View source for Logs:Onion Rings and Bacon

{{Log
|chars=[[Fiametta]], [[Javi]], [[Darwin]]
|gamedate=2022.08.21
|location=Oakland
|summary=Javi escapes to a greasy dive bar to get a buzz on, and runs into Fiametta and Darwin. *Is* Javi Chicago's Kevin Bacon?
|subtitle="Maybe burlesque is more your style."
|categories=Mortal+, Changeling, Werewolf
|log=True to his word -- or earlier text to Darwin -- Javi has gone out drinking! At least, half the words. He doesn't seem to be trying to pick anyone up at the moment. Maybe that comes later? Or perhaps he changed his mind, since he's not looking //particularly// pleased with life at the moment, and honestly this bar's vibe is not really conducive to hooking up.

He's already got one empty shot glass in front of him, and he also has a beer, though he's working on that a little more slowly. Maybe. It's still half-full, anyway, and he seems to have forgotten about it in favor of scrolling through his phone.
 
What are the odds that when the door next opens, it's to admit a familiar face. Fi is dressed to suit the surroundings, slim fitting jeans and a wide strap tank top with a little lace, boots on her feet and her bright hair pulled back in a ponytail. She probably doesn't hold the room's attention long, though she'll steal glances now and then, especially with that coppery hair.

Dark blue eyes look around curiously, though when they light on Javi, they narrow, especially as she sees a beginning collection of glass and bottle in front of him. Since he's absorbed in his phone though, maybe she has a chance to slowly sidle up to him, without the surprise being ruined. "Hey, stranger," she says quietly. "What're you up to?"
 
Yes, it definitely works. Javi is absorbed enough with whatever he's doing -- if Fi looks, he's just making his way through Instagram fast enough that he probably isn't actually looking at any of the photos -- that he does not notice her at all until she speaks to him. Actually, he's surprised enough that he nearly jumps, looking sharply up at whoever it is.

However, as soon as he sees //who// it is, any wariness melts into a smile. "Oh shit," he murmurs, letting out laugh and reaching up to rub a hand over his face so he can scrub away some vague embarrassment. "Hey! Hi. You know, just getting fucked up." He closes the screen and slides his phone into his pocket, gesturing for her to sit with him. He does sound a little loose, but he's not truly drunk yet, and his mood does seem to have improved a little bit at her arrival. "How you doing? They don't got milkshakes here but they do good onion rings."
 
"Now there's a phrase I like to hear," Fi teases him, at that surprised 'oh shit'. She's slips into the offered seat, perching on its edge with her elbows on the table as she looks him over. "You okay, Javi? I don't mind. I think everyone needs to get fucked up every once in awhile. Gotta make sure you make it home okay, though." She grins. "I'm good. Been working hard trying to get a routine into shape. It's coming along, I think. Let's get some onion rings then! Unless that's gonna mess up your plans for the night." Apparently she might be well familiar with how food ingestion can really put a damper on hammer time, when you wanna get as wasted as possible as quick as possible.
 
"This? /This/ is the place you're going to pick up--" Darwin trails off, smiling faintly at Fiametta when he notices the flash of copper hair. "Oh hey. I was gonna' gonna' get some hushpuppies to go..." He lingers beside the table, garbed in his usual overcoat and turtleneck. "Say the word and I'll be on my way," he says in a low voice, presumably to Javi.
 
Javi laughs, a //little// too loud, but it's amused and not harsh. It draws some eyes of its own, though mostly people are in deep enough to go back to their respective drinks a moment later. "Nah, I'm always happy to see you," he replies. "When you opening? Gotta be coming up soon, right?" He has conveniently glossed over the question of how he is -- or maybe he's just a little distracted. "I could do onion rings. No messing up nothing. Still gotta get home eventually."

