div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 8px 0px 15px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"We sit together for a few hours - sharing the rest of the bottle over some casual small talk. Although, Hancock and I find ourselves to be alone in our willingness to share any more intimate details about ourselves. Every so often, the man interjects with a touch of sarcasm or a witty remark - it is abundantly clear that he is a man who embodies both wisdom and a penchant for seclusion. Unmistakably, the enigmatic ghoul is equally inebriated like us, yet his placidity under the influence sets him apart./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"My companion and I have a similar approach to handling our problems - making light of them and getting shitfaced drunk - but this man seems to sit with his pain, holding on to it close. He doesn't open up about it one bit, yet I can feel the weight of heartbreak behind his eyes./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"He listens and learns - displaying occasional moments of amusement when his furrowed brow loosens into a sarcastic smirk, which is the closest he gets to a genuine smile. It's possible that he's starting to warm up to us a little in his intoxicated state but - just as we all seem to be getting along to some extent - every light inside The Third Rail flickers to life with a buzz. The sudden brightness startles all three of us in our seats, and I observe both men squinting and shielding their eyes./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""C'mon you dirty buggers - off with you now!" The reverberations of Charlie's robotic voice against the concrete walls prompt me to realize that we are the only patrons left in the bar. I also scrunch my eyes closed and usher Hancock to his feet, eager to escape the searing glare of white light./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"He haphazardly tosses a cluster of caps onto the table and then pivots to face our new friend./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""You coming?"/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The ghoul shakes his head in disbelief and swills back the final dregs directly from the whiskey bottle. In a rather awkward and uncoordinated manner, he braces his weight on his knees with his palms to provide some stability as he battles to stand upright./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""I guess I don't see why the hell not. Not like I got anything better to do right now."/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"********/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"It doesn't take long to get back to Hancock's private study and upon arrival, I am thankful for several things. Besides a solitary, faint lightbulb - the room is predominantly illuminated by candles that have been recently lit to last for hours. The only other light emanates from a makeshift fireplace situated right next to where we are seated./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"As a result, the room is toasty with a comfortable warmth. The historic Old State Building, which Hancock has made his home, still stands steadfast after all these years so, despite the persistent howling of the wind outside, we are safe from its reach./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"What's more - there is a plethora of alcohol and chems scattered in abundance on the table, conveniently within easy reach. I opt to pick up some Grape Mentats for myself. I have previously indulged in this substance a couple of times this evening at The Third Rail because, to be candid, it assists me in regaining some level of sobriety. My charisma continues to function adequately even without the aid of these little pills./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"Relaxing on Hancock's opulent furniture, I stretch out my legs. The comfortable furniture that he owns is the most luxurious I've seen in town, rivaling only Irma's at The Memory Den (and lay one finger on that thing, she will have it right off). It's at this moment that I become aware of my thigh pressed against the ghoul stranger sitting beside me./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"He seems either oblivious or completely unfazed. He's leaning forward, engrossed in rolling a cigarette and casually chatting with Hancock about their questionable cap-making techniques. The Grape Mentats' effects feel enhanced now that I'm in a cozy, warm environment, causing a pleasant, floating sensation to fill my core./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"Slowly blinking in an attempt to control my sudden feelings of elation, I absentmindedly extend my hands in both directions to grab the thighs of the two men sitting on either side of me. A temporary lapse in judgment - but any doubt in the back of my mind is put to bed by the chems./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"With a smirk, the ghoul reclines on the couch and averts his eyes to my wandering hand, before locking them with mine, confidently./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""Oh, it's like that, is it?"