Lori gave Lawrence a grateful smile. “Thank you.” She said simply and sincerely in a soft voice before they left the dorm, locked the door, and went on their way.<br/><br/>——————————————————————<br/><br/>At the bar, a dark figure strode in from the cold streets, piercing red eyes peering beneath a head of long, wild, jet black hair. His face held just a few lines of age, and some from scars, but he still looked overall youthful in appearance. His skin held a deep tan, most of which was hidden beneath his black shirt, black leather biker jacket, and black jeans. His pace was relaxed and fluid. His heavy black boots seemed to emit no noise with each step he took. He was a regular there, one of the few who had patronized the bar at its inception a few hundred years ago. Though most paid him no mind as he seemed to blend in with the shadows that filled the establishment at this time of the evening, seeping deeper into the night. Only the owner knew him here, and he quite preferred it stay that way.<br/><br/>A low rumble echoed from the man’s abdomen as he passed by tables, glancing at the clientele. He was...thirsty. Passing a table filled with giggling girls, he quickly reached over and swiped one of their fruity drinks without their notice, continuing on with his relaxed steps. He pursed his lips over the straw and took a few sips, grimacing at the sweetness of it. Normally he enjoyed sweet, but in the form of a woman, not of a beverage. Nevertheless, the low grumbling tickled his insides again. Finding a stray seat in the back corner of the first room, just next to the very end of the bar near a door where the waitstaff would leave and enter periodically, he sat and scanned the room. And a third time his core made him aware of his thirst. He cursed under his breath. As an incubus, one who’d lived for longer than he cared to admit, and who experienced a thirst far more frequently than his monstrous brethren, he knew to never let it get this bad. Yet, here he sat, stewing, fingers tapping the bar’s surface in frustration. He needed something, and soon.<br/><br/>As his gaze wandered, it fell upon a female naga. She was quite lovely, and clearly thirsting. He didn’t need his powers to come to that conclusion. Just the way she dressed told him more than enough. But he’d never consider her. She seemed too experienced, too ripe for his tastes. He knew he shouldn’t be so picky in this state, but he couldn’t help it. He knew what he liked, and what he didn’t. Still, he watched her, and even followed her gaze to a Gazebloom sitting with a slime. From that table was where he could feel a strong thirst, stronger than even his perhaps. The poor creature. He could only smirk and shake his head in pity, and some empathy, at the inexperienced plant-person.<br/><br/>As his eyes went back on his search for a sweet drink, not the one he’s already sipping from in his hand, he glanced at the door as it opened to two new patrons. It was easy for him to spot the centaur over the crowd of heads populating the bar, but despite his lumbering stature, it was not him that caused his attention to turn, but the girl he was with, the human. Even more delectable, as he watched the two make their way further into the bar, was that this was no ordinary human girl in their midst, though that was strange enough, but the smell she let off could not be mistaken, like the most fragrant rose in a barren room.<br/><br/>He found his drink of choice.<br/><br/>But who to pair her with. He considered himself, but with the gazebloom, and other monsters with the power to see others’ powers as they’re used, he could not persuade her to quench with him, a total stranger, and forcibly taking it would only turn the experience sour, defeating the purpose. No, he would need to have her be with someone she knew. His eyes glanced back up at the centaur again. She seemed to have eyes for him as they laughed together while making their way. It was the likeliest solution to his dilemma, but he didn’t quite like the idea of somebody so large taking her for the first time. Unless he kept a constant focused hold on the centaur, he was certain her friend would break her, and he didn’t want to have to focus so hard. He wanted to sit back and enjoy the experience with as little work as possible. Not to mention the other reason being the same as why he could not be the one himself. Too noticeable.<br/><br/>Then, he watched the pair make their way to the table he had only moments before took notice of, the two waving at the gazebloom and slime. Inspiration hit him like a flash of lightning. Perfect. The gazebloom’s thirst makes it far too easy for him. His influence would only have to be slight. Small, subliminal messages, just a quick flash of an idea in either one’s minds. Completely unnoticeable, especially to one whose mind is compromised by both hormones and alcohol, but extremely effective. His grin widened in the darkness of the shadows he kept himself within, his fangy smile hidden as excitement swept over him, waiting patiently for the first opportunity for him to push his influence upon them.<br/><br/>———————————————————<br/><br/>As Lori and Lawrence approached their friends, Lori waved them down before joining them at their table. “So, what do you guys drink here, anyway?” Lori questioned them, wondering if they had anything similar to what she had in her human realm as she eyed the drinks Hugh and Lawrence already had with them, attempting to discern what they were. Whatever they answered, she knew what she wanted. “I just want something that tastes good.”<i> And strong</i>. “And strong.” She added. “After today, hell, after this whole week, I’m going to need it.” She laughed as she took out her wallet and fished for some money, flashing a twenty dollar bill, not even considering for the moment if her currency was even accepted there.<br/><br/>As soon as Lori mentioned her preferences, for less than half a second, the image of his drink appeared in the gazebloom’s mind with three words.<i>I need another.</i>