He starts to get up, but when he's half-standing he notices Darwin suddenly there, and he blinks, peering upward at the other man. "Yo, did I like manifest you here? Maybe I //do// have powers." Whatever that means. He grins, shaking his head. "You're good. Turns out my head's not really in the game. You want some onion rings? You want some onion rings." Hopefully Darwin does, in fact, want onion rings. And then: "You two know each other?" He looks from Fiametta to Darwin, and then back, eyebrows raising.
 
"You'll get home fine, don't worry about that," the redhead informs Javi. "Just do what you gotta do in the meantime." It's said without a scrap of judgement. "I don't think we've fixed the date just yet," she admits to Javi. "As soon as I know, though I'll let you know. It's probably gonna be a little crazy busy, but on the plus side, there'll be lots of eye candy!"

Another familiar voice, and now it's her turn to twist around. She fixes Darwin with a /look/, and one arched copper brow. "You came to pick up some hushpuppies?" she asks Darwin. "Is this some kinda chicago slang I don't know?" But there's a lilt of teasing in her tone. "Sounds like you need some onion rings too." But then she nods. "We've met," she confirms. And while her curious glance between Darwin and Javi indicates she didn't necessarily put them together as having crossed paths--on the other side she seems not even a little bit surprised. Instead she sighs, softly. "Javi," she tells him, looking very solemn. "I...I think that maybe you--you're like the Chicago Kevin Bacon."
 
Darwin smirks and pulls out a chair, giving Javi's shoulder a gentle pat-pat as he settles in. "I want some onion rings," he agrees, then breaks into a big grin. "It's not slang! It's... those little friend cornmeal things. I had a craving and I wanted something greasy." At Fiametta's observation, Darwin laughs, "My god, it's true. Javi knows everyone." Then, more meaningfully, catching Javi's eye, "Because he's a great guy to be around, probably."
 
"Oh shit." Second time tonight! But this time it's just that Javi has realized something. "Taking my ass home twice in a week, huh. Not even in a fun way. Swear I'm not always this bad." Fi is not judging, and he doesn't //really// look embarrassed at the moment, though maybe he'll feel it later. "I appreciate it, though. And I'm really down for watching some pretty people."

He casts a smile to Darwin at the pat, before he has to laugh again at Fi's last observation, and Darwin's reply. "Yeah," he admits, "I know everyone. I mean, some of 'em wanna eat me and some of 'em wanna punch me in the face, but I know 'em." He does not seem too surprised that //they// know each other. He also catches the look from Darwin, and it has him grinning again as his hand comes up to point at him, poking it a couple of times in the air in his general direction. "But I got my hype man over here so that's nice. Lemme go order." He turns then, heading toward the bar. No stumbling or anything like that -- actually, his movements are a little smoother than usual, less twitchy, thanks to the alcohol.
 
Possibly if it was anyone else begging off some greater meaning to the word hushpuppies, the willowy redhead would be skeptical. But for whatever reason, she seems to be willing to lean on the side of Darwin being completely innocent. She waves off Javi's concern, though. "I've done a lot worse, Javi," she smiles. "Plus, at least you're cute when you're plastered. And you haven't thrown up on my boots, yet. It makes me feel better to know that you got home okay. That's what friends are for, yeah?"

She watches Javi too as he moves towards the ordering area, after Darwin makes his assessment. She doesn't disagree, though she adds perhaps a little more quietly, "Sometimes the lonely people find each other, even in a crowd of others," she observes. "No matter what faces they wear." Her tone still isn't judgmental, or exclusive. It's not even that melancholy, though there's an ache to it. But in that moment there's an eerie, timeless quality to her face, as if she's more removed from the world than in it. That moment passes quickly though, like the brightness of the moon revealed only to be hidden once more by clouds.
 
"Pretty people?" Darwin asks as Javi departs for orders. He looks to Fiametta, smile softer. "That's true. He was having a bit of an evening," he says, just as quiet, and while the moon is pleasant to gaze at, Darwin's eyes fall back to the table, sheepish. He twists an errant napkin between his fingers. "It seems kind of difficult to /not/ be lonely," he muses.
 
