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 Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2018 8:20 pm
   Owen Hunt
Owen took Susan's hand gladly and followed her from the noise of the club. She was right about how the city had been bundled. It had a fortunate string of hot spots all within walking distance of each other so that you never got bored. It was pleasant to find the crowds distracted and even better that it allowed for a silent escape. Before he knew it, Owen was walking down the street next to Susan. Each of his steps felt somewhat heavy and his eye line seemed to bounce. Tipsy. That was probably a good word for where he was. "You're right," he said simply "But there is nothing we can do. We chose to for fit those little things that we miss out on so that everyone else can experience them. But not tonight."
Day: January 2, 2013 | Alias: Azrael | Not In Costume
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 1:50 pm
Nostalgia was the sensation the instant they arrived; the sounds of people chatting away at the beautiful simplicity of their lives,and the familiar sound of jazz. Louis Armstrong’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, she recognized it immediately. It was seldom quiet at the Galloway Lounge; performances were often planned, but there plenty of windows people could just try and show people what they could do.
“I wonder if they’ll remember me…” It was one thing be recognized as a famous superheroine, another to be remembered as a teenage girl who sang so long ago. However, the instant they got through the door, some of the first eyes to meet hers was none other than Mr. Galloway’s.
Now, Mr. Galloway was a man in his eighties, old-fashioned by nature, clad like a classic gentleman, a simple suit. His air was white, and though he had a tiredness to his features, he seemed pretty enthusiastic. He was about 5’ 7”, so he was a tad shorter in comparison to the two heroes. “Do my eyes deceive me? What’s it been, eighteen years since we last saw each other here?”
“You remember me?” asked Susan.
“Remember you? You sang right on this stage. You were, err, seventeen, I think, when your old man brought you here. I don’t forget a single person who’s performed here. I can’t forget you either way, your dad’s been coming here for years! Ol’ Jim hasn’t lost his touch, but neither have I. Please, come on in, take a seat, drinks on me, for you and your boyfriend there. You’re honored guests, my guarantee.” Slow as he’d gotten at his age, Mr. Galloway turned around and led them forward. On the wall were portraits taken over the years, including one a young Susan, her father, and Mr. Galloway together. The old piano remained, having not yet fallen apart after all this time.
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 6:43 pm
Owen Hunt
Owen was surprised and almost went on the offensive when Mr. Galloway appeared in front of them. Naturally the man did not actually just appear but that was how the moderately tipsy Owen saw it. His hands had balled into fists and instinctively he almost punched Galloway. However he caught himself and instead tried to play it off as scratching the back of his head. He listened to Mr. Galloway and Susan speaking as best he could. It was entertaining to see her around someone she had known so long ago. It felt like the good days. It was as they started walking that Owen realized he had been referred to as a boyfriend but he didn't say anything. He'd seen too many men make fools of themselves trying to argue against that label and he was hardly so drunk that he would ignore his pride.... yet. So Owen just followed the two quietly. He would certainly take Mr. Galloway up on the drinks and when they were settled he put his order in. Drinking was really helping him feel less pent up. Owen found himself looking at the images of heroes on the wall as they walked passed it. "You were right, this is better." Owen whispered knowing that Susan would hear it. Mr. Galloway was still with them and so Owen said nothing too loudly. Once they had passed the pictures Owen seemed to set his eyes on something else, the piano. He did not walk towards it or even bring it up but he looked at it longer than most would as if gears were turning in his head. Then he shrugged it off and redirected his focus to drinking again. "Eighteen years you said?" Owen asked Mr. Galloway before looking at Susan. There was a moment and only a moment where it seemed as if Owen was about to volunteer Susan to sing but he retreated from the idea. "Incredible."
Day: January 2, 2013 | Alias: Azrael | Not In Costume
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 8:54 pm
At the praise for the choice of location, the heroine beamed his way as they followed and eventually took a seat. It was a familiar, comfortable environment. Little had changed since the last time, a few updates to keep the place convenient, but the old school vibes certainly hadn’t gone. Olympia was a little old-fashioned herself.
