It is about 60/span/b>15C) degrees. The mist is heaviest At Carnation and Woodcrest/span

“She has an opener,” Arachne points out the obvious to Jakem. “Or did you miss that?”

If Preston cared about clammy hands, he doesn’t show it. Reaching out, he grips that hand, giving it a very firm shake. “Investigating to make sure I’m not dead, huh?” snorting a bit, he nods, pulling away after a reasonable about of time. “Nah, been close though. Preston Blackwell.”

Noel filters onto the balcony with a subtle sway of delicate hips, walking on bare toes with a soft expression upon his angelic face, golden blond hair framing red-flecked hazel eyes as he approaches Arachne’s table. For once not carrying about his multitude of pampered Pomeranian pooches around, he leans down to faux-kiss the woman on either cheek, smiling sweetly before finding a chair nearby to her, inviting himself to sit with a sultry, seductive batting of his long, curly lashes. “Good afternoon, Madame, I did non expect to see you at such an event, I wonder who this new boy in town is, non?

Obadiah does the polite thing and introduces Tessa to Arachne, “Tessa, the yoga instructor.” He motions to Arachne, “Arachne, the Summer Queen of the Illusium Court.” He glances at the others, “I am afraid I know most of the fans and none of the band.”

Tessa murmurs to Noel, “Seb? He’s pretty good, if you like punk stuff.”

Jakem whistles “Moving up in the world, she came by her lonesome when she performed at the Den.” he comments as he looks about, long neck craning as he seeks either to look for this opener, or perhaps just survey the crowd.

Tessa says “Everyone calls me a yoga instructor… I’m a tiktoker, Obie.“

Amber looks about to type something. Or say something, after the handshake is done. But Noel’s approach has her quieting as she is slumped in a chair at Arachne’s table, too. Instead, she just observes, glancing between Tessa and Noel as introductions and greetings are passed around.

Tessa does take a moment, smile warming in degrees as she greets Arachne, saying, “Ah, a pleasure to finally meet you, then.”

Evalina sits down near the VIP table, then checks her texts. She blinks, then glances up at Preston. “…You realize you can /talk/ to me right? I have ears and everything. They’re quite nice. Mother gave them to me.” She quips with a wry smile as she brushes her hair behind her ear.

Casey leans back towards the microphone. Giving a friendly smile to the crowd without focusing on anyone in particular. “This show was meant for the Nightside. A place no less classy but certainly catering to a different type of crowd. So bear with us as we try to make adjustments.” she takes a pause. Letting those words settle. Then she speaks again, “Tonight, the opening performer will be Haven’s very own Sebastian. Better known as ‘Grinch’. Followed by myself for the main show. I expect it to get hot in here so make sure you are well hydrated.”

The femme holds a hand out towards Sebastion and says, “Please welcome The ‘Grinch’ to the stage.”

Arachne’s chin descends into a softly upturned palm, idly assessing Tessa from beneath her lashes for all of a moment when Obadiah makes introductions. “You’ll have quite a bit in common with the vlogger of the family, my cousin, Matthew.” And then, her gaze shifts to Obadiah, “You and I are long overdue for a private conversation,” she tells her vassal, before raising her head to look upon Noel favorably, tipping a finger toward the chair empty at her side. “Sit. The show is about to begin.”

She falls silent, now, as Sebastion is introduced to take the stage, her hands coming up in light applause.

Sebastion pulls on his ski mask and walks on stage, the lights dim and a scratchy noise begins to play through the sound system. The needle of a record player set on a track followed by the slow booming of the bass, a building rhythm that you can feel in your chest. He lifts his hand toward the sky, eyes drawn toward the ceiling before he jumps into action.

His delivery is slow and deliberate, voice low and droning Cough and choke, wheeze and gasp as my lungs fill with that gas. Static brain, erase the pain, keep myself inside my lane- He steps forward toward the edge of the stage, attention returning to the crowd before him as his rhymes begin to flow faster Treachery inside these trenches, this year Grinch missin’ Christmas.

Sebastion pulls on his ski mask and walks on stage, the lights dim and a scratchy noise begins to play through the sound system. The needle of a record player set on a track followed by the slow booming of the bass, a building rhythm that you can feel in your chest. He lifts his hand toward the sky, eyes drawn toward the ceiling before he jumps into action. His delivery is slow and deliberate, voice low and droning Cough and choke, wheeze and gasp as my lungs fill with that gas. Static brain, erase the pain, keep myself inside my lane- He steps forward toward the edge of the stage, attention returning to the crowd before him as his rhymes begin to flow faster Treachery inside these trenches, this year Grinch missin’ Christmas.

Obadiah looks a moment at Arachne and then smirks before greeting Evalina with a nod of his head, scanning out over the crowd. “Oh that wiry man must be Sebastian. The opening act. I thought he might be Grimy for a moment.”

Jakem nods to Obadiah “Announcing what he was gonna do before he mauls the crowd.”