Javi misses some of the conversation while he's at the bar, of course, but it doesn't take him very long to order what they want, and soon enough he's making his way back again. Also having missed the end, though he circles back to the beginning as he drops into his seat again. "Yeah, pretty people," he confirms as he looks to Darwin. "Fi's gonna be headlining at a club. But, like, a fancy one. Dancing." He's obviously impressed by it -- and also it may be a good thing that they have joined him now, because he also seems like he might have decided to slow down a little, between the food and the fact that he doesn't reach for his beer again at the moment. No throwing up on friends' shoes. "Then they got like, a fight club in the basement."
 
The bright-haired young woman nods quietly to Darwin's last observation. "It can be. Sometimes that's how people choose to be safe, too. Don't let anyone see too deep. Too risky. Though I guess there's risk involved in /not/ letting anyone in ever, too, isn't there."

But then Javi is approaching, and some of the seriousness softens into a smile as he explains. "Lots of stuff to watch there. Whether you like pretty, or something with a more dangerous edge. Or both. It's a splurge, but worth it." She flashes a mischievous smile at him, dark blue eyes glittering. "Though I guess I might be a little biased. And rules in both places. Just to help people stay as safe as they're going to be." But she can't resist teasing Javi a little. "I wonder if you might run into some people you /don't/ know there. That could be kind of fun too."
 
Darwin grows just a little uneasy, the guilt on his face plain, as Fiametta speaks of risks. He says nothing, having been schooled into silence a few days prior.

"A fancy dancy club?" Darwin brightens. "A fancy dancy fighty club? Sounds nice. You're a mover and shaker then, huh, Fiametta? Someone text me when it opens or something. Maybe get Javi up there dancing, I'd watch that." He plucks a few onion rings, and of course, a few hushpuppies from his paper tray.
 
Javi grins at the tease, and he nods to concede Fi's point. "Maybe," he replies. "Kinda nice to have a surprise here and there. Didn't know you guys like a couple weeks ago, so." He gestures between the two of them -- clearly they are both excellent data points for the benefits of running into people he doesn't know and now knowing them. His hand comes down to grasp the neck of the bottle, but he doesn't drink from it, just starts to tap his finger against the rim absently. "Yeah you would," he agrees brightly. Whether Darwin was serious or not! "I'm a great dancer. But Fi's better than me so it's definitely gonna be good. You should go for sure."
 
"Mm. More of a spinner and a shaker," Fi decides, tapping on her lower lip thoughtfully with one pointer finger. "But yeah, it's not just women dancing, if that's not your thing!" She grabs an onion ring too, making it disappear in just a couple of quick but delicate bites. "You ever tried pole dancing? It's good exercise anyway, even if you never are going to do it for pay. Though any kind of dancing is fun in my book." She flashes a grin at Javi. "And yeah, you are a really great dancer," she agrees. "You've got the moves and the personality. Maybe burlesque is more your style." But it's gentle teasing, and clearly she doesn't have any shame either in what she does, or recommends to others.
 
Darwin studies Javi for a quiet moment, possibly imagining /various/ types of dances the man may be capable of. Then Fiametta elaborates, and the club becomes all the more appealing. "Me? No," he chuckles. "I've never actually been to a club like that. No real reason, just never really fit it into the schedule. What's the fighting part like? Just fists?" He takes another crunchy bite, glancing to Javi. "Javi, don't let us stop you from getting sloshed..."
 
"Hey," Javi replies to Fiametta, clearly pleased at her confirmation of his abilities, "if I fail out of the program maybe you could hook me up with a job." While he does sound like he's joking -- mostly -- he does not seem to think it would be something he'd mind or be embarrassed about doing. And something about the way he says it gives the impression he feels there might be a not insignificant possibility that he //could// fail out of his program.

However, he doesn't dwell on it. Instead, he takes an onion ring, too, gesturing to Darwin with it and shaking his head. "It's all good," he says. "To be honest then I'd probably just get sad and no one wants that. I'm a ugly crier, man. It's bad."
 
