14588/A Night on the Mutant Town

A Night on the Mutant Town
Date of Scene:	01 November 2022
Location:	Club Evolution, Mutant Town
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Cannonball, Phantasm (Drago), Winter Soldier

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Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie is at his club which is a normal thing for him. There is a costume party tonight, so there are people dressed as heroes, villains, and monsters, fairies and ever thing in between. Sam himself is dressed in a suit of armor, that looks master crafted. A fake sword at his side, as he has to show a good example for the customers. He sits at one end of the bar watching as the party goes on around him.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
When one has spent a sizeable chunk of their past year trying to lay low, one tends to get cabin fever. This is likely doubly so when it comes to people whose very careers revolve around not having a low profile. Enter one Nick Drago, Actor, Rock Star, and until he made a surprise appearance at Splattercon!!! for a reunion with the older looking member castmates of Life Bites!... A little missing in action. The concert tour for the latest album had come to a screeching halt with little explanation to why. And without an explanation given, ones are made up. Leaving a few questioning looks for those who might recognize the man.

Fortunately costumes come in many different forms and not all of them require the face to be seen. So the grim reaper wanders through. Under the hood, a black mask covers up where the face would typically be seen. And aside from having to show his face to the bouncer to make sure he wasn't some return troublemaker, he was good to go for entry.

Despite having a career around music, the reaper is deathly silent as he glides over to the bar, even going so far as to just point to the pull for the Guinness for his drink.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie does have a hidden ear piece, and when he is told of the new arrival he nods a bit and keeps an eye on him from his seat, as he gets tot he bar, he offers the man a nod in greeting, but does not call him out. Sam respected the man's privacy, Sam has known a few rock stars after all.

Winter Soldier has posed:
Some people spend their entire lives laying low, or at least keeping a profile low enough that most people don't believe they exist. In contrast, some people are so well known that a single glance in a large crowd would have them recognised instantly. So, what happens when the former assumes the identity of the latter? Do the two cancel out? Is there some kind of unreality implosion that resets everything around to a form of grey mundanity?

Is it, in fact, possible for the unknown to dress like the famous and yet still, despite it all, remain anonymous? A tall order, but then Bucky Barnes has never shied away from a challenge.

Or from appropriating props from the unsuspecting. There are some technicians in the Triskelion who are suddenly learning the age old adage: when the Winter Soldier is smiling at you, never take your eyes off him.

Coming through the door into the club, is none other than Captain America. That is to say, someone wearing a Captain America costume.

A very good Captain America costume. That shield nearly looks authentic, carried correctly by its straps along the back of the outfit. A close fitting blue half mask, with an easy smile underneath. Friendly blue eyes peer out, and whoever is in that costume certainly has the physique for the role.

Even walks a bit like him too.

With frequent winks at appreciative hoots and a few self-deprecating bows, Steve Rogers style, 'Captain America' saunters in and ambles towards the bar.

... making note of the very fine quality of that armor, and the fact that there's a few things about that Grim Reaper that he hopes other patrons aren't noticing.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The bartender looks to the pulls and glances back over to Nick, gesturing to the Guinness one questioningly. When rewarded with a silent nod, they set about with their duties.

Getting a glimpse of the familiar club owner, Nick tilts his head in greeting. A hand lifts, giving a bit of a wave. The gloves giving little hint to the type of person wearing the outfit.

Hearing the oohs and ahs, Death looks to the incoming Captain America. Glancing down for a moment, the black clad figure looks over to the bartender. Upon getting their attention, he makes a slight gesture over to the Captain, and then towards himself, and a nod.

The tender looks over to Bucky and then back to Nick, before giving a nod.

Over to the other side of the bar, a guy dressed in a devil outfit watches the quiet exchange.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie does give Cap a look over for a minute, and studies him. Sam has met Steve a few times, and while that looks really close, he doesn't think Steve would come out in the cap costume, more like he would dress up as Hawkeye or Antman. He gives the Cap a nod as well in greeting, Happy Halloween gents, how the night is finding you well."

Winter Soldier has posed:
"Never better." 'Cap' responds, taking his own Guinness from the bartender, and raising it slightly in salute to 'Grim Reaper'. Yes, the mannerisms are close, very close, but this is not Steve. But the voice even has a Brooklyn accent, it's uncanny. "Wouldn't want to miss the party, don't get a lot of opportunity to attend, usually."

Or rather he does, but previously it was more often in a ... professional capacity. And, as he once complained to Frank Castle, the holiday season is the worst for Bucky, because the only parties he would be welcome to are those held by people who absolutely have heard of the Winter Soldier, and who would be incredibly nervous to see him show up in a tuxedo.

That's how people usually die!

