Part 83: Punching

Music: Shadowy Men
So you are here!
Tony.
I've come to get you like I promised.
Looks like we're going to be spending Christmas Eve together after all!
Just the two of us?
Geez, don't get too excited!
Besides, you're the one who said you didn't have any plans.
What's gotten into you today? You seem a little livelier than normal.



Oh, really?

You're kidding, right?
Do I look like a comedian?
I ain't joking, I'm settling the tab tonight.
Just one thing though, I get to choose the venue, and it's Lucky's Café.
So it's settled, I'll see you later at Lucky's!

Tony leaves the room.

(His offer seems genuine. The least I can do is turn up, I suppose.)

Music: Overstepped Memory
Even with the risk of Tony getting drunk, it's still much better than nothing.

Not to mention we still haven't gotten our food porn yet.



(Looks like Tony's a no-show.)

Music: Glass in the Hand
Hi, Mr Hyde.
Welcome to Lucky's Café!
Did Dad invite you here too?
No, Tony did.
Tony?
Yeah, I couldn't believe it either, especially when he said he'd cover the bill.



Like he can offer to pay for other people!

Even Claire knows Tony's not going to be able to pay. It's pretty much common sense.

Steady there, what's he done?
Well, offering to pay for you when he can't even settle his own tab here.

"Claire!"



Tony's a valued customer of ours and don't you forget it!
And don't go bothering Mr Hyde with stuff like that!
Dad!
Yeah, okay, if you say so.
But even you have to admit it's true, though.
Why do you let him keep a tab anyway? None of the other customers get one.
It's not just that either.



Oh, so that's how Tony can pay.

That's right, I did.
it's Christmas Eve for crying out loud!
...

Claire is not impressed. And neither do we

If I want to spread a little happiness on the night before Christmas, I have every right.
Oh, you do whatever you want!

Claire storms off.

Sidney...
Truth is, I only came here tonight because Tony asked me to. He promised to cover my bill too.
He did?
So it's you he was talking about.



Sidney...



Quit laughing!

Quit laughing!
Pardon me?
You think that Tony inviting me here is really that funny?
It's not that, Mr Hyde.
Then what is it?



Hey!



When you're happy?!

When you're happy?!
Yes, we all have the right to be happy once in a while, don't we?
Yeah, pull the other one!

Wait, what?



Don't play dumb with me, what are you trying to pull? You know Tony's never got a dime on him! Heps not even a proper customer, but you're offering him free drinks.
Then taking one look at me makes you happy enough to laugh out loud! I'm pretty sure somebody's having a joke at my expense here!
I never had you pegged as that kind of person, Sidney!
Slow down, will you?
Are you seriously accusing me of being up to something devious?



This won't end well...

That's quite a shock, you know.
Hmm.
I think it's me who's misjudged you, Mr Hyde!
Of all the customers I get in here, I figured you'd be least likely to jump the gun like this.
Guess I was wrong. You won't even hear others out and you take things way too personally.
What did you just say?
Say that again, I dare you!

Music: Joke's On You
Gladly, I'll tell you as many times as you like.
You're a pathetic, miserable little man who I won't waste my time with.
I'm warning you, you'd better button that trap of yours.
Oh? And if I don't?
I'll button it for you!



Oh...um...can't say I expected that...

"Dad, what happened? Daddy!"



I mean, what did he ever do to you? You're an evil man!

Music: Dream's End
Damn... (What have I done?! I've just hit an old man...)





Looks like he was right when he called me pathetic.




Tony: 7
Dylan: 5
Frank: 3
Mags: 2
Charles: 2
Betty: 2
Sidney: 2
Rex: 1
Marie: 1
Punch: 7

Um...right...that just happened...

Let's move on. Shall we?

Music: Glass in the Hand


And why are you so happy?

And why are you so happy?
Because it turned out to be you he was planning to bring with him, that's why!
I see.
I said to him...
I told him that, if he didn't have any plans, he should drink here, on the house. That's when he asked me.
He asked if he could bring a friend too.
I must admit, I half expected him to drag some young lady in here!
Turned out to be you, though!
Gues you must've softened to him a bit now then, am I right?

(Softened to him?)

He's a crafty one alright!

Music: Gusty Town


Show ring
That's a pricey-looking ring.
Show Mila's drawing
If I'm not mistaken, that's a drawing of you! It's a great likeness. Who drew it?

What makes you think I even like the guy?

What makes you think I even like the guy?
Are you saying you don't?
I just figured you two would get along.
Have you heard any of his music, Mr Hyde?
Yeah, heard one song just a while ago.
What did you think of it?
It was pretty good. The kind of song that just sticks in your mind.
I see.
I thought you'd enjoy his music.



I've listened to his stuff when he was popular and even when he wasn't.
So perhaps when Claire says I go a little easy on the guy, she may have a point!

...Oh. Everything makes sense now.

Sidney...
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I believe in the guy. He's got talent.
I know that he'll go on to touch the hearts of millions with his music.
Does Tony know you're his number one fan?
No, he has no idea.
and if he ever hears about it, he'll no doubt get the wrong impression.

I kinda doubt there's a 'wrong' impression here.



They're happy to observe them from afar. They just sit back and wait for the music.

That's nice and all, but that's not always the case.

Music: Glass in the Hand
Sidney...
You're a real cool guy, you know that?
Yeah, yeah, I know ou're just having a laugh at me now.
Not at all, I'm being serious. Tony's a lucky guy if his fans are anything like you?
Well then, I'll just take that as a compliment.
Anyway, just enjoy the evening and drink all you want.
Okay, but I'll be paying my way like a regular customer.
What're you talking about? I've already said, tonight's on me!
After all, this could be the last chance the two of you have to grab a drink here. Come on, I insist.



I guess Tony'll be here any minute. I'll come back round then.
Sure.
Before I forget, would you mind choosing something form the jukebox?
Pick anything you like. It'll make a change from me picking the music all the time.
No problem.

After making his request, Sidney moves away.