Casey is as quick to dismount the stage as Obadiah is to claim it. On her way out she has to gather up her haphazardly left pile of props. Among them a bunch of chains bundled up. Once down she doesn’t really stick around. She’s got to put her face on, change her clothes and set herself up. On the way she flashes a smile to the people who claimed the balcony to watch the show.

Casey is as quick to dismount the stage as Sebastion is to claim it. On her way out she has to gather up her haphazardly left pile of props. Among them a bunch of chains bundled up. Once down she doesn’t really stick around. She’s got to put her face on, change her clothes and set herself up. On the way she flashes a smile to the people who claimed the balcony to watch the show.

Arachne leans forward in her seat, gray eyes sliding down from the balcony overhang to fix on Sebastion below. Her head tilts, a slow, measured angle to better catch the cadence of his opening verse, with only fleeting interest for the conversation unfolding at her tables.

Sophie wanders in with Kai, helping him as he limps along. She gets him settled before taking a seat and leaning in to give him a kiss.

Jakem bellows with an announcer’s baritone, albeit repurposed to a raucous fan “Wooo! Stool those whosit’s gifts! Mamma wants a new firetruck.”

Sebastion pulls on his ski mask and walks on stage, the lights dim and a scratchy noise begins to play through the sound system. The needle of a record player set on a track followed by the slow booming of the bass, a building rhythm that you can feel in your chest. He lifts his hand toward the sky, eyes drawn toward the ceiling before he jumps into action.

His delivery is slow and deliberate, voice low and droning “Cough and choke, wheeze and gasp as my lungs fill with that gas. Static brain, erase the pain, keep myself inside my lane-” He steps forward toward the edge of the stage, attention returning to the crowd before him as his rhymes begin to flow faster “Treachery inside these trenches, this year Grinch missin’ Christmas.”

Kai returns Sophie’s kiss and sits down, he settles in and gives a bow of his head to Arachne and extends his leg out in front of him, scratching at his thigh through his jeans. He waves back at Tessa but otherwise tries to be unobtrusive.

Amber does a bit of a double-take down at her phone after a moment, listening to the show even when she isn’t actively watching.

Contrary to Arachne, Noel does not lean forward- he remains at a comfortable rest in his seat, crossing his right leg over his left as he observes the show from high above and in a languid position. However, as introductions begin to get passed around, the petite French whore looks over the crowd gathering in the VIP section, saying with a softly-spoken voice, “A pleasure to meet you all, I am Noel Eden-Evrard Deveraux. I run le bordello in All Saints- La Tresor Fuyant. And for some of you, it is an even greater pleasure to see you again, oui?

Obadiah is as unbothered as Noel with his view, leaning back and letting his eyes come to half mast before offering Tessa, Arachne, or Noel a breath mint. “Breath mint?”

Sebastion bobs his head along to the beat as he returns to his previous cadence, “Lungs burn, scream and cry, do what we do to survive. Coffin closed, dirt shoveled in, buried alive for my sin.” Before he drops low, eyes searching the crowd as the scheme turns into a faster, melodic march, clutching the microphone close to his face. “Razors cut into my mind, migraine behind the eye.”

He rises back to his feet, backing off from the edge of the stage as he turns his back to the crowd, pacing further into the black shadows of the stage, the chorus beginning to play as the sweet sound of a violin cuts through the booming bass. A woman’s voice, gentle and sweet sings in a crystal clear voice “Follow the lantern through the dark, it’ll guide your way back home. Follow the lantern through the dark, it’ll guide your way back-”

Sophie says “Shit..lentil curry!“

Tessa laughs softly, shaking her head at Obadiah, saying, “Nope, I’m quite alright.” She’s bobbing her head along with the song, though, maxin’ relaxin’, at peace in odds with the sound.

Jakem nods over to Noel with a crooked smile as he briefly looks away from the show “Hey Noel, g’luck on your promotion. I got faith in you.” he declares with no explanation before getting ready to offer up another raucous yell at the stage.

Kai pops a pill and slouches down in his seat, his eyes sliding shut, he offers one out to Sophie after her whisper.

Obadiah shrugs gives the ‘breath-mint’ to Tessa and leans back in the chair, sipping his drink

“I am confused,” Noel mentions to Jakem with one quirk of a golden brow, taking his espresso martini in hand and bringing it gently to his lips. He takes small sips at first, but gradually his indulgence becomes grander and far more deep, mulling the flavour over his tongue, and then lifting his free hand to someone, shaking his head. “Non, merci beaucoup, mon ami. Not right now, my sweet,” he explains. But then he’s looking back at Jakem with that confused expression, asking, “What promotion is this?”

Sebastion cuts in, interrupting the chorus as the sweet singing from the speakers fade, his flow is choppy putting emphasis on every other word as the stage lights flicker back to life “Hope’s a folly, do or die, pass an echo through the needle’s eye, black rain wash your sin and lies I’m strugglin’ with ego suicide.” He turns back toward the crowd as his flow builds, gaining traction as the heavy bass rattles through the stage “Tryna emphasize where the problem lies when I hit my stride and I’m doin’ right when is an end gonna come to the fight, rope burns round my neck outta spite, lyin’ with the father at my side readin’ my last rite.” Stops abruptly with those last words, an echo playing through the sound system as he looks back to the audience, the sweet singing returning one final time.

