Dusk

Dusk looked down at her little dress. It was a big out of her normal clothing choices, but she wanted to step out a little. For some reasons she’d bought it and it was just collecting dust in the back of her closet. Running her hands over the fabric she looked up at him. “I think it’s a rather cute dress. Don’t tell me I need to give you lessons on how to flatter a lady as well as the drums, Max.” || @mdennison​

“I guess patience comes with age,” Mavis shrugged as she thought of the others that fit the same description Dusk had made. “I don’t think my dad would be okay with the idea, it’s a bit risky.” It was such a safe choice for her to follow everything her dad said but she could recognize that what he thought wasn’t always what was best. After all, the last major decision she’d suggested was to open up the hotel and here they were years later with the business successful. “Then again, it’s not much different than me sending out all the blood pouches to everyone.. I’ll think about it!” It suddenly became an exciting opportunity, something for her to work on and focus her time on when she wasn’t working. “Nothing’s changed really, just the usual work and trying to find whatever I can do outside of the hotel on my days off. But I haven’t had much time to relax, I’ve had to handle a bunch more guests because of the barrier growing. What about you? How’s everything with your band?”

Dusk’s lips curved up just slightly before letting out a little shrug. “Is listening to our parents really always the best option? I mean if we never take our own risks how do we know if they truly will be a complete fail, or the greatest thing we’ve done for ourselves?” She asked with a raised brow. Dusk was certain if it was her parents way she’d be a far different person. “Though, I guess I get what you mean by the big risk of it all or whatever. Guess I’ll just use the services myself when I’m feeling a craving.” Making a face she shook her head. Mavis was always working. “I say you give yourself a vacation or something. Surly someone can run the place for a couple days and if not oh well, just a big of damage control when you get back. The bands amazing. I think we’re really starting to branch out a little more. I mean at least there are more people starting to recognize me.” 

Max couldn’t help but smirk. “You got me. My room is filled with all your posters,” he admitted teasingly with a small laugh. He motioned for her to follow so they could head to the bar for some drinks. “Your set really was great, though. I’ll definitely be checking out more of your shows. You still have to check out my drumming, though,” he pointed out as they reached the bar, ordering himself a beer before asking Dusk, “What’s your drink of choice?”

“Knew it.” Smirking a little more she kept her eyes on her drink. She was certain she was suppose to do something else, say something else, but Dusk was never the best when it came to flirting. If that even what this all was. Truthfully she just liked their banter and competition when it came to the drums. It came naturally, but now she was at a moment where she knew she had to do more and instead she just chugged a bit more of her drink. “You’re right I do, busy now? I still have my set in the back if you’re feeling brave enough to show something worthy on spot. I’ll even be nice and let you use my nice sticks.”  Setting her empty glass now from the first drink she bought down on the counter she hummed softly to herself. “Vodka Redbull please.” 

//closed starter @duskdrumming​

“Did you just….” Duncan stared at the empty flask he placed on his table. He gave the flask to her for a taste, to lessen the instances where she annoys him for being such an asshole. Dusk always liked to remind Duncan that he was an asshole, and she had a shit ton of videos on her phone of him doing things he’d probably be in jail for again. Duncan always seemed to be in her line of sight, especially just before he was about to do a stupid thing. His ex-girlfriend, who was pissed at him, kept seeing him incriminate himself. That was simply just his luck.

“You were only supposed to take a sip. This is pure vodka.” Duncan couldn’t believe that she finished the entirety of it. Dusk happened to sit next to her, and she asked him for a drink, to which he simply gave his flask to shut her up. He couldn’t even complain since she had so much shit on him that she practically had some chokehold over him. “You’re getting me a shot. I deserve it.” He negotiated, pissed that he had nothing else to drink by now. 

“Yes.” Was all she said as she let her finger run over her bottom lip to clean up whatever was left. “And you’re the type of person that should just be sticking to water. Your brain shuts off rather often with alcohol, Duncan.” It was history, they were history, but one thing she never let him know was just how much she wanted them too work. Duncan got under her skin. Challenged her. Met her eye to eye on a great deal of things, but he ended up just being a dirt ball and broke her heart. And the degree he snapped it was something she’d take to the grave then ever let him know he got her that badly. Rolling her eyes she let her cheek find her palm. “If I didn’t like it I wouldn’t have finished it. Besides, who brings a flask and gets pissy when there is an open bar? Come on, Dunc. Alright losing your marbles up there? And I owe you nothing, you offered.”  

