I'll respond in kind.)
| >>268342
>He takes a sip.
"I thought it might have been something like that. You don't have to worry though. I'm not pent up. I masturbate a few times a day, and due to me not being human, I don't have as strong sexual feelings as a human would, or a lilim for that matter."
>He takes another sip. He really likes sugar rush.
"But do you ever think about sex as a possible reward for yourself? Does sex make you happy, or do you only use it to make other people happy?"
| >>268355
>He smiles, returning to his own drink.
"It's very nice to meet you, Alter. What brings you here? Shelter from the storm? Something else?"
| >>268334
"Ouch Fal, I was hoping you'd remember me, but you and your three stripes? Unforgettable."
>John smiles
"Bartender, how about another gut punch, and please make it double."
| >>268361
>Rather amused by the conversation that lead to a customer stating that they'd like to reward Tabby sexually, the bartend got the double gut punch prepared, dipping a little plastic sword into the drink, to arm the brave warrior about to fight the drink down.
| >>268361
"So she really is the meanie vigilente! I knew it!"
>The little oni girl is once again fumbling with her handcuffs, she then stops at once and realizes her head is not being petted anymore and now looks down about it
| >>268391
"I'm not a vigilente, and I'm not THAT Falschen."
>>268361
I'm sorry sir, but you definitely got the wrong person, I'm not the vigilante calling themselves Falschen, I'm Steve Alter Falschen, any comment on the name will be ignored and I'll punch your teeth in."
>She goes back to sipping her drink
"Nasty."
| >Grumbling to himself, perhaps not completely aware of it himself, Franklin idly pats the small oni's head, drunk as can be.
| >>268404
>John smiles, clearly enjoying pushing Falschen's buttons.
"Really? And I was going to buy a drink for my friend Fal."
| >>268409
"Oh yeah? Where you from? Sounds like a pleasant place."
>This was both a joke and serious comment. Fringe enjoys heavy thunderstorms.
| >>268354
>It perks up a bit.
"Ah! Masturbation, I know about that!"
>It bows, probably to confirm.
"But, rewarding myself, you think... Well, it feels nice, but... I haven't don't anything to be rewarded."
>For a moment it goes silent, trying to pull together it's thoughts.
"...Maybe you do want to hear this sort of thing, you didn't seem to mind... But I'm sure I'm being punished. That's why I was rebooted. I'd like to do better this time."
| >>268417
"Oh not really, this is a much better place actually. Back then blue skies were a myth and conflict was all we knew. It may not be the nicest of places, but atleast here one can have some sort of semblance of peace without war..."
| >>268426
>Yet another sip, but that last part made Garrett quite curious.
"Who is it that's punishing you, and why is being rebooted a punishment?"
| >>268435
>It pauses for a moment, tabbing on it's knees again.
"Well... The one who made me, I'm sure. As for why... Maybe you're right. I shouldn't assume the worst..."
>It frowns, glassy eyes flashing for a second.
"It feels like a punishment, though. It's like... Wiping a computer clean and starting over. I don't know who I was before this, what I was doing... Maybe that's not so bad, but. It would be pertinent to know."
| >>268434
>Fringe nods, taking a moment before speaking.
"Ah, I'm sorry to hear. At least you're here, now, right?"
| >>268443
"The past huh. I get the curiosity, but you shouldn't let it get to you. Just make the best out of what you have, and don't care about what you don't. That's what I do, and it seems to work quite well."
>He finishes off his drink.
"Bartender! Could you recommend me a drink that's not that sweet, but not that sour, strong or bitter either?"
| >>268434
"So-"
>Fringe leans in, somewhat excited.
"Are you a time traveler or something? Or are you just older than you look? Either way, tell me about whenever youre from."
| >>268469
>It's silent for a moment, letting that soak in.
"Yes... I think that's what I should do. I'm not upset about most of it, at least I think.. But it would be nice to know what I was made to do. That way I can do it."
>It looks down at the empty glass for a moment.
"...Wouldn't that not taste like anything?"
| >>268487
"I'm not sure what it would taste like. I'm just curious."
>Garrett starts fidgeting with his glass.
"What you were made to do huh. Well, I was made for the sole purpose of commanding mindless troops in intergalactic warfare, and you see where I'm now. In some tiny bar in Glitch City talking about hentai, lolis and existentialism with you. Not that that's a bad thing."
| >>268496
>It looks at Garrett for a long moment, trying to find some frame of reference.
"I guess we're alike, then... Well, in some ways."
>It's face heats up, blushing in some exaggerated color. Apparently this is a programmed feature.
"...Well, we both masturbate. Maybe we were made to do that."
>Was this a joke? Who knows. The tone was serious. Maybe that's another kind of humor.
| (Oof, this thread is getting a little steamy)
| >>268480
"It wouldn't be fun if i let out all my secrets now would it? who knows, it may be both~"
| >>268497
>Garrett starts laughing again.
"That's a good point! We certainly do masturbate! You know what? I like you!"
| >>268511
>It seems pleased by this, but doesn't join him in laughing. Maybe it couldn't? At least it smiles back.
"Good! I'm glad!"
>It brightens in the face, that artifical blush now dulling to more of a pink.
"I think I like you too! It feels odd!"