Is the Captain America costume a cunning trick? Is he attempting commentary? Is it, perhaps, incredibly hard to find a costume when you have his build? We may never know.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
With the drinks set before them, Nick is left to take the time to roll up the face mask portion. Full face masks are great for wandering around amongst the masses during Halloween but when it's time to eat and drink. Whelp. The head tilts down, allowing for the hood of the costume to do most of the obscuring but there are slight glimpses to the face.

Nick looks over to Bucky, lifting up his own glass in response to the salute. He sips the drink before responding to Sam's posed question. "It's good to be out and about." He admits, "I'm enjoying it. How's the club been doing?"

The man to the end of the bar watches as the mask comes off. There's a slight tilt of the head before he looks to the other two talking. Giving a slight frown, he taps a finger upon the bar.

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie looks over and says "Pretty good, we generally have a even better week during the week up to and including Halloween. We have to have security a bit beefed up, but people who want to check the place out are more likely to come and check it out when they can and have their protection of folks not knowing who they are.

Winter Soldier has posed:
It's nice not to be on call, and to just relax. To just be around other people, enjoy a drink, forget about the world, try not to remember that evil lurks around every corner... In short, it's great to be having a beer with some friends and distant acquaintances. So why, oh why, did Bucky let his eyes stray over the mirror to check his surroundings?

Because bloody reflex, that's why. Even if his conscious mind is taking a break, his subconscious is still very much on guard.

So as he sips his beer, he becomes aware of the 'Devil' eyeing Nick, and months of paranoia queue up for attention.

And yet in his expression, not a thing changes, not a muscle twitches. "Still a shame that people sometimes feel the need to have to wear a mask, or worry about being themselves." Yes, he can do hypocrisy with the best of them. "Glad they've got this club. And can I say, that's some very impressive armor you're wearing."

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie nods, and says "Thanks, it was a gift from a friend, he crafted it for me." He explains, the friend may have been the king of the dwarves, but Sam does not go into that detail. He will smile a bit and says "Well we are lucky most people feel ok coming here as themselves most of the year, at least the regulars, who often can't feel that way in other places.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"It is a shame indeed." Nick agrees with a frown. The expression is short lived as the corners of the lips twist upwards once more, nodding to Sam. "I'm glad business is doing well though. I do need to come here more often but things have been crazy lately."

Bucky's comment regarding the armor causes for Nick to give the attire another look. It was nice, but he hadn't noticed the details earlier. Granted he had some black fabric over his eyes. While the thin mask still allowed for him to walk and see, details were a different matter. "That IS nice."

Cannonball has posed:
Samuel Guthrie starts to say something in return, and then the bartender comes over to lean over, and whisper something to Sam. Sam nods his head a bit and looks to the others "Ah am sorry but it seems Ah am needed, being the boss has it's benifits but also duties. Ah hope you have a good evening." He tells them and stands heading into the back.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As if Bucky's awareness was registering to the stranger a ways away, the man's head turns. Instead of looking to the trio he finds his interest more in the wall the bar is up against. His left hand lifts up covering the side of his face in his aside glance as he taps the bar once more with the fingertips on his right hand.

The bartender glances over, looking to the hand. Beckoned the server makes their way over to the other side.

Winter Soldier has posed:
"Go on, we'll keep the party warm for you." Bucky retorts genially, even smiling as he says it. That's three smiles in an hour, people, mark the calender!

 When Sam has departed, Bucky winks at Nick. "Judging by what he's wearing, that man has friends in low places." A pun too. And an oblique culture reference? 't is the season indeed.

But all the jollity in the world doesn't distract Bucky from the man in the devil outfit, noting the sudden attempt to remain incognito. The amateurish attempt to remain incognito... hmmm. Perhaps he's overreacting. After all, there are people here who genuinely don't want to be recognised for reasons that have nothing to do with Bucky's usual suspicions.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"You too Sam. Have a great evening." Nick replies back to the club owner as he starts to leave. Back to the strange man, he watches Sam leave for a few moments before looking back to Bucky. The joke gets a slight smile, "Maybe he got the outfit a similar way you got yours?" Nick suggests, "And considering your dislike of paperwork. Do they know it is gone?"

The bartender makes their way over to the devil. The length of the bar makes the exchange inaudible over the club sounds. But there is definitely an exchange going on between the pair. The bartender brings their head back, giving an odd look. They back away, moving over to the POS system, typing away at it.

The head of the man turns slightly, betraying the frown. The expression lasts for awhile, furrowed brows paired off with it. But as the server seems nearing the end of their task, the expression starts to twist into a pleased expression oft described in the manner of his dress.

Winter Soldier has posed:
"It'll be back before anyone notices it's gone." Probably. Possibly. Most likely. Besides, he'd never borrow an outfit like this without some sort of tacit approval from someone. "Besides..." Bucky smiles "... you should really be wondering who's right now wearing a Winter Soldier outfit, and where." Oh my...

