Jack Fairy sat beside him for the longest time. And when the show finished he continued to stay where he was. He didn't move.
Arthur smiled at Brian's sweat-slick face, still so energized and fascinating. No longer so graceful, no longer so pretty. No, not pretty any more, just beautiful. Performing in a suit with an open-necked shirt, mic in hand and blackened hair cut neat, he looked an almost unusual breed in this hothouse of a club.
Until one noted that the suit was forest green and the blackened hair was set just so. Even that there was still a line of mascara to darken those grey eyes and the sweat had loosened the foundation and rouge that coloured the pale skin.
Brian was busy, bowing with the Flaming Creatures and getting off stage to swarms of ecstatic fans. From the shallow apology on his face, Arthur figured it would be a while before the man would reluctantly try to tear himself away.
"He still has it," Jack Fairy said, "A marvellous man."
Arthur started. He turned his head.
Jack Fairy just grinned and smoked his cigarette. "I can talk," he said sweetly, "Or did you think I was dumb between songs?"
"N-no, I just thought…"
"No point doing your talking when no one's ready to listen, Arthur. Not all of us clamour until we're heard." Those disturbing eyes rested on Brian's face. And then Jack Fairy's famous smile glittered out. "Some of us choose to wait until the time is right."
"Okay."
Jack Fairy stubbed out the cigarette and left.