Into the Light // Duskwood

14. Hello Daftness, my old friend

A/N: Time to start a crazy night of debauchery (by Martin's standards...)
I've been planning this chapter for a long time and I'm excited I was able to finally get to it. A few of new characters are about to join the party, and I didn't want to introduce them too quickly to avoid confusion. So, I decided to stop here, for now :)
Enjoy!

By the way, comments and votes help me believe that I'm not posting the story into the void, so thank you for them in advance ;)

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He shuddered involuntarily as his gaze fixated on the pub door from a distance. The mental image of worn-out armchairs, neglectfully cleaned beer mugs, faded neon decorations gathering dust, and a dimly lit, windowless space overcrowded with people almost prompted him to pivot on his heels and head back home. However, with a resigned sigh, he chose not to.

A subtle vibration in his coat pocket rescued him from the thoughts of Aurora, and he silently expressed gratitude toward his phone. Coming to a halt, a somewhat relieved smile played on his lips, glad for the unexpected interruption that granted him a temporary reprieve from stepping foot into the dubious establishment.

LadyLotus : Hello, Daftness.

LadyLotus : Haven't you forgotten something?

Frowning, he mentally berated himself, his hand instinctively meeting his forehead with an audible slap. The whirlwind of events since the previous night had completely eclipsed his memory of the promise he made to Charlotte!

Darkness : Sorry. I really am. I was going to tell you everything. Believe me, I didn't have time to do that since yesterday.

He anxiously bit his lip, the words holding a grain of truth, yet he hoped Lettie wouldn't perceive the slight evasion. After the tumultuous night and the looming prospect of an evening at the pub, he had chosen to take a day off and catch up on some much-needed sleep. It seemed a more feasible option to him than attempting to untangle the intricate web of recent events to his friend.

LadyLotus : Oh, really?

LadyLotus : Well, somehow I knew you'd say something like this...

Darkness : Lettie, don't take this personally, please. I had a really rough night.

LadyLotus : Oh, I don't take it personally. As I said, I knew it.

LadyLotus : So, I kept my promise.

Confusion flickered in his eyes, prompting a few bewildered blinks, followed by a held breath. Scrolling up their conversation, he let out a muttered curse under his breath.

She did say it. She said she'd come if he didn't tell her what was going on. And he knew her well enough to know Lettie never minced words.

It was all on him...

An additional message that flashed across the screen caused him to curse even louder. An elderly woman passing by shot him an indignant look, but upon noticing his tattoo and the distress etched across his face, she promptly veered away from him.