The Devil gets one last glance, and is then left pointedly alone, no longer is Bucky glancing in that direction. He doesn't have to, there's plenty of reflective surfaces around.

"I think, maybe, for next year I'm going to try to introduce the concept of 'trick or yeet'."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick blinks at the suggestion. It doesn't take long to guess who. It could be a wrong guess but the very guess and companion mental image is perplexing enough. "...huh. We need to find you guys more costume options."

Nick picks up his glass to drink again, unknowing of the exchange going on behind his back. But the alternative version of 'Trick or Yeet' the musician gives a grimace. "Man, anytime I hear that word I think of this guy who went around calling himself that a few years ago."

The bartender approaches the devil once more. Slips and pen are set before the man and the bartender leaves him be. The pen is taken up and with slow movement, he proceeds to write. His posture blocks the view, but it is most definitely not numbers.

The devil sets the pen down, folds the slip, and proceeds to pull out a few bills.

Winter Soldier has posed:
"You'd be surprised how many costume shops we can't go into as ourselves, or even in costume. And if you ask the boffins to make you something, you better have a few weeks to sit for measuring, questioning, testing, iterating and all the other stuff they do before they even begin to make something. And in the end, you end up wearing another suit of body armor." Ah well. There is luckily some Guinness left for Bucky to commiserate with. And then, suddenly, there is none. He taps the glass and glances at Nick.

"Same again?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The bartender retrieves the slip and the money, looking over it before giving a nod. Exchange complete, the devil gets up from his seat. He doesn't stray far from the bar, his path simply orbiting around the patrons gathered there, heading towards Bucky and Nick.

"Or...We could ask Wade for help." Nick considers aloud, "Funny thing. When it comes to entertainment...and business, he knows his stuff. And costumes fall in there somewhere." The musician glances to what's left of Bucky's drink and then to his own. "...Yeah, another round." Nick turns his head to get the bartender's attention, only to pause as he catches the bedeviled costumer's glance.

The devil man continues his trek by, giving the same smile as before and a nod. With the unspoken exchange done, the devil makes his leave from the bar.

Winter Soldier has posed:
"Guess you've got some competition when it comes to claiming souls tonight." Bucky smiles, seeing the 'Devil' walk past and giving Nick a nudge.

But his first and most pressing concern is the acquisition of two more glasses of Guinness, and so he approaches the bar tender before the man has a chance to come all the way over. "Two more Guinness... and what was with the guy in the Devil costume? Did he want to buy your soul or something?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick watches the devil head out the bar, a puzzled expression on his face before Bucky's voice brings him back to the conversation. "Yeah-" Nick replies, looking over to Bucky, "Or maybe there's a costume contest going on and he was conceding a loss. Although he should have been looking at you. That costume and prop just looks SO real." There's a purposeful emphasis on 'So' as he grins, looking back over to the bartender that's already approaching.

The bartender shakes their head to Bucky's question. "Oh no." There's a chuckle before looking to Nick, "But probably yours." The folded up slip of paper is offered over to Nick. "From the guy who just left. Although I will warn he was...several drinks in when you guys showed up."

Winter Soldier has posed:
"They never miss the spares..." But when the slip of paper is handed over, Bucky goes from his unusually jovial self to his more normal self. This means he has to let go of the Steve Rogers persona and just be plain old Bucky Barnes again, reformed international assassin to the superhero community.

Alright, so that's still pretty awesome.

"Anything we need to worry about?" he asks sotto voce, well aware that there are things which may follow Nick around for the rest of his life.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Pale eyes look to the offered slip but Nick makes no immediate effort to take it. There was a momentary thought that maybe the guy had been outside when he had to show himself to the bouncer. However, when the bartender brought up how many drinks in the devil was in, that killed that concern briefly.

Bucky's whispered inquiry revives the concern. A hand reaches up, and halts. The hand shifts, taking the note by the corner and draws it in. Despite the noise of the club, the sound of the paper shifting seems deafening. Reaching the other hand over, he tugs at another corner to open the folded sheet. In it the writing is soon displayed, written in a deliberate, easy to read, not to be mistaken manner.

Drinks with the Devil.
646-203-9382

Nick stares at it. Cracking a slight, amused smile.

The bartender looks between the two. "Ah...I'm going to assume he strikes out on this one. Oh also, he paid for your drinks." Message relayed, the bartender heads over to the register to finish the transaction.

Winter Soldier has posed:
For a moment, Bucky just stares at the message. He's seen the type before, of course, but never like this. Never, in his entire wide experience, like this. For a moment he's not sure how to respond, and then he does the only thing he can think of... get the drinks, hand one over to Nick, drink. And grin, of course.

"Was a sly devil, gotta give him that."