Hey Everyone! So, I started this bartender AU fanfic based off of a one line prompt on my tumblr (pansexualtrash) - "I've had a really rough day, and all I want right now is a drink and someone to cuddle with." for Yoosung and Saeran! When I got the prompt, I couldn't imagine that sentence fitting into their normal lives post-recovery for Saeran, but I could however picture an AU scenario- Hence this fanfic happening! This is the original chapter that I wrote for the one-line prompt, and I got a lot of love from it and prompting to continue it, so I'm going to start it by putting up this chapter here (:

I have quite a bit planned for this fan fiction already, so I hope you look forward to it~

I do not own Mystic Messenger. There would be a lot more smut if i did. Hehe.

Yoosung sighed loudly, leaning his forehead against his hand, swishing the melting ice at the bottom of his glass lazily.

"I don't know how much longer I can keep this up."

Zen patted his back, a sympathetic look in his eyes.

"Unfortunately, there will always be some people who will try to blame you when their pet doesn't make it. It's not your fault- You did everything you could."

Yoosung ran his hand through his hair, sitting up on the barstool, giving Zen a quick glance out of the corner of his eye.

"That's true, but, I still hate it. Not even for my own sake- I mostly just hate that I can't save every animal that comes in."

Zen took a thoughtful sip from his drink, licking his lips before replying.

"I understand- but didn't you say the rabbit's stomach was going to rupture? And it was too far gone for surgery? Putting it down humanely was probably the best thing to do at that point. At least it passed without being in pain."

Yoosung didn't reply, rubbing his eyes with his fingers, another deep sigh escaping his lips. Zen shook his head, turning towards the bar, looking towards the end of it, seeing a new bartender take over the shift for the current one. He waved at them, pointing at

Yoosung's glass and holding up a finger, silently asking for a new drink. The bartender nodded, setting to make the drink, and Zen turned back to Yoosung as he sat up.

"I've just had a really rough day, and all I want right now is another drink and someone to cuddle with."

Zen laughed softly, shaking his head as he left some money on the counter, pulling on his jacket.

"Well, I can't help you with the cuddling, but I ordered you another drink- on me. I have to get going now, but I'll text you okay? Chin up, Yoosung." Zen gave him a gentle squeeze on the shoulder before heading off.

Yoosung watched him go, turning back to stare idly at the bar before him, turning over the memory of the owner of the rabbit crying hysterically in his veterinary office, his stomach flipping deep inside him.

"One drink for the lonely boy who wants cuddles."

Yoosung's head shot up in surprise, his gaze catching that of mint-coloured eyes, a mischievous smile upon their lips, red hair falling softly in his eyes. Yoosung let out a slow breath, a blush creeping up on his cheeks as he let out a slow laugh.

"I- Well, that's awkward," He rubbed his neck sheepishly, breaking his gaze, "I didn't realize I'd said it that loudly."

The bartender smiled, crossing his arms gently over his chest.

"It's alright. Sounds like it was a rough day."

Yoosung nodded, taking a sip from the drink, the liquor tingling in his throat.

"It was."

The bartender smiled as he cleaned a glass with a cloth, stacking it onto the pile next to him.

"Well, I'm glad it was."

Yoosung blinked slowly, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"What?"

The bartender turned to walk away, giving a quick gaze over his shoulder.

"Cause you ended up here."

Yoosung blushed as the redhead walked away, heeding the call of another customer.

He trailed his eyes over the intricate tattoo on his upper arm, the pale clarity of his skin that made his eyes even more intense, the drastic difference of his hair, bright and wild.

"I see you noticed our new bartender."

Yoosung turned, seeing the manager of the bar standing next to him. Yoosung nodded, gazing back at the redhead slowly.

"Yeah, I guess so…"

The bartender laughed at something one of the customers said, and Yoosung felt his cheeks prickle with warmth, the sound of the man's laughter enticing him.

"What's his name?"

The manager smiled, crossing his arms as he looked at Yoosung.

"Saeran."

"Saeran, huh?" Yoosung spoke softly, watching as Saeran seemed to hear him, sending a small smile his way, Yoosung felt a small smile crawl onto his own lips as he took another sip of his drink, watching him work, "I like that name."

And that's it to get things rolling! Stay tuned for the continuations!~

~Pixil-8