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Get Your Mind Off It

A flash of lightning lit up the late autumn sky as a sheet of rain washed down the car's windscreen once more.

"Fuck!" Liam exclaimed, a closed fist slamming down on the steering wheel. "Why- why now? Two years! Two whole fucking years?" His face was red with rage as he thought about all the time they had spent together. The worms in his gut churned as he fought the tears peaking the corners of his eyes.Did it mean anything? Was I just not good enough? Has it been over for longer, I just didn't realize? Is there someone else? The thoughts seemed never ending.

_ Bzzzt. Bzzzt._

Liam glowered at his phone. Lying screen up in the passenger seat, it lit up with a new notification.

New Messages (1)

19:36 - Tonton:

yo mate where you at?? thought was meeting at 7! Chip and Elias are ready at the pub

The last thing Liam wanted to think about right now was this evening's plans. He picked up his phone and selected the new message though - if he didn't at least respond, he knew Tony wouldn't leave him alone all night.

Things came up, can't make it tonight. Next time.

oh no no this time mate! last time you sword

you wouldn't bail again

we made a deal the boys an i would come steel

your pc for a week if you did

That's fine. I don't have the time anymore

tonight. Have fun with the Chris and Elias.

G'night Tony.

Liam set his phone back down in the seat as his mind returned to the sound of the rain on his car and the stirring in his stomach. He closed his eyes and let his head fall back into the headrest of the seat. In the passenger seat, the screen of his phone illuminated one again as it vibrated back to life. He grit his teeth before looking at the device.

Incoming Call

Tonton

Liam swiped the Decline. A second later the phone buzzed and lit up again.

Incoming Call

Tonton

He swiped Decline once again. When the phone rang a third time, Liam picked up the phone - he'd just turn the damn thing off! The screen caught his palm however and the motion answered the call.

"Liam? You there mate? Liam?" came from the speaker on the phone.

"Fuck." Liam muttered. Taking a deep breath, he put the phone to his ear. "Hey Tony. How're you doing?"

"I'm fine, mate. How are_you_ doing? You don't sound that great."

"Not having a good night man. Listen, I really don't want to-"

"Mate, you know I'm always here for ya! If you're feeling down tonight, then all the more reason I need to get you out. We both know that head of yours can only handle so much of you by itself."

"Fuck off." Liam scoffed. He knew it was a joke, but he wasn't in the mood. "I-"

"Don't say another word mate! You were already late again, so I'm on my way to pick you up! I just turned off Greendale. See you in five."

The screen lit up again as the call ended, and Liam looked down at his phone as he held it out. His mind felt like fuzz as he stared blankly at the screen.

Call Ended

Tonton

00:34

_ I-_ The screen timed out and left Liam in the dark again. With a deep breath, he tried to refocused his thoughts. Looking out the passenger window at the front entrance to his apartment, he hung his head in defeat. He couldn't go home. Not now. Not even if he wanted to. What else was he going to do tonight - rent a room and collect his stuff in the morning? Liam let out a sigh and pursed his lips in a frown.I guess it's a night out with the guys.

Tony arrived a couple minutes later, and pulled up behind Liam's car. Jumping out of the driver's side, he made a mad dash through the rain for the apartment entrance and buzzer.

"Over here!" Liam yelled as he quickly got out of his car. The last thing he wanted right now was for Tony to hit the buzzer. A moment later the two were in Tony's car, zipping down the rain-slicked roads.

Tony looked over at Liam as they drove. "Mate! Where's your getup?"

"My what?" Liam puzzled.

"Your costume or whatever it was you said you had. You forget what night it is? I thought you said you'd already picked something out."

Liam thought something looked off when Tony had jumped out of the car, but in the dark and rain, it hadn't registered. In the driver seat, Tony sat wearing khaki shorts, a white polo, and a beige boonie hat, but most glaringly of all was the stethoscope hanging around his neck.

"Aww, shit," Liam exhaled. "That's right. It's Continental Night tonight." He flatly stated what they both knew: the last Tuesday of every month was 'Continental Night' at their favorite pub. Taps went off after 8PM, if you weren't acceptably on theme for the night. This month's continent was Africa, and Tony was going as a_Doctors Without Borders_ physician. Liam had planned on going as a rugby player, but the Cape Town jersey he had picked up was still in the closet back at his apartment.

"We going back to-?"

"No!" Liam interjected. "I didn't have time to pick up what I wanted."

"Ahh, no worries, mate." Tony smiled. "At least this time of year all the Halloween popups are starting to open. Keep an eye out for one and we'll grab you something before we get to the pub. Can't have you going dry on a soggy night!"

