Strings Attached

~Chapter 2~

"God! Did you think I was gonna bash someone up? Lord! I'm that intimidating!!" I can't help clutching my hair at that. "Of course, I'd think that! You had a frown the size of Asia on your face, and it doesn't ever bode well," he retorts back.

"Man! If I'd wanted to, I would've knocked a few butts by now." "Then what is it?" "I am angry because...... it's nothing. Let's just leave it at that," I tell him, solemnity etched into my features. And thankfully, he doesn't press me anymore. I've a hunch he's already figured out. "How come the girls don't get scared of my dangerous aura?!" I ask him, confused.

I feel a bit better now. The feeling to bash a few heads just passed, I think. "Can't you see? They like it. These days, angry men don't scare them, they attract them," Seth tells me, as if letting me in on a secret. He is speaking like a seventy-year old granddad, and I can feel laughter gurgling in my throat at the thought.

"Seems like you're pretty experienced in this area. Ever experimented the fact?" "Nah, I didn't. I don't emit that aura, just so you know." I simply shush him. "Let's see how much truth lies behind the fact you just stated. Wanna come to the 'Iridescent' with me to check?" I ask, and he nods back. The bar is our usual place to chill out after my gigs almost each weekend. "Come on then. I'm itching to spend this money, and have some liquor into my system. And I'm paying."

"You should also think of saving some, Daniyal." And I hate that grave tone of his voice. "Oh! Not those of your long speeches again!" I groan, my hands in my hair. He looks at me weirdly whenever he has to say something like that, besides using my full name. I hate him acting like a father to me. "I'm serious!" he spits out at me. "I know. I'll save when I find a need to. Just... not yet." And he doesn't say anything at that.

The moment I enter the blue-lit bar, the smell of alcohol greets my nostrils. I make my way to the counter, Seth following behind me. I sit myself down comfortably onto one of the raised stools near the dance floor, and he copies my actions. "Two pints of beer," I give my order to the guy, Josh, standing behind the counter. He nods in acknowledgement, setting two large mugs in front of each of us.

"How's it goin' man?" I ask Josh. I've been seeing him here, ever since I began coming to the place two years ago. And we've struck an acquaintance with each other. He's a college dropout, having a knack for picking fights, just like me. Seth, on the other hand, doesn't like him much. He's far too mysterious and, not to mention, moody for his liking. But I don't care.

I think I might have struck a chord, coz a mask of indifference slips on his face. "Fine," he tells us in a crisp tone, while pouring our drinks for us. I let it go, and pick up my mug, suddenly feeling thirsty. I gulp down the whole contents of the mug in one large swig, as a searing burn shoots through my throat, making tears of gleeful agony come to my eyes. Ah! I can't describe the feeling I get after drinking this.

After a few glasses... F***, who am I kidding? After many glasses, I can't seem to make out my surroundings, as I try to get up to get to the dance floor. "Dan. C'mon man, that's enough. You've had your fill," I can hear Seth's voice from a distance, as I am probably chugging down my 8th mug. I smack my lips in satisfaction. "No more. Let's go," I hear that nagging voice again. "Are you crazy? I just came here!"

"Why don't you let loose a little, granddad?" I tell him, slurring a little, as his face momentarily comes into focus. "Just look at all the girls to be had! Look at your surroundings. Embrace the night!" I point my fingers towards the dance floor. Why is he being such a ninny tonight?