His teeth flashed in another smile showing off his pointed canines some people found the smile threating, but they were the people Carrick didn’t like hanging around. He was a mutant and there were far too many differences between him and the normies. Which was why he liked to stand out.

”Awww, mate... too kind and no worries. I’m an Irishman and an angel. There will be other gigs. St. Patty's is coming up. They fight fer me and a few of me friends ta show up and play. Could get by with that fer most of the year.” the shifter chuckled, ”Long as me guitar doesn’t see another accident.”

”Jonas, I think she could hear you.” the shifter said in the same ‘whisper’ as Jonas just less of an accent. Maybe he knew Mike? That was something right? All people from the south knew each other.

”She seems the type... no fake watches here.” his nose picked up on an intense scent of citrus when he focused on it. The shifter looked to the bar and saw the bartender slicing a lemon and didn’t think anything of it.

Mismatched colored eyes focused back to Cesca and smiled when she offered to buy the next round for him. Another makeshift bow showing off his wings and tail again, ”Careful many a song was written fer buying a round fer an Irishman!” taking a swig of his first pint. ”Thank you Cesca, I’ll take ya up on that.”

Jonas gave an agreeing nod to Cesca; the manager did seem the type. He nodded about Carrick making the choice to come here as a patron should they not book him again. Breaking out into random song, drawing everyone to his rallying music, would be entertaining. There was a slight chuckle at the burnt bridges; yeah, else if you build a new one it’s sure to be dangerous. Trolls and such.

An irish angel! Was there a Celtic legend of a winged cat angel creature? Some of those choirs of angels were real messed up so this didn’t seem impossible… St. Patrick’s Day would like demand irish artists in bars so Carrick had a point. “They’ll likely string ya along til then,” he winked at Carrick, a southern twang to the purposeful pun.

The irish musician called out his whisper and Jonas feigned embarrassment, “Well uh oh. Guess I’m in trouble now!” He didn’t catch her blush, but considering his impression of Cesca thus far he had to figure she’d at least appreciate the set up and the truth of it. Only people who didn’t like such compliments didn’t actually think such of themselves or worried about being manipulated. That was fair too. This time he meant it!

She then gave her full name and Jonas’ mouth dropped, eyebrows dropping not in shock but in admiration. “Damn that’s a cool name!” he whistled. He downed the rest of his drink and gave a little southern Woo as he slid down his throat.

A new drink was coming for Cesca and for Carrick. She was smooth, getting him a drink too. “Well I guess I’ll have to buy the next round then,” the tall young man said, looking between both Carrick and Cesca. His voice got low as he leaned in again, “You actually old enough to be drinking state-side, eh?”

"Good, as long as you have nothing to really lose," she stated as she finished her drink and waved for another one.

Admittedly, Cesca loved the attention, her yellow eyes flickering with an almost childlike amusement. She leaned back a little on her stool, crossing one leg over the other one as she straightened her tie and shed the leather jacket, draping it neatly over her shoulder.

"Oh, you haven't seen trouble yet," she teased lightly, taking a sip from her new drink. She grinned like the cat that caught the canary when Jonas complimented her name; it was part of why she didn't ever use an Alias, though she did sometimes fudge the last name if need be. But here there didn't seem to be a need to. This was her neighborhood after all. Her turf. And besides…

If it isn't broke…

"Thanks. Though I do prefer Cesca. More unique and less of a mouthful. Besides I think it's more…suitable for me." She flashed another smile as she took another careful, methodical sip.

”Maybe, but I only need it fer instruments and clothes.” the shifter thumbed his wings and turned towards them. ”Everything’s custom not one company has me wing measurements.” he said joking like it was something common on clothing. His tail flicked behind him playfully towards Cesca and Jonas.

The thief turned back and sipped his pint. They were flirting, cute. Carrick watched some of the exchange between the two and wished he had some popcorn. The shifter was here for it. In fact he loved playing wing-man. Good thing he had two.

>>> “You actually old enough to be drinking state-side, eh?”