"Nothing lethal. I mean, you've seen MMA and stuff, right? Don't need a weapon to be deadly, they wanted to be. There's limits, but I'd think that might depend on who's fighting. But I don't know a whole lot about that side of things," Fi admits. Her head tilts a little, perhaps some of the implications of what Javi says haven't been missed. "Even if you don't--you'd be surprised at who moonlights. When I first started, it didn't take me long to save up enough money that I was gonna be able to start taking classes too. School and living and everything else is expensive. Anyway, you'll get to see plenty at the opening. If you like it and wanna try it, let me know. Or if you want some lessons too."

She might have said more, but the phone in her back pocket makes a sound that sounds like tinkerbell getting throttled. Rapid fire chiming, even if it lasts only for a few second blasts. She slips her phone out and reads, frowning very slightly. "I gotta go," she says apologetically, but it's a little reluctant too. "You going to let Darwin and his hushpuppies make sure you get home safe?" she asks Javi quietly. "Either way, text me when you are home safe? Not long, just a check in. If you're okay with that. I know it's not really my business, but I won't worry then."
 
"You won't fail," Darwin insists, his confidence in Javi's first responder expertise based on absolutely nothing. "It's okay to cry! One time I was having a really shitty day, one bad thing on top of another, and I got some fried rice from my favorite Chinese joint, then /dropped it/. All over the sidewalk. I cried over rice."

"I'll make sure he gets home," Darwin assures Fiametta. "It was good to see you again," he adds with a little smile.
 
"Huh." Javi takes a moment to consider what Fiametta says, his head tilting to one side as he finishes off the onion ring. "Maybe I will," he finally decides. "I'll let you know. Things are kinda tight right now." //He// starts to say more, too, but he's quite distracted by the ringtone, and he absolutely leans forward to look. Not like he's actually trying to read it or anything, just perennially curious.

"Oh yeah," he confirms, "he can do it. It's fine. But yeah I'll text you for sure, no worries. Gotta check in with your friends, yeah?" He smiles, lifting a hand in farewell. "You be safe, too." He does have to turn back to Darwin then, again taking a somewhat meandering path back to admit, "I'd prolly cry over that, too. That really sucks."
 
Fiametta slips out of her seat. "Okay," she tells Javi. When she moves to go, her fingertips impulsively brush his upper arm lightly unless he pulls away, though it's as light as the fall of an autumn leaf. Perhaps meant to soothe, or communicate concern, or even confidence. It's hard to tell with the mercurial young woman. Darwin is given a smile that lights her eyes, though it's brief, perhaps as she's already thinking about whatever it is that made that ringtone. "Thanks, I appreciate it. Good to see you, too. I'm sure we'll talk again soon. Be good." But then she's turning, walking towards the door, her steps just a little rushed.
 
Darwin watches Fiametta head out, then looks back to Javi, plucking a few more onion rings. They're surprisingly tasty. "Sucked, yeah. But tomorrow came around, and things picked up. It's ups and downs. The spirit adjusts." He pauses, teeth set against his lip. "You gonna' be alright tonight? Can always sleep it off at my place if you want. I make killer breakfasts."
 
Javi doesn't pull away from Fiametta's touch when she passes him -- he even seems to appreciate it, and his smile softens as he watches her head toward the door. He reaches for the bottle then, taking a pull from it before his gaze returns to Darwin. "Yeah," he agrees, "I get you. The sun'll come out tomorrow and shit. You ever do that one?" Well, he is a drama teacher. As for the offer, there's actually another grateful smile, but he shakes his head. "Nah, man, I'm good. I'm not that fucked up and I live around but you can shove me in a Uber, too. But that's really nice of you." He takes a moment to study Darwin more closely, before he continues, "You're a nice guy. You know? Dunno what you got going on but you're good."
 
