Aces' Diary

Chapter 12A: My Love, Gerd

“Ich werde in Ordnung, Ava sein, (I’ll be fine, Ava,)” Gerhard murmured on the back of two stallions, closing his eyes. He was losing a some blood; it dripped from his foot to the ground along their way, creating a velvet trail.

“Halte durch, mein Schatz. Wir sind fast da, (Hang in there, my love. We’re nearly there,)” said Ava, tears welling up in her eyes. She rubbed them, preventing any tear from being visible; show no weakness. She put some pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding. It worked quite well. The bleeding seemed to be slowed down.

The town hall was only less than a minute from them at their current speed. The two researchers could gallop to shorten the travelling time, but canter in order to let Ava follow. The group crossed the same bridge which they had passed over some time ago and went along the path they had walked to reach Christl. Ava recalled quite clearly that she saw a glimpse of a red cross on a big facility near the train station; that must be the hospital.

There, near the train station, Ava saw it at afar: the hospital. It looked more like a manor in her opinion. She shrugged the thought off and quickened her pace to reach the front door as soon as possible.

Upon entering the building, the atmosphere of a typical hospital kicked in. Smells of vinegar and sterilized medical equipment flew into her nose instantaneously. There were only few patients at the reception. A mare amongst them got one of the weirdest injuries: head stuck in a jar, which was clearly a cookie jar.

The nurses who were stationed behind the counter screamed the moment Gerhard came in, this time not out of nervousness, but horror. His foot was punctured and bleeding little by little over time. It was slower than before, thanks to Ava’s attempt to stop it.

One of the two nurses zipped off, then returned in great haste with a wheelchair and Dr. Scalpel.

“Put him on the chair,” he ordered, but the two stallions and Ava were unresponsive. “Now!” he emphasized with high volume.

They complied after regaining their consciousness. Gerhard was still awake, despite all the blood he had lost on the way. He assisted Ava by hopping on on seat with little help from Ava and the two researchers. A little word of thankfulness from Gerhard, he made himself as comfortable as possible on the wheeled recliner as the nurse push him away.

Ava tried to follow, but was blocked by the doctor. “No, you can’t come with him. Stay here please,” he said, and hurried after the nurse and the wheelchair.

“Gott helfe meiner armen Gerd, (God help my poor Gerd,)” Ava beseeched solemnly. She chanted the prayer over and over until her husband vanished around the corner.

Gerhard struggled to stay awake. He couldn’t afford to lose himself now. He had survived more severe injuries before. He survived a crash-landing, and he survived the wooden abominations called ‘Timberwolves’ and their Über form… He shouldn’t die by little gunshot, right?

The wheelchair clashed with the double doors at the end of the hallway, going through them and coming to halt next to the operation table. The nurse and Dr. Scalpel lifted him on the table and put on their surgical masks. Before he began, he asked: “Is there any other injury beside your…” he left out there, waiting for answer impatiently.

“Nein. Only der Fuß,” Gerhard replied briefly.

“It seems that something impaled through your foot at very high velocity. I suppose you know what it is, correct?” Scalpel asked as he pulled the jackboot off his foot. Gerhard nodded in response. “Luckily, the thing punched right through your ‘fus’, so we don’t need to pull it out.” Gerhard sighed in relief. It would be a vast amount of pain if it was still in his flesh.

The doctor then flew up a bit to move some kind of medical equipment down. “We’ll X-ray your foot to see if there’s any broken bone.” He turned to the nurse and nod. She did the same thing and beelined out in great haste. “She’s out to get the films,” he clarified, “and fetch our bone specialist.”

In just a minute, the door swung open. The nurse had returned with another unicorn mare. She was a quite skinny mare, judging from the size of her head compared to her body and legs. Her curly mane was chestnut brown, with sand colour highlighted.

“Bones is the name,” she promptly introduced herself and started the procedure. Gerhard could say that she lived up to her name. Her coat was exactly bone white. “Penny, slide the film under his fus,” The nurse complied. Then, she suggested that Scalpel should stand back. “You sir, close your eyes if you don’t wanna be blind,” she ordered. Her horn lit up in yellow glow.

The X-ray machine growled a low mechanical sound and flashed a brilliant light.

The flash was so bright, Gerhard could still see it through his eyelids. He heard Bones’ voice telling him that he could open his eyes. He did so.