Carrick was once. Then he de-aged. Good thing he kept his license from before the age change most people didn’t check for that. However, Carrick being Carrick looked over to Cesca then back to Jonas, ”She looks old enough ta be here.” knowing full well that wasn’t what he asked.

”S***, I’ll have ta come back fer those two drinks. See ya after.” grabbing his half drunken pint he sauntered back to the stage and waved to the manager whose hands were on their hips clearly irritated.

”Sorry about that ladies and gents, just met me new favorite couple and lost track of time.” he lifted his drink towards them sipped and set it down. Plopping back onto the stool he spoke into the mic, ”Let’s see here...”

The shifter studied his hand placement for a second before deciding what to play next. His tail reached around and started drumming again to give him a beat before jumping into an acoustical version of “Hotel California”. The song was how he felt with working with grumpy managers.

Jonas laughed at Carrick’s joke about his measurements. It actually was likely very smart no one had those measurements considering what it would mean for capturing the winged mutant. Flying sounded grand.

His eyes lingered over Cesca as her jacket came off and over a shoulder. Those yellow eyes had more story to tell too. She seemed playful, had a fun name, and was willing to buy a guy a drinks. This was all far more than he expected to find here tonight. He’d almost forgotten about finding some to play with but the manager was looking like a prime target. Either way he was getting a good read on this bar.

“Ha, yes,” Jonas laughed loudly, glad he wasn’t sipping at the moment when Jonas turned the question of his age back to Cesca. He smirked, shaking his head but by then Carrick was racing off to perform again. His cheeks flushed a bright red as he and Cesca were called a couple. Some of that flush was even real; this guy was smoothe. He owed him one.

Jonas couldn’t help but grinning, glancing over to Cesca and then back to Carrick. He was singing Hotel California. That was an interesting choice, but sounded great.

“Maybe he really is old enough?” Jonas asked, sincerity in his tone, as he leaned into Cesca. He finished off his drink and made a polite wave toward a bartender. “Jack and coke again for me. Cesca, another for you?” he asked, though wasn’t sure if she was ready.

After ordering another for her should she wish, Jonas continued, “What do you think about chatting up the manager for our new friend’s benefit?”

“I mean, if you can swing it, custom made is the way to go, wing size or not,” she commented smoothly, sort of motioning to her boots and the jacket that was slung over her shoulder. Speaking of, she made a note to find a good source of custom clothes and boots in the city. She didn’t intend on ruining the shoes or jacket she had, but it was always nice to have someone on hand in case of emergency–sometimes, the emergency being Cesca’s whimsy.

>>>>”She looks old enough ta be here.”

Unfortunately, Cesca had taken a very healthy swig of her drink as Carrick said this, and the resulting snort laugh caused her to sputter and spew it all over the counter in front of her. Her face was almost as red as her blouse, and as she choked and laughed, it almost did away with the powerful, confident air she had put on very well up until now. Almost. As she regained her composure, she fixed her hair, straightened her tie, and then promptly leaned forward, grabbing the bartender’s rag from behind the bar and wiped the mess up herself. “Sorry about that, hun,” she told the bartender. “I got it.”

She nodded, smiling at Carrick when he stood to go back to performing. “Sure thing,” Cesca replied with a smile, eyes flashing slightly. “If we’re gone when you get done, take care, and your two drinks will be paid for already~” the young woman flashed a wink at Jonas. When Carrick referred to them as a couple, Cesca seemed largely unphased. Honestly, in this moment she felt much more like a girl in a high school cafeteria than a former mobster in a probably-mob-run establishment. Heh…she’d actually forgotten the reason she’d come out tonight, anyway, and that was to case the joint. Oh well, there were much more important things to…case…this evening.

