16629/At Some Point The Music Must Stop

At Some Point The Music Must Stop
Date of Scene:	25 November 2024
Location:	Penchaga Arena - San Diego
Synopsis:	After the concert, Lucifer, Sinister, and Cecilia swing by. Raphael makes a small cameo
Cast of Characters:	Phantasm (Drago), Lucifer, Sinister

---

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
With the final encores done, the house lights raise enough to allow for a calm exit from the building. There's a general hum of happy chattering between friends who have traveled to the event together, strangers who have made temporary new friends, and also those starting the ever important discussion.

What places that serve food are still open at this hour?

This is a question that remains unanswered in this scene as it it belongs with another story.

Off to the stage area, a large curtain has been drawn, blocking the view of the stage from the rest of the arena as stage hands start to gather. Collecting first the items most likely to be taken if left unattended for too long.

As for the performers- Well there are plenty of rooms in the underside of the arena. Hidden hallways that most attendees never get to see unless they pay extra for a tour. And in one of those, Nick is situated. A sizable chunk of the stage attire's tossed to the side, leaving the musician in just a pair of jeans. A fresh tee sits on the chair next to him but currently his focus is looking into a mirror cleaning away the makeup used for the performance.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer is a bit hesitant to go backstage since he knows that Raphael will likely be there to give words of praise and encouragement to the rockstar. Yet, Lucifer will wait for his littl entourage - assuming Cecilia will be joining them - and heads down regardless. He still has visions of what happened to Azazel twisting through his mind, and seeing Raph's face as being one of the instigators just makes his blood boil even more.

Still, he has to try and set that aside. He cannot take away from Nick's night nor show any disdain towards one of the Choir. Well. He can. It would just be in bad form. Maybe he could just enter, say some words to Nick and then head off just as quickly. Maybe he doesn't have to worry about having words with Raphael.

He could then spend his time trying to find some of the others who made their presence known and catch up with them. That would be good.

Sinister has posed:
In theory, it would be good, unless they too managed to say something diabolical, in all of the wrong ways. Which does sound like a paradox, doesn't it?

Regardless, one of the entourage is hanging back just enough to look over the corridors, the backstage security, marking faces and cameras and just generally making himself aware of where everything is (including the exits) before they reach the Green room. "It did seem a very good concert. Plenty of engagement, lots of applause..." Sin observes softly, his head tilted to the side to 'feel' around the place. He glances at Lucifer, shakes his head slightly and offers a small smile. If the other archangel's around he's not in the IMMEDIATE vicinity.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As the pair make their way down with a Cecilia coming along, it does become apparent that the hints of others scattered throughout the arena are gradually migrating towards the backstage area. That doesn't necessarily mean there are people walking around in robes, playing the harp with wings on display. That'd be ridiculous!

HAHAHAHAHA-

...

Either way they've blended in save for the basic signature that Lucifer can pick up on.

Raphael's a bit easier to pick out amongst the crowd. He looks as he normally does face-wise. Although his wearing a concert tee is REALLY adding to the roadie look when paired with the long hair. And yet- the angel is not in the room with Nick. Instead he seems to be more focused on those walking around the hallways, contemplatively looking to those walking by.

As Lucifer and Sinister come into view, there is but a nod to them before he continues looking about. Another nod is given to Cecilia as she welcomingly waves.

Wade Shaw also appears to be in the back hallways, seemingly making his way towards Nick's room.

Lucifer has posed:
Raph gets a glare. A hard one. With a hint of hellfire burning in the eyes. The Devil simply grunts and makes quick steps to get into the green room proper where Nick is sitting, settling from the performance. By the time he is within the green room, his eyes are back to normal. "Nick! A wonderful concert. Love the beginning mantra by the way. You should have sen those who booked it out of the arena after those words..." He offers this much and then shifts so Nathaniel could enter and likely step to be beside him.

He doesn't really say much more. A shift of gaze to the door to perhaps see if Raph tries anything in retort to the way he looked at him. Though there's an air of don't start shit, won't be shit about him. Maybe that will stave the archangel away from him for the moment.

Sinister has posed:
Crowbar separation glare? Check.