Bones used her magic to levitate the film underneath his foot out and clipped it on the projector on the wall. Surprisingly, the film showed that the bullet went through a gap between his toes without causing any extra damage to the bone. For the first time, Bones smiled. Even so little, but visible.

“Good news. Whatever impaled your fus, it went right through. No damage to the bones whatsoever,” she proclaimed with glee, “Anyway, I’m off. Somepony just found a skeleton on the outskirt of town, and it needs an autopsy.”

“Good luck, Bones!” the nurse bid farewell to the doctor as she depart.

“You cheated death once again, Mr. Barkhorn.” rasped Dr. Scalpel.

“Es ist nicht der death. I only have gute Freunde und Familie,” Gerhard objected while examining his wound. The bleeding had stopped. He chuckled amusingly at wound. Now, it should be treated well and he’ll be back to normal in no time.

“I see the bleeding has stopped?”

“Ja,” Gerhard replied, “Nun, zu tend die Wunde.”

“Let’s go to surgery room then. Can you assist me on dragging you on the chair?” Gerhard groaned in annoyance and compiled by hopping on his good leg. The nurse could do little to help him, so she positioned herself at the side to catch him in case he tripped.

Dropping his bum on the seat, the nurse stood up on her hind legs and grasped onto the handle behind the wheelchair. The little group made their way back along the empty hallway. Occasionally, there were a couple of hospital staffs walking about or relatives visiting their sick ones. It was a warm sight to see. The hospitals back home weren’t like this at all. Most young men went to war; some never return, but some return in pieces, so the only visitors were children and ladies, rarely elders.

“The wound will only need stitching and bandaging, that’s all. No need to stay here another time,” started Scalpel. “Octavia is quite lonely in her ward. Well, mainly because her new ward mate had a serious injuries all over, so he can’t talk at all.” He paused, thinking. “Tell you what, you should pay her a visit after I’m finish with your wound. Is that fine with you?”

“Ja, es would be best. Meine Frau need some hospitality from her,” said Gerhard. “How lange do you think es will take zu be fully recovered?” he asked, sneaking a look on his foot. It didn’t exactly seem severe, but nevertheless, disabled him from any fast pace activity.

“I say… about six months, and you will need a support cane for half of that period,” he answered. “Though, the healing time can be accelerated by taking therapy every week.” he added in suggestive manner.

“Was therapy?”

“Herbal therapy,” replied Scalpel. The tenseness shown on his face changed to more enthusiastic demeanor. “It’s amazing that these plants in the Everfree Forest are capable of accelerating healing rate and curing some diseases, don’t you think?” He paused. “I hear that Zecora is quite an expert herbalist, but… I haven’t got a chance to talk to her yet.”

“Wer ist this Zecora?” Gerhard questioned curiously.

“Oh she’s a zebra. Came to town a little over a year ago. At first, everypony was scared of her, but after a while, she became quite a common sight down the market. Little Applebloom said she’s a super expert botanist the last time she paid a visit. Not only that, Zecora also mastered the art of brewing potion too!” He smiled in excitement.

“So I should visit her für die Therapie?” he uttered, quirking his eyebrow, waiting for the approval.

“Yeah, ask Applebloom about that. She’s the only one who goes in that forest every so often. Quite brave, if you ask me. That place is way too creepy for me.” A jolt of cold ran down Scalpel’s back as the image of the forest projected in his head, forcing him to shiver as it passed along his spine. “Oh and here we are!” he exclaimed as they reached a door.

“Endlich! (Finally!)” exclaimed Gerhard, “Der pain ist more tense by der second.”

“Then, we should hurry. Nurse, prepare disinfectant and the stitch. Maybe a roll of bandage as well — thanks.” The nurse who had been pushing him nodded and went ahead in the room. Scalpel noticed Gerhard’s glare and quirk of eyebrow. He smiled and resolved the curiosity on the German ace’s face: “You see. I’m no unicorn, so stitching your fus is out of question.” He sat on his haunches, lifting both front hooves for Gerhard to see.

“Richtig… (Right…)”

“By the way, what did you do this time?” Scalpel questioned while inspecting the hole in Gerhard’s foot. He hoped what it wasn’t infected yet… If it was, then this man would have a hard time ahead of him.

“Es ist complicated—” Gerhard made a woeful face, “—und most unfortunate ever.”

