"Christ Berserk…" I gaped. "You said dress for a party not tajma-freakin-hall!"
"Oh, knock it off, you look great!" Brat purred as she took in the view in front of us.
"Alright, we go in together, hang for a bit, then you two can go do whatever you want." Berserk instructed.
We had taken a taxi into town since my car only had two seats, and Brat's car apparently wasn't nice enough. I could see why. Brat's car was junk on wheels. This was...this was… We were standing in front of the fanciest club in Townsville. Not the type of club where everybody's dancing in a smokey rave, but the type where very powerful people got together and basked in each others success and riches.
The whole building was an architectural masterpiece, black stone etched with intricate gothic designs, tall cavernous entrances with marbled columns...Even had goddamn spotlights. One would think this a real hotspot of important people if not for the area, the far end of oldtown Townsville. The surrounding area was ancient, well taken care of, but antient. None of the other buildings were open this late at night, and no one was in the streets. Secluded, and inconspicuous. To anyone, it would appear as a beautiful building, in a neat part of town. And it was. Which is why it was the perfect place for these people. Just as there is friendly conversation, there could very well be shady deals in the mix. Tonight was a night of social status.
I could see the sort of people going in. Even from a distance I could see the presence they emitted as they strode about. They were of high social standing and they were proud to let the whole world see every bit of it in their turned up noses, posture and quaintly curled lips. They were dressed really nice too. I had gave our trio a one over.
Brat was wearing a skin tight cerulean strapless sequin cocktail dress that only barely contained her breasts and ass. Under that were white stockings held up by garters, which could be seen clear as day, knee high gold boots, of which the top layer of the faux leather was beginning to chip and peel in spots, and a lavender leather jacket. As for hair, makeup, and jewelry, Brat had pulled her hair back into two high pigtails, a look I doubt she would ever abandon, and had curled it into several large bouncy curls. Along her wrists were several blue and gold bangles, and a pair of large gold hoops decorated her ears. And her white purse dangled to her right. Last but not least her war paint was the same as always. Mascara, blush, clear gloss since her lips were already pink, blue eyeshadow, yellow accents.
Berserk was wearing a less intricate outfit. A crimson shoulder strap dress with a flowy skirt that reached just below her knees, and a pair of 3-inch heeled ankle boots. Instead of the usual mane of red hair going all over the place in a wild fashion tied back in a ponytail with a bow, Brat and I had tamed the beast and woven a few of her long red ribbons into a thick braid that just about reached the back of her knees, with a loose tie at the top letting four ribbon ends drape down like streamers. Berserk had also settled for only wearing the jewelry that her boy-toy had gotten her. A pair of earrings, a ring, a watch, and one of those weird armlet things and a metallic purse. All of which were bronze, with pale pink gemstones. The whole outfit seemed to emphasize the accessories. Lastly, Berserk's makeup was rosy pink blush and light brown eyeshadow to cover up her freckles, and pink lipstick.
I was wearing a black halter dress, with a drape like skirt that hung past my knees and slit up the right side to my mid thigh and showed a bit of leg. To accessorize I added a pine green spike studded belt to my waist and matching green spiked bracelets to my wrists, fishnet stockings, and my least beat up pair of combat boots. Unfortunately I didn't have a necklace to throw in, but hey I had to look at the bright side. I got the swelling in my eye and my lip to go down, and managed to cover up both bruises. Morgue makeup could cover up anything. I still had to kick the makeup up a notch though. I didn't dare add blush. The only shade's we had in the house were far too...colorful. I'd risk looking like a party clown if I ever came in contact with the stuff. No color, just flawless white, and several shades of grey eyeliner, ranging from charcoal, to silver to give a smokey look. I even combed my hair down. Since I've got a pixie cut, I usually don't have to do anything with it. I usually just let it do what it does, or occasionally spike it to crazed levels. Tonight I combed it down, to a tamer level...Plus I tied a bandana around my arm to cover up my stitches.
In other words we were all wearing the best outfits we had. And we were dressed for completely the wrong occasion.
"Hey, hey." I heard Berserk say as she snapped her thumb close to my face.
