#((just happy and rambling at Artair's side))

[foxedthecards]

And Jonas of course...remained happily clueless about the entire situation. Artair was listening to his ramblings, chiming into the conversation at the appropriate times and at some point had even draped his arm over his shoulder and honestly at no point yet had Jonas felt even a inkling of unease or worry because why would he? Artair was there right alongside him, it felt great. His head even had a bit of a pleasant buzz to it, weird how close exhaustion and being a bit tipsy felt? He hadn't even had a second's thought or hesitation either about just bumping in close to Artair's side and run an arm comfortably around his back to hook a few fingers into the far left pocket of Artair's jacket and let his hand dangle there. Felt like the most natural thing in the world.

" I don' think it'll be much of a thingy...issue you know? " he rambled on, as Artair subtly guided them both into a different direction. Again not something Jonas took particular notice of. He gestured again with his free hand making idle little rolls in the air as he talked on. " I mean, Jim knew I came in there only on a temporary basis...he's Jim...the boss guy you know, he's pretty uh...something uh...chill, yeah that's the word. Chill about things! Even if he wasn't well fuck that. I'd think that, y'know? But pffft c'mon hey don't worry, you worry too much? It's good look hey, hey you know what I'll call him later tonight and just let him know an' take this time then ok? Pretty sure I got enough t'cover things until the actual gig starts..."

Behind them the neon-soaked street remained empty for a few minutes, save for a few tourists passing by. Then once again, the strange man came into view, continuing to keep his pace slow, casual and distant.

There was no doubt about it. He WAS following them. He was being savvy enough about it that someone ordinarily might not take much notice or pay it any heed. Certainly not if it had been Jonas all by himself.

This guy whatever his intentions though, certainly hadn't accounted for Artair.

@townofcadence

Jonas's bartending shift at the Lucky Horseshoe casino had finally come to an end and he'd been a little surprised to run into Artair as he ventured out into the odd in-between hour of late night and early morning. The nightlife of Vegas was of course still in full swing.

Jonas had downed a couple of espressos earlier but it was clear working very long back-to-back shifts had gotten to him. He looked tired and was definitely being more rambly than usual. However he insisted he felt ok enough to walk back to the Four Queens rather than take a cab. As they walked down the block, he chattered away to Artair, occasionally pinching the bridge of his nose to ward off the weariness.

"...and holy fuck I was glad I called back because-because if I hadn't that opportunity would've sailed-pwish! " His hand smacked across the palm of his other hand as he gestured outwardly. " But...but yeah uh that's the basis of it, the thing, you know and it's guaranteed for at least uh...uhhh six months I think I just gotta give 'em a razzle and a dazzle for the nightly show in the lounge but-but I got time annnnd some ideas. And it'll start in another week'r so...just gotta give the head's up to my current boss tomorrow...y'know? "

He glanced over at Artair and shot him a quick little smile. " Finally get a little fuckin' rest maybe hey? "

Behind them both at what he hoped,no doubt, was a unnoticeable distance, the tall stranger dropped his cigarette on the ground and ground it out. Eyes steadily watching that redhead, he continued to unobtrusively follow along as he had been doing since Jonas had left out of casino bar earlier.