If David was any other person, he would loathe the process involving the evening setup. Rolling away the false, reinforced wall that kept the mainstay of his alcohol out of reach and view during daylight hours. Putting some cake, and other sweets into the kitchen oven, to ensure that the fresh baked goods always stayed fresh. Wiping down the counter which had been quickly converted into a bar, through the use of a simple hydraulic system which decided the height of the main counter. Because instant bars are just so kawaii.
The chore of transition always stood to give David a level of elation. It would replace the boredom of the day with anticipation and boyish excitement, as the nightlife would finally soon begin… And what a crescendo the symphony that the dark would bring! With its gradually intensifying wave of intrigue, David would come alive, free from the living drudgery which the regular daylight customers would bring. Make no mistake, both periods of service had their regulars which sought the material sustenance that the quaint little shop provided, and the day did bring the odd writer, poet, or musician… But, it simply wasn't the same.
A spark of movement would catch the eye of the man which now transitioned from the occupation of a waiter, to the vocation of the bartender. Someone had opened the door, pulling him from the daydream of occupational contrasts which painted the picture of his life; though David now no longer had a need for dreaming. He would live that dream, even if just during the night.
A myriad of colour began to ebb and weave as a constant mural of ever changing shapes, perhaps a small group of eccentric smugglers were to soon enter? The frosted glass which made for the large pane windows of the cafe and bar offered such good entertainment. Perhaps it was an overactive imagination, teasing the bartender with a notion of what the night may present, or maybe a desire for something stunning to shatter the panes of glass. Reality for the bartender had always seemed like countless layers of ice, with each sheet hiding a new revelation of life.
David's high expectations began to slip through cracks, as Blake, Ruby, Yang, and Weiss became the first to step through the door.
"Hey barkeep! I need something strong, Ice Queen may have a nicer attitude with a less sober composure, the little girl is a no fly for anything hard, and hair of the dog for the girl in black."
The demand from Yang would be met with a light laugh from the bartender, as he made to adjust his collar.
"Explain to me in why I want you four in this place while it's a bar. Yes, I'll play the underage card if I have to. I do remember Junior saying something about a rather expensive renovation after one of your visits, Yang, bartenders all exchange information in this town."
Batting her eyes, Yang attempted to appeal to David's masculine side. Leaning against the bar, she made to angle her bust without any regard for subtlety, bringing her rack downrange of the barmaster's eyes.
"Oh please, you love me."
A stale look from David left no doubt that any superficial tactic wouldn't work in this situation.
"Do me a favor, Yang, and put some clothes on. Out of all the bartenders the four of you could have heckled, why me? Did Blondie here get you all banned from every other scene in Vale?"
The use of the name Blondie left no doubt that Junior had David's ear. None of the four really could have blamed the business owner for preferring to keep the busty troublemaker at arm's length – One of Yang's visits to Junior's little oasis resulted in some structural damage, and not just to Junior's front door.
Lowering her voice, Yang discreetly made their intentions a little clearer.
"Fine, someone we're in someone passing though this place."
Raising an eyebrow, David found himself genuinely surprised.
"Buying information? Really? You four?"
Hesitantly, the schoolgirls began to nod. David had to now make an effort, to hide his current thoughts. He became genuinely impressed, as few people came her to barter for knowledge in this little rumor mill, with only the more hardcore ever coming to seek out valuable information of the underworld. Either that, or they had a bone to pick with someone.
Slowly caving into their request, the dark haired bartender pressed a hand to the side of his head to adjust some of his long locks which had fallen to obscure his vision. They were regular daytime customers, who wouldn't be in any hurry to find themselves banned. Everything should be fine, right?
"Under the condition that none of you are out to hurt, or help in the arrest of anyone…"
Gesturing to his left, David pointed to a well-lit table which he could easily keep a careful eye on.
"All four of you are to stay there, and only ever head to the washroom in pairs. Any trouble at all, and you let me handle it, okay? No wall breaking?"
After some moderately enjoyable wordplay, and the preparation of the snacks and drinks that the girls decided to buy, David led the four students to the preferred table with foodstuffs on a platter. There was one thing that the 'barkeep' had noticed, it being a sort of cold, withdrawn note which both Ruby and Weiss played on, which David couldn't help but find as being suspicious.
Wiping down the counter with a clean cloth, he made to busy himself, ignoring the feeling which made an adamant suggestion that David did not enjoy. He didn't want to find himself lied to, could they really be out for someone's head?