"What?" I asked as I went back to examining everybody else.
"You're getting that look on your face again." Berserk stated.
"Am not." I growled, only half listening.
"Oh really?" Berserk asked as she herded us to the entrance. Brat was too swept up with everything to really psy attention to anything. "Just try to enjoy this. For me?"
I let my face drop, and tried to look more excited. I knew what face she was referring to. Every now and then, I got this default scowl, that somehow turned into a perma-glare.
"Do we have to go in?" I grumbled.
"Yes we do!" Brat practically sang. "I thought you liked parties?"
"Not this type."
"C'mon, it'll be fun." Berserk reasoned.
"We're under dressed." I half growled.
"We look fine." Brat said nonchalantly.
"We look like high class hookers."
"High class is high class." Berserk laughed.
"Oh, well don't I feel like the broad of the ball?" I said and put my hand to my chest dramatically.
"That's the spirit!" Berserk said and ushered us in line.
The whole time waiting in line Brat gushed about how fancy this was, and how lucky we were, and how most girls would kill to attend something like this, and how she was going to rub it in the other girls at work's faces when she got back to work on monday. She had to take the night off from work to attend, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Berserk the whole time just had this knowling passive look like she was used to all of this by now, but still happy to be here. I think she was amused by our reactions to this place. Even before we got in I could feel the other people around looking at us and judging us. I caught one lady pointing us out. I glared and flipped her off. An old habit, I tried to stear clear of, but...That was the most flustered, red faced, and embarrassed look I had ever gotten outta someone. An evil grin spread on my face.
"What is it?" Berserk asked.
"Y'know, being a party crasher might not be so bad." I concluded. Berserk just rolled her eyes, and Brat snickered. A few more people and we were next in line to this joints poor excuse of a bouncer. He was short, mostly bald, and dressed like a butler. standing behind a podium a little too tall for him. I almost laughed when I saw his thin mustache. The short butler looked at us with disdain. I could see it in his eyes. Who let the riff raff in? That's what he's thinking. My brow twitched and my lip threatened to curl. But Brat didn't seem to care, and Berserk took control of the situation.
"I'm sorry, this is not a public event-" The guy started.
"No, I'm sorry, but we are on the list."
"I do not believe so, I do not see your names on the list."
"Hey, buddy we didn't give you any names." I growled. Berserk put her hand up to stop me.
"Brute-"
"He doesn't even have a list." I argued, and gestured to the podium, which had nothing placed on it.
"Brute. I will handle it." Berserk said like she wasn't worried at all. She turned back to the butler who had an impassive look.
"Now sir. I believe this is what you are looking for." Berserk said as she whipped out a dark red envelope from her purse and handed it to the man. I raised a brow and crossed my arms. I'd seen Berserk reading those and hoarding them in her room since she started "dating" this guy. Up until now I've had little interest in finding out what they were. He snatched it out of her hand with an expression so sour I could probably smell it.
"I'll have you know miss, I don't take kindly to bribes, if tha...t's..." He stopped mid sentence as he read whatever was in the little red envelope. The color drained from his face as he went slack jawed.
"I-I-I-Ahem! So sorry for the inconvenience miss, go right on ahead." The butler scrambled. Berserk gave an affirmative nod and stepped in the front door with the same something all of these ritsy rich people had and acted like she owned the place.
"Hahahah! Did you see his face!" Brat beamed. "He looked terrified!"
"...Who the hell are you dating?!" I awed. Berserk just snickered.
"You'll meet him soon enough."
The first floor of the building was styled like an art studio, to act as a sort of welcoming area to inspire conversation as people passed through it. Then on the second floor was where a lot more of the mingling took place. Lots booths and tables, yet plenty of space to walk or stand in groups, if the need so took you. Through all that there were several people coming and going, holding food platters or wine bottles to offer people. I wasn't quite sure what was on the third floor but as of now I was hoping it was something more interesting. Between Berserk searching the crowed and Brat trying to mingle, I felt like I was more or less bobbing and weaving my way through the crowed.