“It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? You don’t look like you’ve left your prime at all! In fact, neither does your old man! He’s, what, in his seventies? He sure doesn’t look like it, though. What I’d give for that! You know, sometimes I feel like he’s trying to look older these days,” said Mr. Galloway.
An unusual realization indeed, though the heroine coyly scratched her head, both flattered and a little dodgy of the subject of her father’s mysteriously young appearance. “It runs in the family, I guess,” she replied with a shrug and smile.
Mr. Galloway shook his head and laughed. He then turned to the stranger Susan had brought with her, curious about him. “What’s your name, if I may ask?”
“Oh, this is Owen Hunt, a good friend of mine. Owen, this is Mr. George Galloway,” said Susan, introducing the two.
“A pleasure, Mr. Hunt! A real pleasure.” said Mr. Galloway, extending his hand. “Hope the drinks are up your alley. And the music, too. Kids today just can’t appreciate the finer things from my day.”
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2018 11:39 pm
Owen Hunt
"Pleasure to meet you," Owen extended his hand out to Mr. Galloway's "The drinks certainly are, and the music," Owen paused slightly as he shook the man's hand and thought over his next words. Finally he said, "Believe it or not, my guardians listened to mostly rock and some pop. I'm not sure why either because they were all kind of old. I guess we were too in hind sight." Owen seemed to ramble a bit towards the end, likely the effect of the various drinks he had been enjoying in the short time of this conversation. "But I like this too, it is very comfortable." Owen figured out later that that was probably not the best word to describe the way he was actually feeling in that moment. "It is all very... nice."
Day: January 2, 2013 | Alias: Azrael | Not In Costume
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Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 12:00 am
“It sure is!” exclaimed Mr. Galloway. The manner of speaking Owen had was a little strange, but he’d heard stranger. The old gent patted Owen on the shoulder. “You two enjoy yourselves now! I’ve gotta head to the office right quick, expecting a phone call.” With that said, Mr. Galloway stood up and walked off to his office.
Olympia helped herself to some Bourbon, but she couldn’t exactly get drunk if she tried. The effects of alcohol were temporary at best, but it allowed her to appreciate the taste without any real consequences. Owen’s topsy-turvy mannerisms were entertaining, and she couldn’t help but giggle when she looked his way. “I’m glad the music’s not boring. Don’t suppose you’re also musically talented?”
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Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 12:27 am
Owen Hunt
As soon as Mr. Galloway began to walk away a profound change came over Owen. His body loosened and then it tensed and he covered his mouth as if to stop himself from making noise. Then he just stood their with his hands covering his mouth and his eyes racing back and forth to make sure no one saw him. You see, nobody knew exactly what had happened to Owen, well nobody except a little guy named Samuel Shaw. You see, Shaw gave Owen some cookies and told him to have a good date knowing it would irritate him. Shaw did not however think to tell Owen what was in the cookies. Or that he should not eat the whole thing. Owen was hungry. Now Owen was losing his mind. The last time this had happened he had been in some weird Alice and Wonderland themed hell where he was accused of stealing tarts. Only this time, he had stolen the cookies... well he had eaten them. It was at that moment that Owen seemed to forget all of his troubles.
He scooted over to Susan and lowered his arms. "Wait, are we not going to talk about how awkward that was? Between me and him? Comfortable? Who says comfortable?" Owen hit his head with his palm. "Never mind, move on. What? Music? I play the flute... well i know how to shoot darts out of a flute at a man dressed as a mariachi band member who is secretly holding a bomb. I guess I learned some piano during training. Richard always had one around and I knew he used songs as codes to liquor cabinets so..." Admittedly there had been good times in Owen's life. They were fun and memorable and loving. They were.
Day: January 2, 2013 | Alias: Azrael | Not In Costume
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Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 12:40 am
Mr. Galloway had seen all walks of life; “awkward” was harder to measure with that man. Owen changed the subject, however, recounting a few things from the past. Susan couldn’t help but laugh at his mention of shooting a mariachi bomber with a flute. She folded her legs and set her drink down, the glass being in her left hand. “You know how to play piano?” she asked, genuinely astonished, but very pleased. “I didn’t think you’d have the time. You’re just full of surprises tonight, aren’t you?” It was beautiful yet sad to think of how limited yet all the more precious the small, simple moments that Owen could appreciate in his life. These sort of things were among the sacrifices people like them had to give up to lead their lives. “I’d love to hear you play.” If there were ever opportunities, the Galloway Lounge was a great one. Olympia didn’t want to expect to much out of him, though; she’d have been content hearing a few moments of a tune some other time.