The tall doctor follows, making room for Cecilia to slip past if she's going to come in. "You whipped that one up rather quick, it seems like. Or were you working on that ahead of time, just to promote peace and enjoyment?" is asked as he clears the entrance.

An isotonic vitamin water is set on the dressing table surface out of somewhere in his attire.

"You have an enormous cheerleading team tonight, by the by."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
The glare is received. But if Lucifer's bracing for an incoming barrage of comments from Raphael, he is left waiting. Whatever the reason for the angel for being there, it appears to not be near Nick at the moment.

Taking advantage of the gap Sinister so thoughtfully left for her, the saint steps in, moving to the side to once more not get between the couple.

Nick looks to the trio, one eye now free of the eyeliner while the other still bears a deep shadow effect. The still dark lined lips form a soft smile as he looks to the group through the reflection. The smile lingers a bit to the compliment on the starting verses but to the mention of the effect, there's a loss of strength to the expression.

There's a mixed amount of emotions stirred up from that. "...Thanks for confirming that it worked." Nick replies.

The rocker sighs, going back to continuing to wipe away at his makeup. At least to make the eyes contrast less.

Sinister's question isn't ignored though. "I may have had inklings of it before but- until I saw that guy on the ground I didn't really have the motivation to put it to full form." Nick admits, setting down a now mostly black makeup wipe down before tugging out another. A glance is given over to Cecilia as Sinister mentions the cheerleading team. The smile recovers a little. "...I did get to meet Cecilia earlier... right after sound check. Raphael a bit after that."

Wipe in hand he continues working on the makeup removal.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer honestly doesn't care. In the world between them, he'd rather not at this time. So the fact that no engagement is made makes Lucifer happy. Yes. Happy. Sort of.

Kind of...

He then gives a low growl and turns to let Cecilia and Nathaniel actually converse with Nick while he heads back outside the green room and looks over at Raphael. "Playing glorified body guard now are we?" Asking this to the other angel, arms shifting to cross against his chest while he stares his brother down.

Sinister has posed:
And in the green room, there's some awkward small talk.

"Yes, works quite well, I think. Oh, dear, there we go."

Sin's gaze follows Lucifer out of the room, then glances to Cecilia and back to Nick. "Oh look, there's a face under all that paint. It was a very good set. The energy kept up for the whole of it, which I can only thing is a good thing."

He glances down at his feet, over at the door again and to Cecilia. Welp.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
It's kind of funny, isn't it? Wishing with all your might that someone DOESN'T talk to you. And when they actually give you what you want-

Well then suddenly it's not enough.

As Lucifer tosses away the gift of distance, Raphael- roadie edition closes his eyes for a moment to the comment. "...And you are not?" Raphael asks in kind. The angel turns, looking to his brother, "On another note...Do you still require that meeting or should I let that go?"

Nick chuckles a bit to the comment of the makeup. "Nature of performing." Nick allows. A glance is given over to Cecilia, "Next time around it should be a proper song. It was too short notice t brink in the rest of the group for it."

"Understood, Nick. The lyrics were lovely though."

Nick nods, before looking over to Sinister. "Is the guy from yesterday..."

There's a heavy pause to the question as Nick glances about the room in thought. How much prep time DID that guy's group have?

Lucifer has posed:
"Why don't you tell me? Did Metatron even consider meeting with me? Or was that never even on the table because I was actually giving Azazel the time of day? A moment to discuss things?" Lucifer asks, actually taking a step towards his brother so that their words didn't have to fill so much space. "Honestly, I don't care anymore. You all want me to be the King of Apathy? You got it. Let Azazel do as he wishes to do...whoever comes out on top, it will be because of personal actions. Not any of mine."

The Devil stands there for another moment, perhaps letting Raphael say any piece he wishes before he continues. "Considering that someone came after Nick intent to killing him sniper assassin style... you can color us a bit concerned. Especially because we were lucky enough to have been there to stop it. So yeah. I adore that man like a relative I've never been able to have an actual relationship with. Funny that. I'll do what it takes to keep him alive." A beat. "Whatever. It. Takes."