"Sure," Liam replied, his voice trailing off. He wasn't exactly thrilled about making more stops. At this point he just wanted to have some drinks with his mates so he could try and forget the evening.

The first couple Halloween stores they passed had closed for the evening, but the third one looked promising with the lights still on inside. Tony parked on the curb as Liam read out the store sign.

"Dairy air le mas- ku?* Fuck, I'm terrible at French," Liam scowled. *(Derrière le Masque)

"Oh what?" Tony grinned as he leaned over Liam to see the sign out the passenger window. "If it's a French store, that's great! The French make all sorts of great costumes and props. Have you seen_Cirque de Soleil_?" Tony asked as he opened his door.

"I'm pretty sure they're Canadien," Liam responded as they both ran to the entrance to avoid the rain.

Tony shrugged and gave a grin as they entered the store. "Same thing, right?"

Liam just role his eyes.

A small metal chime tinkled to announce their presence as they opened and closed the door. The store hadn't looked that big from the outside - just a typical, small, street-side shop; one of those stores that would only be open for a couple months before something else would cycle in. The inside did not betray that expectation. However, despite the small space, the owner clearly had more inventory than they knew what to do with. The walls were lined with costumes from floor to ceiling and the numerous T-racks and circle racks left very little space to move around in.

"It's easier to move around at the thrifty," Liam quipped to Tony as they tried to shuffle along and make heads or tails of the shop's organization - or apparent lack thereof.

"Finding everything you're looking for?" came a bemused sounding voice from behind Tony.

The two men turned to see a young woman watching them, a sideways grin already knowing the answer to her rhetorical question. Tony looked gobsmacked for a moment as his eyes took in the woman who had snuck up on him. Her side-cut hair was dyed a ruddy orange near the roots that brightened to a sunshine yellow at the tips. The fade gave her a fiery complexion as it feathered out. Both of her ears had small wooden plugs in their lobes and she had a single silver ring piercing her nose. The chocolate colored, iridescent lipstick she wore shimmered as she spoke again.

"Name's Mag. We're about to close, so what can I find for you guys?"

"I'm looking for-" Liam started before Tony quickly interrupted.

"We're headed to the bar and my mate forgot his getup for the evening. We're needing something with an African vibe if you've got something that might work."

Mag raised an eyebrow and looked at Liam. "That what you're gonna wear otherwise?"

Liam was taken aback by the remark as he glanced down at himself. He was wearing jeans and a casual, two-tone button down shirt._It's not like I don't look good!_He thought.

"Yeah, I think I've got just what you need," Mag continued. In one fell swoop, she turned around and slipped through the maze of aisles before rummaging for her target behind the checkout. "Here we are," she said matter-of-factly as she popped back up.

Liam and Tony had a much harder time of getting through the tight space and were only just making it to the small counter by the time Mag had finished her search. Liam looked at the mask Mag held in her hands for only a moment before looking to her.

"You've got to be joking."

"Not at all!" Mag gave a sideways grin again. "I can tell you've probably got other things on the mind and you're not really all into this costumed pub caper right now, right? So take this, save some change, have some fun, and get your mind off what whatever it is that's weighing you down."

_ Fuck, was I scowling earlier?_ Liam thought as he tried to force a smile without looking creepy. Mag's words continued in one ear and out the other as his mind buzzed. He didn't even register Tony's stifled snigger at seeing the mask.

Liam picked up the mask from Mag and took a closer look at it. The mask seemed to be made of some sort of rubbery plastic or silicone material - he couldn't quite place it. It was soft and stretchy, but completely synthetic. It was also clearly shaped to look like a lion, but the proportions weren't quite right. The mask had holes for the wearer's eyes, and below that, the nose of the mask pushed out into a short muzzle shape. It almost looked as if the wearer should be able to talk with the mouth of the mask, although Liam doubted it would work well considering the price and construction. Beyond the edges of the face, the beginning of a lion's mane was also sculpted into the mask. The material remained the same slick synthetic composition though, so it didn't lend itself well to 'realism' in that regard.

_ It doesn't exactly look good, but you get what you pay for I guess. This was supposed to be a lot cheaper she said, right? As long as the mouth opens and I can still get a beer down, it'll work. Plus, if I get piss drunk tonight and make an ass of myself, no one should recognize me._Liam pursed his lips as he thought.

"Alright. Sure. It's just one night," Liam finally spoke.

"Great, 'cause the boss wanted the store closed ten minutes ago. Cash or card?"