Scalpel simply shrugged. “Well, we have some time before she returns with a unicorn nurse. Go ahead and tell your tale!” he beamed at Gerhard, encouraging him with best possible pleading eyes. They sparkled in the glowing light bulb from the ceiling, casting an eerie glow on their pupils. Gerhard had no idea how the ponies did it, but indeed it was unresistable.

He started his tale from the time he was at the train station earlier that day, and ended with the three little fillies fooling around his Christl.

Doctor listened quietly the whole time like a well-mannered gentlecolt. From what he had been hearing, this man’s luck wasn’t at his side for all these time. Pity.

In middle of the story, Gerhard felt a minor pain from the hole in his foot. Inflammation must have begun, he thought. Telling his doctor would be a good idea.

But abruptly, he sneezed, forcing Scalpel to shield himself in order to avoid catching anything from Gerhard.

“Bless you.” He wiped his front leg which, was covered in saliva and other liquid, with his doctor coat.

“Vielen Dank. (Thank you very much.)” He rubbed his nose. The sudden sneeze also gave him a running nose. “Ava used zu say dass if someone ist talking about you, you sneeze.”

Finishing cleaning his leg, he turned back to Gerhard, intrigued. Even though he was occupied with something else, he was paying attention the whole time. “That’s an interesting belief.”

“Indeed es ist. Wonder who was es.” Gerhard pursed his lips, feeling that he forgot something. “Oh! I feel little pain from der Wunde — I think es ist getting infected.”

Scalpel’s eyes widened. “Where is a unicorn when we need one!” he grumbled in frustration while walking to the corner which the nurse had disappeared and peeked around. “Oh, there you are. Come quick! We don’t have time for your tardiness now!” He beckoned anxiously for her to come over in great haste.

A unicorn nurse bolted into view from behind the corner, panting in exhaustion from running at full speed.

“Sorry!” she exclaimed, panting. “Let’s get to work before his wound gets infected.” She pushed the wheelchair into the room with her magic.

Infection wasn’t something you can fool around with; getting killed was a possibility. It had started. If the nurse immediately applied the disinfectant, things wouldn’t go any deeper down the hole.

Gerhard was inside. Everything was like the previous room: plain white wall, plain white floor, except that it was smaller. Everything seemed to be in plain colour in this place. He held no offense toward the colour, but should they at least add some other shade?

“Seriously, dieser place needs mehr colour,” suggested Gerhard.

“We planned to, but the fund isn't here until next month. They are gone to... new medical equipments...” he explained, patting the back of his head.

Suspicious... Gerhard thought. Had they wasted the money on unnecessary stuffs?

"Okie, let's get started.” The nurse levitated out a stitch and a length of sterilized string. She gestured Gerhard to sit on the wooden pony-sized chair in the corner before following with the stitching tools and a bottled of disinfectant. He placed his rear on the chair gently, putting his weight on his legs, fearing that it might break into pieces from all his weight. He shifted his weight little by little, the tiny seat taking more of his weight as well.

Finally, he let go of all strength. The chair gave a short quiet creek and bent. It must have been made of softwood to bend this much and stay in its distorted shape. He shifted his weight onto his legs in order to avoid destroying the property of hospital. It would cost him arms and legs for sure; property of the state was quite expensive, except if this was a private hospital.

“Kann I have einen bigger chair bitte?” He sprang up on one foot, regaining his balance before he could crash down with the chair.

The nurse looked around. Coincidentally, there was a medium sturdy-looking stool sitting around in the corner of the room. She brought it over in her magical grasp, emitting a peculiar sound whilst as if it was meant to ring aloud every time they use magic.

“Here.”

“Danke, schön.”

The nurse was a bit confused at the reply, but eventually, she made out that it was a ‘thank you,’ so she carried on.

Scalpel just stood beside her, overseeing the procedure closely. He felt quite useless. Not having a horn was quite a powerful con for a stallion in his career, but at least he had his wings…

The stitching had begun.

First, the nurse splashed some of disinfectant on piece of cotton and wiped the wound, sterilizing it. Gerhard winced as soon as the coldness of the liquid made contact with his wound, sending a jolt of pain up his back. He gritted his teeth tightly, preventing himself from amputating his own tongue. Doubling the safety measure, he rolled his tongue back.

The pain was a lot less than when the Über-Timberwolf was trying to shred him to pieces a couple of days ago. It was unbearable, yet he survived. This shouldn’t be much of a problem for Gerhard.

