To say Barnaby was caught by surprise would be an understatement. He had let paxton concordas choose the venue for their little date, but he'd thought the police officer would go the brewery route - as was suggested earlier.

But no, apparently biker bar was more his speed. Speaking of speed, they'd bolted through the asphalt streets of urban Slateport on a literal motorcycle, which was more than a little anxiety-inducing for Barnaby. These things were practical deathtraps, in his opinion, and yet... he hadn't put up any protest as he hitched his leg over the seat of the vehicle. You can bet he held onto Paxton tight the entire ride, though.

The things he'd do for a cute boy. Shameful, really.

The façade of the bar screamed criminal-affiliated, cops enter at your own risk, but for some reason the actual police officer seemed at ease around the crowd of ruffians inside. Barnaby was unphased, of course, given that he was a criminal.

"Beer sounds wonderful, thank you." He said gratefully to the bartender before turning and smiling warmly at the man beside him.

"Your hair looks lovely, by the way, Paxton." The officer's professional title was purposely forsaken; they had agreed to focus on pleasure tonight, after all. "I almost didn't recognize you."

paxton concordas
mission: KOUPLE KARAOKE
outfit check

☉

He nodded over at the bartender, who turned around and grabbed a couple of cold glasses before pouring the pair of glasses and slamming them, more or less on the counter. Foam slid down a foggy glass. Paxton paid no mind to it, wrapping hand around his glass and sipping. “It’s not special brewed, but its beer.” He said with a light huff in between drinks. They’d had a long drive. He was thirsty.
[break][break]

The man paused at the compliment, blanking on the reporter’s first name more so than stumped by his flattery. “Thank you.” His words are sincere, he doesn’t have anything snappy to say. “I thought it’d look worse. It’s my first time dying it.” He added with a small shrug as he tucked a stray piece behind his ear. As he did there’s a loud cheer and a few bikers jostle by them trying to get to whatever was happening at the pool tables. Paxton narrowly avoiding spilling beer on himself, as if almost expecting some kind of interruption. He was already reaching for a spare napkin for his date.
[break][break]

“Better than your brewery, right?” He asked as the screech of a microphone cut through the noise. Paxton winced, but again, he seemed used to this type of intrusion. Some drunk was fumbling with the mic. “Leave it on the stand, Sal!” he shouted, turning his head sharply to the stage as woman tried to keep Sal from smacking the microphone and breaking their eardrums a second time. “Y-Y’shut yet whore mout’ Concord!” the stout drunk snapped back as he weakly flipped him off. Paxton turned to Barnaby, rolling his eyes a little. “S’got character.” As if already anticipating why have their date here. He still had his hopes up. After all, Barnaby was trained to be poised, but for how long?


[break][break]

+ BARNABY FINCH mission prompt: kouple kareoke [break][break]


[break]

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As the frosted mug was slid his way, Barnaby grabbed the handle and took a drink. A thin coating of foam was left on his upper lip as the rim of the glass was pulled away; a quick flick of his tongue took care of this, though.

"Alcohol is alcohol. I'm not picky." A blatant lie. But, when in Rome and all that. The beer really didn't taste too bad, honestly. A little sour for Barnaby's liking, sure, but palatable.

"Better, though? Perhaps we shouldn't compare apples to—" As if on cue to sully Barnaby's rising mood, a group of bikers trudged through close by, one of them unwittingly bumping his elbow and causing beer to splash onto the bar top.

"Oh! Gosh, sorry." Not that he had anything to apologize for, yet the amends came out all the same.

"Thank you. I didn't even see those guys until it was too late." Pax must have been a mindreader because he was ready with those spare napkins, which Barnaby promptly accepted and used to clean up the bulk of the mess.

"S’got character.”