Darwin laughs. "Annie? No. I mean, I know the songs." Darwin leans back in his chair, the seat creaking faintly. "Aw, thanks. I actually don't have a /lot/ going on, so either I'm lucky or just woefully ignorant. It does kinda' give me more time to focus on my students." He pauses. "You really dance? You /actually/ dance? Like, entertainment-style?"
 
The assertion that Darwin doesn't have a lot going on has Javi looking //extremely// skeptically at the other man. He may not //actively// contradict him, but honestly his thoughts are so obvious he might as well have. He doesn't exactly have a poker face. But he will leave the man to his mysteries, apparently, because the question makes him laugh. "Nah," he replies, "not like that. I mean, yeah, I can dance. But it's like, you know. You wanna pick someone up in a club, you better be a good dancer, right? I'm kinda short, and not like //hot// hot. But you use what you got, right?" He grins, apparently unbothered by any of it. And he's really not //that// short, though he certainly isn't tall. Exceedingly average, if such a thing exists. "Never did it like, professionally. She's just being nice."
 
Darwin's features scrunch as Javi eyes him with that /look/. "Ohhh. Got it. Yeah, Fiametta's nice." He sighs faintly. "She was the one that was /sent after me/ after I spooked Ji-Ho. Sliiightly scared of getting on her bad side. Well, on anyone's bad side." Then he scoffs. "Oh come on. You could have anyone you wanted, Kevin Bacon."
 
//That// is surprising, and Javi's eyebrows raise. "Wow, really?" He looks from Darwin to the door where Fiametta had disappeared, his brows pulling together thoughtfully. "Really? Huh." But after a few moments, he seems to reconcile it with the picture he already had of her, and he nods slowly. "Guess I could see that. Pretty sure I wouldn't wanna get on her bad side, either. But yeah. She's awesome."

He finishes off the beer, setting the empty bottle down in front of him with a little //thunk// as his gaze returns to Darwin. He pauses, leveling another longer look at the other man before he huffs. "Anyone, huh?" Though he does get more serious a moment later as he looks away to the empty bottle. "Yeah," he concedes, "I could hook up with plenty of people. I'm cute. But it's like, you know. The guy you meet at the club 'cause he's a good dancer, and you have fun with him for a minute 'cause he knows all the good places to go and he's down for whatever. But eventually that gets kinda old, yeah? And it's like...no one's mad about it. No one does a whole big breakup thing. You just kinda fade out, 'cause maybe you're keeping him warming the bench if you wanna call him up for a night sometime but you're not gonna bring him home to meet your mom."
 
Darwin is halfway through the last hushpuppy when Javi's story goes from light to sad as fuck. He looks over, brows knitting. "Anyone who treats you like that doesn't deserve you," he says with a quiet intensity. Then he drags his chair a little closer to loop an arm around Javi's shoulder for a quick side-hug. "Don't let anyone keep you in a library where they can check you out and thumb through your pages whenever they want." He crumples up his napkin and tosses it in the empty basket. "Write these assholes off if they start to fade on you. Fuck it. Feel like I need a beer now."
 
Javi is certainly not usually in this sort of mood -- maybe it's the alcohol, but he doesn't really seem that drunk anymore now. His gaze lifts again as Darwin speaks, though, and despite the dip in his mood he manages to smile, and he even leans a little bit into the hug. "See?" he replies. "You're a good guy."

He reaches for an onion ring, breaking a piece off absently as he continues, "It's honestly fine. Not like anyone's holding a gun to my head making me smash. Don't even know if I want nothing serious anyway. But, you know, yeah. Kinda trying to get my shit together more now." He reaches up to rub a hand over his face, letting out a sigh, but when it drops again he smiles. "You definitely need a beer 'cause I been drinking alone and that's not good. Let me get you one, we'll finish those," he nods to the food, "and then we'll head out. Yeah?"
 
"You got this," Darwin assures. "Getting shit together is difficult. Shit should stay together." He grimaces slightly. "Not one of my better slivers of wisdom. Sure I'll take a free beer!" Or several. Now they can /both/ stumble into an uber.
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