The music's thumping through the walls and people are tearing up the floorboards dancing to the hypnotic beats. Bright lights are flashing. Drinks are flowing from every corner, the craic is ripe and Sad Boy's finally able to make it up on his own two feet.
Wobbling across the floor, he isn't sure how he got here. Or why he's even here. It seems like an afterparty of sorts.
Tugging on the sleeves of his shirt, he's certain that he's firmly rooted in reality.
The whole night's been a messy blur.
Confused, he tries to find Donny and Darren but ends up bumping into more mildly annoyed people. Groaning, he almost bumps into the DJ decks but thankfully pulls himself up in time.
The DJ smiles at him. He has a neon green buzzcut, dark skin, sunglasses and is wearing a baseball jersey. Sad Boy's taken aback by the similarities between him and his future self.
Sad Boy makes his way over beside the DJ and asks to make a request. The man agrees. "Can ye play A Little Respect by Erasure, please?"
The man raises his eyebrows, letting out a chuckle. "Sure if you really want me to. I thought this was an epic house party, not a wedding reception."
The sultry tones of his smooth accent tickle Sad Boy's ears. He really does seem like the dark version of himself. "It's weird how yer mind can play tricks on ye like that."
"What do you mean?" The man responds.
"I had a dream an' ye were in it an' I'd never seen ye before. It was weird."
"Yeah, that sounds weird."
"It also said ye were future me in it. Do ye do coffee shop gigs by any chance?"
He shakes his head. "Haven't done one in a very long time. Why?"
"Ye were also doin' one in my dream an' I managed ta rip t' fabric o' space an' time in it by trippin' over a lead." Sad Boy laughs. "Aye, I dunno why I'm tellin' ye this ta be honest."
"Well, it genuinely sounds interesting. Do you make music as well?"
"I try ta. Haven't made anything in a while, aye. But I guess I'm open ta collabs an' inspiration." His mouth's running faster than his mind. "Why?"
The man hands Sad Boy his card. "Well, if you ever feel inspired, you can hit me up. I'd love to hear your stuff-"
"-Thanks-"
"-I'm actually looking for some local talent to do a project with. It's called Sounds Of The North."
"Sounds class." Sad Boy adds with genuine excitement. "I'll be sure ta keep in touch, mate."
"Okay, great. Enjoy the rest of your night." The man adds, switching the track to Erasure as he watches Sad Boy walk off.
Making his way over to the only quiet corner, he checks the card:
E D G A R // F E R D I N A N D : MUSICIAN, DJ AND PRODUCER.
He can't believe his eyes. Shocked, he slips it deep into his pocket so he doesn't lose it.
Moments later, Donny and Darren come barging in to sing along to the chorus of Respect with a beer in their hands. Sad Boy marches over to them and grabs onto Donny's free shoulder:
"There ye are." Sad Boy adds, smiling as Donny turns around, noticing his shoulder being weighed down. "Had ta get Edgar ta play Erasure ta get yer attention."
"How d'ye know 'is name?" Donny responds.
"Got his card."
"How?"
"I started a wee conversation wi' him."
"Oh?"
"Well is yer phone turned on?" Sad Boy asks. Donny nods. "Darren's too?"
Darren nods. "Why?"
"I'm gonna go outside an' chill fer a while so keep it on so I can find ye aye?"
"Aye."
Wandering through the crowd once again, he makes his way outside and plops onto a nearby wall, almost spilling his drink.
A dark silhouette approaches him.