"No kidding. Quite the charmers in here." He replied in a tone laced with sarcasm. Hopefully Paxton could hear him above the din of drunken patrons, the loudest of which - Sal? - was attempting to get something going on stage. "What's happening over there, anyway?"

paxton concordas
mission: KOUPLE KARAOKE
outfit check

☉

Paxton licked the foam off his upper lip, allowing himself a small smirk at his date. "I was hoping you wouldn't be~" Paxton sure as hell wasn't. He was glad with whatever he could get. His salary wasn't anything fancy after all. He nodded, glancing to see if anything was dripping on the poor blonde's lap. He didn't want him to have that unpleasant a night. Just enough to hassle him after his persistence. [break][break]

The cop snorted. "Yeah. Figured you'd get along with them. Charm is yer specialty, ain't it?" He tilted the mug back, takign another slow sip as he glanced back at the stage lit up with a couple of cute neon signs. "Karaoke. People like to get drunk and mess around. It distracts from the fights, most of the time." he said as a couple of yells on the opposite corner of the establishment ran out. The sound of someone hitting the wall and then nothing else. [break][break]

"Sal gets really into it, but he's usually to sloshed he can't really get started unless someone's helpin' him." Another look at the stage and there was a woman helping out the poor man, placing his hands on the mic stand and tightening it back into place. Meanwhile the biker swayed a little less. The lights dimmed, and the first notes of ACDC's Bad to the Bone sounded off. [break][break]

And it's awful. But some of the crowd seemed invested anyway drinking and cheering as the man went. "They're rough but the like their live entertainment where they can get it." he added. "You ever sing live on your show, Mr. Finch?"

[break][break]

+ BARNABY FINCH mission prompt: kouple kareoke [break][break]


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"My specialty?" Paxton spoke of Barnaby's charms as if he didn't have any himself, which was markedly false.

"I wouldn't go that far. An occupational necessity, perhaps." If only the officer knew the extent to which this was true, their interaction right now would be gravely different.

As they conversed, somehow Barnaby's first pint was already gone. Perhaps he liked the beer more than he'd first thought, or simply appreciated the social lubricant. If he was going to tolerate this place much longer he needed to be drunk. He motioned for the bartender to get another round going for them.

At Paxton's question he chuckled, shaking his head in response. "No, I never have. That's a pretty good idea, though. My singing voice actually isn't too bad."

"What about you? Can you sing?" Just as he posed the question, ACDC's song faded into the background and Sal began stumbling offstage. "Wait, don't answer that. Show me instead."

Barnaby hitched a thumb at the back of the bar, where the crowd had gathered for karaoke. A twinkle of mischief was evident in his cobalt eyes, even in this dark space, as was the matching grin on his face as well.

paxton concordas
mission: KOUPLE KARAOKE
outfit check

☉

Not one to be left behind, Paxton is quick to polish off his own mug of beer as his date ordered a second round. "No? You're just fakin' it then?" That'd be a laugh if it were true. Maybe that's why he gave off a used car salesman vibe to him. Though, It's less prevalent now than during their Delibird adventure at least. [break][break]

The fresh glasses appear, sliding gently to a stop in front of the pair. A little bit of foam slid down the sides, but Paxton takes it with small nod of thanks. He chuckled into his beer, gulping part of it down like water. "I wouldn't mind-" before he can finish with 'hearing it' if only to put the reporter on the spot, Barnaby is quick to ask him to. [break][break]

Dark eyes glance over at the stage as those gathered near it tried to entice each other to go up, while others yelled out for more drinks. The blond's grin reads more lie ka challenge, and Paxton knocked back his glass, gulping down the rest and slamming it down next to Barnaby's "Alright, but then you're next." he said before turning and marching over to the stage. [break][break]

There's a small murmur as he began searching through songs before picking something he felt comfortable with. There's a few heckles and hollers as he stepped on stage without a word. [break][break]

"Concord gracin' us with a tune t'night?" [break][break]

"Not sulkin' with the bartender ay?" [break][break]

"Hey, Bison's lookin' for-"[break][break]

"Shut the hell up, I'm winnin' a bet here." he said, the microphone booming his voice out before some adjusted it. The lights dimmed and shrugged lightly, as a soft beat started the intro of his song. "And if it's tone deaf....I guess for now you've got the last laugh."