“I am confused,” Noel mentions to Jakem with one quirk of a golden brow, taking his espresso martini in hand and bringing it gently to his lips. He takes small sips at first, but gradually his indulgence becomes grander and far more deep, mulling the flavour over his tongue, and then lifting his free hand to Obadiah, shaking his head. “Non, merci beaucoup, mon ami. Not right now, my sweet,” he explains. But then he’s looking back at Jakem with that confused expression, asking, “What promotion is this?”

Casey returns from the bathroom shrouded in a trench coat like some kinda pervert at the playground. It doesn’t cover the collar at her throat and the chain that runs down under the coat. While she’s hiding off beside the stage, Sebastion performs and draws attention away from her preparations. Those who do notice her might notice she seems to harbor a nervous energy while she waits her turn.

Jakem simply smirks impishly to Noel before standing up to his full height, lanky form towering, topped by green hair “Woo!” He bellows without words, pumping his fist in raucous support.

Jakem does, for his part, sidle off to the side once he’s standing to allow those behind him to see.

“Follow the lantern through the dark” The woman begins, the lights on stage pulsing slowly between red and black as the woman sings “It’ll guide your way back home, follow the lantern through the dark, itll guide your way back home” The voice begins to fade, and so does the track as Sebastion paces back and forth slowly, like a shark circling its prey, ready to jump into the next song as the stage lights finally go dark.

Amber is slumped in her chair, lethargic as hell. But she lifts a hand to throw rock horns in support of Sebastion’s performance. It droops down again shortly after, but the intent is there.

Tessa slips the strip into her mouth obediently, without a thought, as she listens, swallowing before she, probably obnoxiously loud for all those right next to her, whistlels for the performer.

Sophie applauds for the stage.

A faint crackling noise can be heard coming from the sound system, like an old movie being played as Daniel Day Lewis voice begins to play “I have a competition in me I want no one else to succeed” His voice fades as a droning bass rolls in, booming in a slow march as the 808s and kicks come in. Eventually the lights come back on and Sebastion begins, “I know I’m not suppose to bare the blame but I left you just fine, you were going through some shit I remember you tryin’- find a surface find a purpose find some piece of mind, you was strugglin’ yeah I noticed, tryna help you but I-”

Arachne leans subtly against the balcony rail, gray eyes drifting over the shadows at the stage’s edge where perceptive eyes catch just a fleeting glimpse of Casey before sliding back to Sebastion’s performance. Her head tilts, catching the weight of his delivery, applause floating down in the slow march of bass vibrating up through the room over the hush of conversation around her.

Sebastion takes a few steps closer to the edge as the beat kicks in and he finds his pocket, holding a few words in an almost gloomy singsongy fashion, nonchalant in his delivery, “Let you stray let you fall let you run away. Let you indulge in all that shit we was doing those days. But now you gone, weird I miss you, can’t remember your face, either way I hope it took you to a better place.” He bobs his head slowly with the beat before he takes a few steps back, that noisy high energy beat building into the chorus and he begins to sing “Who do I see when I look in the mirror? The lines have blurred aint my face, reflections moving weird!”

Preston begins to clap for the stage below, for the performance. Even throwing in a little “FUCK YEAH,” for good measure. Preston’s a good hype man.

“What do I TELL THE DEVIL tryna save my soul, WHILE HE ON MY SHOULDER tryna take control!” Sebastion raises his voice, rocking his body back and forth as he paces across the stage, feeling the energy of the song, repeating the first two lines “Who do I see when I look in the mirror? The lines have blurred aint my face, reflections moving weird! What do I TELL THE DEVIL tryna save my soul-” He clutches the microphone, bending over as he screams “WHILE HE ON MY SHOULDER TRYNA TAKE CONTROL!”

Sebastion straightens out, as the beat slows back to its original pace letting it play for a moment before getting into the next verse, a glimpse of ink visible on the inside of his lower lip as he raps with the flash of gold from his grillz, his flow is slow and methodic, putting emphasis on every word “It was fucked up how we did you, left you broken and just ditched you, ignored the pleading helpless breathing, smoke and mirrors these fake friends leaving.”

He throws a hand up before ripping into the next part, speeding up as he weaves through the rhymes, “Thinking about how you were alone that night, running when the siren’s cry. With a woop woop when that stick shoot on ya troop how can ya pass that by? Adrenaline got my heart beating when my friend was bleeding and needing but we ran and left you to die.”

Kai rubs at his thigh, scratching at it through his jeans, he opens his eyes and then shuts them again, basically melted into his chair while he listens to the concert.

Sebastion steps back, letting the music fade as that grainy tone sets in once again, Daniel Day Lewis’ voice returns, “I hate most people…” Then another voice cuts in, That part of me is gone… Working and not succeeding. All my uh, failures have left me uh…” Theres a contemplative pause before the man finishes, “I just dont care.” And with that the song fades.