After a little longer. Berserk turned back towards Brat and I saying she had spotted him. It took some coaxing, but we managed to pry Brat from a couple of guys that she had been talking with. Even as we left some continued looking at her, and I think also Berserk an I. Freakin' pigs.
Berserk eventually lead us back to the back corner of the room where a lavish table booth was set up. Sitting around the table were about five guys who seemed to be having a serious talk in hushed tones. As Berserk lead the pack further, I saw one of the younger ones head pop un and his expression change. Before we could even get over there he had dismissed and shooed three of the guys from the booth, and got up and out of it himself.
"Hey, you made it." The guy called as he approached to greet Berserk. "I was starting to believe you weren't coming."
He gingerly took her hand and kissed the top of it. I could see from both of their expressions that he was doing so ironically, but they seemed to be wrapped up in eachothers presence none the less.
He wasn't especially tall, average, but he was tall enough for Berserk if she wasn't taller than him in those heels. His hair was red, and a little long to achieve the combed back suave look he was currently wearing. Most of the men tonight we're wearing some form of formal attire. Generally a suit, without the jacket. He was wearing the shebang with probably seventeen interlocking parts, most of which was black with bronze accents, just like Berserk, and a blood red tie dangled around his neck. As stunning, and handsome as this guy looked, the most intense part was his eyes. Crimson red. I had known for a while now that Berserk had a sugar daddy. Tonight I had found out just how much sugar he had, and had been wondering, how the two had come across each other. Now I knew.
I don't think I'd ever say they had love at first sight, or any of that bullcrap. However I will say that my sister has red eyes. And growing and growing up with them had never been easy. More often than not it repelled people, but to look into someones eyes and see that on some level, even if you're completely different, that you're the same. All I can assume is finding a kindred spirit really can go far in someone's life. And if it's gone as far as these two have, frankly that's a one in a million chance.
I didn't understand their relationship, but it worked for Berserk, and if it made her happy, then I didn't care what she, or who she did. Just like with Brat's job. She seemed to enjoy what she did, so who was I to take issue.
"Might've been able to meet up sooner if you'd actually told me where you were instead of wandering through the crowd for twenty minutes looking for a needle in a haystack." Berserk commented. The gent in red raised a brow.
"Aw, that's no fun." He said and pulled her closer by her hand and spun her around so she was in his arms. She gave a smile and leaned in, a dreamy expression in her face. At this point I was positive neither of them were even aware of our presence. I tried to hold back a smirk and looked at Brat who had a large grin spread across her face. I bounced my eyes at her a few times, and she made a kissy face, and we both laughed. They still didn't seem to notice us, so I cleared my throat. Still nothing. I gave Brat an incredulous look, which she returned. Brat flicked her wrist and held up a finger, then two, on three the both of us began to loudly exaggerate clearing our throats and coughing into our fists. Caught quite a few sneers with that. But it got the lovebirds to look up and stop craning their necks and crooning. Berserk looked slightly unamused, and the guys head popped up for the first time noticing us.
"Where are my manners? Who are these lovely ladies you've brought with you?" The guy said and stepped closer, still with Berserk in his arms, and stuck his right arm out to introduce himself.
"I am Brick Jojo." He said and shook Brat's hand.
"Hello, I am Brat." She introduced. Brick looked taken aback by her name, as many people often are.
"What an unusual name." He stammered. "I'm sorry, did you say your last name?"
"Ah, ah, Brick. No info, remember?" Berserk scolded. Brick got a carnivorous look on his face as he glanced at Berserk with an interesting grin. I didn't know whether or not to laugh or gag at the exchanges between these two.
"Of course, what was I thinking." He replied. An o' so rare predatory look had taken over my sister. It was odd. I knew this side of my sister existed, but I really, really, had no interest in ever witnessing it first hand. Ever. Brat didn't seem to mind, but I think she was just ecstatic about the idea of Berserk having a boy-toy to begin with. That, and finally meeting him. Brick then held his hand out to me.
"Brute." I stated and took his hand.
"Charmed." He stated. I had to admit, with this guys red eyes and subtle facial expressions, he some how managed to pull of suave and take it a level further to menacing. It was like being in the presence of a mobster, even if he didn't say it, he was a powerful guy. He just had this way of looking at everything like a shark.