“I’m glad it’s helping someone other than myself.” Mavis tried to keep her optimism at all times but lately it was hard. Most of the vampires she came across wanted to reject every rule she tried to set, that’s why she was really grateful to those like Dusk and Emily who did as she suggested in terms of blood intake. “You’re pretty lucky you don’t need that much. Sometimes the cravings feel never-ending, drinking blood pouch after blood pouch..” It was a frustrating life, she could admit even if, by her own standards, she was supposed to be used to it by now. It just made her feel really guilty on others that were still adjusting to the change. She shook her head, feeling the need to lighten up her own mood, “I swear, if some day vampires could just live freely and openly, I would so set up one of those meal plan delivery services where they send you the ingredients and recipes.”

Dusk made a face and just shook her head. “I don’t think I’d make the best full time vamp. I don’t have the patience for people half the time, and if I was constantly craving, well.. I wouldn’t be making the well behaved list that’s for certain.” A small smile tugged on her lips. “I mean why not start one now? Sure the traffic of customers may be limited and you’d kinda have to do your own little personal market pitch to him. But I’m sure it’d be something they could appreciate. If anything I’d be signing by. Beats having to bug you ever time I get the itch and just wanted a nice meal. Anyways besides our lovely food, how’ve you been?” 

Now that Max knew the drummer of the Hex Girls, he made sure to find a chance to check out another one of their performances. Dusk was impressive, he had to admit. He had taken the offer for a drum-off very seriously, and had been practicing more often than not. He couldn’t help but want to impress the fellow drummer, himself — friendly competition never hurt anyone, after all. He hadn’t caught sight of where Dusk went off to after their set, but somehow she seemed to spot him first. He smiled as he recognized her voice, turning his head to face her. “Of course! Did you expect me to be here?” He asked with a chuckle. “I think I owe you a drink, since I wasn’t able to get you one last time.”

It took a great deal of her not to roll her eyes at his smug little smile on his face. Dusk felt almost weak at the fact that she had taken his advice and walked over here, like she needed anything other than the mystery gang and her band. But, here she was - still feeling at least a little above him given she’d proven her worth on the drums. She had that going for her at least. Shaking her head softly she looked around. “We tend to have a strong fan base, for all I know you haven’t missed a show and have posters of us above your bed. So might have expected you a little.” Letting her laugh mix with his she nodded. “That you do , and you seem pretty determined to get me that drink. I’d simply be a fool to deny a free drink.”  

Max was genuinely enjoying the other girl’s company, the music talk keeping him intrigued and bringing out a bit of a competitive side in him. He returned the smile as they sat. “Yeah? You’d do that?” He asked, the thought of playing with another band sparking his interest. “I guess I better work hard to impress you then,” he admitted, taking a sip from the coffee he’d ordered. “Next time, you should try to branch out after playing, you might make a new friend or two,” he suggested. “If I’d seen you on Halloween, I would have bought you a drink for playing such a good set.”

Shrugging softly she looked out the window as she too a sip of her coffee. “I might, depends if you’re good enough or not. For all I know you could have been lying about having a better pair of sticks at home.” Taking another sip she hid her smile. Dusk kinda enjoyed his company, and the feeling of having some sort of competition with another drummer. “You better.” was all she mumbled out as she kept her eyes outside. As he talked though he grabbed her attention, eyes shifting back on him as she leaned a little more forward. “ So you’d only buy me a drink if my set was good?” She challenged lightly. “Or are you only saying that so I seek you out next time?” 

With losing his memories and feeling lost recently, not having a real band to play with was the cherry on top of that feeling. Dusk seemed to have some good ideas, though, and brought back out his inner passion for drumming. It was a nice change to how dull his life had felt lately. “For sure. I think I’ll just need a little bit of time to warm up,” he smirked in return. “That’s a good idea. So I guess Hex Girls songs will be associated with my memories from Halloween,” he pointed out, not finding that a bad thing at all. They were really good, from what he heard. “Yeah, I usually kinda hate Halloween, but it wasn’t a terrible night. Did you get to have any fun outside of performing?”