Sophie says “Hello? “

The lights return and Sebastion steps front and center Thanks for coming out everyone! Now were gonna roll into the main show. Give it up for Casey Morgan!”

The lights return and Sebastion steps front and center “Thanks for coming out everyone! Now were gonna roll into the main show. Give it up for Casey Morgan!”

Sophie applauds for the main act, clapping excitedly.

Amber raises both hands this time, applauding more for show than volume both for the finished act and for the one upcoming.

Another clap from Preston, loud, and cheering comes along. “WOOOOOOO. LET’S GOOOOO”

Jakem is still standing from his previous cheering “Great job Grinch! Let’s here it for every teacher’s favorite student!” he belows from just slightly off kilter from the main crowd, standing behind most.

Tessa leans forward, cupping her hands around her mouth to give a proper, “Woo!” for both Casey and her opener.

Sophie says “Welcome. Let’s do coffee sometime. “

Evalina claps loudly, a smile on her face as she watches, her eyes fixed on Casey.

Kai makes a slight face at the clapping and loudness, he doesn’t say anything though, he just squirms a bit in his seat and rests his head back against his chair while he relaxes with his eyes closed.

Sebastion hops down from the stage, tugging off his mask and moving to join the crowd.

Obadiah claps loudly in a cheer with a broad grin.

Casey huffs, shaking off the final nerves and her trench coat along with it. It’s obvious why she might be nervous. She’s barely got anything on and what she does have is very suggestive, definitely well suited for a show at the Nightside. A little less so here.

As the emo-femme climbs the stage to get behind the mic she smiles at someone then says, “Thank you for that, Hopefully this Christmas you’ll be a little less bitchy.” she laughs at her own joke then speaks to the crowd. Looking over who’s there but its hard to register any individuals. “You know. I came to Haven, hoping for something. Like a lot of you. I haven’t found what I’m looking for yet.” she’s rather cryptic in this statement.

Casey huffs, shaking off the final nerves and her trench coat along with it. It’s obvious why she might be nervous. She’s barely got anything on and what she does have is very suggestive, definitely well suited for a show at the Nightside. A little less so here.

As the emo-femme climbs the stage to get behind the mic she smiles at Sebastion then says, “Thank you for that, Hopefully this Christmas you’ll be a little less bitchy.” she laughs at her own joke then speaks to the crowd. Looking over who’s there but its hard to register any individuals. “You know. I came to Haven hoping to find something. Like a lot of you. I haven’t found what I’m looking for yet.” she’s rather cryptic in this statement.

Noel doesn’t nurse his martini, that’s for sure. As his dark, sultry hazel eyes watch someone from the balcony, he’s draining his first glass and moving on towards his second, the rim of the glass concealing any expression that may be on the femboy’s plush, pink lips. Still, something about the performance has piqued his interest, and though he does not rise from his seat and head down amongst the riffraff outside of VIP, his eyes do trail after someone’ movements, watching him walk, watching him sit, and then eventually watching him talk to those around him now. There it is… Amusement, but something more than that- curiosity.

Noel doesn’t nurse his martini, that’s for sure. As his dark, sultry hazel eyes watch someone from the balcony, he’s draining his first glass and moving on towards his second, the rim of the glass concealing any expression that may be on the femboy’s plush, pink lips. Still, something about the performance has piqued his interest, and though he does not rise from his seat and head down amongst the riffraff outside of VIP, his eyes do trail after Sebastion’s movements, watching him walk, watching him sit, and then eventually watching him talk to those around him now. There it is… Amusement, but something more than that- curiosity.

Noel doesn’t nurse his martini, that’s for sure. As his dark, sultry hazel eyes watch Sebastion from the balcony, he’s draining his first glass and moving on towards his second, the rim of the glass concealing any expression that may be on the femboy’s plush, pink lips. Still, something about the performance has piqued his interest, and though he does not rise from his seat and head down amongst the riffraff outside of VIP, his eyes do trail after Sebastion’s movements, watching him walk, watching him sit, and then eventually watching him talk to those around him now. There it is… Amusement, but something more than that- curiosity.

Kai opens his eyes to look to Casey, he blinks drowsily a couple of times and closes his eyes, nodding in agreement with Sophie’s whispered words.

Casey grips the mic stand and tips her head to the DJ to start her tune. It’s electric guitar supported by a low bass and a steady rhytmic drum beat. It’s a slower song to start with a punk-emo vibe. Casey sucks in a breath of air, the sound of it heavy in the microphone. Its a sign of life. Then she begins

“Paint my lips in cherry red”
“Dress me up, wind my head”
“Ill smile wide, do what Im told”
“Just dont drop me, Im hollow inside”

Her last line is sung as a whisper

Jakem leans over to speak in a loud whisper to someone near him “Ah shit, she singing about dolls? I should license this for the doll fights.”

Casey stands on her bare toes to get a more elevated position on the mic, she closes her eyes to sing a little louder and more earnestly.