/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"I tighten the hold on Hancock's thigh with my other hand, silently asking for his approval. We have a history of engaging with others intimately. Yet, this would mark our first encounter with another ghoul./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The speed at which I have reached this juncture has taken me aback, leaving me with a feeling of near-embarrassment. From the very outset, I had been intrigued by the mysterious stranger, finding him alluring. However, given his penchant for secrecy, I never envisaged that Hancock would go as far as inviting him back to his personal quarters. I had a feeling that it was a tactic, with my lover planning to gather more information before extending further hospitality to the stranger in his town. After all, Hancock is renowned for his intelligence, particularly with his frequent use of Mentats./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The sound of Hancock's laughter next to me confirms that he has understood my signals and is in agreement with my plan. Both of the men - damn, all three of us - are extremely intoxicated. I can feel the heaviness of the stranger's drunken bulk on the couch beside me./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"I maneuver my body over to the unfamiliar ghoul until I'm straddling him and tip back his hat slightly so that I'm able to press in close to his face. Hancock extends his arm to the table, pouring himself another drink, allowing me to continue seducing the man./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The ghoul pays no attention to him, yet maintains an unwavering stare at me with a noticeable sense of inquisitiveness shimmering in his eyes. I nervously nibble on my lower lip and subtly move my hips in a grinding motion against his pelvic area, making sure my panties graze against the material of his slacks. To my delight, I am met with the sensation of a burgeoning erection straining against my twat./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"Finally, the ghoul turns his attention away from me to observe Hancock, who is leisurely sipping from his glass as he watches us./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""This smoothie - she your girl?" The sly grin that he aims towards Hancock betrays his uncertainty as he hesitates to make a move. So far, he hasn't laid a hand on me, choosing instead to let me grind against him and derive pleasure from his concealed member./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""Listen, brother…" He diligently refills his glass which has been depleted of its contents, for the umpteenth time. "It's the end of the fucking world and, what can I say, I like to share."/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The ghoul casts a fleeting glance in my direction, taking a moment to carefully scrutinize my facial features and the contours of my slender physique. I detect the unmistakable tang of whiskey on his exhalations, observing with keen interest as he runs his tongue along his slightly open lips./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""So, for tonight, she's our girl."/p
/div
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"We sit together for a few hours - sharing the rest of the bottle over some casual small talk. Although, Hancock and I find ourselves to be alone in our willingness to share any more intimate details about ourselves. Every so often, the man interjects with a touch of sarcasm or a witty remark - it is abundantly clear that he is a man who embodies both wisdom and a penchant for seclusion. Unmistakably, the enigmatic ghoul is equally inebriated like us, yet his placidity under the influence sets him apart./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"My companion and I have a similar approach to handling our problems - making light of them and getting shitfaced drunk - but this man seems to sit with his pain, holding on to it close. He doesn't open up about it one bit, yet I can feel the weight of heartbreak behind his eyes./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"He listens and learns - displaying occasional moments of amusement when his furrowed brow loosens into a sarcastic smirk, which is the closest he gets to a genuine smile. It's possible that he's starting to warm up to us a little in his intoxicated state but - just as we all seem to be getting along to some extent - every light inside The Third Rail flickers to life with a buzz. The sudden brightness startles all three of us in our seats, and I observe both men squinting and shielding their eyes./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""C'mon you dirty buggers - off with you now!" The reverberations of Charlie's robotic voice against the concrete walls prompt me to realize that we are the only patrons left in the bar. I also scrunch my eyes closed and usher Hancock to his feet, eager to escape the searing glare of white light./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"He haphazardly tosses a cluster of caps onto the table and then pivots to face our new friend./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""You coming?"/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The ghoul shakes his head in disbelief and swills back the final dregs directly from the whiskey bottle. In a rather awkward and uncoordinated manner, he braces his weight on his knees with his palms to provide some stability as he battles to stand upright./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""I guess I don't see why the hell not. Not like I got anything better to do right now."