...A good match for my sister.
"Right, well. Shall we get settled in then Berserk?" He asked.
"No, I'd much rather stand here in these heels." She replied. He chuckled and whispered something in her ear that brought a devious smirk to her face. Then, Brick lead us back to his booth, where another guy had been sitting back, enjoying the show. Brick sat in the middle with Berserk sitting rather close on his right, the other man sitting to his left, Brat sitting next to him, and myself next to Berserk.
The other man introduced himself similar to how Brat and I had. Just his name, lest he accidentally Berserk anymore info about Brick than she needs, heaven forbid. Boomer. His name was Boomer. He was dressed similar to Brick, only that he was dressed a little sloppy, and not as fancy, and had blue and white accents. I couldn't tell his height on account of being seated at a table, but he had dirty blonde hair which had been combed and tamed to fall with a sort of wavy if-Fabio-had-way-shorter-hair look. I didn't really see the charm in it, but Brat seemed to be eating it up.
For the most part, conversation was a bit on the casual side. Couldn't talk about work, or home, or anything. It mostly involved chit-chat and being entertaining. Making fun of everyone else in the room as mature adults often do. Between the primal way Berserk and Brick acted around each other, sending out subtle messages and such, and the way Brat chose not to notice how Boomer was shaking in his skin under Brick's watchful eye,, how he itched himself every thirty seconds and instead just oggled the boy, I didn't really know what to do with myself.
Eventually conversation died down. Brat and Boomer excused themselves to go...get punch 'er something. Brick and Berserk seemed to be in their own little world, with her half sitting in his lap. I didn't even wanna know what was going on under the table. I took it as my out to leave and 'do whatever' as Berserk had put it.
I wandered around the large party room for a bit. I tried all the food samples, until the thought of food was unappealing. Making people uncomfortable quickly lost it's charm. I noticed that Brick and Berserk had disappeared, and Brat was attracting a lot of attention. More like bawd of the ball. Without much more to do I headed up to the third floor. It may have only been the third floor, bust with how high the ceilings were, it was about the same height as a six, maybe seven story building. Made me wonder what sadistic fuck had designed this putrid structure. Once at the top I found it to be much smaller. Between the kitchen, and other storage rooms, there was a bar built in the top. I assume this general floor served other purposes, like smaller parties. At the moment it seemed to be where the staff and some of the more drinkier guests were hanging out.
I barely walked up to the bar and caught sight of the menu before realizing you had to pay, and the cheapest thing offered were the pretzels, and they were too pricy. With a scoff of disapproval I walked away. I noticed on the wall opposite the stairs was a door leading out to a balcony. It wasn't a bad place to hunker down. Sure it was windy, but it was quiet. Going over to the railing, I took in the scenery. The balcony was facing away from the city, and into the forrest. I think there might've been a trail leading to a park somewhere out there. It was dark, but I could still see the outline of oldtown Townsville. If everything was lit with candle light, I figured it wouldn't look so dead this time of night.
"Hello there." A low voice grumbled to my right. I looked over to see a guy, maybe a few years older than me leaning against the rail a little further down. "Haven't gotten many people out here tonight."
He had probably a foot of height on me. Dark hair was kept under a black short billed hat. He had on a green shirt that read in typewriter font Whisky Tango Foxtrot. The nato phonetic words for wtf. Bellow that he had on loose fitting fake camo cargo pants and and black leather boots, and a single black leather glove on his left hand. He may have also been wearing dog tags on a chain. I couldn't tell what the color of his eyes were, but even with the cap on I could see they held a sly mischievous glint in smirk on his face wasn't helping either.
"Haven't been many war zones around tonight either. Aren't you a little military for this?" I responded. He scoffed.
"Aren't you a little too sexy for this?" He said and looked me up and down with a smirk. I wrinkled my nose. "If I'm gonna get drug off to one of these things, I sure as hell ain't gonna dress like one of the stiffs."
"I get that. Not your crowd?" I asked, deciding I didn't hear his first comment. His face dropped a little, and he shrugged.
"Not really."
"Then what are you doing here?"