“You can love me, you can break me”
“Either way, youre gonna take me”
“Put me high on your shelf”
“Make me the prize of your doll collection”

There is a rise and fall of the guitar after this line as she bridges into the chorus

“Im your porcelain plaything, baby”
“Dont mind the cracks, you can add some more”
“Im your porcelain plaything, baby”
“Fragile is just the way you made me”

“…I kind of wish I had one of those breath mints…” Evalina wonders a little late, crossing her arms as she watches the show, “Could really spice things up.”

Amber flits her gaze down to her phone only occasionally, her attention on stage most of all. Her brow furrows a little, like trying to recall something.

Sophie glances at Obadiah, “Got any more of those breath minds?”

“They’re REALLY good breath mints,” Tessa says with a slighty jerky nod, tapping on her phone with both thumbs.

Obadiah gets a shit-eating grin on his face before he sloooooowly turns his head to Arachne, “Do you have anymore of your mints? What good is a rock concert without decent candy?”

“I want one too,” Kai murmurs after Sophie asks for one, a little grin on his lips.

Sophie giggles and lifts her head from Kai’s shoulder to comment, “Course ya do babe.”

“No, they were a special treat from the Court to be shared with guests during my birthday party,” Arachne reminds Obadiah for the umpteenth time.

Obadiah will never get the memo. “Ah well. That is too bad.” He shrugs at Evalina, Sophie, and Kai. “You should have come to her birthday party.”

Kai shakes his head at Sophie, “I got more drugs, don’t take drugs from strangers,” he murmurs to her.

Jakem nods with Kai “Or people you know, the people you know are pretty sketchy too.”

Sophie smirks at Obadiah, “Hey! Not everyone’s invited to cool things.”

Casey opens her eyes, looking out on the crowd. She’s not smiling, she’s serious. She’s singing from the heart to the crowd. Between the chorus and the next verse she has to draw another deep breath, sucking wind across the microphone. Both of her hands grip the microphone while the chains attached to her wrist cuffs dangle, unattached to anything.

“Twist my arm, I wont fight”
“Pull my strings, Ill sing all night”
“Every cracks a little proof”
“Ive been loved the way you do”

Again another breath is drawn, enough to fuel her lungs for an entire verse without pausing. She’s already done much to expose her body by dressing in underwear and chains the way she has, now she’s exposing her feelings with her song to a crowd of strangers.

“Im not here for happily-ever-after”
Im just chasing your disaster
“If you drop me, I wont cry”
“Dress me up in your favorite skin”
“Paint my lips where you have been”
“Swap my parts, change my name”
“Ill still play your twisted game”

Tessa pointedly peers over at Jakem.

Kai nods to Sophie solemnly and tells Preston, “She doesn’t want it so I’ll take it now,” with a shit-eating grin as he extends his hand to the man.

Kai snickers a little and mutters under his breath, “Batman…”

Sophie snickers at Kai, “You..” She pinches his side playfully.

Casey opens her eyes, looking out on the crowd. She’s not smiling, she’s serious. She’s singing from the heart to the crowd. Between the chorus and the next verse she has to draw another deep breath, sucking wind across the microphone. Both of her hands grip the microphone while the chains attached to her wrist cuffs dangle, unattached to anything.

“Twist my arm, I wont fight”
“Pull my strings, Ill sing all night”
“Every cracks a little proof”
“Ive been loved the way you do”

Again another breath is drawn, enough to fuel her lungs for an entire verse without pausing. She’s already done much to expose her body by dressing in underwear and chains the way she has, now she’s exposing her feelings with her song to a crowd of strangers.

“Im not here for happily-ever-after”
Im just chasing your disaster
“If you drop me, I wont cry”
“Dress me up in your favorite skin”
“Paint my lips where you have been”
“Swap my parts, change my name”
“Ill still play your twisted game”

As the alcohol starts to settle in, Noel’s smile broadens, but he cannot help but check his phone every now and again, drawing his lower lip between his teeth and worrying at it. He giggles faintly at something, but ultimately there isn’t a true joy behind the sound, something hollow and almost feigned were it not for the martini forcing him to feel euphoric. He opts against remaining here much longer as August slips in beside Arachne, the petite, effeminate man giving the Pierce one glance and immediately rising to his feet, carefully maneuvering between seats with a drunken wobble. He gives Arachne a polite smile and a dip of his head, stumbles again, and then sets his sights on the stairs down from the balcony.

A faint, knowing smile tugs at Arachne’s mouth as August settles in beside her, the warmth of his arm draped along the back of her seat drawing her subtly closer. The table’s chatter and playful Batman riffs earn only a quiet shake of her head before her focus returns to the stage, a hushed laugh lost at Sophie and Evalina, before her gaze drifts after Noel tipsily makes his leave, though she makes no leave to stop him. She lifts her fingers to her lips, loosing a sharp, carrying whistle that cuts through the din, adding her own note to the swell of applause rising from below, all for Casey.

Sebastion bobs his head along with Casey’s song, grinning as he vibes in his seat to the music.