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Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2018 1:17 am
Owen Hunt
Susan latched to Owen knowing how to play piano and he suddenly knew exactly where it was going. Oh he had not played piano in a long, long time and he was hardly in any state to play it now. Then again that was the perfect time to play. At least that is what Owen thought. "I can... I guess..." Owen said tentatively. He wasn't really certain and he could only think of one song at the moment. "I have an idea but it will require vocals and I'm no singer. Maye an audience member will help out." At the moment he said that, Susan would feel a playful push on her right shoulder. Simultaneously, Owen stood and walked over to the man on the piano.
The piano man had just finished his song and got out of the seat a moment before Owen slid into it. He held his hands out over the keys and tried to call forth the memory of something classical or jazz but he couldn't. He just had one song in his tainted mind. "I'm sorry this deviates from your standard songs." Owen said unconfidently to the audience before running his fingers on the first few keys he remembered. It produced a quick budroom sound but nothing more. "Susan I need a harmonica. Wait, never mind." Owen gave up on getting that and he instead restarted his song. A song which, if she knew much, she would recognize. A little Billy Joel, Piano Man. Owen played the song through regardless of if Susan sang or not and he played it nearly perfectly but there was a moment in the song, a single moment, where Owen seemed to miss a beat. In the words the line They're sharing a drink they call loneliness-' came up and that was where Owen faltered. His missed the note for just that second and looked to Susan. What were they doing if not that? It didn't matter because Owen knew the next words to be true. His telekinesis hit the keys a moment before him but he caught up and played through the next line which read But it's better than drinking alone. Then he played through the rest.
Day: January 2, 2013 | Alias: Azrael | Not In Costume
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Posted: Sat Mar 17, 2018 10:32 pm
When he inquired about vocals, she rolled her eyes and snickered. Who else? It was only fair. Although, there was no guarantee she would know the song, all the way up until he began to play, and the comment about a harmonica suddenly made sense. Billy Joel was unexpected, but the lyrics had a meaning for the pianist that few others songs could provide.
Her voice was smooth and confident, suitable vocals for a song that, she couldn’t help but reflect on as she sang. It’s theme involved many patrons seeking consolation through drinks and the tunes of a figure known simply as the piano man, bittersweet upon the realization that they weren’t alone. It seemed, despite the trials and tribulations, they could confide in one another.
He paused for a mere moment; lyrics, she assumed, held considerable value to him. His pause actually reflected in her singing, “...it’s better than drinking alone.” Her tone changed somewhat as they resumed their pace, down the final words, which she’d said a little slower towards the end. “Well we’re all in the mood for a melody, and you got us feeling alright...” As the song came to a conclusion, the curious, astonished, and promptly entertained audience politely applauded. “You can color me impressed,” she complimented. In truth, she didn’t expect him to be so bold, but alcohol did have that effect. It was nice, however, to see him in a different light.
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:40 am
Owen Hunt
Owen smiled a smile he hadn't smiled in a long time. An honest smile. One free from any burden or shame. Any tragedy or death. A smile that had forgotten it landed on the face of Owen Hunt, the survivor with no sense of humor or joy who's hobbies included brooding over loved one's deaths and some breaking and entering. A smile he had missed and longed for. Tonight he would be a man who wore that smile. He would drink whatever he needed to in order to keep that smile on because he needed that smile for just a few more hours of a life that would probably end in tragedy... or sacrifice. He smiled that smile because of her singing and her comment. But also for everyone else out in the crowd who was smiling his smile. It felt good to be like them. Yet Susan's comments demanded reply and so Owen gathered his convictions to be this man for the night and then he said,
"I'm certain I'll regret it immensely tomorrow but be unable to email you a formal apology until the following day because my computer screen will be too bright for my eyes." Owen spoke in an almost imitation-English accent. Almost. "But I am glad you enjoyed the show." Owen began to get out of the piano chair. He struggled a little but then he made his way to Susan with his drink back in hand. He was certainly off balance and must have been cheating at the song somehow. "You know they say alcohol make you more bold but in my experience all it does is make you look more stupid in public. So why is it that you still seem so smart?" Owen asked. A different Owen may have regretted letting this Owen go so loose but he was wasted now and he was gonna enjoy it. A different Owen actually would later regret it. But not this one. Nor would he regret the idea that was coming to his head.