"Same as you. Hiding up here, and waiting for it to get over with."
I'm not sure how I feel about this guy. I didn't know him, but he seemed familiar. He had one of those expressive faces. The ones you couldn't tell what they were thinking, but you knew they always were. The ones that always looked like they were planning something…
"Hm." I eyed him suspiciously. He seemed to notice this and snicker.
"I'm Butch Jojo by the way."
"Is your brother Brick?"
"One of 'em, yeah. Why?" He asked. I shrugged.
"I just met him downstairs about an hour ago."
"Typical. What'd you say you're name was?" He asked with a raised brow.
"I didn't." I stated. He quirked his head back a little. Then took a few steps closer.
"Yeah. I realized that. That's why I tried to ask nicely." Again, I couldn't tell what he was thinking. There was something off with this. I'm not sure what, but something just didn't feel right. Yet, not so much that I felt the need to leave.
"Brute." I said curtly.
"Come again?" He hummed.
"Brute."
"Hm...Fitting."
"What's wrong, can't come up with a good pick up line?" I asked. He gave a casual shrug.
"I'd give you a pick up line, but you look to fancy for that." He paused, then smirked playfully. "...That's why I have roofies."
When my expression shifted to surprise, he started to cackle a bit. I joined in realizing he was joking.
"Then again, you're probably the least fancy person here, so I'll think up a better one later."
"Pfft, I'm pretty sure you're the least fancy person here." I pointed out. He snorted.
"That's fair. I'll be waiting on your pick up line when you think up one."
"Sorry, the only pick up lines I know that have to do with 'Butch' aren't guy friendly." This exerts a full on cackle from Butch. He had an infectious laugh, but his grin was still somewhat eerie. Not quite scary, or creepy...But just a sly grin…
"They don't sound very girl friendly either." He responded. I snickered.
"Alright, you got me there."
We conversed like this for hours, just killing time. It wasn't bad. We talked, but never really shared. Mostly just joked around. He had a twisted sense of humor, which I found amusing, and a kind of cute for him. Occasionally he would press for more personal information, but I never gave any and he would drop it. I suppose it was because I never asked anything about him as well. I didn't particularly care, I'd never seen him before in my life, and probably never would again after. Excuse me to hell, but learning someone's life story seemed pointless if you're probably going to forget their face in a few weeks. Still though. He didn't seem to care that I wasn't curious about him, but he seemed curious about me. I'm not sure why. Dry indifference had never been alluring before.
I didn't particularly feel creeped out, or in danger, but something just seemed a little weird with him. Maybe a little off. It was probably nothing, I probably just wasn't used to him, and it was just how he was. He had the same sort of intimidating air about him as his brother, but his was different. Brick was intimidating because he held power. He probably had several ties in not so light places, with not so light people, and probably was involved in not so light activities, and he knew this. Butch was intimidating in a different way...A way I couldn't put my finger on.
I didn't really notice a change until after a few hours of being in his company. He started out at a distance when we first started talking. Eyes burrowing into me, watching what I did, and listening to my words. Not quite examining, but something about the the unreadable sly expression just made it feel odd. After a while he had gradually gotten closer until we were both sitting next to each other on the floor of the outdoor balcony. Along the way the sly look had been dropped, to something a bit more genuine had replaced it. He also stopped continuously staring at me. Only when I wasn't looking. He'd try to look anywhere else than me, then the second he thought I wasn't paying attention, I'd feel his eyes drift back. I thought it was odd, but didn't really think about it.
We talked up until I felt my phone going off in my purse.
"Hm? Hang on a minute, I'm getting a call." I excused. He pushed his hand through the air to gesture it was fine. I looked down at my phone. It was Berserk. I hit speak.
"Is that a Nokia?" Butch asked. I waved him off to get him to be quiet.
"Yeah?" I greeted.
"Where've you been? I'm done here, Brat's getting a cab." Berserk replied, though it was hard to hear her with everything in the background.
"Done with Brick already?" I asked. Butch raised a brow in question, but I continued to focus on the phone call.
"It's almost two in the morning."
"Really?"
"Yeah, you've been gone four hours. Find something to occupy your time with?"
