[color=9e0b0f][centre][h1]Marcus Ainsworth[/h1][/centre][/color]
[centre][h2]Friday Night[/h2][/centre]
[centre][h3]Club Aether[/h3][/centre]
[hr]

[color=9e0b0f]“Can I got home yet?”[/color] Marcus mumbled after finishing off a pint of beer. The young musician did not look happy to be out of the comfort of his bed, but the tall, handsome man sitting across from him seemed determined to cheer him up. [color=f7976a]“No, you’ve done nothing but sit at home and mope for two weeks. So we’re staying out, and we’re going to have fun! Okay? I’ll get us another round, try to smile a bit when I get back, alright?” [/color]
This elicited a heavy sigh and a roll of the eyes from Marcus, but he also nodded, sitting up straighter as his best friend, Chris, went to the bar to get another round. Chris was in many ways the polar opposite of Marcus. A confident, optimistic go-getter, who never took no for an answer. Even though he often drove Marcus crazy, he also was often the only one who could drag him out of his darker times. 

As he sat alone for a few moments, Marcus’ attention was drawn to the stage, as the club owner gave his usual speech, opening up Open-Mic night. Marcus had been to, and played at his fair share of Club Aether’s Open-Mic nights, so he knew the deal. But apparently tonight was different. The man himself started playing a heavy rendition of Livin’ La Vida Loca, which was definitely a surprise. Even the down in the dumps Marcus couldn’t help but smirk and nod his head a bit at this. It was pretty damn good too. He put his hands together in applause as the song came to a close, still sporting a slight smile. 

[color=f7976a]“Finally something’s got you smiling.”[/color] Chris teased with a snicker as he sat back down at their table, setting another pint of beer down in front of Marcus, who responded with another roll of his eyes. [color=9e0b0f]“Even the most cynical of people would’ve smiled at that. I’m depressed, not heartless.”[/color] The friends shared a brief smirk before Marcus took a long sip of his drink. [color=9e0b0f]“Thanks…”[/color] He mumbled softly. Though he gave no context for gratitude, Chris knew what he meant. [color=f7976a]“No worries, bud. You know I’m always here for you. You just have to let me in.”[/color]
[color=9e0b0f]“Yeah, I know. It’s just hard sometimes, ya know?”[/color]
[color=f7976a]“But it gets easier when you let people help you. But, we’re out to party tonight. We can talk tomorrow, okay?”[/color]
[color=9e0b0f]“I couldn’t agree more.”[/color] Marcus smiled again, the most genuine smile he had given in weeks. 

[color=f7976a]“So, you gonna get up there tonight?”[/color] Chris asked, motioning towards the stage. His question was greeted by several stern shakes of Marcus’ head. [color=9e0b0f]“Definitely not. Besides, I didn’t bring my shit with me. I couldn’t if I wanted to.”[/color]
[color=f7976a]“You could do karaoke later?”[/color] Chris suggested with a sly smirk. [color=f7976a]“There’s more beer in it for you.”[/color]
Marcus sighed, though he chuckled a little at his friend. [color=9e0b0f]“You’re a bad influence…”[/color]
[color=f7976a]“So is that a yes?”[/color] 
[color=9e0b0f]“It’s a maybe…”[/color]
[color=f7976a]“I’ll take it!”[/color] The optimistic giant exclaimed enthusiastically, raising his glass to Marcus, who met it with his own, unable to help but laugh a little. [color=9e0b0f]“You better keep to your end of the deal.”[/color]