For a nice clean wound, the nurse soaked the stitch and string with antibiotic and started her job. The needle was steady as she sewed through his flesh at great speed, but with gentle sensation as if she was only touching. It must have took a lot of concentration, but her stature showed otherwise: licking her lips and constantly shifting between left and right side.

Cutting off the thread, she packed up the equipment. It went fairly quick, quicker than Gerhard had expected. He took a look at her finished work. The wound looked closed

 Good. For once in a while, an amused smile crept on his face. He gave the nurse a thumb up before she left for her other assignments. She winked at him in return and disappeared behind the door.

Scalpel, after watching the whole thing, approached. “Well, I never saw her doing that.” he stated, wondering. “What does that sign mean?” he asked, pointing at his hand, still giving a thumb up.

“Es means gute job.” Gerhard shared his smile, getting up carefully. “Nun, es ist time zu pay Octavia einen visit.”

“Let me accompany you. I don’t have any urgent work at the moment.”

“Danke.”

They traversed gradually through the corridor of the hospital in silence. Last Gerhard remembered: he and Octavia were residing in room 37. But initially, he needed to get Ava from the reception. Luckily, the route leading toward the lobby didn’t have any stairs, or he would need a while to get past them.

The destined reception was in sight. It gave Gerhard a victorious feel that he had successfully hobbled around. He quickened his pace to reach Ava. She needed a roof over her head tonight. Hurrying to ask Octavia would be a wise thing to do. Her answer was unpredictable, but trying wouldn’t hurt.

At first sight of her beloved Gerhard, she dashed over and hugged him, tears welling up in her eyes. Gerhard was pushed back a it by the force, but kept what was left of his balance. He returned the favour, nuzzled her head, and caressed her soft blonde hair. The moment lasted for a whole minute. Ava was the first to let go. She wiped away the tears with her handkerchief, followed by clearing her nose from snot. The used hankie returned to her chest pocket. It would be washed later, but the matter wasn’t as important as the one in front of her.

“Ava,” Gerhard started, looking down at her still-teary face, “Wir müssen mein Freund für das Dach über dem Kopf heute Abend fragen. (We'll need to ask my friend for the roof over your head tonight.)” He backed away. “Sie ist nur im Obergeschoss, kommen Sie. (She’s just upstairs, come.)” Gesturing for his wife to follow, Gerhard limped away. Ava and Scalpel followed, catching up with him just a bit after.

With all the hobbling, Ava decided that she should support her husband. She approached his side and slung his arm over her back, taking some of his weight. Gerhard turned to Ava and muttered his appreciation, planting a kiss on her forehead. Immediately, she shied away, blushing.

Some time passed, they finally arrived at the destined room 37, with direction from Scalpel. Honestly, Gerhard couldn’t recall the way to it either. The room brought back memory: pain and disability. He hated when he could do nothing, not even move. It made him stressed even to think about. Hastily, a nurse walked in on them, informing that Dr. Scalpel had an urgent operation waiting. He bid farewell to the couple and departed in hurry.

“Ihr Name ist Octavia,” said Gerhard, “Hier ist, was wir tun werden: da rein, führen Sie und fragen Sie sie, ob Sie in ihrem Haus zu bleiben. Die Antwort ist entweder ja oder nein. Es ist bis zu Ihrem Glück. (Here's what we're going to do: get in there, introduce you, and ask her if you can stay in her house. The answer is either yes or no. It's up to your luck.)”

She gave a quick salute in agreement. They locked eyes and nodded at the same time.

Gerhard knocked a couple of times on the door. There was a yell: “Come in!” So they complied. Gerhard swung the door open. The population of the room included Octavia, still on her bed with some casts removed, Vinyl, just visiting, and a new patient who replaced Gerhard.

Vinyl was sitting beside her roommate’s bed with a book in her hooves, presumably reading Octavia a story. “Oh hey, Jerry, how’s the thing at Twilight’s library?” asked Vinyl, closing her book and putting it next to Octavia for easy reaching.

“Guided some researchers um mein fighter. Accidentally got shot in den Fuß by it.” He pointed at his bandaged wound. “Aber alle jetzt besser!” He quickly added when Octavia’s expression showed her concern.