“Im your porcelain plaything, baby”
“Dont mind the cracks, add some more”
“Im your porcelain plaything, baby”
“Fragile is just the way you made me”

Casey returns the chorus. After the final word in the final verse the music goes from slow to suddenly fast as the drums pick up the beat and the guitar whines a proper squeal. One song is distinctly done and the next is begun without any break given to Casey the emotional side is over as the emo-femme gives a mischievous smile to the crowd before giving her lyrics

“The only thing I spit is rhymes”
“But I swallow every time”
“My love language is blacks and blues”
“We play mind games like its Uno.”

A giggle is given into the microphone, her own verse a joke that makes her laugh.

Casey keeps the upbeat nature of the song going, the electric guitar dominates with jaunty riffs while the drums keep up. There is a sheen of sweat that’s formed on all that exposed skin of the femme, emphasized by the stage lights.

“If you fuck with me, Ill slash your tires”
“Set your world ablaze in late night fires”
“The danger is real, so tread real soft”
“Take a hit of me I’m your gateway drug.”

Casey extend one hand in the air as she begins her chorus

“Im jealous, whos that calling?”

She extends one finger after another till shes holding three fingers in the air.

“Oups Ive got your phone, the password is still 1-2-3”
“You say its just your mom”
“But whys she saved as ‘Mommy’?”

At the end of the last line she drops two fingers leaving only her middle finger extended to the ceiling.

Sophie nods along to the music, enjoying the lyrics and vibe.

Jakem bellows out another “Wooo!” from the crowd, clapping vehemently over the rest of the crowd. “Encore and shit!”

Obadiah bobs his head along to the lyrics, grinning at the double meanings and the not so vague versus. When the song ends he stands and gives a vigorous round of applause before commenting to Tessa, “Lift back to the brine?”

Sebastion claps for Casey, grinning lazily as he lounges in his seat “Fuck yeah!” He calls out as the song comes to an end.

As the song ends, Preston begins to clap for Casey. Much like he did for the other perfomer, it’s loud, almost obnoxious. “FUCK YEAH!” Preston calls out. “WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Tessa leans over the balcony – to save ears – and gives an obnoxious whistle, one last time, before taking Obadiah’s arm, a little lighter on her feet than she was when she walked in.

Amber lifts her hands to applaud again, letting out a bit of a hoarse ‘woooo’ to go with it.

Casey scans the crowd, the songs not over. Her voice is just a little bit pitchy at times and the background music is regrettably pre-recorded so some of the charm is lost but it doesn’t stop the femme from trying.

“Burn your house, then salt the ground.”
“Smash the mirror, spread the shards around.”
“Bleach your clothes, then fuck your friend.”
“This is my love, to the bitter end.”

The climax seems to be coming, the same riff that indicated the chorus comes back, louder, more energized. Signaling the end coming.

Obadiah gives a salute to, well, everyone before the song continues and he leans against the railing, waiting for the proper end before bouncing. He isn’t a godless heathen.

Casey keeps her hand raised, signing out the 1-2-3 again when the verse comes up

“I’m jealous, who’s that calling?”
“Oups I’ve got your phone, the passwords 1-2-3.”
“You say it’s just your mom”
“But why’s she saved as ‘Mommy?'”

Once again she curls two fingers down, leaving the middle finger extended. She’s sweating, leaving a sheen on all her exposed skin under the stage lights. Her shoulders lift and fall with a heavy breath but the manic energy in her eyes remains as she repeats the chorus one last time with a strong rock instrumentals backing her up for effect. This time her middle finger stays raised through-out the entire chorus,

“Yeah..I’m jealous, who’s that calling?”
“I’ve got your phone, the password is just 1-2-3.”
“You say it’s just your mom.”
“But this -BITCH- is saved as ‘Mommy'”

Sophie giggles and yells, “Fuck you Mommy!”

August’s cigarette is hung at his lip so he can draw his arm back from behind Arachne’s and use both hands to give a slow, gold-clap of an applause to the stage. Half-drawled to his side, “Classy lyrics.” Then, he simply returns as he was, leant back in his seat with an arm behind Arachne once more, and the other draws away his cigarette to sigh the smoke of it downward and away from people in a heavy gout reaching the floor. “I’m going to save you as mommy on my phone, spider.” Yet, ever constant in his jab to annoy the woman next to him.

Arachne shakes her head in mild exasperation at August. “You’re ridiculous, and an absolute menace, Pierce,” she murmurs under her breath, eyes drawing back across the crowded seats around her. She nudges Preston, pointing him toward Kai to wake him up.

Finally the music ends and Casey is left standing and breathing heavy into the mic. Letting everyone get a good clinical listen to the sound of her lungs. She gives a lazy smile then says, “Thank you for listening. Thank you for the use of the Nocturne key.” she looks up to the balcony to give a respectful nod to those present. “You can find me at the Nightside performing two or three times a week. I’m also open to gigs.” she pauses then recalls something she said something earlier, “I hope if you are still looking for that ‘something’ you find it. Cause I plan too find mine.”

“Don’t worry, Auggie,” Obadiah reassures August with a laugh “I have been in time out for being a menace to society at least once a week for the last month. I think she even loathed me for an entire afternoon.” He purses his lips then snicker remember the incident before bouncing for real this time.