Back on the road, Tony had a cheesy grin as he looked to get a rise out of his mate. "That was nice of her to give me this patch for free, ey mate?" He glanced between Liam and the new emblem now attached to his shirt sleeve. The red patch was embroidered with white thread and displayed the Rod of Asclepius.

"Yeah, well would've been nicer if I got this stupid mask for the same price," Liam responded sarcastically.

Tony just laughed as Liam stared out the passenger window.

A few minutes later, the rain had let up a little as Tony pulled into a parking space just outside the pub. The two young men sprinted from the car, through the dimly lit side lot, and under the pub's awning. As they approached the heavy, wooden double doors of the pub, Liam gripped tighter at the leonine mask in his hand. He could heard the loud beats coming from inside and worked to steel himself. He still didn't really want to be here tonight._I can have a good time if I just get my mind off of... Yeah, I just have to get a few drinks in me. It'll be alright. It's not like I have anywhere else to be tonight. Things will be better with friends and some drinks._Liam shook his head as the slightest hint of a smile formed on his lips. Looking up, he saw Tony a few steps ahead of him now.

Tony turned back to Liam as he opened the entrance door outward. "C'mon, I want a drink already!" He laughed.

"Chill. You're not the one's who's got to wear this horrible thing." Liam gave Tony a playful push with the hand holding his synthetic mask. Walking in past Tony he called back, "You go find Chris and Elias, while I go put this thing on."

"Sure thing, Mr. Hyde!" Tony called after him.

Liam glanced around the pub as he made his way toward the washrooms. The modestly lit pub was packed with patrons, all dressed in various thematic outfits. One woman coming back from the bar, drink in hand, was dressed up to look like an ancient Egyptian - Helen of Troy for all Liam knew. Another patron let out a loud belly laugh and drew Liam's attention to the booth he sat at. This man lacked a shirt but instead wore an mbata that covered the upper half of his torso in what appeared to be legitimate animal hide. The fur of the umghele he wore on his head came to a point at the front and bounced as he continued to laugh. Liam wondered if, based on the man's dark complexion, this wasn't just a costume. The last thing to catch Liam's attention was a large, cartoony cheetah head. It had been carefully set in a chair beside a man who wore a matching fur-covered body suit. Liam neared the back of the pub, as he frowned._Is that guy one of those furry suiters?_He thought. His frown only deepened when he looked down at the mask he was about to put on.

At the top of the stairs down to the washrooms, Liam made his last push past his apprehension of the night.At least no one will know who I am.

The sound of the music that had faded somewhat downstairs was redoubled by the speakers in the washroom. Standing on the far end of the washroom, Liam looked at himself in the panoramic mirror, then down to the mask he now held in both hands._She'd said I don't need any adhesive even though there's no straps, and since it cover's the whole face, I wouldn't need any blending makeup. So, I just line it up and press it on?_Liam puzzled about the strange synthetic mask. "Here goes nothing, I suppose."

Liam held the sides of the mask as he pulled the material up to his face, eyes focusing between the open eye-holes and the mirror to make sure they lined up properly. The material felt cool and a bit tacky as it first touched his forehead. However, within moments it had warmed, and other than the feeling of the added weight, he barely noticed it. As he continued lower, the holes in the mask lined up perfectly with his eyes - that was a pleasant surprise! Past here, he wasn't sure how the mask was entirely supposed to work. The nose bridged out a few inches into a short muzzle, as did the bottom where his chin would connect, and although the material thickened in these areas, it still felt hollow inside. Liam worried it wouldn't be sturdy enough to keep the mask from caving in on itself during use. Still, he couldn't stop now. Gently he continued pulling the mask as it stretched across his cheeks. Positioning the nose as best he thought, the mask simply seemed to adhere to his face. Like applying a sticker, despite its apparent lack of adhesive.

Liam was surprised when he was still able to breath through his nose. He wasn't sure if it was the holes in the nose of the mask or if it was just a gap down to where his mouth was, but he was actually becoming somewhat impressed with this cheap mask he had purchased. The jaw and lower lip of the muzzle looked amusing as it hung limply from the sides of his face. Dragged down by the remaining weight of the plastic-looking mane, it made Liam think of a zombie's dislocated jaw in some B-rate horror film. He finished lining up the bottom of the mask and leaned back from the mirror to get an overall look at his simple masquerade for the night.

