Bar Log ((OPEN))

[borntobewildcat]

WHO: Tom Bronson + OPEN
WHERE: the bar
WHEN: all week
WARNINGS: none
SUMMARY: Tom now owns the bar, and everyone gets their first drink free for the first week.
FORMAT: quick



[It was Tom's first couple weeks running the bar, and, surprisingly, it had gone pretty well so far. The transition itself was a bit of a challenge, but once he'd become accustomed to it, it really wasn't so bad at all. In fact, he found himself even enjoying the work, even if it meant extra hours for the time being, since the promotion and port-outs lately meant that they were running a bit understaffed.

That wasn't why he was pulling other duties besides just managing the place, though. Working behind the bard was one of the best jobs he had, and he really enjoyed it. He got to talk to people at the bar (and occasionally have a drink or two himself). It was the social aspect that he liked, which was why, to maybe draw in a few new regular customers, he was offering free drinks for the week.]

Comments

[borntobewildcat]

[Tom sighs finally, taking Ggio's hand and squeezing it reassuringly. He hated when anything bothered the arrancar, especially since it was his job to take care of him.]

What do you mean he's not like them? Does something about him seem dangerous or something?

[Tom still doesn't totally get it.]

I can't force the two of you to be friends or anything, but you're not allowed to harm him, okay? You both work here now, and sometimes that will mean working together, or at least staying out of each other's way.

[ridethetiger]

Maybe. Not really. Like... [He doesn't know 'suspicious' or 'odd' in English.] He keeps trying to be a friend, but it's weird. Not like Maxine, or anybody.

[Huffs at a bit at the restriction on being rough.]

Fine. As long as he stays out of my way.

[borntobewildcat]

[After a minute or two, Tom finally sets down his phone to start translating.]

I still don't get what you mean, but like I said, I won't force you to be friends with him if you really don't want to.

Once you start school, I'll put the two of you on different hours. You'll work opening and early shifts until it's bedtime. Curtis will help me with the late crowd, last call, and closing.

[ridethetiger]

I mean it's like he's really trying, and not because he wants to know me. At least, I don't believe so. He said it was for your sake, so I think he could care less about me, which is fine.

It's like he's trying to force me, even though we're not fighting, which makes it even weirder.

[The translator sure makes this a lot easier. He gets a little worked up while he lets it all out, but sighs and relaxes a bit once he's done.]

You mean after school? That's fine.

[But he pauses.]

... What do you mean 'bedtime'?

[borntobewildcat]

Oh, so you think that he only wants to be friends with you because he thinks that's what I want? [He sighs a little.] I'm sorry, Ggio. That's my fault. I asked him to be kind to you for me. I didn't know that you two had such a rough start, and I asked him to be patient and try to be friends with you. I'll ask him to stop, if you'd like.

[He smiles just a little, and moves to ruffle Ggio's hair, lightly rubbing his neck.]

Bedtime means you can't stay up all night, since you have to go to school in the morning. I know that you're older than you look, but since you're in eleventh grade, I'm thinking you should try to sleep midnight. You can work at the bar until eleven, then I'm sending you home.

[ridethetiger]

Yeah... That would be better.

[Otherwise, Ggio would probably start being most uncivil. The petting almost sets him to purring, until Tom starts explaining his restrictions, which makes Ggio sort of half-purr, half-growl.]

Why not? I like being up at night better. [Never mind that he had already adjusted to a diurnal schedule thanks to his first semester of school.] You can't stay out too long, either.

[borntobewildcat]

I can't close the bar until four, so I can't be home until after then.

[ridethetiger]

Make someone else close it! You're the boss, you can do that now.

[borntobewildcat]

A manager has to stay until the bar closes to lock up everything. I don't have an assistant manager to do that for me yet, so I have to stay.

You'll be asleep when I get home regardless, so it doesn't matter.

[ridethetiger]

Yes it does! Find that other person to do that for you soon.

[borntobewildcat]

You're not going to see me until the morning either way!

[ridethetiger]

So what, I don't care! Do it anyway!

[borntobewildcat]

No! I have to work, Ggio.

[ridethetiger]

But what about me!

[...Did he just say that...]

[borntobewildcat]

[And that catches Tom off guard.]

What? What do you mean? [He's confused.] You have to sleep and be rested for school.

[ridethetiger]

[Looks like he's going to say something more, but bites his lips, growls, and pushes away from the bar instead, standing up.]

Nevermind. It doesn't matter.

[borntobewildcat]

Sit down.

[He practically growls the words, sounding more commanding than he intended.]

[ridethetiger]

[Not only does it catch Ggio off guard, but he listens immediately, obediently takes his seat again.]

[borntobewildcat]

[Tom sighs, surprised at himself for barking that command, and setting his hands down on the counter.]

Something is bothering you. Tell me.

[ridethetiger]

... We won't get to do this anymore.

[Ggio sighs, huffily, at having to explain his feelings and stuff which he was still getting used to. He lightly nudges Tom's hand with a finger.]

When it's just you and me, that is.

[borntobewildcat]

[Tom doesn't move for a moment, before taking Ggio's hand in his, threading their fingers together.]

After school, and before work, we'll get to spend time together just the two of us, okay? I won't be working all the time, you know.

And, each morning before you go to school, I guess that you can wake me up before you leave.

[ridethetiger]

[While he's not sure what to make of the gesture, Ggio doesn't pull his hand away. His eyes just settle on their fingers.]

Right... and there's the weekends, too.

I'm going to do that. And you better not just complain and go back to sleep.

[But he's smiling a bit.]

[borntobewildcat]

You know damn well that I'm still going to complain and go back to sleep, but I think I can at least be up to help you get ready, maybe have some breakfast, and then see you off before I do.

[ridethetiger]

Yeah, someone has to cook breakfast. I can live with that.

[borntobewildcat]

And by "someone", you obviously mean me, right?