Day: January 2, 2013 | Alias: Azrael | Not In Costume
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 9:30 am
If it weren’t from a deliberate attempt to withhold excessive laughter, she’d have given into more laughter. His question prompted her to stroke her chin, looking over at the cold, dewy glass, she couldn’t help but wonder herself. “Honestly, I’m not too sure. I remember getting drunk a few times in college, so either I’ve built a tolerance, or—like anybody’s guess—it could be some power I didn’t know I had,” she replied shrugging and grinning. It probably helped that she had a unique body chemistry; her liver wasn’t at risk at all, and the means of which preserved her youth likely prevented intoxication. However, any “buzz” was always temporary, the downside of it all. He may have been wasted, but he was—at this point—one of the most productive she’d seen, especially since he managed to get through an entire song on the piano.
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 10:52 am
Owen Hunt
Owen's eyes narrowed at Susan and it would become clear that the gears in his head were turning. He learned many sciences but biology and chemistry were not his strong suit. That was why he had used engineering and computers to make machines in the Stable that would do the biology and chemistry for him. A new smile crept onto his face, a devious one. He stepped slightly closer to Susan and said in a lower voice for he felt that others may here him. "We are going to get you wasted. Come on." Owen left no room for argument or conversation as he quickly went from the piano to the the exit and then stopped to wait for Susan. He knew he needed to give her time to say goodbye to her friends and fans. It was alright because it gave him more time to think about what alterations he would need to produce something that tasted alright and singularly had the purpose of getting past a super's immunizes.
Day: January 2, 2013 | Alias: Azrael | Not In Costume
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 11:39 am
For a moment, she tilted her head and furrowed her brows, wondering if he was serious, but it seemed he was. Ultimately, she took a deep breath, laughed, and replied, “Okay, okay, let’s do it.” Susan was genuinely curious to see him try, following after him, but waving to everyone on her way out. She made a mental note to thank Mr. Galloway somehow before walking out the door. Owen was—to be it blandly—a really smart guy. If he could play the piano under the influence, she was wondering how he planned on making a concoction that could actually get her wasted. Thus far, she was having one of most interesting nights out, different, certainly.
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:41 pm
Owen Hunt
Owen would lead them on foot for many blocks and at no time did he feel any more sober than when he left. Likely because he had two drinks in hand and a flask floating a discreet distance into the air above him. It was a long walk but at the end of it they would find themselves back at Owen's house where his entire team was likely sleeping. He gestured for Susan to stay quiet and opened the door with his mind. The security system began but Owen hurried across the room, silently, to the fireplace and reached under it. A panel on the far wall began to shift as the security measures were going to deploy and then suddenly they stopped. The stairs on the wall leading to the second floor collapsed into the stairs leading down into the Stable and Owen lead the way. By this hour he was certain his team was either asleep or also out on the town or doing their own thing in their room so he just needed to be careful. When Susan got close enough to him his whispered. "I have all these fancy security measures and I have all these formal things to get through them but I also put a switch under the fireplace to turn them off if I don't wanna go through it all." Owen explained. In the Stable he would move over to a synthesizer machine in the corner. There was a computer terminal beside it and Owen wen to work typing in numbers and traits and statistics and percentages. Most were guesses or gross estimates. He typed and he typed and his head began to slump and then he woke up and he kept typing. Then the machine proceeded to poor a amber liquid into a test tube that had been placed there previously for such occasions that the machine would be used. "Alright, that's yours." It was made based of the things he knew from her file so flavored to imitate her favorite public drink. But Owen had made modification to reflect things he learned tonight.
Day: January 2, 2013 | Alias: Azrael | Not In Costume
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