As impressed as he was with how the mask worked, Liam couldn't help but chuckle a sigh as he looked at himself in the mirror. His visage now had a horribly plastic sheen in the washroom lighting. The mane that encircled his face didn't look any better as its stylistic, sculpted fur only curved back a few extra inches over his head and down the front of his neck. Liam opened his mouth to see how flexible the mask was.At least I have full movement. He thought as he rotated his jaw. When he opened all the way, he could still see his open mouth at the back of the muzzle. Might need a straw though. Fuck, who drinks beer with a straw?_Then, scrunching his nose, the mask did the same. Liam raised his eyebrows in surprise, a motion which was mirrored by his mask._Whoa, this is actually pretty cool!

"Alright, maybe this actually wasn't that bad of a purchase," Liam grinned watching the movement of the mask's mouth as he spoke each syllable.I could probably get Chris to paint you up a bit better and be able to keep you for next time.

Pleasantly satisfied with the results, or at least that he wouldn't have any issues talking or drinking, Liam left the washroom. Liam exited as another patron stepped past and turned to stare, bewildered by lion-faced man. Back up stairs Liam quickly spotted their table and sat down at the open seat.

"Look who finally made it!" Elias grinned as leaned over and gripped Liam's shoulder.

"I'd make a joke about it only taking a thousand invitations, but that probably wouldn't be fair," Chris added as he elbowed Liam from the other side.

Liam soured a little. "It's only been a couple weeks, assholes."

"Hey, hey. We're just glad you made it!" Elias chuckled. He pat Liam on the back before leaning back into his seat and raising his arm. "Besides, Anthony was saying you've been feelin' down, and I've got some news that should hopefully cheer ya up!"

"Yeah mate," Tony spoke up. "We're all here now. What's it you've been wanting to say?"

"Hold up," Chris interjected. "I want to hear this too, but're we not gonna ask 'bout what that thing is on Liam's face?" Chris smirked as he looked around the table for support. "Like seri'sly, where'd the hell you get that thing? It's so ba-"

"The fuck, Chip?" Tony interrupted. "I already told you we had to make a stop. Lay off."

Liam was leaning back and slowly sinking into his chair as the conversation went on._Maybe this was a mistake. I'd forgotten how Chris gets when he drinks._Liam didn't notice when one of the bar staff came over, Elias placing a series of orders with him.

"C'mon, man," Chris continued, responding to Tony. "Elias an' I've had our costumes figured out since the theme came out last month. You've got your costume like two weeks ago. And Liam, he couldn't even bothered ordering something in time for-"

"Mate, you know how shipping has been lately. Everything's getting held up. It wouldn't be Liam's fault if his order arrived late-"

"Bull," Chris dragged out the word. He took another long swig of beer. "The only thing late's you two. I mean, if you'dn't texted us when you did, Elias an' I'd've pro'ly just taken off by now. I can't stand all this weird shit the Deej keeps playin'-"

"Fuck. Mate. I don't want to have to baby sit you again tonight. Come on, let's get you some fresh air." Tony pulled their smaller friend out of his chair. "We'll be back in a few when Chip's mellowed a bit," Tony said over his shoulder to Liam and Elias as he walked with Chris toward the exit.

Liam saw the distinct outline of Tony's vape in his pocket and had a good idea what he was implying.

"Dammit," Elias said hushed before turning his focus to Liam, whom had noticeably slumped into his chair. "Sorry man. We've had a couple rounds already while waiting for you guys."

As he said this, the same bar staff from before arrived carrying a tray of appies and beer. He placed the platter of finger food in the center of the table before dropping off a pitcher of beer, four glasses, and an extra pint in front of Liam. Liam heard an "all good" before he realized the staff member was gone again.

"Hope you don't mind, I got you their special for tonight. It's a pale from one of the local breweries. It's apparently infused with star apples they imported." Elias smiled as he poured himself a fresh drink from the pitcher. "Had a pint earlier and thought you might like it. Cheers!"

"Thanks," Liam replied slowly. He readjusted and sat back up in his chair before picking up the drink in front of him. "Cheers."

Out of habit, Liam brought the glass to his lips, only to have it abruptly stopped by the muzzle of the mask protruding from his face. Liam nearly jumped out of his chair as he pulled the beer away to keep from spilling on himself.

"Shoot! Almost for got I was wearing this stupid thing. Give me a sec, I have to get a straw or something." Liam looked around as he set his beer down.

Not immediately spotting their host, Liam made his way over to the bartop. The bartender was a tall woman with her long platinum hair tied up in a ponytail. Like all the staff, she wore all black, however as one of the bartenders, she also wore an apron and a green ascot. She made eye contact with Liam for a moment as she came to the end of the bartop where he was.

"What can I get you, love?" she asked, as she continued to make a cocktail for another patron.

"Can I get a straw or something?" He said. The bartender looked up at him again, raising an eyebrow. "I- I can't really drink with this thing, and-"

"Sure thing, love," she cut him off as she focused back on the drink she was making. "Be right with you."