There’s an idea that forms in Preston’s brain now. A waiter is off to the side, because of course there is in the VIP section, and he’s buying a platter of cold cuts. Sniffing the platter once, he begins to pluck a piece of serrano ham off of it, and then just throws it right at the dozing Kai.

Sophie catches the meat before it smacks Kai, as she’s currently resting on his shoulder.

Evalina claps for Casey, her eyes still scanning over her with a strange admiration as the show comes to an end.

Kai turns his head to look at the meat and then at Preston, he lifts his brows a little bit.

Sebastion claps for Casey as the song now actually ends, grinning her way from his seat.

Preston glances at Sophie, and then just tosses more meat. Meat after meat, is sent her way.

“It’s alright, it’s not my first rodeo being made an outcast either.” August relays to someone. “At this rate, I’m not going to surprised if she kicks me out of my own house for misbehaving.”

Jakem calls out “Great song, you’re the greatest performer of all time within the context of punk rockers that perform in upscale restauraunts!” he bellows from the VIP section that has been converted to the stands.

Kai frowns a bit at Preston and turns to look into his backpack, trusting Sophie to get the meat barrage while he searches. He finally finds what he’s looking for and pulls it out, reading the instructions on the side.

“Kickass,” Amber calls out from the balcony, still slumped in her seat.

Casey slips from behind the mic-stand to get off the stage. Theres an awkwardness as the chains drag across the flooring of the stage and she waste no time finding the trench coat she discarded to try and cover up some again. Better to be playground pervert than a nearly naked one in a room such as this. She gives a subtle wince and grin towards Jakem hyping her then she throws a peace sign in his general direction to give thanks.

“I would highly suggest you put the taser away,” Preston informs Kai in the middle of his meat barrage.

Kai makes the taser spark and looks to Preston, blinking innocently.

Amber/span takes the glass from the waitress, nodding in gratitude. She slips it under the table, fussing around there before reaching over towards Evalina as subtly as someone can reach a glass to someone. Which is not very.

Sophie snickers, eating the flying charcuterie as she attempts to catch most of the flying slices. She glances at Kai, “Put the taser away love, he’s just offering snacks.”

Arachne glances over the table toward Kai and Preston.

Kai snickers and tosses the taser into his backpack, nodding a couple of times to Sophie.

Sebastion nods aside at Casey as they move to join the table near the stage “Told you you’d be great.”

Evalina gratefully accepts the glass from Amber, smiling at her, though blushing slightly as she keeps it hidden for now. She takes out her phone, texting something quickly.

“I didn’t fuck up.” Casey says proudly. Thats the bar she was hoping to step over. “Roberta might be unhappy with me I didn’t do this at the Nightside.”

Sebastion waves a dismissive hand, telling Casey “I’m sure she’ll understand. Besides, you’re still doing performances there on the regular.”

“Well. I will. I’ve held off on doing performances till this one.” Casey tells Sebastion with a grin, then she looks to Jakem. She shrugs at his question then says, “Dunno about that. I felt nervous performing without an opener to soften the crowd.”

Amber gives a curious look to Sophie and Arachne. The latter gets a lazy wave, “Good seeing you up and about.”

Jakem nods to Sebastion, scratching his jaw “Lotta character, how long did it take yah to write that? Or can yah say?”

Kai glances to Amber and then to Arachne and rubs at one of his eyes slowly.

Casey spots Kai in the balcony and raises a middle finger to flip him off to get his attention then she exclaims, “Am I still giving that autograph?” she glances to Sophie after saying that.

Sophie smiles at Arachne, “DOne.”

“Up to her!” Kai calls to Casey and glances at Sophie with a little grin.

Jakem nods to Sebastion “Huh, yeah I knew it musta taken you a while. That sounds about right for something that complicated.” He looks to Casey “What about yours? How long yah work on it?”

“A day or two?” Casey tells Jakem with a shrug. “Sometimes I feel inspired. Sometimes I really gotta drag the words out of me kicking and screaming.”

“Right.” August slowly squashes his cigarette dead against the rails, then flicks it away as he stands back up. His hand is not only offered to Arachne, but goes far enough to slide under her arm and guide her into his, have her lean towards his chest while he supports her from the small of her back. “Have a good evening, everyone.” A simple, quiet dip of his head precedes their exit, wandering off the VIP lounge and leaving the venue.

Jakem nods a bit, addressing both Casey and someone “What were the names of the pieces again?” he asks.

Jakem nods a bit, addressing both Casey and Sebastion “What were the names of the pieces again?” he asks.

Casey speaks casually with Jakem and Sebastion at the large table but with an amused grin she glances off to the balcony again to banter with Kai and Sophie, “Tell her I’ll sign it ‘Mommy’ if she wants.”

Sophie giggles at Casey, “Sure!”

Jakem nods to Sebastion and smirks, then looks to Casey “Funny coincidence, just opened up a haunted doll shop. Figured maybe we could do a tie in if you were interested.”

