SCENE: THE PATRON’S DESCENT
[Setting: The strip club hums with energy, the air thick with a mix of perfume, sweat, and the bass thrum of music. On stage, Aurora performs with a mesmerizing blend of elegance and control, her presence effortlessly commanding the room. Most patrons are captivated—except for one. At the bar, Finn sits quietly, blending into the background with his unassuming posture, though his watchful eyes miss nothing. Nearby, Innu, God of Innuendo, lounges with her usual air of mischief, her drink untouched. At her side sprawls Geppetto, today’s fittingly random name for the ever-indifferent cat, his tail flicking lazily as if the world revolves around him.]
Patron (nudging the man next to him):
“She’s good. But I’ve seen better.”
[The other man doesn’t respond, keeping his eyes on the stage. The patron shrugs, not discouraged. His smirk widens as he calls out louder.]
Patron (leaning forward, addressing Aurora):
“Hey, sweetheart! You ever seen a real man up close? Bet you couldn’t handle what I’ve got going on.”
[Finn glances at Aurora, his expression neutral but faintly concerned. Aurora remains poised, her focus unbroken. At the bar, Innu tilts her head slightly, her smile sharpening.]
Patron (emboldened):
“Come on, doll! I’ve got something you won’t forget—and I don’t mean my sparkling personality!”
[There’s a ripple of uneasy laughter from a few nearby tables. Geppetto lets out a low, unimpressed meow and flicks his tail—noticeably shorter than before. Innu exchanges a glance with Finn, whose subtle nod gives her all the confirmation she needs.]
Innu (turning to face the patron, voice light and dripping with mock curiosity):
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
“Oh my, aren’t you just brimming with confidence tonight?”
[The patron grins, mistaking her tone for admiration.]
Patron (leaning back, arms wide):
“Confidence? Darling, I’m the whole package. Substantial. You know what they say—big presence, bigger… gifts.”
[Finn quietly takes a sip of his drink, his face impassive. Innu’s smile widens, razor-sharp.]
Innu (sweetly, tilting her head):
“A gift, you say? How generous. But gifts… well, they should always be truthful, don’t you think?”
[The patron’s grin falters for a split second, but he rallies, doubling down.]
Patron (mocking):
“Why don’t you come find out for yourself?”
[The room collectively winces. The bouncer shifts at the edge of the crowd, his stance alert. Geppetto prowls closer, his tail shrinking again, now just a nub. Finn shifts slightly, his calm presence grounding the rising tension.]
Innu (softly, her voice velvet and steel):
“Oh, sweetheart. I don’t need to. Every time you lie about your ‘gifts,’ I imagine they grow bigger and bigger. Why, by now, they must be positively… unmanageable.”
[The crowd bursts into laughter. The patron’s face reddens, but he tries to bluster his way through it.]
Patron (stammering):
“You—you don’t know what you’re talking about!”
[Geppetto casually swipes a claw across the patron’s pant leg, leaving a small but noticeable tear. The room’s laughter crescendos. Innu leans in closer, her voice low but carrying.]
Innu (her tone silk and steel):
“Careful, Pinocchio. Lies have a funny way of catching up to you. Or should I say… growing on you?”
[The laughter sharpens, the nickname landing like a slap. The patron stumbles to his feet, flustered and fuming. Innu gestures casually to the bouncer, who approaches with a calm but firm presence.]
Innu (to the bouncer, her voice now breezy):
“Would you mind escorting our esteemed guest outside? I think he’s overdue for some fresh air.”
[The bouncer leads the sputtering patron toward the exit, the crowd chuckling and murmuring as the name “Pinocchio” echoes softly through the room. Aurora finishes her set to applause, her grace unshaken. Innu returns to the bar, exchanging a brief, knowing look with Finn.]
Aurora (quietly, as she passes Finn):
“Thank you.”
Finn (with a faint smile):
“I didn’t do anything.”
[Geppetto hops onto Finn’s lap, curling up smugly as if satisfied with the night’s events.]