Liam watched the bartender for another moment before turning to lean on the counter with his elbows. The pub in front of him was full of cheerful patrons enjoying the night with their friends, drinks, and their shared time together. This is all he wanted. After an evening as shit as it had been, at least here, he could forget about it for a short time. Getting lost in thought, Liam was brought back into the moment by a tap on his shoulder.

"Your straw." The bartender held the plain plastic utinsil out toward him. "And this is for you." She pushed a margarita glass across the bartop toward Liam. "That mask is something else, but dayum, your eyes are gorgeous." She cooed with a crooked smile.

Taken aback by the bartender's remark, Liam only managed to stumble out a "thanks" before taking the straw and drink. Sitting back at their table, Tony and Chris were still absent as Elias spoke up.

"Careful there Mr. Charismatic, wouldn't want to make Reese jealous now, would you?"

"Actually," Liam hesitated. "That's why I wasn't going to come tonight." He spoke slowly. "I don't think... We're not- not together anymore." Liam used the straw to gulp down the sugary drink the bartender had given him.

"Oh. Shit. Man... I'm so sorry. Tony didn't say anything."

"I didn't tell him," Liam spoke quietly as he pushed the empty glass aside and grabbed his glass of water. "It's fine. I mean... It's not. I'm not. But, I guess, that's probably a good reason to be out with friends tonight, right?" Liam used the straw in his glass of water and cleared his pallet.

"Yeah, man. And you know we're always here for ya. If you need a place to crash tonight, I'm sure Emily would be fine with you staying in the guest room." Once again, Elias leaned over toward Liam, this time placing his arm around his friend.

"Thanks man." Having switched the straw over to his beer now, Liam looked up at Elias. "It means a lot." He took a deep draw of his beer through the straw.Oh that's terrible! "I don't really want to think about it right now. I'd rather have a night I'll forget for all the right reasons instead."

"Or_remember_ for the right ones!" Elias grinned, sitting back. "Now then, let's get our minds off of that, and enjoy ourselves!"

The two of them talked and drank for a while. As their drinks would run out, Elias would top them up with lager from the pitcher until, before they knew it, they had finished it off. Elias ordered another pitcher of beer when the bar staff came by to clear the dirty glasses. Liam, not having had much to eat, was starting to feel a bit of a buzz as well as the accompanying flush and tingle in his cheeks.

"Where the hell did Tony and Chris go?" Liam asked, not actually expecting an answer.

Elias pulled out his phone and realized he had several missed messages. "Oh shit, I gotta-" he trailed off as his eyes scanned the screen. "Huh, looks like Chris heaved it outside, so Tony got him an Uber. He... went along to make sure he made it back alright? He, uhh. Says he's coming back though. That was twenty minutes ago."

"Of course." Liam rolled his eyes. "Well, hopefully Chris is feeling better in the morning."

"Yeah. I'm really sorry though. I have to go. Emily is having a bad night and wants me home a while ago now. Sorry to split, but I'm glad you were able to come out tonight." Elias stood, slipping his jacket off the back of his seat. "I was hoping to tell everyone tonight while we were all together, but I suppose you get the exclusive dibs. Emily and I are expecting." Elias' face practically beamed as he finished getting his jacket on.

Liam's eyes widened. "Oh wow, congratulations!" Liam grinned as he stood up beside Elias.

Elias nearly flinched as Liam's smile showed off the mask's large pearly whites in an impressively convincing smile. But not to be thrown off topic, Elias continued, "Thanks man. Don't know if we're going to find out the gender or keep it a surprise, but the little guy is due late March."

"So you think it's a boy?" Liam asked wryly and gave his friend a hug.

"I- I don't know," Elias laughed. "But I certainly hope is it!" Elias grabbed his satchel as Liam released their embrace. "Don't forget, if you still need a place tonight, spare key is in the usual spot. Just give me a text. And," Elias stopped as he was turning to leave. "I'm kinda warming up to that mask. The contacts are a nice touch. Those teeth though,pfft!, don't go mauling anyone." Elias chuckled before waving goodbye, brolly in hand.

_ Contacts? What contacts?_Liam thought.

Sitting back down, Liam pulled out his phone. The time read 21:54.Almost Ten, already?"Tony, where the heck are you?" he grumbled. Grabbing his beer, he brought the glass up for another drink as he looked around the bar. Some tables had been cleared to allow for a small dance floor that would be opening in front of the DJ in a few minutes, but Liam wasn't interested in dancing at the moment. The amber beer poured past the lips of the mask and filled his mouth as he glanced in the direction of the bar. The bartender from before cocked her head as she watched him. She gave Liam a thumbs up as she returned to her work, and he considered whether he should go up there again.