"Someone!" Butch called over my shoulder.
"What was that?" Berserk quickly asked as I scolded Butch.
"Nothing! Nothing." I growled, more to Butch than to my sister.
"Whatever, just get to the street unless you want to get your own cab. EIther way, we're heading out." Berserk responded. I scoffed.
"Don't be a bitch, I'll be right down, make the driver wait." And with that Berserk hung up, and I stood from the ground.
"Heading out?" Butch asked.
"Yep."
"But you don't have to?" He asked. I looked back and gave him a questioning look. "You could always get your own cab."
"You know it's rude to listen to other people's phone calls." I responded. He laughed.
"So is yelling into the phone, I could hear whoever that was clear as day."
"...Once again, I suppose you got me there."
"So stay longer." Butch pressed.
"Nah, it's cheaper to carpool."
"I'll pay the faire." He offered. At this point I had already been making my way down the stairs to the second floor, with Butch following closely. I let out a sigh.
"Dude, no. I'm leaving."
"Oh, c'mon, just stay a little later." He insisted.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because it's gonna be so boring after you leave." My companion of the night whined. I laughed.
"Then why don't you leave? It's pretty goddamn late, I'm sure no one will care if people leave." I reasoned. He raised a brow and that sly look returned.
"Then how am I supposed to give you that pickup line?" He said and wiggled his brows. I snorted.
"Well, you've got till I get in the cab to figure that out."
"Is that a challenge?" He looked a little amped up when he said that. I gave a neutral answered and shrugged.
"You sure I can't convince you to stay?" He asked once more, sounding hopeful but resigned.
"Newp."
"Can I get your number before you go?"
"I don't know it by heart." I immediately responded. I felt him grab my arm and stop me. I turned around with a neutral expression. I didn't know what he had stopped for, but I really didn't want somthing to start. I tried to avoid what I could these days. When I turned around his expression held some amusement, but clearly he wasn't happy.
"Okay, that is thee most bullshit excuse, that everybody uses. The only time that can even be considered valid, is if they have a new phone, and even then almost all phones nowadays have their own number programmed in them. And don't even try to say you're phone's new cuz' I ain't seen a flip phone like that in ten years." He leveled. I raised my brows.
"I could've just changed the number." He raised a brow, still with that damned sly grin.
"You're concerned about cab faire and you've got a goddamned nokia. I don't even think they make those anymore. No way in hell have you paid to get a number changed. You'd sooner get rid of the phone." He explained. I scowled. I didn't like how inquisitive he was getting.
"Y'know, I'm putting up with a lot more shit from you than I do with other people, let alone strangers." And I don't know why…
"It's all part of the charm." He winked.
"...My phone's not that old." I weakly defended.
"It's a goddamn rhinoceros." He replied. I doubled back.
"What?...You mean dinosaur?"
"Yeah. Wait, what'd I say?"
"Rhinoceros." As soon as it clicked in his head that sly look was dropped for a moment as started cackling and smacked himself in the forehead.
"Hahahah, whoops." He laughed. I couldn't help but join in. I don't know how, but he kept changing the mood of the conversation. It was almost bipolar how quickly it kept changing. Then he was right back at it.
"If you won't give me your number, can I at least give you mine?"
"You're really intent on this aren't you?" He nodded. "Dude, you don't even know me. What's your hangup?"
"Exactly. I don't know you. We've been talking all night, and you haven't said a word about who you are. Where you come from, family, nothin'. You haven't even told me your last name." Apparently he hasn't taken the hint. "...But, I'd like to get to know you. And I don't know how that's gonna happen if there isn't any contact."
"Okay. Let's say I agree. Are you going to tell me about yourself too?" I asked with a somewhat cocky air. He got a wry smile.
"Maybe someday..."
I reciprocated the smile. I figured he play it that way. That made my decision easier.
"Good bye Butch." I said and continued down the stairs numberless.
"No number, no name. Will you at least leave me a shoe, 'er something?" He called. I had to stop and process that I was still on the staircase before I realized he had just made a Cinderella joke. I snorted and shook my head, then just kept going to ground level, then the entrance, and finally outside where I found Berserk standing outside a cab, with Brat inside chatting with the driver. There was a new bronze locket dangling from her neck proudly.