“If he’s not, he’s a damn good actor and for that alone he deserves to be able to drink. And I’ve seen my fair share of actors, she stated. “Well, I normally cut off after three, but I seem to have spewed most of my second onto the counter so…yeah I’ll take you up on that drink, for sure,” she murmured with a seemingly shy smile. Cesca was clever; she knew when to let someone else take the lead. As she sipped at her drink, she weighed Jonas’s next question. “You know, I think we should. I’ll let you do all the talking, Prettyboy. I’ll be there in case things turn sour or you need a little…feminine touch,” the woman reassured with a smirk as she took a gulp of her new drink. Setting the glass down, she put her jacket back on, then slowly and methodically sipped on the rest of it. When the time was right, she’d slide off of her stool, following Jonas to the manager.

This was the kind of thing she enjoyed. It reminded her of her days back in Chicago with the family. Though she could never return home, maybe she could have a better life here. One with just as much action and adventure without the messiness of getting tangled up in family shit. Only this time, she wouldn’t let her guard down, no matter how pretty or handsome they were.

Jonas went wide-eyed and laughed good-naturedly as Cesca sprayed the bar. She clearly wasn’t afraid to have a good time, had a good sense of humor, and cleaned it up herself. He grinned at the bartender the whole time. Woe to them if they made a fuss.

Carrick could’ve been an actor, but no. Musician seemed enough, though there was always some acting or theatrics to performing right? Ved had to assume so with how airs were put on. Maybe that’s what separated the musicians and the music-based celebrities. That and a whole record label of staff.

It wasn’t a surprise when Cesca took him up on the new drink considering what he’d witnessed. New drinks in hand it was time for the manager to get a talking to. Cesca agreed, but well seemed to want him - the Pretty Boy she said! - do the talking. Jonas blushed slightly, but grinned. “Alright then,” he said with a country twang and a nod.

Taking his drink with him, Jonas chuckled as the cat-eagle-man went high on that one note for California. Sounded great. The flourish of flying up a bit even better. Joans woo-ed with a few of the crowd. The people liked it. The manager looked non-plus.

“Y’know sir, I think it’s great,” Jonas started as he approached. “You always go to these lounges and the music's just some drab cow shit in the back meant to fill the space of the words, but this here is music. Y’all have a great thing here.”

“Oh-” the manager forced a smile. “I’m glad you,” he stressed the word, “Think so.”

“Why yes sir,” Jonas nodded. “Are you the manager? I’m Jonas Heard,” he offered a hand to shake.

The manager sighed but took the hand, shaking it.

And Jonas shook back with strength. Of course, Ved also let his power flow, suggesting the manager try to enjoy the music tonight as a priority, even if it’s not normally his preference here.

“It’s, nice to meet you,” the manager paused, “Mr. Heard. I’m Aaron Lisle. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Ye-up,” Jonas said, “First time here. Met a great new friend over there,” he smiled and waved at Cesca, “And I just love the music! Drinks are great too. You’ve trained your staff well. And clearly you’ve great taste in music!”

“Yes, well,” the manager smiled a bit more genuinely. “I take great pride in our process and our people. The music is- It’s a new take for the typical lounge. It may not be my style but I’m trying to enjoy it,” he gave a little nod.

“Well I’ll be sure to rave all about what a great job you’re doing!” Jonas nodded enthusiastically and patted the manager on the shoulder. First he suggested an assurance of warmth, confidence and then the same suggestion again: try to enjoy the music.

“We do strive to impress,” the manager stressed the second syllable, “after all.”

Jonas laughed with a grin even though the urge to throat jab was high.

Cesca picked up her drink and took a gulp before standing to her feet and walking with Warlock. She briefly had a decision to make; appearance was everything, so how should she position herself? To the side but slightly in front, like a bodyguard? Slightly behind, like a subordinate? No, no. She walked right beside him, matching him stride for stride, like a partner. An equal.

When the conversation started, she stood back, off to the side, listening, yet ready to chime in when and where needed. She nodded when acknowledged. “Cesca,” she introduced herself, with very little emotion or inflection to her voice; she may as well have told the man it was raining outside.