Amber raises both her brows at her phone, silent for a few long moments.

“A tie in for a doll shop? If you can figure out how to make it happen I could do.” Casey says to Jakem to something he said in the conversation. She seems to want to pull towards the people to the balcony as she steps a pace away from the large table, “A fan wants an autograph.”

Jakem nods, waving to Casey, then nodding to Sebastion “I gotta scoot, but great to meet yah. I got a stage more suited to your style if you’re looking for a place to perform.”

Kai pushes himself to his feet and winces, he gets ready to follow Sophie over to Casey, offering the woman a two-fingered salute.

Preston shrugs at Evalina, “I wouldn’t know, I don’t refer to people like that.”

Evalina waggles her fingers at Casey as she approaches the balcony, though not otherwise making contact, letting her focus on someone. “…There’s still scouts amongst the crowd writing down everything said,” She casually shares with the others.

Evalina waggles her fingers at Casey as she approaches the balcony, though not otherwise making contact, letting her focus on Sophie. “…There’s still scouts amongst the crowd writing down everything said,” She casually shares with the others.

Sebastion nods to Jakem “Sounds good. You can reach me at Grinch on MyHaven. I gotta roll too.”

Casey makes her away around and up to the balcony which takes some time. Padding along in bare feet while dragging chains. She smiles to whos there and says, “I feel like I joined a spicy conversation?” she smiles then to Sophie to tell her “I promised an autograph for you.”

Jakem grins, offering a hand to Sebastion “A’right, I’ll reach out later. Good to meetcha.”

Amber lifts up her left hand, not holding the phone, to flip off nobody in particular after Evalina’s words, “Fuck the scouts. The non-Court ones.” The finger shifts into a thumbs-up offered to Casey.

Sebastion shakes Jakem hand as it’s offered before pushing up from his seat, waving to Casey in the balcony seating “I’m gonna head out, good show.”

Casey waves back at Sebastion, “Thanks Mr Grinch. We’ll chill soon.”

Evalina is leaned back, occasionally sending off texts, then glancing to Amber. “That’s one way to handle them,” She jests with a half-smile, “But there’s a lot of scouts and not that much time. More efficient to simply keep them out of the loop.” A wink follows and her eyes flit to Preston. “What a day.”

Sophie blushes at Casey, “That outfit’s even more intense up close.” She shoots Kai a playful grin, “And since you’ve gone and injured yourself, I’m more than happy to be the canvas for your autograph. I hope it brings a smile.” She leans forward, offering her chest with a teasing tilt.

“Has it been a day?” Preston asks Evalina, shifting in his seat. “I woke up like three hours ago,” checking his phone he checks it for confirmation. “Yeah, like three hours, came right here.” Gesturing in front of himself, “I’ve got some good cold cuts, been a pretty easy day for me.”

Casey produces a black lipstick cylinder from her trench coat inner pocket. After popping the cap she steps closer to Sophie and boldly aims to sign ‘Mommy’ across the top of Sophie’s right breasts. She signatures it with a heart at the end. “Dunno how a tool like Gadfly hooked a girl like you. Is there blackmail involved?”

Kai whistles at Sophie in approval and leans lightly against her side, he smiles over at her a little and looks between her and Casey, he snickers and nods at Casey, “Nice,” he says of the autograph, “I rescued her from a basement and in exchange, she has to date me for a year,” he confirms with Casey.

“Like a damn police state some days,” Amber grouses, putting hands to the table to push herself up to her feet, “Good times. Heading out, I think. Before the next screaming match.”

Sophie glances at Amber, “You were in a screaming match? No surprise.”

“I was kidding. Jesus H Christ.” Casey tells Kai, shaking her head with disapproval. Then she grins at Sophie who she’s still standing close too. She admires her own artwork on Sophie’s chest and the canvas its written on. “Exclusive?”

“I’m very open if you would like to make out with her, I may or may not ask to watch,” Kai informs Casey, glancing to Sophie with a waggle of his brows.

“That’s quite some autograph.” Evalina remarks with a hint of admiration, a smirk on her face as she watches things, holding a glass of blood under the table. Her eyes flit to Amber after. “Aww. You sure you don’t want to watch the show?”

Sophie glances down at her chest and giggles, “Good thing I’m freshly showered, I want to do a photo shoot with this.” She winks at Casey, “He’s right, he saved me the day we met and I’ve been madly head over heels for him since.” She then catches her question and snickers at Kai’s response, “You know you’d fall over if that actually happened.” She says to him.

“Worth it,” Kai voices his thoughts on the matter to Sophie, looping an arm around her shoulder lightly, a little grin on his lips as he gazes at her fondly.

“When you visit me at the nightside. Leave him at home yeah?” Casey tells Sophie just as a statement. She looks then to Evalina and gives a playful smile, checking her out now that they are within the same space. “You want one too?”

Sophie leans over to kiss Kai slowly, “I promise, if I get lucky enough to nibble on her, I’ll send you photos.”

Kai returns Sophie’s kiss and grins a little, “Nah, it’s okay, you just enjoy yourself,” he murmurs to her.