#[quid pro quo as we go spare me any deceit] —> (threads)

[nghtmare-fuel]

Closed starter for @xseen2muchx

He wasn't the young man that he used to be, wasn't the fresh baby face that was on the cover of magazines and in the media. Dominic had long ago accepted that and found a sense of appreciation in the way that the world had flipped. There was a simplicity and sense of peace in being able to go out without having to worry about getting swarmed by fans and vultures. That wasn't to say that it was always that way. Occasionally, there was someone who would make the connection and approach. An autograph, a picture, some chatting. It was all fairly easy and not too time-consuming. Appeasing was often the quicker choice anyway. The responses were obviously less vulgar and harsh than if he turned someone down. Today, however, wasn't a day that he wanted to deal with any of it. All he wanted was to grab a drink at the bar before heading home. A dull throb worked insistently behind his eyes, stress induced. A hat was pulled down, lower to cover what features could be, and it accompanied a pair of sunglasses that he was reluctant to remove even in the dim lighting.

Settled at the bar, Dominic did his best to ignore the world around him. Just one drink. One, and he could head home to take care of all the responsibilities that awaited. A rough, greased stain mitt raised to brush over his jaw after attempting to wave down the busy bartender to no avail. He missed the telltale signs of recognition, something that there simply was no patience for that evening. He glanced towards the woman a few seats down, wondering if she knew him or if he could strike up a conversation and seem busy enough to avoid dealing with the fallout that would inevitably come with turning fans down.

[aviculor]

Big fan of Ice Nine Kill's new single, Meat & Greet. It feels very classic INK. I see that we're still figuring out the lyrics, so let me help.

He’s in the last cell, stay to the left (Thank you) Don’t get close to the glass And be careful If he smells your fear, he’ll eat you alive

Hello Clarice, nothing's free at this Meat & Greet Quid pro quo as we go, spare me any deceit (Take a seat) A trainee desperate for some information Skipped poor white trash by one generation Don't test me (Don't test me)

The silence is circling Like lambs to a slaughter, this dance never ends (Cut in and savor the consequence)

No, my darling Agent Starling, these are not just thrill kills Let my mind help you find the fiend who fits the Bill (Or blood will spill) Contrast his nasty habit with My refined palate Then tell me who kills in poor taste (Don't let a good meal go to waste)

The silence is circling Like lambs to a slaughter, this dance never ends (Cut in and savor the consequence) Defiled, starved, then skinned Like many before her It's happened again (We've all found a flavor we can't resist)

The starling spreads her wings (While the evil threads the needle, so it seems) The moth is pulling her strings (Forced to dwell within his hell to stop the screams) One final flight for vanity I'd fuck me

(Put the lotion in the basket, bid farewell, then close the casket)

(Put the lotion in the basket, bid farewell, then close the casket)

The silence is circling Like lambs to a slaughter, this dance never ends (Cut in and savor the consequence) Defiled, starved, then skinned Like many before her, it's happened again (We've all found a flavor we can't resist)

The silence is circling It's circling

(We've all found a flavor we can't resist)

I'D FUCK ME

[nghtmare-fuel]

Closed starter for @godstrayed

Hawkins had always been known as a quiet little town, something that no one could deny. Constance had her share of excitement every so often, given her work as a paramedic. But it wasn't exactly that of a big city and she was thankful. It generally meant that her nights off were what most would consider boring. She tended stay in, catch up on things that she didn't get to while she worked, or just having a lazy night. That was how it had always been. At least up until she had met one Billy Hargrove. Ever the compassionate individual, Constance was often quick to develop a soft spot for those that seemed to have the world against them. Billy was not an exception to that rule. A few calls, patching him up, and chatting resulted in something that was akin to a friendship. Maybe.

It looked more like Billy showing up at her small place when he got into a fight and didn't want to deal with anyone else. Not a single word against it was ever uttered on her half. She just ushered him in, cleaned up whatever injuries he had, and occasionally patched him up. There wasn't any sort of pattern to the times he showed up. A random nature just kept her on her toes.

Tonight apparently was one of those nights. No one ever knocked on her door after nine at night except one person. Constance got to her feet, abandoning the popcorn and movie she had been watching to look out the peephole of the door to see Billy. A small sigh accompanied her opening the door.

"Can't have one quiet night?" The words weren't accusing, instead a gentle nature as they often were when she dealt with the man. She could set aside all the bluster and macho shit that came. "Come on. I'll get you cleaned up. Looks like you might need some stitches. Lucky for you, I just replenished my supplies."

[nghtmare-fuel]

Tag dump

[nghtmare-fuel]

Dominic didn't find any offense in the statement. In fact, it was far more amusing to him than anything else and was probably the highlight of the evening. He wasn't the young kid he had been when he broke onto the scene, too cock-sure of himself and expecting his name to be known. As if he was some big named celebrity. Time had humbled that, along with the abrupt end of his career. Now? He would rather go unnoticed than noticed. Especially when it was just him and his son. Life was just far easier that way. So, when she was backtracking, there wasn't any way for him to stop the chuckle that came. A raspy sound that was genuine.