He lets that settle for a moment between them and then, having figured his words spoken, he turns to leave Raphael's side once more. Azazel accuses him of being soft. He has no idea what his new reputation is in Heaven. In truth, he's done caring. He will devote his time to saving Earth and Hell from whatever threatens it. Which, on that thought, gives him another pause. "Also. You might want to have a word with the choir's underlings and their misdoings. The next time anyone tries to infiltrate the Throne of Hell will not be spared as the last ones were."

Sinister has posed:
"Still alive. I haven't had a good look at him yet. I've had him hooked up to a monitor, sectioned and pumped full of my special brew. Anything foreign in his body is going bye-bye and every ailment he had is being cleaned. Nice for him, at least for now." Sinister replies, not remotely attempting to hide that he can hear the conversation in the hallway. He's just gazing off at the wall for a moment, with a slow cluck of the tongue, 'plokked' into existance with a clearing of the throat.

Would the metatron have entertained such a meeting? Probably. And lied through his teeth the entire time. Who knows what might come of that cupcake.

There is after all this, a long, thorough sigh from the doctor though and a pecularly vexed expression, albeit fleeting.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Raphael is quiet a moment before glancing up a bit. "I do not know. He said he'd think about it. But if you no longer wish for a meeting, then there is no point for me to follow up."

To the mention of letting Azazel do what he wants, he nods. "... So there will be no need of gathering others to assist with that matter either. Very well."

Raphael nods, crossing another other item off of his mental 'to do' list as Lucifer demonstrate his inner cat-like qualities. He doesn't say anything to the infiltration accusation but as he watches Lucifer turn to walk off. The angel cants his head. "...Are you certain it was him he was intending to kill?" He asks, before glancing over to the manager who is taking his SWEET TIME walking to the green room.

Nick nods, "I don't know if they do it for those that opted for the teeth but...any explosives found in the head?"

Lucifer has posed:
That bit gives Lucifer cause to pause. He looks back towards Raphael then before following the glance over to Wade. "Now that you mention it. When Nick seemed to spot Wade sitting on a bench he did make quick work to get over to him. For all we know, could have been after one, the other, or both. Nick's had some run ins in his lifetime, though I know I don't really need to tell you that." There's a breath taken then. "No. I spoke with Azazel. He calls me soft still. Maybe I am. But he hasn't seen what I will truly do if he - or anyone - threatens me and/or mine in any particular way. Still..." Lucifer isn't sure who he should put his own trust in fully, so he gives it to none. Except Nathaniel - but that's a different story.

"Take care of yourself, Raphael." He offers, finally, and then makes his way fully back into the green room. Settles himself near Nathaniel once more. He's come into the tail end of what Nick questions and so he keeps his mouth shut for the moment.

Sinister has posed:
"Not the exploding head kind. Which likely means that they don't have particularly sensitive information that absolutely has to be scrambled like eggs," Sinister replies, glancing away from the wall with good composure as Lucifer returns to the room. He inclines his head in a short little bob-nod and gives a long look to Nick -- scrutiny to be fair.

"You know, I can't help but wonder if there's something -more- to this than meets the eye that's been scrutinizing it from the beginning. You have a talent, a strong one, but the sheer determination that there's been to fuck you over, seems expotentially overblown for the benefit that they'd get. It doesn't feel... proportionate to me. Which makes me question other things."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Seeing his brother start to consider the other possibility, Raphael doesn't offer much more verbally but simply nods in confirmation as Lucifer mentions him likely knowing about the past run ins.

Well save for one thing.

"Yourself as well, Luci."

Exchange completed, Raphael continues his watch.

Seeing Lucifer make his way back into the green room, Cecilia looks over to him with an inquiring, and somewhat...hopeful gaze.

Nick sighs, "If it's related to that group the basic gist I got is that there's multiple groups within them with separate goals and projects. My father was the subject of one, which apparently led to me being the subject of another. Those groups got taken out. Then the attack at the shelter was from a third group."

Nick sighs, "Maybe that's what John meant by sorry fate."

Cecilia blinks to the story going on before her. "I would not go that far. Sure your song may use the minor key early on-, but the interesting ones have key changes."

Pale eyes look to Cecilia through the mirror, staring for a few moments. "...thanks?"

