Watersong (For Bach)

[asharpertongue]

Lara liked the club before opening. The place is quiet and clean and it always makes her smile to walk around the edges of the space. Tonight was open mic night and it was always a busy night. She looked forward to it but it was still nice to have the space to herself for a little while.

Well almost to herself. The club's manager, Michael, was tidying some bottles behind the bar.

Smiling, she perched on her stool at the end. "Is everything ready for tonight? Do you need anything?"

Michael shook his head. "We're fine. The others will be in before six to have their charms inked again. I'll get Nat to do mine before that."

Lara nodded. The charms were a necessary precaution in Watersong. Enough witches and sirens frequented the club to warrant a little magical protection from spells and influence. Of course, anyone caught trying to con her staff out of drinks or...other services would have her to deal with. Normally that was enough of a deterrent but you could never be too careful. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing for some people.

"We should have a visitor before then. A young man. Bach, is his name and he's one of mine although he doesn't know it." She hesitated before going on. "Could you put off your inking for a while? Obviously i'll be present but I need a human that he can affect if i'm going to convince him."

Michael smiled and leant over the bar towards her. "Is he good looking at least?"

Laughing, Lara poked his hand. "He's to be taught, not played with."

The man winked and shrugged. "Here to help."

"Thank you." Lara said.

She tapped the bar and pulled out her sleek tablet to do some work as Michael went back to his. Hopefully Bach wouldn't be too long. She'd rather not have his education spread over the club opening if she could help it.

Comments

[bachjones]

Bach had never been so angry before. Not like this, in a way that risked burning him alive yet was too exhilarating to let go. This woman, thinking she knew all.

"You sure know how to arouse a man." He stayed on his knees. "What about my stuff?"

It was a sweet relief to feel the itch fade and the rash disappear. Now he could return home again. Finally.

[asharpertongue]

"Pick it up on your way out." Lara said, words clipped and tight. "Michael will pay you for the time you would have been performing tonight. I'd rather you not come back here for a few days."

[bachjones]

"The blondes of this town do love to throw money at me for no reason." He got up.
"Thank you so much for your time and don't worry, I'll stay as far away as possible. Better places to be, actually people to meet and all that."

[asharpertongue]

Lara closed the door quietly behind him and went back to her desk. She sat down heavily and blew out a breath.

Bach was officially the most infuriating siren she'd ever met. She'd known some trying sirens in her time as matriarch but they'd all come through. Sometimes they needed a little structure but most of the time they'd been willing to learn and came around quickly. This...she wasn't used to this kind of wilful ignorance.

She ran her hands through her hair and made a face. Maybe she should go for a swim. It's been months since she'd last ventured to the beach.

She nodded and picked up the phone. "Michael? Can you manage alone tonight? I think I might take the others swimming."

[bachjones]

He was surprised how exhausted he was, almost stumbling into the wall while gathering his music and guitar. "And you owe me some pho", he muttered. "Crazy bitch."

With his arms full, he left Watersong.