"Nah, actually sorr of refreshing to hear that someone couldn't give a shit." Half a light tease, half a genuine statement. "Don't take offense to anything like that. My younger self probably would have but, I ain't that kid anymore. Been humbled. Ya don't like racing, ya wouldn't know me. Besides, the rambling is nicer than anything that they are likely to say." Though he watched as she turned and pulled down her hood. He wasn't sure what that was supposed to do before he caught sight of the scars.

Now, Dominic wasn't one to press and in this situation he most certainly wouldn't. She had been kind enough to not send him off like a kicked dog and had done, well whatever it was that she just did to make anyone more leery of coming over. So, really, he owed her. Along with being humbled in his older age, he had learned, for the most part at least, to not stick his foot in his mouth. The man kept himself silent as she turned back around. A drink for each were set down with a silence passing between them, the bartender not saying anything either. Something that Dominic was thankful for and by the reaction of the woman beside him, it was likely a good guess ventured that she would be too.

"Can't argue against that working well...." He murmured as he took a smaller sip this time of the second glass. It was all he was going to offer on the subject. "And guess we can call it even, since I have no idea who you are either. Just a friendly face at the bar." Maybe that would make her feel better about it all.

She had to look back at them curiosity winning out. "That they are." She chuckled, knowing that all too well. Her eyes moved back to him though when he mentioned that he had used to be a type of celebrity, surprise on her face. When he continued though she couldn't help the way her lips pulled into a rare, dazzeling smile. "Ah...no wonder I dont know you."

She paused when she realized how that might have come out. "Not that its not great or you weren't great or it wasn't important!" She quickly tried to recover, her own foot fully in her mouth. She wondered if she had gotten even worse over time at interacting with people. "God make me stop." She muttered with a shake of her head.

Her eyebrows rose up as he continued though about how he just didn't want to be bothered and knocked back his drink. She wanted to ask but if anyone could understand that, it was her. Pausing she decided to help, if only to make up for putting her foot in her mouth by insulting his livelihood. "I think I can help with that." She gave him a wink before turing in her seat and pulling down her hood so that they could fully see her face...and the long gash on her collarbone that snaked all the way over her shoulder.

Once the people in the corner saw her face, some of them paused. Even if they didn't know who she was, there was a bit of an eirieness that made them look quickly away.

Turning back she zipped the hoodie up just a bit higher on her shoulder. "I'm kind of a little famous too. They wont come over now." She promised, ordering another drink for herself.

[nghtmare-fuel]

No shit. The thought swirled, but thankfully, the muffler between brain and mouth actually worked this time, and it didn't come sliding out into the open, making him look like a giant ass. Then again, it could only be a matter of time. His foot was rather comfy in his mouth ninety percent of the time. He'd prefer less, but sometimes his mouth worked faster than he could process what he was about to say or even saying in the moment.

There wasn't any missing the fact that she peeked over towards the potential troublemakers. When there wasn't any recognition on her part, he wasn't sure to feel relieved or something else. Relieved won out. Especially since he wanted to avoid those in the corner. It took a second to form a response that didn't make him sound conceited or too washed up. Why did he care? He wasn't sure. But the urge was there and obeyed.

"Because some people can't keep to themselves," he offered wryly, the hints of a smile starting to form on his lips. The rest of the drink was tossed back and finished in one go. Familiar burn relished for a moment. "Amd because I used to race cars professionally. Years ago, though, I work as a mechanic and occasionally in the pit crew now, so I guess my mug is still recognizable." She didn't seem like the sort of care. Hopefully, that assessment was correct.

"Normally, I wouldn't mind but it hasn't been the best day and I just don't have it in me. Hoping if I look busy they won't come over...." A weak deflection method but it was the one that had been on hand. The bartender was paying attention this time and Dominic couldn't help it. Another was ordered. "Just need to bother you long enough for them to hesitate so I can head out."

"No problem. Its the girl thing." She assured him when he thanked her for the intervention with the bar tender. Even though she would hardly call herself that anymore. Other people appeared to sometimes see it that way. At least when she was fully covered and they ddin't play CNN in the bar.

She cocked at eyebrow at him when she felt him move closer and he spoke low so that no one else could hear. She looked at him curiously at the explination. Turning her head she watched as people seemed to move with energy for a moment, a stirring curiousity moving through them as if people were saying,

"Thats him." "Are you sure?"

She looked back at him again, studying his face but there was no recognistion in her eyes, just a curiosity as to what the whispering was about if it wasn't about her. Hypocritical but she couldn't help it.

"Why would they come over?" She asked.

