Annnd done! My last illustration of the year, and what better subject than one that occupied much of my stream time for the better part of like 6 months.
I picked Peter as the companion for Phoenny in this one because whenever I played, I usually liked talking to him last, and I kind of saw him as sort of the unofficial bouncer. Also, it's kind of no secret how much I love the guy. I also love that Peter's color scheme is very warm toned, which complements Phoenny's cooler tones.
Also... If anyone were ever to be nosy about what Phoenny keeps scribbling in her notebook, it's probably him. I actually have a bunch of ideas for doodles of what she scribbles in her notebook when the bar is slow or between conversations with patrons.
I don't usually get involved in fandom stuff, but this game was an exception. So thank you all for such a wonderful experience. :)
(As a bonus, I wrote a little thing to go with the illustration.)
Another evening at the Nightcap.
People come and go, as usual - some new faces, some old ones.
You hear bits of conversation here and there; some of it from eavesdropping, some of it from the people who find their way to the bar to chat. The more interesting things go into the notebook - as it always has.
As the evening winds down, you find yourself with more free time, and your attention returns to the notebook sitting on top of the bar. You start doodling - as you've done many times before.
Sketches of patrons, silly images of scenarios that pop into your head. You're no artist, but it passes the time. Just a bit of harmless fun.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Peter Wagner make his way over to the bar from his usual spot by the stairs. For a while, he doesn't say a word - simply leans against the counter with his back to you as he sips his drink.
"Somethin' funny?" he asks. "You're always scribbling in that thing with a dumb smile on your face."
He cranes his neck, casually trying to sneak a peek. You not so subtly shift the notebook away from him.
"Just drink preferences for patrons," you reply. "Nothing terribly interesting."
It's not entirely a lie, but it's not entirely the truth either. From the look on Peter's face, he knows it too.
"Oh, really?"
The teasing tone of his voice should have been the first sign. Then his lips twist into a mischievous smile.
Before you can react, he swipes the notebook out from underneath your pen. Instinctively, you lunge after him from across the bar in a panic.
"No, wait!"
Peter leans away and dangles the notebook just out of reach, leaving you doubled over the counter in an undignified heap.
"Now, let's see what you've been hiding in here." He grins at you as he makes a show of flipping through pages.
You flail around trying to steal the notebook back, but Peter simply lifts his arm and presses his elbow into your back, pinning you between it and the surface of the bar - all without spilling so much as a drop from his drink.
"I thought you said there wasn't anything interesting in here, love. You've been holding out on me."
"That stuff is private!"
You try to protest, but you know doing so would just make the embarrassment worse. With each flip of the page, you hear him chuckle. You can only hang your head in response, your cheeks burning with redness - you know he's going to see those doodles.
A long, uncomfortable silence passes between you. Well. Uncomfortable for you; Peter seems to be having a good laugh from it. But eventually you feel Peter tap the notebook on top of your head, and he removes his arm from your back.
"I don't need to see your little book to know what goes on in that head of yours."
He smiles and flashes you a wink as he downs the rest of his drink and sets the empty glass on the bar before making his way towards the stairs.
You say nothing. The confused looks from the other patrons in the Nightcap along with Peter Wagner seeing all the things in your notebook have left you utterly mortified.
You remove the notebook from atop your head and resume your normal position behind the bar, trying to preserve what little dignity you have left. But you hear Peter suddenly call to you from halfway across the room, that devilish grin still on his lips.
"Oh, by the way, love. That one thing between me and the blue-eyed weasel?"
Oh no. He definitely saw it.
"That ain't happening. I like you, but I don't like you that much."
If your face was red before, it certainly is now. Peter stares at you for a few seconds longer, admiring his work before he makes his way up the stairs and leaves the Nightcap.
You can't wait for the shift to be over. And you need to make sure Hugo never sees what Peter saw. Maybe you'll find a way to get back at Wagner later.