"Alright, lets get the hell outta here." I said as I approached. Berserk didn't even look at me, but leaned back to look past me.
"Who's your friend?" She asked. I barely knit my brow and turned around, with no surprise, I found Butch's dark silhouette standing just inside the colossal entrance. I rolled my eyes.
"Give me a minute." I said as started back over.
"Oh, no you don't. We've gotta go, the cab's already been waiting."
"Then he can wait one more minute." I growled and walked off. Butch took a few steps back before I got up there, like he was surprised I had come back. Or seen him.
"What d'you want, Butch?" I asked. He looked a little caught off guard, which I chose to ignore. There was a lot of weird things he did that I chose to ignore. Small, but weird all the same.
"Just...wanted to say goodnight." He said. I raised a brow, shifted my stance and crossed my arms.
"Alright." I said. After a moment of silence he stuck his arm out to shake. I didn't completely know what to make of the formal farewell, but the corners of my mouth curled slightly anyways. I took his hand and shook it a little. His hands were really warm. Firm.
"Once again, goodbye Butch." I said. He didn't let go of my hand. He just kept holding it; eyes burrowing through me.
"We'll, keep in touch...I'll see you soon. I'll make sure of it." He muttered. I couldn't see his face well in the lighting, but assumed he had that mocking smile spread across his face.
"Hahah, I didn't think you were going to pull off a creepy pick up line before I left. I haven't thought up a good one yet. " I laughed. His head cocked back slightly to reveal his expression between impassive and confused. Then the signature grin slowly crept back on his face, looking menacing in the light.
"...Right. Well, I'll be waiting for that." He responded. Not a moment passed before it was prematurely interrupted by the cab's horn honking abruptly. I couldn't see inside through the dark windows but assumed it was Brat that had honked the horn, or at least told the cabbie to.
"Seriously I gotta go. Bye Butch. Wasn't a bad night." I said and departed to the car.
Butch didn't respond, but I didn't hear him move to leave. I could just tell he was watching me though. It was probably the outfit. I'd never gotten this much attention from someone before. It was weird. I got in the car, and sure enough his silhouette was still standing in the doorway. At some point he either slinked away, or the cab was just too far for me to see him, but either way he was out of sight. Brat talked for most of the drive about how she had spent her time, who with, and what happened. Berserk was more interested than I was, but I humored her anyway and pretended to be listening; all the while looking out the window past her, zoning out. Honestly it wasn't bad, but an altogether forgettable night.
"Brute!" I heard Brat call. Ah hell, what'd she say?
"Really? Wow. I don't even know what to say about that." I responded hoping it sounded like I had listened. Brat didn't continue talking like I had hoped, but Berserk chuckling was enough to rouse my attention. Brat was glaring.
"What?" I shrugged.
"She asked what you did the whole time." Berserk echoed. Neither Brat nor I would dare ask Berserk what she had done the whole time, so of course attention would land on me. Berserk most likely wouldn't tell us what really happened. Didn't matter. We could pretty much figure out what Berserk had done the whole time, and it wasn't anything we really wanted to know about. T'was all in the math. Messy hair and smudged makeup.
"I bummed around the third floor killing time on the balcony. I would've gotten a drink and bugged the staff party but those hoity toity bastards were charging out the ass."
"Well, it's not like it was pricy for them." Brat shrugged.
"Yeah, well…" I said. Brat giggled.
"How about that guy at the door? That how you killed time?" Berserk teased. I rolled my eyes. " Who was he?"
I had to think carefully before I answered. If I were to say Butch Jojo, that would be a dead give away he had some sort of relation to Brick. And if I had to bet, all hell would break loose if Berserk knew something about Brick other than his name, his wealth, and his girth. God forbid she actually knew something about the dude she was screwing and break the illusion they both weren't crazy. Aside from that, I really didn't know what to say. Other than his name, I didn't have any other info; and as far as I knew, he only knew my first name. Hell I didn't even know how to describe him.
"I don't really know."