Annabelle sighed as she wiped down the counters of the bar. The current sports game blared on the screen above, as did the voices of the fans two seats down.
"Just ten more minutes until this shift is over" she thought to herself, finding mild solace in the light at the end of the tunnel.
"Hey, sweetheart! How's about another round for my boys here?" The sandy blonde man bellowed to her, apparently oblivious to the lack of distance between them" I think we're on a winning streak tonight!"
She turned to him and threw on her best appeasing smile "Coming right up, George. The usual?"
She'd lost his attention to the box above her head " Uh yeah yeah. Surprise me."
"Sure thing"
She turned her attention back to the tap and the pitcher she had in hand. She stared at the clock above the exit, doing a mental count down in her head.
She turned to pass the pitcher down to man and his crew. "Here you go. Have a great night."
She looked back up at the clock.
Just 3 minutes left, she thought. She grabbed the wet rag from below the counter and started wiping down the bar. How the hell does this get so sticky?
The noise level on the screen behind her skyrocketed, as the home team scored a touchdown. George and his group of friends jumped up, their drinks splashing everywhere.
I guess that answers that question.
She walked over to start wiping up the mess, when a hand reached out to still hers. "That's alright, I've got this." Scott, her manager, nodded towards the door. "You can duck out early".
She smiled at him in thanks and grabbed her coat to leave.
"Hey Anna!" Scott called her.
She turned around.
"Did you forget something?
She looked down at the wad of bills below the bar top.
"Thanks!" She grabbed her tips and hurried out of the bar.
She was a few blocks from her house when her phone buzzed.
"Need you to close. Clara never showed up –Scott"
With a slightly defeated sigh, she turned back and starting walking towards the bar.
Vex sat in the corner of a local bar, twirling the amber liquid in his glass. He looked around the place, mildly bemused by the excitement surrounding the humans gathered around their precious sports game. He even threw in a whoop and howl for the opposing team every now and then, just for a kick.
The place was a far cry from the energy and general rave-esk (was that a word? He decided it's a word) quality of his old night club. One of many lush things he gave up when he double-crossed the dark fae and helped the Succubus and her scooby gang. Who he then (only kinda) screwed over as well. It was really more a matter of perspective.
It was safe to say that many fae would like to see his handsome little face wrapped up under their tree this season. Which was why he was here, in this dump of a place, knocking back what was, at best, maybe thirty dollar whiskey.
"At least I have some toys to play with" He thought to himself. He raised his hands, targeting a stout looking bald chap at the bar. He flicked his wrists, excited to see the man climb atop the bar and start dancing in his fancy suit. And... nothing.
Oh, bugger it all.
Along with his house, his car, his club, and any claim of protection he might have from the dark fae, he also lost his mojo.
Bloody Succubus.
The door dinged, and Vex shrunk himself into the shadows, as said Succubus strolled in to the dingy establishment and settled herself at the bar.
He overheard her ask some questions about some chick and order a few drinks. The bartender seemed helpful, but a little annoyed by her badgering questions. (Which was a first, since the succubus usually had the humans drooling at the chance to talk with her).
He stared back at his drink for a few more minutes
"No, I'm sorry. I really don't know that much about her. I haven't worked with her much. I just know she hasn't shown up for her last two shifts. "
"Well, thank you- "Bo paused to read her name tag "Anna, for your time." She reached out to caress the girls hand" I really appreciate it".
"Sure" The women at the bar shifted awkwardly. "Can I get you anything else?"
"Oh, no. I think my thirst is quenched. Here's my card, call me if you think of anything"
Way to play detective Vex thought.
Bo hopped off the bar stool and made to leave.
"Uh, Miss? You forgot your tab."
Bo Blinked. Vex stifled a cough and tuned back into the scene at the bar.
"Oh!" The succubus feigned innocence, and casually placed her hand on the young woman's forearm, making eye contact. " It looks like I'm a little short on cash. Could I maybe make it up to you next time?" She coaxed.
Way to play with your food, succubitch.