She sighed in relief and patted her uncasted chest while doing so. Noticing something, she leaned to her right and looked behind Gerhard. Now, she saw Ava, “And who’s that you’ve got with you?” She pointed at Gerhard’s wife. She knew all too well that pointing at other ponies was rude and ill-mannered, but what could she possibly done?

“Oh, sie ist meine Fräu: Ava,” answered Gerhard, ushering Ava out in the spotlight. “Sie arrived last Nacht, in einem glider mit einem squad of Fallschrimjäger,” he explained, and paused for a bit. “Und das ist why wir are hier. Sie needs ein roof über her head.”

Octavia sat up on her haunches and inspected Ava closely. Her appearance only displayed beauty. It made Octavia a little bit jealous… “Bitte kommen Sie ein bisschen näher, (Please come a bit closer,)” she requested, waving her hoof.

Ava complied. With her husband being aided, she couldn’t leave him, so she brought him forth. Gerhard was taken off guard by the sudden movement, but he had seen much more unforeseen things, so it was nothing.

Good at heart. Interesting… thought Octavia. All of this was nothing but a test for Ava to pass in order to earn her place in her house while she was absent, and of course, she had received top-score without any doubt.

Octavia nodded in acceptance. Ava’s expression was blank at first, but then merriness abruptly surfaced within her neutral demeanor. She squeezed Gerhard in her hug, making him choke. He lightly tapped on his wife’s shoulder to let her know that he was indeed, choking to the point which his face was turning purple.

In realization, Ava released Gerhard and apologized with a sheepish smile. Then, she turned to Octavia and gave her a hug too, but really gently

Ava gave her a thumb up. “Jawohl.”

“Danke.”

“Ihr Will. (You’re welcome.)”

Only the confused Vinyl Scratch was left out of the conversation, understand nothing. But she was sure she heard her name in Octavia’s line. There was something about her, judging by that acceptance reply from Ava.

“Jetzt ist die Zeit, die ich endlich sehen, wie meine Christl ist! (Now is the time I finally see how my Christl is!)” Gerhard exclaimed happily, disregarding his crippled movement.

“Aber Sie sind verletzt! Bitte, meine Liebe, nicht gehen… (But you're injured! Please, my love, don't go…)” Ava pleaded, holding onto Gerhard’s shoulders.

“Ich kann laufen! Und wer Ihnen Ihren neuen Ort führen wird heute Abend? Ponyville ist ziemlich groß! (I can walk! And who will guide you to your new place tonight? Ponyville is quite large!)” He paused.

“Vinyl kann Sie, Frau Barkhorn, (Vinyl can guide you, Mrs. Barkhorn,)” Octavia cut in politely. “Sie wird mehr als glücklich, dies zu tun. (She will be more than happy to do so.)”

Again, Vinyl heard her name. The plot about her was getting to the next level. She couldn’t let this slip. Perhaps she should start learning Germane…

“Tavi, what are you planning to do with me?” she asked.

“Oh it’s nothing, Vinyl. You just have to guide Mrs. Barkhorn back to our place. And maybe help Mr. Barkhorn with walking to his destination.”

“That’s quite a lot to do…”

“Why yes, it’s quite a lot. Now, would you assist the poor man and his lovely wife!”

“Aye aye, miss.” Vinyl gave a mock salute and walked over to Gerhard, levitated his wing, and gestured the German couple out the door.

“Such a lovely couple they are,” Octavia mumbled in a merriful manner before going back to finish the story which Vinyl was reading for her.

*****

“Nun haben wir hier Vinyl, Sie zu führen, vielleicht sollten wir sie nehmen, um Christl sehen? (Now that we have Vinyl here to guide you, perhaps we should take her to see Christl?)” Gerhard suggested as their small group passed the Golden Oaks library. And again, Vinyl felt the urge to learn Germane so she could understand what they were planning with her.

Ava took his idea into consideration for a moment. “Vielleicht. Gehen Sie weiter und frage sie, (Perhaps. Go ahead and ask her,)” she replied neutrally.

“Vinyl, would du like zu see mein plane?”

“I guess so? I’ve been wondering what that thing looks like ever since you told me about it a while ago,” said Vinyl.

“Then lass go then.”

The town of Ponyville was a lot more peaceful than it had been in the day. Celestia’s sun set on the horizon, shining its last golden light before making way for the night to fall. The population of the town was either inside their homes or strolling about in the cobblestone streets.