[break][break]

+ BARNABY FINCH mission prompt: kouple kareoke [break][break]


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A bright, goading laugh sprang from Barnaby’s lips at Paxton’s bravado. The officer seemed unbothered - no, eager - to rise to the challenge. His confidence was attractive, as was the way he finished his beer and slammed it down, leaving with a parting assurance. You’re next.

“Okay, okay, I’ll go next. Now get up there and let me hear those pipes!” Swiveling on the barstool, Barnaby grabbed his mug and continued to nurse his drink while he watched Paxton take the stage. Some in the crowd obviously recognized him; although murmurs filled the room, none of them seemed ready to shoo him away like they had Sal. In fact, a few even seemed excited to hear the officer sing.

Barnaby let the energy of the room take him in. He leaned slightly forward in expectant interest, wondering just how Paxton would handle the nerves of being in front of an audience and a date.

Another sip of his beer, but his lips paused as they met the rim. The voice reverberating through the microphone was unexpectedly clean and captivating. The sound pulled at Barnaby’s attention, not allowing anything but paxton concordas to occupy it for the duration of the song.

paxton concordas
mission: KOUPLE KARAOKE
outfit check

☉

Paxton does not pretend to think he is a good singer. He is passable, thanks the Gods. The song he picked is mellow, with a focus more on lyrics than pitch shift. It's something that he'd replayed on loop once for 3 hours straight on those bad nights when he stared at the wall instead of sleeping. [break][break]

Additionally, when someone wasn't actively trying to get him out of the house, he had a very high tolerance for embarrassment. Years of speaking in front of people with MUCH higher paygrades, as well as hundreds of faces underneath him had beaten down any sort of performance anxiety. Perhaps he was not the most well spoken, but he could speak at least. [break][break]

Perhaps the words a hit a little bit closer to home than intended but it wouldn't be the first time nor the last. A soft chime and a fading beat closed out the song, and the mellow expression he'd worn during the song shift as he turned to look at Barnaby waiting for a comment. When one doesn't come immediately after, he flashed a broad, smug grin. [break][break]

The moment is interrupted of course by another burly skinhead clapping sarcastically. "Alright Melody Miro , piss off th' stage and come rema-" [break][break]

"Fuck off, I'm on a date." His words are quick, and cutting but his expression is just mild annoyance. It's hostile, but not a threat. The crowd resumed its murmuring, heckling, and shouting. Some even whooping at the revelation that one surly bastard actually brought someone this far out. He moved back to Barnaby, lowering himself to the reporter's glass and tilting the glass to steal a loud slurp. [break][break]

"Yer up."

[break][break]

+ BARNABY FINCH mission prompt: kouple kareoke [break][break]


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paxton concordas descended from the stage to mixed applause from those gathered in the audience. Barnaby’s own loud clapping rang above the crowd, however, and followed the policeman his entire walk back to the bar. It was an effusive response to be sure, and one he did partially as a way to embarrass him, but the sentiment was genuine all the same.

“A tough act to follow.” He declared fondly, smiling as the officer took a deep swig of his beer. “We’ll see if I can impress even half as much.” Alright, Barnaby was embellishing a bit here. While some in the crowd had cheered for Paxton as his song concluded, there were an equal amount of hecklers as well - as evidenced by the Melody Miro comment.

The journalist had high expectations for himself, though. This was the basis of his career, after all: to entertain. And he had a damn good voice, if he said so himself. Steeling his resolve, Barnaby grabbed the mug from the officer’s hand, holding eye contact as he took one final drink before heading to the stage.

He’d picked out his song in the time since they issued their challenge. It was one he felt was applicable to not only his and Paxton’s current relationship, but also his life at large at the moment. Barnaby took to the stage with a flourish, brushing back his coattails and standing confidently before the microphone as the opening notes began to play from the karaoke machine.

♪ I tell myself you don't mean a thing ♪
♪ And what we got, got no hold on me ♪

Barnaby’s singing voice was sultry and deep: a mild baritone with a pleasant lilt to it, especially on the higher parts of the score.