However, much to the Succubus's surprise (and Vex's), the young bartender removed her arm from Bo's grasp and gingerly shook her head.
"I'm sorry, we don't make those kinds of deals here. If it was just a shot, I'd be able to cover for you, but you rang up quite a tab . I can take cash or credit."
The tall leather-clad brunette stood there in shock as the bartender walked away to tend to her other patrons.
Vex restrained himself from stalking over to gloat, knowing full well that it could end poorly for him at this moment. He had to be content just watching, he supposed.
Bo recovered enough to try again, this time catching the young woman's attention by grasping her shoulder. "Excuse me, Anna, is it?"
The girl turned around, visibly uncomfortable with her touch, and faced Bo.
Bo tried to move forward, oblivious to the girl's discomfort. "I think we had a misunderstanding about payment"
The women looked back at her patiently and simply replied "It's alright, I understand."
Bo looked relieved. "Oh, good. I was so worried that you had the wrong impression of me"
The woman's smile changed slightly. "Oh, not at all! I understand completely!"
Bo smiled back at her, though Vex could tell something in the air had changed.
"Good"
"I understand that you are used to always getting your way.
Bo opened her mouth to speak but was cut off
"-I understand that you use your looks to get whatever you want. And I understand that you planned on flirting your way out of paying"
Vex watched gleefully as the succubus started turning red.
The young bartender's placid smile fell from her face. "The bill's $70, Princess. Pay up or I'll call the cops".
"Anna! Can I see you for a minute? Now!" A gruff voice yelled from the kitchen. The young women begrudgingly accepted the payment of the brunette's tab from one of the many men staring at her from the bar.
Vex watched as the girl walked to the back of the room to meet the man who called her. He heard the back door slam as the succubus stormed out, undoubtedly with a snack or two in tow.
Vex stood from his spot and walked over towards the back of the bar, to get a better view.
Within a matter of minutes, the redhead from the bar was walking out of the backroom, a slight grimace on her face. She was muttering something under her breath as she walked past him. She sighed and swung at a low hanging ceiling lamp, half expecting to miss. Instead, she hit her mark and sent the fixture sailing right towards the Mesmer's head.
"Oi! Watch the Face!" He shouted
"Oh, god. I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there! Are you okay?"
Vex looked up past the hand cradling his right brow." I've been better, love." He rasped dabbing at the cut on his eyebrow.
The auburn haired woman walked up to him, grabbing a handkerchief from her purse. "Just hold still" She reached up on her toes to try to stunt the bleeding.
The Mesmer smirked "Playing nursemaid, are we?" He shot her a wink.
"I just don't want you bleeding out. I just mopped these floors" She said dryly, avoiding eye contact.
He laughed a bit at that. "I'm touched"
She pulled away and threw the bloody clothe in the trash.
She turned to face him again." I'm really sorry about that. I wasn't thinking "
Vex looked up for a second, than down again. "Yeah, she can have that effect on people"
The woman looked at him then, confused "Who can?"
Vex blinked, before recovering "The women for bar? Tall, dark, and a raging headache? She's chalk full of charms, that one."
"She's full of something" Anna muttered under her breath.
Vex fought back a grin.
"You two seemed to get along well, as I saw" He probed.
She rolled her eyes "Yeah, not so much. She asked me some questions, and kept trying to touch me, which I guess was supposed to be comforting or something. Then she tried to stiff me on the bill."
"I heard that part"
"So did the boss man" She said, wincing." If that stunt didn't get me kicked out early, that nasty cut on your face would've done the trick."
Vex motioned towards the knick on his brow "Oy? This little tick? No, worries Love. Chicks love scars" He wiggled his brows for effect, before wincing again.
She cracked a smile at that" Well, then. You're welcome..I guess?"
She looked up to him for a moment before seeing her boss walking towards them, none too pleased.
" I_ I gotta go. It was nice meeting you. Bye" With that, she hurried off into the parking lot.
Vex leaned up against the bar, taking another pull from his glass. Interesting.