Lucifer has posed:
The fact that Raphael is still calling him Luci sort of speaks volumes in his own mind. None the less, he's back in and settled next to Nathaniel - and catching the last bit of words said. Though he does also catch Cecilia's gaze but his own won't tell if the talk was good or bad.

Mostly cause it was neither.

Never the less, and despite whatever the conversation is about, Lucifer will look to Nick. Give a tilt of his head.

"You know. When we told you what had happened. You took one look at the guy and when you had seen him frothing at the mouth... you looked over to Wade, panicked, and ran off with a quickly made goodbye." He pauses. Looking around to see what sort of company they're in. "Why was Wade in danger?"

Sinister has posed:
"Why is a table useful. I imagine that it might have to do with the fact that you can always get another table, but that table will be gone and never replaced. And some people get rather fond of their furniture and possessions -- now change inanimate objects to human beings and you destabilize the psyche of the individual so targetted..." Sin replies with a shrug, glancing at Cecilia a moment, then Lucifer in his reply.

There is a shrug. Presumably, he's considering the potential folly of the organization deciding that they have to attempt taking the less ordinary 'assets' out of the equasion, judging by the fact he looks like he's chewing on a particularly sticky sort of toffee.

"I wonder at what point one becomes more trouble than one is worth? And what -that- says on their intelligence levels. Plus, leverage. If one feels that one's friends are in mortal danger for long enough and one is humane in one's outlook, that becomes a liability to maintaining freedom and control."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Cecilia's eyes flit over to Lucifer for a moment before looking over to Nick at the question. Despite the assurances earlier, she doesn't offer one right this moment.

Nick frowns to the reminder of the sight yesterday. "...I don't know if he is this time around but they've tried having him killed before." Nick's jaw clenches, nostrils taking in a deep breath before he continues. "They were successful with my mom. And...based from what Millie showed, they're probably the cause of the accident that killed Rod and Jack."

There's a slight twitch to Nick's lips as he shakes his head, "The third group blew out a wall at a shelter... If they had done it just an hour earlier, a lot of people could have gotten hurt. Collateral damage is not a concern to them. Which is why..."

Nick looks over to Cecilia.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer takes a breath and then shakes his head some. "So they're basically trying to take out everyone around you? To what? Make you feel lonely?" They'll get answers out of the one they have hostage in Nathaniel's lab.

He's just not sure what more he can say here. He's also not sure how much more he can take - which means he definitely isn't sure how anyone else around him hasn't lost their fucking marbles already.

"What are your plans once you're all done here, Nick?" There. Let's talk about something else for the moment.

Sinister has posed:
Sinister's gaze shifts back to Lucifer at the hanging sentence from Nick. "Immortals are not enough, in the end. Humanity needs the human connection. Remove that, isolate them, create a sense of loss, blame, anger, resentment and desperation and you have a riper fruit to condition into the Family. It's... not... unfamiliar."

Sinister clucks his tongue, fading out for the opportunity to indulge in more normalized and cheerful conversation. He does glance to Cecilia though, then with a sniff, to Nick. It looks like there are things he wants to say, but those things are not said.

Bloody metahuman has a conscience and sometimes, that's a pernicitty little sod for allowing the full war machine of his allies to deluge like a diabolical and sinister tsunami.

See what he did there?

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick remains quiet as Sinister lists a somewhat plausible explanation for the reasons why. It's rather close to the theory Bucky had come up with when it turned out the group manipulating his father had also been manipulating his time in Hell's Kitchen.

Crooked cops, An entire neighborhood that just ignored what was going on. No one listening to the cries for help. Making it clear that no one was coming. There was no hope of getting out. Just a life of misery. If he hadn't met Rod when he did...

"I got lucky. If I hadn't met Rod-"

Nick glances over to Cecilia again who is quietly frowning. As a glance is exchanged, her expression softens, giving a nod. "...A happy meeting indeed." Cecilia agrees, "He is a great teacher."

Nick sighs, considering the question Lucifer poses. "...Well. Hyde wanted us to meet him at his place to go over some possible future projects since we were around but I think Wade's thinking about spinning the situation it to where he's coming to New York to see the tree lighting instead. Keep it closer to home turf that way. "

Lucifer has posed:
"So when are you due back in New York then?" Lucifer asks that much first. Then his attention goes to Nathaniel. He's not making the connections (or his writer is an idiot) and so he just frowns.

"I've kind of had enough of people trying to kill people, an undead angel trying to burn the path to his vindication and other little bits and bobs poking their noses where they don't really belong. I'm about ready to take us to some hidden resort on an island no one knows about, turn off all the trackers and just relax for a few days." With nothing and no one to bother them. Just a little slice of peace before apocolypse number 9 comes roaring it's ugly head around.

Sinister has posed:
"You've been fortunate in your friends. Luck of the irish, connections of the italians -- and interesting familial relations," Sinister observes to Nick, a fleeting little half-smile at the attempts that will or have been made to steer the Hyde in the direction of the big apple. "California is nice to visit, but I always did find the place to have one gigantic ego. It clashes with my own, whcih is no damn good at all, is it?" He hints a wink, the eye half-shutting but not actually landing all the way, looking sidelong to Lucifer as he receives the look.

Plays on words are not quite as bad as dad jokes, honest?

"I have a feeling that some relaxation and destressing might be a very good idea on my part, as I feel that perhaps... I'm undergoing something at the moment." He carefully and casually states. "I don't much care to have another telekine storm any time soon."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick turns his head, glancing to the door, making note of it's closed status. "Yeah...well...this city isn't exactly our favorite either." Nick admits.

"...And a break sounds good. Could probably have Wade set a few days on the schedule. After the talk with Hyde that is. And before the tour...if there's still one."

Lucifer has posed:
"Do you really have such a busy schedule? You can't take a four day off the wall vacation just because you need one?" Lucifer asks, looking Nick's direction for a moment and then he side-eyes Nathaniel.

"Yeah. I think we need a little relaxation away from everything. You can't even shut one eye and I'm with you. Much as I love your demonstration of powers, I think what happened the other day wasn't....planned....precisely." Then he leans over to offer a kiss to Nathaniel's cheek.

"I'd invite you along, Cecilia, but I don't know if they can spare you so long. Especially with so many things going on right now. But I'll drink a comso in your honor."

Sinister has posed:
The kiss is leaned into and there is a nod to boot. "Not entirely voluntary, no..." he says in a very understated tone. His hand is laid atop Lucifer's, the fingers laced together and there is a squeeze as he looks that way, then back at Nick.

"Fame is fickle, fortune is less so. You can -afford- to say 'I need a mental health weekend' Nick. You're maybe not as rich a Solomon, but I'd put you up there with a Prince or two."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick looks to Lucifer. "I said 'could probably'. Not 'I hope I can'." The musician points out. He pauses. "Wade's pretty good about including free time. But I meant-"

Nick pauses. Looking to the couple having their moment

"Nevermind. I'll get some time off."

Cecilia smiles to the trio. "Do enjoy the drink." She accepts, "You are right that I must head back. But, tonight was enough of a break for me." An encouraging glance is given to Nick, "I look forward to hearing that song the next time you're in Italy."

Farewells given, Cecilia makes her way to the door, opening it to reveal a Wade about to come in.

Wow. He really DID take his time.

Sinister has posed:
"Well, we're due back in New York tomorrow. We have a night in Caesar's palace in Vegas to enjoy, including the hotel room and scantily clad serving staff..." Standing, Sin inclines his head to Cecilia, looking up at Wade in the door with a chuckle. "We're just leaving..." and he hasn't surrendered Luci's hand yet, looking to his partner and with a clearing of the throat. "My surprise. We've got the Cleopatra suite." Waggling brows.

Lucifer has posed:
Lucifer nods to Nick. "That sounds good. Let me know. Seriously. Just text me when you get four days off in a row and we'll come get you." He winks then. Nick knows how quick Lucifer can travel.

He grins at Nathaniel's almost insistence. "Ooh... that's one of the better suites there...and I can help a few people hit some jackpots... plus. You're getting a pampering. No complaints allowed." He offers as they make their exit, their voices likely fading.