[nghtmare-fuel]

Trouble just seemed to follow certain people more than others. She knew for a fact, at this point, with as many times as she had patched Billy up, that it often found him rather than him actively seeking it out. A level of hostility existed that she could never understand. A demand to constantly prove something. Constance never allowed herself to delve into it. She shook her head when the apology spilled, a softer smile on her face. Compassionate, caring. Natural qualities that were never switched off. And never withheld. Perhaps one day it would get her in trouble. But until then....

"I was just watching a movie, it's fine." With a practiced ease, the supply kit was grabbed from its spot in the hallway closet before she was making her way back to him. A proper look over was needed. "How bad do you really feel?" It wasn't a mocking statement in response to his question. A slightly probing question aimed at learning if he needed to go to the hospital; a way to subtle assess him and determine if the care needed was far more than she could provide. Constance started with checking out his face first, hands soft as they came up to turn his head left and right.

"What the hell happened, Billy?" This seemed a little worse than usual, and her heart ached for the man before her. Not pity, never pity. Most railed against even thought of someone pitying them. So, Constance did her best to keep that empathetic side of her under control. The small gash shouldn't need any sutures, just some closures with butterflies. His knuckles and hands? A thoroughly cleaning and some bandages. There seemed to be blood from other places though she she had to check everything.

　It's one of those things that ought to have changed. Rather than slow down it was different now. Any time anyone brought up any challenge to him it was like he couldn't back down. He reacted instinctively; brutally even, a flurry of emotions and fists ready to go. How many times had he gotten kicked out of bars around town? How many fights had it been in the last few months? He doesn't go looking for the trouble, he has better sense than that, however he doesn't fuckin' back down or shy away from it when met with it.

He realizes the burden he would be putting on her by visiting her when she wasn't working. And truthfully, he wouldn't come if he didn't feel like he had no other choice. But he probably needs stiches and the last thing he wants is his face to fuckin' bruise or be permanently fucked up as vain as that might be.

Sheepishly, almost coy; he shifts his weight in her doorstep before moving forward once given permission. Billy sighs slightly, fingers twitching at his side restlessly. Knuckles bruised and bloodied, it had been a particularly nasty fight. The motherfucker brought his friends. "Sorry to disturb your otherwise peaceful night.." He has enough sense of shame to feel bad about it. "I owe you- big time." He slumps in, eyes blinking up at the ceiling light. "Do I look as bad as I fuckin' feel?"

[nghtmare-fuel]

Something seemed off, but Dominic couldn't entirely put his finger on it. Even if he could have, it wouldn't have mattered much in the moment. The potential of her being some sort of saving grace currently outweighed any other possibility. There wasn't anything even vaguely familiar about her. That may have led to a false sense of....well, he couldn't entirely call it security. A better sense of safety. She wasn't approaching him. That was good enough in his books. The tender scurried over to her in a flash, and he almost made a sound of annoyance. One drink was all that was needed, and he could head home. That had been too much to ask until now.

The bartender came over to finally inquire what he wanted only after getting a prompt from the woman. That was enough of an invitation for Dominic as the others began to shift, a telltale sign that they were getting ready to invade his space and the small moment of peace that was so desperately needed. It was now or never. Once the rum had been set down in front of him, he snatched it up and shifted over to her.

"Thanks," he murmured lowly, not wishing to startle her. There was always the chance she would tell him to kick rocks and the entire plan would go up in flames as it was. He hadn't settled too close when he had moved, a respectful distance still kept but close enough to make it seem like they would be friendly. "Listen, tell me to fuck off if ya want but just need to seem busy for a few minutes. Just uh, don't wanna deal with the people about ready to come over." The explanation wasn't all that telling, and probably sounded worse than it actually was as he tossed back half the glass in one go. It was do or die. If she told him off, he would have to deal with that and those that wanted to pester him. Dominic knew he would have been better off just staying under the car he had been working on.

Alex...well she didn't know him. Even if she had ben paying attention to the world around her and not just staring into the bottom of her drink, she wouldn't have. She just wasn't that into cars. Not racing cars. Not driving cars. Most of all because it was one of the things that she was just utterly terrible at it. Really really terrible. Grew up in the country and still managed to hit the only stop sign in town terrible.

Instead she leaned back in her chair, moving the glass in between her fingers in an idol, almost numb nature. She could feel something though at that was eyes on her. She had that itching sensation that started on the long scar up her arm and then worked its way up to the backs of her ears. At first she ignored it before her amber eyes glanced to the side and she caught sight of the man looking at her. Eyes caught his in a way that felt unsettling to most, like she was half looking at them and seeing something that they didn't know was there- or seeing right through them and seeing something behind them.

Finally after a few unnerving seconds her eyes floated down to the empty space in front of him where a drink should be. Tapping two fingers on the bar, the bar tender hurried over in a way that so many did for pretty women in a bar.

"He needs something." She said bluntly, nodding her head to the side at the man. She was hoping that if he got a drink, he wouldn't put together where he had seen her before, which was funny considering he was thinking the same thing.