He wasn't exactly surprised to see them together again. He felt the last of something inside him crawl away at that moment, the final lingering thread of hope burning away in the smoldering darkness that had ignited inside of him. He thought he'd be afraid to let it go, but the reality was he felt freed. He'd ridden away from the church without a second thought to the safety of the two girls inside.

He didn't consciously ride to the club, but now that he was there he figured he might as well stop in for a drink or two. After ringing James and arranging to meet up, he headed inside where he saw a familiar figure sitting at the bar.

Tristan: "Christopher Eugene Peterson! It's been a very long time since I've had the pleasure of your company."
Chris: "Well if it isn't my old friend Guy Smiley. Stop trying to guess my middle name. Where's your trusty sidekick James? Or are you the sidekick? I can never work it out with you two."
Tristan: "He's on his way. You may not want to be here when he shows up -- he really doesn't like you."
Chris: "Thanks for the warning."

Tristan ordered a drink and took a seat at the bar, quickly downing the smooth liquid.

Chris: "So what's your game?"
Tristan: "What do you mean?"
Chris: "You seem different tonight. Did you finally nail that Laine girl?"
Tristan: "You're such a pleasant fellow, Peterson. I can see why James thinks so highly of you."

Chris: "He's just jealous is all. So, what have you been up to?"
Tristan: "Ever hear what curiosity did to the cat?"
Chris: "Don't tell me you've been skinning kittens. That's just not right."
Tristan: "I do believe you're confusing your proverbs."

Tristan ordered another drink, enjoying it at a more leisurely pace than the first. He tried not to notice Chris staring at him intently, but failed.

Tristan: "Sorry, Peterson, I don't swing that way."
Chris: "It's always a treat to see the good ones fall because you guys go all out. Sort of serves as a reminder of what we are."
Tristan: "You really do like to talk, don't you?"
Chris: "Here, take this. I think you'll find it interesting."

Tristan raised an eyebrow as Chris produced a business card from his back pocket and set it on the bar between them. He debated even bothering to pick it up, but reasoned if nothing else it would probably prove to be humorous.

He wasn't disappointed.

Tristan: "'The Order of the Waning Moon'? What the devil is this, your band's debut album?"
Chris: "We help you get in touch with your inner instincts."
Tristan: "Sounds messy."
Chris: "It can be -- that's what makes it so much fun. Take the card, check out our website, see what you think."

Tristan: "OK, if it'll make you happy I'll take the your little card."
Chris: "That's all I'm asking. Remember, that darkness is always inside you, no matter how much you try to deny it. Life's a lot easier when you learn to accept it. I'm pleased to see you taking the first steps on-"
Tristan: "Peterson…"
Chris: "What?"
Tristan: "Shut the hell up."

Chris: "Such a treat! But I'll leave you alone now and be on my way. I'll see you around."
Tristan: "Not if I can help it."

Tristan watched in mild amusement as Chris left the bar and vanished into the sparse crowd. He studied the card he'd left, suppressing a smile at the complete absurdity of the whole thing. He hesitated for just a moment before putting the card in his back pocket, convincing himself that he'd throw it away as soon as he got home.

After a few minutes he'd finished his second drink and made his way out of the bar and to the main room where he could easily keep an eye on the front door for James. He instantly spotted Deanna sitting alone at the far end of the room, staring blankly at the floor in front of her.

He crossed the room and sat down beside her without a word. She looked up sharply, but her glare quickly melted away.

Deanna: "Tristan, I'm so sorry about the other night."
Tristan: "Shhh…"

Tristan: "James is on his way. Want to go play darts for a while until he gets here?"
Deanna: "I may need a minute to recover from that kiss."
Tristan: "That was nothing, I'll give you something to really recover from later on. Come on, we should be able to get at least one game in."

Tristan stood up and pulled Deanna to her feet, leading her to the small gaming area off the bar. Inside they found a group of three large men just starting a game, exactly what he'd been hoping to find.