The sudden urge to sneeze caught Liam off guard. Slamming his drink back down he inhaled as his face contorted, struggling to hold it in. The moment of awkwardness dragging on before the inevitable happened and Liam let out an explosive sneeze. He looked around, embarrassed by how loud he had been, several staring faces quickly returning to their own conversations. Liam sniffed to clear his sinuses and rotated his jaw, it felt like his ears had popped.

Liam poured himself another drink and emptied the second pitcher as he repositioned himself in his chair. He'd been starting to feel stiff and a bit sore.Probably from my poor posture and these uncomfortable chairs._Liam thought as he picked up his beer for another drink._Well since Tony isn't back yet, I may as well sit at the bar.

He took another swig of his beer before standing up. The moment Liam was back on two feet though, the world tilted and swayed around him. As he strode toward an open stool at the bar, another patron staggered to walk around him._Maybe no one's sitting here cause the seat is broken?_Liam wondered as he moved to sit down - the stool appearing to turn as if on a broken swivel. Catching the seat with one hand, he sat down and took another drink of his beer, not noticing the considerable loss of contents on his way over.

"Lose your straw, love? I see you're making out just fine now."

Liam turned to the bartender as he set his empty glass down. "Thanks, yeah. I'll have another lager."

"Sure thing, love," she said before turning around.

Liam looked at the empty glass he still held on the counter._Huh._He thought. _That's right. My straw._The thumb of his empty hand haphazardly pulled across the mask's bottom lip, the mask seeming to transfer the sensation as it clung securely to his face. He opened his mouth slightly, and pushed a finger inside the mask. However it stuck to his face, it was obviously better than expected. His finger brushed past the teeth of the mask. Did they feel firmer than before? Reaching in further, he exhaled as he realized he had been holding his breath. Liam felt the heat of his breath on his finger before it touched something spongy and rough. He felt his finger touch his tongue, but not at the front, it was closer to the back._That's not right._His finger wasn't that long. With the mask on, he shouldn't have been able to reach nearly that far back.

Liam's back tensed up as a spasm shot through his spine. His shoulders and upper back ached while his lower back felt like he had just slipped a disk. He tried to readjust on the stool, but no position seemed to relieve the aches he was feeling. Worse off, he realized the new position was probably cutting off circulation to his legs, as they were both becoming numb with pins and needles.

The strangeness of his mask just moments ago was quickly forgotten as he leaned on the bartop and bore as much of his weight as he could with his arms. Head down and teeth clenched, he could smell the dregs of beer and alcohol previously spilled on the surface. His palms began to hurt as he clenched his fists. He was at a loss of what to do. He was about ready to fall off his stool as his shoulders spasmed once again and his arms gave out.

He didn't fall though. He had slid halfway off the uncomfortable bar stool, but his right foot had caught the ground enough to steady himself. The phantom numbness was fading a bit, but the pins and needles sensation denied him any real control of his legs yet. Strangely though, he thought he could feel the cold, stone tile of the floor through his shoe.

The pain and adrenaline pumping through him had worked to quickly sober Liam up._Something is seriously wrong here._He thought as tried to steady himself amidst the throbbing pain. His eyes began to wander down his leg before a stranger stepping into view quickly drew his attention back up.

"Yo! My friend mentioned you were over here. That's a sick suit you have! Is it full or just a partial?"

Liam stared at the cheetah-suited patron from before. He was wearing the suit's toony head now. From the muffled tone, it sounded as though he nearly had to shout to be heard through the cheetah's unmoving mouth and over the ever louder music.

"Wh- who? What?" Liam stammered out.

"I said nice suit! Who's the maker? I don't recognize the style!" came a loud, stifled reply from the cheetah-clad patron. "I'm pretty jealous, in my next suit I want to get animatronics as well, they're just so expensive!"

Liam's beer induced head-fuzz was clearing, but the adrenaline induced sobriety didn't offer him any clarity as it was replaced with a myriad of other sensations. The continuous throbbing pain coming from his back. The pins and needles in his legs, and sharp pain coming from his palms. His ears were starting to ring, and the loud music of the bar from the DJ only added to aural garble.

"Anima- what? What are you thalking about?" Liam replied, his voice growing louder to compensate for the noise.

"Your ears and muzzle!" the guy in the cheetah suit pointed. "I've seen some cool techniques to get a tail to move, but there's no way you're getting that kind of movement with just elastics! Not on a form-fit head like yours!"