“I’m sure you’ll need more than just a little time,  but no rush. I’ll be ready whenever.” Dusk soaked in the praise and nodded with a smile towards him as she took her seat across from him at the little table. “You’re welcome then is what I’m assuming I should say. We fit the whole Halloween vibe, so it’s almost like an honor. If you’re lucky, and good enough maybe I’ll even let you guest play to get your name out there for a band to find you. Maybe. Depends on how good you are. I can’t just let anyone up there on the drumset during our set.” At his question she shrugged her shoulders. “I typically just practice.. go out every one in awhile if I’m feeling up to it. I guess not really..” It sounded a bit pathetic but Dusk had grown used to being by herself or with the band. That and she didn’t trust her thirst in big clubs with alcohol in the mix. 

Max was eager to see how drumming against the other would go. From the way she presented herself, it seemed like she was pretty good. He was already mentally planning times he could practice before they put themselves up against each other. “Yeah, we’ll see,” he smirked in return, not letting her cockiness intimidate him. The two of them were finally at the front of the line, and he waited for Dusk to order her drink before ordering his own. “Yeah, it kinda does. Doesn’t help me remember, but helps me cope, I guess,” he shrugged, paying for his own coffee. “That’s a good idea. I’ll have to think of a cool flyer design for that.” He stepped out of the way to let the people behind them order, motioning for her to follow him to a table nearby. “Hex Girls? Like from the Halloween party?” He asked. “You guys sounded awesome that night. I was kinda drunk that night, but I didn’t forget about the good music.”

Dusk bit her cheek to keep from smiling too much. It’d been awhile since she had herself some competition. “You just let me know when you’re free. I’m ready to take you down at any time. I understand if you need to get yourself together and ready.” Turning forward again she let herself grin bigger, this would be fun. Nodding she thought about it. “Well, that’s something. Maybe from here on out you should relate memories with a song. Perhaps it could be something in the future to help you remember.” It was an idea, and it Dusk certainly knew of stranger things. Her own existence for one. As he motioned for her to follow she did so without second guessing. Normally she’d get her coffee and flee, but this Max guy was interesting enough. As he recalled her band she beamed towards him. Dusk loved the praise for her and her mates. “The one and only. Glad you enjoyed yourself and could at least remember we’re pretty amazing.” 

closed starter @duskdrumming​ location: angel dynamite’s record store

Coraline liked herself a good record. She didn’t seek them out much, but she had a little extra money for once and she wanted to get the new Hex Girls album before it got too pricey. As she skimmed through the artists trying to find what she was looking for, her hands accidentally brushed another’s and when she looked up to apologize her eyes widened. “Are you in the Hex Girls?” she blurted out before thinking. “That was dumb. Of  course you are. I was just looking for your last album, swear to god!” She put a hand on her heart, looking like a total dork. “Sorry. You can go first and get what you want.”

Dusk couldn’t help the small trips she’d taken to the record store. It was equal to taking a kid to a candy store sometimes . Only for the fact that it came with the wave of satisfaction seeing her bands records. Even more of a personal burst when she saw that it was nearly sold out sometimes. Reaching for the familiar print her brow raised when it was matched with a frantic voice. Dusk pulled her hand back slowly as she let the other word vomit all over the place and just nodded. “That would be me..” She stated reaching out to point to her face. “Good eyes.” She teased a little before shaking her head. “Please if you want it .. it’s all yours. I was just browsing around and checking on a few things. It’s all yours.” 

who: @duskdrumming​ where: ghostzone

After the band was done, Allison clapped and cheered from her spot near the bar. She was happy to be out in a new place, even getting to hear a live band play that night. Allison thought she could hear Max playing his drums for her before. Maybe it was a memory but she couldn’t be sure. Nothing that seemed true was certain anymore and it seemed like she wasn’t the only one feeling that way. Being out here was supposed to help her forget about everything going on in New Salem that she couldn’t recall but still she found herself thinking about Max and Dani. Seeing the drummer come off stage and over to the bar she stepped in after she ordered. “It’s on me, you shouldn’t buy your own drink after playing a rad set,” she said with a smile. “You been playing long?” Small talk seemed stupid but Allison was genuinely curious. Stupid Max, she didn’t even remember dating him and he was still in her head. 

