[identity profile] dangeroushabits.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] outside_omens
Date: May 3, 2000
Setting: An Unnamed Pub in London
Status: Semi-Private (John and Pestilence - Complete)
Summary: A chance meeting between two strange customers in an out-of-the-way London watering hole. (Odd Couples Challenge thread)



It wasn't one of his usual haunts. John rarely frequented this section of town, for a variety of reasons that were not important, but he'd chosen this particular pub for two very significant reasons: it was in a part of London which he had discovered, by trial and error, he remembered fairly well; and it wasn't someplace where he was likely to run into any casual acquaintances he might or might not recognize or be able to name. This was the first time he'd ventured far from the Manor by himself since the Belfast incident, and he'd planned it very carefully to avoid anything that might trigger another attack like the one that had brought him to a screeching halt the day of the shopping trip.

So far, everything seemed to be going fine. He'd found his way to the place with no problems, the food was good, the beer was palatable, and the atmosphere was friendly and comfortably homey. Nobody had bothered him, and here he found it possible to relax and enjoy his drink and think about nothing special, which seemed to be what his beleaguered psyche liked best to do lately. It served up some rather peculiar free-associations, yes, but as long as he wasn't trying to direct them anywhere in particular or repress the less pleasant ones too much, this didn't cause him any trouble.

He took no real notice, at first, when a group seated near the door began coughing and sneezing rather dramatically. It was the time of year for that sort of thing, after all...

Date: 2006-05-16 04:25 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stds-r-4-lovers.livejournal.com
What he needed, Pestilence thought, was a restful evening with plenty of alcohol. It had been a long and tiring week for the horseman. He'd been 'studying' how human beings battled histamines and other allergens at the University. With his new knowledge, he went out on the town for some field research.

He wandered around the streets of London, feeling around for ripe ground. Then he stumbled upon the perfect place. Fittingly it was named the 'Mad Dog.' Since rabies had always been one of his favorite illnesses, he walked right in.

Just like the soft strains of Strauss, Pestilence could have practically floated with the sounds of wheezing and hacking that assailed his ears. Just like the strains of influenza, he insinuated himself into the crowd and headed towards the bar.

"Is this seat taken?" the horseman asked the blond man at the bar. He was hardly bad to look at, and Pestilence appreciated the nice trenchcoat he was wearing. "What are you drinking, handsome?"

Date: 2006-05-16 05:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stds-r-4-lovers.livejournal.com
Pestilence let out a disappointed sigh. Oh well, he probably didn't need to be looking for anyone anyway, he thought. VD had been on the rise recently since he had been unable to see Uriel. If he didn't want a major antibiotic campaign, he should probably pace himself.

The canniness of the man surprised him, but as he looked at the blond, he realized that the man was familiar. Not too, they had never talked, but surely this guy had been around the Manor. He sat down, and with a nod of his head the allergens in the air decreased.

"Better?" he asked, as he beckoned the bartender over. "I'll still buy you a drink. I'm Albin, by the way. Is your name Jay?"

Date: 2006-05-16 05:13 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stds-r-4-lovers.livejournal.com
Pestilence let out a little laugh. "Horsebloke," he giggled. "I like that. Maybe I'll change my business card." Turning briefly to the bartender he ordered a bottle of Tequilla. He loved the stuff, not only because the agave was toxic to living organisms, but also because of the floating worm in the bottom. Made him remember the good old days when pratically everyone had parasites.

"Yes, I remember you now. Saw you briefly at the Halloween party," he said, pouring some liquor into his glass, then offering some to John. At Constantine's hesitation, he waved his hand. "Its clean, I promise. Or as clean as alcohol can get. No 'additives,' if you will. Once I know someone, I have a hell of a time making them sick. Its really bad for business, I can tell you."

Date: 2006-05-17 04:07 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stds-r-4-lovers.livejournal.com
Pestilence smiled after he downed his first glass. "Oh, no, you can still get cirrohsis, but no parasites," Pestilence refilled his glass, indicating with his glass John's torso. "Seems like you've been through the ringer. Let me see,"

Much to John's dismay, Pestilence leaned forward, practically burying his head in John's lap. He sniffed once. Twice. Three times. He leaned back up with a satisfied look on his face before John could even manage to protest. "Mmmm, lung cancer, mental health issues, several severe beatings, impending inflamed prostate, electroshock therapy...and those are just the high lights. Can I tell you how nice it is to meet you tonight? I was in need of a pick-me-up."

Date: 2006-05-17 04:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stds-r-4-lovers.livejournal.com
Pestilence giggled again. He had used that as a party trick on occaison, and had always been greeted with similarly disgusted reactions. Too bad for the humans. It tickled him.

"Sorry," he said amidst giggles. He poured John another glass by way of apology. "Haven't you ever used your powers to shock someone? Admit it. Its fun. And anyways, half of that stuff is past and the other isn't for a long time. No hard feelings, I hope."

Profile

The War Zone

July 2019

S M T W T F S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21 222324252627
28293031   

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jul. 11th, 2025 10:59 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios