(no subject)

[runningred]

Jay’s feeling low tonight and finds himself drifting dangerously close to the karaoke machine. Microphone in hand, he lets the soft base rise till his own voice joins it.

“O, Death
O, Death
Won't you spare me over til another year
Well what is this that I can't see
With ice cold hands takin' hold of me.”

He lowers heavy eyes, his skin pale as he sways a little.

{ooc: evil karaoke machine duet with Death, reactions welcome.}

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[buh_bye]

Death had managed to stay away from the machine as well, till today.

He ends up standing next to Jay with a microphone of his own.

"Well I am death, none can excel
I'll open the door to heaven or hell."

Really? Oh Hell!

[runningred]

Jay looks over at him, his voice deep and soulful.

"Whoa, death."

[buh_bye]

Death's voice is reedy and soft.


"Someone would pray."

If he could get his hands on who ever made this thing, he'd kill them slowly.

[runningred]

"Could you wait to call me another day?"

Jay rocks slowly on the balls of his feet as he sings, as if trying to catch his balance.

[buh_bye]

"The children prayed, the preacher preached
Time and mercy is out of your reach
I'll fix your feet til you cant walk
I'll lock your jaw til you cant talk
I'll close your eyes so you can't see
This very hour, come and go with me
I'm death I come to take the soul
Leave the body and leave it cold
To draw up the flesh off of the frame
Dirt and worm both have a claim"

Death's hands were suddenly talloned and only one pair of his feathered wings sprouted on his back. This was really getting annoying.

[runningred]

Whereas it's clearly taking a physical toll on Jay who staggers a little at this manifestation and falls to one knee.

"O, Death
O, Death
Won't you spare me over til another year

My mother came to my bed
Placed a cold towel upon my head
My head is warm my feet are cold
Death is a-movin upon my soul

Oh, death how you're treatin' me
You've close my eyes so I can't see
Well you're hurtin' my body, You make me cold
You run my life right outta my soul

Oh death please consider my age
Please don't take me at this stage
My wealth is all at your command
If you will move your icy hand."

[buh_bye]

"The old, the young, the rich or poor
All alike to me you know
No wealth, no land, no silver no gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul."

At least the song was fairly correct. Death had, by this point decided to just let this play out.

[protect_and_survey]

Jemma has been hanging around the bar in hopes of catching Jay - she feels bad for running off, and now that she's had some time to process... well. She wants to make sure he's alright.

...

So imagine her surprise.

She doesn't approach, if only because she's not sure of her welcome, and she's really not sure what that other fellow is supposed to be, other than out of her weight class.

[runningred]

Jay finished the song and after a brief conversation with the other singer, struggles over to the bar, still trying to catch his breath. He coughs, one hand on a stool to steady himself as he orders a very strong drink.

He hasn't spotted her yet but she's most welcome.

[protect_and_survey]

She winces at the sound, and really that (and the fact the other... person? isn't sticking around) gives her the push.

"Jay?" It's soft, a little nervous, but still. She's here.

[runningred]

"Hey," cough, "Jem. Don't worry, it's easing. Got too near the damn karaoke machine. Didn't know it did that."

[protect_and_survey]

"I didn't know karaoke had a respiratory illness component." It's a... really awkward attempt at a joke, and she winces at it. "Are you sure you're alright?"

[runningred]

"The song," He explains, "was A Conversation with Death. Capital D." He nods to the gentleman he had been singing with. "I nearly stopped breathing towards the end there. I'm okay now, it'll just take a sec to catch my breath again."

[starrydome]

Elrond spots Jay leaning on the counter and walks over.
He's concerned, but you cannot tell by looking at him.
Apart from. Perhaps, that he walks a little quicker than he normally would.

"Jay?"

A steadying hand on his arm.

[runningred]

The touch surprises him, a sign of just how off-kilter he is. "Elrond." cough. "Hey. Here to catch the show?" He's trying to sound cheerful but his chest is aching.

[starrydome]

The hand moves and becomes an arm around his shoulder.
Elrond is very solid, despite popular notions about elves.

"No. I just noticed that you seemed a little short of breath."
And far too pale.

And drunk, but that will pass on its own.

[runningred]

"Duet with Death." He coughs, taking another slug of his drink before wincing and asking the bar for water. "It was never going to end well."

[starrydome]

"No. I'd imagine it wouldn't," Elrond says.
Not if they are talking about the Death he has met here.

He didn't like him.

"Is there pain in your throat or chest? It sounds like it."

[runningred]

"Not his fault. The karaoke machine is evil. It was controlling both of us."

He rubs his chest, trying to breathe evenly. "Chest. I stopped breathing on the last line, think my heart might have stopped too. Didn't kick back in till the music stopped."

[nerves_of_ice]

"You look like death."

His tone may be mild, but the look in his narrowed eyes is anything but as he approaches.

"Something wrong, Jay?"

[runningred]

"Nope, he's over there." Jay gestures at the gentleman he was just singing with." He coughs uncomfortably, holding his chest. "I just feel like it. I swear my heart stopped on that last verse."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Uh-huh."

He casts a searching glance at the other guy, taking his measure, then looks back at Jay.

"But you're okay?"

[runningred]

"I think so. Or at least I will be." He orders a glass of water, still coughing. "Want anything?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Coffee's good," he allows, keeping a careful eye on the other man.

[runningred]

Jay nods and order his own brand of coffee without thinking - a dark, strong flavoured brew from the markets of Istanbul.

He sips his water and clears his throat again. "So, how've you been?" Not that he's shifting focus off himself. Much.