The conversation was…interesting. Was Jonas that infectious? He could be, of course, but something in the young woman’s mind wondered if there was something more to him. Whatever the case, she had to admit she was impressed. She noticed she was tense, after the interaction. She too, felt the strong urge to punch the guy in the throat, or at least give him a whiff of her gift, but she managed to restrain herself. Pivoting on her heel, she turned and walked back to the bar.

Once she was out of earshot of the manager. “Good Gods that guy is a prick…” she muttered, downing the rest of her drink.

The shifter tried to ignore the exchange of words between the patrons and their respected parties. All except for Jonas and the manager. The shifter’s grin got bigger and bigger revealing his pointed canines all while trying to stay focused. It was a good thing he was so good at multi-tasking. After going airborne for a moment Carrick touched back down and finished the song then jumped into another.

‘Fade to black’ by the Dire Straits. This one was a bit slower it sounded better if someone was playing backup on the piano or bass but he was still trying to find that ‘atmosphere’ wondering if he was going the right way on the spectrum. His tail swayed behind him occasionally rising and smacking the side of his guitar for a ‘thump’.

Pointed ears picked up on Cesca’s comment and he couldn’t help but chuckle in agreement when he wasn’t singing. All in all he was having a good time. Even if it wasn’t the best gig he played the thief knew how to let it roll off. This wasn’t his normal venue and well if the manager had anything to say about it, it might be his last at the establishment which was fine. Carrick was fine going out with a bang.

After the third song Carrick took a bow seeing the next performers ready themselves to take over. ”Alright all, that’s gonna be it fer me! Been a lovely crowd, now that yer ears are all warmed up the main act can begin!” he held his guitar off to the side and mocked a low bow showing off his wings and tail before up righting himself and grabbing what was left of his drink. High-fiving the other players on his way off the ‘stage’.

Once he was off stage he slung the guitar over his back tucking it between his wings and rejoining the happy ‘couple’ for the rest of his promised drinks. ”He is a prick isn’t he?” Carrick laughed. He pointed to his pointed ears, ”Heard all ya said and thanks.” he gave them both a nod and a smile.

“Pricks like that,” Jonas muttered in return, “Are usually far smaller than you realize. All talk.” He nodded, chuckling as he walked back to the bar with Cesca. “Thanks for being my strong, intimidating, yet ruthlessly beautiful partner,” he winked a green eye. “Hopefully he’ll relax. Maybe his boss has a small dick too.”

The bartender was nearing, glanced from Jonas and Cesca over to the manager from whence they’d come, and nodded with a small laugh. “Next drinks are on me,” she grinned.

Jonas was quietly singing along with Carrick’s last songs. He picked up his drink eventually, and turned to watch Carrick finish. He clapped and cheered, glancing at the manager and giving a heart nod and grin.

The manager smiled and gave a slow series of nod as if politely acknowledging Jonas’ appreciation of the music.

Carrick headed over and Jonas was about to offer him a drink when the musician confirmed Cesca’s earlier words. He laughed loudly, nodding and struggled to form the words through the laughs, “You’re so welcome. Drink- On- Me.” He turned, grinning over at the bartender.

“Done for the night or off for another gig?” Jonas asked as an aside. He glanced between the winged Carrick and the lovely Cesca. “I’m thinking we grab a couple sofas by a fire pit outside on the patio.”

Cesca gave a hearty laugh. "What can I say?" she said with a wink. "I know my role and I play it well~" She was all smiles by now, relaxed considerably, and a lot more…bubbly than she had been when she first entered.

Cesca also found herself singing along, actually harmonizing quite well between Jonas and Carrick, and when it was over, she too gave a generous applause.

"Certainly is. Anytime, though I admit I didn't do much except provide backup." She leaned back a bit, brushing her hair aside in thought. "You know, a seat by the fire pit sounds nice. I'm in.[/color]" She nodded after a moment, silently reminding herself that she should probably be done drinking for the night.

Carrick waved to the bartender when Jonas made true his original offer and said they were going to sit by the fire. Carrick looked between the two and decided to tag along. If only for the possibility of another free round. The shifter looked to his phone and the time and then smirked. No missed calls or messages. Meaning the princess was asleep or doing her own thing. Either way Carrick had nothing but time.