Liam only grew more confused as he tried to understand what this cartoonish cheetah was telling him. "Ith's a mask!" he tried to clarify. "And," Liam began to reach behind himself. "I don't have a thail!" The last word ending abruptly as his hand bumped a part of himself that wasn't supposed to be there.

Liam's eyes shot wide as his fingers moved to grasp a hard and sinewy, rope-like appendage - the sensation felt not only by his hand, but also by the strange protuberance his mind told him shouldn't exist. Liam began to sweat, his stomach in a knot as he jerkily turned to see what it was he now held.

His dilated eyes locked on it instantly. In his pained shuffling and adjusting, the back of his pants must have slid down some. And now? Now, he held what clearly looked to be a tail - sprouting from just above the waist of his pants. The whole time the guy in the cheetah suit watched him.

"Hey bud, are you okay?" he asked, as concern began to mount.

"I'm gonna throw up," Liam spoke to no one.

In that moment it didn't matter if he had full feeling in his legs again or not. Liam sprang off the bar stool, pushing past the suiter and toward the back where the washrooms were. He moved with vigor, but his coordination felt off, causing him to stumble as he charged ahead. In his tunnel vision, Liam didn't see the traditionally dressed man from before as he barreled past. Liam could hear the man yell after him, "Hey watch where yo- oh! Oh shit!" But none of that mattered to him right now, he had to make it down the stairs.

Liam unceremoniously barged through the washroom door. He barely caught himself on the edge of a sink before the contents of his stomach came up. His whole chest heaved in a violent surge as he retched into the sink before him. Thick lines of saliva hanging from Liam's open maw as he struggled to catch his breath. Staring blankly into the sink, he became hyper aware of his new tail as it flicked and fidgeted behind him. Refocusing, he saw the former contents of his stomach as it trailed down the drain, but it was the hair hanging around his periphery that draw his attention. Hands tightly clinging to the sink counter, Liam looked up at the mirror to see the sorry state he was in.

There, staring back at him, was the face of the mask. Only, it wasn't the mask he had put on earlier in the night. Liam's golden eyes jittered across his visage. Gone was the plasticy looking surface of the mask. Now, its surface was covered in short, course, golden hairs. Its leonine appearance was more pronounced as well - the muzzle having filled out, extending further and broader than before. The sculpted mane that had extended from the edge of the mask was now blended in with Liam's hair. The long hairs having overtaken his original haircut to eclipse his natural color. The dark lips of the mask quivered, new whiskers vibrating with the movement as his breathing became rapid and shallow. Finally, his jaw dropped, revealing the teeth and bristly tongue of his maw.

Liam inhaled and let out a scream. Spittle and drool spattered and hung from his large maw as his scream bellowed out, much deeper than expected.

_ This can't be happening!_ His mind roared.What. The fuck. Is happening?!

Liam saw his feline ear quickly swivel as he heard the door to the washroom creak open, an inebriated patron stumbling in. The man was oblivious to his surroundings as he quickly shuffled to the nearest urinal. Liam was frozen in place. His eyes were locked on the intruder as the man relieved himself. Only as the man turned and began zipping himself up did Liam finally have some sense return to him.

"Geth out!" Liam roared.

All color faded from the man's face, his eyes dilating as he saw Liam for the first time. In one fell motion, the man's eyes rolled back and he collapsed to the washroom floor. Another matter now fed into Liam's panic. Oh fuck, I killed him!

Liam jerked, staggering toward the fallen patron. His shifting body made his normal movement disjointed, and tripping over his own legs, he landed awkwardly beside the man. His ever mounting anxiety split his mind - he wanted to check on the incapacitated man, but he needed to see his legs.

As he lay on his side, Liam looked down to see what had tripped him up. The waist of his jeans had slipped down a bit to show the band of his underwear, but below that his jeans were pulled and stretched in and inhuman contortion. Rolling onto his back, Liam sat up. He could feel his newly-grown tail beneath him as he hooked his thumbs into the waist of his jeans. Looking further down, he realized he had lost his shoes. Beyond the cuffs of his jeans were the shredded remains of his socks, and extending from those were two golden-furred feet. Or perhaps, paws would make more sense in this case.

Liam pushed the waist of his jeans down, ignoring the tears he made in the side of his boxers as he pushed them past his thighs. He needed to see the extent of his transformation if he were to have any hope of reversing it. His jeans slipped from one leg and then the other before he tried to remove the tattered socks. His fingers were losing dexterity though, and Liam let out a chuff in frustration as he only managed to shred his sock further. Not only were his legs shorter, he realized, but the same was happening to his arms!