Dusk was walking on clouds. After every set she felt on top of the world, and tonight was no different. If anything it was one of their most flawless performances and she was going to celebrate that. Though a sweet voice stopped her before her mouth could open. Tilting her head towards the other she raised a brow with a small smile. “Starting up a fan club or something? Most aren’t that eager to start buying us drinks, and I’m not telling you no either. Thank you. Jake and coke please.” Setting herself down she stretched out her hands a bit with a content sigh. “Yeah, most my life actually. You play?” 

“I’m so down,” Max answered, returning the smile. From the other’s cockiness, he could only assume he’d get his ass kicked in a drum off with her, but he didn’t really care. While a small part of him was competitive at times, the other part of him was just willing to do it to make a musician friend out of it. She seemed to put a tough exterior, he noticed, but he had a feeling there was more to her than just that. He chuckled at her question. “Honestly? I think it’s just bad luck. I almost wish it was a head injury.” Perhaps a head injury was something else he’d forgotten, something that could explain it all, but he was sure that at least Dani would remember something like that. It also didn’t explain his ex’s bad memory, either. “Yeah, I do need a band to drum with. It’s been hard finding people to do it with since I moved to New Salem, though,” he shrugged. “What’s your band name? I’ll have to check you guys out.”

A smirk pulled at the side of her lips as she nodded a bit to herself. Dusk always loved the chance to outshine and show off her talents. It would also be nice to have someone hear her play isolated from the rest of the band, and appreciate the drums. “At least you know you’ll be below me.” She added with a small spark of competition already brewing in her eyes. Nodding a little she stepped forward and ordered her coffee. “That is pretty shitty luck if you just run around forgetting things. Guess I’ll count my lucky stars I’m not on that boat. Does music help? I mean most cases in shit like that there’s an outlet, or something that’s above the ordinary in people.” Paying for her drink she stepped aside for him. Dusk was actually enjoying the conversation with the other. “Set up some flyers. I’m sure this place is crawling with others like you. Hex Girls” She stated with a grin upon her face.  

“Oh, yeah?” Max replied with a smile. “I’d love to hear you play sometime, I need some drummer friends,” he admitted honestly. He’d thought that exploring the other towns around New Salem would be a bust at first, but maybe there was some benefits. He was surprised by her honesty, though. “Huh, I didn’t think about it like that,” he shrugged. “Honestly, I just have shit memory, and don’t trust myself to take my good sticks out without losing them.” His forgetfulness was more from being cursed than anything, of course, but he was still oblivious to that. He stepped forward as she did, the line finally moving. “Anyway, I haven’t really got to check out the music scene around here yet. I just play at a restaurant with some random band in New Salem right now.”

“Up for a little drum off then?” She asked with a small smile. Only cause she knew there was no way his talent came close to hers. Dusk pushed herself in everything to assure she was the absolute best. The type of dedication that made her feel worthy of being so cocky sometimes. Probably the most worth she felt at one time sorta deal. “That’s rather unfortunate. Bad head injury or just born that unlucky? The memory thing. I guess it makes sense to keep those safe. I’ll give you that one.” She stated as she eyed the menu trying to figure out what exactly she wanted. “Well my band certainly is icing on whatever the cake is underneath. You should find yourself an actual band. Calling it a random one wont pull the best out of you.” 

Daphne didn’t mind Dusk popping up out of the blue. She liked her, and all the Hex Girls. Being able to be so close to the band was honestly a dream come true and she felt like she was the lucky one in this situation by far. “Both! It’s always a bit of both,” she repiled with a gigle. “I am acutally looking for like….little accesories to go into a home. For Shag! I want to get him some nice retro decorations that totally fit his vibe. Wanna join me?”

A smile pulled on her lips as she nodded listen to the other. It was cute, the whole the whole group was truly one big family. Each giving their own little flare to things. “I can only imagine what the inside of Shag’s place looks like. But I think I knew enough of his vibe. Do you think we could find a cool dog bed too for Scoob? Count me in. I’m invested now and whatever cool shit would could find around here. Antique stores may be a good starting point.. but I have a feeling you maybe already started there, huh?”