♪ But when you're not there… I just crumble ♪
♪ I tell myself that I don't care that much ♪
♪ But I feel like I die 'til I feel your touch ♪

As the melody swelled, Barnaby made sure to lock eyes with paxton concordas and point a decisive finger at him from across the rowdy bar. These next lines were for him.

♪ Only love, only love can hurt like this ♪
♪ Only love can hurt like this ♪
♪ Must have been a deadly kiss ♪
♪ Only love can hurt like this ♪

He continued in this way until the song came to a close. As Barnaby exited the stage, the audience’s reaction seemed mixed once again (did they enjoy anything?), but he took every compliment or scathing word with an uncompromised smile. Truly, it was Paxton’s opinion that he cared to hear.

“So? How was I?” He asked with a smirk, leaning against the bartop in quite close proximity to his date.

paxton concordas
mission: KOUPLE KARAOKE
outfit check

☉

Well now, he hadn't expected Barnaby to be so excited of his silly performance. It's flattering, really. He felt a bit of heat rise to his cheeks not really expecting much other than the half heckle, half praise he got from the bar. He'd have been happy with just that. He held Barnaby's gaze all the same, smiling cockily before setting the glass down and ordering a refill so he could watch. [break][break]

The song that played is a little jauntier than his own, which is to be expected from the journalist. Though it's not as fast paced as he'd thought Barnaby to pick. It's still pleasant, and his date isn't that bad of a singer, as expected form a tv star. He can't help himself but smile because, all in all, it's a good performance. [break][break]

He's mid sip when Barnaby locked eyes with him and pointed at him. Screams and hollers sounded out at the serenade, but nothing that could overpower Barnaby as he began to hit the notes, especially as he began hitting the higher notes. He felt his heart squeeze into a knot, effectively bested during this karaoke challenge. That much is evident by the wide eyes, and the pink flush that began to spread from his cheeks to his ears. And worst of all, the drip drip of beer spilling from his glass onto the floor which he righted with a jerk of his hand and set on the counter. [break][break]

Ah, shit. [break][break]

[break][break]

Calm down, he hadn't felt this flustered since the last time he'd seen luciano fisk in a university art class. The song came to a close with mixed results, much like Paxton's own performance. But that was good, better than aggressive boos and glasses of beer flung at the stage. He's delayed as he brought his hands together to clap loudly, blinking quickly as the man leaned in. "I- I uh-..." Teal eyes darted to any direction but his date. "S'good...um..." He said begrudgingly looking back at them. "Y-You're singing was- ah-...better than expected." [break][break]

Like way better. He would've choked on those high notes. "You win." This came out more painfully, forced to admit defeat. "I'll pay for drinks." he added.

[break][break]

+ BARNABY FINCH mission prompt: kouple kareoke [break][break]


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A brilliant, triumphant smile brightened the journalist's face as paxton concordas admitted defeat. It was a natural reaction given Barnaby's competitive nature. He hated losing and, obviously, loved winning.

"Thank you~" He replied, basking in his achievement, however small a karaoke competition may have seemed in the grand scheme of things.

Speaking of his date's concession, he'd done so in such a cute way, too, with all his stuttering and flushed cheeks. Although not quite as red, Barnaby's face was also a light shade of pink by this point. He was an unprofessed lightweight when it came to alcohol consumption; a regrettable fact, since he tended to want to drink more the tipsier he became.

"How about some shots, then? Let's really get this party started."

It was the beginnings of what would surely end up being an even more eventful night.

paxton concordas
mission: KOUPLE KARAOKE
outfit check

☉

He's quick to know back his drink, anything to get his mind moving again. The night had barely begun after all. Especially wiht Barnaby now high off his win, eager to get rowdy. "They've got 'em, not the best kind though." he said wit ha snort. [break][break]

To emphasize his point the bartender would slam down some glasses and uncork some dark, thick liquor. Smelled strong, probably tasted stronger. "Oh look, the Hair On Your Chest special." he said, as he took his own glass and clinked his partner's. Cheers and all that. Fine night as any to stumble home shit faced he supposed.

[break][break]

+ BARNABY FINCH mission prompt: kouple kareoke [break][break]


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