His thumbs had shortened and his hands had swollen as the spreading fur had encompassed them. Turning them over, he saw that the palms of his hands had darkened as they puffed up. They now resembled the pads of an animal paw more than they did anything human.

Shaking his head, Liam twisted around again. Another spasm surging through his body as he tried to assume a position his mind thought of as 'hands and knees.' A spike of pressure between his shoulder blades made Liam's arms give out as his posture was realigned, and his jaw clacked as he landed unceremoniously, beside the man he had scared stiff. His arms were now alight with pins and needles as his lower spine flared with heat and muscle cramps.

A thud against the door made Liam's ears flick in the sound's direction once again. The washroom's door came flying open, another patron barging in and stopping as his eyes met with the scene before him. The pungent smell of piss wrinkled Liam's nose as the crotch and legs of the man's pants darkened.

"A fu- fu- fu- fu- fucking l-lion?!" the man stuttered dumbstruck. He stumbled backwards through the open door and back into the lower hallway as he began to yell, "H- Help! Help! There's a lion down..." The man's voice trailed off as he quickly made his escape.

A new thought entered Liam's mind:I need to get out of here!

Liam struggled to regain control of his arms. The numb tingling in his arms slowly fading as he pushed himself up. Akin to his legs, his arms had also shortened. Now, his feet-turned-paws were planted on the ground behind him and his former hands were fully extended, but his viewpoint was much lower than before.

Once again a sound outside the washroom drew Liam's scattered attention. Only this time it wasn't a single someone approaching. With an outstretched arm, one man threw open the washroom door amid a rabble of incoherent discussion. There were gasps and expletives among the group as one man yelled out, "Oh, fuck! It killed Kenny!"

It was now or never. Wide-eyed, Liam lunged for the open door. The man whom had been holding the door opened, tried to pull it shut as others in the group jumped back in terror. Fortunately for Liam, he was close enough to make it through before the door shut. Most of him, that is. Unfortunately, the man's tardy reaction resulted in Liam's new tail being caught in the jamb.

A sudden and alien pain erupted from his tail and traveled up his spine as Liam lurched. The staggered movement causing him to reach for support as he tried to right himself. One of his leonine paws, claws extended for purchase, connected with something too soft to be the ground as he landed roughly on his barreled chest.

The men who had come to investigate scattered and jockeyed up the stairs as Liam looked up to see what he had hit. Their yelps and hollers fading as an acrid, metallic smell mixed with the pungent sour of urine. A seeping pool of red liquid began to spread in front of him. His claws had sliced through the white polo of one of the men who had stumbled back. The man sat hunched, now clutching his chest as his torn shirt took on the same crimson color of the patch on his sleeve. Shakily, the man looked up.

"L-Liam?"

Beneath his fur, the blood drained from Liam's face."Tony?! I-"_he tried to speak, but all that came out was an incoherent, beastial rumble."I didn't mean to!"_ he tried to say as he scrambled back to his feet.

Liam shook his head as he tried to back up.I need to help Tony!_His rump hit the washroom door behind him, and his mindset returned to flight mode._I need to get out of here!_He couldn't let himself be trapped down here. _Need to help my friend!_Liam turned his head toward the stairs._Must get to safety! Had the music stopped?Must get away! He turned back to his friend.Find help!

On all fours, he made a mad dash for the stairs, only to brusquely face-plant on the bottom few steps. In a haphazard scramble, Liam made his way to the top of the stairs and beelined it for the exit. Around him, several tables had been upturned, food and drinks littering the floor. Many patrons were befuddled or irate about the uproar caused by the blokes who had charged up from the washrooms. A couple bar staff grappled one of the belligerent men to the ground near the exit while others tried to get a handle on the situation. Liam's sudden appearance at the top of the stairs instantly changed all that!

Several women screamed as one threw her drink at Liam on his way past. People jumped in panic while others clambered onto chairs and tables. The two bar staff, seeing Liam, sprang off the prone man they had subdued as he let out a shriek and covered his head. None of this mattered to Liam however, as he careened headfirst through the double doors of the pub.

The rain had finally stopped, and looking around, he could see a few of the men from before as they ran for safety. Safety. Help. Need help! Liam thought. The fresh air of the night filled his nose as he turned and quickly took off down the street. Without even thinking about it, he knew where he needed to go.Elias is a doctor. He can help!

Meanwhile, in the basement corridor of the pub, Tony struggled to hit send on a text.

"Liam, are you still in there?"

In the men's washroom, from the pocket of a discarded pair of jeans, a cellphone buzzed.

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