It was Gerhard’s turn to take the lead. He had passed the street of which Octavia’s house was located on. He meant to inform Ava the position of her sleeping place that night, but it was a tiny bit too late; his memory wasn’t functioning at its finest at the time.

Without realizing, the little group crossed over the bridge leading toward the crash site of Gerhard’s Messerschmitt Bf-109E. They travelled through the eastern orchard of Sweet Apple Acres, spotting a barn on the way.

Fluttershy’s cottage was in sight, and so was their destination. Along the way, there were roads: both cobblestone and dirt. They would save a large amount of time if they had a car at their disposal. They approached the bird carefully, not wishing to have the same mishaps again…

Vinyl Scratch was in awe of the Messerschmitt’s size, which easily octuple her size. She lifted her purple shades up to see it more clearly. Even when the aircraft was a wreck, she kept her beauty intact.

“Dude, this thing is huge…” Vinyl mumbled to Gerhard, closing in on the aircraft hoping to touch its surface, but the ambition died down when she touched the black and yellow tape which surrounded the plane. “How do you manage to fly this thing? It must weigh, like, half a dozen tonnes.”

“Naturlich Wissenschaft, Vinyl. Naturlich Wissenschaft… (Science, Vinyl. Science…)” Soon, he realized his mistake for speaking his native tongue. “I-I mean science, Vinyl. Science.”

“Oh! That made much more sense.”

The vicinity of the aircraft was blockaded by pre-made fences, topped with barbed wire. The two royal guards from earlier were patrolling the perimeter. They were soon to be switched by Luna’s Night guard. One of them seemed to spot him, hence, came fourth and give him a watchful expression of despise of the royal guard’s usual stoic demeanor.

“All better, I see,” said the guard.

“Ja.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask… What hit you earlier today?”

It was quite hard to explain. Maybe Gerhard should make a script especially for this question?

“Magie, (Magic)” he answered. The expression of the guard was priceless, he made a duckface and squinted at his reply. “Just kidding. Hier lass me explain…”

One boring explanation of whole history of firearm later…

“Wow!” he exclaimed, amazed. “I wish I have that kind of weapon…”

“Fret nicht. Princess Luna ist working on it. Soon, you will have them in der Waffenkammer.” Gerhard gave him a slightly comforting smile and carried on staring at his fighter.

She was a wreck alright, but nevertheless, her beauty was intact. A few scratches ran along the side of grey fuselage, revealing the messed-up interior. Her yellow nose was crushed by the impact against the boulder, which shattered the propellers in every direction, ranging from tiny little shrapnels to a whole blade. The cockpit’s windows were broken. Shards and dust of glass were littered on the seat. They shone against the last golden light of the day, reminding Gerhard of stars and planets in the distance space.

GRRRRRR

The loud noise of a rumbling stomach distracted Gerhard from staring blankly at his plane. Ava snickered lightheartedly at his side while he was rubbing his belly. It was at least six hours since his last meal: several muffins. His ration ran out two days ago. Pity, he enjoyed those Hasenpfeffer and Kartoffelsalat so much when they lasted.

The royal guard too, couldn’t help but chuckle along with Ava. Gerhard turned to the royal guard and gave him a glare, but broke it eventually. He proceeded to ask: “Wo are die researchers?”

“Oh… They put on yellow tape around the place and left us to guard it. I suppose they’re in town for dinner, and perhaps a hotel. They have work tomorrow after all,” he pointed out.

Out of nowhere, duo bat guards trotted in on them. The day guard stood to attention instantly, saluting both of them. They returned the salute and walked in on his place. They exchanged salutes before parting. Both day guards walked away in silence beside each other with synchronized pace.

Sensing something, Gerhard turned around. He was being watched. He could feel it. There was something in the forest, but now it was gone. The feeling of being watched faded away in time. This shouldn’t slip past. Too suspicious. He approached one of the bat guards, informing him of the sinking feeling growing in the pit of his stomach: one of a great eye sweeping its gaze upon him.

Gerhard sighed. He was too hungry and tired to stay here in the darkness with those eyes watching him.  “Perhaps wir should go back und have dinner?” he suggested.

“Man, you gotta want to see my club. We serve food too. Good idea?” asked Vinyl, “Maybe get a couple of drinks before ditching at Tavi’s place?”

“Ja, lass jetzt los. I am so hungry…”