>The enthusiasm is there. Maybe not the conversational skills.
| >>268509
"Alright, alright. How about we start simple?"
> Fringe turns to Tabby and asks her to get Alter another glass of wine.
"How about we take turns asking each other a question, all answers kust be truth. Lets try to avoid embarrassment though."
| >>268405
"Yayy~"
>The oni girl is smiling but suddenly she stiffens
"Wait, no I'm suposed to be an adult!"
>She moves her head away, despite looking not so pleased to do so
"That was a close one..."
| >>268524
>Fox got another Brandtini, his whole face now grey from his drunkenness. He picks up the Oni girl and places her on his shoulder.
"You're seriously so small and adorable and like I can't even believe it! How are you not taken by others daily?"
| >Tabby just shook her head with a small smile while watching the night continue to unfold. It was curious, amusing even, she had to admit. But this was a business regardless.
"Please remember, we have accommodations available. I must insist any escalation of silliness be taken into private. We even have an entertainment area of sorts, if it pleases the group."
| > The only underage in the bar have been unusually comfortable with the atmosphere. And taken insterest to the weird characters that kept on comming inside. She thought of ordering again.
"Um... Ms. Bartender do you have anything sweet that has no alchohol?"
>She politely asks, and the nervous tone of her voice was gone.
| >>268520
>Alter chuckles
"Well, I suppose that's amusing enough. Allow me to start. *ahem* Do you have a girlfriend?"
| >>268660
>Nodding ar the girl, Tabby whipped her up a sugar rush. It seemed to be the drink of the night. It was exactly what they specified but could also be made non-alcoholic. A perfect compromise.
"Here you go sweetie,"
>Tabby said softly, pushing the drink in front of the girl.
| >>268611
"Nah? Why are you picking me up, unhand me!!"
>The girl trashes about
"I'm an adult! I'm not adorable, I'm cool!"
| > The young girl thanked the kind bartender. As the time goes by, the talks of 'adults' becane aomewhat intertaining for her.
| >>268632
>Waiting until Tabby was finished with the current customer, it chimmed in once it felt certain she was done-At the moment, anyway.
"Pardon me... Accommodations, what would something like that cost?"
>The zombie it had been talking to, lovely fellow, was quiet enough at the moment that it felt comfortable inquiring after this.
| >>268700
>Blinking, Tabby turned to her quiet guest. For a moment, she wondered if she'd been propositioned after the last conversation but remembered it was indeed a service she herself rendered.
"Oh! It really depends on what you'd like, love. Looking for a single room, an entertainment area, a two person room?"
| >>268705
>For a moment, it had to wonder if she was recalling the same comment it was. If so, it didn't know where to go from here. It had never tried to seduce someone before... Luckily, more so for Tabby, they weren't about to find out how that might go.
"Well, I suppose a single room would be best, I don't take up much space... I don't exactly need to sleep, of course, but if the storm doesn't let up..."
>It glances over it's shoulder. Yep, rain.
"I should be out of the way."
|
| (I didn't think I could submit a blank post, but I guess I hit submit picking up my phone?? Sorry)
>>268710
|
| >>268681
>Immediately, Fringe took on a very faint red shade, chuckling softly.
"No, I don't, haven't for a little bit."
>He thinks for a moment.
"What's your favorite thing about Glitch City?"
| >>268709
"A single room, alright. 25 Zenny. It comes with all the accutroments you'd expect from a Bed & Breakfast worth it's salt."
| >Fringe raises a shiny, metal hand, hoping to catch Tabby's attention.
"Hey, Tabby, could I rent a room? Also, another Weaver, please. And a glass of wine for Ms. Alter, here."
>He sets a credstick down on the bar.
| >While enjoying her sugar rush, the young girl's phone vibrates. She looked it up. It was her 'friend' Alex that sent her the message. 'Eve where are you?'. She just ignored it, she doesn't want to talk to her after what happened.
>'Join the FtS it'll be fun she said' she thoughr to herself and sighed.
"*sighed*"
| >>268750
>Catching the glint of Fringe's hand, she turned her attention to him now.
"Yes of course. Same type of room?"
>even as she asked the question Tabby took the credstick, charging out the drinks he'd already ordered and the next two he wanted.
| >>268691
>Fox sets her down and signals for another Brandtini
"Sorry! My subroutines just kind of go all over the place on days like these. Anyway I can make it up to you???"
| "Sure, unless you've got something nicer. I feel like treatin' myself."
>He said, smiling politely.
| >>268757 >>397851 >>268759
>Once the oni was set down, Frank, in his drunken stupor, began rubbing a hand through her hair, scratching her head like she was some kind of pet. He hummed contentedly.
"Balcony room then? Or a fireplace, seeing the weather's so foul. That's up to you,"
>dutifully, Tabby served up Fox's drink.
| >Fringe thought for a minute, trying to remember just how much he had left to spend.
"Depends, how much for each?"
This thread is permanently archived
| >When it rained, it poured. Tonight was no exception as the torrents of cold water flooded from the inky black heavens far above the metropolis. The atmosphere inside was that typical of a dingy dive one would find peppered all throughout the seedy parts of any self respecting mega city. Dim lights barely illuminating the few tables cramped into the small space, made dimmer still by the haze of cigar, cigarette, and only God knew what else rose to the blanket low ceiling.