/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"********/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"It doesn't take long to get back to Hancock's private study and upon arrival, I am thankful for several things. Besides a solitary, faint lightbulb - the room is predominantly illuminated by candles that have been recently lit to last for hours. The only other light emanates from a makeshift fireplace situated right next to where we are seated./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"As a result, the room is toasty with a comfortable warmth. The historic Old State Building, which Hancock has made his home, still stands steadfast after all these years so, despite the persistent howling of the wind outside, we are safe from its reach./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"What's more - there is a plethora of alcohol and chems scattered in abundance on the table, conveniently within easy reach. I opt to pick up some Grape Mentats for myself. I have previously indulged in this substance a couple of times this evening at The Third Rail because, to be candid, it assists me in regaining some level of sobriety. My charisma continues to function adequately even without the aid of these little pills./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"Relaxing on Hancock's opulent furniture, I stretch out my legs. The comfortable furniture that he owns is the most luxurious I've seen in town, rivaling only Irma's at The Memory Den (and lay one finger on that thing, she will have it right off). It's at this moment that I become aware of my thigh pressed against the ghoul stranger sitting beside me./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"He seems either oblivious or completely unfazed. He's leaning forward, engrossed in rolling a cigarette and casually chatting with Hancock about their questionable cap-making techniques. The Grape Mentats' effects feel enhanced now that I'm in a cozy, warm environment, causing a pleasant, floating sensation to fill my core./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"Slowly blinking in an attempt to control my sudden feelings of elation, I absentmindedly extend my hands in both directions to grab the thighs of the two men sitting on either side of me. A temporary lapse in judgment - but any doubt in the back of my mind is put to bed by the chems./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"With a smirk, the ghoul reclines on the couch and averts his eyes to my wandering hand, before locking them with mine, confidently./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""Oh, it's like that, is it?"/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"I tighten the hold on Hancock's thigh with my other hand, silently asking for his approval. We have a history of engaging with others intimately. Yet, this would mark our first encounter with another ghoul./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The speed at which I have reached this juncture has taken me aback, leaving me with a feeling of near-embarrassment. From the very outset, I had been intrigued by the mysterious stranger, finding him alluring. However, given his penchant for secrecy, I never envisaged that Hancock would go as far as inviting him back to his personal quarters. I had a feeling that it was a tactic, with my lover planning to gather more information before extending further hospitality to the stranger in his town. After all, Hancock is renowned for his intelligence, particularly with his frequent use of Mentats./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The sound of Hancock's laughter next to me confirms that he has understood my signals and is in agreement with my plan. Both of the men - damn, all three of us - are extremely intoxicated. I can feel the heaviness of the stranger's drunken bulk on the couch beside me./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"I maneuver my body over to the unfamiliar ghoul until I'm straddling him and tip back his hat slightly so that I'm able to press in close to his face. Hancock extends his arm to the table, pouring himself another drink, allowing me to continue seducing the man./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The ghoul pays no attention to him, yet maintains an unwavering stare at me with a noticeable sense of inquisitiveness shimmering in his eyes. I nervously nibble on my lower lip and subtly move my hips in a grinding motion against his pelvic area, making sure my panties graze against the material of his slacks. To my delight, I am met with the sensation of a burgeoning erection straining against my twat./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"Finally, the ghoul turns his attention away from me to observe Hancock, who is leisurely sipping from his glass as he watches us./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""This smoothie - she your girl?" The sly grin that he aims towards Hancock betrays his uncertainty as he hesitates to make a move. So far, he hasn't laid a hand on me, choosing instead to let me grind against him and derive pleasure from his concealed member./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""Listen, brother…" He diligently refills his glass which has been depleted of its contents, for the umpteenth time. "It's the end of the fucking world and, what can I say, I like to share."/p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;"The ghoul casts a fleeting glance in my direction, taking a moment to carefully scrutinize my facial features and the contours of my slender physique. I detect the unmistakable tang of whiskey on his exhalations, observing with keen interest as he runs his tongue along his slightly open lips./p
/div
div class="k31gt" style="font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Favorit, 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 15px 0px; font-size: 16px; scrollbar-width: thin; scrollbar-color: rgba(var(-black),.4)rgba(var(-white),.1); white-space-collapse: preserve; word-break: break-word; box-sizing: border-box; width: 540px; min-height: 1.5em; padding: 0px var(-post-padding) 0px var(-post-padding);"
p style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px;""So, for tonight, she's our girl."/p
/div