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It was not even late, yet Lady DeVoid already felt well past tipsy. Which was uncommon: she usually had much more fun going to bars to watch others make fools of themselves than to be said fool. What an unpleasant switch.
Moreover, she had been loudly ranting for a good twenty minutes. The bartender's waning patience was holding up thanks to the flow of drink's money that was joining the flow of complains- but just barely. Really, shouldn't people of his profession be more used to this?
She was annoyed at herself for getting so worked up. It was just so rare for her and Eclipse to fight... Bickering yes, but seldom getting genuinely angry. And for such a silly thing!
Even if she wanted to act completely unbothered, the boy had wormed his way in a corner of her heart in a way no one else had since her banishment. Parting on such a sour note was an uncomfortable situation.
“Can you believe this? When I'm the one who taught him to do his makeup in the first place!” She took another generous sip of the beer she was holding. “What a little brat.”
The bartender may not care much about her woes, but never mind that man. Getting it out if her system was doing wonder to her spirit. (The beer helped too. Clearly a brilliant idea all around.)
“So what, I'm nice five minutes and it's an invitation to steal my things? It's expensive! Of course I was going to get mad!” She wiggled her finger before her “Doing the sad puppy face after doesn't change shit, he should have asked before.”
It's a deep yawn on her left that finally cut her off: “Children, hm?”
It was the woman who had been asleep on the counter since Lady DeVoid got here. She looked like she desperately needed a century more to nap, but also, she looked rather sweet. Something about how soft she looked in her slumber had drawn her to go sit next to her to drink in the first place.
She was caught off guard by hearing her speak. She could feel a small blush on her own cheeks, both from the woman's voice and from embarrassment at being seen acting so shamelessly. Not the best first impression.
“...Not really my kid.” What a strange idea. The boy just followed her around and wanted to make her proud, while she helped and sometimes took care of him. Obviously, it was very casual.
“Ah, I see. I have plenty not-really-my-children too.” A tired smile. “I'm a teacher.”
The woman stretched her arms in front of her, seemingly trying to wake up properly. It didn't look like it was working much. And she noticed a little fabric mark imprinted next to her nose, from where she previously rested her head on her sleeves.
Very cute.
“But may I ask what he did?” The woman eventually asked. “Seems like you're pretty angry.”
“An impromptu fashion experiment that ruined both my materials and my trust in him.” She groaned in return. “Forever.”
“How harsh!” She said with a little smile, amused. “But it is nice that he felt safe enough with you to try things like that.”
Her voice was very kind, but come on. Give her a break! Turning misbehaviour into a nice and sweet thing? Not on her watch. She was feeling nauseous just thinking about all these mushy feelings.
“Well, he might want to learn no to push his luck.” She sighed.
The other just hummed in return, contemplating the bar. She made a sign to command a drink and thanked the man with a low voice.
Despite her assurance in their initial discussion, the woman didn't looked that comfortable being here. She had begun to tap her hand nervously on the table with the air of someone unsure as to how to behave now.
Suddenly feeling a need to put her at ease, the horned woman decided it was her duty to keep the conversation going:
“So you're a teacher? It suits you, with that kind of gentle life-views on fights. I'm sure the brats love you. ” She had aimed for a light jab to cheer her up, but it didn't land at all. The woman face fell completely.
“I don't know about that, actually.” Oh lord, not a sad little voice! How could she had missed the mark that badly? “I'm completely out of it since my divorce.” Wait, Oh? “I keep waiting to get better but.” She made a gesture with her hand “I'm turning forty and my idea of a party is a nap alone on a bar table. That's quite telling.”
She looked absolutely miserable. Lady DeVoid felt actually guilt in her heart- what was with her today and making people look like sad wet cat in the storm?
But the woman seemed to realized how much she just told to a stranger, and hurried to add:
“Oh, I'm so sorry!” The woman looked more awake in her sudden apology than she had before. “Oversharing like that- I don't know where all that came from.”
“Don't be sorry. Bars are there for free complains and expensive, disgusting, beers.” The bartender shot her a dirty look. “Look at the bright side: you're not asleep nor alone now.”
She took the tentative smile that got in return as an encouragement and continued talking with a seductive tone “You are in fact with a very nice company. One not opposed to get to know you better.”
“Oh.” The flush was charming on her face. “Now that's unexpected.”
“I won't insist if it's a no, but...” She winked.
“No no, I would like that. I think.” An hesitant pause. “If you are sure too. I haven’t dated in a good while, so...”
“Psh.” She chased the notion away in a motion of her wrist “Believe it or not, it's been an eternity for me.” And wasn't that true. “Must be pretty special to got me asking.”
“My, but you're quite the flirt.” She grinned. The small regain of assurance made her glow.
What a lovely turn for the evening in the end. She couldn't recall why she had gotten so annoyed at Eclipse's antic, but no big deal. She'll pat his head or something tomorrow and he'll be right as rain again.
But tonight, she would be blissfully busy with her first date on Earth.