#297. The Bar Chapter 9. Date Night
Ch 9.12 *
#297 *
Jun. 21, 2026
- Approaching the bar "Cocoa Banana" just past sunset, with a line of people waiting to get in behind a large bouncer with a rhino head who has closed off the door with red velvet ropes. Most in line are human, but a few with tails or horns. A car drives toward parking, and more people are heading to join the line.
- *Sophia and Zia pass right by the bouncer, who holds the velvet rope open* Zia (cheering): "Woohoo, ladies night!" Sophia: "Yeah!" Chloe (somewhat behind): "I really don't think this is — "
- Inside the bar. Chloe: "Listen, you guys should stay close so we don't get separated —"
- They're both instantly gone, leaving Chloe by herself in the crowd.
- Chloe spots Sophia, who's already across the room, leaning toward a surprised guy sitting at a table in a booth. Sophia: "Hey, cutie, ever heard of Rule 34?"
- Chloe sees Zia off dancing in a huge crowd while Lady Gaga's song "Born This Way" plays. (music: "...the right track baby I was born this...")
- Chloe (sighing and shrugging): "Why do I even bother?"
- Chloe (to the bartender): "Water, please." (Bartender washes a glass in front of a wall of bottles. Above the bar, bar trivia on one TV showing "Round Over!" and "Winner: Team Red". On another TV, news channel SNN showing a newscaster and an aircraft carrier, with headline "USS Alice Roosevelt" and "Breaking News," and subtitles reading "Reports on scene indicate that..." On the last TV, a soccer game at "23:17" with subtitles reading "He looks good..." and "Liverpool.")
Characters: Chloe, Sophia, music
Who had "Chloe gets ditched in 3 seconds flat" in the betting pool?
(This page took a ridiculously long time to draw. I spent weeks getting it just right, but 1000% worth it. Easily one of my most favorite pages this chapter.)
— Inker