The shifter shook his head, ”Nah, blocked the night out fer this place. Just ta get me tail through the door. Short night sure, but all work and no play makes this Irishman grumpy.” his tail swayed behind him at the mention of it. Turning to Cesca, ”Never down play backup, helps me keep pace sometimes.” he flashed his teeth in a grin.

”Fires always sound lovely.” Carrick agreed waiting for his drink. If he played his cards right he’d be drinking free for most of the night, like a true entertainer. ”Won’t cramp yer style too long, I’ll be heading that way anyways.” he hated stairs as much as elevators.

Once his drink arrived Carrick strolled towards the patio and held the door open for both of them.

Jonas grinned at Cesca’s wink. It was a wide, amused, and quite genuine smile. Cesca was fun, period. The beautiful and witty aspects were just extra lovely. He was glad she was up for a sit by the fire and that Carrick was sticking around. Jonas gave him an eye up and down as he remarked on work and play. There was a chuckle and a nod, with that creasing of the skins around the eyes that also spoke to the genuine pleasure of the expression.

Now Ved wasn’t too sure why Carrick was heading that way anyways, but maybe he had someone to meet outside. He waited for Cesca and then followed after the musician, drink in hand.

It was only once outside, a touch of cool air on their skin that he realized Carrick was likely to fly away at some point… That made sense. Flying sure sounded convenient in NYC.

But over to a couple sofas at a fire table he went, waiting for the other two to sit before joining Cesca’s sofa. He angled himself, putting a leg up and an arm around the back of the sofa so he could better speak with both of his new friends. “So, if you don’t mind me asking,” the Carolina accent came through, “Those wings enable full flight? Not just floating up and down? That must be amazing!”

"It's good to unwind and just relax, have fun every now and then," Cesca agreed as she nodded at Carrick. Tonight was supposed to be more business, but she definitely was not complaining about it having become more for pleasure. She could always stake out the place another night; right now, it really was nice to just relax with a couple of new friends and she was honestly having fun.

She loosened her tie as they walked, just enough for it to hang off her neck a little; it wasn't that she couldn't breathe, it was honestly just starting to bug her. She sat towards the middle of the couch, with enough room for someone to sit on either side of her, crossing one leg over the other, and turning herself at an angle towards Jonas once he sat down, and she leaned back, hands resting on her thighs.

"They really do make for a good show; I quite enjoyed how you incorporate your entire self into your performance," she said earnestly. "Makes me wish we had entertainment like that at the restaurant back home," she murmured, almost sadly before shaking those feelings to the side and focusing back on her new friends.

”Hmmm?” Carrick looked curious at Jonas who had a question for him. The shifter smirked when the question was posed and he looked back to his wings and feigned surprise. ”Oh yeah, I do have wings!” he poked at them for a moment and then fixed one of the feathers that needed adjusting so his wings looked the way they were supposed to, Majestic.

”be a **** life if that was all they could do for being so grand.” One of his wings opened and he flexed it a bit to show off more, ”Nah, I can fly. Pretty well too.” Carrick said hoping this wasn't going to turn into them asking him to do flight maneuvers. Sure they were going to get a show when he left but he hated performing without the proper stage. One that he set up, which he planned on doing anyways.

”It is.” he agreed. ”Especially in the city, wouldn’t be able to get around otherwise. Cars...” the shifter shuddered and he tried not to think about how uncomfortable it was being cramped in a car with wings like his.

Sitting across from Jonas, Carrick sat down, movement from his wings and tail happened on instinct. ”Thanks fer noticing!” his tail swayed behind him, ”Performer by nature, took me years ta figure out how to use it the way I do now. Same with the wings, didn’t really have anyone ta show me how ta use ‘em. Had ta figure it all out on the fly.”

He took a sip of his drink. Not sure if he should comment on Cesca’s remark, but because he was Carrick he chose to comment, ”I travel, book me a weekend and I’m sure I can liven it up.”